bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Germinal Center B Cells Are Essential for Collagen‐Induced Arthritis
Authors: Dahdah Albert , Habir Katrin , Nandakumar Kutty Selva , Saxena Amit , Xu Bingze , Holmdahl Rikard , Malin Stephen 
Published: October 2017

ObjectiveRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is considered to be a prototypical autoimmune disorder. Several mechanisms have been proposed for the known pathologic function of B cells in RA, including antigen presentation, cytokine secretion, and humoral immunity. The aim of this study was to address the function of B lymphocytes in experimental arthritis.MethodsWe mapped the adaptive immune response following collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA). We subsequently monitored these responses and disease outcomes in genetically modified mouse strains that lack mature B cell or germinal center (GC) functionality in a B cell–intrinsic manner.ResultsFollowing primary immunization, the draining lymph nodes broadly reacted against type II collagen (CII) with the formation of GCs and T cell activation. Mice that lacked mature B cell function were fully protected against CIA and had a severely attenuated ability to mount isotype‐switched humoral immune responses against CII. Almost identical results were observed in mice that were selectively deficient in GC responses. Importantly, GC‐deficient mice were fully susceptible to collagen antibody–induced arthritis.ConclusionWe identified GC formation and anticollagen antibody production as the key pathogenic functions of B cells in CIA. The role of B cells in RA is likely to be more complex. However, targeting the GC reaction could allow for therapeutic interventions that are more refined than general B cell depletion.
Coaxial Carbon/MnO2 Hollow Nanofibers as Sulfur Hosts for High‐Performance Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Ni Lubin , Zhao Gangjin , Wang Yanting , Wu Zhen , Wang Wei , Liao Yunyun , Yang Guang , Diao Guowang 
Published: October 2017

AbstractLithium‐sulfur (Li‐S) batteries have recently attracted a large amount of attention as promising candidates for next‐generation high‐power energy storage devices because of their high theoretical capacity and energy density. However, the shuttle effect of polysulfides and poor conductivity of sulfur are still vital issues that constrain their specific capacity and cyclic stability. Here, we design coaxial MnO2‐graphitic carbon hollow nanofibers as sulfur hosts for high‐performance lithium‐sulfur batteries. The hollow C/MnO2 coaxial nanofibers are synthesized via electrospinning and carbonization of the carbon nanofibers (CNFs), followed by an in situ redox reaction to grow MnO2 nanosheets on the surface of CNFs. The inner graphitic carbon layer not only maintains intimate contact with sulfur and outer MnO2 shell to significantly increase the overall electrical conductivity but also acts as a protective layer to prevent dissolution of polysulfides. The outer MnO2 nanosheets restrain the shuttle effect greatly through chemisorption and redox reaction. Therefore, the robust S@C/MnO2 nanofiber cathode delivers an extraordinary rate capability and excellent cycling stability with a capacity decay rate of 0.044 and 0.051 % per cycle after 1000 cycles at 1.0 C and 2.0 C, respectively. Our present work brings forward a new facile and efficient strategy for the functionalization of inorganic metal oxide on graphitic carbons as sulfur hosts for high performance Li‐S batteries.
A Novel trans‐1‐(9‐Anthryl)‐2‐phenylethene Derivative Containing a Phenanthroimidazole Unit for Application in Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Zhou Nonglin , Wang Shirong , Xiao Yin , Li Xianggao 
Published: October 2017

AbstractAryl‐substituted phenanthroimidazoles (PIs) have attracted tremendous attention in the field of organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs), because they are simple to synthesize and have excellent thermal properties, high photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQYs), and bipolar properties. Herein, a novel blue–green emitting material, (E)‐2‐{4′‐[2‐(anthracen‐9‐yl)vinyl]‐[1,1′‐biphenyl]‐4‐yl}‐1‐phenyl‐1H‐phenanthro[9,10‐d]imidazole (APE‐PPI), containing a t‐APE [1‐(9‐anthryl)‐2‐phenylethene] core and a PI moiety was designed and synthesized. Owing to the PI skeleton, APE‐PPI possesses high thermal stability and a high PLQY, and the compound exhibits bipolar transporting characteristics, which were identified by single‐carrier devices. Nondoped blue–green OLEDs with APE‐PPI as the emitting layer show emission at λ=508 nm, a full width at half maximum of 82 nm, a maximum brightness of 9042 cd m−2, a maximum current efficiency of 2.14 cd A−1, and Commission Internationale de L'Eclairage (CIE) coordinates of (0.26, 0.55). Furthermore, a white OLED (WOLED) was fabricated by employing APE‐PPI as the blue–green emitting layer and 4‐(dicyanomethylene)‐2‐tert‐butyl‐6‐(1,1,7,7‐tetramethyljulolidin‐4‐yl‐vinyl)‐4H‐pyran (DCJTB) doped in tris‐(8‐hydroxyquinolinato)aluminum (Alq3) as the red–green emitting layer. This WOLED exhibited a maximum brightness of 10029 cd m−2, a maximum current efficiency of 16.05 cd A−1, CIE coordinates of (0.47, 0.47), and a color rendering index (CRI) of 85. The high performance of APE‐PPI‐based devices suggests that the t‐APE and PI combination can potentially be used to synthesize efficient electroluminescent materials for WOLEDs.
Weighted composite analysis and its application: an example using ENSO and geopotential height
Authors: Xie Zhiang , Duan Anmin , Tian Qun 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe arbitrariness of composite analysis due to criterion of defining positive and negative events is an unsolved problem. To deal with it, a new method based on the covariance and defined as weighted composite analysis was developed in this study. Two ideal cases reveal that the new method can eliminate noise more effectively in small sample size, and has a higher signal to noise ratio than the traditional method in some cases. And a real case on the relationship between ENSO and geopotential height over East Asia in summer indicates that the new method shows some similar features with composite analyses, but can effectually avoid some inappropriate conclusions. It therefore provides an alternative approach to investigate linkages between different variables.
Rice straw as a feedstock for biofuels: Availability, recalcitrance, and chemical properties
Authors: Satlewal Alok , Agrawal Ruchi , Bhagia Samarthya , Das Parthapratim , Ragauskas Arthur J. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe surplus availability of rice straw, its limited usage, and environmental pollution caused by its inefficient burning has fostered research for its valorization to biofuels. This review elucidates the current status of rice straw potential around the globe along with recent advances in revealing the critical factors responsible for its recalcitrance and chemical properties. The role and accumulation of high silica content in rice straw has been elucidated with its impact on enzymatic hydrolysis in a biorefinery environment. The correlation of different pre‐treatment approaches in modifying the physiochemical properties of rice straw and improving the enzymatic accessibility has also been discussed. This study highlights new challenges, resolutions, and opportunities for rice straw based biorefineries. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Meta-analysis of the impact of surgical approach on the grade of mesorectal excision in rectal cancer
Authors: Creavin B , Kelly M E , Ryan E , Winter D C 
Published: October 2017

Abstract

Background
The subspecialization of colorectal surgeons, and improvements in the quality of mesorectal excision have revolutionized rectal cancer surgery. With the increasing use of minimally invasive techniques, the completeness of the mesorectal excision has been questioned. This study aimed to assess the pathological outcomes of open versus laparoscopic rectal resection.

Methods
A meta-analysis of RCTs was undertaken. The primary endpoint was the adequacy of the mesorectal excision. Secondary endpoints included circumferential resection margin and distance to resection margins.

Results
Four studies were included, reporting on 2319 patients; 972 (41·9 per cent) had open and 1347 (58·1 per cent) had laparoscopic resections. Meta-analysis of adequacy of the mesorectal excision showed a small difference in achieving an intact mesorectum in favour of open surgery (risk ratio (RR) 1·06, 95 per cent c.i. 1·02 to 1·10; P = 0·001). Superficial defects were more common in laparoscopic surgery (RR 0·70, 0·54 to 0·89; P = 0·004). Deep mesorectal defects (RR 0·78, 0·51 to 1·20; P = 0·256), circumferential margin (CRM) positivity (RR 0·85, 0·62 to 1·16; P = 0·310), and distance to radial (mean difference (MD) –0·06, 95 per cent c.i. –0·10 to 0·23; P = 0·443) and distal (MD 0·03, –0·06 to 0·12; P = 0·497) margins were all similar. A complete resection (intact mesorectum, negative CRM and distal margin) was achieved in 350 of 478 patients (73·2 per cent) in the laparoscopic group and 372 of 457 (81·4 per cent) in the open group (risk difference (RD) 8 (95 per cent c.i. 3 to 13) per cent; P = 0·003). However, an acceptable mesorectum (intact or superficial defects only) was present in 1254 of 1308 (95·9 per cent) and 916 of 949 (96·5 per cent) in the laparoscopic and open groups respectively (RD 1 (–1 to 3) per cent; P = 0·263).

Conclusion
Small differences in mesorectal quality were evident between open and laparoscopic rectal resections. This may be attributable to use of laparoscopic instruments; however, to date minor defects have not affected oncological outcomes.
Randomized feasibility trial of replacing or discarding the nail plate after nail-bed repair in children
Authors: Greig A , Gardiner M D , Sierakowski A , Zweifel C J , Pinder R M , Furniss D , Cook J A , Beard D , Farrar N , Cooper C D , Jain A , Agha R , Albadry W , Cemal Y , Chadha P , Collins D , Creasy H , Din A , Ferreira M , Maggiulli F , Mitsakos A , Molina A , Pampiglione T , Pywell M , Richards K , Tavsanoglu Y , Tejero R , Vamadeva S , Wang R , Wordsworth M , Holmes W , Haeney J , Brierley N , Pardoe E , Naylor C , Laing T , Delikonstantinou I , Whybro N , Gerrish H , Gammin E 
Published: October 2017

Abstract

Background
Nail-bed injuries are the most common hand injury in children. Surgical dogma is to replace the nail plate after repairing the nail bed. Recent evidence suggests this might increase infection rates and returns to clinic. The aim of this feasibility trial was to inform the design and conduct of a definitive trial comparing replacing or discarding the nail plate after nail-bed repair.

Methods
This study recruited participants from four hand units in the UK between April and July 2015. Participants were children under the age of 16 years with a nail-bed injury requiring surgery. They were randomized to either having the nail plate replaced or discarded after nail-bed repair. The follow-up method was also allocated randomly (postal versus clinic). Information was collected on complications at 2 weeks and 30 days, and on nail-plate appearance at 4 months using the Zook classification. Two possible approaches to follow-up were also piloted and compared.

Results
During the recruitment phase, there were 156 potentially eligible children. Sixty were randomized in just over 3 months using remote web-based allocation. By 2 weeks, there were two infections, both in children with replaced nail plates. The nail-replaced group also experienced more complications. There was no evidence of a difference in return rates between postal and clinic follow-up.

Conclusion
Recruitment was rapid and nail-bed repair appeared to have low complication and infection rates in this pilot trial. The findings have led to revision of the definitive trial protocol, including the mode and timing of follow-up, and modification of the Zook classification.
Orbital and rotational atherectomy during percutaneous coronary intervention for coronary artery calcification
Authors: Lee Michael S. , Gordin Jonathan S. , Stone Gregg W. , Sharma Samin K. , Saito Shigeru , Mahmud Ehtisham , Chambers Jeff , Généreux Philippe , Shlofmitz Richard 
Published: October 2017

AbstractSevere coronary artery calcification (CAC) increases the complexity of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) by inhibiting optimal stent expansion, leading to an increased risk of death, myocardial infarction, repeat revascularization, and stent thrombosis. Coronary atherectomy modifies and debulks calcified plaque to facilitate PCI. Although there is no clear consensus, and further studies are needed, the decision to perform atherectomy should be based upon the presence of fluoroscopic CAC or with the use of intravascular imaging. The management of CAC in the modern era relies on rotational and orbital atherectomy to prepare the lesion to facilitate stent delivery and optimal expansion. While the two technologies differ in equipment, technique, and mechanism of action, the available literature suggests similar efficacy and safety of the two systems, although head‐to‐head comparisons are limited. While rotational and orbital atherectomy have been shown to have excellent procedural success in terms of facilitating stent delivery, no system has been shown to reduce long‐term major adverse cardiovascular events, although the definitive trial for orbital atherectomy has not been completed. Additional trials are needed to find the population who would derive the most benefit of atherectomy and to compare the two systems in a prospective manner.
Hydrogen Production by Direct Lignin Electrolysis at Intermediate Temperatures
Authors: Hibino Takashi , Kobayashi Kazuyo , Nagao Masahiro , Teranishi Shinya 
Published: October 2017

AbstractHydrogen is produced conventionally by electrolyzing water or water vapor at onset voltages greater than 1 V, providing motivation for the development of more efficient electrolysis processes for a hydrogen economy. Numerous attempts have been made to use ethanol as a fuel for hydrogen production because this process reduces the electrolysis onset voltage significantly. However, ethanol feedstock from lignocellulose requires greater amounts of energy and results in higher production costs compared to those using starch as the feedstock. The current study describes direct lignin electrolysis at an onset voltage of ca. 0.25 V, with high current efficiencies of approximately 100 % for hydrogen production at the cathode and approximately 85 % for carbon dioxide production at the anode. Addition of H3PO4‐impregnated lignin to the anode of a PtFe/C|Sn0.9In0.1P2O7 (150 μm)|Pt/C cell enabled hydrogen production at a temperature of 150 °C.
Multifunctional Separator with Porous Carbon/Multi‐Walled Carbon Nanotube Coating for Advanced Lithium−Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Tan Lei , Li Xinhai , Wang Zhixing , Guo Huajun , Wang Jiexi , An Liang 
Published: October 2017

AbstractAn issue associated with lithium−sulfur (Li−S) batteries is polysulfide dissolution, leading to the serious crossover of polysulfide to the Li anode. To address this issue, we report on a multifunctional separator prepared by introducing a porous carbon/multi‐walled carbon nanotube (PC/MWCNT) composite into a commercial separator. It shows that the PC/MWCNT composite is able to enhance the interfacial interaction between the coating and the polysulfide and provides a large surface area for absorbing the polysulfide, thus improving the electrical conductivity. It has been demonstrated that the Li−S cell constructed with the PC/MWCNT composite separator results in a reversible capacity as high as 659 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles at 0.5 C, and the average capacity fading rate of the cell is about 0.138 % per cycle. The performance improvement is attributed to a reduction in the crossover rate of polysulfide through the composite separator as a result of the polysulfide absorption by PC/MWCNT layer.
Water Splitting Catalysis Studied by using Real‐Time Faradaic Efficiency Obtained through Coupled Electrolysis and Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Svengren Henrik , Chamoun Mylad , Grins Jekabs , Johnsson Mats 
Published: October 2017

AbstractAn experimental setup and routine is presented for evaluating potential catalysts for water splitting by means of measuring the faradaic efficiency in real time through coupled potentiometry and mass spectrometry. The aim was to scale up an analytical cell unit towards the simulation of industrial conditions and generate results such as H2 production versus power input at a certain potential or current density in addition to electrochemical parameters. Three types of electrodes were tested: A) planar metal electrodes; B) metal‐foam‐based electrodes; C) porous electrodes with carbon additive. The results verify that the experimental routine yields the desired accuracy, sensitivity, and a negligible accumulation of gaseous products in the cell; thus the faradaic efficiency is measured in real time. The metal‐based electrodes of category A and B proved to be durable with low overpotentials and high gas output to power input, whereas three tested metal oxide electrodes in C revealed i) potential‐dependent deviation in the faradaic efficiency, ii) phase decomposition, and iii) an optimum operational power range.
Metal‐Catalyzed Group‐Transfer Polymerization: A Versatile Tool for Tailor‐Made Functional (Co)Polymers
Authors: Adams Friederike , Pahl Philipp , Rieger Bernhard 
Published: October 2017

AbstractAccommodating the increasing demand for tailor‐made polymers is a major goal in polymer chemistry. Therefore, the investigation of polymerization techniques, which allow the precise synthesis of macromolecules is of exceptional interest. Ionic or controlled radical polymerization are capable living‐type methods for the generation of uniform polymers. However, even these approaches reach their limits in certain issues. In the last decades, group‐transfer polymerization (GTP) and especially metal‐catalyzed GTP have proven to give access to a plethora of tailor‐made homo‐ and copolymers based on α,β‐unsaturated monomers. Thereby, GTP has established its potential in the development of functional and smart polymers. This concept article highlights the most significant progress in metal‐catalyzed GTP with a focus on functional (co)polymers including different polymeric architectures and microstructures.
Static Electricity‐Responsive Supramolecular Assembly
Authors: Jintoku Hirokuni , Ihara Hirotaka , Matsuzawa Yoko , Kihara Hideyuki 
Published: October 2017

AbstractStimuli‐responsive materials can convert between molecular scale and macroscopic scale phenomena. Two macroscopic static electricity‐responsive phenomena based on nanoscale supramolecular assemblies of a zinc porphyrin derivative are presented. One example involves the movement of supramolecular assemblies in response to static electricity. The assembly of a pyridine (Py) complex of the above‐mentioned derivative in cyclohexane is drawn to a positively charged material, whereas the assembly of a 3,5‐dimethylpyridine complex is drawn to a negatively charged material. The second phenomenon involves the movement of a non‐polar solvent in response to static electrical stimulation. A cyclohexane solution containing a small quantity of the Py‐complexed assembly exhibited a strong movement response towards negatively charged materials. Based on spectroscopic measurements and electron microscope observations, it was revealed that the assembled formation generates the observed response to static electricity.
Confinement of Water Pentamers within the Crystals of a Reduced Cyclotribenzoin
Authors: Alrayyani Maymounah , Wang Xiqu , Miljanić Ognjen Š. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractReduction of cyclotribenzoin with sodium borohydride produces a cone‐shaped hexaol. Crystals of this hexaol, obtained from wet tetrahydrofuran, encapsulate clusters of five water molecules in an idealized hydrogen‐bonded arrangement. The water pentamer is stabilized by hydrogen bonding with the –OH groups of the hexaol, and [O−H⋅⋅⋅π] interactions with the benzene rings of the reduced cyclotribenzoin.
Synthesis of nano‐niosomal deferoxamine and evaluation of its functional characteristics to apply as an iron‐chelating agent
Authors: Marzban Adel , Akbarzadeh Azim , Ardestani Mehdi Shafiee , Ardestani Fatemeh , Akbari Mohsen 
Published: October 2017

AbstractDeferoxamine has been widely used as an iron‐chelating agent in patients with primary or secondary iron overload deficiency. Deferoxamine is typically administered subcutaneously, intramuscularly, or intravenously by the constant infusion of the drug over 8–12 h. This process is lengthy and uncomfortable for the patients. A nano‐niosomal form of deferoxamine was prepared using the reverse phase evaporation method and evaluated on the basis of morphology, drug release, cytotoxicity, and iron‐chelating efficacy to compare with free drug formulation. The unique structure of niosome enables sustained release of the drug over extended periods. The average particle size was 136 nm and the entrapment efficiency was about 96 %. The biocompatibility of the drug‐loaded nanoparticles showed that the encapsulation of the drug in nano‐niosomes reduces the toxicity of the drug significantly. Our results indicate that the iron‐chelating ability of the entrapped deferoxamine in hepatocytes is higher than the free drug. The nano‐niosomal drug form showed more efficacies versus the free one and it could be a promising clinical intravenous system for delivery of iron‐chelating drugs such as deferoxamine.
NCCTG N0879 (Alliance): A randomized phase 2 cooperative group trial of carboplatin, paclitaxel, and bevacizumab ± everolimus for metastatic melanoma
Authors: McWilliams Robert R. , Allred Jacob B. , Slostad Jessica A. , Katipamula Rajini , Dronca Roxana S. , Rumilla Kandelaria M. , Erickson Lori A. , Bryce Alan H. , Joseph Richard W. , Kottschade Lisa A. , King David M. , Leitch John M. , Markovic Svetomir N. 
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUNDDespite the success of immune checkpoint and targeted therapy, many patients with melanoma ultimately require further treatment. The combination of carboplatin, paclitaxel, and bevacizumab (CPB) has demonstrated promising activity in a single‐arm study. In the current study, the authors performed a randomized phase 2 study to confirm efficacy and to determine whether adding everolimus would increase the activity of the combination.METHODSThrough the North Central Cancer Treatment Group, a total of 149 patients with unresectable AJCC 6th edition stage IV melanoma were randomized from May 2010 to May 2014 to either CPB or CPB with everolimus (CPBE). The primary endpoint was progression‐free survival (PFS), with secondary endpoints of overall survival (OS), response rate, and tolerability.RESULTSThe CPB and CPBE treatment arms were balanced with regard to age (median age: 59 years vs 58 years) and high lactate dehydrogenase (48% vs 51%), but were unbalanced with regard to sex (male sex: 72% vs 55%; P = .03). Overall, there was no difference noted with regard to PFS, with a median PFS of 5.6 months for CPB versus 5.1 months for CPBE (hazard ratio [HR], 1.14; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.81‐1.62 [P = .44]), or for OS, with a median OS of 14.5 months for CPB versus 10.8 months for CPBE (HR, 1.16; 95% CI, 0.84‐1.84). The confirmed response rate was 13% for CPB and 23% for CPBE (P = .13). Toxicity was higher for CPBE compared with CPB (83% for grade 3 + and 14% for grade 4 + vs 63% for grade 3 + and 11% for grade 4+, respectively) (toxicities were graded using the Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program of the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events [version 4.0]). Common grade 3 + toxicities were neutropenia, leukopenia, and fatigue, which occurred in both treatment arms with comparable frequency.CONCLUSIONSBoth experimental arms demonstrated activity, with a PFS of >5 months. However, the addition of everolimus to CPB failed to improve outcomes, with increased toxicity noted. These findings replicate the moderate antitumor activity of CPB, with future development possibly in combination with targeted or immunotherapy. Cancer 2018;124:537‐45. © 2017 American Cancer Society.