bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of aniline‐terminated polyethers and resulting polyurethane/polyurea elastomers
Authors: Sonnenschein Mark F. , Virgili Justin M. , Larive Matthew Z. , Wendt Benjamin L. 
Published: June 2018

ABSTRACTFunctionalization of polyols with aromatic amines offers a potential route to modify properties of polyurethanes, polyamides, and epoxies. Additionally, aniline termination of polyether backbones provides the opportunity to speed up reactions with isocyanates relative to hydroxyl functionalization and slow down epoxy reactions compared to reactions with primary and secondary amines. In this article, the synthesis, characterization, and physical properties of aniline‐terminated polyols with varying molecular weight, monomer type, and functionality is described. Numerous analytical techniques are employed to track the chemical modification kinetics and the resulting aniline functionalized polyol properties. In addition, synthesis and properties of poly(urethane‐urea) elastomers from several of the modified polyols are presented. The effect of hard segment composition and process temperature on tensile properties, dynamic mechanical properties, phase morphology, and chemical resistance is explored. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 1730–1742
Synthesis and biological activity of analogs of the antifungal antibiotic UK‐2A. I. Impact of picolinamide ring replacement
Authors: Owen W John , Meyer Kevin G , Slanec Thomas J , Wang Nick X , Meyer Stacy T , Niyaz Noormohamed M , Rogers Richard B , Bravo‐Altamirano Karla , Herrick Jessica L , Yao Chenglin 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe antifungal antibiotic UK‐2A strongly inhibits mitochondrial electron transport at the Qi site of the cytochrome bc1 complex. Previous reports have described semi‐synthetic modifications of UK‐2A to explore the structure–activity relationship (SAR), but efforts to replace the picolinic acid moiety have been limited.RESULTSNineteen UK‐2A analogs were prepared and evaluated for Qi site (cytochrome c reductase) inhibition and antifungal activity. While the majority are weaker Qi site inhibitors than UK‐2A (IC50, 3.8 nM), compounds 2, 5, 13 and 16 are slightly more active (IC50, 3.3, 2.02, 2.89 and 1.55 nM, respectively). Compared to UK‐2A, compounds 13 and 16 also inhibit growth of Zymoseptoria tritici and Leptosphaeria nodorum more strongly, while 2 and 13 provide stronger control of Z. tritici and Puccinia triticina in glasshouse tests. The relative activities of compounds 1‐19 are rationalized based on a homology model constructed for the Z. tritici Qi binding site. Physical properties of compounds 1‐19 influence translation of intrinsic activity to antifungal growth inhibition and in planta disease control.CONCLUSIONSThe 3‐hydroxy‐4‐methoxy picolinic acid moiety of UK‐2A can be replaced by a variety of o‐hydroxy‐substituted arylcarboxylic acids that retain strong activity against Z. tritici and other agriculturally relevant fungi. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Toosendanin, a natural product, inhibited TGF‐β1‐induced epithelial‐mesenchymal transition through ERK/Snail pathway
Authors: Luo Weiwei , Liu Xin , Sun Wen , Lu Jin‐Jian , Wang Yitao , Chen Xiuping 
Published: June 2018

AbstractEpithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays important roles in the metastasis of solid tumors. In this study, the effect of toosendanin (TSN), a natural insecticide extracted from Melia toosendan Sieb et Zucc, on transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1)‐induced EMT was investigated. EMT was induced by TGF‐β1 in A549 and H1975 lung cancer cells. The morphological alterations were observed with a microscopy. The protein expression and localization of EMT biomarkers were determined by Western blotting and immunofluorescence. The migration, invasion, and adhesion were determined by wound‐healing, transwell, and adhesion assays. TGF‐β1 treatment induced spindle‐shaped alterations of cells, upregulation of N‐cadherin, Vimentin, p‐ERK1/2, and downregulation of E‐cadherin. The abilities of migration, invasion, and adhesion were also enhanced. These effects were significantly reversed by TSN at very low concentration (<10 nM). Furthermore, silence Snail significantly reversed TGF‐β1‐induced EMT biomarkers. In addition, TGF‐β1‐induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 without affecting p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinases and Jun N‐terminal kinase. PD98059 and U0126, inhibitors of ERK1/2, showed similar inhibitory effect to that of TSN. In summary, TSN significantly inhibited TGF‐β1‐induced EMT and migration, invasion, and adhesion through ERK/Snail pathway in lung cancer cells. This study provides novel anticancer effects and molecular mechanisms for TSN.
Accuracy of the femoral tunnel position in robot‐assisted anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using a magnetic resonance imaging‐based navigation system: A preliminary report
Authors: Cho Won‐Joon , Kim Jong‐Min , Kim Dong‐Eun , Lee June‐Goo , Park Jun‐Woo , Han Yong‐Hee , Seo Hyun‐Gi 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBackgroundTunnel misplacement is a common cause of failed anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. In this study, the accuracy of the femoral tunnel position was evaluated in robot‐assisted ACL reconstruction using a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐based navigation system. We hypothesized that a difference of less than 2 mm between the planned femoral tunnel position and the created one was achievable.MethodsFour cadaveric knees underwent robot‐assisted ACL reconstruction. A 3‐dimensional model using pre‐operative MRI images was used for preoperative planning, and a computed tomography (CT) scan was performed postoperatively. The planned and the created femoral tunnels were compared to assess the accuracy of the femoral tunnel position.ResultsThe distance between the intra‐articular points of the planned and the created tunnels was 7.78 mm in the first experiment and 1.47 mm in the last one. The difference in tunnel length was 4.62 mm in the first experiment and 0.99 mm in the last one.ConclusionsAccuracy of the femoral tunnel position improved with each robot‐assisted ACL reconstruction using an MRI‐based navigation system. In the last experiment, the accuracy of the femoral tunnel position was satisfactory.
Ultrathin Bi2MoO6 Nanosheets for Photocatalysis: Performance Enhancement by Atomic Interfacial Engineering
Authors: Huang Yongchao , Li Kunshan , Li Siqi , Lin Ying , Liu Hong , Tong Yexiang 
Published: June 2018

AbstractAtomically thin two‐dimensional semiconductors provide an ideal platform to establish clear structure‐property relationships in the field of photocatalysis. Herein, we fabricated the atomically thin Bi2MoO6 nanosheets by a facile and scalable wet‐chemical synthesis approach. Oxygen vacancies were inevitably induced into the nanosheets as the thickness of the nanosheets exposed interior atoms, which are clearly identified by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra. More intriguingly, the oxygen vacancies formed on the open interfaces could enhance charge transport, further improving the photocatalytic performance. Benefiting from the large surface areas and increased visible light absorption, the present atomically thin Bi2MoO6 nanosheets display extraordinary high‐performance of photocatalytic degradation of phenol and cycling stability. More importantly, we believe that this achievement in ultrathin two‐dimensional material (atomically thin Bi2MoO6 nanosheets) could bring new insights into designing high‐performance photocatalysts.
Nanoparticles for Detection and Treatment of Peripheral Arterial Disease
Authors: Noukeu Linda C. , Wolf Joseph , Yuan Baohong , Banerjee Subhash , Nguyen Kytai T. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractPeripheral arterial disease (PAD) is defined as a slow, progressive disorder of the lower extremity arterial vessels characterized by chronic narrowing that often results in occlusion and is associated with loss of functional capacity. Although the PAD occurrence rate is increasing in the elderly population, outcomes with current treatment strategies are suboptimal. Hence, there is an urgent need to develop new technologies that overcome limitations of traditional modalities for PAD detection and therapy. In this Review, the application of nanotechnology as a tool that bridges the gap in PAD diagnosis and therapy is in focus. Several materials including synthetic, natural, biodegradable, and biocompatible materials are used to develop nanoparticles for PAD diagnostic and/or therapeutic applications. Moreover, various recent research approaches are being explored to diagnose PAD through multimodality imaging with different nanoplatforms. Further efforts include targeted delivery of various therapeutic agents using nanostructures as carriers to treat PAD. Last, but not least, despite being a fairly new field, researchers are exploring the use of nanotheranostics for PAD detection and therapy.
Photonics and Optoelectronics of 2D Metal‐Halide Perovskites
Authors: Qi Xiang , Zhang Yupeng , Ou Qingdong , Ha Son Tung , Qiu Cheng‐Wei , Zhang Han , Cheng Yi‐Bing , Xiong Qihua , Bao Qiaoliang 
Published: June 2018

AbstractIn the growing list of 2D semiconductors as potential successors to silicon in future devices, metal‐halide perovskites have recently joined the family. Unlike other conversional 2D covalent semiconductors such as graphene, transition metal dichalcogenides, black phosphorus, etc., 2D perovskites are ionic materials, affording many distinct properties of their own, including high photoluminescence quantum efficiency, balanced large exciton binding energy and oscillator strength, and long carrier diffusion length. These unique properties make 2D perovskites potential candidates for optoelectronic and photonic devices such as solar cells, light‐emitting diodes, photodetectors, nanolasers, waveguides, modulators, and so on, which represent a relatively new but exciting and rapidly expanding area of research. In this Review, the recent advances in emerging 2D metal‐halide perovskites and their applications in the fields of optoelectronics and photonics are summarized and insights into the future direction of these fields are offered.
The Role of Liquid Ink Transport in the Direct Placement of Quantum Dot Emitters onto Sub‐Micrometer Antennas by Dip‐Pen Nanolithography
Authors: Dawood Farah , Wang Jun , Schulze Peter A. , Sheehan Chris J. , Buck Matthew R. , Dennis Allison M. , Majumder Somak , Krishnamurthy Sachi , Ticknor Matthew , Staude Isabelle , Brener Igal , Goodwin Peter M. , Amro Nabil A. , Hollingsworth Jennifer A. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractDip‐pen nanolithography (DPN) is used to precisely position core/thick‐shell (“giant”) quantum dots (gQDs; ≥10 nm in diameter) exclusively on top of silicon nanodisk antennas (≈500 nm diameter pillars with a height of ≈200 nm), resulting in periodic arrays of hybrid nanostructures and demonstrating a facile integration strategy toward next‐generation quantum light sources. A three‐step reading‐inking‐writing approach is employed, where atomic force microscopy (AFM) images of the pre‐patterned substrate topography are used as maps to direct accurate placement of nanocrystals. The DPN “ink” comprises gQDs suspended in a non‐aqueous carrier solvent, o‐dichlorobenzene. Systematic analyses of factors influencing deposition rate for this non‐conventional DPN ink are described for flat substrates and used to establish the conditions required to achieve small (sub‐500 nm) feature sizes, namely: dwell time, ink‐substrate contact angle and ink volume. Finally, it is shown that the rate of solvent transport controls the feature size in which gQDs are found on the substrate, but also that the number and consistency of nanocrystals deposited depends on the stability of the gQD suspension. Overall, the results lay the groundwork for expanded use of nanocrystal liquid inks and DPN for fabrication of multi‐component nanostructures that are challenging to create using traditional lithographic techniques.
Physeal bar resection using a patient-specific guide with intramedullary endoscopic assistance for partial physeal arrest of the distal radius
Authors: Miyamura Satoshi , Tanaka Hiroyuki , Oka Kunihiro , Shigi Atsuo , Abe Shingo , Yoshikawa Hideki , Murase Tsuyoshi 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe partial physeal arrest of the distal radius could result in progressive deformities and functional problems of the wrist. Despite being the most preferred surgical intervention, physeal bar resection (Langenskiöld procedure) is technically demanding. This manuscript aims to illustrate the technical tricks and present an illustrative case of premature physeal arrest of the distal radius managed with a novel method for the Langenskiöld procedure, involving complete removal of the bar using a patient-specific guide in combination with an intramedullary endoscopy technique that facilitated direct observation.
Utilisation of an operative difficulty grading scale for laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Authors: Griffiths Ewen A. , Hodson James , Vohra Ravi S. , Marriott Paul ,   the CholeS Study Group, Katbeh Tarek , Zino Samer , Nassar Ahmad H. M. ,   West Midlands Research Collaborative
Published: June 2018

Abstract

Background
A reliable system for grading operative difficulty of laparoscopic cholecystectomy would standardise description of findings and reporting of outcomes. The aim of this study was to validate a difficulty grading system (Nassar scale), testing its applicability and consistency in two large prospective datasets.

Methods
Patient and disease-related variables and 30-day outcomes were identified in two prospective cholecystectomy databases: the multi-centre prospective cohort of 8820 patients from the recent CholeS Study and the single-surgeon series containing 4089 patients. Operative data and patient outcomes were correlated with Nassar operative difficultly scale, using Kendall’s tau for dichotomous variables, or Jonckheere–Terpstra tests for continuous variables. A ROC curve analysis was performed, to quantify the predictive accuracy of the scale for each outcome, with continuous outcomes dichotomised, prior to analysis.

Results
A higher operative difficulty grade was consistently associated with worse outcomes for the patients in both the reference and CholeS cohorts. The median length of stay increased from 0 to 4 days, and the 30-day complication rate from 7.6 to 24.4% as the difficulty grade increased from 1 to 4/5 (both p < 0.001). In the CholeS cohort, a higher difficulty grade was found to be most strongly associated with conversion to open and 30-day mortality (AUROC = 0.903, 0.822, respectively). On multivariable analysis, the Nassar operative difficultly scale was found to be a significant independent predictor of operative duration, conversion to open surgery, 30-day complications and 30-day reintervention (all p < 0.001).

Conclusion
We have shown that an operative difficulty scale can standardise the description of operative findings by multiple grades of surgeons to facilitate audit, training assessment and research. It provides a tool for reporting operative findings, disease severity and technical difficulty and can be utilised in future research to reliably compare outcomes according to case mix and intra-operative difficulty.
Weighing in on Body Mass Index and Infection After Total Joint Arthroplasty: Is There Evidence for a Body Mass Index Threshold?
Authors: Shohat Noam , Fleischman Andrew , Tarabichi Majd , Tan Timothy L. , Parvizi Javad 
Published: June 2018

Abstract

Background
Although morbid obesity is considered a modifiable risk factor for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI), there is no consensus regarding an appropriate threshold for body mass index (BMI) above which a high risk for infection may outweigh the benefits of surgery.

Questions/purposes
(1) Is there a BMI cutoff threshold that is associated with increased risk for PJI? (2) Is the risk of PJI increased in higher obesity classes?

Methods
A retrospective study was conducted of all primary THAs and TKAs performed at one institution between 2006 and 2015. Overall 19,226 patients were eligible to be included in the study; 1053 patients were excluded as a result of incomplete data, resulting in a final cohort of 18,173 patients (8757 TKAs and 9416 THAs). PJI was defined using the International Consensus Meeting criteria. To ensure accurate followup, and because there is evidence to support the association between obesity and early infection, we identified PJI within 90 days of the index surgery. This relationship was examined separately for BMI as a continuous variable and for each BMI category as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (underweight ≤ 18.49 kg/m2; normal 18.5-24.9 kg/m2; overweight 25-29.9 kg/m2; obese class I 30-34.9 kg/m2; obese class II 35-39.9 kg/m2; obese class III ≥ 40 kg/m2). Analyses were performed with logistic regression, accounting for both patient and surgical risk factors. A BMI threshold was evaluated with a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the Youden index.

Results
The area under the ROC curve for BMI and risk of PJI within 90 days was only 0.58 (confidence interval [CI], 0.52-0.63) suggesting such a cutoff was not much better than random chance. Among the BMI classes, patients with class III obesity (≥ 40 kg/m2) were the only ones showing a higher risk for PJI within 90 days (odds ratio [OR], 3.09 [1.46-6.54]; p = 0.003). The risk of developing PJI was not greater for overweight (OR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.38-1.4), class I obese (OR, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.57-2.0), or class II obese (OR, 1.08; 95% CI, 0.52-2.2) patients. Underweight patients also demonstrated no increased risk for PJI (OR, 1.80; 95% CI, 0.23-13.9).

Conclusions
The risk for infection increases gradually throughout the full range of BMI, but no threshold exists. Weight reduction before surgery may mitigate risk for infection for all patients with a BMI above normal. Of note, patients with a BMI > 40 kg/m2 carried a threefold higher risk for PJI and for these patients, the risks of surgery must be carefully weighed against its benefits.

Level of Evidence
Level III, therapeutic study.
Hypoxia and myelination deficits in the developing brain
Authors: Singh Dhiraj Kumar , Ling Eng‐Ang , Kaur Charanjit 
Published: June 2018

AbstractMyelination is a complex and orderly process during brain development that is essential for normal motor, cognitive and sensory functions. Cellular and molecular interactions between myelin‐forming oligodendrocytes and axons are required for normal myelination in the developing brain. Oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) proliferate and differentiate into mature myelin‐forming oligodendrocytes. In this connection, astrocytes and microglia are also involved in survival and proliferation of OPCs. Hypoxic insults during the perinatal period affect the normal development, differentiation and maturation of the OPCs or cause their death resulting in impaired myelination. Several factors such as augmented release of proinflammatory cytokines by activated microglia and astrocytes, extracellular accumulation of excess glutamate and increased levels of nitric oxide are some of the underlying factors for hypoxia induced damage to the OPCs. Additionally, hypoxia also leads to down‐regulation of several genes involved in oligodendrocyte differentiation encoding proteolipid protein, platelet‐derived growth factor receptor and myelin‐associated glycoprotein in the developing brain. Furthermore, oligodendrocytes may also accumulate increased amounts of iron in hypoxic conditions that triggers endoplasmic reticulum stress, misfolding of proteins and generation of reactive oxygen species that ultimately would lead to myelination deficits. More in‐depth studies to elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the inability of oligodendrocytes to myelinate the developing brain in hypoxic insults are desirable to develop new therapeutic options or strategies for myelination deficits.
Ejaculatory Disorders in Men With Urethral Stricture and Impact of Urethroplasty on the Ejaculatory Function: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kaluzny Adam , Gibas Artur , Matuszewski Marcin 
Published: June 2018

Abstract

Background
Urethral stricture may disturb both micturition and semen emission. Urethroplasty, despite the restoration of a proper urethral patency, may not eliminate the accompanying ejaculatory dysfunction (EjD).

Aim
To investigate the relationship among urethral stricture, urethroplasty, and ejaculatory function.

Methods
For the systematic review, the authors followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis statement. Internet-based bibliographic databases (PubMed and Scopus) were searched to access studies that examined the influence of urethral stricture and urethroplasty on ejaculatory function.

Outcomes
EjD accompanying urethral stricture, before and after urethroplasty, was evaluated.

Results
20 Studies were included in the final analysis. In total, these studies comprised a population of 1,913 patients, aged between 11–86 years, 1,823 with an anterior urethral stricture and 90 with a posterior one. No randomized trials regarding the topic were found. Patients with urethral stricture typically report poor force of ejaculation, reduced ejaculatory volume, reduced pleasure, or complete failure to ejaculate. The prevalence of pre-operative disorders depends on patients’ age and is more severe in the older population. The pre-operative stricture length, location, and type of surgery have no statistically significant influence on post-operative EjD. In some patients, despite a successful urethral reconstruction, problems with ejaculation persist. The improvement in ejaculation after urethroplasty is observed only in younger men. The available data are inconclusive whether the separation of the bulbospongiosus muscle during urethroplasty impairs its later functionality.

Clinical Implications
Analyzing the available literature on the subject, this review provides knowledge about the possible influence of urethroplasty on ejaculatory function, which may be useful both in the pre-operative patient consultation and in the choice of treatment method.

Strengths & Limitations
The evidence is sufficient to determine effects on health outcomes. However, the strength of evidence is limited by the lack of randomized trials and differences in terms of methodology and analyzed populations, preclusive of conducting the meta-analysis.

Conclusion
It has not been unequivocally determined which factors related to the stricture or surgery are decisive for post-operative ejaculatory function. The improvement in ejaculation after urethroplasty is observed only in younger men.