bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural Investigations on Enantiopure P–OP Ligands: A High‐Performing P–OP Ligand for Rhodium‐Catalysed Hydrogenations
Authors: Fernández‐Pérez Héctor , Balakrishna Bugga , Vidal‐Ferran Anton
Published: February 2018

A second generation of phosphine–phosphite (P–OP) ligands, incorporating a more sterically bulky phosphite group than previous P–OP ligand designs, gave very efficient catalysts for the Rh‐catalysed asymmetric hydrogenation of a diverse array of substrates (11 examples, 93–99 % ee) containing structurally diverse substituents and chelating groups at the C=C double bond. The presence of the sterically bulky (Sa)‐3,3′‐diphenyl‐5,5′,6,6′,7,7′,8,8′‐octahydro‐[1,1′‐binaphthalene]‐2,2′‐diol‐derived phosphite fragment caused significant increases in enantioselectivity (up to Δee = 58 %), and provided improved results compared to those obtained with the first generation of P–OP‐derived rhodium catalysts {i.e., rhodium complexes incorporating phosphine–phosphite ligands with (Ra)‐ and (Sa)‐BINOL‐derived phosphite groups; BINOL = [1,1′‐binaphthalene]‐2,2′‐diol}. Overall, the optimal ligand L8 provided very high enantioselectivities for a range of structurally diverse olefins (up to 99 % ee).
Access to 1,1‐Diborylalkenes and Concomitant Stereoselective Reactivity
Authors: Royes Jordi , Cuenca Ana B. , Fernández Elena
Published: February 2018

Gem‐diborylalkenes have emerged as efficient reagents for selective cross‐coupling reactions, reduction approaches and Michael additions. The synthesis of 1,1‐diborylalkenes involves condensation of polyborated compounds with aldehydes or ketones followed by B–O elimination, geminal diboration of 1,1‐dihaloalkenes, 1‐haloalkenes or terminal alkynes, dehydrogenative borylation of alkenes, borylation of alkynylboronates and hydroboration of alkynylboronates. These new sets of reactions are general for a wide range of substrates and they can be understood to have complementary mechanisms.
Enantioseparation of Sulfoxides and Nitriles by Inclusion Crystallization with Chiral Organic Salts Based on l‐Phenylalanine
Authors: Kodama Koichi , Kanai Hayato , Shimomura Yuki , Hirose Takuji
Published: February 2018

Enantioselective inclusion of aromatic sulfoxides and nitriles was achieved in a host framework created by organic salts comprising achiral benzoic acids and a chiral primary amine (1a) derived from l‐phenylalanine. Tuning of the combined achiral acid component successfully changed the chiral recognition ability of the organic salts. The guest molecules were hydrogen‐bonded to form three‐component inclusion crystals, and the enantiomers of nitriles and sulfoxides were separated with high selectivity up to 92 and 98 % ee. As far as we know, this is the first example of the enantioseparation of non‐functionalized aromatic nitriles.
The analysis of alpha‐1‐antitrypsin glycosylation with direct LC‐MS/MS
Authors: Yin Haidi , An Mingrui , So Pui‐kin , Wong Melody Yee‐Man , Lubman David M. , Yao Zhongping
Published: February 2018

A liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS)‐based methodology has been developed to differentiate core‐ and antennary‐fucosylated glycosylation of glycopeptides. Both the glycosylation sites (heterogeneity) and multiple possible glycan occupancy at each site (microheterogeneity) can be resolved via intact glycopeptide analysis. The serum glycoprotein alpha‐1‐antitrypsin (A1AT) which contains both core‐ and antennary‐fucosylated glycosites was used in this study. Sialidase was used to remove the sialic acids in order to simplify the glycosylation microheterogeneity and to enhance the MS signal of glycopeptides with similar glycan structures. β1‐3,4 galactosidase was used to differentiate core‐ and antennary‐fucosylation. In‐source dissociation was found to severely affect the identification and quantification of glycopeptides with low abundance glycan modification. The settings of the mass spectrometer were therefore optimized to minimize the in‐source dissociation. A three‐step mass spectrometry fragmentation strategy was used for glycopeptide identification, facilitated by pGlyco software annotation and manual checking. The collision energy used for initial glycopeptide fragmentation was found to be crucial for improved detection of oxonium ions and better selection of Y1 ion (peptide+GlcNAc). Structural assignments revealed that all three glycosylation sites of A1AT glycopeptides contain complex N‐glycan structures: site Asn70 contains biantennary glycans without fucosylation; site Asn107 contains bi‐, tri‐ and tetra‐antennary glycans with both core‐ and antennary‐fucosylation; site Asn271 contains bi‐ and tri‐antennary glycans with both core‐ and antennary‐fucosylation. The relative intensity of core‐ and antennary‐fucosylation on Asn107 was similar to that of the A1AT protein indicating that the glycosylation level of Asn107 is much larger than the other two sites.
Dielectrophoretic analysis of treated cancer cells for rapid assessment of treatment efficacy
Authors: Mahabadi Sina , Labeed Fatima H. , Hughes Michael P.
Published: February 2018

Whilst personalized medicine (where interventions are precisely tailored to a patient's genotype and phenotype, as well as the nature and state of the disease) is regarded as an optimal form of treatment, the time and cost associated with it means it remains inaccessible to the greater public. A simpler alternative, stratified medicine, identifies groups of patients who are likely to respond to a given treatment. This allows appropriate treatments to be selected at the start of therapy, avoiding the common “trial and error” approach of replacing a therapy only once it is demonstrated to be ineffective in the patient. For stratification to be effective, tests are required that rapidly predict treatment effectiveness. Most tests use genetic analysis to identify drug targets, but these can be expensive and may not detect changes in the phenotype that affect drug sensitivity. An alternative method is to assess the whole‐cell phenotype by evaluating drug response using cells from a biopsy. We assessed dielectrophoresis to assess drug efficacy on short timescales and at low cost. To explore the principle of assessing drug efficacy we examined two cell lines (one expressing EGFR, one not) with the drug Iressa. We then further explored the sensitive cells using combinations of chemotherapeutic and radiotherapeutic therapies. Our results compare with known effects of these cell/treatment combination, and offer the additional benefit over methods such as TUNEL of detecting drug effects such as cell cycle arrest, which do not cause cell death.
The chemo enzymatic functionalization of chitosan zeolite particles provides antioxidant and antimicrobial properties
Authors: Tegl Gregor , Stagl Viktoria , Mensah Anna , Huber Daniela , Somitsch Walter , Grosse‐Kracht Stefanie , Guebitz Georg M.
Published: February 2018

Silicate‐based microporous materials like zeolites are nano enabled particles and used for various applications including pharmaceutical formulations. This study reports on the chemo‐enzymatic functionalization of chitosan‐zeolite particles (CTS‐zeolites) with caffeic acid (CA) and glucose oxidase (GOX) to impart combined antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. CA was grafted on the chitosan moieties by using laccase generating stable particles (zeta potential –36.7 mV) of high antioxidant activity (44% DPPH inhibition). GOX was immobilized both on CTS‐zeolites and on CA modified CTS‐zeolites and creating a hydrogen peroxide generation system continuously and in‐situ producing this oxidative and antimicrobial agent. The system prevented bacterial growth of E. coli and S. aureus over 24 h whereby a steady‐state concentration of around 60 μM hydrogen peroxide in the culture medium was observed. CA and GOX functionalized CTS‐zeolite particles additionally showed combinatorial antioxidant and antimicrobial properties providing a powerful bioactive system for medical applications. These particles proved their suitability for incorporation in bioactive formulations which could be used, inter alia, for topical wound treatments.
Addition of aluminum oxide microparticles to Trichoderma viride My preculture enhances cellulase production and influences fungal morphology
Authors: Dong Miaoyin , Wang Shuyang , Xu Fuqiang , Li Qiaoqiao , Li Wenjian
Published: February 2018

Morphological engineering techniques have recently become popular, since they are used to increase the production of a variety of metabolites and enzymes when fungi are grown in submerged cultures. This study aimed to facilitate cellulase production by adding aluminum oxide to Trichoderma viride My precultures.

The results showed that the highest cellulase activity was achieved when aluminum oxide at 10 g/L was used, and the activities of cellulase for filter paper and endoglucanase activity assays increased from 519.11 to 607.35 U/mL by 17.1%, and from 810.08 U/mL to 917.59 U/mL by 13.3%, compared with the control, respectively. Addition of aluminum oxide decreased the size of T. viride My pellets and increased the final pH. The changes in pellet diameter after the addition of different concentrations of aluminum oxide were fitted using a modified exponential decay model, which could precisely predict the pellet size by controlling aluminum oxide concentration.

The optimum concentration of microparticles, and therefore pellet size, could significantly improve cellulase production, which is an encouraging step towards commercial cellulase production.
Compatibility of NiO/CuO in Ca–Cu Chemical Looping for High‐Purity H2 Production with CO2 Capture
Authors: Tan Lili , Qin Changlei , Zhang Zhonghui , Ran Jingyu , Manovic Vasilije
Published: February 2018

Ca–Cu chemical looping is a novel and promising approach for converting methane into pure H2 following the principle of sorption‐enhanced reforming. Its operational efficiency is largely determined by an appropriate coexistence of Cu‐based oxygen carriers and Ni‐based catalysts. Here, NiO/CuO composites are synthesized and their catalytic activity for H2 production is measured using a fixed‐bed reactor system equipped with an online gas analyzer. It is reported that the presence of CuO can hinder the activity of Ni‐based catalysts in H2 production, and experimental results show that the negative effect of CuO is strengthened with increasing CuO content and calcination temperature during sample preparation. With the help of a series of specific test and characterization techniques, interaction rules between NiO and CuO are further investigated and understood, and based on that an action mechanism model is proposed. Furthermore, an arrangement of mixed particles that avoids the intimate contact of CuO/NiO is suggested and tested, and a superior performance is demonstrated while observing no restrictions of CuO on Ni‐based catalysts in sorption‐enhanced steam‐methane reforming under the conditions of Ca–Cu chemical looping.
Immunotoxicity in green mussels under perfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) exposure: Reversible response and response model development
Authors: Liu Changhui , Gin Karina Yew-Hoong
Published: February 2018

The immunotoxicity of 4 commonly detected perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), namely, perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), and perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) was investigated by measuring biomarkers of the immune profile of green mussels, Perna viridis. The biomarkers included neutral red retention, phagocytosis, and spontaneous cytotoxicity, all of which were tested on mussel hemocytes. Hemocytes are an important component of the invertebrate immune system. We found that exposure to PFASs could lead to reduced hemocyte cell viability and suppress immune function by up to 50% of normal performance within the experimental exposure range. The results indicate that PFASs have an immunotoxic potential and thus could pose severe health risks to aquatic organisms. The reported immunotoxicity is likely to result from the compounds’ direct and indirect interactions with the hemocyte membrane, and therefore likely to affect the functionality of these cells. The immunotoxic response was found to be related to the organism's burden of PFASs, and was reversible when the compounds were removed from the test organisms. Based on this relationship, models using an organism's PFAS concentration and bioaccumulation factor (BAF) as the independent variables were established to quantify PFAS-induced immunotoxicity. The models help us to gain a better understanding of the toxic mechanism of PFASs, and provide a tool to evaluate adverse effects for the whole group of compounds with one mathematical equation. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:1138–1145. © 2018 SETAC

Abstract

Exposure to PFASs can induce adverse effects on the immune function of an organism.
An ichthyosaur from the UK Triassic–Jurassic boundary: A second specimen of the leptonectid ichthyosaur Wahlisaurus massarae Lomax 2016
Authors: Lomax Dean R. , Evans Mark , Carpenter Simon
Published: February 2018

The holotype of Wahlisaurus massarae is known only from a partial skull and postcranial skeleton from the Lower Jurassic, collected near Normanton on Soar, Nottinghamshire, UK. It is diagnosed relative to other ichthyosaurs on the basis of autapomorphies of the coracoid and a unique combination of characters. Here, we report a second specimen of W. massarae. The new specimen comprises a practically complete right coracoid that clearly shows the unique morphology of W. massarae. This specimen was collected in situ from a quarry in Somerset, from the base of the Blue Lias Formation, which corresponds to the Triassic–Jurassic boundary (uppermost Rhaetian or lowermost Hettangian), extending the geographic and stratigraphic range of the species. Furthermore, the coracoid of the new specimen is 20% anteroposteriorly longer than in the holotype, representing a larger individual. In light of preparation and the identification of additional fragments of the holotype, a redescription of the skull morphology of the holotype, as well as comparison with the skull roof of Leptonectes tenuirostris, is included.
The microglial reaction signature revealed by RNAseq from individual mice
Authors: Hirbec Hélène , Marmai Camille , Duroux‐Richard Isabelle , Roubert Christine , Esclangon Arnaud , Croze Séverine , Lachuer Joël , Peyroutou Ronan , Rassendren François
Published: February 2018

Microglial cells have a double life as the immune cells of the brain in times of stress but have also specific physiological functions in homeostatic conditions. In pathological contexts, microglia undergo a phenotypic switch called “reaction” that promotes the initiation and the propagation of neuro‐inflammation. Reaction is complex, molecularly heterogeneous and still poorly characterized, leading to the concept that microglial reactivity might be too diverse to be molecularly defined. However, it remains unknown whether reactive microglia from different pathological contexts share a common molecular signature. Using improved flow cytometry and RNAseq approaches we studied, with higher statistical power, the remodeling of microglia transcriptome in a mouse model of sepsis. Through bioinformatic comparison of our results with published datasets, we defined the microglial reactome as a set of genes discriminating reactive from homeostatic microglia. Ultimately, we identified a subset of 86 genes deregulated in both acute and neurodegenerative conditions. Our data provide a new comprehensive resource that includes functional analysis and specific molecular markers of microglial reaction which represent new tools for its unambiguous characterization.
Sacrifice and extracranial reconstruction of the common or internal carotid artery in advanced head and neck carcinoma: Review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Bäck Leif J. J. , Aro Katri , Tapiovaara Laura , Vikatmaa Pirkka , de Bree Remco , Fernández‐Álvarez Verónica , Kowalski Luiz P. , Nixon Iain J. , Rinaldo Alessandra , Rodrigo Juan P. , Robbins K. Thomas , Silver Carl E. , Snyderman Carl H. , Suárez Carlos , Takes Robert P. , Ferlito Alfio
Published: February 2018

Background

Sacrifice and reconstruction of the carotid artery in cases of head and neck carcinoma with invasion of the common or internal carotid artery is debated.

Methods

We conducted a systematic search of electronic databases and provide a review and meta‐analysis.

Results

Of the 72 articles identified, 24 met the inclusion criteria resulting in the inclusion of 357 patients. The overall perioperative 30‐day mortality was 3.6% (13/357). Permanent cerebrovascular complications occurred in 3.6% (13/357). Carotid blowout episodes were encountered in 1.4% (5/357). The meta‐regression analysis showed a significant difference in 1‐year overall survival between reports published from 1981‐1999 (37.0%) and 2001‐2016 (65.4%; P = .02).

Conclusion

This review provides evidence that sacrifice with extracranial reconstruction of common or internal carotid artery in selected patients with head and neck carcinoma may improve survival with acceptable complication rates. However, all of the published literature is retrospective involving selected series and, therefore, precludes determining the absolute effectiveness of the surgery.
Fluorescent peptide highlights micronodules in murine hepatocellular carcinoma models and humans in vitro
Authors: Jing Renwei , Zhou Xiaoli , Zhao Jingwen , Wei Yushuang , Zuo Bingfeng , You Abin , Rao Quan , Gao Xianjun , Yang Rong , Chen Lu , Lu Zhen , Zhou Qibing , Zhang Ning , Yin HaiFang
Published: February 2018

Early detection and clear delineation of microscopic lesions during surgery are critical to the prognosis and survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a devastating malignancy without effective treatments except for resection. Tools to specifically identify and differentiate micronodules from normal tissue in HCC patients can have a positive impact on survival. Here, we discovered a peptide that preferentially binds to HCC cells through phage display. Significant accumulation of the fluorescence‐labeled peptide in tumor from ectopic and orthotopic HCC mice was observed within 2 hours of systemic injection. Contrast between tumor and surrounding liver is up to 6.5‐fold, and useful contrast lasts for 30 hours. Micronodules (0.03 cm in diameter) in liver and lung can clearly be distinguished from normal tissue with this fluorescence‐labeled peptide in orthotopic HCC mice and HCC patients. Compared to indocyanine green, a Food and Drug Administration–approved imaging contrast agent, an up to 8.7‐fold higher differentiation ratio of tumor to fibrosis is achieved with this fluorescence‐labeled peptide. Importantly, this peptide enables up to 10‐fold differentiation between HCC and peritumoral tissue in human tissues and the complete removal of tumor in HCC mice with surgical navigation. No abnormalities in behavior or activity are observed after systemic treatment, indicating the absence of overt toxicity. The peptide is metabolized with a half‐life of approximately 4 hours in serum. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate that micronodules can be specifically differentiated with high sensitivity from surrounding tissue with this molecule, opening clinical possibilities for early detection and precise surgery of HCC. (Hepatology 2018).
Environmental dredging residual generation and management
Authors: Patmont Clay , LaRosa Paul , Narayanan Raghav , Forrest Casey
Published: February 2018

The presence and magnitude of sediment contamination remaining in a completed dredge area can often dictate the success of an environmental dredging project. The need to better understand and manage this remaining contamination, referred to as “postdredging residuals,” has increasingly been recognized by practitioners and investigators. Based on recent dredging projects with robust characterization programs, it is now understood that the residual contamination layer in the postdredging sediment comprises a mixture of contaminated sediments that originate from throughout the dredge cut. This mixture of contaminated sediments initially exhibits fluid mud properties that can contribute to sediment transport and contamination risk outside of the dredge area. This article reviews robust dredging residual evaluations recently performed in the United States and Canada, including the Hudson River, Lower Fox River, Ashtabula River, and Esquimalt Harbour, along with other projects. These data better inform the understanding of residuals generation, leading to improved models of dredging residual formation to inform remedy evaluation, selection, design, and implementation. Data from these projects confirm that the magnitude of dredging residuals is largely determined by site conditions, primarily in situ sediment fluidity or liquidity as measured by dry bulk density. While the generation of dredging residuals cannot be avoided, residuals can be successfully and efficiently managed through careful development and implementation of site-specific management plans. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2018;14:335–343. © 2018 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC)

Key Points

Intensive monitoring of dredging residuals at high-profile environmental dredging sites including the Hudson River, New York, USA, and Lower Fox River, Wisconsin, USA, provided data that better inform our understanding of residuals generation. The magnitude of dredging residuals is largely determined by site conditions, primarily in situ sediment liquidity as measured by density. Whereas the generation of dredging residuals cannot be avoided, residuals can be successfully and efficiently managed through careful development and implementation of site-specific management plans.
Biocompatible porous titanium scaffolds produced using a novel space holder technique
Authors: Chen Yunhui , Frith Jessica Ellen , Dehghan‐Manshadi Ali , Kent Damon , Bermingham Michael , Dargusch Matthew
Published: February 2018

We describe a new fabrication strategy for production of porous titanium scaffolds for skeletal implants which provides a promising new approach to repair and remodel damaged bone tissue. The new strategy involves powder sintering of titanium powder, employing pharmaceutical sugar pellets as temporary space holders, to facilitate production of porous scaffolds with structures optimized for mechanical performance and osseointegration of implants. The spherical sugar pellets, with controlled size fractions and excellent biocompatibility, are easily removed by dissolution prior to sintering providing an ideal space holder material for controlled synthesis of titanium scaffolds with desired porosities and pore sizes. The scaffolds contain pores with high degrees of sphericity and interconnectivity which impart excellent mechanical properties and superior biocompatibility to the structures. Scaffolds with 40% porosity and a pore size range of 300‐425 µm exhibited an effective Young's modulus of 16.4 ± 3.5 GPa and strength of 176 ± 6 MPa, which closely mimics the properties of human bone, and were also able to support cell adhesion, viability and spreading in cell culture tests. Porous titanium scaffolds manufactured by this approach have excellent potential for hard tissue engineering applications. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 2796–2806, 2018.
Osteostimulative calcium phosphosilicate biomaterials partially restore the cytocompatibility of decontaminated titanium surfaces in a peri‐implantitis model
Authors: Karoussis Ioannis. K. , Kyriakidou Kyriaki , Papaparaskevas Joseph , Vrotsos Ioannis A. , Simopoulou Mara , Kotsakis Georgios A.
Published: February 2018

Bacterial peri‐implant biofilms, and the chemotherapeutics for their removal alter titanium surface cytocompatibility. In this study we aimed to assess the adjunctive use of an osteostimulative biomaterial utilizing a peri‐implantitis model under the hypothesis that it will increase cell migration towards treated titanium surfaces. Acid‐etched titanium surfaces were inoculated with a multi‐species biofilm model and treated with 1.5% NaOCl in a previously characterized in vitro peri‐implantitis model. Cell migration of MG63 cells towards the treated titanium surface (CTRL) was significantly reduced following inoculation with biofilm and chemotherapeutic treatment as compared to sterile controls. Addition of a tricalcium phosphate biomaterial (TCP) as a control for Ca+2 had a small non‐significant effect, while BG significantly increased MG63 chemotaxis to titanium to levels comparable to sterile (STE). Similarly, cell viability at 5 days was increased in BG and TCP as compared to CTRL. SEM imaging confirmed the improved cytocompatibility of BG and TCP surfaces as compared to CTRL. Osteostimulative BG exhibited a strong chemotactic effect to osteoblasts, which was stronger than what was expected due to the chemotactic effect of Ca+2 alone (TCP). In addition, substantially increased cell attachment and viability was found on treated implant surfaces as compared to CTRL. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 2645–2652, 2018.
Study of the affinity between the protein kinase PKA and homoarginine‐containing peptides derived from kemptide: Free energy perturbation (FEP) calculations
Authors: Mena‐Ulecia Karel , Gonzalez‐Norambuena Fabian , Vergara‐Jaque Ariela , Poblete Horacio , Tiznado William , Caballero Julio
Published: February 2018

Protein kinases (PKs) discriminate between closely related sequences that contain serine, threonine, and/or tyrosine residues. Such specificity is defined by the amino acid sequence surrounding the phosphorylatable residue, so that it is possible to identify an optimal recognition motif (ORM) for each PK. The ORM for the protein kinase A (PKA), a well‐known member of the PK family, is the sequence RRX(S/T)X, where arginines at the −3 and −2 positions play a key role with respect to the primed phosphorylation site. In this work, differential affinities of PKA for the peptide substrate Kemptide (LRRASLG) and mutants that substitute the arginine residues by the unnatural peptide homoarginine were evaluated through molecular dynamics (MD) and free energy perturbation (FEP) calculations. The FEP study for the homoarginine mutants required previous elaboration of a CHARMM “arginine to homoarginine” (R2B) hybrid topology file which is available in this manuscript as Supporting Information. Mutants substituting the arginine residues by alanine, lysine, and histidine were also considered in the comparison by using the same protocol. FEP calculations allowed estimating the free energy changes from the free PKA to PKA‐substrate complex (ΔΔGE→ES) when Kemptide structure was mutated. Both ΔΔGS→ES values for homoarginine mutants were predicted with a difference below 1 kcal/mol. In addition, FEP correctly predicted that all the studied mutations decrease the catalytic efficiency of Kemptide for PKA. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
CYP2C19 and ABCB1 genetic polymorphisms correlate with the recurrence of ischemic cardiovascular adverse events after clopidogrel treatment
Authors: Hou Xumin , Han Wenzheng , Gan Qian , Liu Yuan , Fang Weiyi
Published: February 2018

Background

This study was aimed to investigate the correlation between CYP2C19 and ABCB1 polymorphisms and the recurrence of ischemic cardiovascular adverse events in patients with coronary artery disease treated with clopidogrel.

Methods

A total of 168 patients with coronary heart disease who underwent PCI operation and received clopidogrel treatment were enrolled. Dual antiplatelet therapy was applied to the treatment of patients for 2 years. Thromboelastography was used to test the efficiency of blood coagulation. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect CYP2C19 and ABCB1 3435CT polymorphisms. One‐year follow‐up visit was carried out to record the incidence of cardiovascular adverse events after drug‐eluting stent implantation was inset.

Results

Follow‐up visit results suggested that the patients with high on‐treatment platelet reactivity (HPR) had a higher recurrence rate of cardiovascular adverse events after PCI operation and clopidogrel treatment. Gene polymorphism testing results indicated that patients with CYP2C19*3 had a significantly higher incidence of HPR, whereas CYP2C19*2 and ABCB1 3435CT were not significantly correlated with HPR. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that CYP2C19*3 might be an independent predictive factor of post‐PCI HPR. In addition, CYP2C19*3 as well as post‐PCI HPR could function as independent predictive factors of cardiovascular adverse events.

Conclusion

CYP2C19*3 polymorphism could be an important predictive factor of HPR and ischemic cardiovascular adverse events after clopidogrel treatment.
Anaerobic re‐digestion of digested sludge post‐treated by ultrasound: effect of the adding linear alkylbenzene sulfonate
Authors: Shao Liming , Li Wenpeng , Lü Fan , He Pinjing
Published: February 2018

BACKGROUND

Increasing the degradation ratio of organic matter is one of the key challenges for sludge anaerobic digestion. The conventional solution is by directly treating the raw sludge so as to enhance the sludge degradation. In contrast, the target of the present study was digested sludge enriching in refractory organic matter. The method proposed to improve the organic degradation of digested sludge uses ultrasound combined with linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) to control flocs re‐flocculation.

RESULTS

Gas production of the sludge treated with the highest ultrasound energy (360 W, 20 min) was only 57.7 ± 0.3 mL‐CH4 g‐1‐VSadded, and the sludge treated with lower ultrasound energy (120 W, 20 min) with LAS had the highest gas production, up to 92.5 ± 8.5 mL‐CH4 g‐1‐VSadded. Meanwhile, the total VS degradation of 120 W, 20 min with LAS was up to 69.6 ± 5.2%. And the gas production of 360 W, 5 min with LAS was 27.1% higher than that of 360 W, 5 min without LAS.

CONCLUSION

These results revealed that digested sludge treated by ultrasonication could be further degraded, and the addition of LAS could significantly improve the re‐digestion performance with less energy. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Influence of evolution on cam deformity and its impact on biomechanics of the human hip joint
Authors: Anwander Helen , Beck Martin , Büchler Lorenz
Published: February 2018

Anatomy and biomechanics of the human hip joint are a consequence of the evolution of permanent bipedal gait. Habitat and behaviour have an impact on hip morphology and significant differences are present even within the same biological family. The forces acting upon the hip joint are mainly a function of gravitation and strength of the muscles. Acetabular and femoral anatomy ensure an inherently stable hip with a wide range of motion. The femoral head in first human ancestors with upright gait was spherical (coxa rotunda). Coxa rotunda is also seen in close human relatives (great apes) and remains the predominant anatomy of present‐day humans. High impact sport during adolescence with open physis however can activate an underlying genetic predisposition for reinforcement of the femoral neck, causing an epiphyseal extension and the formation of an osseous asphericity at the antero‐superior femoral neck (cam deformity). The morphology of cam deformity is similar to the aspherical hips of quadrupeds (coxa recta), with the difference that in quadrupeds the asphericity is posterior. It has been postulated that this is due to the fact that humans bear weight on the extended leg, while quadrupeds bear weight at 90–100° flexion. The asphericity alters the biomechanical properties of the joint and as it is forced into the acetabulum leading to secondary cartilage damage. It is considered a risk factor for later development of osteoarthritis of the hip. Clinically this presents as reduced range of motion, which can be an indicator for the structural deformity of the hip. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:2071–2075, 2018.
Synthesis and Properties of Alkoxyethyl β‐d‐Xylopyranoside
Authors: Shen Wangzhen , Ji Shanwei , Chen Langqiu , Zhang Yanhua , Wu Xiubing
Published: February 2018

In order to improve the water solubility of sugar‐based surfactants, alkyl β‐d‐xylopyranosides, novel sugar‐based surfactants, 1,2‐trans alkoxyethyl β‐d‐xylopyranosides, with alkyl chain lengthn= 6–12 were stereoselectively prepared by the trichloroacetimidate method. Their properties including hydrophilic–lipophilic balance (HLB) number, water solubility, surface tension, emulsification, foamability, thermotropic liquid crystal, and hygroscopicity were investigated. The results indicated that their HLB number decreased with increase of alkyl chain, the water solubility improved since the hydrophilic oxyethene (─OCH2CH2─) fragment was introduced. The dissolution process was entropy driven at 25–45 °C for alkyl chain lengthn= 6–10. Octyloxyethyl β‐d‐xylopyranoside had the best foaming ability. Nonyloxyethyl β‐d‐xylopyranoside had the best foam stability and the emulsifying ability was better in toluene/water system than in rapeseed oil/water system. The surface tension of in aqueous solution dropped to 27.8 mN m−1at the critical micelle concentration, and it also showed the most distinct thermotropic liquid phases with cross pattern texture upon heating and the fan schlieren texture on cooling. Hexyloxyethyl β‐d‐xylopyranoside possessed the strongest hygroscopicity. Based on the effective improvement of water solubility, the prepared alkoxyethyl β‐d‐xylopyranosides showed excellent surface activity and are expected to develop their practical application as a class of novel sugar‐based surfactants.
Laws and regulations of laser operation in the United States
Authors: DiGiorgio Catherine M. , Avram Mathew M.
Published: February 2018

The laws and regulations governing laser operation in the United States are vague, complex, and vary state‐to‐state. The objective of this study is to present an overview of the laws and regulations of laser operation in each of the 50 states. We performed an extensive online search of the law in each of the 50 states by examining multiple state cosmetology boards, state legislative boards, state nursing boards, and state medical boards. Laser regulations are best divided into three categories: delegation, supervision, and operation. Our findings demonstrate the complicated nature of the regulations covering this issue and identify a lack of regulation in numerous states. Lasers Surg. Med. 50:272–279, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis and Characterization of Isoindigo‐Based Polymers with Thermocleavable Side Chains
Authors: Bini Kim , Xu Xiaofeng , Andersson Mats R. , Wang Ergang
Published: February 2018

Stability of bulk heterojunction films for organic solar cells is a critical factor for commercial viability. One method to stabilize these films is to include cleavable side chains, which reduce the solubility of the polymers when removed. In order to study the stabilizing effect of cleavable side chains, a series of random copolymers using isoindigo with 0, 10, 20, 50, and 100% thermally cleavable side chains based on the tert‐butyloxycarbonyl (t‐BOC) group are synthesized. The polymers show a distinct one‐step thermal cleavage of the side chains, with no separable dealkylation and decarboxylation steps. The thermal stability in film is studied with transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. The polymer with all t‐BOC side chains on isoindigo significantly improves thermal stability with regard to crystal growth and phase separation in film. These results suggest BOC‐substitution can be used for large scale processing to produce insoluble polymer films with a high degree of thermal stability.
Fluorescence Recovery after Photobleaching in Ultrathin Polymer Films
Authors: Prakash Praneet , Pahal Suman , Varma Manoj
Published: February 2018

Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) is a widely used technique to study the transport of molecules in biological systems. Recently, FRAP has been used to study molecular transport in polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEMs). Through numerical simulations verified by experiments, it is shown that the FRAP behavior of PEM films in an aqueous medium differs significantly from that in previously explored systems such as single cells. This is because fluorescence recovery can take place through the aqueous medium surrounding the PEM film. The simulations show the critical role of the time scale of the different processes, namely, diffusion through PEM, diffusion through surrounding medium, and the unbinding rate of fluorophore‐labeled species in the interpretation of FRAP data. An important conclusion from the numerical and experimental study is that, for ultrathin PEM films with ≈100 nm thicknesses, recovery is dominated through the solution medium and hence, classical FRAP analysis is not sufficient to probe diffusion in PEM. The numerical study reveals several aspects of the FRAP phenomena in thin polymer films that are critical for the proper interpretation of experimental data.
Phase Transitions of Polyaniline Induced by Electrochemical Treatment
Authors: Tomsik E. , Konefał M. , Kohut O. , Ivanko I. , Hromádková J. , Zhigunov A. , Steinhart M.
Published: February 2018

It is known that semiconducting polymers undergo structural changes only during overoxidation, which is simultaneously connected with the degradation of these polymers. However, if their electrochemical performance is studied within a potential window in which the polymer is stable, no morphological and/or structural changes are observed. It is demonstrated for the first time that polyaniline is able to undergo phase transitions (morphological/structural changes) between the potential cut‐off limits of 0 and 0.7 V, within which no degradation is observed. Scanning electron microscopy measurement provides evidence that the polymer surface changes from porous to smooth film, and differential scanning calorimetry and X‐ray diffraction data are used to investigate and confirm structural changes during the electrochemical treatment. Electrochemical performance is studied for polyaniline before and after phase transitions and is higher for polymer, in which morphological/structural changes occur. These results demonstrate that morphological/structural changes predetermine physical–chemical performance. In particular, the rearrangement of the polyaniline chains during electrochemical treatment has a crucial impact on the ability of the polymer to store energy.
A Highly Stretchable Self‐Healing Poly(dimethylsiloxane) Elastomer with Reprocessability and Degradability
Authors: Lv Chi , Zhao Kaifeng , Zheng Junping
Published: February 2018

It is a challenge to synthesize materials that possess the properties of high stretchability and self‐healability. Herein a new poly(dimethylsiloxane) elastomer with high stretchability, room‐temperature self‐healability, repeatable reprocessability, and controlled degradability is reported by incorporating an aromatic disulfide bond and imine bond. The as‐prepared elastomer can be stretched to over 2200% of its original length. Without external stimuli, a damaged sheet can completely heal in 4 h. In addition, the elastomer can be reprocessed multiple times without obvious performance degradation and degraded controllably by three ways. All these properties of the elastomer can be ascribed to the unique dual‐dynamic‐covalent sacrificial system.
Semi‐Fluorinated Methacrylates: A Class of Versatile Monomers for Polymerization‐Induced Self‐Assembly
Authors: Huo Meng , Li Dan , Song Guangjie , Zhang Jun , Wu Decheng , Wei Yen , Yuan Jinying
Published: February 2018

A series of polymerization‐induced self‐assembly (PISA) formulations are developed based on reversible addition‐fragmentation chain‐transfer (RAFT) dispersion polymerization of semi‐fluorinated methacrylates. Alcoholic RAFT dispersion polymerization of 2‐(perfluorobutyl)ethyl methacrylate (FBEMA), 2‐(perfluorohexyl)ethyl methacrylate (FHEMA), and 2‐(perfluorooctyl)ethyl methacrylate (FOEMA) is systematically evaluated to extend the general usability of semi‐fluorinated methacrylates to PISA. The nanostructure of the assemblies is correlated to the side‐chain length of the monomer: RAFT dispersion polymerization of FBEMA produces spherical micelles, wormlike micelles, and vesicles depending on its degree of polymerization (DP), while only spheres are generated for the PISA of FHEMA. PISA of FOEMA generates liquid crystalline cylindrical micelles, whose diameter increases with the DP of FOEMA. These results demonstrate the general feasibility of semi‐fluorinated methacrylates to PISA. Besides, PISA of FHEMA is also realized in a variety of solvents, including iso‐propanol, toluene, dioxane, and dimethyl formamide, exhibiting the superior solvent serviceability of the PISA formulations based on semi‐fluorinated methacrylates.
Parkinson's Patients with Dyskinesia Switched from Immediate Release Amantadine to Open‐label ADS‐5102
Authors: Isaacson Stuart H. , Fahn Stanley , Pahwa Rajesh , Tanner Caroline M. , Espay Alberto J. , Trenkwalder Claudia , Adler Charles H. , Patni Rajiv , Johnson Reed
Published: February 2018

Background

ADS‐5102 (amantadine) extended release capsules (GOCOVRI™) are a treatment for dyskinesia in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). ADS‐5102 reduced dyskinesia and OFF time in phase 3 controlled trials of up to six months. Amantadine immediate release (IR) is used for dyskinesia, but suboptimal durability and tolerability limit its clinical utility.

Methods

In an ongoing, open‐label, phase 3 study in the US and Western Europe (NCT02202551), patients with PD received 274 mg of ADS‐5102 (equivalent to 340 mg amantadine HCl) once daily at bedtime for up to two years. Study outcomes included safety and assessment of motor complications, as measured by the Movement Disorder Society Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS‐UPDRS) Part IV. This manuscript focuses on those patients switched to ADS‐5102 from amantadine IR. Results in two groups of patients who previously completed a randomized controlled trial (EASE LID or EASE LID 3) are also presented according to use of ADS‐5102 or placebo in that study before enrollment in the open‐label study.

Results

Change in MDS‐UPDRS Part IV at week 8 was –0.3 in the previous ADS‐5102 subgroup (n = 61), –3.4 in the previous placebo subgroup (n = 79), and –3.4 in the previous amantadine IR subgroup (n = 32). Effects were maintained to week 64. In the previous amantadine IR subgroup (mean treatment duration, 2.5 years), mean amantadine IR dose was 221 mg. Safety data were consistent with previous randomized controlled trials of ADS‐5102.

Conclusion

These open‐label data suggest ADS‐5102 provides incremental reduction from baseline in MDS‐UDPRS Part IV score in patients switched directly from amantadine IR, without exacerbating adverse events.
Ethylene‐vinyl acetate foam as a new lung substitute in radiotherapy
Authors: Marqués Enrique , Mancha Pedro J.
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate ethylene‐vinyl acetate (EVA) foam as a new lung substitute in radiotherapy and to study its physical and dosimetric characteristics.

Methods

We calculated the ideal vinyl acetate (VA) content of EVA foam sheets to mimic the physical and dosimetric characteristics of the ICRU lung tissue. We also computed the water‐to‐medium mass collision stopping power ratios, mass attenuation coefficients, CT numbers, effective atomic numbers and electron densities for: ICRU lung tissue, the RANDO commercial phantom, scaled WATER and EVA foam sheets with varying VA contents in a range between the minimum and maximum values supplied by the manufacturer. For all these substitutes, we simulated percent depth‐dose curves with EGSnrc Monte Carlo (MC PDDs) in a water‐lung substitute‐water slab phantom expressed as dose‐to‐medium and dose‐to‐water for 3 × 3‐ and 10 × 10‐cm2field sizes. PDD for the 10 × 10‐cm2field size was also calculated with the MultiGrid Superposition algorithm (MGS PDD) for a relative electron density to water ratio of 0.26. The latter was compared with the MC PDDs in dose‐to‐water for scaled WATER and EVA foam sheets with the VA content that was most similar to the calculated ideal content that is physically achievable in practice.

Results

We calculated an ideal VA content of 55%; however, the maximum physically achievable content with current manufacturing techniques is 40%. The physical characteristics of the EVA foam sheets with a VA content of 40% (EVA40) are very close to those of the ICRU lung reference. The physical densities of the EVA40 foam sheets ranged from 0.030 to 0.965 g/cm3, almost covering the entire physical density range of the inflated/deflated lung (0.260–1.050 g/cm3). Its mass attenuation coefficient at the effective energy of a 6‐MV photon beam agrees within 0.8% of the ICRU reference value, and its CT number agrees within 6 HU. The effective atomic number for EVA40 varies by less than 0.42 of the ICRU value, and its effective electron density is within 0.9%. PDDs expressed in dose‐to‐medium and dose‐to‐water agree with the ICRU curve within 2% in all regions. PDDs calculated with both MC and MGS were within 1.5%.

Conclusions

The EVA40 is an excellent cork‐like lung substitute for radiotherapy applications. From a sole material used in footwear, it is possible to obtain a lung substitute that mimics the physical and dosimetric characteristics of ICRU lung tissue even better than the RANDO commercial phantom.
Technical Note: On EM reconstruction of a multi channel shielded applicator for cervical cancer brachytherapy: A feasibility study.
Authors: Tho Daline , Racine Emmanuel , Easton Harry , Song William Y. , Beaulieu Luc
Published: February 2018

Purpose

Electromagnetic tracking (EMT) is a promising technology for automated catheter and applicator reconstructions in brachytherapy. In this work, a proof‐of‐concept is presented for reconstruction of the individual channels of a new shielded tandem (140 mm long shield) dedicated to intensity‐modulated brachytherapy.

Methods

All six channels of a straight prototype were reconstructed using an electromagnetic (EM) system from Aurora (NDI, Waterloo, ON, Canada). The influence of the shield on the EMT system was characterized by taking measurements at nine different positions with and without the shielded part of the applicator next to the probe. A Student t‐test was used to analyze the data.

Results

For registration purposes, the center‐to‐center distance (4 mm) was taken from the computed‐assisted design (CAD) structure. The computed interchannel distances from the three opposite pairs were 4.33 ± 0.40 mm, 4.14 ± 0.35 mm, and 3.88 ± 0.26 mm. All interchannel distances were within the geometrical tolerance in the shielded portion of the applicator (±0.6 mm) and account for the fact that the sensor (0.8 mm diameter) was smaller than the channel diameter. According to the paired Student t‐test, the data given by the EM system with and without the shielded applicator tip are not significantly different.

Conclusion

This study shows that the reconstruction of channel path is possible within the mechanical accuracy of the applicator.