bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acute Oral Administration of Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes Increases Intestinal Permeability and Inflammatory Responses: Association with the Changes in Gut Microbiota in Mice
Authors: Chen Hanqing , Zhao Ruifang , Wang Bing , Zheng Lingna , Ouyang Hong , Wang Hailong , Zhou Xiaoyan , Zhang Dan , Chai Zhifang , Zhao Yuliang , Feng Weiyue 
Published: February 2018

AbstractWith the increasing production and widespread potential applications of single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), the possible impacts of oral administration of SWCNTs on gastrointestinal tract at currently occupational exposure limits and potential biomedical applications should be concerned. To address the concerns, mice are orally administrated of SWCNTs at doses of 0.05, 0.5, and 2.5 mg kg−1 body weight per day for 7 d. The investigation shows that SWCNT treatment had promoted intestinal injuries at the acute dose of 2.5 mg kg−1 per day, including increase of histological lesion scores, intestinal permeability, and proinflammatory cytokine (IL‐1β, IL‐6, and TNF‐α) secretion. Analysis of gut microbiota composition using 16S rRNA gene sequencing approach reveals that acute oral administration of SWCNTs induces significant shifts of the predominant microbe phyla from Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes and increases abundance of proinflammatory bacteria Alitipes_uncultured_bacterium and Lachnospiraceae bacterium A4. These notable findings suggest that SWCNT‐induced intestinal injury is linked to SWCNT interaction with intestinal tract and gut bacteria and the consequent triggering of “metabolic inflammation” responses. Furthermore, the study has shown that oral administration of carbon nanomaterials, including SWCNTs, multiwalled CNTs, and graphene oxide, can lead to different inflammatory responses and specific alteration in gut microbiota in mice.
Self‐Assembly of Enzyme‐Like Nanofibrous G‐Molecular Hydrogel for Printed Flexible Electrochemical Sensors
Authors: Zhong Ruibo , Tang Qian , Wang Shaopeng , Zhang Hongbo , Zhang Feng , Xiao Mingshu , Man Tiantian , Qu Xiangmeng , Li Li , Zhang Weijia , Pei Hao 
Published: February 2018

AbstractConducting hydrogels provide great potential for creating designer shape‐morphing architectures for biomedical applications owing to their unique solid–liquid interface and ease of processability. Here, a novel nanofibrous hydrogel with significant enzyme‐like activity that can be used as “ink” to print flexible electrochemical devices is developed. The nanofibrous hydrogel is self‐assembled from guanosine (G) and KB(OH)4 with simultaneous incorporation of hemin into the G‐quartet scaffold, giving rise to significant enzyme‐like activity. The rapid switching between the sol and gel states responsive to shear stress enables free‐form fabrication of different patterns. Furthermore, the replication of the G‐quartet wires into a conductive matrix by in situ catalytic deposition of polyaniline on nanofibers is demonstrated, which can be directly printed into a flexible electrochemical electrode. By loading glucose oxidase into this novel hydrogel, a flexible glucose biosensor is developed. This study sheds new light on developing artificial enzymes with new functionalities and on fabrication of flexible bioelectronics.
Hybrid Perovskites: Prospects for Concentrator Solar Cells
Authors: Lin Qianqian , Wang Zhiping , Snaith Henry J. , Johnston Michael B. , Herz Laura M. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractPerovskite solar cells have shown a meteoric rise of power conversion efficiency and a steady pace of improvements in their stability of operation. Such rapid progress has triggered research into approaches that can boost efficiencies beyond the Shockley–Queisser limit stipulated for a single‐junction cell under normal solar illumination conditions. The tandem solar cell architecture is one concept here that has recently been successfully implemented. However, the approach of solar concentration has not been sufficiently explored so far for perovskite photovoltaics, despite its frequent use in the area of inorganic semiconductor solar cells. Here, the prospects of hybrid perovskites are assessed for use in concentrator solar cells. Solar cell performance parameters are theoretically predicted as a function of solar concentration levels, based on representative assumptions of charge‐carrier recombination and extraction rates in the device. It is demonstrated that perovskite solar cells can fundamentally exhibit appreciably higher energy‐conversion efficiencies under solar concentration, where they are able to exceed the Shockley–Queisser limit and exhibit strongly elevated open‐circuit voltages. It is therefore concluded that sufficient material and device stability under increased illumination levels will be the only significant challenge to perovskite concentrator solar cell applications.
Hand‐Drawn Resistors, Capacitors, Diodes, and Circuits for a Pressure Sensor System on Paper
Authors: Costa Júlio C. , Wishahi Amir , Pouryazdan Arash , Nock Martin , Münzenrieder Niko 
Published: February 2018

AbstractHand‐written fabrication techniques offer new ways of developing customizable, biodegradable, and low‐cost electronic systems. In this work, a new level of complexity is demonstrated for hand‐written electronics by fabricating passive components, circuits, and a sensor system on paper. The system comprises a pencil‐written graphite force‐sensitive resistor, a pencil‐drawn RC filter, a pen‐written half‐wave rectifier, and a commercial front‐end voltage amplifier. The sensor system exhibits a linear response for pressures up to 1.2 kPa, and a sensitivity of 51 mV kPa−1. Furthermore, the electrical and mechanical performance of the single components and circuits is studied. Diodes fabricated through pen‐written deposition of silver and nickel contacts on amorphous indium–gallium–zinc oxide coated paper show rectification ratios up to 1:8. Tensile and compressive bending measurements applied to all pencil‐written components for radii down to 0.1 mm indicate minor influence of strain. Similar results are obtained for circuits created from these individual components. Diodes and half‐wave rectifiers show a stable behavior when bent to a radius of 5 mm. The presented techniques can enable the development of flexible and eco‐friendly wearables and sensors for consumer and healthcare applications, and are an effective way for school pupils to explore the world of electronics.
Risk factors for prolonged mechanical ventilation in patients with severe multiple injuries and blunt chest trauma: a single center retrospective case–control study
Authors: Okabe Yasuyuki 
Published: February 2018

AimBlunt chest trauma is common and is associated with morbidity and mortality in patients with multiple injuries, frequently requiring invasive mechanical ventilation. The aim of this study was to elucidate risk factors for prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV).MethodsConsecutive adult patients with multiple severe injuries and blunt chest trauma who treated in Chiba Emergency Medical Center (Chiba, Japan) between January 2008 and December 2015 were enrolled in this retrospective chart‐review study. According to ventilatory time, the patients were divided into PMV (≥7 days) and shortened mechanical ventilation (SMV; <7 days) groups. Thoracic Trauma Severity Score (TTSS) was calculated. To identify risk factors for PMV, univariate and multivariate logistic analyses and receiver operating characteristic analysis were carried out.ResultsEighty‐four and 49 patients were assigned to PMV and SMV groups, respectively. Compared with the SMV group, the PMV group had a significantly larger number of fractured ribs (P < 0.01), higher rate of severe Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS ≤8) (P < 0.05) and flail chest (P < 0.001), higher TTSS (P < 0.001), or longer intensive care unit and hospital stay (both P < 0.001). Logistic analysis showed that severe GCS (odds ratio [OR] = 4.6, P < 0.01), flail chest (OR = 3.0, P < 0.05), and TTSS (OR = 1.2; P < 0.01) were independent significant risk factors. Receiver operating characteristic analyses showed that the area under the curves for TTSS, flail chest, and severe GCS were 0.74, 0.70, and 0.58, respectively. When the three factors were combined, the area under the curve increased to 0.8.ConclusionSevere GCS (≤8), flail chest, or TTSS may be independent risk factors. Combining the three risk factors could provide high predictive performance for PMV.
Alkynes From Furans: A General Fragmentation Method Applied to the Synthesis of the Proposed Structure of Aglatomin B
Authors: Deng Jiachen , Wu Jingjing , Tian Hailong , Bao Jiajing , Shi Yong , Tian Weisheng , Gui Jinghan 
Published: February 2018

AbstractFurans are versatile synthons in organic chemistry. Described is a general method for transforming furans into alkynes by dual C−C double‐bond cleavage. The reaction is proposed to proceed by sequential [4+2] cycloaddition between furan and singlet oxygen and a formal retro‐(3+2) fragmentation of the endoperoxide intermediate. A wide array of furans, including those derived from sapogenins, are amenable to this reaction, thus providing the corresponding alkynoic acids in up to 88 % yields. The synthetic utility was demonstrated by a seven‐step synthesis of the proposed structure of a pregnane natural product, aglatomin B, from a known intermediate.
Accretion Product Formation from Self‐ and Cross‐Reactions of RO2 Radicals in the Atmosphere
Authors: Berndt Torsten , Scholz Wiebke , Mentler Bernhard , Fischer Lukas , Herrmann Hartmut , Kulmala Markku , Hansel Armin 
Published: February 2018

AbstractHydrocarbons are emitted into the Earth's atmosphere in very large quantities by human and biogenic activities. Their atmospheric oxidation processes almost exclusively yield RO2 radicals as reactive intermediates whose atmospheric fate is not yet fully unraveled. Herein, we show that gas‐phase reactions of two RO2 radicals produce accretion products composed of the carbon backbone of both reactants. The rates for accretion product formation are very high for RO2 radicals bearing functional groups, competing with those of the corresponding reactions with NO and HO2. This pathway, which has not yet been considered in the modelling of atmospheric processes, can be important, or even dominant, for the fate of RO2 radicals in all areas of the atmosphere. Moreover, the vapor pressure of the formed accretion products can be remarkably low, characterizing them as an effective source for the secondary organic aerosol.
Double CH Activation of a Masked Cationic Bismuth Amide
Authors: Ritschel Benedikt , Poater Jordi , Dengel Hannah , Bickelhaupt F. Matthias , Lichtenberg Crispin 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe transformation of C−H bonds into more reactive C−M bonds amenable to further functionalization is of fundamental importance in synthetic chemistry. We demonstrate here that the transformation of neutral bismuth compounds into their cationic analogues can be used as a strategy to facilitate CH activation reactions. In particular, the double CH activation of bismuth‐bound diphenyl amide, (NPh2)−, is reported along with simple one‐pot procedures for the functionalization of the activated positions. The organometallic products of the first and second CH activation steps were isolated in high yields. Analysis by NMR spectroscopy, single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, and DFT calculations revealed unusual ground‐state properties (e.g., ring strain, moderate heteroaromaticity), and provided mechanistic insight into the formation of these compounds.
The effect of electrical poling conditions on the microstructure and performance of PVC/nano‐ZnO ion exchange membranes
Authors: Parvizian Fahime , Hosseini SayedMohsen , Hamidi Alireza 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe effect of electrical poling on microstructure and performance of a typical ion exchange membrane was studied. Polyvinyl chloride‐based cation exchange membranes containing ZnO nanoparticle were prepared via phase inversion method and then exposed to intense electric fields with different conditions. Potential, transport number, permselectivity, and flux of treated membranes were examined. Results exhibit an acceptable improvement for treated membranes' properties. The electrical resistance of membranes declined sharply by 30% with voltage increasing. Two‐phase model showed the heterogeneity of poled membranes enhanced under poling conditions. The results can be considered for modification of piezoelectric membranes in many cases.
Oscillatory structure–property correlation in azelate polyols and thermoplastic polyurethanes
Authors: Tuan Ismail Tuan Noor Maznee , Azowa Ibrahim Nor , Sendijarevic Aisa , Sendijarevic Ibrahim , Schiffman Christi M. , Hoong Seng Soi , Mohd Noor Mohd Azmil , Poo Palam Kosheela Devi , Yeong Shoot Kian , Idris Zainab , Abd. Malek Emilia , Zainuddin Norhazlin , Sendijarevic Vahid 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACTAzelate polyols of 2000 g mol−1 have been successfully prepared via esterification of renewable azelaic acid with linear diols containing different number of CH2 repeating units. Structure–property correlation of the azelate polyols had been evaluated in thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs). TPUs based on azelate polyols of longer chained linear diols with >4 CH2 repeat units retained higher degrees of crystallinity associated with the polyol soft segment. The ratio of hydrogen bonded urethane in the hard segment to free urethane phase mixed with the soft segment in the TPUs showed a complex oscillating dependence with increased number of CH2 repeating unit in the linear diols of azelate polyols. Correspondingly, static and dynamic properties of TPUs also showed the oscillatory dependence, whereby dynamic properties maximized with odd number of CH2 repeating unit and material strength maximized with even number of CH2 repeating unit. The results therefore can be used as guide to select appropriate azelate polyols to target specific TPU performance. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46258.
A thin film composite membrane supported by a hydrophilic poly(vinyl alcohol‐co‐ethylene) nanofiber membrane: Preparation, characterization, and application in nanofiltration
Authors: Li Ruipeng , Li Mufang , Li Zheng , Zhu Qing , Zhong Weibing , Liu Ke , Wang Dong 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACTIn this study, a fabricated hydrophilic poly(vinyl alcohol‐co‐ethylene) (PVA‐co‐PE) nanofiber membrane was used as the middle support layer to prepare thin film composite (TFC) membranes for nanofiltration. The effects of the supporting nonwoven layer, grams per square meter (GSM) of nanofiber, reaction time, heat treatment, monomer concentration, operating pressure, and pH value on the separation performance of the TFC membranes were analyzed. These results show that the TFC membranes prepared with the PVA‐co‐PE nanofiber membrane can be used to filtrate different metal ions. For NaCl, Na2SO4, CaCl2, CuCl2, CuSO4, and methyl orange solutions, the rejection rates of the TFC membrane with nonwoven polyester as the supporting layer and a nanofiber GSM of 12.8 g/m2 are 87.9%, 93.4%, 92.0%, 93.1%, 95.8%, and 100%, respectively. This indicates the potential application of the PVA‐co‐PE nanofiber membrane in the preparation of nanofiltration and reverse‐osmosis TFC membranes. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46261.
Exome sequencing in syndromic brain malformations identifies novel mutations in ACTB, and SLC9A6, and suggests BAZ1A as a new candidate gene
Authors: Weitensteiner Valerie , Zhang Rong , Bungenberg Julia , Marks Matthias , Gehlen Jan , Ralser Damian J. , Hilger Alina C. , Sharma Amit , Schumacher Johannes , Gembruch Ulrich , Merz Waltraut M. , Becker Albert , Altmüller Janine , Thiele Holger , Herrmann Bernhard G. , Odermatt Benjamin , Ludwig Michael , Reutter Heiko 
Published: February 2018

BackgroundSyndromic brain malformations comprise a large group of anomalies with a birth prevalence of about 1 in 1,000 live births. Their etiological factors remain largely unknown. To identify causative mutations, we used whole‐exome sequencing (WES) in aborted fetuses and children with syndromic brain malformations in which chromosomal microarray analysis was previously unremarkable.MethodsWES analysis was applied in eight case‐parent trios, six aborted fetuses, and two children.ResultsWES identified a novel de novo mutation (p.Gly268Arg) in ACTB (Baraitser‐Winter syndrome‐1), a homozygous stop mutation (p.R2442*) in ASPM (primary microcephaly type 5), and a novel hemizygous X‐chromosomal mutation (p.I250V) in SLC9A6 (X‐linked syndromic mentaly retardation, Christianson type). Furthermore, WES identified a de novo mutation (p.Arg1093Gln) in BAZ1A. This mutation was previously reported in only one allele in 121.362 alleles tested (dbSNP build 147). BAZ1A has been associated with neurodevelopmental impairment and dysregulation of several pathways including vitamin D metabolism. Here, serum vitamin‐D (25‐(OH)D) levels were insufficient and gene expression comparison between the child and her parents identified 27 differentially expressed genes. Of note, 10 out of these 27 genes are associated to cytoskeleton, integrin and synaptic related pathways, pinpointing to the relevance of BAZ1A in neural development. In situ hybridization in mouse embryos between E10.5 and E13.5 detected Baz1a expression in the central and peripheral nervous system.ConclusionIn syndromic brain malformations, WES is likely to identify causative mutations when chromosomal microarray analysis is unremarkable. Our findings suggest BAZ1A as a possible new candidate gene.
Shades of grey; Assessing the contribution of the magno‐ and parvocellular systems to neural processing of the retinal input in the human visual system from the influence of neural population size and its discharge activity on the VEP
Authors: Marcar Valentine L. , Baselgia Silvana , Lüthi‐Eisenegger Barbara , Jäncke Lutz 
Published: February 2018

AbstractIntroductionRetinal input processing in the human visual system involves a phasic and tonic neural response. We investigated the role of the magno‐ and parvocellular systems by comparing the influence of the active neural population size and its discharge activity on the amplitude and latency of four VEP components.MethodWe recorded the scalp electric potential of 20 human volunteers viewing a series of dartboard images presented as a pattern reversing and pattern on‐/offset stimulus. These patterns were designed to vary both neural population size coding the temporal‐ and spatial luminance contrast property and the discharge activity of the population involved in a systematic manner.ResultsWhen the VEP amplitude reflected the size of the neural population coding the temporal luminance contrast property of the image, the influence of luminance contrast followed the contrast response function of the parvocellular system. When the VEP amplitude reflected the size of the neural population responding to the spatial luminance contrast property the image, the influence of luminance contrast followed the contrast response function of the magnocellular system. The latencies of the VEP components examined exhibited the same behavior across our stimulus series.ConclusionsThis investigation demonstrates the complex interplay of the magno‐ and parvocellular systems on the neural response as captured by the VEP. It also demonstrates a linear relationship between stimulus property, neural response, and the VEP and reveals the importance of feedback projections in modulating the ongoing neural response. In doing so, it corroborates the conclusions of our previous study.
Safety and efficacy of ulnar artery approach for percutaneous cardiac catheterization: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Fernandez Ritin , Zaky Fady , Ekmejian Avedis , Curtis Elizabeth , Lee Astin 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackgroundTrans‐radial access has rapidly become the standard for percutaneous coronary procedures in the last decade. As proceduralists overcome the learning curve and become more competent in trans‐radial access, alternative safe access sites such as the ulnar artery have been increasingly used for emergent and elective procedures. The aim of this study was to synthesize the best available evidence of the impact on major adverse cardiac events (MACE) of ulnar artery compared to radial artery cardiac catheterization.MethodsThis review considered randomized controlled trials that included adult patients who had a percutaneous coronary procedure via the radial or ulnar artery. The intervention of interest was the use of ulnar compared to radial artery for cardiac catheterization. An extensive search was undertaken for published and unpublished trials up to May 2017. Methodological quality was assessed independently by two reviewers using the Joanna Briggs Institute Meta‐Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument (JBI‐MAStARI) checklist. Data were analyzed using Review Manager.ResultsA total of six trials were included in the review. There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of MACE between patients who underwent trans‐ulnar or trans‐radial artery catheterization (OR 0.90; 95% CI 0.65–1.25). Complications associated with access including hematoma formation, (n = 6 trials) pseudo‐aneurysm, and arterio‐venous fistulae formation (n = 5 trials), were investigated in a total of 5,276 patients, with no difference in these complications noted between the two groups. There were no differences in arterial access time, fluoroscopy time, and contrast load between the two groups.ConclusionsThere is evidence to support safe use of the ulnar artery as an alternative to the radial artery for access for cardiac catheterization.
Long‐term survival after transcatheter versus surgical aortic valve replacement for aortic stenosis: A meta‐analysis of observational comparative studies with a propensity‐score analysis
Authors: Takagi Hisato , Mitta Shohei , Ando Tomo ,   for the ALICE (All‐Literature Investigation of Cardiovascular Evidence) group
Published: February 2018

AbstractObjectivesTo synthesize evidence regarding long‐term survival after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) versus surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) for severe aortic stenosis (AS) from real‐world clinical practice, we performed a meta‐analysis of observational studies with a propensity‐score analysis and ≥3‐year follow‐up.MethodsDatabases including MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched through April 2017 using PubMed and OVID. Eligible studies were observational comparative studies with a propensity‐score analysis of TAVI versus SAVR enrolling patients with severe AS and reporting ≥3‐year all‐cause mortality as an outcome. A hazard ratio (HR) with its 95% confidence interval (CI) of follow‐up (including early) mortality for TAVI versus SAVR was extracted from each individual study.ResultsOur search identified 14 eligible studies enrolling a total of 4,197 patients. A pooled analysis of all the 14 studies demonstrated a statistically significant 54% increase in mortality with TAVI relative to SAVR (HR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.31–1.81;Pfor effect < 0.00001;Pfor heterogeneity = 0.14;I2 = 30%). Several sensitivity analyses did not substantially change the statistically significant benefit for SAVR. There was no evidence of significant publication bias.ConclusionsOn the basis of a meta‐analysis of 14 observational comparative studies with a propensity‐score analysis including a total of ≥4,000 patients, TAVI is associated with worse ≥3‐year overall survival than SAVR.