bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of continuous positive airway pressure therapy on nasal patency
Authors: Pitts Kristen D. , Arteaga Alberto A. , Hardy Elliot T. , Stevens Ben P. , Spankovich Christopher S. , Lewis Andrea F. 
Published: June 2018

BackgroundNasal congestion and obstruction are reported in the majority of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) users and are frequently cited as reasons for noncompliance. To our knowledge, no study has demonstrated a change in objective or subjective nasal patency in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) after a therapeutic trial of CPAP therapy.MethodsThis prospective nonrandomized trial tested the hypothesis that CPAP therapy would result in both objective and subjective improvements in nasal patency in patients with OSA. Prior to initiation of CPAP, acoustic rhinometry (AR) was used to determine nasal volume and minimum cross‐sectional area in the upright and reclined positions. Subjective nasal patency was assessed with the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) questionnaire. Both assessments were repeated at follow‐up visits.ResultsAR data demonstrated a statistically significant increase in total nasal volume (TV) in the reclined position (p = 0.002) and minimum cross‐sectional area (MCA) in both the sitting and reclined positions (p = 0.006, p = 0.021) in OSA patients after >30 days of CPAP therapy and with >70% compliance. NOSE scores decreased significantly (p = 0.038) representing an improvement in nasal patency.ConclusionObjective and subjective measurements of TV and MCA increased after initiation of CPAP therapy in this prospective study.
A Modular Approach for Interlocking Enzymes in Whatman Paper
Authors: Riccardi Caterina , McCormick Shelby , Kasi Rajeswari , Kumar Challa 
Published: June 2018

AbstractA potentially universal approach is presented for enzyme attachment to cellulose that significantly enhances enzyme stability while retaining high activity, and involves no chemical functionalization of cellulose. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) was interlocked in cellulose to form a protein‐friendly surface (named BSA‐Paper), while also providing COOH and NH2groups for subsequent attachment of enzymes. The desired enzyme is then mixed with additional BSA and interlocked on BSA‐Paper. The second BSA layer dilutes and crosslinks the enzyme for improved stability. Laccase was tested as a model enzyme for interlocking on BSA‐Paper, and was found to retain over 100 % activity and was 240 times more stable at 25 °C (half life=180 d) than laccase. This new approach was also tested with a few other enzymes with encouraging results, thus providing a potentially universal method for stabilization of enzymes on cellulose with retention of high activities.
The Electronic State of Hydrogen in the α Phase of the Hydrogen‐Storage Material PdH(D)x: Does a Chemical Bond Between Palladium and Hydrogen Exist?
Authors: Dekura Shun , Kobayashi Hirokazu , Ikeda Ryuichi , Maesato Mitsuhiko , Yoshino Haruka , Ohba Masaaki , Ishimoto Takayoshi , Kawaguchi Shogo , Kubota Yoshiki , Yoshioka Satoru , Matsumura Syo , Sugiyama Takeharu , Kitagawa Hiroshi 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe palladium–hydrogen system is one of the most famous hydrogen‐storage systems. Although there has been much research on β‐phase PdH(D)x, we comprehensively investigated the nature of the interaction between Pd and H(D) in α‐phase PdH(D)x (x<0.03 at 303 K), and revealed the existence of Pd−H(D) chemical bond for the first time, by various in situ experimental techniques and first‐principles theoretical calculations. The lattice expansion, magnetic susceptibility, and electrical resistivity all provide evidence. In situ solid‐state 1H and 2H NMR spectroscopy and first‐principles theoretical calculations revealed that a Pd−H(D) chemical bond exists in the α phase, but the bonding character of the Pd−H(D) bond in the α phase is quite different from that in the β phase; the nature of the Pd−H(D) bond in the α phase is a localized covalent bond whereas that in the β phase is a metallic bond.
Three‐Dimensional Branched and Faceted Gold–Ruthenium Nanoparticles: Using Nanostructure to Improve Stability in Oxygen Evolution Electrocatalysis
Authors: Gloag Lucy , Benedetti Tania M. , Cheong Soshan , Li Yibing , Chan Xuan‐Hao , Lacroix Lise‐Marie , Chang Shery L. Y. , Arenal Raul , Florea Ileana , Barron Hector , Barnard Amanda S. , Henning Anna M. , Zhao Chuan , Schuhmann Wolfgang , Gooding J. Justin , Tilley Richard D. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractAchieving stability with highly active Ru nanoparticles for electrocatalysis is a major challenge for the oxygen evolution reaction. As improved stability of Ru catalysts has been shown for bulk surfaces with low‐index facets, there is an opportunity to incorporate these stable facets into Ru nanoparticles. Now, a new solution synthesis is presented in which hexagonal close‐packed structured Ru is grown on Au to form nanoparticles with 3D branches. Exposing low‐index facets on these 3D branches creates stable reaction kinetics to achieve high activity and the highest stability observed for Ru nanoparticle oxygen evolution reaction catalysts. These design principles provide a synthetic strategy to achieve stable and active electrocatalysts.
A Hundred‐Year‐Old Experiment Re‐evaluated: Accurate Ab Initio Monte Carlo Simulations of the Melting of Radon
Authors: Smits Odile R. , Jerabek Paul , Pahl Elke , Schwerdtfeger Peter 
Published: June 2018

AbstractState‐of‐the‐art relativistic coupled‐cluster theory is used to construct many‐body potentials for the noble‐gas element radon to determine its bulk properties including the solid‐to‐liquid phase transition from parallel tempering Monte Carlo simulations through either direct sampling of the bulk or from a finite cluster approach. The calculated melting temperature are 200(3) K and 200(6) K from bulk simulations and from extrapolation of finite cluster values, respectively. This is in excellent agreement with the often debated (but widely cited) and only available value of 202 K, dating back to measurements by Gray and Ramsay in 1909.
Triggered Metal Ion Release and Oxidation: Ferrocene as a Mechanophore in Polymers
Authors: Di Giannantonio Michela , Ayer Mathieu A. , Verde‐Sesto Ester , Lattuada Marco , Weder Christoph , Fromm Katharina M. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe introduction of mechanophores into polymers makes it possible to transduce mechanical forces into chemical reactions that can be used to impart functions such as self‐healing, catalytic activity, and mechanochromic response. Here, an example of mechanically induced metal ion release from a polymer is reported. Ferrocene (Fc) was incorporated as an iron ion releasing mechanophore into poly(methyl acrylate)s (PMAs) and polyurethanes (PUs). Sonication triggered the preferential cleavage of the polymers at the Fc units over other bonds, as shown by a kinetic study of the molar mass distribution of the cleaved Fc‐containing and Fc‐free reference polymers. The released and oxidized iron ions can be detected with KSCN to generate the red‐colored [Fe(SCN)n(H2O)6−n)](3−n)+ complex or reacted with K4[Fe(CN)6] to afford Prussian blue.
Stufen der BIM‐Modellierung im Infrastrukturbereich
Authors: Retzlaff Torsten 
Published: June 2018

AbstractDie Einführung der BIM‐Modellierung führt bei der Umsetzung von Großbauvorhaben zur Erhöhung der Kosten‐ und Termineffizienz sowie zu einer Reduzierung der Ursachen von Baumängeln und allgemeinen Baurisiken wie Terminüberschreitungen und Kostenerhöhungen. Der derzeitige Stand der digitalen Technik im Bauwesen verbunden mit der Komplexität und fachlichen Bandbreite bei Bauvorhaben im Infrastrukturbereich stellt die ganzheitliche Umsetzung der BIM‐Methode über den Planungs‐ und Bauprozess noch vor Herausforderungen. Am Beispiel von zwei Projekten der Infrastrukturplanung werden unterschiedliche Planungsansätze zur Umsetzung der Ziele der BIM‐Arbeitsweise vorgestellt. Zudem wird aufgezeigt, dass die parteienübergreifende Zusammenarbeit mit den gleichen Datengrundlagen und Planungsresultaten eines BIM‐Modells eine erhöhte rechtliche Abgrenzung der planerischen Verantwortlichkeiten erfordert.
Mechanical load increase–induced changes in cytoskeletal structure and cellular barrier function in human cerebral endothelial cells
Authors: Kim Dongjoo , Kwon Soonjo 
Published: June 2018

AbstractGlobally, approximately a billion patients are estimated to suffer from neurological disorders. Although there are many therapeutic candidates for the central nervous system, treatment of brain disorders is restricted by the blood–brain barrier (BBB), which is a highly selective membrane that protects the brain from exogenous substances. This study was undertaken to develop a novel strategy to overcome the BBB and improve the efficiency of drug delivery to the brain by mechanical load increase using hypergravity. Human cerebral microvascular endothelial cells were exposed three times to 20 min hypergravity (10g), with a 20‐min rest period between each exposure. The applied hypergravity reversibly decreased the cellular metabolic activity and increased the permeation rate of fluorescein sodium salt, fluorescein isothiocyanate–labeled dextran (FD‐4), and fluorescein‐labeled jacalin. Following the exposure to hypergravity, we also observed structural changes of the cytoskeleton and tight junctions, and an alteration in the expression levels of related genes. These results indicate that increased mechanical load due to the applied hypergravity affects the cytoskeletal arrangement and tight junctions, thereby weakening the cell barrier function and enhancing the permeability of the paracellular pathway. Thus, the mechanical load increase by hypergravity has the potential of being used as a novel strategy to overcome the BBB for brain drug delivery.
A mathematical model of intracellular behavior of microalgae for predicting growth and intracellular components syntheses under nutrient‐replete and ‐deplete conditions
Authors: Ryu Kyung Hwan , Sung Min‐Gyu , Kim Boeun , Heo Seongmin , Chang Yong Keun , Lee Jay H. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractMicroalgae is a promising biomass source for renewable fuels and chemicals production. To describe microalgal behavior and improve their cultivation, various kinetic models have been proposed. However, previous works have focused on biomass formation and lipids production only, even though carbohydrates and proteins are also important products, not only for understanding the metabolic behavior of microalgae but also for enhancing the economic viability through value‐added side products. In this study, a new mathematical model is proposed to explain core biological mechanisms of growth and macromolecules syntheses based on the central metabolism of carbon and nitrogen. In the model, microalgal growth is separated as hyperplasia and hypertrophy, to describe the cell growth more precisely under nutrient‐replete and ‐deplete conditions. Sensitivity analysis performed using the model indicates that cell state (e.g., cell death rate) has a strong effect on the lipid production explaining the difficulty of reproducing a microalgae culture experiment.
Mechanisms of precipitate formation during the purification of an Fc‐fusion protein
Authors: Greene Daniel G. , Traylor Steven J. , Guo Jing , Choe Leila H. , Modla Shannon , Xu Xuankuo , Singh Nripen , Lock Lye Lin , Ghose Sanchayita , Li Zheng Jian , Lee Kelvin H. , Wagner Norman J. , Lenhoff Abraham M. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractProtein precipitates that arise during bioprocessing can cause manufacturing challenges, but they can also aid in clearance of host‐cell protein (HCP) and DNA impurities. Such precipitates differ from many protein precipitates that have been studied previously in their heterogeneous composition, particularly in the presence of high concentrations of the product protein. Here, we characterize the precipitates that form after neutralization of protein A purified and viral‐inactivated material of an Fc‐fusion protein produced in Chinese hamster ovary cells. The physical growth of precipitate particles was observed by optical microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, and small‐angle and ultra‐small‐angle X‐ray scattering to characterize the precipitate microstructure and growth mechanism. The precipitate microstructure is well‐described as a mass fractal with fractal dimension approximately 2. The growth is governed by a diffusion‐limited aggregation mechanism as indicated by a power‐law dependence on time of the size of the principal precipitate particles. Optical microscopy shows that these primary particles can further aggregate into larger particles in a manner that appears to be promoted by mixing. Absorbance experiments at varying pH and salt concentrations reveal that the growth is largely driven by attractive electrostatic interactions, as growth is hindered by an increase in ionic strength. The solution conditions that resulted in the most significant particle growth are also correlated with the greatest removal of soluble impurities (DNA and HCPs). Proteomic analysis of the precipitates allows identification of unique HCP impurities, depending on the buffer species (acetate or citrate) used for the viral inactivation. Most of these proteins have pI values near the precipitation pH, supporting the likely importance of electrostatic interactions in driving precipitate formation.
Developing a Cas9‐based tool to engineer native plasmids in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803
Authors: Xiao Yi , Wang Shaojie , Rommelfanger Sarah , Balassy Andrea , Barba‐Ostria Carlos , Gu Pengfei , Galazka Jonathan M. , Zhang Fuzhong 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe oxygenic photosynthetic bacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 (S6803) is a model cyanobacterium widely used for fundamental research and biotechnology applications. Due to its polyploidy, existing methods for genome engineering of S6803 require multiple rounds of selection to modify all genome copies, which is time‐consuming and inefficient. In this study, we engineered the Cas9 tool for one‐step, segregation‐free genome engineering. We further used our Cas9 tool to delete three of seven S6803 native plasmids. Our results show that all three small‐size native plasmids, but not the large‐size native plasmids, can be deleted with this tool. To further facilitate heterologous gene expression in S6803, a shuttle vector based on the native plasmid pCC5.2 was created. The shuttle vector can be introduced into Cas9‐containing S6803 in one step without requiring segregation and can be stably maintained without antibiotic pressure for at least 30 days. Moreover, genes encoded on the shuttle vector remain functional after 30 days of continuous cultivation without selective pressure. Thus, this study provides a set of new tools for rapid modification of the S6803 genome and for stable expression of heterologous genes, potentially facilitating both fundamental research and biotechnology applications using S6803.
An Aminocaprolactam Racemase from Ochrobactrum anthropi with Promiscuous Amino Acid Ester Racemase Activity
Authors: Frese Amina , Barrass Sarah V. , Sutton Peter W. , Adams Joe P. , Grogan Gideon 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe kinetic resolution of amino acid esters (AAEs) is a useful synthetic strategy for the preparation of single‐enantiomer amino acids. The development of an enzymatic dynamic kinetic resolution (DKR) process for AAEs, which would give a theoretical yield of 100 % of the enantiopure product, would require an amino acid ester racemase (AAER); however, no such enzyme has been described. We have identified low AAER activity of 15 U mg−1 in a homologue of a PLP‐dependent α‐amino ϵ‐caprolactam racemase (ACLR) from Ochrobactrum anthropi. We have determined the structure of this enzyme, OaACLR, to a resolution of 1.87 Å and, by using structure‐guided saturation mutagenesis, in combination with a colorimetric screen for AAER activity, we have identified a mutant, L293C, in which the promiscuous AAER activity of this enzyme towards l‐phenylalanine methyl ester is improved 3.7‐fold.
Transcatheter closure of a sinus venosus atrial septal defect using 3D printing and image fusion guidance
Authors: Thakkar Akanksha N. , Chinnadurai Ponraj , Breinholt John P. , Lin C. Huie 
Published: June 2018

AbstractA 63‐year‐old man with cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and coagulopathy was diagnosed with a sinus venosus atrial septal defect (ASD) and partial anomalous pulmonary venous return (PAPVR) of the right upper pulmonary vein (RUPV). Transcatheter repair by positioning a stent graft in the superior vena cava was planned. Based on three‐dimensional (3D) reconstruction of gated cardiac CTA, a 28 mm × 7 cm Endurant II® aortic extension stent graft (Medtronic, MN) was chosen. A 3D model printed from the CTA was used to simulate device deployment, demonstrating successful exclusion of the sinus venosus ASD with return of the RUPV to the left atrium (LA). Post simulation, the 3D model was used for informed consent. The patient was then taken to the hybrid operating room. On‐table cone beam CT was performed and registered with the CTA images. This enabled overlay of 3D regions of interest to live 2D fluoroscopy. The stent graft was then deployed using 3D regions of interest for guidance. Hemodynamics and angiography demonstrated successful exclusion of the sinus venosus ASD and unobstructed return of RUPV to the LA. This is the first report of comprehensive use of contemporary imaging for planning, simulation, patient consent, and procedural guidance for patient‐centered complex structural intervention in repair of sinus venosus ASD with PAPVR. We propose this as a process model for continued innovation in structural interventions.
Renal infarction in vascular Ehlers–Danlos syndrome masquerading as pyelonephritis
Authors: Dousa Khalid M. , Khan Kashif , Alencherry Ben , Deng Lin , Salata Robert A. 
Published: June 2018

Key Clinical MessageSymptoms associated with numerous diseases can be indistinguishable from those of the urinary system disorders because receptors of many visceral organs as well as the body wall transmit sensation through pain fibers shared with the kidneys. Disregarding important family background of genetic disorder can be detrimental for some patients.
Behavior of Ru–bda Water‐Oxidation Catalysts in Low Oxidation States
Authors: Matheu Roc , Ghaderian Abolfazl , Francàs Laia , Chernev Petko , Ertem Mehmed Z. , Benet‐Buchholz Jordi , Batista Victor S. , Haumann Michael , Gimbert‐Suriñach Carolina , Sala Xavier , Llobet Antoni 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe Ru complex [RuII(bda‐κ‐N2O2)(N‐NH2)2] (1; bda2−=2,2′‐bipyridine‐6,6′‐dicarboxylate, N‐NH2=4‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)aniline) was used as a synthetic intermediate to prepare new RuII and RuIII bda complexes that contain NO+, MeCN, or H2O ligands. In acidic solution complex 1 reacts with an excess of NO+ (generated in situ from sodium nitrite) to form a new Ru complex in which the aryl amine ligand N−NH2 is transformed into a diazonium salt [N‐N2+=4‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)benzenediazonium)] together with the formation of a new Ru(NO) moiety in the equatorial zone, to generate [RuII(bda‐κ‐N2O)(NO)(N‐N2)2]3+ (23+). Here the bda2− ligand binds in a κ‐N2O tridentate manner with a dangling carboxylate group. Similarly, complex 1 can also react with a coordinating solvent, such as MeCN, at room temperature to give [RuII(bda‐κ‐N2O)(MeCN)(N‐NH2)2] (3). In acidic aqueous solutions, a related reaction occurs in which solvent water coordinates to the Ru center to form {[RuII{bda‐κ‐(NO)3}(H2O)(N‐NH3)2](H2O)n}2+ (42+) and is strongly hydrogen‐bonded with additional water molecules in the second coordination sphere. Furthermore, under acidic conditions the aniline ligands are also protonated to form the corresponding anilinium cationic ligands N‐NH3+. Additionally, the one‐electron oxidized complex {[RuIII{bda‐κ‐(NO)3.5}(H2O)(N‐NH3)2](H2O)n}3+ (53+) was characterized, in which the fractional value in the κ notation indicates the presence of an additional contact to the pseudo‐octahedral geometry of the Ru center. The coordination modes of the complexes were studied in the solid state and in solution through single‐crystal XRD, X‐ray absorption spectroscopy, variable‐temperature NMR spectroscopy, and DFT calculations. While κ‐N2O is the main coordination mode for 23+ and 3, an equilibrium that involves isomers with κ‐N2O and κ‐NO2 coordination modes and neighboring hydrogen‐bonded water molecules is observed for 42+ and 53+.
Comparing outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve replacement in patients with stenotic bicuspid and tricuspid aortic valve: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Kanjanahattakij Napatt , Horn Benjamin , Vutthikraivit Wasawat , Biso Sylvia Marie , Ziccardi Mary Rodriguez , Lu Marvin Louis Roy , Rattanawong Pattara 
Published: June 2018

BackgroundTranscatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has become an alternative treatment to surgery in patients with severe aortic stenosis. However, patients with bicuspid aortic stenosis (BAV) are usually excluded from major TAVR studies. The aim of this study is to reexamine current evidence of TAVR in patients with severe aortic stenosis and BAV compared with tricuspid aortic valve (TAV).HypothesisThere might be differences in outcomes post TAVR between patients with BAV comparing to TAV.MethodDatabases were systematically searched for relevant articles featuring cohort studies that included patients with BAV and TAV who underwent TAVR studies, of which reported outcomes of interest included mortality and complications in both groups. Pooled effect size was calculated with a random‐effect model and weighted for the inverse of variance, to compare outcomes post‐TAVR between BAV and TAV.ResultsNine studies were included in the meta‐analysis. There was no difference in 30‐day mortality rate in patients with BAV compared with TAV (OR: 1.27, 95% CI: 0.84–1.93, I2 = 0). Patients with BAV were more likely to have a moderate to severe paravalvular leak (9 studies; OR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.08–1.87, I2 = 0) and conversion to surgery (5 studies; OR: 5.48, 95% CI: 1.74–17.27, I2 = 0), and less likely to have device success compared with patients with TAV (5 studies; OR: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.40–0.81, I2 = 0%).ConclusionsThere was no difference in mortality post‐TAVR in patients with BAV compared with TAV. Further randomized studies should be done in newer‐generation prostheses to assess this association.