bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High‐dose steroid therapy for acute respiratory distress syndrome lacking common risk factors: predictors of outcome
Authors: Kinoshita Yoshiaki , Ishii Hiroshi , Kushima Hisako , Watanabe Kentaro , Fujita Masaki 
Published: October 2017

AimAcute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a life‐threatening lung disease that usually occurs in patients with the underling risk factors that triggers lung inflammation. We sometimes encounter patients with ARDS lacking common risk factors. Recent studies have indicated the effectiveness of corticosteroids for this cohort. However, the characteristics of survivors with ARDS who lack common risk factors, and who received high‐dose methylprednisolone pulse therapy (MPPT), are not known.MethodsWe undertook a retrospective study of patients with ARDS lacking common risk factors, who received i.v. MPPT for 3 days. The patients (n = 46) were classified into two groups, survivors (n = 23) and non‐survivors (n = 23), based on their survival at 60 days after the initiation of MPPT, and their clinical and radiological parameters were evaluated.ResultsThe patient characteristics and disease severity of the two groups were comparable. The percentage of consolidation/(ground‐glass attenuation [GGA] + consolidation) on the chest computed tomography scans of survivors was significantly lower than that of non‐survivors (survivors, 5.63% [2.31–13.8] versus non‐survivors, 27.2% [5.97–41.4]; P = 0.01). In the stratified analysis, the percentage of consolidation/(GGA + consolidation) was significantly associated with 60‐day survival.ConclusionsOur results show that the percentage of consolidation/(GGA + consolidation) on the chest CT scans is an independent prognostic factor for patients with ARDS lacking common risk factors after MPPT.
Protonengekoppelte Reduktion des katalytischen [4Fe‐4S]‐Zentrums in [FeFe]‐Hydrogenasen
Authors: Senger Moritz , Laun Konstantin , Wittkamp Florian , Duan Jifu , Haumann Michael , Happe Thomas , Winkler Martin , Apfel Ulf‐Peter , Stripp Sven T. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractIn der Natur katalysieren [FeFe]‐Hydrogenasen die Abgabe und Aufnahme von molekularem Wasserstoff (H2) an einem einzigartigen Eisen‐Schwefel‐Kofaktor. Das geringe elektrochemische Überpotential in der Wasserstoffabgabe‐Reaktion macht die [FeFe]‐Hydrogenasen zu einem hervorragenden Beispiel für effiziente Biokatalyse. Gegenwärtig sind die molekularen Details des Wasserstoffumsatzes jedoch noch nicht vollständig verstanden. Daher adressieren wir in dieser Untersuchung die initiale Reduktion des katalytischen Zentrums der [FeFe]‐Hydrogenasen mittels Infrarotspektroskopie und Elektrochemie und zeigen, dass der reduzierte Zustand Hred′ durch protonengekoppelten Elektronentransport gebildet wird. Ladungskompensation bindet das überschüssige Elektron am [4Fe‐4S]‐Zentrum und führt zu einer Stabilisierung der konservativen Konfiguration des [FeFe]‐Kofaktors. Die Rolle von Hred′ beim Wasserstoffumsatz und mögliche Auswirkungen auf den katalytischen Mechanismus werden diskutiert. Es liegt nahe, dass die Regulation elektronischer Eigenschaften in der Umgebung von metallischen Kofaktoren die Grundlage für Multielektronenprozesse bildet.
Microtubular Self‐Assembly of Covalent Organic Frameworks
Authors: Gole Bappaditya , Stepanenko Vladimir , Rager Sabrina , Grüne Matthias , Medina Dana D. , Bein Thomas , Würthner Frank , Beuerle Florian 
Published: October 2017

AbstractDespite significant progress in the synthesis of covalent organic frameworks (COFs), reports on the precise construction of template‐free nano‐ and microstructures of such materials have been rare. In the quest for dye‐containing porous materials, a novel conjugated framework DPP‐TAPP‐COF with an enhanced absorption capability up to λ=800 nm has been synthesized by utilizing reversible imine condensations between 5,10,15,20‐tetrakis(4‐aminophenyl)porphyrin (TAPP) and a diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) dialdehyde derivative. Surprisingly, the obtained COF exhibited spontaneous aggregation into hollow microtubular assemblies with outer and inner tube diameters of around 300 and 90 nm, respectively. A detailed mechanistic investigation revealed the time‐dependent transformation of initial sheet‐like agglomerates into the tubular microstructures.
Overcoming the Lack of Oral Availability of Cyclic Hexapeptides: Design of a Selective and Orally Available Ligand for the Integrin αvβ3
Authors: Weinmüller Michael , Rechenmacher Florian , Kiran Marelli Udaya , Reichart Florian , Kapp Tobias G. , Räder Andreas F. B. , Di Leva Francesco Saverio , Marinelli Luciana , Novellino Ettore , Muñoz‐Félix José M. , Hodivala‐Dilke Kairbaan , Schumacher Adi , Fanous Joseph , Gilon Chaim , Hoffman Amnon , Kessler Horst 
Published: October 2017

AbstractA highly systematic approach for the development of both orally bioavailable and bioactive cyclic N‐methylated hexapeptides as high affinity ligands for the integrin αvβ3 is based on two concepts: a) screening of systematically designed libraries with spatial diversity and b) masking of the peptide charge with a lipophilic protecting group. The key steps of the method are 1) initial design of a combinatorial library of N‐methylated analogues of the stem peptide cyclo(d‐Ala‐Ala5); 2) selection of cyclic peptides with the highest intestinal permeability; 3) design of sublibraries with the bioactive RGD sequence in all possible positions; 4) selection of the best ligands for RGD‐recognizing integrin subtypes; 5) fine‐tuning of the affinity and selectivity by additional Ala to Xaa substitutions; 6) protection of the charged functional groups according to the prodrug concept to regain intestinal and oral permeability; 7) proof of biological effects in mice after oral administration.
Comb‐like polymer‐graphene nanocomposites with improved adhesion properties via surface‐initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (SI‐ATRP)
Authors: Rajender Nutenki , Suresh Kattimuttathu I. , Sreedhar Bojja 
Published: October 2017

ABSTRACTThe synthesis and properties of comb‐like polymer‐graphene nanocomposites via surface initiated atom transfer radical polymerization is reported. The crystallization temperature (Tc) and melt temperature (Tm) of the comb‐like homopolymer increases from −18 to −8 °C and 1 to 11 °C, respectively, in the nanocomposite synthesized with 0.6 wt % graphene initiator. The rheological properties like modulus and complex viscosity of the nanocomposite show a twofold increase. Transmission electron microscopy results of the nanocomposite show a well‐intercalated structure with nanoscale distribution of graphene domains and in scanning electron microscopy a sheet‐like structure with corrugations, and crumples are seen. The hydrophobicity, as measured by water contact angle, increases from 101° in the homopolymer to 118° in the nanocomposite. The nanocomposites exhibit substantial increase in adhesive strength on different substrates, with peel strength increasing by more than 1000 times, as compared to the homopolymer. The improved tack and adhesion properties of the nanocomposites suggest them as novel materials for adhesive applications. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45885.
Preparation and characteristics of polyurethane made with polyhydric alcohol‐liquefied rice husk
Authors: Lee Wen‐Jau , Yu Chao‐Yun , Chen Yi‐Chun 
Published: October 2017

ABSTRACTThe limited availability of fossil resource is causing the urgent need to get renewable chemicals. Solvent liquefaction can convert rice husk into bio‐based chemicals. Rice husk was liquefied in polyhydric alcohol catalyzed by sulfuric acid under atmospheric pressure. The viscosity, residue content, and weight average molecular weight (Mw) of liquefied rice husk were 3089 cps, 23.6% and 4100, respectively. Prolonging the liquefaction time decreased the residue content and increased the average molecular weight. Polyurethane (PU) foams were successfully prepared from the liquefied rice husk with different molar ratios of NCO to OH (NCO/OH). The mechanical properties of PU foams showed that the compressive strength in the vertical direction is higher than that in the horizontal direction. With Increase of the NCO/OH molar ratio from 1.0 to 2.0, compressive strength in the vertical direction of PU foams increased from 70.6 to 114.7 kPa at 10% strain. Thermal analysis results showed that thermal stability of liquefied rice husk‐based PU resins was better than that of fossil‐ and liquefied wood‐ based PU resins. Increasing the NCO/OH molar ratio and inorganic residue of rice husk can help to increase thermal stability. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45910.
Asymmetry in the Cortical and Trabecular Bone of the Human Humerus During Development
Authors: Perchalski Bernadette , Placke Arielle , Sukhdeo Simone M. , Shaw Colin N. , Gosman James H. , Raichlen David A. , Ryan Timothy M. 
Published: October 2017

ABSTRACTMany studies have noted that the bones of the human upper limb display bilateral asymmetry, commonly linking this asymmetry in external and internal morphology to handedness and lateralization. Few studies, however, have attempted to track asymmetry throughout ontogeny. This study assesses the ontogenetic development of cortical and trabecular bone asymmetry in the humerus. We predict that directional asymmetry in structural properties will emerge in concert with hand preference and increased activity levels during the juvenile period. Paired humeri from 57 individuals from the Norris Farms #36 archaeological skeletal collection ranging in age from neonate to adult were used in the current study. Cortical bone cross‐sectional properties and three‐dimensional trabecular bone structure were quantified from microcomputed tomography data. The results indicate significant absolute asymmetry in all measured cortical and trabecular bone variables across all ages. Trabecular bone displays significantly higher absolute asymmetry than cortical bone. Contrary to expectations, however, this study found very little evidence for significant directional asymmetry in humeral length and cortical or trabecular bone variables, except in adults. The presence of significant absolute asymmetry in all age groups, and the lack of significant directional asymmetry in almost all variables at all ages, suggests that structural differences due to higher levels of habitual loading in the dominant arm are overlain on a template of potentially significant existing asymmetry. Anat Rec, 301:1012–1025, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Belimumab for the Treatment of Early Diffuse Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Gordon Jessica K. , Martyanov Viktor , Franks Jennifer M. , Bernstein Elana J. , Szymonifka Jackie , Magro Cynthia , Wildman Horatio F. , Wood Tammara A. , Whitfield Michael L. , Spiera Robert F. 
Published: October 2017

ObjectiveTo assess the safety and efficacy of treatment with belimumab in patients with early diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dcSSc) treated with background mycophenolate mofetil (MMF).MethodsIn this 52‐week, investigator‐initiated, single‐center, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, pilot study, 20 patients with dcSSc recently started on MMF were randomized 1:1 to additionally receive belimumab at 10 mg/kg intravenously or placebo. We assessed safety, efficacy, and differential gene expression.ResultsIn the belimumab group, the median modified Rodnan skin thickness score (MRSS) decreased from 27 (interquartile range [IQR] 26.5, 31) to 18 (IQR 11, 23) (P = 0.039). In the placebo group, the median MRSS decreased from 28 (IQR 22, 28) to 21 (IQR 14, 25) (P = 0.023). The median change in MRSS was –10 (IQR –13, –9) in the belimumab group and –3.0 (IQR –15, –1) in the placebo group (P = 0.411). There were no significant differences between the groups in the number of adverse events (AEs). A significant decrease in expression of B cell signaling and profibrotic genes and pathways was observed in patients with improved MRSS in the belimumab group but not in the placebo group.ConclusionPatients in both treatment groups experienced significant improvements in MRSS. The median difference was greater in the belimumab group but did not achieve statistical significance in this small pilot study. AEs were similar between the groups. Changes in gene expression were consistent with mechanism of action and showed that clinical response to treatment with belimumab is associated with a significant decrease in profibrotic genes and pathways. Additional studies are needed to determine the role of belimumab in the treatment of dcSSc.
Robust Approximate Constraint‐Following Control for Autonomous Vehicle Platoon Systems
Authors: Zhao Xiaomin , Chen Y. H. , Zhao Han 
Published: October 2017

AbstractWe consider an autonomous vehicle platoon system consisting of N+1 vehicles in the presence of modeling uncertainty. The uncertainty may be due to parameter variations, aerodynamics, external disturbances, etc., which is nonlinear and time‐varying. Subject to the collision avoidance consideration, the original state is one‐sided restricted. To resolve this restriction, we propose a state transformation to convert the bounded state into a globally unbounded state. Furthermore, motivated by the properties of artificial swarm systems, we incorporate the swarm system performance into the platoon system by treating it as a d'Alembert's constraint. By the Udwadia and Kalaba's approach, we obtain the analytic (closed‐form) expression of the constraint force. Based on this, a class of robust controls for each vehicle (except the leading vehicle) is proposed to drive the platoon system to follow the ideal swarm model. Four major system performances are accomplished: (i) compact vehicle formation, (ii) collision avoidance, (iii) stable platoon system formation, (iv) global behavior.
Cancer Registry follow‐up for 17 million person‐years of a nationwide maternity cohort
Authors: Lehtinen Matti , Surcel Heljä‐Marja , Natunen Kari , Pukkala Eero , Dillner Joakim 
Published: October 2017

AbstractPopulation‐based Finnish Maternity Cohort (FMC) comprises 2M first trimester sera collected from 1M women during 33 years. Informed consent is by the opt‐out principle, and linkages with cancer and population registries provide a base for over time and over generation studies. Follow‐up for 17M person‐years by the end of 2014 can identify 39,700 cases of invasive cancer and 18,900 cases of premalignant breast and cervix lesions, and basal cell carcinoma diagnosed after serum sampling. For women with multiple pregnancies, serial samples taken before cancer diagnosis are available. Offspring of the women have developed more than 4000 cancers. For 100,000 individuals, samples taken during the pregnancies of both their mothers and grandmothers enable familial cancer studies. FMC continues to collect samples, and surveillance of exposures or interventions like vaccination programs is feasible. In summary, the FMC is a unique, accessible biobank for epidemiological, biomarker, and surveillance studies on cancer.
POLE somatic mutations in advanced colorectal cancer
Authors: Guerra Joana , Pinto Carla , Pinto Diana , Pinheiro Manuela , Silva Romina , Peixoto Ana , Rocha Patrícia , Veiga Isabel , Santos Catarina , Santos Rui , Cabreira Verónica , Lopes Paula , Henrique Rui , Teixeira Manuel R. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractDespite all the knowledge already gathered, the picture of somatic genetic changes in colorectal tumorigenesis is far from complete. Recently, germline and somatic mutations in the exonuclease domain of polymerase epsilon, catalytic subunit (POLE) gene have been reported in a small subset of microsatellite‐stable and hypermutated colorectal carcinomas (CRCs), affecting the proofreading activity of the enzyme and leading to misincorporation of bases during DNA replication. To evaluate the role of POLE mutations in colorectal carcinogenesis, namely in advanced CRC, we searched for somatic mutations by Sanger sequencing in tumor DNA samples from 307 cases. Microsatellite instability and mutation analyses of a panel of oncogenes were performed in the tumors harboring POLE mutations. Three heterozygous mutations were found in two tumors, the c.857C>G, p.Pro286Arg, the c.901G>A, p.Asp301Asn, and the c.1376C>T, p.Ser459Phe. Of the POLE‐mutated CRCs, one tumor was microsatellite‐stable and the other had low microsatellite instability, whereas KRAS and PIK3CA mutations were found in one tumor each. We conclude that POLE somatic mutations exist but are rare in advanced CRC, with further larger studies being necessary to evaluate its biological and clinical implications.
Recent Applications of 2D Inorganic Nanosheets for Emerging Energy Storage System
Authors: Oh Seung Mi , Patil Sharad B. , Jin Xiaoyan , Hwang Seong‐Ju 
Published: October 2017

AbstractAmong many types of nanostructured inorganic materials, highly anisotropic 2D nanosheets provide unique advantages in designing and synthesizing efficient electrode and electrocatalyst materials for novel energy storage technologies. 2D inorganic nanosheets boast lots of unique characteristics such as high surface area, short ion diffusion path, tailorable compositions, and tunable electronic structures. These merits of 2D inorganic nanosheets render them promising candidate materials as electrodes for diverse secondary batteries and supercapacitors, and electrocatalysts. A wide spectrum of examples is presented for inorganic nanosheet‐based electrodes and electrocatalysts. Future perspectives in research about 2D nanosheet‐based functional materials are discussed to provide insight for the development of next‐generation energy storage systems using 2D nanostructured materials.
DNA Hydrogel with Tunable pH‐Responsive Properties Produced by Rolling Circle Amplification
Authors: Xu Wanlin , Huang Yishun , Zhao Haoran , Li Pan , Liu Guoyuan , Li Jing , Zhu Chengshen , Tian Leilei 
Published: October 2017

AbstractRecently, smart DNA hydrogels, which are generally formed by the self‐assembly of oligonucleotides or through the cross‐linking of oligonucleotide–polymer hybrids, have attracted tremendous attention. However, the difficulties of fabricating DNA hydrogels limit their practical applications. We report herein a novel method for producing pH‐responsive hydrogels by rolling circle amplification (RCA). In this method, pH‐sensitive cross‐linking sites were introduced into the polymeric DNA chains during DNA synthesis. As the DNA sequence can be precisely defined by its template, the properties of such hydrogels can be finely tuned in a very facile way through template design. We have investigated the process of hydrogel formation and pH‐responsiveness to provide rationales for functional hydrogel design based on the RCA reaction.
Direct Determination of Electron‐Transfer Properties of Dicopper‐Bound Reduced Dioxygen Species by a Cryo‐Spectroelectrochemical Approach.
Authors: López Isidoro , Cao Rui , Quist David A. , Karlin Kenneth D. , Le Poul Nicolas 
Published: October 2017

AbstractDirect experimental determination of redox properties of superoxo (O2.−) and peroxo (O22−) embedded in dicopper complexes bearing an unsymmetrical binucleating ligand was achieved using cryo‐electrochemistry and cryo‐spectroelectrochemistry in dichloromethane. Cyclic voltammetry for dicopper(I) (1+) oxidation to a CuICuII mixed‐valent species (12+) under inert atmosphere at 193 K reveals slow heterogeneous electron‐transfer kinetics, indicative of a large reorganization energy. Oxygenation of the dicuprous complex 1+ gives the bridged peroxo dicopper(II) species 3+, which is reversibly oxidized to the superoxo complex 22+ at E0=0.11 V (vs. SCE) with a small inner sphere electron‐transfer reorganization energy, λi=0.54 eV, determined from variable temperature electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The data suggest that the O2.−/O22− redox process occurs directly on the O2‐derived core.
Promoting Photocatalytic Overall Water Splitting by Controlled Magnesium Incorporation in SrTiO3 Photocatalysts
Authors: Han Kai , Lin Yen‐Chun , Yang Chia‐Min , Jong Ronald , Mul Guido , Mei Bastian 
Published: October 2017

AbstractSrTiO3 is a well‐known photocatalyst inducing overall water splitting when exposed to UV irradiation of wavelengths <370 nm. However, the apparent quantum efficiency of SrTiO3 is typically low, even when functionalized with nanoparticles of Pt or Ni@NiO. Here, we introduce a simple solid‐state preparation method to control the incorporation of magnesium into the perovskite structure of SrTiO3. After deposition of Pt or Ni@NiO, the photocatalytic water‐splitting efficiency of the Mg:SrTiOx composites is up to 20 times higher compared to SrTiO3 containing similar catalytic nanoparticles, and an apparent quantum yield (AQY) of 10 % can be obtained in the wavelength range of 300–400 nm. Detailed characterization of the Mg:SrTiOx composites revealed that Mg is likely substituting the tetravalent Ti ion, leading to a favorable surface–space–charge layer. This originates from tuning of the donor density in the cubic SrTiO3 structure by Mg incorporation and enables high oxygen‐evolution rates. Nevertheless, interfacing with an appropriate hydrogen evolution catalyst is mandatory and non‐trivial to obtain high‐performance in water splitting.
Isolation, cultivation, and characterization of human mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Mushahary Dolly , Spittler Andreas , Kasper Cornelia , Weber Viktoria , Charwat Verena 
Published: October 2017

AbstractMesenchymal stem cells (MSC) exhibit a high self‐renewal capacity, multilineage differentiation potential and immunomodulatory properties. This set of exceptional features makes them an attractive tool for research and clinical application. However, MSC are far from being a uniform cell type, which makes standardization difficult. The exact properties of human MSC (hMSC) can vary greatly depending on multiple parameters including tissue source, isolation method and medium composition. In this review we address the most important influence factors. We highlight variations in the differentiation potential of MSC from different tissue sources. Furthermore, we compare enzymatic isolation strategies with explants cultures focusing on adipose tissue and umbilical cords as two relevant examples. Additionally, we address effects of medium composition and serum supplementation on MSC expansion and differentiation. The lack of standardized methods for hMSC isolation and cultivation mandates careful evaluation of different protocols regarding efficiency and cell quality. MSC characterization based on a set of minimal criteria defined by the International Society for Cellular Therapy is a widely accepted practice, and additional testing for MSC functionality can provide valuable supplementary information. The MSC secretome has been identified as an important signaling mechanism to affect other cells. In this context, extracellular vesicles (EVs) are attracting increasing interest. The thorough characterization of MSC‐derived EVs and their interaction with target cells is a crucial step toward a more complete understanding of MSC‐derived EV functionality. Here, we focus on flow cytometric approaches to characterize free as well as cell bound EVs and address potential differences in the bioactivity of EVs derived from stem cells from different sources. © 2017 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry