bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Expanding the Material Space of Biosustainable Poly(sophorolipids) by Modular Functionalization
Authors: Kunde Tom , Meesorn Worarin , Weder Christoph , Börner Hans G. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractA general strategy to modify the structurally interesting poly(lactonic sophorolipid) (Poly(LSL)), a polymer derived from the biobased sophorolipid monomer, is presented. Effective backbone modification is achieved via a triazolinedione (TAD)‐ene‐reaction. This enables the straightforward introduction of various functionalities to the double bond in the fatty acid segment of the Poly(LSL). The reaction occurs quantitatively in stoichiometric ratios up to a targeted functionalization degree of 50% and complete functionalization of all double bonds is feasible when three equivalents excess of the TAD moiety with respect to the double bonds are used. It is shown that the thermal and mechanical properties of the modified polymers can be tailored via type and degree of functionalization. The exploited TAD ligation fulfills the criteria of an economic and efficient reaction, making the presented modification strategy straightforward to fine‐tune the material properties and extending the applicability of Poly(LSL) as a material.
Characterization of the bacterial community composition in water of drinking water production and distribution systems in Flanders, Belgium
Authors: Van Assche Ado , Crauwels Sam , De Brabanter Joseph , Willems Kris A. , Lievens Bart 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe quality of drinking water is influenced by its chemical and microbial composition which in turn may be affected by the source water and the different processes applied in drinking water purification systems. In this study, we investigated the bacterial diversity in different water samples from the production and distribution chain of thirteen drinking water production and distribution systems from Flanders (Belgium) that use surface water or groundwater as source water. Water samples were collected over two seasons from the source water, the processed drinking water within the production facility and out of the tap in houses along its distribution network. 454‐pyrosequencing of 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequences revealed a total of 1,570 species‐level bacterial operational taxonomic units. Strong differences in community composition were found between processed drinking water samples originating from companies that use surface water and other that use groundwater as source water. Proteobacteria was the most abundant phylum in all samples. Yet, several phyla including Actinobacteria were significantly more abundant in surface water while Cyanobacteria were more abundant in surface water and processed water originating from surface water. Gallionella, Acinetobacter, and Pseudomonas were the three most abundant genera detected. Members of the Acinetobacter genus were even found at a relative read abundance of up to 47.5% in processed water samples, indicating a general occurrence of Acinetobacter in drinking water (systems).
Roles of end‐binding 1 protein and gamma‐tubulin small complex in cytokinesis and flagella formation of Giardia lamblia
Authors: Kim Juri , Park Soon‐Jung 
Published: October 2018

AbstractGiardia lamblia is a unicellular organism with two nuclei, a median body, eight flagella, and an adhesive disk. γ‐Tubulin is a microtubule (MT)‐nucleating protein that functions in the γ‐tubulin small complex (γ‐TuSC) in budding yeast. In this study, G. lamblia γ‐tubulin (Glγ‐tubulin) was found to bind to another MT‐binding protein, namely G. lamblia end‐binding protein 1 (GlEB1), via both in vivo and in vitro assays. Hemagglutinin (HA)‐tagged Glγ‐tubulin localized to the basal bodies, axonemes, and median bodies of G. lamblia trophozoites. The knockdown of Glγ‐tubulin expression using an anti‐Glγ‐tubulin morpholino resulted in a decreased growth rate and an increased failed cytokinesis cells of Giardia. The formation of median bodies was affected, and the central pair of MTs in flagella was frequently missing in the Giardia treated with an anti‐Glγ‐tubulin morpholino. G. lamblia γ‐tubulin complex protein 2 (GlGCP2) and GlGCP3, which are putative components of γ‐TuSC, were co‐immunoprecipitated with HA‐tagged Glγ‐tubulin in Giardia extracts. The knockdown of GlGCP2 and GlGCP3 expression also resulted in decreased formation of both the median body and flagella MTs. Knockdown of Glγ‐tubulin, GlGCP2, and GlGCP3 expression affected localization of GlEB1 in G. lamblia. In addition, decreased level of GlEB1 caused reduced formation of median body and the central pair of flagella MTs. These results indicated that Glγ‐tubulin plays a role in MT nucleation for median body formation and flagella biogenesis as a component of Glγ‐TuSC in Giardia and GlEB1 may be involved in this process.
Identification and characterization of a carnitine transporter in Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Breisch Jennifer , Waclawska Izabela , Averhoff Beate 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe opportunistic pathogen Acinetobacter baumannii is able to grow on carnitine. The genes encoding the pathway for carnitine degradation to the intermediate malic acid are known but the transporter mediating carnitine uptake remained to be identified. The open reading frame HMPREF0010_01347 (aci01347) of Acinetobacter baumannii is annotated as a gene encoding a potential transporter of the betaine/choline/carnitine transporter (BCCT) family. To study the physiological function of Aci01347, the gene was deleted from A. baumannii ATCC 19606. The mutant was no longer able to grow on carnitine as sole carbon and energy source demonstrating the importance of this transporter for carnitine metabolism. Aci01347 was produced in Escherichia coli MKH13, a strain devoid of any compatible solute transporter, and the recombinant E. coli MKH13 strain was found to take up carnitine in an energy‐dependent fashion. Aci01347 also transported choline, a compound known to be accumulated under osmotic stress. Choline transport was osmolarity‐independent which is consistent with the absence of an extended C‐terminus found in osmo‐activated BCCT. We propose that the Aci01347 is the carnitine transporter mediating the first step in the growth of A. baumannii on carnitine.
Lipidic prodrug approach for improved oral drug delivery and therapy
Authors: Markovic Milica , Ben‐Shabat Shimon , Keinan Shahar , Aponick Aaron , Zimmermann Ellen M. , Dahan Arik 
Published: October 2018

AbstractIn the past, a prodrug design was used as a last option to improve bioavailability through controlling transport, distribution, metabolism, or other mechanisms. Prodrugs are currently used even in early stages of drug development, and a significant percentage of all drugs in the market are prodrugs. The focus of this article is lipidic prodrugs, a strategy whereby a lipid carrier is covalently bound to the drug moiety. The increased lipophilicity of the lipid‐drug conjugate can improve the pharmacokinetic profile and provide meaningful advantages: increased absorption across biological barriers, prolonged circulation half‐life, selective distribution profile (eg brain penetration), reduced hepatic first‐pass metabolism, and overall enhanced bioavailability of the parent drug. Moreover, lipidic prodrugs may join the endogenous lipid trafficking pathways, thereby facilitate drug targeting, either by selective absorption pathway (eg lymphatic transport) or drug release at specific target site(s). The different lipid‐drug conjugates (triglyceride‐, fatty acids, phospholipid‐, and steroid‐based prodrugs), the physiological barriers that challenge the absorption of these conjugates, followed by their current utilization and potential clinical benefits are described and analyzed, and future opportunities this approach could provide are discussed. Altogether, lipidic prodrugs represent an exciting approach for improving different aspects of oral drug delivery/therapy and may provide solutions for various unmet needs; the use of this strategy is expected to grow.
Multipathway multi‐echo (MPME) imaging: all main MR parameters mapped based on a single 3D scan
Authors: Cheng Cheng‐Chieh , Preiswerk Frank , Hoge W. Scott , Kuo Tai‐Hsin , Madore Bruno 
Published: October 2018

PurposeQuantitative parameter maps, as opposed to qualitative grayscale images, may represent the future of diagnostic MRI. A new quantitative MRI method is introduced here that requires a single 3D acquisition, allowing good spatial coverage to be achieved in relatively short scan times.MethodsA multipathway multi‐echo sequence was developed, and at least 3 pathways with 2 TEs were needed to generate T1, T2, T2*, B1+, and B0 maps. The method required the central k‐space region to be sampled twice, with the same sequence but with 2 very different nominal flip angle settings. Consequently, scan time was only slightly longer than that of a single scan. The multipathway multi‐echo data were reconstructed into parameter maps, for phantom as well as brain acquisitions, in 5 healthy volunteers at 3 T. Spatial resolution, matrix size, and FOV were 1.2 × 1.0 × 1.2 mm3, 160 × 192 × 160, and 19.2 × 19.2 × 19.2 cm3 (whole brain), acquired in 11.5 minutes with minimal acceleration. Validation was performed against T1, T2, and T2* maps calculated from gradient‐echo and spin‐echo data.ResultsIn Bland‐Altman plots, bias and limits of agreement for T1 and T2 results in vivo and in phantom were −2.9/±125.5 ms (T1 in vivo), −4.8/±20.8 ms (T2 in vivo), −1.5/±18.1 ms (T1 in phantom), and −5.3/±7.4 ms (T2 in phantom), for regions of interest including given brain structures or phantom compartments. Due to relatively high noise levels, the current implementation of the approach may prove more useful for region of interest–based as opposed to pixel‐based interpretation.ConclusionsWe proposed a novel approach to quantitatively map MR parameters based on a multipathway multi‐echo acquisition.
Adherence to pediatric acute chemotherapy‐induced nausea and vomiting guidelines in Canadian hospitals
Authors: McKinnon Krista , Jupp Jennifer , Ghosh Sunita , Digout Carol , Eason Stephanie , Romanick Marcel 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBackgroundChemotherapy‐induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) impacts quality of life for patients. Guidelines for emetogenicity classification and prevention of CINV in children were recently published and endorsed by pediatric oncology organizations.ProcedureA multicenter chart review was performed at four Canadian pediatric oncology centers examining rates of prescribing adherence to CINV guidelines between January 2012 and December 2015. Eligible patients received their first chemotherapy course of highly emetogenic chemotherapy (HEC) or moderately emetogenic chemotherapy (MEC).ResultsGuideline adherence was described in 204 patients as antiemetic‐only guideline adherence (AGA; examined medication/class prescribed only) and complete guideline adherence (CGA; examined medication/class, dose, frequency, and duration prescribed). Adherence was 29% (HEC 30%, MEC 19%, P = 0.1) and 2% for AGA and CGA patients, respectively. Vomiting in the first 24 h was experienced by 24% of AGA and 34% of non‐AGA patients (P = 0.13), with mean breakthrough medication doses similar between AGA and non‐AGA groups (HEC 1.8 vs 1.5, P = 0.45; MEC 3 vs 1.42, P = 0.35). In the first 24 h, HEC AGA patients achieved a complete control rate of 37% vs 45% for non‐AGA patients (P = 0.31), while patients receiving AGA therapy for MEC achieved a complete control rate of 80% vs 24% for non‐AGA patients (P = 0.02).ConclusionsAdherence to guidelines was low across all four pediatric institutions. Each center used different approaches to implement pediatric CINV guidelines. Complete CINV control was low, with reports of emesis high, indicating that patients are not receiving optimal treatment.
Prolonged response to sorafenib in a patient with refractory metastatic osteosarcoma and a somatic PDGFRA D846V mutation
Authors: Armstrong Amy E. , Walterhouse David O. , Leavey Patrick J. , Reichek Jennifer , Walz Amy L. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractOutcome for patients with metastatic or recurrent/refractory osteosarcoma remains poor. Responses to sorafenib, a multikinase inhibitor, have been seen in recurrent/refractory osteosarcoma, although specific biomarkers of response have not been described. We report a partial response in a 7‐year‐old with refractory osteosarcoma treated with sorafenib 200 mg twice daily. Toxicities included Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events Grade 2 skin toxicities and growth suppression. After 51 months of therapy, he suffered a recurrence. Tumor sequencing later revealed a PDGFRA D846V mutation that was not identified in the relapse specimen. This case demonstrates prolonged partial response to sorafenib and provides a potential biomarker for response.
Evaluation of cardiopulmonary exercise testing, heart function, and quality of life in children after allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Vandekerckhove Kristof , De Waele Kathleen , Minne Aurelie , Coomans Ilse , De Groote Katya , Panzer Joseph , Dhooge Catherine , Bordon Victoria , De Wolf Daniel , Boone Jan 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBackgroundPhysical fitness is an important determinant of quality of life (QOL) after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Cardiac function can influence exercise performance. The aim of this study was to assess these factors and their interrelationship.ProcedureChildren underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) at least 1 year after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and were compared with healthy controls. Systolic and diastolic heart function and left ventricle (LV) wall dimensions were measured. Health‐related QOL (HR‐QOL) was evaluated using PedsQL questionnaires.ResultsForty‐three patients performed CPET (26 boys, 13.6 ± 3.4 years, weight 45.5 ± 13.3 kg, length 152.9 ± 17.5 cm, body surface area 1.35 ± 0.28). HSCT patients had lower maximal oxygen consumption (VO2peak/kg, 34.7 ± 8.4 vs 46.3 ± 7.1 mL/kg/min, P < 0.001), shorter exercise duration (9.1 ± 2.5 vs 12.9 ± 2.6 min, P < 0.001), and lower maximal load (%Ppeak 70.8 ± 19.7 vs 102.4% ± 15.9%, P < 0.001). Echocardiography demonstrated decreased interventricular septal wall thickness (interventricular septum in diastole [IVSd] Z‐value −0.64 ± 0.69, P < 0.001), and more systolic (11% of patients) and diastolic dysfunction (high E/E’ Z‐value 1.06 ± 1.13, P < 0.001). LV dilatation correlates with VO2max/kg (r = −0.364, P = 0.017). HR‐QOL showed lower overall and emotional functioning scores (respectively, P = 0.016 and P = 0.001). Patients after anthracycline therapy have the lowest maximal exercise performance, but have no difference in QOL. Diminished exercise performance is not encountered as a QOL limitation. Total body irradiation influences the domain of psychosocial functioning.ConclusionsLV (systolic and diastolic) and right ventricle dysfunctions justify the need for thorough cardiac follow‐up in children after HSCT. Lower physical fitness levels and lower HR‐QOL emphasize the importance of CPET and fitness programs.
Highly efficient and stable organic solar cell modules processed by blade coating with 5.6% module efficiency and active area of 216 cm2
Authors: Huang Kuan‐Min , Wong Ying Qian , Lin Man‐Chun , Chen Chao‐Hsuan , Liao Chung‐Hung , Chen Jen‐Yueh , Huang Yuan‐Han , Chang Yu‐Fan , Tsai Pei‐Ting , Chen Szu‐Han , Liao Ching‐Ting , Lee Yu‐Cih , Hong Ling , Chang Chih‐Yu , Meng Hsin‐Fei , Ge Ziyi , Zan Hsiao‐Wen , Horng Sheng‐Fu , Chao Yu‐Chiang , Wong Hin Yong 
Published: October 2018

AbstractIn this study, an efficient and stable large‐area blade‐coated organic solar cell (OSC) module with an active area of 216 cm2 (16 elementary cells connected in series) is demonstrated by combining appropriate thermal annealing treatment with the use of 4,4′‐(((methyl(4‐sulphonatobutyl)ammonio)bis(propane‐3,1‐diyl))bis(dimethyl‐ammoniumdiyl))bis‐(butane‐1‐sulfonate) (MSAPBS) as the cathode interfacial layer. For the opaque device using poly[4,8‐bis(5‐(2‐ethylhexyl)thiophen‐2‐yl)benzo[1,2‐b;4,5‐b′]dithiophene‐2,6‐diyl‐alt‐(4‐(2‐ethylhexyl)‐3‐fluorothieno[3,4‐b]thiophene‐)‐2‐carboxylate‐2‐6‐diyl)] (PBDTTT‐EFT (PTB7‐Th)):[6,6]‐phenyl C71‐butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM) blend film as the active layer, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 5.6% is achieved under AM 1.5G solar light illumination. Very encouragingly, our strategy can be applicable for semitransparent OSCs, and a remarkable PCE up to 4.5% is observed. To the best of our knowledge, the PCE of 5.6% for opaque device and 4.5% for semitransparent device represent the highest PCE ever reported for OSCs with the active area exceeding 100 cm2. The devices also show an impressive stability under outdoor environment, where the efficiency decay is less than 30% for 60 days. Our findings can pave the way toward the development of organic solar cell modules with high performance and long‐term stability.
Validation of the Hypomanic Personality Scale (HPS) in Iranian adolescents
Authors: Mohammadzadeh Ali , Monazzami Marzieh 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe main purpose of the current study was to examine the psychometric properties of the Hypomanic Personality Scale (HPS) in Iranian adolescents.MethodsA number of 805 high school and freshman students answered the HPS, the Hypomania scale of the MMPI‐2, the Borderline Traits Questionnaire (STB) and the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire‐Brief. Data were analysed using explanatory factor analysis, Pearson correlation coefficient as well as independent t‐test.ResultsPrincipal component analysis led to the extraction of two factors namely mood volatility/excitement and social vitality. Convergent validity coefficients were equal to 0.71, 0.57 and 0.74 for the total scale, mood volatility/excitement and social vitality subscales respectively. Test–retest reliability of the total scale and its subscales were equal to 0.61, 0.67 and 0.57 respectively. Internal consistency and the split‐half reliability of the total scale and the two subscales showed the same coefficients. The results showed that the female group gained higher scores on the total scale and the social vitality subscale.DiscussionThe results supported the multi‐dimensional structure and psychometric properties of the HPS among Iranian adolescents.ConclusionsThe findings of this study confirm the use of HPS as a valid scale in investigating hypomanic characteristics, particularly among Iranian adolescents. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation and Evaluation of Effective Combustion Catalysts Based on Cu(I)/Pb(II) or Cu(II)/Bi(II) Nanocomposites Carried by Graphene Oxide (GO)
Authors: An Ting , Zhao Feng‐Qi , Yan Qi‐Long , Yang Yan‐Jing , Luo Yun‐Jun , Yi Jian‐Hua , Hong Wei‐Liang 
Published: October 2018

AbstractIn this work, the preparation and combustion catalysis effects of Cu2O−PbO/GO and CuO−Bi2O3/GO nanocomposites were systematically investigated. It was shown that the burning rate of the DB propellants can be significantly enhanced by both the nanocomposite catalysts, with reduced pressure exponent. In particular, the Cu2O−PbO/GO induced a burn rate enhancement for DB propellant in pressure range of 2–14 MPa, with the maximum catalytic efficiency of 3.87 at 2 MPa. More interestingly, it resulted in “mesa” burning of DB propellant in the pressure range of 12–20 MPa (n=‐0.05). The CuO−Bi2O3/GO have the same effect with a burning rate increasing from 2.15 to 8.57 mm s−1 at 2 MPa. Similarly, for the RDX‐CMDB propellant, the GO‐based composites of Cu2O−PbO/GO and CuO−Bi2O3/GO showed evident catalytic activities. Plateau combustion was achieved in their presence, which is of great importance for practical applications. The catalysis effects of the two composites are closely related to the high dispersion of metal oxide particles and GO with excellent thermal conductivity.
Long‐range relativistic heavy atom effect on 1H NMR chemical shifts of selenium‐ and tellurium‐containing compounds
Authors: Rusakov Yuriy Yu. , Rusakova Irina L. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractPreviously unknown manifestation of heavy atom effect on the NMR chemical shifts of β‐ and γ‐protons initiated by the relativistic effects of the tellurium and selenium atoms has been investigated in the representative series of selenium‐ and tellurium‐containing compounds. To approve the four‐component density functional approach to be the appropriate tool for the investigation of the heavy atom on light atom effect (HALA), the benchmark calculations of the proton chemical shifts have been performed at the CCSD level using comprehensively chosen locally dense basis set with taking into account solvent, vibrational, and relativistic corrections. A good agreement with the experimental data was achieved. The magnitudes of the relativistic HALA corrections to β‐ and γ‐proton chemical shifts were found to vary in a wide range, namely from −3.08 ppm for the γ‐proton of methyltelluraldehyde to 14.51 ppm for β‐proton in benzotelluraldehyde.
Robotic versus laparoscopic sphincter‐preserving total mesorectal excision: A propensity case‐matched analysis
Authors: Sugoor Pavan , Verma Kamlesh , Chaturvedi Aditi , Kannan Sadhana , Desouza Ashwin , Ostwal Vikas , Engineer Reena , Saklani Avanish 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBackgroundRobotic total mesorectal excision (R‐TME) is expected to have advantages over laparoscopic total mesorectal excision (L‐TME). The aim is to compare the short‐term outcomes between initial cases of L‐TME and RTME.Materials and methodsAmong a total of 168 patients assigned to receive either R‐TME (n = 84) or L‐TME (n = 84), short term outcomes were compared between the groups by 1:1 propensity score matching of eight variables.ResultsThe inter‐sphincteric resection rate (42.9% vs. 25%; P = 0.006) and operative time (372.4 ± 102.8 vs. 301 ± 53.6, P = 0.000) were significantly greater in R‐TME. The conversion rate, blood loss, and length of hospital stay were similar. The anastomotic leak rate and major surgical complications rates were significantly higher in L‐TME (9.5% vs. 1.2%; P = 0.016) and (13.1% vs. 4.8%; P = 0.034) respectively.ConclusionThe oncologic quality and short‐term outcomes in the two groups were comparable; however, anastomotic leak rates and major complications were significantly lower in R‐TME. For experienced laparoscopic surgeons, robotic sphincter‐saving TME is associated with lower morbidity when compared with laparoscopic approach.
Nitrogen and Sulfur Co–Doped Porous Carbon Derived from Sophora Flower as an Efficient Oxygen Reduction Electrocatalyst for Zinc‐Air Battery
Authors: Li Xiangji , Xu Hong 
Published: October 2018

AbstractExploiting efficient and low‐price electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is very important to the practical application of high‐performance zinc‐air battery. In this paper, nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) co‐doped porous carbon ORR catalysts derived from abundantly available and environmental waste sophora flowers (N, S‐ASFC, abbreviation of “activated sophora flowers carbon”) have been successfully prepared by a two‐step heat treatment process (a synchronous carbonization and activation process followed by a doping process). Compared to pristine ASFC and single N‐doped ASFC, the series of N, S‐ASFC catalysts present superior electrocatalytic activity for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Meanwhile, the ORR catalytic activities of N, S‐ASFC catalysts can be rationally modulated by simply adjusting the reaction temperature of doping process. The optimized N, S‐ASFC‐800 catalyst exhibits excellent activity and stability to ORR in alkaline system, which is approaching to the commercial Pt/C catalyst (20%). More importantly, the good performance and high stability of the real zinc−air battery using N, S‐ASFC‐800 as cathode further demonstrate this catalyst is a favorable and promising candidate to replace noble metal‐based ORR catalysts for the practical application in zinc‐air batteries.