bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cell transplantation strategies for acquired and inherited disorders of peripheral myelin
Authors: Muhammad A. K. M. G. , Kim Kevin , Epifantseva Irina , Aghamaleky‐Sarvestany Arwin , Simpkinson Megan E. , Carmona Sharon , Landeros Jesse , Bell Shaughn , Svaren John , Baloh Robert H. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate transplantation of rat Schwann cells or human iPSC‐derived neural crest cells and derivatives into models of acquired and inherited peripheral myelin damage.MethodsPrimary cultured rat Schwann cells labeled with a fluorescent protein for monitoring at various times after transplantation. Human‐induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) were differentiated into neural crest stem cells, and subsequently toward a Schwann cell lineage via two different protocols. Cell types were characterized using flow cytometry, immunocytochemistry, and transcriptomics. Rat Schwann cells and human iPSC derivatives were transplanted into (1) nude rats pretreated with lysolecithin to induce demyelination or (2) a transgenic rat model of dysmyelination due to PMP22 overexpression.ResultsRat Schwann cells transplanted into sciatic nerves with either toxic demyelination or genetic dysmyelination engrafted successfully, and migrated longitudinally for relatively long distances, with more limited axial migration. Transplanted Schwann cells engaged existing axons and displaced dysfunctional Schwann cells to form normal‐appearing myelin. Human iPSC‐derived neural crest stem cells and their derivatives shared similar engraftment and migration characteristics to rat Schwann cells after transplantation, but did not further differentiate into Schwann cells or form myelin.InterpretationThese results indicate that cultured Schwann cells surgically delivered to peripheral nerve can engraft and form myelin in either acquired or inherited myelin injury, as proof of concept for pursuing cell therapy for diseases of peripheral nerve. However, lack of reliable technology for generating human iPSC‐derived Schwann cells for transplantation therapy remains a barrier in the field.
Seizure semiology: an important clinical clue to the diagnosis of autoimmune epilepsy
Authors: Lv Rui‐Juan , Ren Hai‐Tao , Guan Hong‐Zhi , Cui Tao , Shao Xiao‐Qiu 
Published: January 2018

AbstractObjectiveThe purpose of this study is to analyze the seizure semiologic characteristics of patients with autoimmune epilepsy (AE) and describe the investigation characteristics of AE using a larger sample size.MethodsThis observational retrospective case series study was conducted from a tertiary epilepsy center between May 2014 and March 2017. Cases of new‐onset seizures were selected based on laboratory evidence of autoimmunity. At the same time, typical mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) patients with hippocampal sclerosis (HS) were recruited as the control group from the subjects who underwent presurgical evaluation during the same period.ResultsA total of 61 patients with AE were identified. Specific autoimmune antibodies were detected in 39 patients (63.93%), including anti‐VGKC in 23 patients (37.70%), anti‐NMDA‐R in 9 patients (14.75%), anti‐GABAB‐R in 6 patients (9.84%), and anti‐amphiphysin in 1 patient (1.64%). Regarding the seizure semiology, no significant differences were noted between AE patients with autoantibody and patients with suspected AE without antibody. Compared to typical MTLE patients with HS, both AE patients with autoantibody and patients with suspected AE without antibody had the same seizure semiologic characteristics, including more frequent SPS or CPS, shorter seizure duration, rare postictal confusion, and common sleeping SGTC seizures.SignificanceThis study highlights important seizure semiologic characteristics of AE. Patients with autoimmune epilepsy had special seizure semiologic characteristics. For patients with autoimmune epilepsy presenting with new‐onset seizures in isolation or with a seizure‐predominant neurological disorder, the special seizure semiologic characteristics may remind us to test neuronal nuclear/cytoplasmic antibodies early and initiate immunomodulatory therapies as soon as possible. Furthermore, the absence of neural‐specific autoantibodies does not rule out AE.
Charcot Marie Tooth disease type 4J with complex central nervous system features
Authors: Orengo James P. , Khemani Pravin , Day John W. , Li Jun , Siskind Carly E. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractWe describe a family with Charcot Marie Tooth disease type 4J presenting with features of Charcot Marie Tooth disease plus parkinsonism and aphemia. Genetic testing found two variants in the FIG4 gene: c.122T>C (p.I41T) – the most common Charcot Marie Tooth disease type 4J variant – and c.1949‐10T>G (intronic). Proband fibroblasts showed absent FIG4 protein on western blot, and skipping of exon 18 by RT‐PCR. As most patients with Charcot Marie Tooth disease type 4J do not have central nervous system deficits, we postulate the intronic variant and I41T mutation together are causing loss of FIG4 protein and subsequently the central nervous system findings in our family.
Post‐transplant adaptive function in childhood cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy
Authors: Pierpont Elizabeth I. , McCoy Erin , King Kelly E. , Ziegler Rich S. , Shanley Ryan , Nascene David , Raymond Gerald V. , Phelan Rachel , Lund Troy C. , Orchard Paul J. , Miller Weston P. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractObjectiveHematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is the only treatment known to slow or halt inflammatory demyelination among boys with the cerebral form of X‐linked adrenoleukodystrophy (cALD), a devastating childhood condition affecting the central nervous system. HSCT can lead to a range of adverse outcomes including fatality. Previous studies have examined the potential predictors of post‐HSCT survival and neurologic functioning. However, little is known about patients' daily‐life adaptive functional outcomes (i.e., ability to communicate, maintain social relationships, and independently execute tasks of daily living). The purpose of this retrospective cohort study was to identify which patient characteristics and treatment‐related variables predict long‐term adaptive function among the survivors of HSCT for cALD.MethodsWe obtained caregiver ratings of adaptive functioning of 65 transplant survivors at an average of 4.6 years (range: 1.0–24.1 years) post‐HSCT. Using linear regression with penalized maximum likelihood estimation, we modeled the relative contribution of pre‐transplant neurocognitive test performance, MRI severity, transplant regimen, and length of time since transplant on patient adaptive functioning outcomes.ResultsHigher radiographic disease severity and poorer performance on baseline neurocognitive tests requiring fine motor skills and visual perception were associated with inferior adaptive functioning after HSCT. Use of radiation during the transplant preparative regimen also predicted poorer adaptive outcomes.InterpretationIn addition to radiological disease severity, baseline neurocognitive test performance is associated with post‐transplant adaptive functional outcomes. Neurocognitive measures may play an important role in prognostic counseling and post‐transplant treatment planning for patients considering HSCT for cALD.
Inflammatory mediator expression within retrieved clots in acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Baek Byung Hyun , Kim Hyung Seok , Yoon Woong , Lee Yun Young , Baek Jang Mi , Kim Eun Hee , Kim Seul Kee 
Published: January 2018

AbstractObjectiveIn this study we investigate the association between the expression of inflammatory mediators measured in clots retrieved by mechanical thrombectomy, stroke etiology, and the susceptibility vessel sign (SVS) on gradient‐echo (GRE) MR imaging in acute ischemic stroke patients.MethodsWe performed molecular analysis of intracranial clots retrieved by mechanical thrombectomy from 82 patients with acute stroke. Seventy‐two of these patients underwent GRE imaging before endovascular therapy. We measured the relative expression of inflammatory mediators by performing the quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction on the retrieved clots and assessed associations between the expression of inflammatory mediators and stroke subtypes as well as with GRE SVS.ResultsClassifications of stroke etiology for the cohort were as follows: cardioembolism (51, 62.2%), large artery atherosclerosis (9, 11%), and undetermined etiology (22, 26.8%). Clots associated with large artery atherosclerosis showed significantly higher interleukin (IL)‐1β expression than clots from both cardioembolism and undetermined etiology (P = 0.008). A positive SVS was identified in 48 of 72 patients (66.7%) who had GRE imaging. IL‐1β, tumor necrosis factor‐α, and matrix metalloproteinase‐9 expressions were significantly higher in clots with a negative SVS than in those with a positive SVS (P = 0.010, 0.049, and 0.004, respectively).InterpretationExpression of inflammatory mediators in intracranial clots differs significantly based on stroke etiology or presence or the absence of SVS on GRE imaging. This study suggests that molecular analysis of inflammatory mediators in retrieved clots is a promising tool for determining stroke mechanism in acute ischemic stroke patients.
From Compartmentalization of Bacteria within Inorganic Macrocellular Beads to the Assembly of Microbial Consortia
Authors: Roucher Armand , Morvan Mickaël , Pekin Deniz , Depardieu Martin , Blin Jean‐Luc , Schmitt Véronique , Konrad Manfred , Baret Jean‐Christophe , Backov Rénal 
Published: January 2018

AbstractMicroorganisms are highly efficient biocatalysts. Yet making use of their capabilities for chemical transformations requiring synergistic interactions between different microbes is challenging as the competition for resources might reduce the diversity and ultimately disrupt the synergies. Here, a new method is proposed for constructing microbial consortia for the integration of multistep transformations. Bacteria are successively grown and trapped within semipermeable inorganic foams produced as millimeter‐sized beads. The beads function as efficient living biocatalysts is demonstrated. These living heterogeneous biocatalysts are manipulated to perform cycles of biochemical reactions and furthermore assembled to perform preprogrammed sequences of reactions. This new family of living advanced biocatalysts should find applications in a wide range of basic research and industrial systems where complex tasks have to be performed by controlled consortia of microorganisms.
Decomposable s‐Tetrazine Copolymer Enables Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotube Thin Film Transistors and Sensors with Improved Sensitivity
Authors: Li Zhao , Ding Jianfu , Guo Chang , Lefebvre Jacques , Malenfant Patrick R. L. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractSemiconducting single‐walled carbon nanotubes (sc‐SWCNTs) enriched by a conjugated polymer extraction process have been actively studied for various applications in both electronics and optoelectronics. Although the resulting tube samples usually have high sc‐purity and concentration, SWCNT networks from such dispersions typically contain residual conjugated polymer that may degrade device performance and its removal remains a challenge while maintaining uniform, dense SWCNT thin film networks. In this study, a novel polymer–SWCNT combination based on an alternating bisfuran‐s‐tetrazine and benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene copolymer abbreviated as PBDTFTz is proposed. This polymer decomposes at >250 °C or under UV irradiation. In situ transistor characterization under laser irradiation confirms the polymer decomposition. The study of the tube network in the transistor channel at various channel lengths reveals significantly reduced contact resistance attributed to removal of the wrapping PBDTFTz polymer. In ammonia sensing experiments, sc‐SWCNT networks demonstrate rapid and reversible responses, while the unwrapped nanotube networks prove superior in terms of signal to noise ratio and a detection limit of 2.5 ppb is calculated, almost four times better than polymer wrapped nanotubes.
A Novel Room‐Temperature Multiferroic System of Hexagonal Lu1−xInxFeO3
Authors: Liu Juan , Sun Tu Lai , Liu Xiao Qiang , Tian He , Gao Ting Ting , Chen Xiang Ming 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIn the present work, h‐RFeO3 multiferroic ceramics are designed and created by introducing chemical pressure (In‐substitution for Lu) in LuFeO3. Lu1−xInxFeO3 (x = 0‐0.75) ceramics are prepared by the standard solid‐state reaction process. The crystal structure of the present ceramics is tuned from centrosymmetric Pbnm (x = 0) to non‐centrosymmetric P63cm (x = 0.4–0.6), and subsequently to centrosymmetric P63/mmc (x = 0.75), while the Pbnm and P63cm biphase structure is detected for x = 0.25. The Curie temperature for the polar P63cm (x = 0.4–0.6) phase decreases from >1000 to ≈550 K with increasing x. Cloverleaf ferroelectric domain structures are determined in polar Lu0.5In0.5FeO3 samples, and the ferroelectric domain walls at atomic scale are evaluated by the aberration‐corrected high‐angle annular dark‐field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF STEM), where the spontaneous polarization of 1.73 µC cm−2 is determined for x = 0.5. The spontaneous polarization is also confirmed by calculating the site displacement from the centrosymmetric phase based on the X‐ray diffraction (XRD) data. Meanwhile, two magnetic transitions are determined for all compositions, that is, paramagnetic to antiferromagnetic transition at Néel temperature TN (≈350 K for x = 0.4–0.6), and antiferromagnetic to weak‐ferromagnetic transition at spin‐reorientation temperature TSR. The co‐presence of ferroelectric and antiferromagnetic orders confirms the present ceramics as promising room‐temperature multiferroic materials.
Surface‐Functionalization‐Mediated Direct Transfer of Molybdenum Disulfide for Large‐Area Flexible Devices
Authors: Shinde Sachin M. , Das Tanmoy , Hoang Anh Tuan , Sharma Bhupendra K. , Chen Xiang , Ahn Jong‐Hyun 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe transfer of synthesized large‐area 2D materials to arbitrary substrates is expected to be a vital step for the development of flexible device fabrication processes. The currently used hazardous acid‐based wet chemical etching process for transferring large‐area MoS2 films is deemed to be unsuitable because it significantly degrades the material and damages growth substrates. Surface energy‐assisted water‐based transfer processes do not require corrosive chemicals during the transfer process; however, the concept is not investigated at the wafer scale due to a lack of both optimization and in‐depth understanding. In this study, a wafer‐scale water‐assisted transfer process for metal–organic chemical vapor‐deposited MoS2 films based on the hydrofluoric acid treatment of a SiO2 surface before the growth is demonstrated. Such surface treatment enhances the strongly adhering silanol groups, which allows the direct transfer of large‐area, continuous, and defect‐free MoS2 films; it also facilitates the reuse of growth substrate. The developed transfer method allows direct fabrication of flexible devices without the need for a polymeric supporting layer. It is believed that the proposed method can be an alternative defect‐ and residue‐free transfer method for the development of MoS2‐based next‐generation flexible devices.
DNA Nanotubes with Hydrophobic Environments: Toward New Platforms for Guest Encapsulation and Cellular Delivery
Authors: Rahbani Janane F. , Vengut‐Climent Empar , Chidchob Pongphak , Gidi Yasser , Trinh Tuan , Cosa Gonzalo , Sleiman Hanadi F. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractNatural systems combine different supramolecular interactions in a hierarchical manner to build structures. In contrast, DNA nanotechnology relies almost exclusively on DNA base pairing for structure generation. Introducing other supramolecular interactions can expand the structural and functional range of DNA assemblies, but this requires an understanding of the interplay between these interactions. Here, an economic strategy to build DNA nanotubes functionalized with lipid‐like polymers is reported. When these polymers are linked to the nanotube using a spacer, they fold inside to create a hydrophobic environment within the nanotube; the nanotube can encapsulate small molecules and conditionally release them when specific DNA strands are added, as monitored by single‐molecule fluorescence microscopy. When the polymers are directly linked to the nanostructure without spacers, they interact intermolecularly to form a network of DNA bundles. This morphological switch can be directly observed using a strand displacement strategy. The two association modes result in different cellular uptake behavior. Nanotubes with internal hydrophobic association show dye‐mediated mitochondrial colocalization inside cells; while the bundles disassemble into smaller polymer‐coated structures that reduce the extent of nonspecific cellular uptake. This approach uncovers parameters to direct the hierarchical assembly of DNA nanostructures, and produces promising materials for targeted drug delivery.
High‐Strength Nanotwinned Al Alloys with 9R Phase
Authors: Li Qiang , Xue Sichuang , Wang Jian , Shao Shuai , Kwong Anthony H. , Giwa Adenike , Fan Zhe , Liu Yue , Qi Zhimin , Ding Jie , Wang Han , Greer Julia R. , Wang Haiyan , Zhang Xinghang 
Published: January 2018

AbstractLight‐weight aluminum (Al) alloys have widespread applications. However, most Al alloys have inherently low mechanical strength. Nanotwins can induce high strength and ductility in metallic materials. Yet, introducing high‐density growth twins into Al remains difficult due to its ultrahigh stacking‐fault energy. In this study, it is shown that incorporating merely several atomic percent of Fe solutes into Al enables the formation of nanotwinned (nt) columnar grains with high‐density 9R phase in Al(Fe) solid solutions. The nt Al–Fe alloy coatings reach a maximum hardness of ≈5.5 GPa, one of the strongest binary Al alloys ever created. In situ uniaxial compressions show that the nt Al–Fe alloys populated with 9R phase have flow stress exceeding 1.5 GPa, comparable to high‐strength steels. Molecular dynamics simulations reveal that high strength and hardening ability of Al–Fe alloys arise mainly from the high‐density 9R phase and nanoscale grain sizes.
Stable Molecular Diodes Based on π–π Interactions of the Molecular Frontier Orbitals with Graphene Electrodes
Authors: Song Peng , Guerin Sarah , Tan Sherman Jun Rong , Annadata Harshini Venkata , Yu Xiaojiang , Scully Micheál , Han Ying Mei , Roemer Max , Loh Kian Ping , Thompson Damien , Nijhuis Christian A. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIn molecular electronics, it is important to control the strength of the molecule–electrode interaction to balance the trade‐off between electronic coupling strength and broadening of the molecular frontier orbitals: too strong coupling results in severe broadening of the molecular orbitals while the molecular orbitals cannot follow the changes in the Fermi levels under applied bias when the coupling is too weak. Here, a platform based on graphene bottom electrodes to which molecules can bind via π–π interactions is reported. These interactions are strong enough to induce electronic function (rectification) while minimizing broadening of the molecular frontier orbitals. Molecular tunnel junctions are fabricated based on self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) of Fc(CH2)11X (Fc = ferrocenyl, X = NH2, Br, or H) on graphene bottom electrodes contacted to eutectic alloy of gallium and indium top electrodes. The Fc units interact more strongly with graphene than the X units resulting in SAMs with the Fc at the bottom of the SAM. The molecular diodes perform well with rectification ratios of 30–40, and they are stable against bias stressing under ambient conditions. Thus, tunnel junctions based on graphene with π–π molecule–electrode coupling are promising platforms to fabricate stable and well‐performing molecular diodes.
Polyethylene‐Glycol‐Mediated Self‐Assembly of Magnetite Nanoparticles at the Liquid/Vapor Interface
Authors: Vaknin David , Wang Wenjie , Islam Farhan , Zhang Honghu 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIt is shown that magnetite nanoparticles (MagNPs) grafted with polyethylene glycol (PEG) self‐assemble and short‐range‐order as 2D films at surfaces of aqueous suspensions by manipulating salt concentrations. Synchrotron X‐ray reflectivity and grazing‐incidence small angle X‐ray scattering studies reveal that K2CO3 induces the migration of the PEG‐MagNPs to the liquid/vapor interface to form a Gibbs layer of monoparticle in thickness. As the salt concentration and/or nanoparticle concentration increase, the surface‐adsorbed nanoparticles become more organized. And further increase in salt concentration leads to the growth of an additional incomplete nanoparticle layer contiguous to the first one at the vapor/liquid interface that remains intact.
Facile On‐Site Detection Based on Reactional Wettability Variation
Authors: Lin Changxu , Xiang Zheng , Song Chen , Lin Youhui , Xu Mengchun , Wang Xuefen , Wu Chenxu , Liu Xiang‐yang 
Published: January 2018

AbstractA new on‐site detection strategy is developed based on reactional wettability variation (RWV), which is induced by the coordination reaction between azoimidazole (AzoIm) ligands on an electrospun polymer membrane and the analytes. A sensor unit is fabricated by implanting photoresponsive AzoIm ligands on an electrospun polymer membrane. Contact angle of analyte solution droplets on the membrane surface is varied by coordination reaction between ligands and analytes. The response variation of each analyte is influenced by the membrane‐forming polymer and the conformation of AzoIm. Based on these two factors, the sensor is expanded into a sensor array to offer on‐site detection. The principle component analysis is further applied to evaluate the detection performance and influential structural factors of the array on those ions. The differential response it works on results from varied binding constants of ion–AzoIm complexes and pH of the analyte solutions. Moreover, the detection of metal ions is extended to the bioinorganic molecule of hemin in the same mechanism. It is envisioned that the application of the RWV general pattern can open new possibilities for detection.
One‐Step Selective Adhesive Transfer Printing for Scalable Fabrication of Stretchable Electronics
Authors: Peng Peng , Wu Kang , Lv Liangxiong , Guo Chuan Fei , Wu Zhigang 
Published: January 2018

AbstractTransferring patterned thin foil structures onto an elastic substrate is one important process for realizing heterogeneous integration and high‐performance stretchable electronics. Usually, specific equipment and long learning curve are necessary for transferring fragile micro/nanostructures. In this work, a one‐step selective transfer printing technique can selectively transfer fine metal structure from a donor substrate to a sticky polydimethylsiloxane receiver by tuning its adhesion force and hence corresponded energy release rate (G). The method greatly simplifies the transferring process compared with traditional ones. The selective transferring lies in the fact that a wider line requires a higher energy release rate, based on experimental and numerical analysis. With the selective adhesive transferring technique, a few simple stretchable devices and structures are fabricated, where a device does not exhibit any fatigue after stretching for 10 000 cycles under a 40% strain. Further, this method does not use any new specific equipment and is believed to be a reliable and cost‐effective technique for potential mass production of stretchable electronics.