bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Pre‐Appointment Consultation Triage on Patient Selection and Revenue Generation in a University Rheumatology Practice
Authors: West Sterling G. , Pearson Duane W. , Striebich Christopher C. , Goecker Ryan , Kolfenbach Jason R. 
Published: July 2018

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of pre‐appointment consult screening to identify patients with autoimmune and inflammatory rheumatic disease (AIRD) and to evaluate the revenue implications of routine outpatient care of patients with AIRD compared to that of non‐AIRD patients.MethodsUsing data in the electronic medical records, we retrospectively analyzed all new outpatients who were referred for rheumatology consults during a 9‐month period for a final diagnosis and revenue generation for routine outpatient care over 1 year following the consult review or initial evaluation.ResultsA total of 961 patients were referred to the outpatient rheumatology clinic and underwent pre‐appointment triage. Overall, 673 patients were approved for evaluation of AIRD, and 288 patients were denied rheumatology consultation. Patients were seen an average of 13 days after the consult review. Among patients who were approved for consult, 597 came for evaluation, with 357 diagnosed as having an AIRD and 240 with a non‐AIRD. Among patients who were denied a consult, 128 had 1‐year follow‐up data, with 6 patients eventually diagnosed as having an AIRD (consult triage sensitivity 98%, positive predictive value 60%). The consult triage system allowed more AIRD patients to be seen over a 1‐year period. Revenue data for outpatient care was available for 318 of 357 patients with an AIRD and 192 of 240 non‐AIRD patients and showed that care for patients with an AIRD generates 44 times more revenue compared to care for non‐AIRD patients ($5,877 per AIRD patient versus $134 per non‐AIRD patient; P < 0.001).ConclusionPre‐appointment consult screening is an effective method to identify patients with an AIRD. This approach enables timely access to care for patients with the highest need for evaluation and results in significantly more revenue generation.
Ionic Strength and the Supporting Material Strongly Influence the Adhesion of Silica to Supported Lipid Bilayers
Authors: Wittmann Christoph G. , Kamenac Andrej , Strobl Florian G. , Czubak Dietmar , Wixforth Achim , Westerhausen Christoph 
Published: July 2018

AbstractIn the context of cell–nanoparticle interaction, the question arises how ions influence the adhesion between nanoparticles and cell membranes. Here, the question is addressed how the adhesion energy between supported lipid bilayers and silica particles helps to understand nanoparticle uptake. Supported lipid bilayers on mica and glass substrates serve as simple, well‐defined, and reproducible membrane models. Using atomic force microscopy with modified cantilevers, the interaction energy of both is found to result in a distinctive dependence on the supporting material. The adhesion energy for 1,2‐dioleoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine on mica substrates shows a clear dependence on the NaCl concentration. On glass supports, in contrast, stronger adhesive forces lacking a systematic dependence are found. This is related to experiments where the uptake of silica nanoparticles in free‐standing vesicles is observed. While the qualitative dependence of the interaction strength on the ion concentration is definitely confirmed, the quantitative values of the adhesion energy can hardly be transferred to vesicles. These prospects and challenges also hold for investigations of more complex biological cell membranes in which increasing complexity inevitably also will increase the challenges. Due to the limited transferability of results obtained in situations of different symmetry and geometry, the combination of different methods is suggested.
Battery Electrode Materials with Omnivalent Cation Storage for Fast and Charge‐Efficient Ion Removal of Asymmetric Capacitive Deionization
Authors: Choi Seungyeon , Chang Barsa , Kim Seoni , Lee Jiho , Yoon Jeyong , Choi Jang Wook 
Published: July 2018

AbstractCapacitive deionization (CDI) that engages porous carbon electrodes constitutes one of the well‐established energy‐efficient desalination methods. However, improvement in desalination performance, including ion removal capacity, ion removal rate, and charge efficiency remains requisite for a wide range of applications. Herein, an ion‐exchange membrane‐free asymmetric CDI is introduced by pairing a metal organic framework (MOF), namely, K0.03Cu[Fe(CN)6]0.65·0.43H2O and porous carbon. The exclusive intercalation of cations into the MOF prevents the reverse adsorption of co‐ions (anions), thus significantly improving ion removal capacity (23.2 mg g−1) and charge efficiency (75.8%). Moreover, by utilizing the advantage of the MOF that diverse mono‐ and divalent cations can be stored in the narrow redox potential range, the asymmetric CDI allows simultaneous capture of mono‐ and divalent cations, thus achieving omnivalent cation removal. Moreover, cations are intercalated in the hydrated forms without a discrete phase transition of the host structure, facilitating rapid desalination by reducing the desolvation energy penalty, which results in a high ion removal rate of 0.24 mg g−1 s−1. This study offers a new design principle in CDI: the integration of a crystal structure with large ionic channels that enable hydrated intercalation of multivalent ions in a fast and exclusive manner.
Responsive Assembly of Upconversion Nanoparticles for pH‐Activated and Near‐Infrared‐Triggered Photodynamic Therapy of Deep Tumors
Authors: Li Fangyuan , Du Yang , Liu Jianan , Sun Heng , Wang Jin , Li Ruiqing , Kim Dokyoon , Hyeon Taeghwan , Ling Daishun 
Published: July 2018

AbstractUpconversion nanoparticle (UCNP)‐mediated photodynamic therapy has shown great effectiveness in increasing the tissue‐penetration depth of light to combat deep‐seated tumors. However, the inevitable phototoxicity to normal tissues resulting from the lack of tumor selectivity remains as a major challenge. Here, the development of tumor‐pH‐sensitive photodynamic nanoagents (PPNs) comprised of self‐assembled photosensitizers grafted pH‐responsive polymeric ligands and UCNPs is reported. Under neutral pH conditions, photosensitizers aggregated in the PPNs are self‐quenched; however, upon entry into a tumor microenvironment with lower pH, the PPNs not only exhibit enhanced tumor‐cell internalization due to charge reversal but also are further disassembled into well‐dispersed nanoparticles in the endo/lysosomes of tumor cells, enabling the efficient activation of photosensitizers. The results demonstrate the attractive properties of both UCNP‐mediated deep‐tissue penetration of light and high therapeutic selectivity in vitro and in vivo.
Ultrapermeable Thin Film ZIF‐8/Polyamide Membrane for H2/CO2 Separation at High Temperature without Using Sweep Gas
Authors: Sánchez‐Laínez Javier , Paseta Lorena , Navarro Marta , Zornoza Beatriz , Téllez Carlos , Coronas Joaquín 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe use of thin film composites containing metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) as filler is of widespread interest for nanofiltration issues, since their thin selective layer allows a high permeation flow. The application of this kind of membranes for gas separation should provide a better permeance in comparison with other polymeric membranes and a reduction in the amount of MOF required for their fabrication. Here, the preparation of 50–100 nm thick polyamide flat membranes containing zeolitic imidazolate framework‐8 (ZIF‐8) nanoparticles is shown via interfacial polymerization, containing a lower amount of MOF (0.013 g m−2 membrane) as compared to other membranes used for gas separation. The membranes are applied for H2/CO2 separation at high temperatures and pressures, showing a stable performance at 180 °C for at least seven days. Outstanding separation values are 328 GPU of H2 and a H2/CO2 selectivity of 18.1 at 180 °C and 6 bar feed without transmembrane pressure. These membranes, also measurable without sweep gas, are highly suitable for industrial application.
High Efficiency Thermoacoustic Loudspeaker Made with a Silica Aerogel Substrate
Authors: La Torraca Paolo , Bobinger Marco , Pavan Paolo , Becherer Markus , Zhao Shanyu , Koebel Matthias , Cattani Luca , Lugli Paolo , Larcher Luca 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe extremely low thermal effusivity of the silica aerogel is exploited to develop a high efficiency thermoacoustic (TA) loudspeaker with solid substrate. The deposition of the electrically conductive, low heat capacity active film on the silica aerogel surface is achieved with both the spray coating of silver nanowires and the sputter coating of gold films. The uniform spray coating of the hydrophobic silica aerogel is enabled by a low pressure plasma treatment, which however impairs its robustness. The spray‐coated samples prove to be fragile when subjected to elevated temperatures and thus not suitable for TA applications. Sputter coating, not requiring any treatment of the aerogel surface, allows the fabrication of working TA loudspeaker samples with a 100 nm gold active film. The electroacoustic response of the gold‐sputtered silica aerogel TA loudspeaker is characterized at different input power levels. The experimental results are compared with those present in literature, showing an improved efficiency with respect to the other TA loudspeakers with solid substrate.
Effects of PM2.5 on mucus secretion and tissue remodeling in a rabbit model of chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Zhao Renwu , Guo Zhiqiang , Dong Weiyang , Deng Congrui , Han Zhijin , Liu Jian , Wang Hanwei , Zhuang Guoshun , Zhang Ruxin 
Published: July 2018

BackgroundAccording to epidemiologic studies, fine particulate matter (particulate matter ≤2.5 μm, PM2.5) is closely associated with increases in the incidence and severity of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). However, the role of PM2.5 in the pathophysiology of CRS remains largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the effects of PM2.5 on nasal cilia, tissue remodeling, and mucus hypersecretion in a rabbit model of CRS.MethodsCRS rabbits were exposed to ambient PM2.5 via a PM2.5 inhalation exposure system. The degree of ciliary damage was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Histopathologic changes were determined using periodic acid‐Schiff (PAS) staining of goblet cells and Masson trichrome (MT) staining for collagen in the nasal mucosa. MUC5AC expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry.ResultsPM2.5 exposure substantially aggravated ciliary disruption in rabbits with CRS. PM2.5 also significantly increased goblet cell hyperplasia and collagen deposition, as reflected by PAS and MT staining. The nasal mucosa of CRS rabbits displayed markedly elevated MUC5AC expression after PM2.5 exposure.ConclusionIncreases in ciliary disruption, nasal remodeling, and mucus hypersecretion may be the pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying the PM2.5‐induced aggravation of CRS.
Effects of early postoperative nasal decongestant on symptom relief after septoplasty
Authors: Dağli Elif , Ocak Emre , Mirici Emre , Kaya Mesut , Acar Aydın 
Published: July 2018

BackgroundA randomized, prospective, double‐blinded clinical study was conducted at a single, tertiary referral center. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of nasal decongestant use in the early postoperative period after septoplasty.MethodsAfter septoplasty, patients who met the study inclusion criteria were randomized into 2 groups to receive either physiologic saline irrigation (saline group) or physiologic saline irrigation plus oxymetazoline hydrochloride 0.05% nasal spray (saline+oxymetazoline group). Visual analog scale (VAS) scores for bleeding, pain, and nasal crusting; Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scores; and rhinomanometric measurements were assessed pre‐ and postoperatively.ResultsThe VAS scores for bleeding and nasal crusting of patients in the saline+oxymetazoline group were significantly lower compared with the saline group (p < 0.005). VAS scores for pain were similar between the groups (p > 0.05). Total nasal resistance and NOSE scores of patients in the saline+oxymetazoline group were significantly lower than in saline group after surgery (p < 0.005).ConclusionThe use of nasal decongestant sprays in the very early postoperative period is beneficial to reduce the postsurgical nasal crusting and bleeding symptoms and also for decreasing nasal resistance in this edematous period.
Rapid and Mild Synthesis of Amino Acid N‐Carboxy Anhydrides: Basic‐to‐Acidic Flash Switching in a Microflow Reactor
Authors: Otake Yuma , Nakamura Hiroyuki , Fuse Shinichiro 
Published: July 2018

AbstractPolymerization of N‐carboxy anhydrides (NCAs) is the primary process used to prepare polypeptides. The synthesis of various pure NCAs is key to the efficient synthesis of polypeptides. The only practical method that can be used to synthesize NCAs requires harsh acidic conditions that make acid‐labile substrates unusable and results in an undesired ring opening of NCAs. Basic‐to‐acidic flash switching and subsequent flash dilution technology in a microflow reactor was used to demonstrate the synthesis of NCAs. It is both rapid (0.1 s) and mild (20 °C) and includes substrates containing acid‐labile functional groups. The basic‐to‐acidic flash switching enabled both an acceleration of the desired NCA formation and avoided the undesired ring opening of NCAs. The flash dilution precluded the undesired decomposition of acid‐labile functional groups. The developed process allowed the synthesis of various NCAs which cannot be readily synthesized using conventional batch methods.
Mechanistic Studies on the Organocatalytic α‐Chlorination of Aldehydes: The Role and Nature of Off‐Cycle Intermediates
Authors: Ponath Sebastian , Menger Martina , Grothues Lydia , Weber Manuela , Lentz Dieter , Strohmann Carsten , Christmann Mathias 
Published: July 2018

AbstractHerein we report the isolation and characterization of aminal intermediates in the organocatalytic α‐chlorination of aldehydes. These species are stable covalent ternary adducts of the substrate, the catalyst and the chlorinating reagent. NMR‐assisted kinetic studies and isotopic labeling experiments with the isolated intermediate did not support its involvement in downstream stereoselective processes as proposed by Blackmond. By tuning the reactivity of the chlorinating reagent, we were able to suppress the accumulation of rate‐limiting off‐cycle intermediates. As a result, an efficient and highly enantioselective catalytic system with a broad functional group tolerance was developed.
Strain‐Induced Double Carbon–Carbon Bond Activations of Cycloparaphenylenes by a Platinum Complex: Application to the Synthesis of Cyclic Diketones
Authors: Kayahara Eiichi , Hayashi Toshiki , Takeuchi Katsuhiko , Ozawa Fumiyuki , Ashida Keita , Ogoshi Sensuke , Yamago Shigeru 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe carbon–carbon (C−C) bond activation of [n]cycloparaphenylenes ([n]CPPs) by a transition‐metal complex is herein reported. The Pt0 complex Pt(PPh3)4 regioselectively cleaves two C−C σ bonds of [5] CPP and [6]CPP to give cyclic dinuclear platinum complexes in high yields. Theoretical calculations reveal that the relief of ring strain drives the reaction. The cyclic complex was further transformed into a cyclic diketone by using a CO insertion reaction.
Surface‐Assisted Self‐Assembly of a Hydrogel by Proton Diffusion
Authors: Spitzer Daniel , Marichez Vincent , Formon Georges J. M. , Besenius Pol , Hermans Thomas M. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractControlling supramolecular growth at solid surfaces is of great importance to expand the scope of supramolecular materials. A dendritic benzene‐1,3,5‐tricarboxamide peptide conjugate is described in which assembly can be triggered by a pH jump. Stopped‐flow kinetics and mathematical modeling provide a quantitative understanding of the nucleation, elongation, and fragmentation behavior in solution. To assemble the molecule at a solid–liquid interface, we use proton diffusion from the bulk. The latter needs to be slower than the lag phase of nucleation to progressively grow a hydrogel outwards from the surface. Our method of surface‐assisted self‐assembly is generally applicable to other gelators, and can be used to create structured supramolecular materials.
Dynamic Covalent Identification of an Efficient Heparin Ligand
Authors: Corredor Miriam , Carbajo Daniel , Domingo Cecilia , Pérez Yolanda , Bujons Jordi , Messeguer Angel , Alfonso Ignacio 
Published: July 2018

AbstractDespite heparin being the most widely used macromolecular drug, the design of small‐molecule ligands to modulate its effects has been hampered by the structural properties of this polyanionic polysaccharide. Now a dynamic covalent selection approach is used to identify a new ligand for heparin, assembled from extremely simple building blocks. The amplified molecule strongly binds to heparin (KD in the low μm range, ITC) by a combination of electrostatic, hydrogen bonding, and CH–π interactions as shown by NMR and molecular modeling. Moreover, this ligand reverts the inhibitory effect of heparin within an enzymatic cascade reaction related to blood coagulation. This study demonstrates the power of dynamic covalent chemistry for the discovery of new modulators of biologically relevant glycosaminoglycans.
High‐Throughput Metabolomics by 1D NMR
Authors: Vignoli Alessia , Ghini Veronica , Meoni Gaia , Licari Cristina , Takis Panteleimon G. , Tenori Leonardo , Turano Paola , Luchinat Claudio 
Published: July 2018

AbstractMetabolomics deals with the whole ensemble of metabolites (the metabolome). As one of the ‐omic sciences, it relates to biology, physiology, pathology and medicine; but metabolites are chemical entities, small organic molecules or inorganic ions. Therefore, their proper identification and quantitation in complex biological matrices requires a solid chemical ground. With respect to for example, DNA, metabolites are much more prone to oxidation or enzymatic degradation: we can reconstruct large parts of a mammoth's genome from a small specimen, but we are unable to do the same with its metabolome, which was probably largely degraded a few hours after the animal's death. Thus, we need standard operating procedures, good chemical skills in sample preparation for storage and subsequent analysis, accurate analytical procedures, a broad knowledge of chemometrics and advanced statistical tools, and a good knowledge of at least one of the two metabolomic techniques, MS or NMR. All these skills are traditionally cultivated by chemists. Here we focus on metabolomics from the chemical standpoint and restrict ourselves to NMR. From the analytical point of view, NMR has pros and cons but does provide a peculiar holistic perspective that may speak for its future adoption as a population‐wide health screening technique.
The understorey of gorgonian forests in mesophotic temperate reefs
Authors: Ponti Massimo , Turicchia Eva , Ferro Francesca , Cerrano Carlo , Abbiati Marco 
Published: July 2018

Abstract

In the Mediterranean Sea, dense populations of the gorgonian Paramuricea clavata shape marine animal forests, characterizing the seascapes of coralligenous habitats. Despite concerns for its health, with several anthropogenic threats and recent mass mortality events, mainly triggered by thermal anomalies, the understorey of its forests and the ecological processes that they promote are still little known. Here, the abundance and composition of epibenthic assemblages inside and outside P. clavata forests were investigated across the central and western Mediterranean Sea, by applying a multifactorial sampling design.
In spite of the large variability in the structures of epibenthic assemblages at local and regional scales, the gorgonian understoreys share some common features, such as higher abundances of calcareous builder organisms and reduced invasion by the non‐indigenous alga Caulerpa cylindracea, compared with the adjacent unforested rocky bottoms. Paramuricea clavata showed non‐linear density‐dependent relationships with algal turfs and non‐encrusting algae belonging to the genus Peyssonnelia. Moreover, by entrapping benthic mucilaginous aggregates with their branches, these gorgonians risk topical necrotic lesions, but may reduce the suffocation risks for understorey organisms.
Overall, P. clavata forests may enhance bioconstruction processes and increase resistance and resilience of the benthic assemblages in the Mediterranean coralligenous habitats. This species and its forests, together with their understoreys, should be considered as essential elements of the ecology of the Mediterranean Sea, and therefore worthy of specific and effective protection measures.
Conservation strategies should reduce the risk of mechanical damage by regulating fishing activities, anchorages, and scuba diving where gorgonian forests are present. Moreover, when evident alterations are documented, restoration actions should be implemented to recover the integrity of gorgonian forests.
Synthesis of three triterpene series and their activity against respiratory syncytial virus
Authors: Santos da Silva Gloria N. , Monti Atik Diana , Antunes Fernandes Jheini L. , de Freitas do Nascimento Deise , Fazolo Tiago , Duarte de Souza Ana Paula , Baggio Gnoatto Simone C. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) is a leading cause of hospitalization due to acute lower respiratory infection especially in infants and young children, sometimes causing fatal cases. The monoclonal antibody palivizumab is one of the available options for preventing this virus, and at the moment there are several hRSV vaccine trials underway. Unfortunately, the only drug option to treat hRSV infection is ribavirin, which can be used in severe high‐risk cases. For this reason, new medicines are needed and, in this context, the triterpenes and their derivatives are promising alternatives, since many of them have shown important antiviral activity, such as bevirimat. Therefore, we report three series of triterpene (betulin (BE), betulinic acid (BA), and ursolic acid (UA)) derivatives tested against hRSV. The derivatives were synthesized by using commercial anhydrides in an easy and inexpensive step reaction. For the antiviral assay, A549 cells were infected by hRSV and after 96 h of compound or ribavirin (positive control) treatment, the cell viability was tested by MTT assay. DMSO, non‐infected cells and infected cells without treatment were used as negative control. The triterpene esterification at the hydroxyl group resulted in 17 derivatives. The 3,28‐di‐O‐acetylbetulin derivative (1a) showed the best results for cell viability, and real‐time PCR amplification was performed for 1a treatment. Remarkably, one new anti‐hRSV prototype was obtained through an easy synthesis of BE, which shall represent an alternative for a new lead compound for anti‐hRSV therapy.