bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Salt‐Assisted Toughening of Protein Hydrogel with Controlled Degradation for Bone Regeneration
Authors: Jiang Li‐Bo , Su Di‐Han , Ding Sheng‐Long , Zhang Qi‐Chen , Li Ze‐Fang , Chen Fan‐Cheng , Ding Wang , Zhang Shu‐Tian , Dong Jian 
Published: April 2019

AbstractRecently, strong polymer‐based hydrogels have been intensively investigated. However, the development of tough protein hydrogels with controlled degradation for bone regeneration has rarely been reported. Here, regenerated silk fibroin/gelatin (RSF/G) hydrogels with both strength and controlled degradation are prepared via physically and chemically double‐crosslinked networks. As a representative example, the 9%RSF/3%G hydrogel shows approximately 80% elongation and a compressive and tensile modulus of up to 0.25 and 0.21 MPa, respectively. It also shows a degradation rate that can be adjusted to approximately three months in vivo, a value between that of the rapidly degrading gelatin hydrogel and the slowly degrading RSF hydrogel. The 9%RSF/3%G hydrogel has good biocompatibility and promotes the proliferation and differentiation of bone marrow–derived stem cells compared with the control and pure RSF hydrogels. At 12 weeks after implantation of the gel in a calvarial defect, micro‐computed tomography shows greater bone volume and bone mineral density in the 9%RSF/3%G group. More importantly, histology reveals more mineralization and enhancements in the quality and rate of bone regeneration with less of a tissue response in the 9%RSF/3%G group. These results indicate the promising potential of this tough protein hydrogel with controlled degradation for bone regeneration applications.
Electrospun Ionomeric Fibers with Anion Conducting Properties
Authors: Mann‐Lahav Meirav , Halabi Manar , Shter Gennady E. , Beilin Vadim , Balaish Moran , Ein‐Eli Yair , Dekel Dario R. , Grader Gideon S. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractAnion conductive nanofiber mats from FAA‐3 ionomers are obtained by electrospinning. Depending on the solvent used in the precursor solution, nanofibers with either nonhollow cylindrical or flat ribbon‐like cross‐sections are prepared. The anion conductivity and water uptake of the ionomeric nanofiber mats are measured as a function of the relative humidity in the 10–90% range and compared to that of a solid membrane cast from the same ionomer. In addition, the anion conductivity of an isolated single fiber of the ionomer is measured for the first time. The anion conductivity of the electrospun single fiber is found to be higher than that of the mats, which is, in turn, one order of magnitude higher than that of the solid ionomer membrane. The higher conductivity of the mats relative to the solid membrane (in both in‐plane and through‐plane directions) is found to be related to the variation in water uptake, which stems from the morphological distinctions. These results increase the understanding of the electrospinning process of ionomers, toward the development and design of new anion conductive ionomer fibers, useful for high performance electrochemical devices.
Sub‐5 nm Dendrimer Directed Self‐Assembly with Large‐Area Uniform Alignment by Graphoepitaxy
Authors: Park Kangho , Jung Woo‐Bin , Kwon Kiok , Lavrentovich Oleg D. , Jung Hee‐Tae 
Published: April 2019

AbstractDirected self‐assembly (DSA) using soft materials is an important method for producing periodic nanostructures because it is a simple, cost‐effective process for fabricating high‐resolution patterns. Most of the previously reported DSA methods exploit the self‐assembly of block copolymers, which generates a wide range of nanostructures. In this study, cylinders obtained from supramolecular dendrimer films with a high resolution (<5 nm) exhibit planar ordering over a macroscopic area via guiding topographical templates with a high aspect ratio (>10) and high spatial resolution (≈20 nm) of guiding line patterns. Theoretical and experimental studies reveal that this property is related to geometrical anchoring on the meniscus region and physical surface anchoring on the sidewall. Furthermore, this DSA of dendrimer cylinders is demonstrated by the non‐regular geometry of the patterned template. The macroscopic planar alignment of the dendrimer nanostructure reveals an extremely small feature size (≈4.7 nm) on the wafer scale (>16 cm2). This study is expected to open avenues for the production of a large family of supramolecular dendrimers with different phases and feature dimensions oriented by the DSA approach.
Optical Modulation of Charge Transport in Layered Graphene System by Superionic Conductor RbAg4I5
Authors: Yin Jun , Wang Pengfei , Liu Yu , Ma Wanyun , Zhu Jia‐Lin , Zhang Wei , Sun Jia‐Lin 
Published: April 2019

AbstractHerein, the photoelectric performances of n‐layer graphene and RbAg4I5 composite nanostructures are schematically studied from experimental and theoretical perspectives. Relevant layer‐dependence studies reveal the suitability of the superionic conductor RbAg4I5 to modulate electron transport in graphene. The critical factors of induced charge carriers and their screening effects significantly impact the optoelectronic properties of the composite nanostructure. Further, the presence of an optimal graphene thickness is predicted for designing an ion‐modulated graphene photodetector. This work paves the way for further development of high‐performance photodetectors based on multilayer graphene and superionic conductors.
Identification of an Integrin α6‐Targeted Peptide for Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma‐Specific Nanotherapeutics
Authors: Feng Guo‐Kai , Zhang Meng‐Qing , Wang Hong‐Xia , Cai Jing , Chen Shu‐Peng , Wang Qian , Gong Jing , Leong Kam W. , Wang Jun , Zhang Xing , Zeng Mu‐Sheng 
Published: April 2019

AbstractIntegrin α6 emerges as an attractive cancer therapeutic target. Here, the authors present for the first‐time, that integrin α6 is overexpressed in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and serves as a prognostic predictor and a cancer stem cell (CSC) biomarker. An NPC‐targeted peptide CRWYDENAC (dubbed RWY) with high specificity and affinity for integrin α6 is identified, and an integrin α6‐targeted nanotherapeutic against NPC is developed by encapsulating a cisplatin prodrug Pt(IV) with RWY‐grafted polymeric nanoparticles (dubbed RWY‐NP/Pt(IV)). The delivery of cisplatin prodrug Pt(IV) by RWY‐NP/Pt(IV) results in an approximately 100‐fold increase in cytotoxicity over free cisplatin, as well as a 5‐fold increase over Scramble‐NP/Pt(IV) control. RWY‐NP/Pt(IV) suppresses NPC tumor growth with an inhibition rate of around 78%, compared with the 44% and 41% achieved by free cisplatin and Scramble‐NP/Pt(IV) treatment. Loss of body weight is observed in free cisplatin treated mice but not in RWY‐NP/Pt(IV) treated mice. Taken together, RWY‐NP/Pt(IV) enhances the therapeutic efficacy of cisplatin treatment and reduces deleterious side effects, suggesting the potential application of the integrin α6‐targeted RWY peptide for nanotherapeutics against NPC.
A Phenomenographic Approach to Understanding the Expertise of Perioperative Nurses
Authors: Park Boo Hyo , Chang Sung Ok 
Published: April 2019

AbstractUnderstanding the ways that perioperative nurses view the acquisition of expertise may provide foundational information for perioperative nurse educators. Our study aimed to evaluate specific types of expertise exhibited by experienced perioperative nurses and identify how nurses perceived these areas of expertise. We interviewed 20 perioperative nurses working in a university hospital in Korea. We extracted six themes regarding perioperative nursing expertise: sticking to principles, using available resources in complex situations, paying close attention to details, seeing the whole picture, prioritizing actions according to patients’ conditions, and organizing a team to maximize efficiency. These findings may help perioperative educators develop practical educational strategies for novice perioperative nurses by providing a common language regarding the areas of expertise exhibited by experienced perioperative nurses.
A Practical Guide to Performance Improvement: Data Collection and Analysis
Authors: Dawson Anthony 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThis article discusses performance improvement (PI) data collection processes and the various tools that can be used to analyze and display data through the duration of a PI project. It describes the importance of data, how to determine the required amount of data, how to collect and analyze data, and in what format data should be presented. Personnel involved with PI projects may need to use various data collection methods and tools to ensure an effective project with a successful outcome. This article includes examples of how PI project team members can implement various data collection and analysis tools. After reviewing this article, the reader should have a better understanding of this part of the PI process.
Multifaceted biofuel production by microalgal isolates from Pakistan
Authors: Junaid Sara , Khanna Namita , Lindblad Peter , Ahmed Mehboob 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThird‐generation biofuels are currently considered to be the most resourceful medium for generating bioenergy. In the present study, microalgal strains were isolated from soil samples collected in Pakistan and characterized by 18S rRNA sequencing. The strains were identified as green algae Gloeocystis sp. MFUM‐4, Sphaerocystis sp. MFUM‐34, and Dictyochloropsis sp. MFUM‐35. They were further studied for their potential to produce popular biofuels such as biodiesel, bioethanol, and biohydrogen. Under the test conditions, Gloeocystis sp. MFUM‐4 emerged as the most suitable candidate, amongst the three new isolates, for biofuel production with a biodiesel production potential of 33.3% (w/v). Eight different environmental conditions were also tested to identify the most suitable condition for biohydrogen and bioethanol production using the newly isolated strains. Under light but in the presence of 3‐(3,4‐dichlorophenyl)‐1,1‐dimethylurea (DCMU), Gloeocystis recorded the highest capacity to produce both biohydrogen and bioethanol compared with the other strains that were examined. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Contrast effects in judgmental forecasting when assessing the implications of worst and best case scenarios
Authors: Goodwin Paul , Gönül Sinan , Önkal Dilek , Kocabıyıkoğlu Ayşe , Göğüş Celile Itır 
Published: April 2019

AbstractTwo experiments investigated whether individuals' forecasts of the demand for products and a stock market index assuming a best or worst case scenario depend on whether they have seen a single scenario in isolation or whether they have also seen a second scenario presenting an opposing view of the future. Normatively, scenarios should be regarded as belonging to different plausible future worlds so that the judged implications of one scenario should not be affected when other scenarios are available. However, the results provided evidence of contrast effects in that the presentation of a second “opposite” scenario led to more extreme forecasts consistent with the polarity of the original scenario. In addition, people were more confident about their forecasts based on a given scenario when two opposing scenarios were available. We examine the implications of our findings for the elicitation of point forecasts and judgmental prediction intervals and the biases that are often associated with them.
Flexible and modular 3D‐printed peptide models
Authors: Kerwin Sean M. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractA flexible and modular peptide modeling set was designed using freely available software tools. The set consists of space‐filling models of all 20 naturally occurring amino acid side chains and a modular kit for constructing peptides employing C‐alpha carbons and amide bond groups. Connectors that allow free rotation about phi and psi angles on the peptide, together with explicit representation of peptide backbone hydrogen bond donor and acceptors allows for the construction of a wide range of protein secondary structure motifs. The space‐filling side chain models highlight the steric, acid–base, and polarity of these groups. These models were printed using relatively affordable commercially available fused filament fabrication printers with minimal postprinting processing. Use of these models in student group activities focused on amino acids and protein secondary structural features is described. © 2019 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 47(4):432–437, 2019.
Comparative pharmacokinetic study on three formulations of Astragali Radix by an LC–MS/MS method for determination of formononetin in human plasma
Authors: Rao Tai , Gong Yu‐Feng , Peng Jing‐Bo , Wang Yi‐Cheng , He Kang , Zhou Hong‐Hao , Tan Zhi‐Rong , Lv Li‐Zhi 
Published: April 2019

AbstractAstragali Radix (AR) is a widely used traditional Chinese medicine for healing the cardiovascular, liver and immune systems. Recently, superfine pulverizing technology has been applied to developing novel formulations to improve bioavailability of the active constituents in herbs, such as ultrafine granular powder of AR. In this study, a universal and sensitive quantitative method based on LC–MS/MS was employed for determining formononetin, the main flavonoid in AR, in human plasma for comparative pharmacokinetics of three oral formulations of AR. Formononetin and IS (quercetin) were extracted by ethyl acetate from human plasma and were separated on a C18 column with a mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile and 0.1% formic acid. Positive‐ion electrospray‐ionization mode was applied in mass spectrometric detection. The quantitative method was validated with regards to selectivity, linearity, accuracy and precision, matrix effect, extraction recovery and stability, and was applied to comparing the pharmacokinetics of ultrafine granular powder (UGP), ultrafine powder (UP) and traditional decoction pieces (TDP) of AR after oral administration. The peak concentration and areas under the concentration–time curve of formononetin in UGP and UP were significantly higher than those of TDP. UGP and UP could significantly improve the bioavailability of AR in human compared with TDP after oral administration.
Contribution of dehydration to END in acute ischemic stroke not mediated via coagulation activation
Authors: Shi Zhu , Zheng Wei C , Yang Heng , Fu Xiao L. , Cheng Wei Y. , Yuan Wei J. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractObjectiveDehydration is a risk factor for early neurological deterioration (END) after ischemic stroke, yet the underlying mechanism is unclear. Outbalanced coagulation activation may contribute to ischemia progression, concurrently with dehydration‐induced blood viscosity change. We aimed to investigate whether the contribution of dehydration to END was mediated by blood coagulation activation.MethodsWe retrospectively evaluated consecutive patients presenting with mild or moderate stroke (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score ≤14) within 24 hr of onset between Jan 2016 and Dec 2017. Dehydration was defined by a serum nitrogen to creatinine ratio (BUN/Cr) of ≥15 and blood coagulation activity was assessed with thromboelastography (TEG). The correlations between BUN/Cr and TEG parameters were assessed and their relationship in the development of END was analyzed.ResultsOf 244 patients, 64 (26.2%) developed END within 3 days after admission. Patients with END had significantly higher BUN/Cr (19.2 ± 5.7 vs. 15.3 ± 2.9, p = 0.008), shorter R and K on TEG test (R: 3.9 ± 1.0 vs. 4.6 ± 1.1, p = 0.001; K: 1.3 ± 0.5 vs. 1.5 ± 0.4, p = 0.005). Comparison between patients with and without dehydration revealed no significant differences in TEG parameters. Multivariate regression suggested that dehydration status (OR 3.91, 95%CI 2.17–8.67, p = 0.008) and shorter R tercile on TEG (OR 3.18, 95% CI 1.23–7.90, p = 0.016) were independently associated with END; however, the odds ratio of R for END remained unchanged after adjustment for dehydration status.ConclusionOur findings suggested that the contribution of dehydration to END after ischemic stroke was mediated by blood coagulation activation.
Syncytin 1, CD9, and CD47 regulating cell fusion to form PGCCs associated with cAMP/PKA and JNK signaling pathway
Authors: Fei Fei , Li Chunyuan , Wang Xinlu , Du Jiaxing , Liu Kai , Li Bo , Yao Peiyu , Li Yuwei , Zhang Shiwu 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundWe have previously reported the formation of polyploid giant cancer cells (PGCCs) through endoreduplication or cell fusion after cobalt chloride (CoCl2) induction. Cell fusion plays an important role in development and disease. However, the underlying molecular mechanism concerning cell fusion in PGCCs formation and clinicopathological significances remains unclear.MethodsWe treat HCT116 and LoVo cell with CoCl2 and observed the cell fusion via fluorescent markers of different colors. Western blot and immunocytochemical staining were used to compare the expression and subcellular location of the fusion‐related proteins syncytin 1, CD9, and CD47 along with PKA RIα, JNK1, and c‐Jun between PGCCs and control cells from the HCT116 and LoVo cell lines. Moreover, 173 cases of colorectal tumor tissue samples were analyzed, including 47 cases of well‐differentiated primary colorectal cancer (group I) and 5 cases of corresponding metastatic tumors (group II), 38 cases of moderately differentiated primary colorectal cancer (group III) and 14 cases of corresponding metastatic tumors (group IV), and 42 cases of poorly differentiated primary colorectal cancer (group V) and 27 cases of corresponding metastatic tumors (group VI).ResultsThe expression of syncytin 1, CD9, and CD47 is higher in PGCCs than in control cells and they are located in the cytoplasm. The expression of PKA RIα and JNK1 decreased, and that of c‐Jun increased in PGCCs. The syncytin 1 expression was significantly different between groups I and II (P = 0.000), groups III and IV (P = 0.000), groups V and VI (P = 0.029), groups I and III (P = 0.001), groups III and V (P = 0.000), and groups I, III, and V (P = 0.000).ConclusionsThese data indicate that the cell fusion‐related proteins syncytin 1, CD9, and CD47 may be involved in PGCC formation, and that cAMP/PKA and JNK signaling is likely to promote PGCC formation via the regulation of cell fusion processes.
Literature review: The distributed postproduction of cultural knowledge for artworks in online museums
Authors: Xiao Zhang , Deling Yang 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe purpose of this study is to explore how online museums distribute the postproduction of cultural knowledge related to artworks in a network society. This study has implications for how online museums will adapt to the future development of knowledge societies. The core innovation of this study is exploring distributed knowledge postproduction in online museums from the perspective of Mode 2 knowledge production and online distributed knowledge production. This study will also examine distributed knowledge postproduction in online museums, which co‐constructs knowledge and meaning. This paper covers how online museums transform artworks into a resource for cultural postproduction through digital means and engage in Mode 2 knowledge postproduction. Online museums convey knowledge of artworks, creating narratives of phenomena, extending the aura of works of art, and increasing the volume of disseminated knowledge. Through the Semantic Web, online museums construct distributed online systems of knowledge, bringing together machines, technologies, and people and enriching the cultural understanding and innovation of systems of knowledge. Through hyperlinks, exhibitions in online museums intervene in social contexts anytime and anywhere, distributing the cultural knowledge postproduction of artworks. By establishing interactive connections with various contexts, online museums co‐construct knowledge and meaning. Compared with previous work, this study explores how new technological applications in online museums co‐construct knowledge and meaning through interactions with various social contexts, which will influence the future development of knowledge societies.
When the pressure drops: A case of vasoplegia during a structural heart intervention
Authors: Cox Justin , Noveras Janette , Harrell Travis , Nayak Keshav R. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractA 67‐year‐old male underwent general anesthesia for left atrial appendage occlusion. During the procedure, the patient developed catecholamine refractory hypotension requiring the administration of several vasopressin boluses to maintain adequate perfusion pressure. At the conclusion of the procedure, mild venous bleeding necessitated the administration of protamine. This led to a further decrease in the patient's blood pressure. Tamponade and continued volume loss were quickly ruled out leading to a diagnosis of vasoplegia syndrome (VS). The patient was appropriately treated with a vasopressin infusion with normalization of blood pressure and no significant morbidity or adverse outcome. With the use of general anesthesia during structural heart interventions on the rapid rise, we discuss the two common causes for vasoplegia along with evidence‐based treatments and possible prevention strategies.
Associations of coronary plaque characteristics by integrated backscatter intravascular ultrasound with detectability of vessel external elastic lamina using optical frequency domain imaging in human coronary arteries: A sub‐analysis of the MISTIC‐1 trial
Authors: Ishikawa Masato , Muramatsu Takashi , Nanasato Mamoru , Nagasaka Ryo , Takatsu Hidemaro , Yoshiki Yu , Hashimoto Yosuke , Ohota Masaya , Okumura Masanori , Naruse Hiroyuki , Ishii Junichi , Ito Katsuyoshi , Takahashi Hiroshi , Kamiya Hiroki , Yoshida Yukihiko , Ozaki Yukio 
Published: April 2019

AbstractObjectivesWe sought to examine associations between plaque characteristics by intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and detectability of external elastic lamina (EEL) by optical frequency domain imaging (OFDI) in human coronary arteries.BackgroundIt is often challenging to detect EEL which represents vessel size by light‐based imaging modalities due to light intensity attenuation through atherosclerotic plaque.MethodsIVUS and OFDI prior to stent implantation were sequentially investigated per protocol. We identified corresponding cross‐sections by minimum lumen area (MLA) or just distally to side branches as anatomical landmarks. Plaque characterization was determined by integrated backscatter IVUS analysis. We categorized detectable EEL arc by OFDI into four groups: 0≤ and <1 quadrant (group 1), 1≤ and <2 quadrants (group 2), 2≤ and <3 quadrants (group 3), or 3≤ and <4 quadrants (group 4).ResultsWe prospectively studied 103 vessels in 93 patients with stable coronary artery disease. Corresponding 711 cross‐sections were analyzed. Cross‐sections with detectable EEL arc <2 quadrants (group 1 or 2) were observed in 86.1% of MLA sites but only in 29.3% of non‐MLA sites (p < .05). Percentage plaque area (%PA) appeared to be the strongest predictor to detect EEL arc <2 quadrants with the cut‐off of 60.3% (AUC 0.90; sensitivity 79.8%, specificity 85.5%). Lipid pool and calcification remained statistically significant in predicting detectable EEL arc <2 quadrants after adjustment with %PA.ConclusionsPresence of large plaque burden, lipid pool, and calcification significantly predicts the detectability of EEL by OFDI assessment. Locations with detectable EEL arc <2 quadrants should thus be avoided for optimal stent landing zone.
Chronic total occlusion or non‐chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention: Do myocytes really care?
Authors: Kalyanasundaram Arun , Seth Ashok 
Published: April 2019

Key Points

Chronic total occlusions subtend a more extensive perfusion defect size compared to non‐chronic total occlusion lesions.
Chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention (CTO PCI) results in significant improvement in myocardial blood flow and reduction in perfusion defect size.
Improvement in hyperemic myocardial blood Flow (MBF), coronary flow reserve (CFR) and perfusion defect size is comparable in CTO and hemodynamically significant non‐CTO PCI.