bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic utility of cardiac troponin T level in patients with cardiac amyloidosis
Authors: Takashio Seiji , Yamamuro Megumi , Izumiya Yasuhiro , Hirakawa Kyoko , Marume Kyohei , Yamamoto Masahiro , Ueda Mitsuharu , Yamashita Taro , Ishibashi‐Ueda Hatsue , Yasuda Satoshi , Ogawa Hisao , Ando Yukio , Anzai Toshihisa , Tsujita Kenichi 
Published: September 2017

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic utility of high‐sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs‐cTnT) levels in discriminating cardiac amyloidosis from patients with cardiac hypertrophy caused by aetiologies other than cardiac amyloidosis.Methods and resultsSerum hs‐cTnT levels were measured in 96 patients with cardiac amyloidosis (light chain: 23, wild‐type transthyretin amyloidosis: 40, and mutated transthyretin amyloidosis: 33), and 91 patients with other causes of cardiac hypertrophy who were confirmed to have no cardiac amyloidosis by endomyocardial biopsy (control group). The diagnostic utility and cut‐off value of hs‐cTnT were evaluated by receiver operating characteristic analysis. The median hs‐cTnT levels were higher in cardiac amyloidosis than the control group [0.048 (0.029–0.073) vs. 0.016 (0.010–0.031) ng/mL; P < 0.001]. High levels of hs‐cTnT were suggestive of cardiac amyloidosis (cut‐off value: 0.0312 ng/mL, sensitivity: 0.74, specificity: 0.76, area under the curve: 0.788; 95% confidence interval: 0.723–0.854, P < 0.001), compared with brain natriuretic peptide and E/e′ ratio. The hs‐cTnT levels were also useful in differentiating each type of amyloidosis from the control group. Multivariate analysis identified log hs‐cTnT as an independent diagnostic factor for cardiac amyloidosis (odds ratio: 2.22; 95% confidence interval: 1.30–3.80; P = 0.004).ConclusionsHigh serum levels of hs‐cTnT are highly suggestive of cardiac amyloidosis, allowing its differentiation from cardiac hypertrophy of other aetiologies. Further refined diagnostic approaches that include imaging modalities and histopathological examination are needed for these patients to avoid underdiagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis.
Renin–angiotensin blockade in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Khan Muhammad Shahzeb , Fonarow Gregg C. , Khan Hassan , Greene Stephen J. , Anker Stefan D. , Gheorghiade Mihai , Butler Javed 
Published: September 2017

AbstractStudies with angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE‐Is) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) have yielded inconsistent results. To conduct a systematic review and meta‐analysis of all evidence for ACE‐I and ARBs in patients with HFpEF, we searched PubMed, Ovid SP, Embase, and Cochrane database to identify randomized trials and observational studies that compared ACE‐I or ARBs against placebo or standard therapy in HFpEF patients. Random‐effect models were used to pool the data, and I2 testing was performed to assess the heterogeneity of the included studies. A total of 13 studies (treatment arm = 8676 and control arm = 8608) were analysed. Pooled analysis of randomized trials for ACE‐I and ARBs (n = 6) did not show any effect on all‐cause mortality [relative risk (RR) = 1.02, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.93–1.11, P = 0.68, I2 = 0%], while results from observational studies showed a significant improvement (RR = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.87–0.95, P = 0.005, I2 = 81.5%). In pooled analyses of all studies, ACE‐I showed a reduction of all‐cause mortality (RR = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.87–0.95, P = 0.01). There was no reduction in cardiovascular mortality seen, but in pooled analysis of randomized trials, there was a trend towards reduced HF hospitalization risk (RR = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.83–1.01, I2 = 0%, P = 0.074). These data suggest that ACE‐I and ARBs may have a role in improving outcomes of patients with HFpEF, underscoring the need for future research with careful patient selection, and trial design and conduct.
Exercise for the prevention of low back and pelvic girdle pain in pregnancy: A meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Shiri R. , Coggon D. , Falah‐Hassani K. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractBackground and objectiveThe effect of exercise in prevention of low back and pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy is uncertain. This study aimed to assess the effect of exercise on low back pain, pelvic girdle pain and associated sick leave.Databases and data treatmentLiterature searches were conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, ResearchGate and ClinicalTrials.gov databases from their inception through May 2017. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were eligible for inclusion in the review if they compared an exercise intervention with usual daily activities and at least some of the participants were free from low back pain and/or pelvic girdle pain at baseline. Methodological quality of included studies was evaluated using the Cochrane Collaboration's tool. A random‐effects meta‐analysis was performed, and heterogeneity and publication bias were assessed.ResultsEleven randomized controlled trials (2347 pregnant women) qualified for meta‐analyses. Exercise reduced the risk of low back pain in pregnancy by 9% (pooled risk ratio (RR) = 0.91, 95% CI 0.83–0.99, I2 = 0%, seven trials, N = 1175), whereas it had no protective effect on pelvic girdle pain (RR = 0.99, CI 0.81–1.21, I2 = 0%, four RCTs, N = 565) or lumbopelvic pain (RR = 0.96, CI 0.90–1.02, I2 = 0%, eight RCTs, N = 1737). Furthermore, exercise prevented new episodes of sick leave due to lumbopelvic pain (RR = 0.79, CI 0.64–0.99, I2 = 0%, three RCTs, N = 1168). There was no evidence of publication bias.ConclusionExercise appears to reduce the risk of low back pain in pregnant women, and sick leave because of lumbopelvic pain, but there is no clear evidence for an effect on pelvic girdle pain.SignificanceExercise has a small protective effect against low back pain during pregnancy.
A comparative analysis of human plasma and serum proteins by combining native PAGE, whole‐gel slicing and quantitative LC‐MS/MS: Utilizing native MS‐electropherograms in proteomic analysis for discovering structure and interaction‐correlated differences
Authors: Wen Meiling , Jin Ya , Manabe Takashi , Chen Shumin , Tan Wen 
Published: September 2017

AbstractMS identification has long been used for PAGE‐separated protein bands, but global and systematic quantitation utilizing MS after PAGE has remained rare and not been reported for native PAGE. Here we reported on a new method combining native PAGE, whole‐gel slicing and quantitative LC‐MS/MS, aiming at comparative analysis on not only abundance, but also structures and interactions of proteins. A pair of human plasma and serum samples were used as test samples and separated on a native PAGE gel. Six lanes of each sample were cut, each lane was further sliced into thirty‐five 1.1 mm × 1.1 mm squares and all the squares were subjected to standardized procedures of in‐gel digestion and quantitative LC‐MS/MS. The results comprised 958 data rows that each contained abundance values of a protein detected in one square in eleven gel lanes (one plasma lane excluded). The data were evaluated to have satisfactory reproducibility of assignment and quantitation. Totally 315 proteins were assigned, with each protein assigned in 1–28 squares. The abundance distributions in the plasma and serum gel lanes were reconstructed for each protein, named as “native MS‐electropherograms”. Comparison of the electropherograms revealed significant plasma‐versus‐serum differences on 33 proteins in 87 squares (fold difference > 2 or < 0.5, p < 0.05). Many of the differences matched with accumulated knowledge on protein interactions and proteolysis involved in blood coagulation, complement and wound healing processes. We expect this method would be useful to provide more comprehensive information in comparative proteomic analysis, on both quantities and structures/interactions.
Resilience of Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier Based Energy‐Storage Systems
Authors: Rüde Timo , Bösmann Andreas , Preuster Patrick , Wasserscheid Peter , Arlt Wolfgang , Müller Karsten 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe reliability of energy storage by using a liquid organic hydrogen carrier (LOHC) was evaluated. LOHC systems consist of a number of components and can be divided into two different strands for charging and discharging. This is important in terms of system reliability, because most potential causes of failure only lead to partial loss of functionality. The different components are discussed in terms of the respective causes of the failure, consequences, mitigation, and recovery strategies to draw a conclusion on the resilience of the system. On the basis of the probability of different failures and the mean times to repair, the availability of LOHC systems could be estimated quantitatively. The mean times for main relevant failure causes ranged from 4000 to 60 000 h. It was calculated that full functionality and partial functionality could be provided for more than 97 and approximately 98 % of the operational times, respectively.
“Just Call Me a Desert Researcher”
Authors: Heimlich Rüdiger 
Published: September 2017

AbstractWhether in documentary films, exhibitions, talks or articles, for decades the Cologne‐based geologist and climate scientist Stefan Kröpelin has been popularising the history, landscapes and people of the Sahara. As a field researcher and in many ways a “science ambassador”, the DFG and the Stifterverband have chosen him as the recipient of this year's Communicator Award.
Hibernators on Madagascar
Authors: Dausmann Kathrin H. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractIn our latitudes, we are familiar with mammals who spend the less hospitable season of the year in dens, but it has come as some surprise to discover that dwarf lemurs in the tropics do the same. New studies show that thanks to their special thermoregulation strategies, they can adapt even more flexibly to the climate, habitats and sleeping sites.
When the Land Turns Green
Authors: Boy Jens , Mikutta Robert , Guggenberger Georg 
Published: September 2017

AbstractFor millennia, warming and glacial retreat have been creating new land in Antarctica. A network of soil scientists, algae researchers and molecular geneticists is studying this process as it continues to be advanced by climate change. The process reveals how bare rock is transformed into fertile ground through the coevolution of plants and soil, providing a model for the whole Earth ecosystem.
Reading and Writing as Scientists? Text Genres and Literacy Practices in Girls’ Middle‐Grade Science
Authors: Faller S. Elisabeth 
Published: September 2017

AbstractScience teachers are often charged with providing discipline‐specific literacy instruction. However, little is known about the reading and writing genres, or text types, typically found in these classrooms. In particular, there is a lack of knowledge about what opportunities adolescents have to engage with the genres privileged in science to learn the discipline's specialized ways of making meaning and communicating knowledge. This article reports on a case study of the reading and writing genres found within four middle‐grade science classrooms in one small all‐female school. Results suggest that although a variety of text genres were present, there was little discussion of how and why science content was presented in particular ways. Notably, students also had far more opportunities to read than write extended nonfiction. Teachers can cultivate a more reciprocal relation between reading and writing in science by using genres that students read as models for their writing.
Optimization of spark plasma sintered titania for potential application as a keratoprosthesis skirt
Authors: Li Zhong , Yam Gary Hin‐Fai , Thompson Brianna C. , Setiawan Melina , Goh Gwendoline Tze Wei , Tan Donald , Mehta Jodhbir S. , Khor Khiam Aik 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe manufacture of mechanically strong and biocompatible titania (TiO2) materials is of vital importance for their application as corneal implant skirts. This study was aimed at optimizing the selection of raw powder and sintering conditions for TiO2 ceramics. TiO2 compacts were synthesized from five raw powders, denoted as Altair, Inframat, Alfa, Materion, and Amperit, respectively, by spark plasma sintering using different sintering parameters. The XRD and Raman results confirmed that the anatase TiO2 phase in the Inframat powder had converted completely to rutile TiO2 phase after sintering at 900°C and above. The nanoindentation results indicated that among the five types of TiO2 samples sintered at 1100°C, the Inframat pellets possessed the highest Young's modulus and hardness. Additionally, when Materion samples were employed to study the effects of SPS parameters, a higher sintering temperature in the range of 1100–1300°C decreased the mechanical properties of sintered pellets probably due to the generation of more structural defects. Culture of human corneal stromal fibroblasts on the sintered sample surfaces showed that comparably high cell viability and proliferation were observed on all TiO2 samples except Amperit compared to positive control. Furthermore, cells cultured on Inframat TiO2 sintered in the temperature range of 900–1300°C exhibited viability and formation of focal adhesion complex similar to those on control, and those prepared at 1100°C had significantly higher cell proliferation indices than control. In conclusion, Inframat TiO2 consolidated at 1100°C by SPS was the best formulation for the preparation of mechanically strong and biocompatible Keratoprosthesis skirt. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 3502–3513, 2017.
SPIO‐Au core–shell nanoparticles for promoting osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3‐E1 cells: Concentration‐dependence study
Authors: Yuan Muzhaozi , Wang Ya , Qin Yi‐Xian 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThis work aims to explore the concentration‐dependence of SPIO‐Au core–shell nanoscale particles (NPs) (17.3 ± 1.2 nm in diameter) on biocompatibility and osteogenic differentiation of preosteoblast MC3T3‐E1 cells. The stability of NPs was first investigated by UV–vis absorption spectra and zeta potential measurement. Then concentration effects of NPs (1–80 μg/mL) were evaluated on viability, morphology, proliferation, cellular uptake, and alkaline phosphate (ALP) activity levels. Results have shown strong stability and no acute toxicity (viability > 93%) or morphological difference at all concentration levels of NPs. The proliferation results indicated that the concentration of NPs below 40 μg/mL does not affect the cell proliferation for 7 days of incubation. Transmission electron microscopy images revealed the successful internalization of NPs into MC3T3‐E1 cells and the dose‐dependent accumulation of NPs inside the cytoplasm. The ALP level of MC3T3‐E1 cells was improved by 49% (of control) after treated with NPs at 10 μg/mL for 10 days, indicating their positive effect on early osteogenic differentiation. This study confirmed the excellent biocompatibility of SPIO‐Au NPs and their great potential for promoting osteogenic differentiation and promised the future application for these NPs in bone engineering including drug delivery, cell labeling, and activity tracking within scaffolds. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 3350–3359, 2017.
In vitrobasic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) delivery using an antithrombogenic 2‐methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) polymer coated with a micropatterned diamond‐like carbon (DLC) film
Authors: Bito Kenta , Hasebe Terumitsu , Maegawa Shunto , Maeda Tomoki , Matsumoto Tomohiro , Suzuki Tetsuya , Hotta Atsushi 
Published: September 2017

AbstractIn this study, a newly designed drug‐release platform composed of an antithrombogenic 2‐methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) polymer was introduced, which was impregnated with basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) (bFGF/MPC polymer) to enhance the endothelial cell activation. The platform was also coated with an ultrathin micropatterned diamond‐like carbon (DLC) film (DLC/bFGF/MPC polymer) to precisely control the drug release rate and the cell compatibility. The resulting DLC/bFGF/MPC polymer could effectively prolong the bFGF release rate by depositing the micropatterned DLC. The number of adherent platelets on the DLC/bFGF/MPC polymer was significantly lower (about 1/14) than that on a currently used stent made of stainless steel (SUS316L), indicating the enhanced antithrombogenicity in the DLC/bFGF/MPC polymer. The proliferation of endothelial cells on the DLC/bFGF/MPC polymer and the DLC/MPC polymer (without bFGF) were also examined. It was found that the optical density of HUVEC on the DLC/bFGF/MPC polymer determined by WST‐8 assay was higher by 25%than that on the DLC/MPC polymer (without bFGF) measured after 72 h of incubation. Our results suggest that the released bFGF that contributes to the expression of other growth factors results in the early proliferation of the HUVEC on the DLC/bFGF/MPC polymer. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 3384–3391, 2017.
Enhanced adsorption behavior of 17β‐estradiol by anaerobic granular sludge combined with zero‐valent iron
Authors: Zhao Bai‐Hang , Chen Jie , Zhai Jie‐Yi , Bian Wei , Zhang Jing , Wang Zhan‐Zhao , Li Yun , Li Jun 
Published: September 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe release of natural estrogen 17 β‐estradiol (E2) to the aquatic environment is a matter of concern. Batch experiments were conducted to study the adsorption of E2 by anaerobic granular sludge (AnGS) combined with zero‐valent iron (ZVI). The enhancement mechanism of ZVI for E2 adsorption by AnGS was also analyzed.RESULTSThe E2 adsorption efficiency of AnGs with ZVI was 48% higher than that without ZVI. The optimal conditions for high E2 adsorption efficiency (92.21%) and high equilibrium adsorption capacity (4.92 µg g‐1 VSS) were rZVI/AnGS 1.33, pH 6, and temperature 25°C. E2 adsorption by ZVI/AnGS was a spontaneous and exothermic process, well described by the Freundlich isotherm.CONCLUSIONThe addition of a suitable amount of ZVI enhanced E2 adsorption by AnGS. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Titanium dioxide‐coated biochar composites as adsorptive and photocatalytic degradation materials for the removal of aqueous organic pollutants
Authors: Cai Xiaoxi , Li Jiang , Liu Yunguo , Yan Zhili , Tan Xiaofei , Liu Shaobo , Zeng Guangming , Gu Yanling , Hu Xinjiang , Jiang Luhua 
Published: September 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDThis article reports the synthesis and characterisation of titanium dioxide‐coated biochar composites (TBCs) by pyrolysing titanium dioxide‐treated biomass prepared by a modified sol–gel method. Their adsorptive and photocatalytic activities were evaluated based on the removal of safranine T (ST) from an aqueous solution with/without UV‐light irradiation.RESULTSCharacterisation studies suggested that TiO2 was successfully loaded on the biochar substrate. The biochar and TiO2 contents of the composite significantly affected its performance. The ST removal capabilities of the TBCs with 1, 1.5, 2, and 2.5 g of the biomass are 1.7, 2.3, 7.2, and 2.3 times better than that of the raw biochar, respectively. Thus, the optimum amount of biomass in TBC‐x was determined to be 2 g, with the corresponding sample exhibiting excellent stability, effectiveness over a wide pH range, and a maximum ST removal capacity of 226.7 mg g‐1.CONCLUSIONThe loading of TiO2 significantly enhanced the adsorption performance of biochar and the high specific surface area of the biochar synergistically promoted the photocatalytic activity of TiO2. Both adsorption and photocatalytic degradation were confirmed to contribute to the decolourisation of the aqueous solution because of the removal of ST, with the effect of adsorption being slightly higher than that of photocatalysis. The synthesised composite is a promising alternative material for removing chemical contaminants. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
The effects of potassium and muscle homogenate on proprioceptive responses in crayfish and crab
Authors: Malloy Cole , Dayaram Viresh , Martha Sarah , Alvarez Brenda , Chukwudolue Ikenna , Dabbain Nadera , mahmood Dlovan D. , Goleva Slavina , Hickey Tori , Ho Angel , King Molly , Kington Paige , Mattingly Matthew , Potter Samuel , Simpson Landon , Spence Amanda , Uradu Henry , Van Doorn Jacob , Weineck Kristin , Cooper Robin L. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractProprioception of limbs and joints is a basic sensory function throughout most of the animal kingdom. It is important to understand how proprioceptive organs and the associated sensory neurons function with altered environments such as increased potassium ion concentrations ([K+]) from diseased states, ionic imbalances, and damaged tissues. These factors can drastically alter neuronal activity. To assess this matter, we used the chordotonal organ in a walking leg of a blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) and the muscle receptor organ of the crayfish (Procambarus clarkii). These organs serve as tractable models for the analysis of proprioception. The preparations can help serve as translational models for these effects, which may be observed in other invertebrate species as well as mammalian species (including humans). When extracellular potassium concentration ([K+]o) is increased to 20 mM in both preparations, mixed results are observed with activity increasing in some preparations and decreasing in others after mechanical displacement. However, when [K+]o is increased to 40 mM, activity drastically decreases in all preparations. Additionally, proprioceptor sensory activity declines upon exposure to a diluted muscle homogenate, which contains a host of intracellular constituents. The robust effects of altered [K+] on proprioception in these models illuminate the potential detriments on neuronal function in cases of severe tissue damage as well as altered [K+]o.
Controlled‐release urea decreased ammonia volatilization and increased nitrogen use efficiency of cotton
Authors: Tian Xiaofei , Geng Jibiao , Guo Yanle , Li Chengliang , Zhang Min , Chen Jianqiu 
Published: September 2017

AbstractExcessive nitrogen (N) fertilizer input leads to higher N loss via ammonia (NH3) volatilization. Controlled‐release urea (CRU) was expected to reduce emission losses of N. An incubation and a plant growth experiment with Gossypium hirsutum L. were conducted with urea and CRU (a fertilizer mixture of polymer‐coating sulfur‐coated urea and polymer‐coated urea with N ratios of 5 : 5) under six levels of N fertilization rates, which were 0% (0 mg N kg−1 soil), 50% (110 mg N kg−1 soil), 75% (165 mg N kg−1 soil), 100% (220 mg N kg−1 soil), 125% (275 mg N kg−1 soil), and 150% (330 mg N kg−1 soil) of the recommended N fertilizer rate. For each type of N fertilizer, the NH3 volatilization, cotton yield, and N uptake increased with the rate of N application, while N use efficiency reached a threshold and decreased when N application rates of urea and CRU exceeded 238.7 and 209.3 mg N kg−1 soil, respectively. Ammonia volatilization was reduced by 65–105% with CRU in comparison to urea treatments. The N release characteristic of CRU corresponded well to the N requirements of cotton growth. Soil inorganic N contents, leaf SPAD values, and net photosynthetic rates were increased by CRU application, particularly from the full bloom stage to the initial boll‐opening stage. As a result, CRU treatments achieved significantly higher lint yield by 7–30%, and the N use efficiency of CRU treatments was increased by 25–124% relative to that of urea treatments. These results suggest that the application of CRU could be widely used for cotton production with higher N use efficiency and lower NH3 volatilization.