bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Most Accurate and Fastest Method for Measurement of Vena Contracta Area by Direct Planimetry 3D Transesophageal Echocardiography
Authors: Toufan Mehrnoush , Ashouri Dina 
Published: August 2018

Dear Editor, Two-dimensional (2D) echocardiography is a powerful tool for assessment of mitral regurgitation (MR) [1]. However, it bears several major disadvantages. Evidence suggests that measurement of the vena contracta area (VCA) via a three-dimensional (3D) method is significantly more accurate than 2D methods in the quantification of MR since the 2D method is not sufficiently reliable in calculation of VC diameter because of circular assumption of VC area [2]. VCA direct planimetry (DP) and multiplanar reconstruction (MPR)-derived VCA are direct and reliable methods to quantify MR severity, and their results are comparable with those of 2D integrative method [2, 3]. It is strongly recommended that these methods especially DP can replace 2D methods in the quantification of MR in the clinical practice, as it is more accurate and easy to perform [3].
Tissue Engineered Constructs for Periodontal Regeneration: Current Status and Future Perspectives
Authors: Vaquette Cedryck , Pilipchuk Sophia P. , Bartold P. Mark , Hutmacher Dietmar W. , Giannobile William V. , Ivanovski Saso 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe periodontium, consisting of gingiva, periodontal ligament, cementum, and alveolar bone, is a hierarchically organized tissue whose primary role is to provide physical and mechanical support to the teeth. Severe cases of periodontitis, an inflammatory condition initiated by an oral bacterial biofilm, can lead to significant destruction of soft and hard tissues of the periodontium and result in compromised dental function and aesthetics. Although current treatment approaches can limit the progression of the disease by controlling the inflammatory aspect, complete periodontal regeneration cannot be predictably achieved. Various tissue engineering approaches are investigated for their ability to control the critical temporo‐spatial wound healing events that are essential for achieving periodontal regeneration. This paper reviews recent progress in the field of periodontal tissue engineering with an emphasis on advanced 3D multiphasic tissue engineering constructs (TECs) and provides a critical analysis of their regenerative potential and limitations. The review also elaborates on the future of periodontal tissue engineering, including scaffold customization for individual periodontal defects, TEC's functionalization strategies for imparting enhanced bioactivity, periodontal ligament fiber guidance, and the utilization of chair‐side regenerative solutions that can facilitate clinical translation.
Enhancing the Performance of Blue Quantum Dots Light‐Emitting Diodes through Interface Engineering with Deoxyribonucleic Acid
Authors: Wang Fuzhi , Jin Shengli , Sun Wenda , Lin Jingting , You Baogui , Li Yang , Zhang Bing , Hayat Tasawar , Alsaedi Ahmed , Tan Zhan'ao 
Published: August 2018

AbstractColloidal quantum dots light‐emitting diodes (QD‐LEDs) have been investigated for several decades. Compared with their green and red counterparts, the hole injection is more difficult for blue QDs due to their large optical band gap and relatively low highest occupied molecular orbital level. High‐performance blue QD‐LEDs are demonstrated by inserting a thin deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) buffer layer between hole transport layer and ZnCdS/ZnS core/shell QDs layer. This DNA buffer layer can effectively enhance the hole injection efficiency, meanwhile its high lowest unoccupied molecular orbital level can help the injected electrons to be confined in the emitting layer, thus ensuring the charge balance in the QDs layer and an excellent recombination efficiency. After utilizing DNA as buffer layer, the maximum luminance is significantly increased from 10 218 to 16 655 cd m−2 and the external quantum efficiency is increased from 4.39% to 5.65%. These devices provide a saturated blue emission with emission peak located at 462 nm and full width at half maximum of 21 nm. This saturated blue emission makes it suitable for commercial applications. The results indicate that DNA is a promising material for regulating charge balance in the emitting layer for manufacturing high performance QD‐LEDs.
Planar Metasurfaces Enable High‐Efficiency Colored Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Liu Dong , Wang Lin , Cui Qingyu , Guo L. Jay 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe achievement of perfect light absorption in ultrathin semiconductor materials is not only a long‐standing goal, but also a critical challenge for solar energy applications, and thus requires a redesigned strategy. Here, a general strategy is demonstrated both theoretically and experimentally to create a planar metasurface absorber comprising a 1D ultrathin planar semiconductor film (replacing the 2D array of subwavelength elements in classical metasurfaces), a transparent spacer, and a metallic back reflector. Guided by derived formulisms, a new type of macroscopic planar metasurface absorber is experimentally demonstrated with light near‐perfectly and exclusively absorbed by the ultrathin semiconductor film. To demonstrate the power and simplicity of this strategy, a prototype of a planar metasurface solar cell is experimentally demonstrated. Furthermore, the device model predicts that a colored planar metasurface perovskite solar cell can maintain 75% of the efficiency of its black counterpart despite the use of a perovskite film that is one order of magnitude thinner. The displayed cell colors have high purities comparable to those of state‐of‐the‐art color filters, and are insensitive to viewing angles up to 60°. The general theoretical framework in conjunction with experimental demonstrations lays the foundation for designing miniaturized, planar, and multifunctional solar cells and optoelectronic devices.
Total Synthesis of Putative Chagosensine
Authors: Heinrich Marc , Murphy John J. , Ilg Marina K. , Letort Aurélien , Flasz Jakub , Philipps Petra , Fürstner Alois 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe marine macrolide chagosensine is the only natural product known to date that embodies a Z,Z‐configured chloro‐1,3‐diene unit. This distinguishing substructure was prepared by a sequence of palladium‐catalyzed 1,2‐distannation of an alkyne precursor, regioselective Stille cross‐coupling at the terminus of the resulting bisstannyl alkene with an elaborated alkenyl iodide, followed by chloro‐destannation of the remaining internal site. The preparation of the required substrates centered on cobalt‐catalyzed oxidative cyclization reactions of hydroxylated olefin precursors, which allowed the 2,5‐trans‐disubstituted tetrahydrofuran rings, embedded into each building block, to be formed with excellent selectivity. The highly strained macrolactone could ultimately be closed under forcing Yamaguchi conditions. Comparison of the spectral data of the synthetic sample with those of authentic chagosensine methyl ester confirmed that the structure of this intriguing compound has been mis‐assigned by the isolation team.
Techno‐economic comparison of three scenarios for upgrading a hemicellulose‐rich pre‐pulping extract to mixed‐alcohols
Authors: Engelberth Abigail S. , Clayton Wheeler M. , Peter van Walsum G. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractConversion of a hemicellulose‐rich pre‐pulping extract into long‐chain alcohols could alleviate problems facing the liquid fuel supply and could boost the revenues of pulp mills. Kraft pulping requires only the cellulose fraction of wood, leaving much of the hemicellulose available for extraction and subsequent conversion into gasoline‐blendable alcohols. Three possible pathways for upgrading the hemicelluloses are: CKA: carboxylates → ketones → alcohols; CEA: carboxylates → esters → alcohols, and CHEA: carboxylates → acids → esters → alcohols. The scenarios were modeled using AspenPlus® to determine material and energy balances. Economic parameters were determined using the Aspen Process Economic Analyzer. The minimum ethanol selling price (MESP) for a 1000 tpd facility, which takes into account the operating and capital costs, was found to be: $3.31 for CKA, $4.56 for CEA, and $4.26 for the CHEA. The cost of hydrogen necessary for hydrogenolysis proved to be a notable expense. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Metrics for comparing stand structure and dynamics between Ecological Reserves and managed forest of Maine, USA
Authors: Kuehne Christian , Puhlick Joshua , Weiskittel Aaron , Cutko Andrew , Cameron Donald , Sferra Nancy , Schlawin Justin 
Published: August 2018

AbstractA data set of common forest metrics was prepared using inventory data from Ecological Reserves in Maine, northeastern USA. An Ecological Reserve is generally defined as an area where timber harvesting does not occur and natural disturbance events are allowed to proceed without significant human influence. Beginning in the early 2000s, permanent, long term monitoring plots were established in Reserves across Maine. To date, 50 Reserves occupying approximately 70,820 ha with a total of 1,103 monitoring plots comprise Maine's Ecological Reserve System. A goal of the Ecological Reserve Monitoring program is to remeasure plots every 10 years and about half of the plots have been remeasured since the initial inventory. Stand metrics were calculated for both monitoring rounds and include: live tree basal area, live tree density, large (diameter at breast height, dbh ≥40 cm) and very large (dbh ≥51 cm) live tree density, standing dead tree density, large (dbh ≥40 cm) and very large (dbh ≥51 cm) standing dead tree density, total and large (diameter at transect intersect ≥40 cm) downed coarse woody debris volume, as well as various stand dynamic metrics. For comparison, the same metrics were computed for managed forests in Maine using permanent plot data from the US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) Program. Information on Ecological Reserve monitoring plots includes Ecological Reserve name, forest‐type group, geographic location, elevation, slope, aspect, and harvest history. This data should prove invaluable for assessing and evaluating long‐term changes in Ecological Reserves across the broad ecological/climate zones that are present in Maine. No copyright or proprietary restrictions are associated with the use of this data set other than citation of this Data Paper. These data are freely available for non‐commercial scientific use.
Confirming the pathogenicity of NECAP1 in early onset epileptic encephalopathy
Authors: Alsahli Saud , Al‐Twaijri Waleed , Al Mutairi Fuad 
Published: August 2018

SummaryEarly onset epileptic encephalopathy (EOEE) has been used to encompass Ohtahara syndrome (early infantile epileptic encephalopathy [EIEE]), early myoclonic epilepsy, and many others. Multiple genes have been established to cause epileptic encephalopathy in the immature brain, and next‐generation sequencing has accelerated the process of novel gene discovery. Many of the previously published candidate genes are still pending confirmatory reports or functional studies. Although most of the genes involved are ion channels (channelopathies), multiple other pathways have been implicated as well. NECAP1 is a key element in clathrin‐mediated endocytosis and has been reported previously to cause EOEE in a Saudi family. We report another family with the same variant confirming the pathogenicity of this variant as a Saudi founder mutation, further delineate its phenotype, and propose that it causes EOEE instead of EIEE.
Astrocytes and neurons produce distinct types of polyglucosan bodies in Lafora disease
Authors: Augé Elisabet , Pelegrí Carme , Manich Gemma , Cabezón Itsaso , Guinovart Joan J. , Duran Jordi , Vilaplana Jordi 
Published: August 2018

AbstractLafora disease (LD), the most devastating adolescence‐onset epilepsy, is caused by mutations in the EPM2A or EPM2B genes, which encode the proteins laforin and malin, respectively. Loss of function of one of these proteins, which are involved in the regulation of glycogen synthesis, induces the accumulation of polyglucosan bodies (PGBs)—known as Lafora bodies (LBs) and associated with neurons—in the brain. Ageing and some neurodegenerative conditions lead to the appearance of another type of PGB called corpora amylacea, which are associated with astrocytes and contain neo‐epitopes that can be recognized by natural antibodies. Here we studied the PGBs in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus of malin knockout mice, a mouse model of LD. These animals presented not only LBs associated with neurons but also a significant number of PGBs associated with astrocytes. These astrocytic PGBs were also increased in mice from senescence‐accelerated mouse‐prone 8 (SAMP8) strain and mice with overexpression of Protein Targeting to Glycogen (PTGOE), indicating that they are not exclusive of LD. The astrocytic PGBs, but not neuronal LBs, contained neo‐epitopes that are recognized by natural antibodies. The astrocytic PGBs appeared predominantly in the hippocampus but were also present in some cortical brain regions, while neuronal LBs were found mainly in the brain cortex and the pyramidal layer of hippocampal regions CA2 and CA3. Our results indicate that astrocytes, contrary to current belief, are involved in the etiopathogenesis of LD.
Enhanced oligodendrocyte maturation and myelination in a mouse model of Timothy syndrome
Authors: Cheli Veronica T. , Santiago González Diara A. , Zamora Norma N. , Lama Tenzing N. , Spreuer Vilma , Rasmusson Randall L. , Bett Glenna C. , Panagiotakos Georgia , Paez Pablo M. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractTo study the role of L‐type voltage‐gated Ca++ channels in oligodendrocyte development, we used a mouse model of Timothy syndrome (TS) in which a gain‐of‐function mutation in the α1 subunit of the L‐type Ca++ channel Cav1.2 gives rise to an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) isolated from the cortex of TS mice showed greater L‐type Ca++ influx and displayed characteristics suggestive of advanced maturation compared to control OPCs, including a more complex morphology and higher levels of myelin protein expression. Consistent with this, expression of Cav1.2 channels bearing the TS mutation in wild‐type OPCs triggered process formation and promoted oligodendrocyte–neuron interaction via the activation of Ca++/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II. To ascertain whether accelerated OPC maturation correlated with functional enhancements, we examined myelination in the TS brain at different postnatal time points. The expression of myelin proteins was significantly higher in the corpus callosum, cortex and striatum of TS animals, and immunohistochemical analysis for oligodendrocyte stage‐specific markers revealed an increase in the density of myelinating oligodendrocytes in several areas of the TS brain. Along the same line, electron microscopy studies in the corpus callosum of TS animals showed significant increases both in the percentage of myelinated axons and in the thickness of myelin sheaths. In summary, these data indicate that OPC development and oligodendrocyte myelination is enhanced in the brain of TS mice, and suggest that this mouse model of a syndromic ASD is a useful tool to explore the role of L‐type Ca++ channels in myelination.
Composite tendon implant based on nanofibrillar polyhydroxybutyrate and polyamide filaments
Authors: Olkhov Anatoly , Gur'ev Vladimir , Akatov Vladimir , Mastalygina Elena , Iordanskii Alexey , Sevastyanov Victor I. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe composite material based on reinforcement of polyamide filaments enclosed by a nonwoven matrix of nanoscaled bioresorbable poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) fibers was developed for application as an artificial ligament implant. The aim of this study was to investigate biodegradability and biocompatibility of the developed implant, as well as its stress–strain properties. The study results show the polyamide core of the implant has stress–strain properties comparable with a natural ligament. Simultaneously, the polyhydroxybutyrate external layer provides high biocompatibility and bioresorbability of the developed implant. The material has proven to be effective under in vivo tests with experimental rats as a ligament replacement for damaged Achilles tendons. Due to cell attachment and growth on the fibrous matrix during 5 weeks postsurgery, regenerated connective tissue was formed substituting for the polymeric implant, which confirmed its efficiency in contrast to the polyamide filament implant with a much longer resorption time. The results obtained indicate application prospects of polyamide‐polyhydroxybutyrate implants for reconstructive surgery. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 2708–2713, 2018.
Micropillar‐based culture platform induces epithelial–mesenchymal transition in the alveolar epithelial cell line
Authors: Xu Xiaoli , Ma Lunkun , Wu Yanjiao , Tang Liling 
Published: August 2018

AbstractTopography and rigidity are two typical biophysical cues in extracellular matrix mechanical microenvironment. Extracellular matrix can regulate cells biological behaviors, including epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT). A growing body of evidence suggests that EMT plays an important role in the development of tumor and fibrosis. Moreover, EMT also contributes to drug resistance in cancer cells. Currently, the majority of studies about EMT are based on the induction of growth factors or cytokines in vitro. Here, we adopt polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)‐micropillars‐based matrix platform to culture human alveolar epithelial cells for studying the influence of topography and rigidity on EMT. This study reports a previously undefined role of mechanical microenvironment in EMT induction. Different topography and rigidity can induce EMT directly without the use of exogenous cytokines. Notably, rigidity‐induced EMT activation is associated with the topography. Furthermore, we investigate preliminarily the role of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in mechanical microenvironment regulation of EMT. These findings provide a fresh perspective to the researches of tumor and pulmonary fibrosis, and the potential platform for cell‐based drug screening. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 3165–3174, 2018.
Potential control of cyanobacterial blooms by using a floating‐mobile electrochemical system
Authors: Bakheet Belal , Beardall John , Zhang Xiwang , McCarthy David 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDCyanobacterial blooms have raised significant public health concerns due to the ability of some strains to produce harmful compounds in the water. Electrolysis has shown great potential to eradicate cyanobacterial pollution. However, all proposed electrochemical systems employ some type of mixing (e.g. pump circulation), which might not be suitable for application in a large ecosystem. In this study instead, a floating and mobile electrochemical system was configured and tested to treat cyanobacteria without mixing. The electrodes and a portable rechargeable DC power supply were incorporated in a floating vessel which was then mobilized in the water.RESULTSFloating and mobilizing the vessel without mixing resulted in significant cyanobacterial inactivation depending on initial Cl− in the medium. Cells treated in a medium with 60 mg L−1 Cl− did not re‐grow when they were harvested and then re‐incubated in optimum growth conditions for 30 days, whereas those treated in ∼ 0.25 mg L−1 Cl− took 22 days before they re‐grew, which is twice the time needed for growth compared with an untreated control sample.CONCLUSIONThis novel system may thus offer a simple and feasible method to tackle cyanobacterial blooms in large‐scale aquatic ecosystems without the need for installing mixing equipments. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Preservation of red pepper flakes using microwave‐combined cold plasma treatment
Authors: Kim Jung Eun , Oh Yeong Ji , Song Ah Young , Min Sea C 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDRed pepper flakes are often contaminated with various microorganisms; however, any technologies aiming to decontaminate the flakes should also maintain their quality properties. This study investigated the effect of microwave‐combined cold plasma treatment (MCPT) at different microwave power densities on microbial inactivation and preservation of red pepper flakes. Red pepper flake samples inoculated with spores of Bacillus cereus or Aspergillus flavus and without inoculation were subjected to MCPT at 900 W for 20 min at either low microwave power density (LMCPT, 0.17 W m−2) or high microwave power density (HMCPT, 0.25 W m−2).RESULTSThe numbers of B. cereus and A. flavus spores on red pepper flakes after LMCPT and HMCPT were initially reduced by 0.7 ± 0.1 and 1.4 ± 0.3 log spores cm−2 and by 1.5 ± 0.3 and 1.5 ± 0.2 log spores cm−2 respectively and remained constant for 150 days at 25 °C. Immediately after HMCPT, the concentrations of capsaicin and ascorbic acid in the flakes were significantly lower than in untreated samples; however, no difference in concentration was detected during storage. Neither LMCPT nor HMCPT affected the antioxidant activity or color of the flakes during storage. LMCPT also did not affect the sensory properties and the concentrations of capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin of the flakes, indicating its suitability in preserving their quality properties.CONCLUSIONMCPT may provide an effective non‐thermal treatment for food preservation which can improve the microbial safety and stability of red pepper flakes while maintaining intact their qualitative properties. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Gastrin‐Releasing Peptide Is Involved in the Establishment of Allergic Rhinitis in Mice
Authors: Matsumoto Yuma , Yokoi Hidenori , Kimura Toru , Matsumoto Yoshifumi , Kawada Michitsugu , Arae Ken , Nakae Susumu , Ikeda Tetsuya , Matsumoto Kenji , Sakurai Hiroyuki , Saito Koichiro 
Published: August 2018

ObjectiveGastrin‐releasing peptide (GRP) is a neuropeptide that targets transmembrane‐type receptors. Its role in allergic rhinitis (AR) has yet to be investigated. The present study utilized the nasal mucosa of AR model mice to examine GRP and GRP receptor (GRPR) expression levels, localization, and other factors to evaluate their role in AR pathology.Study DesignIn vivo study in an animal model.MethodsGRP and GRPR expression levels were examined in three different AR models established in BALB/c mice. In addition, a GRPR antagonist (RC‐3095) was administered to AR mice to investigate its effect. The distribution of GRPR expression on mast cells in the nasal mucosa with AR was examined. Finally, we investigated the inhibitory effect of RC‐3095 on allergy symptoms induced by histamine.ResultsGRP and GRPR were highly expressed in the nasal mucosal epithelium and interstitial tissues surrounding the nasal glands in AR groups according to immunostaining. GRP and GRPR expression as determined by western blotting increased in the nasal mucosa as the degree of nasal sensitization increased. In addition, the average counts of sneezing and nasal rubbing after treatment in the AR + RC‐3095 group were significantly lower than those in the AR + nasal saline group. Mast cells often colocalized with GRPR around nasal glands. Moreover, RC‐3095 was effective in reducing sneezing induced by histamine.ConclusionThe GRP‐GRPR system is likely to be involved in allergic inflammation. This system may represent a novel therapeutic target for refractory AR.Level of EvidenceNA. Laryngoscope, E377–E384, 2018