bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of peripheral artery disease with in‐hospital outcomes after endovascular transcatheter aortic valve replacement
Authors: Mohananey Divyanshu , Villablanca Pedro , Gupta Tanush , Ranka Sagar , Bhatia Nirmanmoh , Adegbala Oluwole , Ando Tomo , Wang Dee Dee , Wiley Jose M. , Eng Marvin , Kalra Ankur , Ramakrishna Harish , Shah Binita , O'Neill William , Saucedo Jorge , Bhatt Deepak L. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of peripheral artery disease (PAD) and its association with in‐hospital outcomes after endovascular transcatheter aortic valve replacement (EV‐TAVR).BackgroundTAVR is an established treatment for patients at prohibitive, high, or intermediate surgical risk. PAD is a significant comorbidity in the determination of surgical risk. However, data on association of PAD with outcomes after EV‐TAVR are limited.MethodsPatients in the National Inpatient Sample who underwent EV‐TAVR between January 1, 2012 and September 30, 2015 were evaluated. The primary outcome was in‐hospital mortality.ResultsA total of 51,685 patients underwent EV‐TAVR during the study period. Of these, 12,740 (24.6%) had a coexisting diagnosis of PAD. The adjusted odds for in‐hospital mortality [OR 1.08 (95% CI 0.83–1.41)], permanent pacemaker implantation [OR 0.98 (0.85–1.14)], conversion to open aortic valve replacement [OR 1.05 (0.49–2.26)], or acute myocardial infarction [OR 1.31(0.99–1.71)] were not different in patients with versus without PAD. However, patients with PAD had greater adjusted odds of vascular complications [OR 1.80 (1.50–2.16)], major bleeding [OR 1.20 (1.09–1.34)], acute kidney injury (AKI) [OR 1.19 (1.05–1.36)], cardiac complications [aOR 1.21 (1.01–1.44)], and stroke [OR 1.39(1.10–1.75)] compared with patients without PAD. Length of stay (LOS) was significantly longer for patients with PAD [7.23 (0.14) days vs. 7.11 (0.1) days, p < 0.001].ConclusionOf patients undergoing EV‐TAVR, ~25% have coexisting PAD. PAD was not associated with increased risk of in‐hospital mortality but was associated with higher risk of vascular complications, major bleeding, AKI, stroke, cardiac complications, and longer LOS.
Regeneration/Optimization of Activated Carbon Monolith in Simultaneous SO2/NOx Removal from Flue Gas
Authors: Silas Kiman , Wan Abdul Karim Ghani W. A. , Choong Thomas S. Y. , Rashid Umer , Soltani Soroush 
Published: April 2019

AbstractDue to the adverse effects of SO2/NOx on humans and the environment, environmental regulations necessitate the control of their emission. In this study, an activated carbon monolith was synthesized with cobalt oxide (ACM‐Co3O4) for the purpose of simultaneous SO2/NOx removal from flue gas generated by coal combustion. Average regeneration efficiencies of 92.7 and 94.2 % were obtained for SO2 and NOx, respectively. The Langmuir model can adequately describe the experimental results of the ACM‐Co3O4 adsorbent in SO2 and NOx removal. The key regeneration parameters were optimized by using the response surface methodology (RSM). The RSM results revealed that the statistical prediction and experimental results were in agreement.
Rupture of Wetting Films Formed by Bubbles at a Quartz Surface in Cationic Surfactant Solutions
Authors: Wiertel-Pochopien Agata , Zawala Jan 
Published: April 2019

AbstractExperimental studies were performed on the kinetics of the three‐phase contact formation and bubble attachment to a quartz surface in solutions of a cationic surfactant of various concentrations. By tuning the distance between the single‐bubble formation point and the quartz surface immersed in the solution, the influence of the state of the dynamic adsorption layer over a rising bubble on the mechanism of rupture of a wetting film formed was elucidated. Based on the unique methodology, allowing precise control over the initial degree of adsorption coverage at the detaching bubble, new evidence was found confirming the electrostatic character of the wetting film rupture in cationic surfactant solutions of low concentrations.
Homogeneously Distributed NiFe Alloy Nanoparticles on 3D Carbon Fiber Network as a Bifunctional Electrocatalyst for Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Lv Yanlong , Batool Aisha , Wei Yuxuan , Xin Qi , Boddula Rajender , Jan Saad Ullah , Akram Muhammad Zain , Tian Liangqiu , Guo Beidou , Gong Jian Ru 
Published: April 2019

AbstractOverall water splitting is a promising way to alleviate the energy crisis by producing renewable and clean hydrogen fuel. The development of highly efficient, low cost, and stable electrocatalysts is of great importance for the large‐scale application of overall water splitting. Herein, we report an effective and facile strategy to prepare non‐noble nickel‐iron (NiFe) alloy nanoparticles (NPs) decorated on oxidized carbon cloth (OCC) as a bifunctional electrocatalyst for overall water splitting. The homogeneous dispersion of small‐sized NPs achieved by anchoring the metal species to oxygen‐containing groups on the OCC support, together with the 3D conductive nature of the scaffold, ensures optimal exposure of active metal sites and also results in high electrical conductivity. As a result, our electrocatalyst affords superior oxygen evolution reaction activity with a low overpotential of 281 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and is also stable for up to around 17 h in an alkaline electrolyte; the catalyst also demonstrates a high efficiency for overall water splitting. Our strategy has, therefore, great potential for practical energy conversion applications.
Metal⋅⋅⋅F−C Bonding in Low‐Coordinate Alkaline Earth Fluoroarylamides
Authors: Roueindeji Hanieh , Ratsifitahina Antsa , Roisnel Thierry , Dorcet Vincent , Kahlal Samia , Saillard Jean‐Yves , Carpentier Jean‐François , Sarazin Yann 
Published: April 2019

AbstractA set of calcium and barium complexes containing the fluoroarylamide N(C6F5)2− is presented. These compounds illustrate the key role of stabilising M⋅⋅⋅F−C secondary interactions in the construction of low‐coordinate alkaline earth complexes. The nature of Ca⋅⋅⋅F−C bonding in calcium complexes is examined in the light of structural data, bond valence sum (BVS) analysis and DFT computations. The molecular structures of [Ca{N(C6F5)2}2(Et2O)2] (4′), [Ca{μ‐N(SiMe3)2}{N(C6F5)2}]2 (52), [Ba{μ‐N(C6F5)2}{N(C6F5)2}⋅toluene]2 (62), [{BDIDiPP}CaN(C6F5)2]2 (72), [{N^NDiPP}CaN(C6F5)2]2 (82), and [Ca{μ‐OB(CH(SiMe3)2)2}{N(C6F5)2}]2 (92), where {BDIDiPP}− and {N^NDiPP}− are the bidentate ligands CH[C(CH3)NDipp]2− and DippNC6H4CNDipp− (Dipp=2,6‐iPr2‐C6H3), are detailed. Complex 62 displays strong Ba⋅⋅⋅F−C contacts at around 2.85 Å. The calcium complexes feature also very short intramolecular Ca−F interatomic distances at around 2.50 Å. In addition, the three‐coordinate complexes 72 and 82 form dinuclear structures due to intermolecular Ca⋅⋅⋅F−C contacts. BVS analysis shows that Ca⋅⋅⋅F−C interactions contribute to 15–20 % of the bonding pattern around calcium. Computations demonstrate that Ca⋅⋅⋅F−C bonding is mostly electrostatic, but also contains a non‐negligible covalent contribution. They also suggest that Ca⋅⋅⋅F−C are the strongest amongst the range of weak Ca⋅⋅⋅X (X=F, H, Cπ) secondary interactions, due to the high positive charge of Ca2+ which favours electrostatic interactions.
Aspects of NMR reciprocity and applications in highly conductive media
Authors: Ilott Andrew J. , Jerschow Alexej 
Published: April 2019

AbstractIn the context of NMR spectroscopy and MRI, the principle of reciprocity provides a convenient method for determining the reception sensitivity from the transmitted rf field pattern. The reciprocity principle for NMR was originally described by Hoult et al (J Magn Reson. 1976;24:71) and is related to the broader Lorentz reciprocity principle and similar theorems from antenna theory. One frequent application of the reciprocity principle is that for a single coil used for both transmission and detection, the transmit and receive fields can be assumed to be equal. This aspect is also where some of the conceptual difficulty of applying the theorem may be encountered. For example, the questions of whether one should use the complex conjugate field for detection or whether one should apply the theorem in the rotating frame or in the laboratory frame may give rise to considerable confusion. We attempt here to provide a helpful discussion of the application of the reciprocity principle in such a way as to clarify some of the confounding questions. In particular, we avoid the use of the “negatively rotating frame,” which is frequently mentioned in this context, since we consider it to unnecessarily complicate the matter. In addition, we also discuss the implications of the theorem for magnetic resonance experiments on conducting samples, and metals, in particular.
Role of the Geometry Restriction and Quasi‐Degeneracy of the Excited States in Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence: A Density Functional Theory Study of Carbzolyl‐Bispyridinylmethanone Derivatives
Authors: Ahn Chang Hwan , Kim Dongwook 
Published: April 2019

AbstractWe theoretically investigated the photophysical and excited‐state properties of carbazolyl‐bispyridinylmethanone (Cbz‐PyM) derivatives as thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) emitters, for example, the energies of the low‐lying singlet and triplet excited states, their natures, energy differences between them, intersystem crossing (ISC), and fluorescence rate constants. Our results match reasonably well the experimental data; the difference between the theoretical and experimental values provides a useful insight into the role of structural restriction in the solid‐state film, which particularly has a distinctive impact on the singlet excited states. In addition, via a comparison between molecules, either with one or two carbazolyl subunits, we found that a quasi‐degeneracy in the excited states can enhance the ISC, fluorescence, and hence TADF efficiency. We also proposed a molecular design strategy for these degeneracies in the excited states.
Ameliorative Role of Cabernet Sauvignon Seed Oil on Hyperlipidemia, Inflammation, and Oxidative Stress in Mice
Authors: Li Xiaojing , Shen Yingbin , Tang Na , Zhu Jianhong , Xiao Junyong , Cong Renhuai , Zhang Hui , Wu Gangcheng , Qi Xiguang 
Published: April 2019

Virgin Cabernet Sauvignon grape seed oil (VGSO) contains high levels of linoleic acid (74%), and total unsaturated fatty acids amount to about 88%. In comparison to other edible oils, VGSO also contains an abundance of endogenous antioxidants, such as tocopherols, tocotrienols, and phenolic compounds, the consumption of which has been positively associated with improvements in health status. This study is the first to investigate regulatory mechanisms of VGSO on hyperlipidemia in mice fed a high‐fat diet via exploration of changes in the expression patterns of genes associated with lipid metabolism. Results show that liver CAT and GSH‐px levels are higher and liver MDA concentrations are lower in the VGSO group as compared to those of CO and LO groups. In addition, concentrations of liver pro‐inflammatory cytokines are significantly decreased in mice fed VGSO, likely associated with the down‐regulation of TNF‐α and IL‐6. In addition, hyperlipidemia in mice can be ameliorated by consumption of VGSO through the up‐regulation of PPARα expression and down‐regulation of the expressions of SREBP‐1c, ACC, and FAS. In addition, findings also suggest that unsaponifiables are the most important factor in regulating lipid metabolism and protecting the liver.Practical Applications: Virgin Cabernet Sauvignon grape seed oil (VGSO) is rich in linoleic acid, phytosterols, tocopherols/tocotrienols, and phenolic compounds. VGSO has been reported to have the potential beneficial effects on hyperlipidemia. This study further investigates regulatory mechanisms of VGSO on hyperlipidemia in mice fed a high‐fat diet via exploration of changes in the expression patterns of genes associated with lipid metabolism. This study also investigates the effect of VGSO on improving inflammation and oxidative stress in mice and key component of VGSO for regulating lipid metabolism and protecting the liver. This research will provide a theoretical basis for the development of functional grape seed oil.Virgin grape seed oil (VGSO) is produced to increase added values of the wine industry due to the fact that it contains high level of unsaturated fatty acids and endogenous antioxidants. This study investigates the effect of VGSO on mice fed a high‐fat diet, and finds that VGSO can improve inflammation in mice via down‐regulation of TNF‐α and IL‐6 expression.
Preparation, Physical Characterization, and In Vitro Skin Permeation of Deformable Liposomes Loaded with Taxifolin and Taxifolin Tetraoctanoate
Authors: Kim A. Rang , An Hyun Jin , Jang Eun Sang , Lee Jae Duk , Park Soo Nam 
Published: April 2019

This research focuses on deformable liposomes that have great potential as carriers of transdermal drug delivery. In this study, deformable liposomes are prepared using the natural surfactants polyglyceryl‐2 caprate and polyglyceryl‐10 stearate along with phosphatidylcholine and cholesterol to enhance skin penetration of taxifolin and taxifolin tetraoctanoate. Sizes of liposomes made with polyglyceryl‐2 caprate and polyglyceryl‐10 stearate are 64.70–91.30 and 90.20–110.70 nm, respectively. Then entrapment efficiencies and deformability indices are measured, respectively. Liposomes containing 30% surfactant have been selected because they have high entrapment efficiency, stability, and deformability. Crystallization and skin permeation are then measured. Crystallinity is compared using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Deformable liposomes containing 30% PGL‐2 caprate and carrying taxifolin tetraoctanoate (CDLTO3) have the lowest melting point (7.55 °C), equivalenting to its highest deformability index. The liposomes are observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Skin permeation studies using Franz cells show that deformable liposomes increased drug permeation more than 1,3‐butylene glycol (1,3‐BG) and control liposomes without surfactant. In particular, when CDLTO3 is used, the amounts of taxifolin tetraoctanoate present in the stratum corneum and skin as well as the amount of permeation are greatest. In conclusion, deformable liposomes containing polyglyceryl‐2 caprate can be effective carriers for taxifolin, taxifolin tetraoctanoate.Practical Applications: Taxifolin is a flavonoid with antioxidative, antibacterial, anti‐inflammatory, and skin‐whitening properties. It would be useful in skin treatments and cosmetics if not for its poor stability. This study develops and characterizes a deformable liposome delivery method that can carry a taxifolin derivative with increased stability and provide better skin penetration compared to conventional liposome. The results can be applied to more effectively deliver beneficial drugs into the skin.Deformable liposomes using the natural surfactants polyglyceryl‐2 caprate and polyglyceryl‐10 stearate increase drug permeation more than did general liposomes. Taxifolin‐tetraoctanoate‐loaded deformable liposomes have the greatest skin permeation.
Network slice selection in softwarization‐based mobile networks
Authors: Zhao Guanqun , Qin Shuang , Feng Gang , Sun Yao 
Published: April 2019

AbstractRecently, network slicing (NS) has been introduced as a key enabler to accommodate diversified services in network functions virtualization–enabled software‐defined mobile networks. Although there has been some research work on network slice deployment and configuration, how user equipments select the most appropriate network slice is still an essential yet challenging issue, as slice selection may substantially affect the resource utilization and user Quality of Service (QoS). In this paper, we investigate the optimal selection of end‐to‐end slices with the aim of improving network resources utilization while guaranteeing the QoS of users. We formulate the optimal slice selection problem as maximizing the users satisfaction degree and prove it is NP‐hard. We thus resort to genetic algorithm (GA) to find a suboptimal solution and develop a GA‐based heuristic algorithm. The effectiveness of our proposed NS selection algorithm is validated via simulation experiments.
An investigation of the determinants for community pharmacists' positive image and the needs for community pharmacists' services in Taiwan
Authors: Tseng Kuang‐hsun , Chang Elizabeth H. , Ko Yu 
Published: April 2019

SummaryObjectivesTo examine the specific factors that the general public believes have an effect on the image of community pharmacists and also to identify community pharmacists' services that truly fulfill people's needs.MethodsA convenient sample of 401 community pharmacy customers completed the questionnaire.ResultsWhen asked about the factors that help establish a positive image for a community pharmacist, 98.3% of the respondents reported accurate dispensing as the most important factor, followed by cordial attitude (95.5%), and wearing clothes showing pharmacist's license with a photo (94.6%). Among the services provided by community pharmacies, most people think that the most needed service is a consultation explaining drug‐drug interactions (93.8%). Furthermore, 312 (77.8%) respondents indicated that there is a need for comprehensive pharmaceutical services. As for the amount that the respondents were willing to pay for such service, many (42.9%) chose 100 NT dollars (≈ 3USD).ConclusionThe results of this study showed that correct dispensing is the most important factor that helps establish a positive image of community pharmacists and that the most needed services were those that required pharmacists' professional competence. Moreover, nearly 80% of the respondents reported that they needed comprehensive pharmaceutical services and were willing to pay for it.
Factors influencing lithium pharmacokinetics in patients with acute mania: A population pharmacokinetic analysis
Authors: Methaneethorn Janthima , Sringam Sawitree 
Published: April 2019

AbstractObjectiveThe objective of this study was to conduct a population pharmacokinetic model of lithium in Thai patients with acute mania.MethodsLithium concentrations from 222 acute manic patients were included in this study. The population pharmacokinetic model was developed using NONMEM 7.3 software. Influences of potential covariates including body size, age, renal function, and gender were evaluated through a stepwise approach. Bootstrap analysis and an external validation approach were used to evaluate the robustness and predictability of the final model.ResultsA one‐compartment model adequately described lithium pharmacokinetics. Body weight and age were significant predictors for lithium clearance, with the following relationship: CL/F (L/hr) = 1.43 * (WT/65)0.425 * (age/38)−0.242. The population estimates of lithium clearance, volume of distribution, and absorption rate constant of the final model were 1.43 L/hr, 54 L (fixed), and 0.426 hr−1 (fixed), respectively. Model evaluation showed that the final model was predictive and robust.ConclusionsA population pharmacokinetic model of lithium with good performance was developed in Thai patients with acute mania. This model can be used to assist clinicians in individualized lithium therapy.
lncRNA GAS5/miR‐223/NAMPT axis modulates the cell proliferation and senescence of endothelial progenitor cells through PI3K/AKT signaling
Authors: Yao Jiamei , Shi Zanhua , Ma Xinhua , Xu Daomiao , Ming Guangfeng 
Published: April 2019

AbstractEndothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) have been reported to replace the damaged endothelial cells to repair the injured or dead endothelium. However, EPC senescence might lead to the failure in EPC function. Thus, developing an in‐depth understanding of the mechanism of EPC senescence might provide novel strategies for related vascular disorders’ treatments. Herein, nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) overexpression could increase cell proliferation and suppress cell senescence in EPCs. miR‐223 directly bound to the 3′‐untranslated region of NAMPT to inhibit its expression, therefore modulating EPC proliferation and senescence through NAMPT and phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) signaling. Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) GAS5 sponges miR‐223, consequently downregulating miR‐223 expression. GAS5 knockdown inhibited EPC proliferation and promoted senescence. GAS5 might serve as a competing endogenous RNA for miR‐223 to counteract miR‐223‐mediated suppression on NAMPT, thus regulating EPC proliferation and senescence via the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. In summary, our findings provide a solid experimental basis for understanding the role and mechanism of lncRNA GAS5/miR‐223/NAMPT axis in EPC proliferation and senescence.
Thromboxane A synthase 1 gene expression and promotor haplotypes are associated with risk of large artery‐atherosclerosis stroke in Iranian population
Authors: Ramazi Shahin , Heydari‐Zarnagh Hafez , Goudarzian Maryam , Khalaj‐Kondori Mohammad , Bonyadi Mortaza 
Published: April 2019

AbstractLarge artery atherosclerosis (LAA) is known as an important cause of ischemic stroke (IS), which is a multifactorial disorder. Many candidate genes have been proposed for IS like (TBXAS1) that plays a significant role in LAA stroke pathogenesis. This is the first study on the evaluation of the association of the five single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in TBXAS1 promoter region and the level of TBXAS1 transcript with large‐artery atherosclerosis stroke. Five SNPs in TBXAS1 genes were investigated in 248 patients with large‐artery atherosclerosis stroke and 199 healthy controls in Iranian population in this case‐control study through using the high‐resolution melting assay. In addition, the relationships between the selected SNPs with alteration of TBXAS1 gene expressions were investigated in terms of blood platelets through the reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Multivariate logistic analysis with adjustments indicated that rs10256282CC, rs10237429CC, and rs4590360GG genotypes were associated with large‐artery atherosclerosis stroke (adjusted odds ratio = 2.804, 2.872, and 2.432, respectively; P < 0.05, q < 0.05). Furthermore, the frequency of CACCG haplotype in the patients was greatly higher than that in the controls (OR = 1.424, 95% CI: 1.071‐1.893, P = 0.014738). In addition, TBXAS1 expression was higher in patients compared to the controls (P = 0.021), and individuals with the homozygous mutated genotypes of these SNPs showed a higher expression level compared to other genotype (P < 0.05). In total, our findings indicate a significant association of TBXAS1 gene rs10256282CC, rs10237429CC, and rs4590360GG polymorphisms with large‐artery atherosclerosis stroke susceptibility and the level of TBXAS1 expression, which was not previously reported in any population.