bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of automatic contour propagation in T2‐weighted 4DMRI for normal‐tissue motion assessment using internal organ‐at‐risk volume (IRV)
Authors: Zhang Jingjing , Markova Svetlana , Garcia Alejandro , Huang Kirk , Nie Xingyu , Choi Wookjin , Lu Wei , Wu Abraham , Rimner Andreas , Li Guang 
Published: August 2018

AbstractPurposeThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the quality of automatically propagated contours of organs at risk (OARs) based on respiratory‐correlated navigator‐triggered four‐dimensional magnetic resonance imaging (RC‐4DMRI) for calculation of internal organ‐at‐risk volume (IRV) to account for intra‐fractional OAR motion.Methods and MaterialsT2‐weighted RC‐4DMRI images were of 10 volunteers acquired and reconstructed using an internal navigator‐echo surrogate and concurrent external bellows under an IRB‐approved protocol. Four major OARs (lungs, heart, liver, and stomach) were delineated in the 10‐phase 4DMRI. Two manual‐contour sets were delineated by two clinical personnel and two automatic‐contour sets were propagated using free‐form deformable image registration. The OAR volume variation within the 10‐phase cycle was assessed and the IRV was calculated as the union of all OAR contours. The OAR contour similarity between the navigator‐triggered and bellows‐rebinned 4DMRI was compared. A total of 2400 contours were compared to the most probable ground truth with a 95% confidence level (S95) in similarity, sensitivity, and specificity using the simultaneous truth and performance level estimation (STAPLE) algorithm.ResultsVisual inspection of automatically propagated contours finds that approximately 5–10% require manual correction. The similarity, sensitivity, and specificity between manual and automatic contours are indistinguishable (P > 0.05). The Jaccard similarity indexes are 0.92 ± 0.02 (lungs), 0.89 ± 0.03 (heart), 0.92 ± 0.02 (liver), and 0.83 ± 0.04 (stomach). Volume variations within the breathing cycle are small for the heart (2.6 ± 1.5%), liver (1.2 ± 0.6%), and stomach (2.6 ± 0.8%), whereas the IRV is much larger than the OAR volume by: 20.3 ± 8.6% (heart), 24.0 ± 8.6% (liver), and 47.6 ± 20.2% (stomach). The Jaccard index is higher in navigator‐triggered than bellows‐rebinned 4DMRI by 4% (P < 0.05), due to the higher image quality of navigator‐based 4DMRI.ConclusionAutomatic and manual OAR contours from Navigator‐triggered 4DMRI are not statistically distinguishable. The navigator‐triggered 4DMRI image provides higher contour quality than bellows‐rebinned 4DMRI. The IRVs are 20–50% larger than OAR volumes and should be considered in dose estimation.
Anti‐Biofouling and Healable Materials: Preparation, Mechanisms, and Biomedical Applications
Authors: Liu Shuo , Guo Weiwei 
Published: August 2018

AbstractPreventing biofouling is challenging for a wide range of biomedical applications. Although materials with good anti‐biofouling properties are reported, their antifouling functions are readily lost when detachments or scratches occur through physical damage and chemical degradation by water, oxygen, or possible catalytic ions in water containing reactive environments. Consequently, it is important to develop durable anti‐biofouling materials with healing abilities. This review summarizes the important developments in five kinds of anti‐biofouling materials categorized according to healing mechanisms and material properties in the recent five years, namely structural rearrangement‐, reaction‐, ionic bond‐, and hydrogel‐based healing materials, as well as other healable antifouling materials. The healing mechanisms and potential biomedical applications of these healable anti‐biofouling materials are emphasized.
Stimuli‐Responsive 2D Materials Beyond Graphene
Authors: Zhang Qin , Zhang Jiaqian , Wan Siyu , Wang Wanying , Fu Lei 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe development of graphene‐based responsive material has gained tremendous attention in recent decades and has led to search for alternative 2D materials beyond graphene. In recent years, due to their large surface‐to‐volume ratio, atomic thickness, and excellent selectivity of molecular adsorption, 2D materials beyond graphene, including hexagonal boron nitride, transition metal dichalcogenides, black phosphorus, and MXenes, have exhibited great potential in stimuli‐responsiveness. This review explores the five representative stimulus behaviors (temperature, light, gas, electric, and water) of 2D materials beyond graphene and their applications in sensors, detectors, smart devices, photothermal therapy, and actuators. To understand these stimuli‐responsive behaviors in depth, the typical responsive mechanisms are also described. This review summarizes the recent progress in stimuli‐responsive 2D materials beyond graphene and future perspectives to inspire broader and more combined designs using multiple stimuli, and to motivate more exciting developments based on these promising 2D materials beyond graphene.
3D Metaphotonic Nanostructures with Intrinsic Chirality
Authors: Qiu Meng , Zhang Lei , Tang Zhixiang , Jin Wei , Qiu Cheng‐Wei , Lei Dang Yuan 
Published: August 2018

AbstractChirality is a universal geometric property in both micro‐ and macroworlds. Recently, optical chiral effects have drawn increased attention due to their great potential in fundamental studies and practical applications. Significantly, the optical chiral response of artificial structures can be enhanced by orders of magnitude compared to that of their naturally occurring counterparts. These man‐made structures generally exhibit two types of optical chirality: extrinsic chirality and intrinsic chirality. The former relies on external illumination conditions, while the latter arises from the geometric characteristics of 3D objects. Herein, this review mainly focuses on the intrinsic chirality of artificial structures and discusses the existing realizations based on their design principles. In particular, an overview is given of the recent demonstrations of nonlinear optical effects in chiral structures and active chiral structures. Lastly, some promising prospects for future studies in the field are outlined.
Soft Tubular Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Biomechanical Energy Harvesting
Authors: Liu Guo Xu , Li Wen Jian , Liu Wen Bo , Bu Tian Zhao , Guo Tong , Jiang Dong Dong , Zhao Jun Qing , Xi Feng Ben , Hu Wei Guo , Zhang Chi 
Published: August 2018

AbstractA triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG), fabricated by soft materials with advantages of flexibility, stretchability, and water resistance, is a potential means for biomechanical energy harvesting. Herein, a soft tubular TENG (ST‐TENG) is proposed, which is composed of a flexible conductive sponge as the inner electrode and a soft silicone tube as the dielectric layer with the helix outer electrode. The ST‐TENG can be built in outsoles and harvest various biomechanical energy including pressing, bending, and twisting. The output performance of ST‐TENG was thoroughly investigated and the surface charge density can reach to 175.4 µC m−2. The ST‐TENG has stable and durable characteristics for 1.2 × 106 working cycles, 100 h soaking, and 5000 times bending. By walking or jogging with the ST‐TENG tubes, several portable electronics such as thermometer, digital watch, and calculator can be continuously powered. The soft energy harvester in this work has made a significant progress in self‐powered devices.
Delivery of Phosphorescent Anticancer Iridium(III) Complexes by Polydopamine Nanoparticles for Targeted Combined Photothermal‐Chemotherapy and Thermal/Photoacoustic/Lifetime Imaging
Authors: Zhang Dong‐Yang , Zheng Yue , Zhang Hang , Sun Jing‐Hua , Tan Cai‐Ping , He Liang , Zhang Wei , Ji Liang‐Nian , Mao Zong‐Wan 
Published: August 2018

AbstractRecently, phosphorescent iridium complexes have demonstrated great potential as anticancer and imaging agents. Dopamine is a melanin‐like mimic of mussel adhesive protein that can self‐polymerize to form polydopamine (PDA) nanoparticles that demonstrate favorable biocompatibility, near‐infrared absorption, and photothermal effects. Herein, PDA nanoparticles are functionalized with β‐cyclodextrin (CD) substitutions, which are further assembled with adamantane‐modified arginine‐glycine‐aspartic acid (Ad‐RGD) tripeptides to target integrin‐rich tumor cells. The thus formed PDA‐CD‐RGD nanoparticles can deliver a phosphorescent iridium(III) complexes LysoIr ([Ir(ppy)2(l)]PF6, ppy = 2‐phenylpyridine, L = (1‐(2‐quinolinyl)‐β‐carboline) to form a theranostic platform LysoIr@PDA‐CD‐RGD. It is demonstrated that LysoIr@PDA‐CD‐RGD can be applied for targeted combined cancer photothermal‐chemotherapy and thermal/photoacoustic/two‐photon phosphorescence lifetime imaging under both in vitro and in vivo conditions. This work provides a useful strategy to construct multifunctional nanocomposites for the optimization of metal‐based anticancer agents for further biomedical applications.
Canopy structure affects temperature distributions and free convection in moss shoot systems
Authors: Rice Steven K. , Gagliardi Thomas A. , Krasa Rebecca A. 
Published: August 2018

Premise of the StudyNonvascular plants play important roles in exchange of water and heat at the soil–atmosphere interface. Differential evaporative cooling may cause temperature gradients within bryophyte canopies, influencing convective heat and mass transport. Understanding mechanisms that affect fluxes through moss layers should improve models of forest floor function.MethodsA three‐dimensional thermal imaging system measured temperature distributions within moss shoot systems that were used to explore relationships among canopy structure, temperature gradients, evaporation, and conductance to water vapor (gs). We studied five moss species under dark and light conditions in the lab. Also, these properties were measured in two species that differed in canopy structure during drying.Key ResultsDifferential evaporative cooling led to a 1.4 to 5.0°C range in shoot temperatures within canopies. Samples displayed −0.5 to −0.9°C/cm temperature gradients with cooler apical temperatures. Gradient magnitudes did not differ among species, but taller canopies expressed greater temperature differences. Light enhanced both the gradient and the temperature difference. Rates of evaporation were significantly related to canopy height in the light, but not in the dark, although gs was positively associated with canopy height in both. Rayleigh (Ra) numbers characterize whether temperature gradients likely generate free convection. In tall canopies, Ra numbers exceeded the value indicative of free convection and turbulent flow. As plants dried, temperature gradients decreased.ConclusionsWhen moss canopies are wet, cooler apical temperatures create thermal instabilities within the canopies that appear sufficient to enhance convective transport of water vapor and heat in tall canopies with low bulk density.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Cross‐Coupling of Arylboronic Acid and Benzonitriles Using DMSO as the Methylene Source
Authors: Ai Han‐Jun , Qi Xinxin , Peng Jin‐Bao , Ying Jun , Wu Xiao‐Feng 
Published: August 2018

AbstractAn interesting strategy on palladium‐catalyzed cross‐coupling of arylboronic acids and benzonitriles has been developed. In this approach, DMSO was utilized as the methylene source and reacted with benzamides (generated in situ from benzonitriles) to form an N‐acyliminium cation, followed by palladium‐catalyzed cross‐coupling with phenylboronic acids to afford the final products. A variety of the desired products were obtained in moderate to excellent yield.
Highly Flexible and Efficient All‐Polymer Solar Cells with High‐Viscosity Processing Polymer Additive toward Potential of Stretchable Devices
Authors: Chen Shanshan , Jung Sungwoo , Cho Hye Jin , Kim Na‐Hyang , Jung Seungon , Xu Jianqiu , Oh Jiyeon , Cho Yongjoon , Kim Hyeongwon , Lee Byongkyu , An Yujin , Zhang Chunfeng , Xiao Min , Ki Hyungson , Zhang Zhi‐Guo , Kim Ju‐Young , Li Yongfang , Park Hyesung , Yang Changduk 
Published: August 2018

AbstractConsidering the potential applications of all‐polymer solar cells (all‐PSCs) as wearable power generators, there is an urgent need to develop photoactive layers that possess intrinsic mechanical endurance, while maintaining a high power‐conversion efficiency (PCE).Herein a strategy is demonstrated to simultaneously control the intercalation behavior and nanocrystallite size in the polymer–polymer blend by using a newly developed, high‐viscosity polymeric additive, poly(dimethylsiloxane‐co‐methyl phenethylsiloxane) (PDPS), into the TQ‐F:N2200 all‐PSC matrix. A mechanically robust 10wt% PDPS blend film with a great toughness was obtained. Our results provide a feasible route for producing high‐performance ductile all‐PSCs, which can potentially be used to realize stretchable all‐PSCs as a linchpin of next‐generation electronics.
Pilot‐scale development of core–shell polymer supports for the immobilization of recombinant lipase B from Candida antarctica and their application in the production of ethyl esters from residual fatty acids
Authors: Cipolatti Eliane Pereira , Pinto Martina Costa Cerqueira , Robert Julia de Macedo , da Silva Tabita Pizoni , Beralto Thamires da Costa , Santos Jorge G. F. , de Castro Rui de Paula Vieira , Fernandez‐Lafuente Roberto , Manoel Evelin Andrade , Pinto José Carlos , Freire Denise Maria Guimarães 
Published: August 2018

ABSTRACTA recombinant lipase B from Candida antarctica (LipB) in Pichia pastoris was synthesized through submerged fermentation using crude glycerin as substrate. The immobilization of this enzyme on the core–shell polymeric supports is an effective alternative for its application. The supports with distinct levels of hydrophobicity were produced through combined suspension and emulsion polymerization in pilot scale. Particles with distinct compositions were synthesized (PMMA/PMMA; PMMA‐co‐DVB/PMMA‐co‐DVB; and PS‐co‐DVB/PS‐co‐DVB) and employed on the immobilization of the produced lipase (LipB) and the commercial enzyme (CalB). The morphological properties (specific area, average pore diameter, specific volume of pores, and hydrophobicity level) and the influence of the polymerization conditions on the morphology of the supports were studied. The thermal stability of such biocatalysts was also investigated in the presence of calcium cation (Ca+2), maintained 100% of the activity after 3 h at 50°C when the PMMA‐co‐DVB/PMMA‐co‐DVB was employed. The synthesized enzyme and supports manufactured in pilot scale were employed successfully for production of esters using residual fatty acids as substrates, adding value to these raw materials and increasing the ranges of possible applications.
Superoxide dismutase from venom of the ectoparasitoid Scleroderma guani inhibits melanization of hemolymph
Authors: Liu Nai‐Yong , Huang Jing‐Mei , Ren Xue‐Min , Xu Zhi‐Wen , Yan Nai‐Sheng , Zhu Jia‐Ying 
Published: August 2018

AbstractSuperoxide dismutase (SOD) known as an important antioxidative stress protein has been recently found in venoms of several parasitoid wasps. However, its functions and characteristics as a virulent factor remain scarcely described. Here, we report the characterization of two venomous SOD genes (SguaSOD1 and SguaSOD3) from the ectoparasitoid, Scleroderma guani. The metal binding sites, cysteine amino acid positions and signature sequences of the SOD family were conserved within SguaSOD1 and SguaSOD3. Relatively high levels of their transcripts were observed in pupae followed a decrease in early adults, after which they had the highest transcriptions, indicating that their productions would be regulated in venom apparatus. Although the two genes showed lower expression in venom apparatus compared to head and thorax, the enzymatic assay revealed that SOD indeed had activity in venom. Further, we showed that recombinant SguaSOD3 suppressed melanization of host hemolymph, implying that this protein used as a virulent factor uniquely impacts the prophenoloxidase cascade.
Comprehensive Insight into the Hydrogen Bonding of Silanes
Authors: Voronova Evgenia D. , Golub Igor E. , Pavlov Alexander A. , Belkova Natalia V. , Filippov Oleg A. , Epstein Lina M. , Shubina Elena S. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe interaction of a set of mono‐, di‐ and trisubstituted silanes with OH proton donors of different strength was studied by variable temperature (VT) FTIR and NMR spectroscopies at 190–298 K. Two competing sites of proton donors coordination: SiH and π‐density of phenyl rings—are revealed for phenyl‐containing silanes. The hydrogen bonds SiH⋅⋅⋅HO and OH⋅⋅⋅π(Ph) are of similar strength, but can be distinguished in the νSiH range: the νSiH⋅⋅⋅HO vibrations appear at lower frequencies while OH⋅⋅⋅π(Ph) complexes give Si–H vibrations shifted to higher frequency. The calculations showed the manifold picture of the noncovalent interactions in hydrogen‐bonded complexes of phenylsilanes. As OH⋅⋅⋅HSi bonds are weak, the other noncovalent interactions compete in the stabilization of the intermolecular complexes. Still, the structural and electronic parameters of “pure” DHB complexes of phenylsilanes are similar to those of Et3SiH.
Na+, K+‐ATPase activity in children with autism spectrum disorder: Searching for the reason(s) of its decrease in blood cells
Authors: Bolotta Alessandra , Visconti Paola , Fedrizzi Giorgio , Ghezzo Alessandro , Marini Marina , Manunta Paolo , Messaggio Elisabetta , Posar Annio , Vignini Arianna , Abruzzo Provvidenza Maria 
Published: August 2018

Na+, K+‐ATPase (NKA) activity, which establishes the sodium and potassium gradient across the cell membrane and is instrumental in the propagation of the nerve impulses, is altered in a number of neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders, including autism spectrum disorders (ASD). In the present work, we examined a wide range of biochemical and cellular parameters in the attempt to understand the reason(s) for the severe decrease in NKA activity in erythrocytes of ASD children that we reported previously. NKA activity in leukocytes was found to be decreased independently from alteration in plasma membrane fluidity. The different subunits were evaluated for gene expression in leukocytes and for protein expression in erythrocytes: small differences in gene expression between ASD and typically developing children were not apparently paralleled by differences in protein expression. Moreover, no gross difference in erythrocyte plasma membrane oxidative modifications was detectable, although oxidative stress in blood samples from ASD children was confirmed by increased expression of NRF2 mRNA. Interestingly, gene expression of some NKA subunits correlated with clinical features. Excess inhibitory metals or ouabain‐like activities, which might account for NKA activity decrease, were ruled out. Plasma membrane cholesterol, but not phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidlserine, was slighty decreased in erythrocytes from ASD children. Although no compelling results were obtained, our data suggest that alteration in the erytrocyte lipid moiety or subtle oxidative modifications in NKA structure are likely candidates for the observed decrease in NKA activity. These findings are discussed in the light of the relevance of NKA in ASD. Autism Res 2018, 11: 1388–1403. © 2018 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.Lay SummaryThe activity of the cell membrane enzyme NKA, which is instrumental in the propagation of the nerve impulses, is severely decreased in erythrocytes from ASD children and in other brain disorders, yet no explanation has been provided for this observation. We strived to find a biological/biochemical cause of such alteration, but most queries went unsolved because of the complexity of NKA regulation. As NKA activity is altered in many brain disorders, we stress the relevance of studies aimed at understanding its regulation in ASD.
Evaluation of renal excretion and pharmacokinetics of furosemide in rats after acute exposure to high altitude at 4300 m
Authors: Luo Bingfeng , Li Jing , Yang Tao , Li Wenbin , Zhang Juanhong , Wang Chang , Zhao Anpeng , Wang Rong 
Published: August 2018

AbstractWith studies indicative of altered renal excretion under high altitude‐induced hypobaric hypoxia, the consideration of better therapeutic approaches has long been the aim of research on the management of high altitude related illness. The pharmacokinetics of drugs such as furosemide might be altered under hypoxic conditions, making it essential to establish different dose‐regimens to maintain therapeutic efficacy or to avoid toxic side effects at high altitude. Simultaneously, drug–drug interactions (DDIs) mediated by OAT1 occur at high altitude, severely affecting furosemide pharmacokinetics. This study investigated the influence of acute exposure to high altitude at 4300 m on the renal excretion of furosemide in rats. Significant changes in physiological parameters and kidney histopathology were found after acute high altitude exposure. Compared with low altitude, the pharmacokinetics of furosemide and the expression level of OAT1 in kidney were significantly changed after rapid ascent to high altitude. Additionally, the down‐regulated OAT1 expression further sustained the potential mechanism for the decreased renal excretion of furosemide, resulting in extended residence of the drug in the human body. The elevation of AUC, Cmax, MRT, t1/2 of furosemide, and decreased CL at high altitude further reinforced the current findings. Moreover, the absorption of furosemide was markedly increased and renal excretion significantly declined after co‐administration of captopril, resulting in local drug interaction at high altitude. In conclusion, acute exposure to high altitude may significantly affect the renal excretion of furosemide and the pharmacokinetic parameters of furosemide were altered after co‐administration of captopril, which may then impact the conventional therapeutic dosage.
Determination of tocopherols and tocotrienols in human breast adipose tissue with the use of high performance liquid chromatography–fluorescence detection
Authors: Bartosińska Ewa , Jacyna Julia , Borsuk-De Moor Agnieszka , Kaliszan Michał , Kondej Karolina , Jankau Jerzy , Renkielska Alicja , Kruszewski Wiesław Janusz , Markuszewski Michał Jan , Siluk Danuta 
Published: August 2018

AbstractTocopherols and tocotrienols have been extensively studied owing to their anticancer potential, especially against breast cancer. Therefore, the aim of this study was to quantitatively determine tocochromanols in human breast adipose tissue with the use of HPLC–FLD. The sample preparation procedure included homogenization and solvent extraction with isopropanol–ethanol–0.1% formic acid mixture prior to solid‐phase extraction. After implementation of central composite design, satisfactory separation of all eight target compounds was achieved within 10.5 min. Chromatographic runs were carried out with the use of a naphthylethyl chromatographic column with methanol–water mixture (89:11, v/v) as the mobile phase. Fluorescence detection of tocochromanols was performed with excitation and emission wavelengths 298 and 330 nm, respectively. The method was validated in terms of linearity, carryover, recovery, precision, accuracy and stability. Extraction yield was also determined for accurate evaluation of vitamin E content in human breast adipose tissue samples. Finally, concentrations of particular tocochromanols compounds were assessed in human breast adipose tissue samples obtained from 99 patients, including women with breast cancer, healthy volunteers and deceased women who had died as a result of accidents. The raw data was transformed according to the newly developed equation for accurate estimation of the concentrations of tocochromanols in breast adipose tissue samples. Results obtained in the study indicated that the proposed analytical assay could be useful in breast cancer research.