bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Brief Report: Monosodium Urate Monohydrate Crystal Deposits Are Common in Asymptomatic Sons of Patients With Gout: The Sons of Gout Study
Authors: Abhishek Abhishek , Courtney Philip , Jenkins Wendy , Sandoval‐Plata Gabriela , Jones Adrian C. , Zhang Weiya , Doherty Michael 
Published: May 2018

ObjectiveTo estimate the prevalence and distribution of asymptomatic monosodium urate monohydrate (MSU) crystal deposition in sons of patients with gout.MethodsPatients with gout were mailed an explanatory letter with an enclosed postage‐paid study packet to mail to their son(s) age ≥20 years old. Sons interested in participating returned a reply form and underwent telephone screening. Subsequently, they attended a study visit at which blood and urine samples were obtained and musculoskeletal ultrasonography was performed, with the sonographer blinded with regard to the subject's serum urate level. Images were assessed for double contour sign, intraarticular or intratendinous aggregates/tophi, effusion, and power Doppler signal. Logistic regression was used to examine associations. Adjusted odds ratios (ORadj) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated.ResultsOne hundred thirty‐one sons (mean age 43.8 years, mean body mass index 27.1 kg/m2) completed assessments. The serum urate level was ≥6 mg/dl in 64.1%, and 29.8% had either a double contour sign or intraarticular aggregates/tophi in ≥1 joint. All participants with MSU deposition had involvement of 1 or both first metatarsophalangeal joints. Intratendinous aggregates were present in 21.4% and were associated with intraarticular MSU crystal deposits (ORadj 2.96 [95% CI 1.17–7.49]). No participant with a serum urate level of ≤5 mg/dl had MSU crystal deposition seen on ultrasonography, and 24.2% of those with serum urate levels between 5 and 6 mg/dl had ultrasonographic MSU deposition. MSU crystal deposition was associated with increasing serum urate levels (ORadj 1.61 [95% CI 1.10–2.36] for each increase of 1 mg/dl).ConclusionAsymptomatic sons of patients with gout frequently have hyperuricemia and MSU crystal deposits. In this study MSU crystal deposits were present in participants with serum urate levels of ≥5 mg/dl. Evaluation of subjects without a family history of gout is needed to determine whether the threshold for MSU crystal deposition is also lower in the general population.
An Organocatalytic Asymmetric Synthesis of Chiral β,β‐Diaryl‐α‐amino Acids via Addition of Azlactones to In Situ Generated para‐Quinone Methides
Authors: Yan Jiyao , Chen Min , Sung Herman H‐Y. , Williams Ian D. , Sun Jianwei 
Published: May 2018

AbstractAn organocatalytic intermolecular C−C bond formation process leading to the efficient synthesis of chiral β,β‐diaryl‐α‐amino acid derivatives is described. In the presence of a suitable chiral phosphoric acid catalyst, a range of para‐hydroxybenzyl alcohols serve as efficient precursors to para‐quinone methides and then react with azlactones in 1,6‐conjugate addition reactions. The asymmetric control has been carefully optimized together with diastereocontrol enabled by identification of the reversible feature of the C−C bond formation and subsequent inhibition by protection of the free hydroxy group in one pot. Compared with previous approaches, including those with pre‐synthesized para‐quinone methides, this protocol provides an alternative and complementary step‐ and pot‐economical approach for the synthesis of chiral β,β‐diaryl‐α‐amino acid derivatives.
Automated brain extraction and immersive exploration of its layers in virtual reality for the rhesus macaque MRI data sets
Authors: Luo Yanlin , Gao Bin , Deng Yiyi , Zhu Xiaoming , Jiang Tianzi , Zhao Xudong , Yang Zhengyi 
Published: May 2018

AbstractAs we know, the rhesus macaque as a nonhuman primate is quite similar to a human being in genetics. Moreover, it has become essential in animal model anatomy and physiology in many modern medicine research such as the cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases in the recent years. This paper describes a pipeline from the raw rhesus macaque brain magnetic resonance imaging data to intuitive 3D inspection of its layers. Brain extraction is an initial step for subsequent analyses, but most of the existing methods so far are designed for human brain, which does not work well with the rhesus macaque. Firstly, we propose a reliable and efficient method to extract the brain from magnetic resonance imaging data sets based on dividing the brain into blocks. Then, we design a trapezoid opacity transfer function based on Compute Unified Device Architecture (CUDA)‐based real‐time volume ray casting, which is dedicated to volume rendering to make the inspection more intuitive. Besides, for an immersive exploration in virtual reality benefits understanding the volumetric data sets, so we also design a layer filter for the segmented rhesus macaque brain data sets, which facilitates the inspection of the interior in Region of Interest (ROI) by an intuitive bimanual interaction via a Leap Motion sensor. Our experiments prove usability and efficiency.
Synthesis of Mesoporous ZIF‐8 Nanoribbons and their Conversion into Carbon Nanoribbons for High‐Performance Supercapacitors
Authors: Yang Xueqing , Chen Wei , Bian Haidong , Sun Tianying , Du Yangyang , Zhang Zhenyu , Zhang Wenjun , Li Yangyang , Chen Xianfeng , Wang Feng 
Published: May 2018

AbstractZIF‐8 nanoribbons, with tunable morphology and pore structure, were synthesized by using the tri‐block co‐polymer Pluronic F127 as a soft template. The as‐synthesized ZIF‐8 nanoribbons were converted into carbon nanoribbons by thermal transformation with largely preserved morphology and porosity. The resulting carbon nanoribbons feature both micro‐ and meso‐pores with high surface areas of over 1000 m2 g−1. In addition, nitrogen‐doping in the carbon nanoribbons was achieved, as confirmed by XPS and EELS measurements. The hybrid carbon nanoribbons provide pseudo‐capacitance that promotes electrochemical performance, rendering a high specific capacitance of up to 297 F g−1 at a current density of 0.5 A g−1 in a three‐electrode system. A long cycle life was also demonstrated by recording a 90.26 % preservation of capacitance after 10 000 cycles of charge–discharge at a current density of 4.0 A g−1. Furthermore, a symmetrical supercapacitor is fabricated by employing the carbon nanoribbons, which shows good electrochemical performance with respect to energy, power and cycle life.
Optically Active Polyoxometalate‐Based Silica Nanohelices: Induced Chirality from Inorganic Nanohelices to Achiral POM Clusters
Authors: Attoui Mariam , Pouget Emilie , Oda Reiko , Talaga David , Le Bourdon Gwénaëlle , Buffeteau Thierry , Nlate Sylvain 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIn order to investigate the principle of chiral induction from nanometric silica helices to polyoxometalate (POM) clusters, a series of optically active silica POM‐based nanohelices (NANOPOMs) have been prepared by electrostatic grafting and direct adsorption of α‐Keggin polyoxometalate [α‐PW12O40]3− to well‐defined left‐ and right‐handed silica nanohelices. UV/Vis, Raman, DRIFT, TEM, HR‐TEM, EDS and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy were used to characterize these NANOPOMs, and confirm the presence of POM clusters as well as their interactions with the helical support. The optical activity of the left‐handed and right‐handed NANOPOMs has been proven by CD spectroscopy. Their CD spectra are mirror images of one another, showing cotton effects at around 214 and 276 nm, this last contribution corresponding to the oxygen‐to‐tungsten charge‐transfer bands of Keggin polyoxoanions. The CD signal of POM clusters is strongly enhanced for NANOPOMs built by adsorption of POM onto silica nanohelices, indicating a better induced optical activity to POM clusters. These nanohelices are stable, recoverable and active catalysts in the oxidation of sulfides. To the best of our knowledge, the present research represents the first examples of optically active POM‐containing silica nanohelices in which achiral POM clusters have been grafted onto silica nanohelices, and display chiroptical effects.
Effect of N‐Alkyl Substituents on the Hierarchical Self‐Assembly of β‐Cyclodextrin‐Linked Pyrene‐Pyromellitic Diimide Charge‐Transfer Complexes
Authors: Krishnan Sumesh Babu , Krishnan Retheesh , Gopidas Karical Raman 
Published: May 2018

AbstractHierarchical self‐assemblies of β‐cyclodextrin‐linked pyrene and N‐alkyl derivatives of pyromellitic diimides are studied in detail. The charge‐transfer interaction between pyrene and pyromellitic diimide is augmented by β‐cyclodextrin–pyromellitic diimide binding interactions in these cases. When the alkyl group is adamantyl, a 1:1 complex was formed with a very high association constant (Ka=1.82×106 m−1). Here, the charge‐transfer interaction is reinforced by inclusion binding of the adamantyl group in the β‐cyclodextrin cavity leading to the formation of 2D sheets, which undergo twisting to give twisted fibres. When the alkyl group is tert‐butyl, a 1:2 complex was formed with a high association constant (Ka=2.91×104 m−1). A detailed analysis showed that the tert‐butyl pyromellitic diimide undergoes both inclusion and rim‐binding interactions with the β‐cyclodextrin. The charge‐transfer complex further self‐assembled into chiral nanostructures as evident from SEM, TEM and AFM analysis. In the case of N‐methyl‐substituted pyromellitic diimide, the interaction with β‐cyclodextrin‐linked pyrene was only through rim binding, which resulted in the formation of a weak charge‐transfer complex with Ka=4.2×103 m−1. Formation of a hierarchical assembly was not observed in this case. A rational mechanism for the self‐assembly, which relies on the strength of the cyclodextrin–pyromellitic diimide complexation is presented.
Unveiling the Binding Modes of the Crystallophore, a Terbium‐based Nucleating and Phasing Molecular Agent for Protein Crystallography
Authors: Engilberge Sylvain , Riobé François , Wagner Tristan , Di Pietro Sebastiano , Breyton Cécile , Franzetti Bruno , Shima Seigo , Girard Eric , Dumont Elise , Maury Olivier 
Published: May 2018

AbstractCrystallophores are lanthanide complexes that act as powerful auxiliary for protein crystallography due to their strong nucleating and phasing effects. To get first insights on the mechanisms behind nucleation induced by Crystallophore, we systematically identified various elaborated networks of supramolecular interactions between Tb‐Xo4 and subset of 6 protein structures determined by X‐ray diffraction in complex with terbium–Crystallophore (Tb‐Xo4). Such interaction mapping analyses demonstrate the versatile binding behavior of the Crystallophore and pave the way to a better understanding of its unique properties.
Efficient Synthesis of a NHC‐Coordinated Trisilacyclopropylidene and Its Coordination Behavior
Authors: Guddorf Benedikt J. , Hepp Alexander , Lips Felicitas 
Published: May 2018

AbstractWith a co‐reduction procedure using 2 equivalents Mes2SiCl2 and 1 equivalent NHCiPr2Me2→SiCl4 an NHC‐adduct of a trisilacyclopropylidene (SiMes2)2SiNHCiPr2Me2 1 was synthesized. Addition of NHCMe4 to 1 results in quantitative carbene exchange under release of NHCiPr2Me2 to yield (SiMes2)2SiNHCMe4 2. Both NHC‐coordinated trisilacyclopropylidenes coordinate to BH3. In reaction of 1 with SiMe3N3 a NHC‐coordinated trisilane with an exocyclic Si=N double bond is formed. With diphenylacetylene 1 undergoes a ring expansion at room temperature to afford a five‐membered ring compound with an NHC‐coordinated silylene functionality.
Proactive content caching by exploiting transfer learning for mobile edge computing
Authors: Hou Tingting , Feng Gang , Qin Shuang , Jiang Wei 
Published: May 2018

SummaryTo address the vast multimedia traffic volume and requirements of user quality of experience in the next‐generation mobile communication system (5G), it is imperative to develop efficient content caching strategy at mobile network edges, which is deemed as a key technique for 5G. Recent advances in edge/cloud computing and machine learning facilitate efficient content caching for 5G, where mobile edge computing can be exploited to reduce service latency by equipping computation and storage capacity at the edge network. In this paper, we propose a proactive caching mechanism named learning‐based cooperative caching (LECC) strategy based on mobile edge computing architecture to reduce transmission cost while improving user quality of experience for future mobile networks. In LECC, we exploit a transfer learning‐based approach for estimating content popularity and then formulate the proactive caching optimization model. As the optimization problem is NP‐hard, we resort to a greedy algorithm for solving the cache content placement problem. Performance evaluation reveals that LECC can apparently improve content cache hit rate and decrease content delivery latency and transmission cost in comparison with known existing caching strategies.
Unexplained absence resulting in deaths of nursing home residents in Australia—A 13‐year retrospective study
Authors: Woolford Marta H. , Bugeja Lyndal , Weller Carolina , Johnson Marilyn , Chong Derek , Ibrahim Joseph E. 
Published: May 2018

ObjectivesTo examine deaths of Australian nursing home (NH) residents following an unexplained absence.MethodsPopulation based cross‐sectional study was conducted using coronial data from the National Coronial Information System. Participants are residents of accredited NHs if death followed an unexplained absence and was reported to the Coroner between July 1, 2000 and June 30, 2013. Individual, organisational, environmental, and unexplained absence event factors were extracted from coronial records. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics.ResultsOf 21 672 NH deaths, 24 (0.1%) followed an unexplained absence. This comprised 17 unintentional external (injury‐related) causes and 7 natural cause deaths. Drowning was the most frequent external cause of death (59%, n = 10). Deaths occurred more frequently in males (83.3%, n = 20), and in the age group 85‐94 years (37.5%, n = 9). The majority of NH residents, for whom data were available (n = 15), had a diagnosis of dementia (86.7%, n = 13). Most residents were found in waterways (41.7%, n = 10). Median distance travelled was 0.5 km (IQR: 0.25‐2.4 km), with almost 70% of residents found within 1.0 km of their NH. Most residents left the NH by foot (88.2%, n = 15). Half of the residents were found within 6 hours of time last seen (median: 6 hours, 40 minutes; IQR: 6.0‐11.45 hours).ConclusionUnexplained absences in elderly NH residents are a relatively common event. This study provides valuable information for aged care providers, governments, and search and rescue teams, and should contribute to debates about balancing issues of safety with independence.
In the Balance: Weighing Preferences of Decisionally Incapacitated Patients
Authors: Guidry‐Grimes Laura 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIn this issue of the Hastings Center Report, Jason Wasserman and Mark Navin argue that patients without decisional capacity can still have relatively stable wishes or inclinations toward one treatment option over another and that these preferences are “not devoid of moral weight and might therefore guide or at least influence treatment decisions when they cannot be defeated by other considerations.” This position is not controversial among most bioethicists. The hard work comes in sussing out the details of this position. How much moral weight do these preferences have? When should preferences be defeated by other considerations? How should we identify actual preferences, and how should preferences be differentiated and weighed against one another?
Elemental image array generation method by using optimized depth image‐based rendering algorithm for integral imaging display
Authors: Xiao Fei , Xiong Zhao‐Long , Deng Huan , Xing Yan , Wang Qiong‐Hua 
Published: May 2018

AbstractWe propose an elemental image array (EIA) generation method by using an optimized depth image‐based rendering (DIBR) algorithm. In this method, the EIA is synthesized by the reference and virtual viewpoint elemental images, and the virtual viewpoint elemental images at the given locations are generated by DIBR algorithm. We optimize the existing DIBR algorithm by adaptively repairing the warped depth images in the processing part and extend the generation dimension of the virtual viewpoint elemental images from one dimension to two dimensions. The optimized DIBR algorithm can effectively solve the problem: the low quality of virtual viewpoint elemental images caused by discontinuous depth values and disocclusion regions. We also implement the generations of virtual viewpoint elemental images and EIA in graph processing unit to reduce the time cost. Experimental results show that the proposed method can not only improve the quality of the virtual viewpoint images but also accelerate the generations of the virtual viewpoint elemental images and EIA.
Cholesterol Modification of an Anticancer Drug for Efficient Incorporation into a Supramolecular Hydrogel System
Authors: Bakker Maarten H. , Grillaud Maxime , Wu Dan Jing , Fransen Peter‐Paul K. H. , de Hingh Ignace H. , Dankers Patricia Y. W. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractTreatment of cancer in the peritoneal cavity may be improved with macroscale drug delivery systems that offer control over intraperitoneal concentration of chemotherapeutic agents. Currently, suitable drug carriers to facilitate a sustained release of small hydrophilic drugs such as mitomycin C are lacking. For this purpose, a pH‐responsive supramolecular hydrogel based on ureido‐pyrimidinone (UPy) chemistry is utilized here. In order to provide a sustained release profile, a lipophilicity‐increasing cholesterol conjugation strategy is proposed that enhances affinity between the modified drug (mitomycin‐PEG24‐cholesterol, MPC) and the hydrophobic compartments in the UPy gel. Additional advantages of cholesterol conjugation include improved chemical stability and potency of mitomycin C. In vitro the tunability of the system to obtain optimal effective concentrations over time is demonstrated with a combinatorial treatment of mitomycin C and MPC in one UPy hydrogel delivery system.
Organic Arsenicals as Functional Motifs in Polymer and Biomaterials Science
Authors: Tanaka Joji , Davis Thomas P. , Wilson Paul 
Published: May 2018

AbstractArsenic (As) exhibits diverse (bio)chemical reactivity and biological activity depending upon its oxidation state. However, this distinctive reactivity has been largely overlooked across many fields owing to concerns regarding the toxicity of arsenic. Recently, a clinical renaissance in the use of arsenicals, including organic arsenicals that are known to be less toxic than inorganic arsenicals, alludes to the possibility of broader acceptance and application in the field of polymer and biomaterials science. Here, current examples of polymeric/macromolecular arsenicals are reported to stimulate interest and highlight their potential as a novel platform for functional, responsive, and bioactive materials.
A coupled 3‐dimensional bonded discrete element and lattice Boltzmann method for fluid‐solid coupling in cohesive geomaterials
Authors: Wang Min , Feng Y.T. , Pande G.N. , Zhao T.T. 
Published: May 2018

SummaryThis paper presents a 3D bonded discrete element and lattice Boltzmann method for resolving the fluid‐solid interaction involving complicated fluid‐particle coupling in geomaterials. In the coupled technique, the solid material is treated as an assembly of bonded and/or granular particles. A bond model accounting for strain softening in normal contact is incorporated into the discrete element method to simulate the mechanical behaviour of geomaterials, whilst the fluid flow is solved by the lattice Boltzmann method based on kinetic theory and statistical mechanics. To provide a bridge between theory and application, a 3D algorithm of immersed moving boundary scheme was proposed for resolving fluid‐particle interaction. To demonstrate the applicability and accuracy of this coupled method, a benchmark called quicksand, in which particles become fluidised under the driving of upward fluid flow, is first carried out. The critical hydraulic gradient obtained from the numerical results matches the theoretical value. Then, numerical investigation of the performance of granular filters generated according to the well‐acknowledged design criteria is given. It is found that the proposed 3D technique is promising, and the instantaneous migration of the protected soils can be readily observed. Numerical results prove that the filters which comply with the design criteria can effectively alleviate or eliminate the appearance of particle erosion in dams.
On vertical dynamic stability and cross‐section optimization of closed‐ended hollow pile by considering soil compaction effects
Authors: Hu Wentao , Wang Ning , Xu Changjie , Yuan Feng , Jin Zijie 
Published: May 2018

SummaryThis paper conducts a comprehensive study on the effects of expansion force after pile driving on the vertical vibration of the hollow pile. The initial radially inhomogeneous strain field of soil in disturbed soil region and dynamic shear modulus of remolded soil are constructed by applying the cylindrical cavity expansion method. The equation governing the incremental motion of the soil is consequently deduced on the basis of incremental deformations superposed on an underlying finite deformation. The longitudinal impedance of the top of the pile and the velocity response in frequency and time domains are also numerically studied. The relations between the expansion force after pile driving and the velocity response of the pile with different wall thickness are discussed accordingly. The results suggest that a pile has a better dynamical stability when the characteristics of the section are optimized and interacting force with soil medium gets smaller.
Effects of different sterilization processes on the properties of a novel 3D‐printed polycaprolactone stent
Authors: Guerra Antonio J. , Cano Paula , Rabionet Marc , Puig Teresa , Ciurana Joaquim 
Published: May 2018

Bioresorbable stents (BRS) offer the potential to improve long‐term patency rates by providing support just long enough for the artery to heal itself. While manufacturing methods to produce BRS using the appropriate architecture, material and mechanical studies, etc., have received much attention, the effects subsequent sterilization methods have on BRS properties are overlooked. Sterilization process can change a device's properties. This work presents the effects ethanol, ultraviolet light (UV), and antibiotic sterilization processes at 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16 hours have on a novel 3D‐printed polycaprolactone stent. The stents were analysed using sterility tests, scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, mass spectrometry, for molecular weight, and degradation tests. Results have shown ethanol to be an effective sterilization treatment as it barely affected the material's properties. On the other hand, UV had a considerable influence (mainly produced by the photodegradation of UV irradiation) on crystallinity and molecular weight. Lastly, while antibiotic sterilization did not affect crystallinity to the same degree, it did substantially reduce the molecular weight of the samples. Ethanol results in being the best sterilization method for the high material requirements that medical devices such as stents have.