bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modeling, simulations, and optimization of smooth muscle cell tissue engineering for the production of vascular grafts
Authors: Elsayed Yahya , Lekakou Constantina , Tomlins Paul 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe paper presents a transient, continuum, two‐phase model of the tissue engineering in fibrous scaffolds, including transport equations for the flowing culture medium, nutrient and cell concentration with transverse and in‐plane diffusion and cell migration, a novel feature of local in‐plane transport across a phenomenological pore and innovative layer‐by‐layer cell filling approach. The model is successfully validated for the smooth muscle cell tissue engineering of a vascular graft using crosslinked, electrospun gelatin fiber scaffolds for both static and dynamic cell culture, the latter in a dynamic bioreactor with a rotating shaft on which the tubular scaffold is attached. Parametric studies evaluate the impact of the scaffold microstructure, cell dynamics, oxygen transport, and static or dynamic conditions on the rate and extent of cell proliferation and depth of oxygen accessibility. An optimized scaffold of 75% dry porosity is proposed that can be tissue engineered into a viable and still fully oxygenated graft of the tunica media of the coronary artery within 2 days in the dynamic bioreactor. Such scaffold also matches the mechanical properties of the tunica media of the human coronary artery and the suture retention strength of a saphenous vein, often used as a coronary artery graft.
Photoactivable Elimination of Tumorigenic Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells by Using a Lectin–Doxorubicin Prodrug Conjugate
Authors: Dion Johann , Minoshima Fumi , Saito Sayoko , Kiyoi Kayo , Hasehira Kayo , Tateno Hiroaki 
Published: February 2019

AbstractHuman pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) are attractive resources for regenerative medicine, but medical applications are hindered by their tumorigenic potential. Previously, a hPSC‐specific lectin probe, rBC2LCN, was identified through comprehensive glycome analysis by using high‐density lectin microarrays. Herein, a lectin–doxorubicin (DOX) prodrug conjugate, with controllable photolysis activation for the elimination of tumorigenic human induced pluripotent stem cells, has been developed. rBC2LCN was fused with a biotin‐binding protein, tamavidin (BC2Tama), and the fusion protein was expressed in Escherichia coli and purified by means of affinity chromatography. BC2Tama was then conjugated with doxorubicin‐photocleavable biotin (DOXPCB). The BC2Tama–DOXPCB conjugates were observed to bind to hPSCs followed by internalization. Upon exposure to ultraviolet light, DOX was released inside the cells, which allowed specific killing of the hPSCs. Thus, BC2Tama–DOXPCB should be useful for the targeted elimination of hPSCs contained in hPSC‐derived cell therapy products. This is the first report of the generation of lectin–prodrug conjugates. BC2Tama should be applicable for the targeted delivery of various types of biotinylated compounds into hPSCs.
Comparison of neointimal coverage between durable‐polymer everolimus‐eluting stents and bioresorbable‐polymer everolimus‐eluting stents 1 year after implantation using high‐resolution coronary angioscopy
Authors: Nojima Yuhei , Adachi Hidenori , Ihara Madoka , Kurimoto Tetsuya , Okayama Keita , Sakata Yasushi , Nanto Shinsuke 
Published: February 2019

AbstractObjectivesWe aimed to compare the coronary angioscopic appearance of neointimal coverage (NIC) over durable‐polymer everolimus‐eluting stents (XIENCE‐EES) and bioresorbable‐polymer everolimus‐eluting stents (SYNERGY‐EES) 1 year after implantation.BackgroundXIENCE‐EES and SYNERGY‐EES have been developed to prevent delayed arterial healing associated with first generation drug‐eluting stents. However, the process of arterial healing after XIENCE‐EES and SYNERGY‐EES implantation has not been clarified.MethodsPatients who underwent implantation of XIENCE‐EES (n = 20) or SYNERGY‐EES (n = 20) were enrolled in this study. Coronary angiography and coronary angioscopy were performed 12 ± 1 months after stent implantation. The NIC over the stent was classified into four grades: grade 0, stent struts fully exposed; grade 1, stent struts bulging into the lumen and, still visible; grade 2, stent struts embedded in neointima but still visible; and grade 3, stent struts fully embedded and invisible. Stents exhibiting more than one NIC grade was defined as heterogeneous. Moreover, presence of thrombi was investigated.ResultsThe distribution of dominant NIC grade (XIENCE‐EES: grade 0, 0%; grade 1, 25%; grade 2, 50%; grade 3, 25%; SYNERGY‐EES: grade 0, 0%; grade 1, 5%; grade 2, 15%; grade 3, 80%; P = 0.002) and NIC heterogeneity was significantly different (P = 0.004). Thrombi were more frequent in XIENCE‐EES than in SYNERGY‐EES (40 versus 10%, respectively; P = 0.03).ConclusionCompared with XIENCE‐EES, SYNERGY‐EES were well covered by neointima and accompanied by fewer thrombi. These findings implied arterial healing of SYNERGY‐EES was better than that of XIENCE‐EES.
Successful use of the loop snare technique for crossing a degenerated surgical valve with the Evolut‐R system
Authors: Naganuma Toru , Kawamoto Hiroyoshi , Hirokazu Onishi , Nakamura Sunao 
Published: February 2019

AbstractWe first report the case highlighting a loop snare wire technique may be a useful percutaneous treatment option when faced with difficulty crossing the Evolut‐R system into a surgical valve due to interference between the two prostheses, especially in cases with a very horizontal aorta.
Percutaneous treatment of saphenous vein graft aneurysm: Contemporary procedural considerations
Authors: Khan Arshad , Brienesse Stephen , Boyle Andrew , Collins Nicholas 
Published: February 2019

AbstractWhile coronary artery bypass grafting remains an essential component of revascularization therapy, the use of venous conduits in the form of saphenous vein grafts is associated with a number of late sequelae, including graft stenosis and occlusion. The recognition of saphenous vein graft aneurysm, typically a late complication, may be associated with adverse outcomes. We describe the percutaneous therapy of saphenous vein graft aneurysm, utilizing contemporary devices, including newer generation covered stents, and the use of devices more commonly used in peripheral vascular intervention, reflecting the dilated nature of vein grafts. Saphenous vein graft aneurysm can be successfully treated with percutaneous therapy, avoiding the risk of repeat sternotomy and associated morbidity. The use of new generation covered stents has not been previously well reported; however, it may have an important role in the treatment of coronary artery and saphenous vein graft aneurysm. Awareness of the role of covered stents used in both coronary and peripheral intervention and the advantages of new generation devices are essential to allow optimal therapy of this uncommon, late complication. The role and potential benefits of new generation covered stents are discussed with a review of the existing literature.
CuPd Alloy Oxide Nanobelts as Electrocatalyst Towards Hydrazine Oxidation
Authors: Zhang Xin‐Ying , Shi Shuai , Yin Hui‐Ming 
Published: February 2019

AbstractAmong non‐precious metal catalysts for the hydrazine oxidation reaction, Cu‐based catalysts have exhibited relatively high performance ascribed to their lower onset potential and better stability. However, the catalytic properties, including activity and durability, still need further improvement in contrast to noble metal catalysts such as Pt and Pd. In this study, Pd was used as the promotor between Cu and Pd towards the hydrazine oxidation reaction. The CuPd alloy oxide ((Cu0.9Pd0.1)O) nanobelts were fabricated by using a dealloying method. The electrochemical measurements show that (Cu0.9Pd0.1)O nanobelts exhibit 1.5 times higher current density, and better stability than CuO towards the hydrazine electro‐oxidation reaction. These improvements are further evidenced in the direct hydrazine‐hydrogen peroxide fuel cell by using these two catalysts as the anodes in comparison. A single fuel cell using (Cu0.9Pd0.1)O as the anode exhibits a peak power density of 330 mW cm−2, about 100 mW cm−2 higher than that of pure CuO. N2 sorption experiments and product analysis demonstrate that alloying with Pd not only could enlarge the surface area of (Cu0.9Pd0.1)O but also could suppress the self‐decomposition of hydrazine. These improvements will consequently increase the catalytic activity and fuel efficiency of (Cu0.9Pd0.1)O.
Seasonal comparison of the neuromuscular junction morphology of Bufo marinus
Authors: Ge Dengyun , Noakes Peter G. , Lavidis Nickolas A. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractAt mammalian neuromuscular junctions (NMJs), prolonged inactivity leads to muscle denervation and atrophy. By contrast, amphibian NMJs do not show such degeneration even though they can remain in a state of drought‐imposed dormancy (hibernation) for many years. We have previously reported that during the dry season, toad (Bufo marinus) NMJs display decreased sensitivity to extracellular calcium‐dependent neurotransmitter release, which leads to minimal neuromuscular transmission. In the present study, we examined and compared NMJ morphology of toads obtained from the wild during the wet season (February–March) when these toads are active, to toads obtained from dry season (October–November) when toads are inactive. Iliofibularis muscles were isolated and prepared for immunostaining with anti‐SV2, a monoclonal antibody that labels synaptic vesicle glycoprotein SV2. The corresponding postsynaptic acetylcholine receptors were stained using Alexa Fluro‐555 conjugated α‐bungarotoxin. Confocal microscopy and three‐dimensional reconstructions were then used to examine the pre‐and postsynaptic morphology of toads NMJs from the dry (inactive) and wet (active) seasons. Total axon branch number, the percentage of axon branches with discontinuous distributions of synaptic vesicles, and further the Pearson value of colocalization of pre and postsynaptic elements in each NMJs from both the dry and wet season were compared. While our previous studies on dry toads revealed a significant reduction in evoked neurotransmission, our present findings show that the structure of the NMJs suffered limited level of remodeling, suggesting a mechanism utilized by NMJs in dry season toads to support quick recover from their dormant state after the heavy rain in wet season.
In‐Situ/Operando X‐ray Characterization of Metal Hydrides
Authors: Liu Yi‐Sheng , Jeong Sohee , White James L. , Feng Xuefei , Seon Cho Eun , Stavila Vitalie , Allendorf Mark D. , Urban Jeffrey J. , Guo Jinghua 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIn this article, the capabilities of soft and hard X‐ray techniques, including X‐ray absorption (XAS), soft X‐ray emission spectroscopy (XES), resonant inelastic soft X‐ray scattering (RIXS), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and their application to solid‐state hydrogen storage materials are presented. These characterization tools are indispensable for interrogating hydrogen storage materials at the relevant length scales of fundamental interest, which range from the micron scale to nanometer dimensions. Since nanostructuring is now well established as an avenue to improve the thermodynamics and kinetics of hydrogen release and uptake, due to properties such as reduced mean free paths of transport and increased surface‐to‐volume ratio, it becomes of critical importance to explicitly identify structure‐property relationships on the nanometer scale. X‐ray diffraction and spectroscopy are effective tools for probing size‐, shape‐, and structure‐dependent material properties at the nanoscale. This article also discusses the recent development of in‐situ soft X‐ray spectroscopy cells, which enable investigation of critical solid/liquid or solid/gas interfaces under more practical conditions. These unique tools are providing a window into the thermodynamics and kinetics of hydrogenation and dehydrogenation reactions and informing a quantitative understanding of the fundamental energetics of hydrogen storage processes at the microscopic level. In particular, in‐situ soft X‐ray spectroscopies can be utilized to probe the formation of intermediate species, byproducts, as well as the changes in morphology and effect of additives, which all can greatly affect the hydrogen storage capacity, kinetics, thermodynamics, and reversibility. A few examples using soft X‐ray spectroscopies to study these materials are discussed to demonstrate how these powerful characterization tools could be helpful to further understand the hydrogen storage systems.
Energy Transfer from Ce3+ to Tb3+/Dy3+/Mn2+ in Ca9Ga(PO4)7 Phosphors: Synthesis, Structure and Tunable Multicolor Luminescent Properties
Authors: Kang Xiaojiao , Lü Wei , Wang Hongcheng , Ling Dongxiong 
Published: February 2019

AbstractA series of Ca9Ga(PO4)7:Ce3+/Tb3+/Dy3+/Mn2+ phosphors with tunable color, in which Ce3+ acts as the sensitizer, was synthesized. Energy transfer (ET) from Ce3+ to Tb3+/Dy3+/Mn2+ was investigated in detail. Tb3+/Dy3+/Mn2+ single‐doped Ca9Ga(PO4)7 can exhibit green, yellow, and red emission, respectively. Incorporating Ce3+ into a Tb3+/Dy3+/Mn2+ single‐doped Ca9Ga(PO4)7 phosphor can remarkably promote the luminous efficiency of the Tb3+/Dy3+/Mn2+ ions. This enhancement originates from an efficient ET from Ce3+ to Tb3+/Dy3+/Mn2+. The ET was validated by luminescence spectra, decay dynamics, and schematic energy levels. Moreover, the intensity ratio of red emission of Mn2+ to violet emission of Ce3+ was analyzed based on energy‐transfer and lifetime measurements. In Ce3+‐Tb3+, Ce3+‐Dy3+, and Ce3+‐Mn2+ doped Ca9Ga(PO4)7, the emitting color changed from violet to green, yellow, and red, respectively, which indicates the potential use of this new tunable phosphor in UV light‐emitting diodes.
Effects of forestry‐driven changes to groundcover and soil moisture on amphibian desiccation, dispersal, and survival
Authors: Haggerty Christopher J. E. , Crisman Thomas L. , Rohr Jason R. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractOver 80% of amphibian species that are declining are forest dependent. Forestry practices are a major cause of forest alterations globally, and it is well documented that clearcutting can contribute to amphibian declines. However, there might be adverse effects of forestry practices other than clearcutting. For example, planting overstory trees in rows (plantations) can change groundcover microhabitats and soil moisture levels, but the effects of this common practice on amphibian populations are not well studied. We compared the impacts of common intensive pine plantation operations to naturally regenerated pine forests on the desiccation, movement rates, behavior, and survival of >900 juvenile southern toads (Anaxyrus terrestris). Pine plantations had significantly more accumulation of conifer needles and less exposed soil, herbaceous groundcover, broadleaf litter, and soil moisture than natural pine forests despite the greater canopy cover at plantations. Litter cover explained 85% of groundcover microhabitat variance among forest types and predicted minimum soil moisture levels. When toads were held in small outdoor enclosures that constrained microhabitat selection, 24‐h desiccation rates and 72‐h mortality were significantly greater in pine plantation than in naturally regenerated pine forest because of lower soil moisture, especially during low rainfall periods. In large outdoor pens where juvenile amphibians could select microhabitats, movement was strongly directed down slope and increased with precipitation. However, initial speeds were positively associated with pine density, likely because toads were trying to evacuate from the drier high‐pine‐density areas. High‐intensity silviculture practices that eliminate herbaceous or vegetative groundcover, such as roller chopping and scalping, increase amphibian desiccation because planted conifers dry the upper soil layer. Our study highlights the importance of prioritizing lower intensity silviculture practices or lower pine densities to retain groundcover microhabitat that serves as amphibian refugia from dry conditions that are predicted to increase in frequency with climate change.
Parsimonious test of dynamic interaction
Authors: Chisholm Sarah , Stein Andrew B. , Jordan Neil R. , Hubel Tatjana M. , Shawe‐Taylor John , Fearn Tom , McNutt J. Weldon , Wilson Alan M. , Hailes Stephen 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIn recent years, there have been significant advances in the technology used to collect data on the movement and activity patterns of humans and animals. GPS units, which form the primary source of location data, have become cheaper, more accurate, lighter and less power‐hungry, and their accuracy has been further improved with the addition of inertial measurement units. The consequence is a glut of geospatial time series data, recorded at rates that range from one position fix every several hours (to maximize system lifetime) to ten fixes per second (in high dynamic situations). Since data of this quality and volume have only recently become available, the analytical methods to extract behavioral information from raw position data are at an early stage of development. An instance of this lies in the analysis of animal movement patterns. When investigating solitary animals, the timing and location of instances of avoidance and association are important behavioral markers. In this paper, a novel analytical method to detect avoidance and association between individuals is proposed; unlike existing methods, assumptions about the shape of the territories or the nature of individual movement are not needed. Simulations demonstrate that false positives (type I error) are rare (1%–3%), which means that the test rarely suggests that there is an association if there is none.
Identifying refugia and corridors under climate change conditions for the Sichuan snub‐nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus roxellana) in Hubei Province, China
Authors: Zhang Yu , Clauzel Céline , Li Jia , Xue Yadong , Zhang Yuguang , Wu Gongsheng , Giraudoux Patrick , Li Li , Li Diqiang 
Published: February 2019

AbstractUsing a case study of an isolated management unit of Sichuan snub‐nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus roxellana), we assess the extent that climate change will impact the species’ habitat distribution in the current period and projected into the 2050s. We identify refugia that could maintain the population under climate change and determine dispersal paths for movement of the population to future suitable habitats. Hubei Province, China. We identified climate refugia and potential movements by integrating bioclimatic models with circuit theory and least‐cost model for the current period (1960–1990) and the 2050s (2041–2060). We coupled a maximum entropy algorithm to predict suitable habitat for the current and projected future periods. Suitable habitat areas that were identified during both time periods and that also satisfied home range and dispersal distance conditions were delineated as refugia. We mapped potential movements measured as current flow and linked current and future habitats using least‐cost corridors. Our results indicate up to 1,119 km2 of currently suitable habitat within the study range. Based on our projections, a habitat loss of 67.2% due to climate change may occur by the 2050s, resulting in a reduced suitable habitat area of 406 km2 and very little new habitat. The refugia areas amounted to 286 km2 and were located in Shennongjia National Park and Badong Natural Reserve. Several connecting corridors between the current and future habitats, which are important for potential movements, were identified. Our assessment of the species predicted a trajectory of habitat loss following anticipated future climate change. We believe conservation efforts should focus on refugia and corridors when planning for future species management. This study will assist conservationists in determining high‐priority regions for effective maintenance of the endangered population under climate change and will encourage increased habitat connectivity.
Three decades of degradation lead to diminished impacts of severe hurricanes on Caribbean reefs
Authors: Edmunds Peter J. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractMajor tropical storms are destructive phenomena with large effects on the community dynamics of multiple biomes. On coral reefs, their impacts have been described for decades, leading to the expectation that future storms should have effects similar to those recorded in the past. This expectation relies on the assumption that storm intensities will remain unchanged, and the impacted coral reef communities are similar to those of the recent past; neither assumption is correct. This study quantified the effects of two category five hurricanes on the reefs of St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands, where 31 yr of time‐series analyses reveal chronic coral mortality, increasing macroalgal abundance, and five major hurricanes that caused acute coral mortality. Contextualized by these trends, the effects of the most recent storms, Hurricanes Irma and Maria (September 2017), on coral cover were modest. While mean absolute coral cover declined 1–4% depending on site, these effects were not statistically discernable. Following decades of increasing abundance of macroalgae, this functional group responded to the recent hurricanes with large increases in abundance on both absolute and relative scales. Decades of chronic mortality have changed the coral assemblages of St. John to create degraded communities that are resistant to severe storms.
Examining adjuvant radiation dose in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Avkshtol Vladimir , Handorf Elizabeth A. , Ridge John A. , Leachman Brooke K. , Liu Jeffrey C. , Bauman Jessica , Galloway Thomas J. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackgroundCompare adjuvant radiation dose trends and outcomes in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).MethodsNonmetastatic HNSCCs treated between 2004 and 2014 with primary site surgery, lymph node dissection, and adjuvant radiation were identified in the National Cancer Database. Standard dose radiation (SD‐RT) was defined as an equivalent dose in 2 Gy (EQD2) ≥56.64 and ≤60 Gy and high‐dose radiation (HD‐RT) as an EQD2 >60 and <70 Gy.ResultsHD‐RT was given to 46% of the 15 836 HNSCC patients managed with adjuvant radiation. When adjusted for poor prognostic factors, HD‐RT was associated with increased mortality (HR1.09; 95%CI 1.02‐1.16). In nonoropharynx or human papillomavirus‐negative oropharynx primary that had positive margins, ≥5 positive lymph nodes, and/or extranodal extension, HD‐RT was still not associated with improved survival (HR 1.01, 95% CI 0.91‐1.12).ConclusionsThere was no survival benefit from postoperative dose escalation above EQD2 60 Gy even in a high‐risk cohort.