bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Wait times for endoscopic sinus surgery influence patient‐reported outcome measures in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis who fulfill appropriateness criteria
Authors: Yip Jonathan , Hao Weibo , Eskander Antoine , Lee John M. 
Published: December 2018

BackgroundPrevious studies on the impact of wait times for endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) in medically recalcitrant chronic rhinosinusitis (rCRS) have not examined its influence on the 5 distinct symptoms domains of the 22‐item Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22), and have not applied evidence‐based surgical indications. Our primary study objective was to investigate the impact of ESS wait times on postoperative SNOT‐22 global and symptom domain scores in patients with rCRS deemed “appropriate” surgical candidates.MethodsThis was a retrospective analysis of adult patients with rCRS undergoing ESS, categorized as “appropriate” surgical candidates. Primary outcome measure was change in SNOT‐22 global/symptom domain score (preoperative – 6‐month postoperative). Correlational analyses were performed between wait time and change in SNOT‐22 global and symptom domain scores. For significant negative correlations, the threshold wait time to generate a worsening in health‐related quality‐of‐life (HRQoL) equivalent to the mean clinically important difference (MCID) was calculated.ResultsA total of 104 patients with a mean ± standard deviation (SD) wait time of 310.8 ± 155.9 days were analyzed. Postoperative SNOT‐22 global and symptom domain scores significantly improved postoperatively. Wait time for ESS was negatively correlated with change in SNOT‐22 global, rhinologic, extranasal rhinologic, and ear/facial domain scores (p < 0.05), and a wait time threshold of 287, 452, 421, and 381 days corresponded to a decrease equivalent to the MCID, respectively.ConclusionWe identified less improvement in HRQoL after ESS with increasing surgical wait time. Moreover, prolonged wait times may result in less improvement in disease‐specific symptoms, but do not appear to worsen psychological or sleep dysfunction.
PdII‐Catalyzed Enantioselective C(sp3)−H Activation/Cross‐Coupling Reactions of Free Carboxylic Acids
Authors: Hu Liang , Shen Peng‐Xiang , Shao Qian , Hong Kai , Qiao Jennifer X. , Yu Jin‐Quan 
Published: December 2018

AbstractPdII‐catalyzed enantioselective C(sp3)−H cross‐coupling of free carboxylic acids with organoborons has been realized using either mono‐protected amino acid (MPAA) ligands or mono‐protected aminoethyl amine (MPAAM) ligands. A diverse range of aryl‐ and vinyl‐boron reagents can be used as coupling partners to provide chiral carboxylic acids. This reaction provides an alternative approach to the enantioselective synthesis of cyclopropanecarboxylic acids and cyclobutanecarboxylic acids containing α‐chiral tertiary and quaternary stereocenters. The utility of this reaction was further demonstrated by converting the carboxylic acid into cyclopropyl amine without loss of optical activity.
A Z‐Scheme Polyimide/AgBr@Ag Aerogel with Excellent Photocatalytic Performance for the Degradation of Oxytetracycline
Authors: Zhao Xinfu , Wang Xinqiang , Zhang Jian , Yi Xibin 
Published: December 2018

AbstractA novel Z‐scheme polyimide (PI)/AgBr@Ag aerogel photocatalyst has been successfully synthesized by combining an in situ precipitation method and a supercritical drying method. The as‐prepared PI/AgBr@Ag‐50 (50 wt % AgBr@Ag in PI/AgBr@Ag) aerogel photocatalyst exhibited excellent photocatalytic activity for oxytetracycline degradation with a rate constant of 0.025 min−1, which was 6.9 and 2.6 times higher than that of the PI aerogel or the AgBr@Ag nanoparticles, respectively. More significantly, the PI/AgBr@Ag‐50 aerogel photocatalyst showed stable cycling, which could be attributed to the high mechanical strength and 3D network of the PI aerogel. The introduction of AgBr@Ag on PI with a heterojunction structure efficiently promoted the separation of electron–hole pairs by a Z‐scheme mechanism. The reduced metallic Ag nanoparticles were found to function as centers for the transfer of electrons from AgBr to PI. This work has revealed a new application for the aerogel PI/AgBr@Ag photocatalyst in environmental protection.
Indoor Tracking by RFID Fusion with IMU Data
Authors: Wang Fafa , Su Tingli , Jin Xuebo , Zheng Yangyang , Kong Jianlei , Bai Yuting 
Published: December 2018

AbstractIndoor tracking and positioning technology have received significant attention. There are many techniques to track indoor targets, such as Wi‐Fi technology, radio frequency identification (RFID), and inertial navigation technology. However, these technologies cannot accurately track a target with a single sensor due to the uncertainty of the sensors. This paper presents an indoor tracking method using RFID and inertial measurement units (IMU); the estimated trajectory is mainly determined by RFID, and the information about the trajectory based on IMU is added when the estimated trajectory is missing without RFID data. The results show that the fusion estimation algorithm has excellent performance in indoor tracking and is very effective when the target maneuvers, even where some measurements are lost.
Ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry method for determination of four compounds in rat plasma after oral administration of Xanthii fructus and stir‐fried Xanthii fructus extracts
Authors: Zhuang Yanshuang , Qin Kunming , Liu Xiao , Cai Baochang , Cai Hao 
Published: December 2018

AbstractXanthii fructus (XF), the fruit of Xanthium sibiricum Patr., is a traditional Chinese materia medica commonly used to treat allergic rhinitis and other rhinitis diseases. To uncover the mechanism of the stir‐frying process and its effect on the pharmacokinetic behavior of active compounds in model rats, four active compounds—chlorogenic acid, 4‐caffeoylquinic acid, 1,5‐O‐dicaffeoylquinic acid and apigenin—were selected based on previous spectrum‐effect experiments. High performance liquid chromatography tandem triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (UPLC–QqQ–MS) technology, an accurate and feasible method, was applied to measure the concentration of these four compounds in rat plasma. This validated method can accurately measure the concentration of each compound at each sampling point of rat plasma. This validated method shows good linearity, extraction recoveries, matrix effects, intra‐ and inter‐day precision and stabilities. Compared with the XF group, the maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) value of 1,5‐O‐dicaffeoylquinic acid decreased remarkably (p < 0.05) after oral administration of stir‐fried Xanthii fructus (SXF) extract, while the other compounds showed no significant difference. The mean residence time value of chlorogenic acid (p < 0.05) and 1,5‐O‐dicaffeoylquinic acid (p<0.01) after oral administration of SXF extraction demonstrated significant differences compared with the XF group, while the other two compounds showed no statistical difference, indicating that the stir‐frying process prolonged the effect time and delayed the removal time of chlorogenic acid and 1,5‐O‐dicaffeoylquinic acid. The values of the area under the plasma concentration–time curve from zero to the last quantifiable time‐point, the area under the plasma concentration–time curve from zero to infinity, the time to maximum concentration and the elimination half‐life of four compounds in the SXF group showed no statistically significant difference from the XF group. From this data, we speculated that the stir‐frying process can not only keep the absorption of 4‐caffeoylquinic acid and apigenin, but also increase the effect time of chlorogenic acid and 1,5‐O‐dicaffeoylquinic acid, which could be the mechanism underlying the stir‐frying process enhancing the effects of XF.
Sialyl‐LacNAc‐PNA⋅DNA Concatamers by Rolling‐Circle Amplification as Multivalent Inhibitors of Influenza A Virus Particles
Authors: Bandlow Victor , Lauster Daniel , Ludwig Kai , Hilsch Malte , Reiter‐Scherer Valentin , Rabe Jürgen P. , Böttcher Christoph , Herrmann Andreas , Seitz Oliver 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe surfaces of influenza A virus (IAV) particles are packed with hundreds of homo‐trimeric hemagglutinins (HAs). Monovalent sugars have low affinity for HA, but distance‐optimized bivalent sialyl‐LacNAc (SLN) conjugates bind it with 103‐fold enhanced potency. Herein, we describe the oligomerization of distance‐optimized bivalent binders by branched and linear hybridization on long repetitive DNA templates. The most effective complexes fully inhibited IAVs at a DNA template concentration of 10−9 m. Although a 10−2 m concentration of free trisaccharide ligand is required for full inhibition of the virus, DNA templating enables a 104‐fold reduction in the amount of sugar required. Notably, hybridization‐induced rigidification of the DNA templates increased the serospecificity. Cryo‐TEM analysis revealed that both spaghetti‐type linear forms and cotton‐ball‐like clusters are able to bridge several adjacent HA molecules on the IAV surface. Programmed self‐assembly of ligand–nucleic acid conjugates on long DNA templates might provide generic access to target‐specific, high‐affinity binders of proteins on globular objects such as cells and viruses.
Organocatalytic Stereoselective Epoxidation of α‐alkylidene Oxindoles Using α,α‐diphenylprolinol in Liposome Membrane
Authors: Gasperi Tecla , Tortora Carola , Miceli Martina , Steiniger Frank , Walde Peter , Stano Pasquale 
Published: December 2018

AbstractWe employed the membrane of 1‐palmitoyl‐2‐oleoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine (POPC) liposomes suspended in water as a microenvironment for carrying out the organocatalytic epoxidation of an α‐alkylidene oxindole. The reaction proceeds smoothly and displays diastereo‐ and enantio‐selectivity that differs from what is achieved under bulk solution conditions. The potential of organocatalytic approaches for synthetic transformations in aqueous phase in the presence of dispersed membranes is briefly discussed.
In situ Growth Synthesis of CuO@Cu‐MOFs Core‐shell Materials as Novel Low‐temperature NH3‐SCR Catalysts
Authors: Yu Yanke , Chen Changwei , He Chi , Miao Jifa , Chen Jinsheng 
Published: December 2018

AbstractMetal oxides@MOFs core‐shell materials were developed for selective catalytic reduction of NOx by NH3 (NH3‐SCR). A novel CuO@Cu‐MOFs core‐shell material with CuO as the core and Cu3(BTC)2 as the shell were rationally designed and synthesized by an in situ growth method and used in NH3‐SCR reaction. The prepared CuO@Cu‐MOFs materials combined physicochemical properties of CuO (high NO adsorption stability and excellent surface reducibility) and Cu3(BTC)2 (large specific surface area and abundant acid sites). In addition, the core‐shell materials held large amounts of Brønsted acid sites and abundant adsorbed NOx intermediate species, which benefited NH3‐SCR reaction under low‐temperature. Experimental results demonstrated that CuO@Cu‐MOFs possessed higher low‐temperature catalytic activity than that of pure CuO and Cu3(BTC)2. Importantly, CuO@Cu‐MOFs performed satisfied stability in NH3‐SCR reaction, which made it to be a potential and promising low‐temperature SCR catalyst.
Low‐Work‐Function Silver Activating N‐doped Graphene as Efficient Oxygen Reduction Catalysts in Acidic Medium
Authors: Yan Yadong , Yan Shicheng , Yu Zhentao , Zou Zhigang 
Published: December 2018

AbstractNon‐platinum graphene‐based electrocatalysts are vital for low‐cost energy conversion by hydrogen fuel cell. However, high oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) overpotentials limit their efficiency and stability. Here, we propose a strategy to increase graphene Fermi level by graphene encapsulating a metal with lower work function than graphene, aiming to enhance the ORR activity of graphene‐based materials. As an example, Ag nanoparticles (function work, 4.2 eV) are embedded into N‐doped graphene (function work, 4.5 eV) (Ag@NG). The Ag@NG exhibits the ORR onset potential of 0.804 V and excellent stability over 10000 electrochemical cycles in acidic electrolyte. Spectroscopic analysis confirms Ag−N coordination bond as an efficient electron transfer route significantly benefiting upshift of graphene Fermi level that enhances the ORR activity and stability.
A 3D Porous MgFe2O4 Integrative Electrode as a Binder‐Free Anode with High Rate Capability and Long Cycle Lifetime
Authors: Yin Yanhong , Liu Wenfeng , Gao Rongzhen , Yang Shuting 
Published: December 2018

AbstractA superior 3D architecture Ni foam/MgFe2O4 integrative electrode was firstly designed and synthesized via a simple hydrothermal method and subsequent calcination as a binder‐free anode for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). MgFe2O4 nanoparticles with diameter of about 60 nm interconnect with each other to form porous nanosheets and anchor on the Ni foam (N‐MFO). The 3D architectural design with superior conductivity and a strong skeleton structure not only provides fast kinetics, reduces the polarization and enhances the rate performance, but also buffers volume expansion and improves the cycle stability during the discharge/charge process. In addition, the interfacial lithium storage of the N‐MFO electrode promotes high lithium‐storage capacity, superior cycle stability and impressive rate capability. Even cycling at a current density of 5 A g−1 for 1000 cycles, the capacity remains stable at about 780 mAh g−1.
Mn‐Catalyzed Electrochemical Synthesis of Quinazolinones from Primary Alcohols/Benzyl Ethers and o‐Aminobenzamides
Authors: Lin Dian‐Zhao , Lai Yin‐Long , Huang Jing‐Mei 
Published: December 2018

AbstractAn efficient approach for the synthesis of quinazolinones from o‐aminobenzamides and alcohols by the combination of electrochemistry and redox‐metal catalysis has been developed. Taking manganese(II) sulfate as a redox catalyst, this transformation proceeded smoothly under ambient conditions in an undivided cell to afford quinazolinones in moderate to excellent yields with a wide substrate scope. Benzyl ethers were also suitable participants in the cascade cyclization sequence.
Stabilizing RbPbBr3 Perovskite Nanocrystals through Cs+ Substitution
Authors: Xiao Jia‐Wen , Liang Yuan , Zhang Siyu , Zhao Yizhou , Li Yujing , Chen Qi 
Published: December 2018

AbstractABX3‐type halide perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) have been a hot topic recently due to their fascinating optoelectronic properties. It has been demonstrated that A‐site ions have an impact on their photophysical and chemical properties, such as the optical band gap and chemical stability. The pursuit of halide perovskite materials with diverse A‐site species would deepen the understanding of the structure–property relationship of the perovskite family. In this work we have attempted to synthesize rubidium‐based perovskite NCs. We have discovered that the partial substitution of Rb+ by Cs+ help to stabilize the orthorhombic RbPbBr3 NCs at low temperature, which otherwise can only be obtained at high temperature. The inclusion of Cs+ into the RbPbBr3 lattice results in highly photoluminescent Rb1−xCsxPbBr3 NCs. With increasing amounts of Cs+, the band gaps of the Rb1−xCsxPbBr3 NCs decrease, leading to a redshift of the photoluminescence peak. Also, the Rb1−xCsxPbBr3 NCs (x=0.4) show good stability under ambient conditions. This work demonstrates the high structural flexibility and tunability of halide perovskite materials through an A‐site cation substitution strategy and sheds light on the optimization of perovskite materials for application in high‐performance optoelectronic devices.
Synthesis of Linear and V‐Shaped Carbazolyl‐Substituted Pyridine‐3,5‐dicarbonitriles Exhibiting Efficient Bipolar Charge Transport and E‐Type Fluorescence
Authors: Vigante Brigita , Leitonas Karolis , Volyniuk Dmytro , Andruleviciene Viktorija , Simokaitiene Jurate , Ivanova Anna , Bucinskas Audrius , Grazulevicius Juozas V. , Arsenyan Pavel 
Published: December 2018

AbstractWith the aim of developing all‐organic bipolar semiconductors with high charge mobility and efficient E‐type fluorescence (so‐called TADF) as environmentally friendly light‐emitting materials for optoelectronic applications, four noble metals‐free dyes with linear and V‐shapes were designed using accepting pyridine‐3,5‐dicarbonitrile and donating carbazole units. By exploiting a donor‐acceptor design strategy and using moieties with different donating and accepting abilities, TADF emitters with a wide variety of molecular weights were synthesized to achieve the optimum combination of charge‐transporting and fluorescent properties in one TADF molecule. Depending on molecule structures, different TADF emitters capable of emitting in the range from 453 to 550 nm with photoluminescence quantum yields up to 98 % for the solutions in oxygen‐free toluene were obtained. All compounds showed bipolar charge‐transport. Hole mobility of 2.8×10−3 cm2/Vs at 7×105 V cm−1 was observed for the compound containing two di‐tert‐butyl‐substituted carbazole moieties. The compounds were tested in both non‐doped and doped organic light‐emitting diodes using different hosts. It was shown that the developed TADF emitters are suitable for different color devices with electroluminescence ranging from blue to yellow and with brightness, maximum current and external quantum efficiencies exceeding 10 000 cd m−2, 15 cd/A, and 7 %, respectively.
Positive Allosteric Control of Guests Encapsulation by Metal Binding to Covalent Porphyrin Cages
Authors: Djemili Ryan , Kocher Lucas , Durot Stéphanie , Peuronen Anssi , Rissanen Kari , Heitz Valérie 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe allosteric control of the receptor properties of two flexible covalent cages is reported. These receptors consist of two zinc(II) porphyrins connected by four linkers of two different sizes, each incorporating two 1,2,3‐triazolyl ligands. Silver(I) ions act as effectors, responsible for an on/off encapsulation mechanism of neutral guest molecules. Binding silver(I) ions to the triazoles opens the cages and triggers the coordination of pyrazine or the encapsulation of N,N′‐dibutyl‐1,4,5,8‐naphthalene diimide. The X‐ray structure of the silver(I)‐complexed receptor with short connectors is reported, revealing the hollow structure with a cavity well‐defined by two eclipsed porphyrins. Rather unexpectedly, the crystallographic structure of this receptor with pyrazine as a guest molecule showed that the cavity is occupied by two pyrazines, each binding to the zinc(II) porphyrin in a monotopic fashion.
Comparison of fimasartan and amlodipine therapy on carotid atherosclerotic plaque inflammation
Authors: Oh Minyoung , Lee Cheol Whan , Ahn Jung‐Min , Park Duk‐Woo , Kang Soo‐Jin , Lee Seung‐Whan , Kim Young‐Hak , Moon Dae Hyuk , Park Seong‐Wook , Park Seung‐Jung 
Published: December 2018

BackgroundThe renin‐angiotensin system plays an important role in promoting atherosclerotic plaque inflammation, which may be inhibited by angiotension‐II receptor blockers.HypothesisWe investigated the effects of fimasartan and amlodipine therapy on carotid atherosclerotic plaque inflammation using 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose (18FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) imaging.MethodsFifty patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and at least one lesion with 18FDG uptake in the carotid artery (target‐to‐background ratio [TBR] ≥ 1.6) were randomly assigned to receive either fimasartan (60 mg once a day) or amlodipine (5 mg once a day). 18FDG PET examinations were performed in all patients at baseline and 6 months. The primary endpoint was the percent change in the index vessel TBR for the most diseased segment (MDS TBR).ResultsThe two groups had similar baseline characteristics. At the 6‐month follow‐up, index vessel and aorta MDS TBR significantly decreased in both groups. However, the percent change in index vessel MDS TBR was similar between the two groups (−9.33 ± 14.2% vs −7.73 ± 19.1%, respectively, P = 0.9). No significant difference was found for the percent change in the whole vessel TBR for the index vessel between the two groups, with similar findings for changes in MDS TBR or whole vessel TBR for the aorta. Total cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, and blood pressure improved to a similar degree in both groups.ConclusionsFimasartan and amlodipine reduce carotid atherosclerotic plaque inflammation similarly in patients with ACS, offering the same level of effectiveness.
Single‐Dose Pharmacokinetic Properties and Relative Bioavailability of Different Formulations of Posaconazole Oral Suspension in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Vuletić Lucija , Herceg Marina , Ferderber Kristina , Tunjić Iva , Rizea‐Savu Simona , Duna Simona Nicoleta , Cetina‐Čižmek Biserka , Filipović‐Grčić Jelena 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe rate and extent of absorption of drugs belonging to Biopharmaceutics Classification System class II are rate‐limited by dissolution and highly dependent on the performance of the formulated product. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the potential impact of a surfactant and the particle size of the active substance on the in vitro drug dissolution profiles and in vivo pharmacokinetics of the poorly soluble drug posaconazole. A comparative physicochemical evaluation was conducted, and 3 formulations of posaconazole oral suspension were tested in various dissolution media compared with the reference product. In addition, a comparative bioavailability study was conducted in healthy volunteers under high‐fat fed conditions. Bioequivalence was assessed based on plasma concentrations of the parent drug (posaconazole) measured by a validated high‐pressure liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry method. The 90% confidence intervals for Cmax and AUC0‐72 least‐squares mean T/R ratios of all 3 posaconazole formulations were within the bioequivalence acceptance range of 80.00% to 125.00%. The study was useful in the formulation development process and demonstrated that neither surfactant type nor particle size of the active substance within the studied range affected the extent or rate of absorption of posaconazole under the tested fed conditions.
Differentiation of Human‐Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells to Macrophages for Disease Modeling and Functional Genomics
Authors: Shi Jianting , Xue Chenyi , Liu Wen , Zhang Hanrui 
Published: December 2018

AbstractMacrophages play important roles in many diseases. We describe a protocol and the associated resources for the differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cell‐derived macrophages (IPSDM) and their applications in understanding human macrophage physiology and relevant diseases. The protocol uses an embryoid body–based approach with a combination of serum‐free condition for hematopoiesis specification, followed by adherent culture with serum and M‐CSF for myeloid expansion and macrophage maturation. The protocol produced an almost pure culture of CD45+/CD18+ macrophages yielding up to 2 × 107 cells per 6‐well plate of iPSCs within 24 days, demonstrating high efficiency, purity, and scalability. The IPSDM and monocyte‐derived macrophages (HMDM) cultured in the same medium were compared at morphological, functional and transcriptomic levels by RNA‐sequencing. IPSDM and HMDM showed broadly similar profiles of coding transcriptome, alternative splicing events, and long noncoding RNAs, with advantages and successful applications in disease modeling using patients‐derived and CRISPR‐edited iPSC lines. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.