bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An ultrasound‐responsive dual‐modal US/T1‐MRI contrast agent for potential diagnosis of prostate cancer
Authors: Yoon Young Il , Ha Shin‐Woo , Lee Hak Jong 
Published: November 2018

BackgroundInterest in an ultrasound‐mediated delivery system for effective T1‐MRI of prostate cancer without adverse effects has steadily increased.PurposeTo develop an ultrasound‐responsive dual‐modal ultrasound (US)/T1‐MRI contrast agent for efficient diagnosis of prostate cancer cells overexpressing prostate‐specific membrane antigen (PSMA) and assess their potential.Study TypeIn vitro.SubjectsTwo prostate cancer cell lines.Field Strength/SequenceEach study group underwent 3.0T MRI under a TR 400 msec, TE 10 msec, a 240 × 240 matrix, a flip angle 90°, a slice thickness 3 mm, NSA with 4, bandwidth 115 Hz/pixel, and an FOV of 120 × 120 mm.AssessmentMicroscopes, quantitative and qualitative analyzing instruments, and clinical devices were used for assessing this novel contrast agent and its diagnosis effects.Statistical TestsWe used linear regression analyses to determine the longitudinal relaxivity (r1) values of our US/T1‐MRI contrast agent and gadobutrol.ResultsMicrobubble+Fe3+melanin nanoparticle+peptides (MB+Fe3+MNPPs) had a good US contrast effect, like a commercial US agent. The differences of US intensities between them was below 5%. The r1 values of MB+Fe3+MNPPs and gadobutrol were 4.5 and 3.7 s‐1/mM, respectively. More than hundreds of Fe3+MNPPs were located in prostate cancer cells treated with MB+Fe3+MNPPs and US stimulus, but the number of Fe3+MNPPs was below dozens in the other prostate cancer cells expressing less PSMA. The former cells with MB+Fe3+MNPPs and US stimulus only showed the highest T1‐MRI signal because of synergy effects of the peptides targeting the cells and US stimulus for delivery of Fe3+MNPPs to the cells. No cytotoxicity of MB+Fe3+MNPPs was confirmed by using a WST assay. Viability of the cells with the complexes was above 90%.Data ConclusionWe synthesized MB+Fe3+MNPPs as a potential US/T1‐MRI contrast agent. This complex was applicable for diagnosing desired prostate cancer cells.Level of Evidence: 1Technical Efficacy: Stage 2J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;48:1610–1616
Biomechanical evaluation of tendon regeneration with adipose‐derived stem cell
Authors: de Lima Santos Alex , Silva Camila Gonzaga da , de Sá Barretto Leticia Siqueira , Franciozi Carlos Eduardo da Silveira , Tamaoki Marcel Jun Sugawara , de Almeida Fernando Gonçalves , Faloppa Flavio 
Published: November 2018

ABSTRACTThe use of Adipose‐Derived Stem Cells (ADSC) has been presented as a new alternative for tendon reconstruction. Have been admitted that ADSCs are related to better outcomes when used in tendon healing. This research was designed to apply the potential of ADSCs in tendon healing. Flexor digitorum superficialis tendon lesion was performed on both legs of eleven New Zealand rabbits and them, at the same time, treated as follows: Suture alone (Group III − Suture, n:10), suture associated with ADSC (Group IV − Suture + ADSC, n:10) or without suture (Group II − SHAN, n:2). At four weeks after the tendon surgery, the animal was euthanized, and the tendon evaluated (biomechanically and macroscopically). We used 5 additional New Zealand rabbits in the control group “Group I − Control, n:10”. In the macroscopic evaluation, the group with ADSC presented a more homogeneous gross morphology compared with the group III. Biomechanical testing showed a lower ultimate tensile load, stiffness and a higher cross‐sectional area in the group III and IV compared with the control group. The group with ADSC showed a greater ultimate tensile load, a larger cross‐sectional area and bigger deformation at the ultimate tensile load when compared to the group without ADSC. In general terms, the use of ADSCs in tendon healing have biomechanical advantages compared to the non‐use of ADSCs at 4 weeks after surgery. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 37:1281–1286, 2019.
Predictors of fracture healing in patients with recalcitrant nonunions treated with autologous culture expanded bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stromal cells
Authors: Bhattacharjee Atanu , Kuiper Jan H. , Roberts Sally , Harrison Paul E. , Cassar‐Pullicino Victor N. , Tins Bernhard , Bajada Stefan , Richardson James B. 
Published: November 2018

ABSTRACTThe study reports the prospective outcome of treating severe recalcitrant fracture nonunion in patients with autologous bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSC) from 2003 to 2010 and analyze predictors of union. Autologous BMSC were culture expanded and inserted at nonunion site with or without carriers in addition to surgical stabilization of the fracture. Radiological union was ascertained by musculoskeletal radiologists on plain radiographs and/or CT scans. A logistic regression analysis was performed with cell‐expansion parameters (cell numbers, cell doubling time) and known clinical factors (e.g., smoking and diabetes) as independent variables and fracture union as the dependent variable to identify the factors that influence bony healing. An Eq5D index score assessed the effect of treatment on general quality of health. A total of 35 patients (mean age 51+/−13 years) with established nonunion (median 2.9 years, 1–33) and, at least one failed nonunion surgery (median 4,1–14) received treatment. Fracture union was achieved in 21 patients (60%; 95%CI 44–75) at 2.6 years. Multiple penalized logistic regression revealed faster cell doubling time (p = 0.07), absence of diabetes (p = 0.003), less previous surgeries (p = 0.008), and lower age at cell implantation (p = 0.02) were significant predictors for fracture union. A significant increase in Eq5D index (p = 0.01) was noted with a mean rise of the score by 0.34 units (95%CI 0.11–0.58) at 1 year following the study. In summary, the study revealed cell doubling time as a novel in vitro parameter in conjunction with age, multiple surgeries, and diabetes as being significant predictors of the fracture union. © 2018 The Authors. Journal of Orthopaedic Research® Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 37:1303–1309, 2019.
A Facile Route to Bio‐Inspired Supramolecular Oligo(Ethylene Glycol) Catecholates
Authors: Shannon Alice , Manolakis Ioannis 
Published: November 2018

AbstractA particularly facile synthetic route to mussel‐inspired oligo(ethylene glycol) catecholates is described, yielding high purity materials with minimal purification. The oligocatecholates show remarkable thermal and rheological properties for their actual chain length, suggesting the operation of non‐covalent interactions between their l‐DOPA‐bearing chain ends. This end‐group effect is more pronounced in the shorter oligomers (M
n of ethylene glycol chain of 200 and 400 Da), where the end‐group density is higher. Various surfaces (glass, stainless steel) are modified with the oligocatecholates, using a dip‐coating approach from dilute aqueous solutions. Water contact angle measurements and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirm the presence of a hydrophilic surface coating layer. The potential of these materials for application as antifouling coatings and viscosity modifiers is highlighted.
Advances in Light‐Emitting Dendrimers
Authors: Abd‐El‐Aziz Alaa S. , Abdelghani Amani A. , Wagner Brian D. , Bissessur Rabin 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe design of dendrimers with various chromophores has attracted significant attention in light of the dual effect of the luminescence of the chromophores and the morphology of the synthesized dendrimers. Recent developments in this field stem from their wide potential applications, including organic light‐emitting diodes, photonic switches and upconversion lasers, as well as sensors and electronic devices. The focus of this comprehensive review is on the design and properties of various classes of light‐harvesting dendrimeric materials.
Compact microstrip lowpass‐bandpass diplexer using radial stubs
Authors: Perez‐Wences Cain , Loo‐Yau Jose R. , Lavandera‐Hernandez Ismary , Moreno Pablo , Reynoso‐Hernandez Apolinar J. , Aguilar‐Lobo Lina M. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractIn this work, a compact microstrip lowpass‐bandpass diplexer using radial stubs (RSs) is proposed. By controlling the input impedance of the RS resonators, it is possible to obtain a selective lowpass filter (LPF) and a narrow bandpass filter (BPF) with a fractional bandwidth of 5%, without increasing the insertion losses (ILs) of both filters. The design methodology is explained in details and verified through the design of a diplexer achieving very low IL, 0.15 dB for the LPF and 1.2 dB for the BPF. Moreover, the isolation between the ports is 25 dB making the proposed diplexer useful for designing mixer circuits. Experimental results exhibit high correlation with EM simulation data validating the proposed methodology.
Influence of background suppression and retrospective realignment on free‐breathing renal perfusion measurement using pseudo‐continuous ASL
Authors: Taso Manuel , Guidon Arnaud , Alsop David C. 
Published: November 2018

PurposeTo assess the influence of background suppression and retrospective realignment on physiological noise and image quality in free‐breathing renal pseudo‐continuous arterial spin labeling (pCASL).MethodsTen subjects were scanned at 3T with a pCASL prepared single‐slice coronal acquisition through the kidneys under free breathing. Multiple acquisitions were performed with various levels of residual background signal based on optimization of pulse timings to achieve specific background suppression levels (<2%, <5%, <10%, <20%). A retrospective non‐rigid motion‐correction strategy was also implemented.ResultsDecreasing level of residual background signal was associated with higher temporal SNR. The retrospective motion‐correction provided an additional but not statistically significant improvement in tSNR. The highest image quality was obtained with the lowest level of residual background signal accompanied by the retrospective motion‐correction, although no significant difference in quantitative renal blood‐flow could be observed.ConclusionsRenal perfusion measurement with ASL under free breathing is feasible and robust against physiological noise when using strong background suppression strategies. Finally, retrospective motion‐correction further improves image quality but cannot replace background suppression.
3D self‐gated cardiac cine imaging at 3 Tesla using stack‐of‐stars bSSFP with tiny golden angles and compressed sensing
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyong , Xie Guoxi , Lu Na , Zhu Yanchun , Wei Zijun , Su Shi , Shi Caiyun , Yan Fei , Liu Xin , Qiu Bensheng , Fan Zhaoyang 
Published: November 2018

PurposeTo develop and evaluate an accelerated 3D self‐gated cardiac cine imaging technique at 3 Tesla without the use of external electrocardiogram triggering or respiratory gating.MethodsA 3D stack‐of‐stars balanced steady‐state free precession sequence with a tiny golden angle sampling scheme was developed to reduced eddy current effect‐related artefacts at 3 Tesla. Respiratory and cardiac motion were derived from a central 5‐point self‐gating signal extraction approach. The data acquired around the end‐expiration phases were then sorted into individual cardiac bins and used for reconstruction with compressed sensing. To evaluate the performance of the proposed method, image quality (1: the best; 4: the worst) was quantitatively compared using both the proposed method and the conventional 3D golden‐angle self‐gated method. Linear regression and Bland‐Altman analysis were used to assess the functional measurements agreement between the proposed method and the routine 2D breath‐hold multi‐slice technique.ResultsCompared to the conventional 3D golden‐angle self‐gated method, the proposed method yielded images with much less streaking artifact and higher myocardium edge sharpness (0.50 ± 0.06 vs. 0.45 ± 0.05, P = 0.004). The proposed method provided an inferior image quality score to the routine 2D technique (2.13 ± 0.35 vs. 1.38 ± 0.52, P = 0.063) but a superior one to the conventional self‐gated method (2.13 ± 0.35 vs. 3.13 ± 0.64, P = 0.031). Left ventricular functional measurements between the proposed method and routine 2D technique were all well in agreement.ConclusionThis study presents a novel self‐gating approach to realize rapid 3D cardiac cine imaging at 3 Tesla.
Association of Maternal Prepregnancy Weight with Offspring Adiposity Throughout Adulthood over 37 Years of Follow‐up
Authors: Schoppa Isabelle , Lyass Asya , Heard‐Costa Nancy , de Ferranti Sarah D. , Fox Caroline , Gillman Matthew W. , D’Agostino Ralph , Levy Daniel , Mendelson Michael M. 
Published: November 2018

ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine the relation of maternal prepregnancy weight with offspring BMI across adulthood from almost 40 years of follow‐up.MethodsBMI was measured in Framingham Heart Study Offspring cohort participants between 1971 and 2008. The association of maternal prepregnancy weight category (ascertained via direct measure and questionnaire) with serial offspring BMI, overweight, obesity, and change in BMI over time was tested, adjusted for age, sex, and a BMI genetic risk score; secondary models additionally adjusted for physical activity, dietary factors, smoking, education, and familial relatedness.ResultsAmong 863 participants at initial assessment (83 exposed and 780 controls), mean (SD) age was 33 (10) years, 53% were female, and mean BMI was 24.5 (4.1) kg/m2. Exposed offspring BMI was higher at every examination cycle, ranging from 1.5 (0.5) to 3.0 (0.5) kg/m2 (P < 0.001), with larger differences at later assessments. The rate of increase in offspring BMI over time was higher in exposed offspring before the age of 50 years (β [SE] = 0.07 [0.02] kg/m2 per year; P = 0.004) but not after the age of 50 years (−0.05 [0.04] kg/m2 per year; P = 0.2).ConclusionsMaternal prepregnancy weight is associated with greater offspring BMI throughout adulthood, with more rapid weight acceleration in early and midadulthood.
Factors Controlling the Diels–Alder Reactivity of Hetero‐1,3‐Butadienes
Authors: Yu Song , de Bruijn Hans M. , Svatunek Dennis , Hamlin Trevor A. , Bickelhaupt F. Matthias 
Published: November 2018

AbstractWe have quantum chemically explored the Diels–Alder reactivities of a systematic series of hetero‐1,3‐butadienes with ethylene by using density functional theory at the BP86/TZ2P level. Activation strain analyses provided physical insight into the factors controlling the relative cycloaddition reactivity of aza‐ and oxa‐1,3‐butadienes. We find that dienes with a terminal heteroatom, such as 2‐propen‐1‐imine (NCCC) or acrolein (OCCC), are less reactive than the archetypal 1,3‐butadiene (CCCC), primarily owing to weaker orbital interactions between the more electronegative heteroatoms with ethylene. Thus, the addition of a second heteroatom at the other terminal position (NCCN and OCCO) further reduces the reactivity. However, the introduction of a nitrogen atom in the backbone (CNCC) leads to enhanced reactivity, owing to less Pauli repulsion resulting from polarization of the diene HOMO in CNCC towards the nitrogen atom and away from the terminal carbon atom. The Diels–Alder reactions of ethenyl‐diazene (NNCC) and 1,3‐diaza‐butadiene (NCNC), which contain heteroatoms at both the terminal and backbone positions, are much more reactive due to less activation strain compared to CCCC.
DYNAMIC SCORING OF TAX REFORMS IN THE EUROPEAN UNION
Authors: Barrios Salvador , Dolls Mathias , Maftei Anamaria , Peichl Andreas , Riscado Sara , Varga Janos , Wittneben Christian 
Published: November 2018

AbstractIn this paper, we present the first dynamic scoring exercise linking a microsimulation and a dynamic general equilibrium model for Europe. We illustrate our novel methodology analyzing hypothetical reforms of the social insurance contributions system in Belgium. Our approach takes into account the feedback effects resulting from adjustments and behavioral responses in the labor market and the economy‐wide reaction to the tax policy changes essential for a comprehensive evaluation of the reforms. We find that the self‐financing effect of a reduction in employers’ social insurance contribution is substantially larger than that of a comparable reduction in employees’ social insurance contributions.
The association between maternal methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T and A1298C polymorphism and birth defects and adverse pregnancy outcomes
Authors: Zhang Yuan , He Xia , Xiong Xuan , Chuan Junlan , Zhong Lei , Chen Guo , Yu Dongke 
Published: November 2018

AbstractPublished studies indicate the MTHFR C677T and A1298C polymorphisms are associated with abnormal homocysteine levels, which may cause various pregnancy complications and birth defects. However, the results obtained from different studies have been inconsistent. Therefore, this meta‐analysis explores the association between MTHFR polymorphisms and birth defects and adverse pregnancy outcomes. The PubMed, ScienceDirect, Embase, and China Biology Medicine literature databases and ClinicalTrials were searched. Analyses of public bias, meta‐regression, subgroups, and sensitivity were used to ensure the robustness of our results. MTHFR C677T was significantly associated with recurrent pregnancy loss in developing countries (odds ratio [OR], 1.34; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.20‐1.50) but not in developed countries (OR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.68‐1.11). No significant relationship was found between MTHFR A1298C and recurrent pregnancy loss (OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.93‐1.18). MTHFR C677T and A1298C were not associated with preeclampsia (OR, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.97‐1.16 and OR, 1.16; 95% CI, 0.97‐1.39, respectively), and C677T was not associated with placental abruption (OR, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.87‐1.21), intrauterine growth retardation (OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.90‐1.15), or congenital heart disease (OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 0.89‐1.25). MTHFR C677T, but not A1298C, was associated with neural tube defects (OR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.08‐1.42) and Down syndrome (OR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.39‐1.95).ConclusionAlthough MTHFR C677T and A1298C are significantly associated with some types of congenital defects and adverse pregnancy outcomes, the impact of these polymorphisms is moderate.
Photopolymerization synthesis of polyacrylic acid dispersant with methoxysilicon end groups and its application in a nano‐SiO2 aqueous system
Authors: Yang Bing , Zhou Yu , Yu Wenjie , Zhang Song , Chen Hongxiang , Ye Ju 
Published: November 2018

AbstractIn order to improve the dispersity and stability of the nano‐SiO2 aqueous system with high solid content, a kind of polyacrylic acid dispersant with methoxysilicon end groups (KH590‐PAA) was synthesized by photopolymerization of acrylic acid (AA) initiated with (3‐mercaptopropyl)trimethoxysilane (KH590). After adding KH590‐PAA into the nano‐SiO2 aqueous dispersion system (20 wt% solid content), the viscosity and the curing time of the system were measured with a rotational viscometer and the inverted bottle method. Moreover, the dispersion mechanism of KH590‐PAA for the nano‐SiO2 aqueous system was researched by measuring the adsorption capacity, the particle size and the zeta potential of the nanoparticles with a conductivity meter, dynamic light scattering, SEM and TEM, respectively. The results showed that the methoxysilicon groups in KH590‐PAA could react with hydroxyl groups on the surface of nano‐SiO2 in the process of stirring, which enhanced the adsorption capacity of the dispersant and then increased the surface charge of the particles. Therefore, electrostatic repulsion and steric hindrance effects between the SiO2 nanoparticles could be further enhanced by adding the KH590‐PAA dispersant, and then the nano‐SiO2 aqueous system exhibited better dispersity and stability. Besides, the dispersion properties of SiO2 nanoparticles in water were closely related to the addition amount and the molecular weight of the KH590‐PAA dispersant. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of PLGA block molecular weight on gelling temperature of PLGA‐PEG‐PLGA thermoresponsive copolymers
Authors: Steinman Noam Y. , Haim‐Zada Moran , Goldstein Isaac A. , Goldberg Ayelet H. , Haber Tom , Berlin Jacob M. , Domb Abraham J. 
Published: November 2018

ABSTRACTThermoresponsive, biodegradable polymeric hydrogel networks are used widely in medicinal applications. Poly(d,l‐lactic acid‐co‐glycolic acid)‐b‐poly(ethylene glycol)‐b‐poly(d,l‐lactic acid‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA‐PEG‐PLGA) triblock copolymers exhibit a sol–gel transition upon heating. The effect of PLGA block and PEG chain molecular weights (MWs) on the gelling temperature of polymer aqueous solution (20% w/w) is described. All polymer solutions convert into a hard gel within 2 °C of the gelling temperature. The release properties of the gels were displayed using paracetamol as a representative drug. A linear relation is described between the gelling temperature and PLGA block MW. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 35–39
Mechanical and electrical response variation of the polyurethane–tin oxide–carbon nanotube composite microfiber depending on the chemical solution
Authors: Cho Hyuk‐Joon , Jeong Sang‐Mi , Lim Taekyung , Ju Sanghyun 
Published: November 2018

ABSTRACTToward the goal of smart sensor systems for wearable electronics, polymer microfiber‐based free‐standing sensors benefit from excellent flexibility, decent ductility, and easy wearability in comparison with thin‐film‐based sensing devices. Herein, we report a hydrophobic and conducting single‐strand microfiber‐based liquid‐phase chemical sensor consisting of polyurethane (PU), tin oxide (SnO2), and carbon nanotube (CNT) composites with applying a (1H,1H,2H,2H‐heptadecafluorodec‐1‐yl) phosphonic acid (HDF‐PA)‐based self‐assembled monolayer. The free‐standing HDF‐PA‐treated PU–SnO2–CNT composite microfiber showing selective filtering properties with the repellency of water and the penetration of an organic solvent is electrically and mechanically characterized. Finally, the single‐strand HDF‐PA‐treated PU–SnO2–CNT composite microfiber‐based chemical sensor, which shows excellent mechanical properties and aqueous stability, is demonstrated to detect the presence of a chemical in pure water or counterfeit gasoline in pure gasoline by observing mechanical changes, especially variations in the length and diameter of the fiber, and monitoring the electrical resistance change. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 495–502