bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Galectin‐3 and ST2 as predictors of therapeutic success in high‐risk patients undergoing percutaneous mitral valve repair (MitraClip)
Authors: Dörr Oliver , Walther Claudia , Liebetrau Christoph , Keller Till , Sommer Thomas , Boeder Niklas , Bayer Matthias , Bauer Pascal , Möllmann Helge , Gaede Luise , Troidl Christian , Voss Sandra , Bauer Timm , Hamm Christian W. , Nef Holger 
Published: June 2018

BackgroundPercutaneous mitral valve repair (PMVR) is an interventional treatment option in patients with severe mitral regurgitation (MR) and at high risk for open‐heart surgery. Currently, limited information exists about predictors of procedural success after PMVR. Galectin‐3 (Gal‐3) and suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (ST2) induce fibrotic alterations in severe MR and heart failure. We sought to examine the predictive value of Gal‐3 and ST2 as specific indicators of therapeutic success in high‐risk patients undergoing PMVR.HypothesisWe hypothesize that extended cardiac fibrotic alterations might have impact on successful MR reduction after the MitraClip procedure.MethodsA total of 210 consecutive patients undergoing PMVR using the MitraClip system were included in this study. Procedural success was defined as an immediate reduction of MR by ≥2 grades, assessed by echocardiography. Venous blood samples were collected prior to PMVR and at 6 months follow‐up for biomarker analysis.ResultsAfter PMVR there was a significant reduction in the severity of MR (MR grade: 3 ±0.3 vs 1.6 ±0.6, P <0.001). Low baseline Gal‐3 levels (PMVRsuccess: 22.0 ng/mL [IQR, 17.3‐30.9] vs PMVRfailure: 30.6 ng/mL [IQR, 24.8‐42.3], P <0.001) and ST2 levels (PMVRsuccess: 900.0 pg/mL [IQR, 619.5‐1114.5] vs PMVRfailure: 1728.0 pg/mL [IQR, 1051.March 1, 1930], P < 0.001) were associated with successful MR reduction after PMVR. Also, ROC analysis identified low baseline Gal‐3 and ST2 levels as predictors of therapeutic success after PMVR (AUCGal‐3:0.721 [IQR, 0.64‐0.803], P < 0.001; AUCST2: 0.807 [IQR, 0.741‐0.872], P < 0.001).ConclusionsThere was an association between low Gal‐3 and ST2 plasma levels and successful MR reduction in patients with severe MR undergoing PMVR using the MitraClip system.
NiAl Layered Double Hydroxides and PdNiO as Multifunctional Anodes for Prospective Self‐Powered Lab‐on‐a‐Chip Dopamine Sensors
Authors: Galindo‐de‐la‐Rosa J. , Arriaga L. G. , Álvarez A. , Arjona N. , Déctor A. , Chavéz‐Ramírez A. U. , Vallejo‐Becerra V. , Ledesma‐García J. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe purpose of this work is the evaluation of two bimetallic materials, PdNiO and NiAl‐layered double hydroxides (NiAl‐LDHs) for their prospective use in Lab‐on‐a‐Chip devices, in which urea contained in human urine is used as fuel to provide the energy required by the device and dopamine in the sample is detected. A urea microfluidic fuel cell, using human urine as fuel and NiAl‐LDHs and PdNiO as anodes, was constructed and evaluated, resulting in a cell potential of 1 V with 50.19 mW/cm2 power density for NiAl‐LDHs and 0.9 V and 32.94 mW/cm2 for PdNiO. The multifunctionality of these anodes was extended for detecting dopamine with detection limits of 7.38×10−8 M and 5.46×10−6 M for NiAl‐LDHs and PdNiO, respectively. The higher content of hydroxides on NiAl‐LDHs than PdNiO material allowed a better activity for urea oxidation and dopamine detection. These results show the prospects for self‐powered biomedical Lab‐on‐a‐Chip device development.
Boron Centres Allow Design, Control and Systematic Tuning of Neutral Homoaromatics for Functionalization Purposes
Authors: Mattock James D. , Vargas Alfredo 
Published: June 2018

AbstractHomoaromatic compounds are currently viewed mainly as an interesting novelty with little to no practical application. Based on calculations within density functional theory, we show that the unique charge redirection properties of tricoordinate boron, along with it being isolobal to a carbocation, allow for a larger range of two‐electron donors to be utilized, leading to the rational design of homoaromatic compounds better suited to functionalization. Among others, these compounds show a strong dependency on the relative positioning of the hetero‐atoms within the ring system, a modulation control rendered possible by the insertion of the boron centres.
The urge to act: A comparison of active and passive socially responsible investment funds in the United States
Authors: Chen Xing , Scholtens Bert 
Published: June 2018

AbstractInnovative finance vehicles are required to facilitate the transition towards a sustainable society. Here, we investigate two very successful innovations in the fund industry, namely index mutual funds and passively managed exchange traded funds (ETFs). We study socially responsible investment (SRI) funds in the United States and particularly focus on their financial performance, cost of investing and degree of active management. We do not find persuasive evidence that the actively managed funds perform better than their passively managed counterparts do. Furthermore, we find that some active SRI funds seem to operate as ‘closet indexers’ with a low degree of active management. We conclude that passively managed socially responsible funds have the potential to enrich the spectrum of financial products that may help advance the sustainability transition.
Loadbearing capacity of infill masonry walls considering the deformation‐based membrane effect
Authors: Schmitt Michael 
Published: June 2018

AbstractAccording to currently valid codes, it is not possible to determine the loadbearing capacity of unreinforced infill walls considering the deformation‐based membrane effect by incorporating the exact support conditions. One reason for this is the lack of a validated calculation procedure, which in addition to the equilibrium conditions also realistically represents the compatibility conditions of these systems. In the present paper, therefore, a new non‐linear analytical calculation procedure is presented. The main focus of the analysis of walls subject to area loading is the incorporation of the support conditions and thus the consideration of the deformation‐based membrane compressive force. Through generalised formulation and a standardised notation of the determination equations, different material behaviours and various support conditions can be taken into account with few parameters. On the action side, both lighter loading like wind loads and heavier loading like explosion loads can be considered. Through the implementation of the partial factor concept, it is possible to comply with the requirements of European codes and thus ensure the applicability of the analysis model.
Proposal for the simplified design of basement walls under lateral earth pressure
Authors: Mazur René , Purkert Benjamin , Graubner Carl‐Alexander , Förster Valentin 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThis paper deals with the design of basement walls subjected to lateral earth pressure. The current simplified calculation method according to DIN EN 1996‐3/NA only covers active earth pressure, which is the lower limiting value of the earth pressure. Designing according to DIN EN 1996‐1‐1/NA, higher coefficients of earth pressure (like earth pressure at rest) can be considered, with an additional verification of the shear resistance being necessary. This paper presents a theoretical model, which forms the basis for an analytical derivation of the loadbearing capacity, and explains the required minimum values of the acting normal force to ensure sufficient resistance to cover bending and shear. Based on these results, a simplified equation is proposed for the determination of the required minimum normal force, based on the design according to DIN EN 1996‐3/NA and providing identical values in case of an earth pressure coefficient of 1/3. The required minimum load resulting from this approach fulfils the described requirement to cover bending and shear. The presented solution is verified and the conditions for application are defined. Finally, the minimum required normal forces are evaluated and tabulated for common cases relevant to building practice.
Interactions Between Hammer Mill Crushing Variables and Malaxation Time During Continuous Olive Oil Extraction
Authors: Polari Juan J. , Garcí‐Aguirre David , Olmo‐García Lucía , Carrasco‐Pancorbo Alegría , Wang Selina C. 
Published: June 2018

Hammer mill crushing variables and malaxation time are studied through a two‐level factor factorial experimental design in order to assess the impact of these parameters and their interactions on olive oil extraction efficiency, overall quality, and minor components composition. Extraction efficiency is mainly affected by the interaction between hammer mill grid size and malaxation time; higher yields are obtained when smaller grid sizes are combined with longer malaxation times. Regarding quality parameters and volatile compounds, the main effect is caused by malaxation time. Phenolic compounds are affected by all the studied parameters, hammer mill grid size has the highest impact on their final concentration in the oil. The results show that the effect of malaxation time on the studied variables is conditioned by the crushing parameters used during paste preparation.Practical Applications: Traditionally, the impact of processing variables on olive oil composition has been studied following a one‐variable‐at‐a‐time approach. A factor factorial experimental design allows the interactions among crushing conditions and malaxation time to be determined, as well as the individual contributions to extraction efficiency and minor components composition of these variables. Considering a more holistic approach to the study of olive oil extraction might provide processors with a wider spectrum of tools to maximize both yield and quality during olive oil processing.Interaction of grid size, rotor speed, and malaxation time during olive oil extraction affects extraction efficiency, volatiles, and phenolics.
Development of a low flow‐resistive charged nanoporous membrane in a microchip for fast electropreconcentration
Authors: Chun Honggu 
Published: June 2018

AbstractA nanoporous poly‐(styrene sulfonate) (poly‐SS) membrane was developed for fast and selective ion transport in a microfluidic chip. The poly‐SS membrane can be photopolymerized in‐situ at arbitrary location of a microchannel, enabling integrated fluidics design in the microfluidic chip. The membrane is characterized by a low hydraulic resistance and a high surface charge to maximize the electroosmotic flow and charge selectivity. The membrane characteristics were investigated by charge‐selective electropreconcentration method. Experimental results show membranes with various percentages of poly‐SS are able to concentrate anions (fluorescein and TRITC‐labeled BSA). The anion‐selective electropreconcentration process is stable and 26‐times faster than previously reported poly‐AMPS (2‐acrylamido‐2‐methyl‐1‐propanesulfonic acid) based system. The electropreconcentration was also demonstrated to depend on the sample valency and buffer concentration.
Hydrogen Production from the Decomposition of Formic Acid over Carbon Nitride‐Supported AgPd Alloy Nanoparticles
Authors: Deng Qing‐Fang , Xin Jian‐Jiao , Ma Shang‐Kun , Cui Feng‐Juan , Zhao Zhen‐Long , Jia Li‐Hua 
Published: June 2018

AbstractHighly dispersed bimetallic AgPd alloy nanoparticles with various ratios have been supported on carbon nitride by using a co‐reduction method and then tested for catalytic dehydrogenation of formic acid without base addictive. It was found that the activity of the catalyst depended directly on the AgPd ratios of the catalyst and the reaction temperature. The Ag1Pd2/CN catalyst exhibited excellent catalytic activity for hydrogen generation from formic acid with the initial TOF of 621 h−1 at 348 K. The synergetic interaction between the bimetallic AgPd nanoparticles and the carbon nitride support, the AgPd ratio and the dispersion of AgPd nanoparticles on the support contribute to the high catalytic performance of the AgPd/CN catalysts.
Stylolitic limestone, the stone of choice for ancient sanctuaries and temples, southwestern Peloponnese, Greece
Authors: Davis George H. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractAn Upper Cretaceous limestone was the stone of choice for classical Greek buildings and temples within the Pindos belt of the western Peloponnese. Knowledge of its properties at the Sanctuary of Zeus (Mt. Lykaion) is applied here to the Temple of Apollo Epikourios (Bassae) and the Arcadian Gate (Messene). Because of severe contortion and weathering, it was previously concluded that this bedrock was not the stone used at Bassae. Overlooked was the presence and weathered condition of its pervasive stylolites, which are closely spaced (cm‐scale) brain‐suture‐like surfaces resembling bedding laminae along which calcite dissolves and clay residue accumulates. The stylolites convey a false impression that the limestone is thin bedded and prone to splitting. Stylolites form as a response to stress during burial compaction and/or tectonic compression. Released calcium carbonate reprecipitates as calcite veins. The presence of the clay residue accounts for the severely weathered condition of outcrops and blocks. The suitability of this stone as a building material derives from cohesion acquired through bonding of interlocking stylolites and sealing by calcite veins. Its underdeveloped jointing explains how the megablock lintel of the Messene gate was geologically available. Opportunities are presented to evaluate stylolites at other geologically suitable archaeological sites.
Geochronology, petrogenesis, and tectonic implications of the Early Permian volcanic rocks in the northern margin of the North China Craton
Authors: Li Jialiang , Zhou Zhiguang , Wu Chen , Wang Yuegu , Wang Guosheng , Liu Changfeng , Liu Tong , Xu Wentao , Wu Jiangwei 
Published: June 2018

We present new zircon U–Pb ages, geochemical data on the Late Palaeozoic volcanic rocks of the Suji and Dahongshan formations, which are exposed in the Plate Marginal Orogenic Belt along the northern margin of the North China Craton. Our aim is to constrain the petrogenesis, tectonic setting of volcanic rocks, and to address the late stage tectonic evolution of the Paleo‐Asian Ocean. Lithologically, the Suji and Dahongshan formations present the main rock association with basaltic andesite, andesite, dacite, rhyolite, and tuff. New zircon U–Pb dating results suggest that the volcanic rocks formed during 280–261 Ma and 277–267 Ma, respectively. Geochemically, these volcanic rocks belong to the low‐K tholeiitic to high‐K calc‐alkaline series and are characterized by highly enriched light rare earth elements, K, Rb, Ba; depleted Nb, Ta, Ti; and highly negative Eu anomalies, very similar to that of the continental arc magmatism. These data, together with geological field investigations, suggest that the Early Permian volcanic rocks from Suji and Dahongshan formations were related to southward flat subduction of the Paleo‐Asian Ocean beneath the northern margin of the North China Craton. Therefore, these volcanic rocks were interpreted as Andean‐style continental margin arc magmatism. This also indicates that the final collision between the North China Craton and the Siberian Craton did not occur until the Early Permian.
Numerical study of the hydrodynamics and heat transfer characteristics of liquid–liquid Taylor flow in microchannel
Authors: Vivekanand S.V.B. , Raju V.R.K. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractA numerical study of an oil–water Taylor flow is presented in this paper to explore its flow and heat transfer characteristics. Due to the large surface area to volume ratio in narrow channels, using slug flows, high heat and mass transfer rates could be achieved. Sound knowledge of the underlying physics of slug flow is required for the practical design of microfluidic devices. In this study, hydrodynamics and heat transfer characteristics of dispersed oil droplets flowing inside a vertically upward circular microchannel (D = 0.1 mm) with water being the carrier phase have been explored numerically. ANSYS Fluent was employed to capture the liquid–liquid interface using volume of fluid method. Two different boundary conditions were considered in the present study. First, an isothermal wall of 373 K and later a constant wall heat flux (420 kW/m2) were, respectively, prescribed over the wall of the microchannel. The numerical code was validated against the results available in the literature, and the significant results in the form of pressure drop and heat transfer rates have been discussed. A considerable increase in Nusselt number, up to 180% and 210%, was observed with the oil–water slug flow in contrast to the liquid‐only single‐phase flow inside the microchannel for isothermal and constant wall heat flux conditions, respectively.
Differentiation of stem cells from apical papilla into neural lineage using graphene dispersion and single walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Simonovic Jelena , Toljic Bosko , Nikolic Nadja , Peric Mina , Vujin Jasna , Panajotovic Radmila , Gajic Rados , Bekyarova Elena , Cataldi Amelia , Parpura Vladimir , Milasin Jelena 
Published: June 2018

AbstractStem cell‐based therapies are considered a promising treatment modality for many medical conditions. Several types of stem cells with variable differentiation potentials have been isolated from dental tissues, among them stem cells from apical papilla (SCAP). In parallel, new classes of biocompatible nanomaterials have also been developed, including graphene and carbon nanotube‐based materials. The aim of the study was to assess whether graphene dispersion (GD) and water‐soluble single walled carbon nanotubes (ws‐SWCNT), may enhance SCAPs capacity to undergo neural differentiation. SCAPs cultivated in neuroinductive medium supplemented with GD and ws‐SWCNT, separately and in combination, were subjected to neural marker analysis by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (neurofilament medium [NF‐M], neurogenin‐2 [ngn‐2], β III‐tubulin, microtubule‐associated protein 2) and immunocytochemistry (NeuN and β III‐tubulin). GD, ws‐SWCNT, and their combination, had neuro‐stimulatory effects on SCAPs, as judged by the production of neural markers. Compared to cells grown in nanomaterial free medium, cells with GD showed higher production of B3T, cells with ws‐SWCNT had higher production of ngn‐2 and NF‐M, while the combination of nanomaterials gave similar levels of both B3T and NF‐M as the neuroinductive medium alone, but with the finest neuron‐like morphology. In conclusion, GD and ws‐SWCNT seem to enhance neural differentiation of SCAP. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 2653–2661, 2018.
Partitioning the edge set of a hypergraph into almost regular cycles
Authors: Bahmanian Amin , Haghshenas Sadegheh 
Published: June 2018

AbstractA cycle of length t in a hypergraph is an alternating sequence of distinct vertices and distinct edges so that (with ). Let be the λ‐fold n‐vertex complete h‐graph. Let be a hypergraph all of whose edges are of size at least h, and . In order to partition the edge set of into cycles of specified lengths , an obvious necessary condition is that . We show that this condition is sufficient in the following cases.

.
, .
, , .In (R2), we guarantee that each cycle is almost regular. In (R3), we also solve the case where a “small” subset L of edges of is removed.
Cover Image, Volume 93, Issue 7
Authors: Zhu Mimi , Fuks Preston , Carta Giorgio 
Published: June 2018

The cover image, by Mimi Zhu et al., is based on the Research Article Protein adsorption in anion exchange resins ‐ effects of polymer grafting, support structure porosity, and protein size, DOI: 10.1002/jctb.5410.
image
Highly edge‐connected factors using given lists on degrees
Authors: Akbari Saieed , Hasanvand Morteza , Ozeki Kenta 
Published: June 2018

AbstractLet G be a 2k‐edge‐connected graph with and let for every . A spanning subgraph F of G is called an L‐factor, if for every . In this article, we show that if for every , then G has a k‐edge‐connected L‐factor. We also show that if and for every , then G has a k‐edge‐connected L‐factor.
Novel rabbit model of moderate knee contracture induced by direct capsular damage
Authors: Hazlewood David , Feng Yi , Lu Qinghua , Yang Xinmai , Wang Jinxi 
Published: June 2018

ABSTRACTThe treatment of joint contracture continues to represent a challenging problem in orthopedic surgery and rehabilitation medicine. Existing animal models of knee contracture for evaluating new treatments are mostly created by extensive joint tissue damage with Kirschner‐wire immobilization which requires a second surgery to remove Kirschner‐wires. This study aimed to develop a less invasive rabbit model of moderate knee contracture through a single surgery. Skeletally mature New Zealand White rabbits had their right knee operated to create surgical damage to the posterior capsule under direct visualization. Operated knees were then held in a flexed position by suturing the superficial flexion muscles with absorbable sutures. The flexion contracture (net extension loss) was determined by comparing the extension angles between the operated and non‐operated knees from 8 to 24 weeks post‐surgery. The flexion contracture of the operated knees was significantly greater (p < 0.01/0.001) than the non‐operated knees at each weekly measurement. The mean flexion contractures were 22° at 8 weeks, 19° at 16 weeks, and 18° at 24 weeks. No significant differences in the severity of flexion contracture were observed between 8‐week and each of the following weeks, suggesting that the flexion contracture was essentially stabilized by 8 weeks post‐surgery. Histopathologic analyses demonstrated intra‐articular and peri‐articular scar formation. This less invasive rabbit model of moderate knee contracture is more quickly established through a single surgery with lower risk of surgical complications compared to the previously reported invasive models, and could be an alternative animal model for joint contracture research. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:2687–2695, 2018.
Role of maturity stages and modified‐atmosphere packaging on the quality attributes of cornelian cherry fruits (Cornus mas L.) throughout shelf life
Authors: Yarılgaç Tarık , Kadim Hayrullah , Ozturk Burhan 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDA study was conducted to determine the effects of modified‐atmosphere packaging (MAP) treatments on fruit quality attributes and bioactive compounds of cornelian cherry fruits (Cornus mas L.) harvested at two different maturity stages – maturity (M): M‐1, skin red color <10%; M‐2, skin red color >90% – throughout the shelf life. Fruits were stored at 0 ± 0.5 °C and 90 ± 5% relative humidity (RH) for 30 days, and then kept at 22 ± 0.5 °C and 80 ± 5% RH over 3 days for shelf life.RESULTSIn the measurements performed at harvest, MS‐2 fruits had significantly greater respiration rate, soluble solids content, acidity, anthocyanin, flavonoids, and phenolics and significantly lower ethylene productions, firmness, L*, chroma, and hue angle values than MS‐1 fruits. In the last measurement period, MAP‐treated fruits had significantly greater firmness, total flavonoids, and total phenolics and significantly lower respiration rates, ethylene productions, and decay rates than the untreated fruits. While color parameters of MS‐2 fruits were significantly lower than the color values of MS‐1 fruits, they had greater vitamin C and anthocyanin contents.CONCLUSIONIt was concluded that the cornelian cherry fruits harvested at MS‐2 stage of maturity and preserved in MAP better maintained quality attributes throughout their shelf life. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry