bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Physiochemical and Mechanical Performance of Chitosan‐Grafted Graphene Oxide for Superior Osteoinductivity
Authors: Ruan Jing , Wang Xiansong , Yu Zhang , Wang Zi , Xie Qing , Zhang Dandan , Huang Yazhuo , Zhou Huifang , Bi Xiaoping , Xiao Caiwen , Gu Ping , Fan Xianqun
Published: December 2015

The regeneration of artificial bone substitutes is a potential strategy for repairing bone defects. However, the development of substitutes with appropriate osteoinductivity and physiochemical properties, such as water uptake and retention, mechanical properties, and biodegradation, remains challenging. Therefore, there is a motivation to develop new synthetic grafts that possess good biocompatibility, physiochemical properties, and osteoinductivity. Here, we fabricate a biocompatible scaffold through the covalent crosslinking of graphene oxide (GO) and carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC). The resulting GO‐CMC scaffold shows significant high water retention (44% water loss) compared with unmodified CMC scaffolds (120% water loss) due to a steric hindrance effect. The modulus and hardness of the GO‐CMC scaffold are 2.75‐ and 3.51‐fold higher, respectively, than those of the CMC scaffold. Furthermore, the osteoinductivity of the GO‐CMC scaffold is enhanced due to the π–π stacking interactions of the GO sheets, which result in striking upregulation of osteogenesis‐related genes, including osteopontin, bone sialoprotein, osterix, osteocalcin, and alkaline phosphatase. Finally, the GO‐CMC scaffold exhibits excellent reparative effects in repairing rat calvarial defects via the synergistic effects of GO and bone morphogenetic protein‐2. This study provides new insights for developing bone substitutes for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
Mechanical and Electronic Properties of Thin‐Film Transistors on Plastic, and Their Integration in Flexible Electronic Applications
Authors: Heremans Paul , Tripathi Ashutosh K. , de Jamblinne de Meux Albert , Smits Edsger C. P. , Hou Bo , Pourtois Geoffrey , Gelinck Gerwin H.
Published: December 2015

The increasing interest in flexible electronics and flexible displays raises questions regarding the inherent mechanical properties of the electronic materials used. Here, the mechanical behavior of thin‐film transistors used in active‐matrix displays is considered. The change of electrical performance of thin‐film semiconductor materials under mechanical stress is studied, including amorphous oxide semiconductors. This study comprises an experimental part, in which transistor structures are characterized under different mechanical loads, as well as a theoretical part, in which the changes in energy band structures in the presence of stress and strain are investigated. The performance of amorphous oxide semiconductors are compared to reported results on organic semiconductors and covalent semiconductors, i.e., amorphous silicon and polysilicon. In order to compare the semiconductor materials, it is required to include the influence of the other transistor layers on the strain profile. The bending limits are investigated, and shown to be due to failures in the gate dielectric and/or the contacts. Design rules are proposed to minimize strain in transistor stacks and in transistor arrays. Finally, an overview of the present and future applications of flexible thin‐film transistors is given, and the suitability of the different material classes for those applications is assessed.
Dynamics of Hydration of Nanocellulose Films
Authors: Bettotti Paolo , Maestri Cecilia Ada , Guider Romain , Mancini Ines , Nativ‐Roth Einat , Golan Yuval , Scarpa Marina
Published: December 2015

The design of materials capable of mechanical responses to physical and chemical stimuli represents one of the most exciting and challenging areas of scientific research because of the huge number of their potential applications. This article is focused on the molecular events occurring in thin films of carboxylated nanocellulose fibers, which are capable of converting water gradients into mechanical movements at the macroscopic scale. The analysis of the mechano‐actuation, and of the conditions to obtain it, shows that the film movement is fast and reproducible, the gradient intensity is transduced into rate of displacement, and the response is observed at vapor pressures as low as 1.2 mm Hg. The actuation mechanism is associated to an efficient and reversible water sorption process by the hydrophilic nanocellulose fibers at the film interface. Conversely, water desorption is slow and follows a kinetic behavior supporting the presence of two binding sites for water molecules. The adsorbed water induces swelling of the surface nanocellulose layers and local structural rearrangement, however transitions between ordered and random coil conformations are not observed. The understanding of the actuation mechanisms of nanocellulose offers exciting opportunities to design macroscopic structures responding to chemical gradients by the assembly of simple molecular components.
Capture and Release Erythrocyte from the Blood with Thermoresponsive and Core‐Sheath PCL/PNIPAAm Nanofibers
Authors: Shi Qiang , Hou Jianwen , Xu Xiaodong , Gao Jian , Li Chunming , Jin Jing , Wong Shing‐Chung , Yin Jinghua
Published: December 2015

A newly developed nanofiber platform for nonadherent cell capture and release is demonstrated. The nanofiber platform is fabricated by single‐spinneret electrospinning of bovine serum albumin (BSA)‐conjugated poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) and polycaprolactone blends. The nanofibers possess core‐sheath structure with PNIPAAm as the sheath, which render the nanofibers switchable between hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity with the temperature change. As a result of BSA immobilization on the sheath part, the nanofibers resist platelet adhesion in the blood, facilitating the direct capture and isolation of red blood cells (RBCs) from the blood. Meanwhile, the captured RBCs are readily released from the nanofibers with the temperature stimuli. The capture and release efficiencies of up to 100% are achieved while maintaining cellular integrity and function. This work presents a promising platform to capture and release nonadherent cell effectively for subsequent molecular analysis and disease diagnosis.
A Robust Absorbent Material Based on Light‐Responsive Superhydrophobic Melamine Sponge for Oil Recovery
Authors: Zhu Haiguang , Yang Shun , Chen Dongyun , Li Najun , Xu Qingfeng , Li Hua , He Jinghui , Lu Jianmei
Published: December 2015

Advanced materials with intelligent switchable surfaces that can respond to external stimuli have encouraging application in oil/water separation and oil clean‐up. Herein, a facile method has been demonstrated to prepare a robust and superhydrophobic sponge by integrating the melamine‐formaldehyde (MF) sponge with light‐responsive spiropyran derivative via a radical copolymerization process, which shows the light‐controllable oil absorption and desorption property under light illumination. The key chemistry is that the MF sponge is first modified with vinyl for the copolymerization via a facile solution‐immersion process. Afterward, light‐responsive spiropyran methacrylate monomers are copolymerized with vinyl‐modified MF sponges to fabricate polymer‐MF sponge composites (denoted as SP‐MF sponge), resulting in the wettability conversion from amphiphilic to superhydrophobic with a water contact angle of 155.5°. The superhydrophobic MF sponge shows excellent selectivity and high absorption capacity for a range of oils and organic solvents from 70 to 154 times its own weight. More importantly, since the hydrophobic polymer of the SP‐MF sponge can be converted to hydrophilic under UV illumination, the wettability of SP‐MF sponge will change to hydrophilic, resulting in the light‐controlled oil desorption process. These findings offer a new responsive absorbent material and a new approach for oil recovery.
Long‐Lived Multifunctional Superhydrophobic Heterostructure Via Molecular Self‐Supply
Authors: Huang Yongfeng , Hu Ying , Zhu Chongqin , Zhang Fan , Li Hui , Lu Xinghua , Meng Sheng
Published: December 2015

Superhydrophobic (SHO) surfaces have drawn great attention thanks to their theoretical significance and myriad applications in industry and everyday life. Current approaches to fabricate such surfaces require calcinating at high temperatures, tedious and time‐consuming treatments, toxic chemicals, and/or processing with intricate instruments. Long‐duration SHO surfaces are even more challenging due to material instability and easy contamination by organic pollutants in dry conditions. To overcome these difficulties we design a simple approach via self‐supplying of low surface tension chemicals to nanoparticles to fabricate multifunctional SHO heterostructures. The method herein features room temperature, rapid processing, with environment‐friendly raw materials. With multiple functions such as photocatalysis and transparency SHO surfaces further extend their lifetime and enable self‐sustaining environment maintenance.
Optical Functional Materials Inspired by Biology
Authors: Wu Liping , He Jiaqing , Shang Wen , Deng Tao , Gu Jiajun , Su Huilan , Liu Qinglei , Zhang Wang , Zhang Di
Published: December 2015

The natural world exhibits numerous examples of efficient optical designs with novel hierarchical microstructures and specialized functionality after millions of years of evolution. Materials scientists have long been deriving understanding and inspiration from nature's optical ingenuity, such as vivid structural colors, light antireflection, light focusing, and chirality. Progress in engineering bioinspired optical functional materials has been exciting in the past years. In this review, the focus is on the state‐of‐the‐art achievements of bioinspired optical materials with applications in various areas including efficient light manipulation, optical sensors, light–energy conversion, plasmonic materials with ultrahigh surface plasmon resonance (SPR) efficiency and metamaterials. The major challenges and perspectives for bioinspired designs of optical functional materials in the future are also briefly addressed.
Bi‐Functional Iron‐Only Electrodes for Efficient Water Splitting with Enhanced Stability through In Situ Electrochemical Regeneration
Authors: Martindale Benjamin C. M. , Reisner Erwin
Published: December 2015

Scalable and robust electrocatalysts are required for the implementation of water splitting technologies as a globally applicable means of producing affordable renewable hydrogen. It is demonstrated that iron‐only electrode materials prove to be active for catalyzing both proton reduction and water oxidation in alkaline electrolyte solution with superior activity to that of previously established bi‐functional catalysts containing less abundant elements. The reported bi‐functionality of the iron electrodes is reversible upon switching of the applied bias through electrochemical interconversion of catalytic species at the electrode surface. Cycling of the applied bias results in in‐situ electrochemical regeneration of the catalytic surfaces and thereby extends the catalyst stability and lifetime of the water electrolyzer. Full water splitting at a current density of I = 10 mA cm−2 is achieved at a bias of ≈2 V, which is stable over at least 3 d (72 one hour switching cycles). Thus, potential‐switching is established as a possible strategy of stabilizing electrode materials against degradation in symmetrical water splitting systems.
Physical fitness differences between rural and urban children from western Kenya
Authors: Castillo Eric R. , Sang Meshack K. , Sigei Timothy K. , Dingwall Heather L. , Okutoyi Paul , Ojiambo Robert , Otárola‐Castillo Erik R. , Pitsiladis Yannis , Lieberman Daniel E.
Published: December 2015

Objectives

To study the effects of urbanization on physical fitness (PF), we compare PF between urban and rural children from western Kenya. We hypothesize that active rural children are stronger, more flexible, and have greater endurance, and that PF differences are predictive of endurance running performance.

Methods

We recruited an age‐matched, cross‐sectional sample of participants (55 males, 60 females; 6–17 years) from schools near Eldoret, Kenya. PF and anthropometrics were assessed using the FITNESSGRAM®. General linear mixed models (GLMM) and path analyses tested for age, sex, and activity group differences in PF, as well as the effects of PF variables on mile run time.

Results

On average, urban participants had greater body mass (36.8 ± 15.9 vs. 31.9 ± 10.9 kg) but were not taller than rural participants (1.4 ± 0.2 vs. 1.4 ± 0.2 cm). Greater urban body mass appears driven by higher body fat (28.2 ± 9.4 vs. 16.8 ± 4.4%), which increased with age in urban but not rural participants. GLMM analyses showed age effects on strength variables (P<0.05) and sex differences in hip flexibility, sit‐ups, and mile run (P<0.05). There were few differences in PF between groups except rural participants had stronger back muscles (18.2 ± 4.5 vs. 14.18 ± 4.3 cm) and faster mile times (6.3 ± 0.7 vs. 7.9 ± 2.0 min). Body composition and abdominal strength were predictive of mile time (P < 0.06), but the path analysis revealed a network of interacting direct and indirect effects that influenced endurance performance.

Conclusions

Although differences in endurance and body composition are marked between urban and rural groups, strength and flexibility are not always correlated with overall activity levels. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 28:514–523, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Facile Synthesis of 1,4‐Bis(diaryl)‐1,3‐butadiynes Bearing Two Amino Moieties by Electrochemical Reaction‐Site Switching, and Their Solvatochromic Fluorescence
Authors: Kamimoto Natsuyo , Nakamura Nariaki , Tsutsumi Akina , Mandai Hiroki , Mitsudo Koichi , Wakamiya Atsushi , Murata Yasujiro , Hasegawa Jun‐ya , Suga Seiji
Published: December 2015

Bis(diaryl)‐1,3‐butadiynes bearing two amino moieties were easily synthesized by a sequential coupling reaction by using an electrochemical method. This sequential reaction consists of electrochemical oxidative homocoupling and Suzuki–Miyaura coupling. The fluorescence of the obtained bis(diaryl)‐1,3‐butadiynes is solvatochromic despite their symmetric linear structure and lack of a strong acceptor moiety.
Enantioselective Synthesis of Atropisomeric Vinyl Arene Compounds by Palladium Catalysis: A Carbene Strategy
Authors: Feng Jia , Li Bin , He Yun , Gu Zhenhua
Published: December 2015

An efficient palladium‐catalyzed asymmetric synthesis of axially chiral vinyl arenes from aryl bromides and hydrazones is reported. The products were easily oxidized to axially chiral biaryl compounds, and the phosphine oxides were readily reduced to phosphine ligands.
N,P‐Codoped Carbon Networks as Efficient Metal‐free Bifunctional Catalysts for Oxygen Reduction and Hydrogen Evolution Reactions
Authors: Zhang Jintao , Qu Liangti , Shi Gaoquan , Liu Jiangyong , Chen Jianfeng , Dai Liming
Published: December 2015

The high cost and scarcity of noble metal catalysts, such as Pt, have hindered the hydrogen production from electrochemical water splitting, the oxygen reduction in fuel cells and batteries. Herein, we developed a simple template‐free approach to three‐dimensional porous carbon networks codoped with nitrogen and phosphorus by pyrolysis of a supermolecular aggregate of self‐assembled melamine, phytic acid, and graphene oxide (MPSA/GO). The pyrolyzed MPSA/GO acted as the first metal‐free bifunctional catalyst with high activities for both oxygen reduction and hydrogen evolution. Zn–air batteries with the pyrolyzed MPSA/GO air electrode showed a high peak power density (310 W g−1) and an excellent durability. Thus, the pyrolyzed MPSA/GO is a promising bifunctional catalyst for renewable energy technologies, particularly regenerative fuel cells.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of 2‐Aminobenzothiazole and Benzimidazole Analogs Based on the Clathrodin Structure
Authors: Montalvão Sofia , Leino Teppo O. , Kiuru Paula S. , Lillsunde Katja‐Emilia , Yli‐Kauhaluoma Jari , Tammela Päivi
Published: December 2015

A series of 2‐aminobenzothiazole and benzimidazole analogs based on the clathrodin scaffold was synthesized and investigated for their antimicrobial and antiproliferative activities as well as for their effects in hepatitis C virus (HCV) replicon model. Compound 7, derived from 2‐aminobenzothiazole, exhibited moderate antimicrobial activity only against the Gram‐positive bacterium, Enterococcus faecalis. In the antiviral assay, compounds 4d and 7 were found to suppress the HCV replicon by >70%, but also to exhibit cytotoxicity against the host cells (35 and 44%, respectively). Compounds 4a and 7 demonstrated good activity in the antiproliferative assays on the human melanoma cell line A‐375. To assess the selectivity of the effects between cancerous and noncancerous cells, a mouse fibroblast cell line was used. The IC50 values for compound 7 against the melanoma cell line A‐375 and the fibroblast cell line BALB/c 3T3 were 16 and 71 µM, respectively, yielding fourfold selectivity toward the cancer cell line. These results suggest that compound 7 should be studied further in order to fully explore its potential for drug development.
How reticulated are species?
Authors: Mallet James , Besansky Nora , Hahn Matthew W.
Published: December 2015

Many groups of closely related species have reticulate phylogenies. Recent genomic analyses are showing this in many insects and vertebrates, as well as in microbes and plants. In microbes, lateral gene transfer is the dominant process that spoils strictly tree‐like phylogenies, but in multicellular eukaryotes hybridization and introgression among related species is probably more important. Because many species, including the ancestors of ancient major lineages, seem to evolve rapidly in adaptive radiations, some sexual compatibility may exist among them. Introgression and reticulation can thereby affect all parts of the tree of life, not just the recent species at the tips. Our understanding of adaptive evolution, speciation, phylogenetics, and comparative biology must adapt to these mostly recent findings. Introgression has important practical implications as well, not least for the management of genetically modified organisms in pest and disease control.
HMGNs: The enhancer charmers
Authors: Martínez de Paz Alexia , Ausió Juan
Published: December 2015

The DNase I hypersensitive sites (DHSs) of chromatin constitute one of the best landmarks of eukaryotic genes that are poised and/or activated for transcription. For over 35 years, the high‐mobility group nucleosome‐binding chromosomal proteins HMGN1 and HMGN2 have been shown to play a role in the establishment of these chromatin‐accessible domains at transcriptional regulatory elements, namely promoters and enhancers. The critical presence of HMGNs at enhancers, as highlighted by a recent publication, suggests a role for them in the structural and functional fine‐tuning of the DHSs in vertebrates. As we review here, while preferentially out‐competing histone H1 binding and invading neighbor nucleosomes, HMGNs may also modulate histone H3 at serine 10 (H3S10ph), which plays an important role in enhancer function and transcriptional initiation.
Enhanced GAD65 production in plants using the MagnICON transient expression system: Optimization of upstream production and downstream processing
Authors: Merlin Matilde , Gecchele Elisa , Arcalis Elsa , Remelli Sabrina , Brozzetti Annalisa , Pezzotti Mario , Avesani Linda
Published: December 2015

Plants have emerged as competitive production platforms for pharmaceutical proteins that are required in large quantities. One example is the 65‐kDa isoform of human glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD65), a major autoimmune diabetes autoantigen that has been developed as a vaccine candidate for the primary prevention of diabetes. The expression of GAD65 in plants has been optimized but large‐scale purification is hampered by its tendency to associate with membranes. We investigated the potential for large‐scale downstream processing by evaluating different combinations of plant‐based expression systems and engineered forms of GAD65 in terms of yield, subcellular localization and solubility in detergent‐free buffer. We found that a modified version of GAD65 lacking the first 87 amino acids accumulates to high levels in the cytosol and can be extracted in detergent‐free buffer. The highest yields of this variant protein were achieved using the MagnICON transient expression system. This combination of truncated GAD65 and the MagnICON system dramatically boosts the production of the recombinant protein and helps to optimize downstream processing for the establishment of a sustainable plant‐based production platform for an autoimmune diabetes vaccine candidate.
Quantum dot as probe for disease diagnosis and monitoring
Authors: Mukherjee Abhishek , Shim Yumi , Myong Song Joon
Published: December 2015

Semiconductor quantum dots (QD) possess unique optical and electric properties like size‐tunable light emission, narrow emission range, high brightness and photostability. Recent research advances have minimized the toxicity of QDs and they are successfully used in in vitro and in vivo imaging. Encapsulation of QDs into polymeric nanoparticles and linking them with targeting ligands enabled the detection of tumors and cancer cells in vivo. QD‐antibody conjugates were successfully used in monitoring and diagnosis of HIV and myocardial infarction. Application of near infrared (NIR) QDs was found to minimize the absorption and scattering of light by native tissues thus rendering them suitable in deep tissue analysis. Aggregation and endosomal sequestration of QDs pose major challenges for the effective delivery of QDs to the cell cytosol. Toxicity minimization and effective delivery strategies may further increase their suitability for utilization in disease diagnosis. New synthesis of QDs may provide new types of bioconjugates of QDs to biomolecules, which leads to a variety of applications to many challenged research areas. QDs with narrow emission wavelength ranges are very suitable for monitoring multiple cellular targets simultaneously, and still remain the best known probes for imaging as an alternative to traditional fluorophores in disease diagnosis.
Skeletal and radiological manifestations of child abuse: Implications for study in past populations
Authors: Ross Ann H. , Juarez Chelsey A.
Published: December 2015

Child abuse in its various types such as physical, emotional, sexual, and neglect has been document throughout history. However, before the mid‐20th century, inflicted injuries to children was overlooked in part because children were often viewed as property. According to the World Health Organization, 57,000 children were the victims of homicide in the year 2000. In this paper we present the skeletal and radiological manifestation of physical abuse and fatal neglect and provide recommendations to assess child maltreatment from past populations. Pediatric biomechanical factors and healing are discussed as it is important to keep in mind that children are not just small adults. Skeletal and radiological indicators of nonaccidental or inflicted injuries are reviewed from the literature. Inflicted injuries are presented based on specificity to identify child abuse. In addition, skeletal indicators that could help assess fatal starvation are also reviewed and metabolic diseases are proposed as potential evidence of neglect. A recent child homicide is presented and used to illustrate the difficulty in assessing child maltreatment. Present‐day clinical child abuse protocols are used to provide recommendations to assess child abuse in a bioarchaeological context. Clin. Anat. 29:844–853, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Crystallization of Enantiomerically Pure Proteins from Quasi‐Racemic Mixtures: Structure Determination by X‐Ray Diffraction of Isotope‐Labeled Ester Insulin and Human Insulin
Authors: Mandal Kalyaneswar , Dhayalan Balamurugan , Avital‐Shmilovici Michal , Tokmakoff Andrei , Kent Stephen B. H.
Published: December 2015

As a part of a program aimed towards the study of the dynamics of human insulin‐protein dimer formation using two‐dimensional infrared spectroscopy, we used total chemical synthesis to prepare stable isotope labeled [(1‐13C=18O)PheB24)] human insulin, via [(1‐13C=18O)PheB24)] ester insulin as a key intermediate product that facilitates folding of the synthetic protein molecule (see preceding article). Here, we describe the crystal structure of the synthetic isotope‐labeled ester insulin intermediate and the product synthetic human insulin. Additionally, we present our observations on hexamer formation with these two proteins in the absence of phenol derivatives and/or Zn metal ions. We also describe and discuss the fractional crystallization of quasi‐racemic protein mixtures containing each of these two synthetic proteins.
ECBS & ICBS 2015 Joint Meeting: Bringing Chemistry to Life
Authors: Varon Silva Daniel
Published: December 2015

The European Chemical Biology Society (ECBS) and the International Chemical Biology Society (ICBS) recently organized a joint meeting in Berlin. This meeting had more than 250 participants. Four keynote lectures were given by Timothy Mitchison, David Tirrell, Carolyn Bertozzi and Jason Chin; in addition there were 13 invited speakers, 20 selected oral talks and 30 talks selected from 90 posters. The meeting was divided into six topics: chemoproteomics, epigenetics, conjugates for target delivering, anti‐infectives, molecular imaging and probing the structure, and function of post‐translational modifications. The highlights of the meeting are presented in this report.
Angiographic and clinical outcomes of patients treated with everolimus‐eluting bioresorbable stents in routine clinical practice: Results of the ISAR‐ABSORB registry
Authors: Hoppmann P. , Kufner S. , Cassese S. , Wiebe J. , Schneider S. , Pinieck S. , Scheler L. , Bernlochner I. , Joner M. , Schunkert H. , Laugwitz K‐L. , Kastrati A. , Byrne RA
Published: December 2015

Objectives

We aimed to analyze angiographic and clinical results of patients undergoing BRS implantation in a real‐world setting.

Background

Angiographic and clinical outcome data from patients undergoing implantation of drug‐eluting bioresorbable stents (BRS) in routine clinical practice is scant.

Methods

Consecutive patients undergoing implantation of everolimus‐eluting BRS at two high‐volume centers in Munich, Germany were enrolled. Data were collected prospectively. All patients were scheduled for angiographic surveillance 6–8 months after stent implantation. Quantitative coronary angiographic analysis was performed in a core laboratory. Clinical follow‐up was performed to 12 months and events were adjudicated by independent assessors.

Results

A total of 419 patients were studied. Mean age was 66.6 ± 10.9 years, 31.5% had diabetes mellitus, 76.1% had multivessel disease, and 39.0% presented with acute coronary syndrome; 49.0% of lesions were AHA/ACC type B2/C, 13.1% had treatment of bifurcation lesions. Mean reference vessel diameter was 2.89 ± 0.46 mm. At angiographic follow‐up in‐stent late loss was 0.26 ± 0.51 mm, in‐segment diameter stenosis was 27.5 ± 16.1, and binary angiographic restenosis was 7.5%. At 12 months, the rate of death, myocardial infarction, or target lesion revascularization was 13.1%. Definite stent thrombosis occurred in 2.6%.

Conclusions

The use of everolimus‐eluting BRS in routine clinical practice is associated with high antirestenotic efficacy in patients undergoing angiographic surveillance. Overall clinical outcomes at 12 months are satisfactory though stent thrombosis rates are not insignificant. Further study with longer term follow‐up and larger numbers of treated patients is required before we can be sure of the role of these devices in clinical practice. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Multivessel percutaneous coronary intervention without contrast agents
Authors: Vidi Venkatesan D. , Barseghian Ailin , Garratt Kirk N.
Published: December 2015

Contrast‐induced nephropathy (CIN) following coronary angiography is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Contrast media volume is the key risk factor for CIN in patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing coronary angiography and interventions. Very often, coronary interventions are avoided in such high‐risk patients because of possible significant adverse clinical outcomes. We present a case demonstrating use of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) to guide multivessel percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) performed without any contrast administration in a patient with extreme risk for CIN. With the availability of advanced imaging of the coronary arteries such as high definition IVUS, contrast free PCI is a feasible approach and is associated with significant advantages of reducing or eliminating the development of CIN following PCI. This case report highlights the key practical aspects of performing contrast‐free PCI and the challenges associated with such approach. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The “Open Branch” Technique
Authors: Mangialardi Nicola , Lachat Mario , Esposito Andrea , Puippe Gilberte , Orrico Matteo , Alberti Vittorio , Fazzini Stefano , Ronchey Sonia
Published: December 2015

Introduction

Staged endovascular treatment of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAA) has been proved to be an effective strategy to reduce the risk of spinal cord ischemia (SCI). Several techniques have been described: some imply the staged coverage of the aorta, other the temporarily perfusion of the sac through a branch left unstented or a dedicated branch that will be occluded later. The aim of those is to facilitate the expansion of the collateral network that perfuses the spinal cord. However, each of them, have some disadvantages such as the need of two interventions of big magnitude and the risk of target vessel occlusion or endograft displacement. We describe a new technique to treat TAAA in a staged manner.

Technique

The first step of our technique is the thoracoabdominal endograft deployment with the branching of all target vessels; one of these is branched with a bare stent inside which a covered stent will be placed in a second step, which can be perfomed under local anesthesia. We named this technique “open branch” (OB). Before insertion of the covered stent, a balloon is inflated inside the bare stent to simulate the complete sac exclusion to evaluate eventual neurological complication.

Results

Two patients with Crawford type II TAAA and one with a suprarenal aneurysm following the open repair of an infrarenal aortic aneurysm were treated. No cases of SCI were observed after the two procedures. Median interval time between the two procedures was 8, 6 weeks (4–16). Between the two steps, no aneurysm growth or rupture and no branch occlusion or endograft displacement was observed.

Conclusions

These three cases of “OB” technique show that this is a safe and feasible alternative strategy to treat TAAA in a staged manner. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Disparities in the use of screening magnetic resonance imaging of the breast in community practice by race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status
Authors: Haas Jennifer S. , Hill Deirdre A. , Wellman Robert D. , Hubbard Rebecca A. , Lee Christoph I. , Wernli Karen J. , Stout Natasha K. , Tosteson Anna N.A. , Henderson Louise M. , Alford‐Teaster Jennifer A. , Onega Tracy L.
Published: December 2015

BACKGROUND

Uptake of breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) coupled with breast cancer risk assessment offers the opportunity to tailor the benefits and harms of screening strategies for women with differing cancer risks. Despite the potential benefits, there is also concern for worsening population‐based health disparities.

METHODS

Among 316,172 women aged 35 to 69 years from 5 Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium registries (2007‐2012), the authors examined 617,723 negative screening mammograms and 1047 screening MRIs. They examined the relative risks (RRs) of MRI use by women with a <20% lifetime breast cancer risk and RR in the absence of MRI use by women with a ≥20% lifetime risk.

RESULTS

Among women with a <20% lifetime risk of breast cancer, non‐Hispanic white women were found to be 62% more likely than nonwhite women to undergo an MRI (95% confidence interval, 1.32‐1.98). Of these women, those with an educational level of some college or technical school were 43% more likely and those who had at least a college degree were 132% more likely to receive an MRI compared with those with a high school education or less. Among women with a ≥20% lifetime risk, there was no statistically significant difference noted with regard to the use of screening MRI by race or ethnicity, but high‐risk women with a high school education or less were less likely to undergo screening MRI than women who had graduated from college (RR, 0.40; 95% confidence interval, 0.25‐0.63).

CONCLUSIONS

Uptake of screening MRI of the breast into clinical practice has the potential to worsen population‐based health disparities. Policies beyond health insurance coverage should ensure that the use of this screening modality reflects evidence‐based guidelines. Cancer 2016;122:611–617. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Oncolytic reovirus in combination with chemotherapy in metastatic or recurrent non–small cell lung cancer patients with KRAS‐activated tumors
Authors: Villalona‐Calero Miguel A. , Lam Elaine , Otterson Gregory A. , Zhao Weiqiang , Timmons Matthew , Subramaniam Deepa , Hade Erinn M. , Gill George M. , Coffey Matthew , Selvaggi Giovanni , Bertino Erin , Chao Bo , Knopp Michael V.
Published: December 2015

BACKGROUND

The type 3 Dearing reovirus (Reolysin) is a naturally occurring virus that preferentially infects and causes oncolysis in tumor cells with a Ras‐activated pathway. It induces host immunity and cell cycle arrest and acts synergistically with cytotoxic agents.

METHODS

This study evaluated Reolysin combined with paclitaxel and carboplatin in patients with metastatic/recurrent KRAS‐mutated or epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)–mutated/amplified non–small cell lung cancer.

RESULTS

Thirty‐seven patients were treated. Molecular alterations included 20 KRAS mutations, 10 EGFR amplifications, 3 EGFR mutations, and 4 BRAF‐V600E mutations. In total, 242 cycles (median, 4; range, 1‐47) were completed. The initial doses were area under the curve (AUC) 6 mg/mL/min for carboplatin, 200 mg/m2 for paclitaxel on day 1, and 3 × 1010 50% tissue culture infective dose for Reolysin on days 1 to 5 of each 21‐day cycle. Because of diarrhea and febrile neutropenia (in the first 2 patients), subsequent doses were reduced to 175 mg/m2 for paclitaxel and AUC 5 mg/mL/min for carboplatin. Toxicities included fatigue, diarrhea, nausea/vomiting, neutropenia, arthralgia/myalgia, anorexia, and electrolyte abnormalities. Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors 1.0 responses included the following: partial response for 11 patients, stable disease (SD) for 20 patients, progressive disease for 4 patients, and not evaluable for 2 patients (objective response rate, 31%; 90% 1‐sided lower confidence interval, 21%). Four SD patients had >40% positron emission tomography standardized uptake value reductions. The median progression‐free survival, median overall survival, and 12‐month overall survival rate were 4 months, 13.1 months, and 57%, respectively. Seven patients were alive after a median follow‐up of 34.2 months; they included 2 patients without disease progression at 37 and 50 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Reolysin in combination with paclitaxel and carboplatin was well tolerated. The observed response rate suggests a benefit of the reovirus for chemotherapy. A follow‐up randomized study is recommended. The proportion of patients surviving longer than 2 years (30%) suggests a second/third‐line treatment effect or possibly the triggering of an immune response after tumor reovirus infiltration. Cancer 2016;122:875–83. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
SARC009: Phase 2 study of dasatinib in patients with previously treated, high‐grade, advanced sarcoma
Authors: Schuetze Scott M. , Wathen J. Kyle , Lucas David R. , Choy Edwin , Samuels Brian L. , Staddon Arthur P. , Ganjoo Kristen N. , von Mehren Margaret , Chow Warren A. , Loeb David M. , Tawbi Hussein A. , Rushing Daniel A. , Patel Shreyaskumar R. , Thomas Dafydd G. , Chugh Rashmi , Reinke Denise K. , Baker Laurence H.
Published: December 2015

BACKGROUND

Dasatinib exhibited activity in preclinical models of sarcoma. The Sarcoma Alliance for Research through Collaboration (SARC) conducted a multicenter, phase 2 trial of dasatinib in patients with advanced sarcoma.

METHODS

Patients received dasatinib twice daily. The primary objective was to estimate the clinical benefit rate (CBR) (complete response or partial response within 6 months or stable disease duration of ≥6 months) with a target of ≥25%. Patients were enrolled into 1 of 7 different cohorts and assessed by imaging every 8 weeks using Choi criteria tumor response and a Bayesian hierarchical design. For each subtype, enrollment was stopped after a minimum of 9 patients were treated if there was a <1% chance the CBR was ≥25%.

RESULTS

A total of 200 patients were enrolled. Accrual was stopped early in 5 cohorts because of low CBR. The leiomyosarcoma (LMS) and undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS) cohorts fully accrued and 6 of 47 and 8 of 42 evaluable patients, respectively, exhibited clinical benefit. The probability that the CBR was ≥25% in the LMS and UPS cohorts was 0.008 and 0.10, respectively. The median progression‐free survival ranged from 0.9 months in patients with rhabdomyosarcoma to 2.2 months in patients with LMS. The median overall survival was 8.6 months. The most frequent adverse events were constitutional, gastrointestinal, and respiratory, and 36% of patients required dose reduction for toxicity. Serious adverse events attributed to therapy occurred in 11% of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Dasatinib may have activity in patients with UPS but is inactive as a single agent in the other sarcoma subtypes included herein. The Bayesian design allowed for the early termination of accrual in 5 subtypes because of lack of drug activity. Cancer 2016;122:868–74. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Finite‐time flocking problem of a Cucker–smale‐type self‐propelled particle model
Authors: Han Yuchen , Zhao Donghua , Sun Yongzheng
Published: December 2015

In this article, we propose a Cucker–Smale‐type self‐propelled particle model with continuous non‐Lipschitz protocol. We show that the flocking can occur in finite time if the communication rate function satisfies a lower bound condition. Both our theoretical and numerical results uncover a power‐law relationship between the convergence time and the number of individuals. Our result implies that the individuals in groups with high density can transit rapidly to ordered collective motion. We also investigate the influence of control parameter on the convergence speed. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity 21: 354–361, 2016
Maternal dietary fat intake during pregnancy is associated with infant temperament
Authors: Gustafsson Hanna C. , Kuzava Sierra E. , Werner Elizabeth A. , Monk Catherine
Published: December 2015

Research with rodents and nonhuman primates suggests that maternal prenatal dietary fat intake is associated with offspring behavioral functioning indicative of risk for psychopathology. The extent to which these findings extend to humans remains unknown. The current study administered the Automated Self‐Administered 24 hr Dietary Recall Questionnaire three times in pregnancy (n = 48) to examine women's dietary fat intake in relation to infant temperament assessed using the Infant Behavior Questionnaire at 4‐months old. The amount of saturated fat that the mother consumed was considered as a moderator of the association between total fat intake and child temperament. Results from a series of multiple linear regressions indicate that greater total fat intake was associated with poorer infant regulation and lower surgency. However, this second effect was moderated by maternal saturated fat intake, such that total fat intake was only related to infant surgency when mothers consumed above the daily recommended allowance of saturated fat. Under conditions of high total fat and high saturated fat, infants were rated as lower on surgency; under conditions of low total fat yet high saturated fat, infants were rated as higher on surgency. There were no associations between maternal prenatal fat intake and infant negative reactivity. These findings provide preliminary evidence that pregnant women's dietary fat intake is associated with infants’ behavioral development, though future research is needed to address this report's limitations: a relatively small sample size, the use of self‐report measures, and a lack of consideration of maternal and infant postnatal diet. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 58: 528–535, 2016.
Coronary stem development in wild‐type and Tbx1 null mouse hearts
Authors: Théveniau‐Ruissy Magali , Pérez‐Pomares José‐Maria , Parisot Pauline , Baldini Antonio , Miquerol Lucile , Kelly Robert G.
Published: December 2015

Background: Coronary artery (CA) stems connect the ventricular coronary tree with the aorta. Defects in proximal CA patterning are a cause of sudden cardiac death. In mice lacking Tbx1, common arterial trunk is associated with an abnormal trajectory of the proximal left CA. Here we investigate CA stem development in wild‐type and Tbx1 null embryos. Results: Genetic lineage tracing reveals that limited outgrowth of aortic endothelium contributes to proximal CA stems. Immunohistochemistry and fluorescent tracer injections identify a periarterial vascular plexus present at the onset of CA stem development. Transplantation experiments in avian embryos indicate that the periarterial plexus originates in mesenchyme distal to the outflow tract. Tbx1 is required for the patterning but not timing of CA stem development and a Tbx1 reporter allele is expressed in myocardium adjacent to the left but not right CA stem. This expression domain is maintained in Sema3c−/− hearts with a common arterial trunk and leftward positioned CA. Ectopic myocardial differentiation is observed on the left side of the Tbx1−/− common arterial trunk. Conclusions: A periarterial plexus bridges limited outgrowth of the aortic endothelium with the ventricular plexus during CA stem development. Molecular differences associated with left and right CA stems provide new insights into the etiology of CA patterning defects. Developmental Dynamics 245:445–459, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Critical issues with cryogenic extraction of soil water for stable isotope analysis
Authors: Orlowski Natalie , Breuer Lutz , McDonnell Jeffrey J.
Published: December 2015

Cryogenic water extraction is the most widely used method to facilitate the laboratory removal of soil pore water for isotopic analysis. However, recent studies have suggested that cryogenic extraction conditions (extraction time, temperature, vacuum threshold) and physicochemical soil properties can influence extracted water isotopic signatures. Here, we argue that new work is needed to analyse the full extent of these effects on the extracted water isotopic composition. We illustrate this need with a simple lab experiment and show that in addition to extraction times, soil organic matter and its exchangeable bonded hydrogen fraction influence the resulting isotope composition. We hope these comments stimulate discussion on the assumptions and limitations of cryogenic extraction for soil water and lead ultimately to a standardization of testing approaches. © 2016 The Authors. Ecohydrology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Interaction between ultraviolet B‐induced cutaneous hyperalgesia and nerve growth factor‐induced muscle hyperalgesia
Authors: Lo Vecchio S. , Petersen L.J. , Finocchietti S. , Gazerani P. , Christensen S.W. , Arendt‐Nielsen L. , Graven‐Nielsen T.
Published: December 2015

Backgrounds and objectives

Clinical observations indicate that cutaneous hyperalgesia may arise from pain located in deep structures. The objective of this study was to investigate whether combined sensitization of deep and superficial somatic tissues facilitates skin hyperalgesia.

Methods

The interaction between muscle and cutaneous hyperalgesia was investigated in 16 healthy volunteers. Skin sensitization was induced unilaterally on the same randomly selected part of the body by ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation above the upper trapezius and low back muscles. The next day, muscle hyperalgesia was induced bilaterally in low back muscles by injections of nerve growth factor (NGF). Thus, 1 day after irradiation there was skin sensitization, whereas after 2 days both skin and muscle sensitizations were present. Cutaneous blood flow, pin‐prick thresholds, pressure pain thresholds (PPTs), temporal summation to repetitive painful pressure stimulation, and stimulus–response functions of graded pressure stimulations and pain intensity were assessed within the irradiated skin area and in the surrounding area before and 1, 2 and 3 days after irradiation.

Results

Comparing baseline with 1 day after irradiation, UVB and UVB+NGF locations demonstrated: (1) Increased superficial blood flow inside the irradiated area (p < 0.01); (2) Reduced pin‐prick (p < 0.01) and PPTs (p < 0.05) within the irradiated area and in the surrounding area; (3) Left‐shifted pressure stimulus–response function within the irradiated area (p < 0.01); (4) Facilitated temporal summation inside the irradiated area (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Using skin and deep tissue pain sensitization models simultaneously, no significant synergistic effects were found within the 3‐day investigation suggesting little integration between the two phenomena in this period.
K–Ar mineral ages and thermal history of magmatic and metamorphic Palaeoproterozoic units from the northern part of Kedougou Kenieba Inlier, West African Craton (Eastern Senegal)
Authors: Sagna Ibrahima , Quidelleur Xavier , Ndiaye François , Gillot Pierre‐Yves , Lefevre Jean‐Claude , Dioh Edmond
Published: December 2015

The northern part of the Kedougou Kenieba Inlier (Eastern Senegal) is composed of Palaeoproterozoic volcano‐plutonic and volcano‐sediment areas cross‐cut by differentiated plutonic bodies of gabbroic to granitic composition. They are emplaced in an arc‐type environment and accreted during the Eburnean Orogeny. We present here new K–Ar ages obtained on several plutons from different mineralogical phases, each characterized by a different closure temperature for the K–Ar system. Ages from hornblende, between 2013 ± 29 and 2141 ± 30 Ma, constrain the cooling history of the magma bodies through the 550 °C isotherm. They are slightly younger than U–Pb ages previously obtained from the same units, attesting of a rapid cooling, tectonically controlled, of about 7 °C/Myr. Ages obtained on biotite minerals range from 1955 ± 28 to 1893 ± 27 Ma, suggesting that from 550 to 325 °C, cooling rate decreased to about 3 °C/Myr. Significantly younger ages ranging from 1704 ± 24 to 1615 ± 23 Ma have been obtained on plagioclase and microcline. They can be interpreted in terms of either a slow cooling with a rate of only 1 °C/Myr, from about 1.9 to 1.6 Ga, or either reflecting the occurrence of a rather limited thermal event younger than 1.7 Ga. Since no age younger than 2.0 Ga has previously been obtained for plutonic rocks from the early Birimian in the West African Craton, ages of 1.7–1.6 Ga obtained here from feldspars might be the first evidence for a regional re‐heating event having occurred in the East–North Kedougou Kenieba inlier. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.