bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantitative variations in texture analysis features dependent on MRI scanning parameters: A phantom model
Authors: Buch Karen , Kuno Hirofumi , Qureshi Muhammad M. , Li Baojun , Sakai Osamu 
Published: October 2018

AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate the influence of MRI scanning parameters on texture analysis features.MethodsPublicly available data from the Reference Image Database to Evaluate Therapy Response (RIDER) project sponsored by The Cancer Imaging Archive included MRIs on a phantom comprised of 18 25‐mm doped, gel‐filled tubes, and 1 20‐mm tube containing 0.25 mM Gd‐DTPA (EuroSpinII Test Object5, Diagnostic Sonar, Ltd, West Lothian, Scotland). MRIs performed on a 1.5 T GE HD, 1.5 T Siemens Espree (VB13), or 3.0 T GE HD with TwinSpeed gradients with an eight‐channel head coil included T1WIs with multiple flip angles (flip‐angle = 2,5,10,15,20,25,30), TR/TE = 4.09–5.47/0.90–1.35 ms, NEX = 1 and DCE with 30° flip‐angle, TR/TE=4.09–5.47/0.90–1.35, and NEX = 1,4. DICOM data were imported into an in‐house developed texture analysis program which extracted 41‐texture features including histogram, gray‐level co‐occurrence matrix (GLCM), and gray‐level run‐length (GLRL). Two‐tailed t tests, corrected for multiple comparisons (Q values) were calculated to compare changes in texture features with variations in MRI scanning parameters (magnet strength, flip‐angle, number of excitations (NEX), scanner platform).ResultsSignificant differences were seen in histogram features (mean, median, standard deviation, range) with variations in NEX (Q = 0.003–0.045) and scanner platform (Q < 0.0001), GLCM features (entropy, contrast, energy, and homogeneity) with NEX (Q = 0.001–0.018) and scanner platform (Q < 0.0001), GLRL features (long‐run emphasis, high gray‐level run emphasis, high gray‐level emphasis) with magnet strength (Q = 0.0003), NEX (Q = 0.003–0.022) and scanner platform (Q < 0.0001).ConclusionSignificant differences were seen in many texture features with variations in MRI acquisition emphasizing the need for standardized MRI technique.
Mock Recruitment for the Study of Antimalarials in an Incomplete Lupus Erythematosus Trial
Authors: Karp David R. , Chong Benjamin F. , James Judith A. , Arriens Cristina , Ishimori Mariko , Wallace Daniel J. , Liao Duanping , Olsen Nancy J. 
Published: October 2018

ObjectiveRecruitment to randomized clinical trials is expensive and often falls short of goals, limiting achievement of measurable outcomes. To prepare for a trial in patients with incomplete forms of lupus, a mock recruitment protocol was carried out at 4 proposed study sites. The objective was to determine levels of interest in patients and to uncover potential barriers to enrollment.MethodsAfter obtaining institutional review board approval, study coordinators approached individuals who generally fit proposed criteria for the trial. A standardized script was followed in a structured interview. Levels of interest were determined and any reasons for concerns were collected with an open‐ended format.ResultsA total of 45 subjects were interviewed, of which 73% expressed an interest in the trial, and 64% said they were likely to enroll. Concerns of those who were not interested included risk of hydroxychloroquine, desire not to receive placebo, and lack of time for participation.ConclusionThe mock recruitment suggests that the trial will be attractive to suitable patients. The concerns raised support other data indicating that provision of information is crucial to achieving enrollment goals. Mock recruitment of potential investigators should be considered also to address referral concerns.
Cost‐Effectiveness of Alternative Anticoagulation Strategies for Postoperative Management of Total Knee Arthroplasty Patients
Authors: Smith Savannah R. , Katz Jeffrey N. , Losina Elena 
Published: October 2018

ObjectiveTo evaluate the cost‐effectiveness of prolonged (35‐day) and standard‐duration (14‐day) anticoagulation therapy following total knee arthroplasty (TKA).MethodsUsing Markov modeling, we assessed clinical and economic outcomes of 14‐day and 35‐day anticoagulation therapy following TKA with rivaroxaban, low molecular weight heparin (LMWH), fondaparinux, warfarin, and aspirin. Incidence of complications of TKA and anticoagulation therapy (deep vein thrombosis [DVT], pulmonary embolism [PE], prosthetic joint infection [PJI], and bleeding) were derived from published literature. Daily costs ranged from $1 (aspirin) to $43 (fondaparinux). Primary outcomes included quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs), direct medical costs, and incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios (ICERs) at 1 year post‐TKA. The preferred regimen was the regimen with highest QALYs maintaining an ICER below the willingness‐to‐pay threshold ($100,000/QALY). We conducted probabilistic sensitivity analyses, varying complication incidence and anticoagulation efficacy, to evaluate the impact of parameter uncertainty on model results.ResultsAspirin resulted in the highest cumulative incidence of DVT and PE, while prolonged fondaparinux led to the largest reduction in DVT incidence (15% reduction compared to no prophylaxis). Despite differential bleeding rates (ranging from 3% to 6%), all strategies had similar incidence of PJI (1% to 2%). Prolonged rivaroxaban was the least costly strategy ($3,300 at 1 year post‐TKA) and the preferred regimen in the base case. In sensitivity analyses, prolonged rivaroxaban and warfarin had similar likelihoods of being cost‐effective.ConclusionExtending postoperative anticoagulation therapy to 35 days increases QALYs compared to standard 14‐day prophylaxis. Prolonged rivaroxaban and prolonged warfarin are most likely to be cost‐effective post‐TKA; the costs of fondaparinux and LMWH precluded their being preferred strategies.
Carbon Nitride Nanofibres with Exceptional Lithium Storage Capacity: From Theoretical Prediction to Experimental Implementation
Authors: Adekoya David , Gu Xingxing , Rudge Michael , Wen William , Lai Chao , Hankel Marlies , Zhang Shanqing 
Published: October 2018

AbstractGraphitic carbon nitride nanosheet (i.e., g‐C3N4) is identified as a suitable graphene analogue due to its high theoretical capacity, wider and vacant structure, and easy synthesis method. Currently, g‐C3N4 nanosheet has limited application in lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) which is mainly due to the lack of effective intercalation/deintercalation reaction sites, the high binding energy of the Li to the nanosheet, and insufficient conductivity and stability. Density functional theory calculation predicts that the edges of g‐C3N4 fibre have a suitable adsorption energy and bestow a balanced adsorption force and desorption freedom to Li. In order to verify this prediction, g‐C3N4 nanofibre is synthesized with the edges and pores, as well as higher pyridinic nitrogen content, using a simple polymerization/polycondensation method. The as‐prepared g‐C3N4 fibre delivers a remarkable specific capacity of 181.7 mAh g−1, as well as extraordinary stability and power density. At a high rate of 10C, the g‐C3N4 fibre still has a specific capacity of 138.6 mAh g−1 even after 5000 cycles, being the best‐performing g‐C3N4 electrode so far in literature. This work is exemplary in combining theoretical computing and experimental techniques in designing the next generation of electroactive materials for LIBs.
A Multifunctional Silly‐Putty Nanocomposite Spontaneously Repairs Cathode Composite for Advanced Li−S Batteries
Authors: Chang Zhi , He Yibo , Deng Han , Li Xiang , Wu Shichao , Qiao Yu , Wang Pengfei , Zhou Haoshen 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAlthough lithium–sulfur batteries have been regarded as one of the most promising candidates for high efficient energy storage devices, however, their practical application are still hindered by the notorious “shuttle effect” and instability of cathode structure during cycling. In this work, conductive reduced graphene oxides nanosheets added–putty (rGO–putty ) adaptive functional interlayer is designed to effectively suppress the diffusion of polysulfides while simultaneously promoted the dynamic protection of the whole cathode structure during cycling. Consequently, largely suppressed polysulfides diffusion combined with the greatly enhanced cathode stability is achieved while the all‐around conductive protecting layer is formed benefited from the viscoelasticity property of rGO–putty. As a result, a capacity of 586 mAh g−1 is demonstrated after long‐cycling term of 1000 cycles and high cycling stability of only 0.03% capacity decay per cycle is exhibited. The largely enhanced electrochemical performance suggests the important role of the rGO–putty in suppressing the “shuttle effect” and maintaining the integrity of the cathode material.
RNA Fibers as Optimized Nanoscaffolds for siRNA Coordination and Reduced Immunological Recognition
Authors: Rackley Lauren , Stewart Jaimie Marie , Salotti Jacqueline , Krokhotin Andrey , Shah Ankit , Halman Justin R. , Juneja Ridhima , Smollett Jaclyn , Lee Lauren , Roark Kyle , Viard Mathias , Tarannum Mubin , Vivero‐Escoto Juan , Johnson Peter F. , Dobrovolskaia Marina A. , Dokholyan Nikolay V. , Franco Elisa , Afonin Kirill A. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractRNA is a versatile biomaterial that can be used to engineer nanoassemblies for personalized treatment of various diseases. Despite promising advancements, the design of RNA nanoassemblies with minimal recognition by the immune system remains a major challenge. Here, an approach is reported to engineer RNA fibrous structures to operate as a customizable platform for efficient coordination of siRNAs and for maintaining low immunostimulation. Functional RNA fibers are studied in silico and their formation is confirmed by various experimental techniques and visualized by atomic force microscopy (AFM). It is demonstrated that the RNA fibers offer multiple advantages among which are: i) programmability and modular design that allow for simultaneous controlled delivery of multiple siRNAs and fluorophores, ii) reduced immunostimulation when compared to other programmable RNA nanoassemblies, and iii) simple production protocol for endotoxin‐free fibers with the option of their cotranscriptional assembly. Furthermore, it is shown that functional RNA fibers can be efficiently delivered with various organic and inorganic carriers while retaining their structural integrity in cells. Specific gene silencing triggered by RNA fibers is assessed in human breast cancer and melanoma cell lines, with the confirmed ability of functional fibers to selectively target single nucleotide mutations.
Facile Engineering of Long‐Term Culturable Ex Vivo Vascularized Tissues Using Biologically Derived Matrices
Authors: Hu Michael , Dailamy Amir , Lei Xin Yi , Parekh Udit , McDonald Daniella , Kumar Aditya , Mali Prashant 
Published: October 2018

AbstractRecent advances in tissue engineering and 3D bioprinting have enabled construction of cell‐laden scaffolds containing perfusable vascular networks. Although these methods partially address the nutrient‐diffusion limitations present in engineered tissues, they are still restricted in both their viable vascular geometries and matrix material compatibility. To address this, tissue constructs are engineered via encapsulation of 3D printed, evacuable, free standing scaffolds of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) in biologically derived matrices. The ease of printability and water‐soluble nature of PVA grant compatibility with biologically relevant matrix materials and allow for easily repeatable generation of complex vascular patterns. This study confirms the ability of this approach to produce perfusable vascularized matrices capable of sustaining both cocultures of multiple cell types and excised tumor fragments ex vivo over multiple weeks. The study further demonstrates the ability of the approach to produce hybrid patterns allowing for coculture of vasculature and epithelial cell‐lined lumens in close proximity, thereby enabling ex vivo recapitulation of gut‐like systems. Taken together, the methodology is versatile, broadly applicable, and importantly, simple to use, enabling ready applicability in many research settings. It is believed that this technique has the potential to significantly accelerate progress in engineering and study of ex vivo organotypic tissue constructs.
Dual Polymerizations: Untapped Potential for Biomaterials
Authors: Lee Daniel C. , Lamm Robert J. , Prossnitz Alex N. , Boydston Andrew J. , Pun Suzie H. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBlock copolymers with unique architectures and those that can self‐assemble into supramolecular structures are used in medicine as biomaterial scaffolds and delivery vehicles for cells, therapeutics, and imaging agents. To date, much of the work relies on controlling polymer behavior by varying the monomer side chains to add functionality and tune hydrophobicity. Although varying the side chains is an efficient strategy to control polymer behavior, changing the polymer backbone can also be a powerful approach to modulate polymer self‐assembly, rigidity, reactivity, and biodegradability for biomedical applications. There are many developments in the syntheses of polymers with segmented backbones, but these developments are not widely adopted as strategies to address the unique constraints and requirements of polymers for biomedical applications. This review highlights dual polymerization strategies for the synthesis of backbone‐segmented block copolymers to facilitate their adoption for biomedical applications.
Monolithic and Scalable Au Nanorod Substrates Improve PEDOT–Metal Adhesion and Stability in Neural Electrodes
Authors: Ganji Mehran , Hossain Lorraine , Tanaka Atsunori , Thunemann Martin , Halgren Eric , Gilja Vikash , Devor Anna , Dayeh Shadi A. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractPoly(3,4‐ethylenenedioxythiophene) or PEDOT is a promising candidate for next‐generation neuronal electrode materials but its weak adhesion to underlying metallic conductors impedes its potential. An effective method of mechanically anchoring the PEDOT within an Au nanorod (Au‐nr) structure is reported and it is demonstrated that it provides enhanced adhesion and overall PEDOT layer stability. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) stress is used to investigate adhesion and stability of spin‐cast and electrodeposited PEDOT. The Au‐nr adhesion layer permits 10 000 CV cycles of coated PEDOT film in phosphate buffered saline solution without delamination nor significant change of the electrochemical impedance, whereas PEDOT coating film on planar Au electrodes delaminates at or below 1000 cycles. Under CV stress, spin‐cast PEDOT on planar Au delaminates, whereas electroplated PEDOT on planar Au encounters surface leaching/decomposition. After 5 weeks of accelerated aging tests at 60 °C, the electrodeposited PEDOT/Au‐nr microelectrodes demonstrate a 92% channel survival compared to only 25% survival for spin‐cast PEDOT on planar films. Furthermore, after a 10 week chronic implantation onto mouse barrel cortex, PEDOT/Au‐nr microelectrodes do not exhibit delamination nor morphological changes, whereas the conventional PEDOT microelectrodes either partially or fully delaminate. Immunohistochemical evaluation demonstrates no or minimal response to the PEDOT implant.
Reconstructing the Human Renal Vascular–Tubular Unit In Vitro
Authors: Rayner Samuel G. , Phong Kiet T. , Xue Jun , Lih Daniel , Shankland Stuart J. , Kelly Edward J. , Himmelfarb Jonathan , Zheng Ying 
Published: October 2018

AbstractEngineered human kidney‐on‐a‐chip platforms show tremendous promise for disease modeling and drug screening. Outstanding challenges exist, however, in reconstructing the complex architecture, cellular make‐up, and matrix composition necessary for the proper modeling of kidney function. Herein, the first fully tunable human kidney‐on‐a‐chip platform is reported that allows the reconstruction of the native architecture of the renal endothelial–epithelial exchange interface using entirely cell‐remodelable matrix and patient‐derived kidney cells. This platform consists of a double‐layer human renal vascular–tubular unit (hRVTU) enabled by a thin collagen membrane that replicates the kidney exchange interface. It is shown that endothelial and epithelial cells lining their respective lumens remodel the membrane in culture into a ≈1 µm thick exchange interface composed of native basement membrane proteins. This interface displays sufficient mechanical integrity for media flow and blood perfusion. As a proof of principle, it is demonstrated that the hRVTU performs kidney‐specific functions including reabsorption of albumin and glucose from the epithelial channel. By incorporating multiple cell populations from single donors, it is demonstrated that the hRVTU may have utility for future precision medicine applications. The success of the system provides new opportunities for the next generation of organ‐on‐a‐chip models.
Laser‐Induced Graphene: From Discovery to Translation
Authors: Ye Ruquan , James Dustin K. , Tour James M. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractLaser‐induced graphene (LIG) is a 3D porous material prepared by direct laser writing with a CO2laser on carbon materials in ambient atmosphere. This technique combines 3D graphene preparation and patterning into a single step without the need for wet chemical steps. Since its discovery in 2014, LIG has attracted broad research interest, with several papers being published per month using this approach. These serve to delineate the mechanism of the LIG‐forming process and to showcase the translation into many application areas. Herein, the strategies that have been developed to synthesize LIG are summarized, including the control of LIG properties such as porosity, composition, and surface characteristics, and the advancement in methodology to convert diverse carbon precursors into LIG. Taking advantage of the LIG properties, the applications of LIG in broad fields, such as microfluidics, sensors, and electrocatalysts, are highlighted. Finally, future development in biodegradable and biocompatible materials is briefly discussed.
Suppressing Li Metal Dendrites Through a Solid Li‐Ion Backup Layer
Authors: Salvatierra Rodrigo V. , López‐Silva Gladys A. , Jalilov Almaz S. , Yoon Jongwon , Wu Gang , Tsai Ah‐Lim , Tour James M. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe growing demand for sustainable and off‐grid energy storage is reviving the attempts to use Li metal as the anode in the next generation of batteries. However, the use of Li anodes is hampered due to the growth of Li dendrites upon charging and discharging, which compromises the life and safety of the battery. Here, it is shown that lithiated multiwall carbon nanotubes (Li‐MWCNTs) act as a controlled Li diffusion interface that suppresses the growth of Li dendrites by regulating the Li+ ion flux during charge/discharge cycling at current densities between 2 and 4 mA cm−2. A full Li‐S cell is fabricated to showcase the versatility of the protected Li anode with the Li‐MWCNT interface, where the full cells could support pulse discharges at high currents and over 450 cycles at different rates with coulombic efficiencies close to 99.9%. This work indicates that carbon materials in lithiated forms can be an effective and simple approach to the stabilization of Li metal anodes.
Bacterial Biofilm Material Properties Enable Removal and Transfer by Capillary Peeling
Authors: Yan Jing , Moreau Alexis , Khodaparast Sepideh , Perazzo Antonio , Feng Jie , Fei Chenyi , Mao Sheng , Mukherjee Sampriti , Košmrlj Andrej , Wingreen Ned S. , Bassler Bonnie L. , Stone Howard A. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBiofilms, surface‐attached communities of bacterial cells, are a concern in health and in industrial operations because of persistent infections, clogging of flows, and surface fouling. Extracellular matrices provide mechanical protection to biofilm‐dwelling cells as well as protection from chemical insults, including antibiotics. Understanding how biofilm material properties arise from constituent matrix components and how these properties change in different environments is crucial for designing biofilm removal strategies. Here, using rheological characterization and surface analyses ofVibrio choleraebiofilms, it is discovered how extracellular polysaccharides, proteins, and cells function together to define biofilm mechanical and interfacial properties. Using insight gained from our measurements, a facile capillary peeling technology is developed to remove biofilms from surfaces or to transfer intact biofilms from one surface to another. It is shown that the findings are applicable to other biofilm‐forming bacterial species and to multiple surfaces. Thus, the technology and the understanding that have been developed could potentially be employed to characterize and/or treat biofilm‐related infections and industrial biofouling problems.
Boosting Sodium Storage of Double‐Shell Sodium Titanate Microspheres Constructed from 2D Ultrathin Nanosheets via Sulfur Doping
Authors: Wang Nana , Xu Xun , Liao Ting , Du Yi , Bai Zhongchao , Dou Shixue 
Published: October 2018

AbstractSodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) have drawn remarkable attention due to their low cost and the practically inexhaustible sodium sources. The major obstacle for the practical application of SIBs is the absence of suitable negative electrode materials with long cycling stability and high rate performance. Here, sulfur‐doped double‐shell sodium titanate (Na2Ti3O7) microspheres constructed from 2D ultrathin nanosheets are synthesized via a templating route combined with a low‐temperature sulfurization process. The resulting double‐shell microspheres deliver a high specific capacity (≈222 mAh g−1 at 1 C), excellent cycling stability (162 mAh g−1 after 15 000 cycles at 20 C), and superior rate capability (122 mAh g−1 at 50 C) as anode for SIBs. The improved electrochemical properties originate from synergistic effects between the unique double‐shell nanostructures built from 2D nanosheets architecture and sulfur doping. This synergistic effect not only stabilize Na2Ti3O7‐based electrode during the cycling, but also improve the sluggish Na insertion/extraction kinetics by narrowing the bandgap of Na2Ti3O7. The synthesis strategy proposed here can be developed into a technical rationale for generating high‐performance sodium‐storage devices.
A Highly Stretchy, Transparent Elastomer with the Capability to Automatically Self‐Heal Underwater
Authors: Cao Yue , Wu Haiping , Allec Sarah I. , Wong Bryan M. , Nguyen Dai‐Scott , Wang Chao 
Published: October 2018

AbstractPolymer materials that are able to self‐heal in humid conditions or even in water are highly desirable for their industrial applications. However, the development of underwater self‐healing polymer materials is very challenging since water molecules can readily disturb traditional noncovalent bonds, such as saturate the hydrogen bonds, coordinate with the metal cation, as well as solvate the ions. Here, a new type of dipole–dipole interactions is employed as the driving force, combining with highly polar and hydrophobic fluorinated polymers, to successfully demonstrate an underwater self‐healing elastomer. The polymer materials are transparent and stretchable. They can remain stable underwater for months without significant decay of mechanical properties. Upon mechanical damage, the material is able to self‐heal automatically in air, underwater, and under very harsh aqueous conditions (including seawater, highly acidic media, and highly basic media, etc.).