bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Next‐generation organometallic adsorbents for safe removal of excessive fluoride from aqueous systems
Authors: Khan Huma , Sharma Saroj 
Published: September 2018

ABSTRACTThe presence of excessive fluoride contamination in aquatic environments causes large‐scale health problems affecting about 260 million people across the globe. Here we have investigated a novel method to develop zirconium‐based organometallic nanoadsorbents (ZrAN) for the removal of fluoride from aqueous systems. A series of ZrAN adsorbents composed of zirconyl methacrylate (ZrDMA) and acrylonitrile (AN) have been developed by varying the relative amounts of crosslinker, porogen, and comonomers. The spherical adsorbents have high porosity and excellent mechanical stability, properties that prevent material breakage and mass loss during practical use. Experimental factors such as effects of pH, initial fluoride concentration, adsorbent dose, coexisting anions, pHpzc, isotherm models, and surface chemistry were investigated to clarify the adsorption properties of ZrAN. A high adsorption capacity of 46 mg/g was recorded with a high fluoride concentration of 60 mg/L, which outperformed many other reported adsorbents. Moreover, the ZrAN adsorbent performed well over a considerable pH range of 2–10 with significant removal at pH 6–8, which is the preferred range for groundwater applications. Additionally, the results of the toxicity characteristics leaching procedure suggested the ZrAN adsorbents were inert, do not leach out any contaminants (Zr, F−), and deliver safe and potable treated water. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 46993.
Improving the interlaminar shear strength and thermal conductivity of carbon fiber/epoxy laminates by utilizing the graphene‐coated carbon fiber
Authors: Cheng Xiuyan , Zhang Jinmeng , Wang Haopeng , Wu Lixin , Sun Qingfu 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe poor interlaminar properties restrict the application of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites. In this work, a novel method for fabricating a graded interface structure is developed to improve the through‐thickness thermal conductivity of CFRP composites. High‐strength graphene nano‐plates (GnP) and phenolic resin (PF) were selected to deposit on the surface of carbon fiber to design a novel CF/Epoxy laminates, where a simultaneous improvement of interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) and through‐thickness thermal conductivity was observed. With addition of 1 wt % of GnP‐PF in CF, 37.04% increase of the ILSS, and 16.67% enhancement of thermal conductivity compared to the original CFRP. The mechanism for improvement of both ILSS and thermal conductivity was studied by scanning electron microscopy and nano‐indentation, where a better interface formed by GnP‐PF has been clearly observed. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47061.
Development of microsatellite markers for the resin‐yielding, non‐timber forest product species Boswellia serrata (Burseraceae)
Authors: Maradani Bhavani Shankar , Gudasalamani Ravikanth , Setty Siddappa , Chandrasekaran Rajasekaran 
Published: September 2018

Premise of the StudyBoswellia serrata (Burseraceae) is an economically important aromatic, gum‐resin–yielding, non‐timber forest tree species. Microsatellite markers were developed for B. serrata for the first time to study genetic diversity and population structure.Methods and ResultsA magnetic bead enrichment method was used to develop 16 microsatellite markers, of which 11 were polymorphic. The number of alleles per locus in the 60 individuals studied ranged from three to 10, and the levels of observed and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.50 to 0.90 and 0.666 to 0.861, respectively. The primers successfully amplified in the congeneric species B. ovalifoliolata.ConclusionsThese microsatellite markers can be used to study the genetic variation and population structure of B. serrata and to provide crucial information on population and ecological issues for management and conservation of the species.
Biochemical characteristics of a nitroreductase with diverse substrate specificity from Streptomyces mirabilis DUT001
Authors: Yang Jun , Bai Jing , Qu Mingbo , Xie Bo , Yang Qing 
Published: September 2018

AbstractA nitroreductase‐encoded gene from an efficient nitro‐reducing bacterium Streptomyces mirabilis DUT001, named snr, was cloned and heterogeneously expressed in Escherichia coli. The purified Streptomyces nitroreductase SNR was a homodimer with an apparent subunit molecular weight of 24 kDa and preferred NADH to NADPH as a cofactor. By enzyme incubation and isothermal calorimetry experiments, flavin mononucleotide (FMN) was found to be the preferred flavin cofactor; the binding process was exothermic and primarily enthalpy driven. The enzyme can reduce multiple nitro compounds and flavins, including antibacterial drug nitrofurazone, priority pollutants 2,4‐dinitrotoluene and 2,4,6‐trinitrotoluene, as well as key chemical intermediates 3‐nitrophthalimide, 4‐nitrophthalimide, and 4‐nitro‐1,8‐naphthalic anhydride. Among the substrates tested, the highest activity of kcat(app)/Km(app) (0.234 μM−1 Sec−1) was observed for the reduction of FMN. Multiple sequence alignment revealed that the high FMN reduction activity of SNR may be due to the absence of a helix, constituting the entrance to the substrate pocket in other nitroreductases.
In‐Situ Electrochemical SHINERS Investigation of SEI Composition on Carbon‐Coated Zn0.9Fe0.1O Anode for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Cabo‐Fernandez Laura , Bresser Dominic , Braga Filipe , Passerini Stefano , Hardwick Laurence J. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractCarbon‐coated Zn0.9Fe0.1O is a promising anode material for lithium‐ion batteries with good cycling performance and a theoretical specific capacity of 966 mAh g−1, as a result of the combined conversion‐alloying reaction during lithiation. The solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formed on this electrode was investigated by in‐situ Raman spectroscopy and in‐situ shell‐isolated nanoparticles for enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SHINERS) during the first discharge/charge cycle. The spectra collected via in‐situ Raman spectroscopy showed that the carbon coating is also (de)lithiated and it remains mechanically intact after the first complete cycle. There was no evidence of peaks related to the SEI due to the absence of surface enhancement of the Raman effect in this material, as was previously observed for carbon‐coated ZnFe2O4. However, bands assigned to polyethylene oxide species (PEO) and different lithium alkyl carbonate compounds (i. e., ROCO2Li, ROLi and RCOOLi) from the SEI were observed via SHINERS. The enhancement of the Raman effect by Au−SiO2 core‐shell nanoparticles allows the detection of surface films at potentials at which the SEI is formed and their chemical composition, which is not possible otherwise due to the intrinsically weak scattering process. Therefore, these results show that the SHINERS technique is a powerful method to investigate the structural evolution of the electrode material with potential and interfacial reactions on lithium‐ion batteries.
Drug‐delivering nerve conduit improves regeneration in a critical‐sized gap
Authors: Labroo Pratima , Hilgart David , Davis Brett , Lambert Christopher , Sant Himanshu , Gale Bruce , Shea Jill E. , Agarwal Jayant 
Published: September 2018

AbstractAutologous nerve grafts are the current “gold standard” for repairing large nerve gaps. However, they cause morbidity at the donor nerve site and only a limited amount of nerve can be harvested. Nerve conduits are a promising alternative to autografts and can act as guidance cues for the regenerating axons, without the need to harvest donor nerve. Separately, it has been shown that localized delivery of GDNF can enhance axon growth and motor recovery. FK506, an FDA approved small molecule, has also been shown to enhance peripheral nerve regeneration. This paper describes the design of a novel hole‐based drug delivery apparatus integrated with a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) nerve conduit for controlled local delivery of a protein such as GDNF or a small molecule such as FK506. The PTFE devices were tested in a diffusion chamber, and the bioactivity of the released media was evaluated by measuring neurite growth of dorsal root ganglions (DRGs) exposed to the released drugs. The drug delivering nerve guide was able to release bioactive concentrations of FK506 or GDNF. Following these tests, optimized drug releasing nerve conduits were implanted across 10 mm sciatic nerve gaps in a BL6 yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) mouse model, where they demonstrated significant improvement in muscle mass, compound muscle action potential, and axon myelination in vivo as compared with nerve conduits without the drug. The drug delivery nerve guide could release drug for extended periods of time and enhance axon growth in vitro and in vivo.
Combinatorial lentiviral gene delivery of pro‐oligodendrogenic factors for improving myelination of regenerating axons after spinal cord injury
Authors: Smith Dominique R. , Margul Daniel J. , Dumont Courtney M. , Carlson Mitchell A. , Munsell Mary K. , Johnson Mitchell , Cummings Brian J. , Anderson Aileen J. , Shea Lonnie D. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractSpinal cord injury (SCI) results in paralysis below the injury and strategies are being developed that support axonal regrowth, yet recovery lags, in part, because many axons are not remyelinated. Herein, we investigated strategies to increase myelination of regenerating axons by overexpression of platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF)‐AA and noggin either alone or in combination in a mouse SCI model. Noggin and PDGF‐AA have been identified as factors that enhance recruitment and differentiation of endogenous progenitors to promote myelination. Lentivirus encoding for these factors was delivered from a multichannel bridge, which we have previously shown creates a permissive environment and supports robust axonal growth through channels. The combination of noggin+PDGF enhanced total myelination of regenerating axons relative to either factor alone, and importantly, enhanced functional recovery relative to the control condition. The increase in myelination was consistent with an increase in oligodendrocyte‐derived myelin, which was also associated with a greater density of cells of an oligodendroglial lineage relative to each factor individually and control conditions. These results suggest enhanced myelination of regenerating axons by noggin+PDGF that act on oligodendrocyte‐lineage cells post‐SCI, which ultimately led to improved functional outcomes.
High‐throughput identification of factors promoting neuronal differentiation of human neural progenitor cells in microscale 3D cell culture
Authors: Nierode Gregory J. , Gopal Sneha , Kwon Paul , Clark Douglas S. , Schaffer David V. , Dordick Jonathan S. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractIdentification of conditions for guided and specific differentiation of human stem cell and progenitor cells is important for continued development and engineering of in vitro cell culture systems for use in regenerative medicine, drug discovery, and human toxicology. Three‐dimensional (3D) and organotypic cell culture models have been used increasingly for in vitro cell culture because they may better model endogenous tissue environments. However, detailed studies of stem cell differentiation within 3D cultures remain limited, particularly with respect to high‐throughput screening. Herein, we demonstrate the use of a microarray chip‐based platform to screen, in high‐throughput, individual and paired effects of 12 soluble factors on the neuronal differentiation of a human neural progenitor cell line (ReNcell VM) encapsulated in microscale 3D Matrigel cultures. Dose–response analysis of selected combinations from the initial combinatorial screen revealed that the combined treatment of all‐trans retinoic acid (RA) with the glycogen synthase kinase 3 inhibitor CHIR‐99021 (CHIR) enhances neurogenesis while simultaneously decreases astrocyte differentiation, whereas the combined treatment of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor and the small azide neuropathiazol enhances the differentiation into neurons and astrocytes. Subtype specification analysis of RA‐ and CHIR‐differentiated cultures revealed that enhanced neurogenesis was not biased toward a specific neuronal subtype. Together, these results demonstrate a high‐throughput screening platform for rapid evaluation of differentiation conditions in a 3D environment, which will aid the development and application of 3D stem cell culture models.
Spatial and temporal variations of childhood cancers: Literature review and contribution of the French national registry
Authors: Goujon Stéphanie , Kyrimi Evangelia , Faure Laure , Guissou Sandra , Hémon Denis , Lacour Brigitte , Clavel Jacqueline 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBackgroundSignificant increases in childhood cancer incidence since the 1970s have been consistently reported worldwide, but the persistence of the increase on recent periods is discussed. No conclusion can be drawn concerning the spatial variations of childhood cancer, either. This study is an in‐depth investigation of the spatial and temporal variations of childhood cancer in France. An extensive review of all the studies published since 2000 on those issues is provided.MethodsThe study included 25 877 cases of childhood cancer registered nationwide over 2000‐2014. The spatial heterogeneity (overdispersion, autocorrelation, overall heterogeneity) was tested, on two geographic scales, and two spatial scan methods were used to detect clusters of cases. The annual average percent change (AAPC) in incidence rate was estimated with Poisson regression models, and joinpoint analyses were considered.ResultsGlioma and non‐Hodgkin lymphoma cases exhibited some spatial heterogeneity and two large clusters were detected. Overall, the incidence rate of childhood cancer was stable over 2000‐2014 (AAPC = −0.1% [−0.3%; 0.2%]). A log‐linear positive trend was significantly evidenced for gliomas other than pilocytic astrocytomas (AAPC = 1.8% [0.9%; 2.7%]), with some suggestion of a leveling‐off at the end of the period, while Burkitt lymphoma and germ cell tumor incidence rates decreased (AAPC = −2.2% [−3.8%; −0.5%] and AAPC = −1.9% [−3.4%; −0.3%], respectively). No spatial heterogeneity or significant time variation was evidenced for other cancers.ConclusionSeveral types of childhood cancer displayed some spatial heterogeneity and two large clusters were detected, the origins of which are to be investigated and might include differences in case ascertainment. Overall, the results do not support a sustained increase in incidence rates of childhood cancer in recent years.
Functional Imaging with Nucleic‐Acid‐Based Sensors: Technology, Application and Future Healthcare Prospects
Authors: Wiraja Christian , Yeo David C. , Lio Daniel Chin Shiuan , Zheng Mengjia , Xu Chenjie 
Published: September 2018

AbstractTimely monitoring and assessment of human health plays a crucial role in maintaining the wellbeing of our advancing society. In addition to medical tools and devices, suitable probe agents are crucial to assist such monitoring, either in passive or active ways (i.e., sensors) through inducible signals. In this review we highlight recent developments in activatable optical sensors based on nucleic acids. Sensing mechanisms and bio‐applications of these nucleic acid sensors in ex vivo assays, intracellular or in vivo settings are described. In addition, we discuss the limitations of these sensors and how nanotechnology can complement/enhance sensor properties to promote translation into clinical applications.
Adventures across the second dimension: Predicting left ventricular outflow tract obstruction following transcatheter mitral valve replacement
Authors: Khan Jaffar M. , Lederman Robert J. 
Published: September 2018

Key Points

TMVR can cause fatal LVOT obstruction, especially in the setting of valve‐in‐mitral annular calcification.
A predicted neoLVOT of <190 mm2, measured using computer aided design models of 3‐D datasets with a virtual valve implant, portends a high risk of LVOT obstruction following TMVR.
NeoLVOT predictions may be based on different valve implantation depths, and do not account for body mass, complex neoLVOT time‐varying three‐dimensional geometry, flow, or anterior mitral leaflet dynamics.
The less complex the case is, the more complex is it to choose? The case of lower risk patients with aortic valve stenosis
Authors: Lemos Pedro A. , Makdisse Marcia 
Published: September 2018

Key Points

Clinical evidences that prove the value of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) for high‐risk patients cannot be directly extrapolated to good candidates for surgery.
Studies specifically designed to evaluate TAVR in low‐to‐intermediate‐risk patients should go beyond traditional clinical outcomes to also include, amongst others, endpoints related to patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs), such as quality of life and functional status, and a cost analysis over the full cycle of care aiming at demonstrating value on outcomes that matter most to patients.
In this issue of CCI, Garcia and coworkers report on the outcomes of intermediate‐risk patients treated with either TAVR or surgical aortic valve replacement, showing that TAVR was associated with an improvement in clinical outcomes compared to surgery, with lower 30‐day mortality and stroke rates, shorter hospital lengths and higher proportions of patients being discharged home.
Surgical aortic valve replacement and transcatheter aortic valve implantation for severe aortic stenosis: Equipoise remains a tenable assumption
Authors: Chatterjee Arka , Hillegass William B. 
Published: September 2018

Key Points

Observational comparisons suggest superior long‐term survival with surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) then transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) for severe aortic stenosis patients.
While subject to residual bias, these observational studies still support at least cautionary equipoise between TAVI and SAVR. Five‐year results from randomized trials will ultimately provide clearer guidance for most patient subsets.
Detailed individual long‐term outcome prediction models will help guide patient and heart team TAVI, SAVR, versus no procedure shared decision‐making.
Subclinical brain lesions after left atrial appendage occlusion: Does silence mean reassurance?
Authors: Ahmad Tariq Ali , Gilchrist IanC. 
Published: September 2018

Key Points

Silent acute brain lesions as diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are common immediately after left atrial closure procedures.
Late, 3‐month MRI imaging often shows resolution of the acute brain lesions with no detectable change in brain function by standard neuro‐cognitive testing and no further formation of new brain lesions in patients treated with only anti‐platelet therapy.
Silent brain lesions appearing after left atrial closure appear associated with the acute procedural technique and not later during endothelialization of the device.
TAVR for low‐risk patients: The final Frontier
Authors: Cilingiroglu Mehmet , Marmagkiolis Konstantinos 
Published: September 2018

Key Points

TAVR in low‐risk patients is associated with a similar short‐term but an increased intermediate‐term mortality compared to SAVR.
Off label TAVR use, the imperfect risk assessment by mean STS and logistic EuroSCORE, unrecognized PVL, and older TAVR platforms may explain some of results.
Until further evidence from the PARTNER‐3, NOTION‐2, and the Medtronic Evolut Low Risk Trials, SAVR remains the gold standard for low‐risk patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis
© 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Submassive pulmonary embolus: The challenge of thrombolytic decision‐making in a heterogenous cohort
Authors: Rothschild Daniel P. , Goldstein James A. 
Published: September 2018

Key Points

Submassive PE constitutes a heterogenous hemodynamic spectrum
Escalation‐of‐care to thrombolytic therapy may benefit some patients suffering submassive PE
Comprehensive clinical‐hemodynamic analysis to sub‐stratify submassive PE is essential for thrombolytic decision‐making
Transcoronary pacing threshold predicts myocardial scar: Novel first‐step towards intraprocedural myocardial functional assessment
Authors: Nakamura Kenta , Dean Larry S. 
Published: September 2018

Key Points

Transcoronary pacing (TCP) is a novel modality to assess the subtended myocardium during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).
In a proof‐of‐concept trial of six patients, TCP threshold discriminated scar from normal myocardium in the left anterior descending coronary distribution.
Further investigation is needed to determine whether TCP can assess myocardial viability to inform intraprocedural decision making.
Same day discharge for peripheral arterial interventions: Who are we trying to satisfy?
Authors: Rassa Allen C. , Cigarroa Joaquin E. 
Published: September 2018

Key Points

Same‐day discharge (SDD) following elective outpatient peripheral arterial interventions is safe and feasible.
Patients seem to have a poor understanding of the expected benefit of peripheral percutaneous interventions.
Patients randomized to SDD had lower pain control, perceived level of safety, and confidence scores after the procedure relative to the overnight stay group.
BVS restenosis: “Reappearance of the disappeared stent”
Authors: Seth Ashok , Kumar Dhananjay 
Published: September 2018

Key Points

This article describes for the first time the pattern of restenosis within Bioresorbable Vascular Scaffold and its predictors.
The focal in -BVS restenosis can usually be treated with repeat percutaneous coronary intervention.
Longer term follow up beyond one year in a larger cohort is needed to define the impact of restenosis pattern on clinical outcomes.
The Quandary of Volume! How Much Is Enough?
Authors: Brown Christopher L. , Henry Timothy D. 
Published: September 2018

Key Points

While the percentage of low‐volume PCI operators (<50/yr) in Taiwan has remained approximately 60% and the percentage of low‐volume centers (<200/yr) has declined from 57% to 33% between 2001 and 2013, the actual number of low‐volume operators and low‐volume centers has increased
Recent data from NCDR confirms a modest but consistent inverse relationship between PCI operator volume and adjusted in‐hospital mortality, which is magnified by being a low‐volume center
Criteria beyond volume such as procedural complexity, operator experience, and appropriate case selection are important factors in providing exceptional patient care
Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity and Selectivity for CO2 Reduction over a TiO2 Nanofibre Mat Using Ag and MgO as Bi‐Cocatalyst
Authors: Xu Feiyan , Meng Kai , Cheng Bei , Yu Jiaguo , Ho Wingkei 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe design and preparation of novel photocatalysts to enhance photocatalytic activity and selectivity for CO2 reduction is highly important both theoretically and practically. Herein, we develop an electrospinning and wet‐impregnation method to obtain an Ag and MgO co‐modified TiO2 nanofibrous mat. Ag nanoparticles (NPs) as electron traps can effectively separate electron−hole pairs and reduce their recombination in TiO2 nanofibres due to the formation of Schottky barriers. Accumulation of photogenerated electrons in the Ag NPs can enhance the formation of CH4. The obtained Ag−MgO−TiO2 composite mat exhibits extended visible light absorption owing to the surface plasmon resonance effect of the Ag NPs. Deposition of MgO NPs, as basic sites, could facilitate the adsorption of CO2 molecules. The synergetic effects of Ag and MgO as a bi‐cocatalyst contribute to enhanced photocatalytic activity and CH4‐selectivity for CO2 reduction. Isotope (13C) tracer experiments confirm that the products are produced from photocatalytic reduction of the CO2 source instead of organic contaminants. This report highlights the importance of the synergistic effect of Ag and MgO NPs on enhancing the photocatalytic activity and selectivity of TiO2‐based materials.