bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ChemInform Abstract: DIE SYNTH. VON 1ALPHA,25‐DIHYDROXYCHOLECALCIFEROL, EINEM AKTIVEN METABOLITEN AUS VITAMIN D3
Authors: SEMMLER E. J. , HOLICK M. F. , SCHNOES H. K. , DELUCA H. F.
Published: March 2016

i‐Homocholansäuremethylester (I) liefert nach Überführung in die Cholensäure (IIa) deren Acetat (IIb), aus dem durch Nitrierung, Reduktion und saure Hydrolyse das Keton (IIIa) entsteht, dessen Ketal (IIIb) nach Grignard zu (IV) umgesetzt wird.
ChemInform Abstract: BINDUNGSINDICES UND VALENZ
Authors: ARMSTRONG DAVID R. , PERKINS PETER G. , STEWART JAMES J. P.
Published: March 2016

Eine Theorie wird entwickelt, die die aus CNDO‐SCF‐MO‐Berechnungen erhaltenen Dichtematrixergebnisse mit dem Begriff der Valenz verbindet.
ChemInform Abstract: OBERFLAECHEN GLEICHER G‐WERTE FUER HETEROGENE GLEICHGEWICHTE IN MEHRSTOFFSYST.
Authors: OONK H. A. J.
Published: March 2016

Die Oberflächen gleicher g‐Werte im (g, P, T, X1, X2...Xn)‐Raum (g: molare Gibbssche Enthalpie, P: Druck, T: Temperatur, Xi: Molenbruch der Komponente i) werden definiert.
ChemInform Abstract: THERMOLYSE VON 3H‐1,2‐BENZODIAZEPINEN
Authors: MCEWAN R. , SHARP J. T.
Published: March 2016

Die Thermolyse des Benzodiazepins (I) bei 400°C in der Gasphase oder bei 1 l0 ‐ 220°C in verschiedenen Lösungsmitteln liefert ein Alkengemisch, das bei der Hydrierung über Palladium die Kohlenwasserstoffe (II)‐(IV) ergibt.
ChemInform Abstract: HYDROBORIERUNG VON FLAVENEN‐(3) UND OX. ZU 2,4‐TRANS‐FLAVANOLEN‐(4), 2,3‐TRANS‐FLAVANOLEN‐(3) UND 1,3‐DIARYL‐PROPAN‐DERIVATEN
Authors: CLARK‐LEWIS J. W. , MCGARRY E. J.
Published: March 2016

Durch NaBH4‐ Reduktion der Chalkone (I) in Isopropanol unter Erwärmung werden die Flavene (II) dargestellt.
ChemInform Abstract: UMSETZUNGEN VON SAEURECHLORIDEN MIT TRIMETHYLSILYLDIPHENYLPHOSPHIN 2. MITT. DARST. UND EIGENSCHAFTEN AROMATISCHER SAEUREPHOSPHIDE
Authors: KUNZEK H. , BRAUN M. , NESENER E. , RUEHLMANN K.
Published: March 2016

Die aromatischen Säurechloride (I) reagieren bei Raumtemperatur mit Trimethylsilyldiphenylphosphin (II) zu den Säurephosphiden (III), von denen (IIIa) und (IIIi) mit einem (II)‐Überschuß die Diphenylphosphinsäureester (IV) liefern.
ChemInform Abstract: NEUE ASPEKTE DER BLDG. VON FURYLIDEN‐DERIVATEN VON KOHLENHYDRATEN
Authors: KOSIK M. , DEMIANOVA V. , KOVACIK V. , KOVAC P.
Published: March 2016

Aus D‐Xylose oder D‐Glucose und 2‐Furfurylaldehyd erhält man in wäßriger Lösung unter Druck bei 160°C in Gegenwart eines Säurekatalysators 3,5‐O‐Furyliden‐D‐xylofuranose bzw. 4,6‐0‐Furyliden‐D‐glucopyranose.
ChemInform Abstract: EINE NEUE SYNTH. VON 3‐DESAZA‐ADENOSIN
Authors: MAY J. A. , TOWNSEND L. B.
Published: March 2016

4,6‐Dichlorimidazo(4,5‐c)pyridin wird mit Bis‐trimethylsilyl‐acetamid in Acetonitril bei Raumtemperatur zu einem Monotrimethylsilyl‐Derivat umgesetzt, das mit 2,3,5‐Tri‐O‐benzoyl‐D‐ribofuranosylbromid in Gegenwart von Natriumjodid bei 85°C zur Verbindung (I) kondensiert wird.
Pilot PET Study to Assess the Functional Interplay Between ABCB1 and ABCG2 at the Human Blood–Brain Barrier
Authors: Bauer M , Römermann K , Karch R , Wulkersdorfer B , Stanek J , Philippe C , Maier‐Salamon A , Haslacher H , Jungbauer C , Wadsak W , Jäger W , Löscher W , Hacker M , Zeitlinger M , Langer O
Published: March 2016

ABCB1 and ABCG2 work together at the blood–brain barrier (BBB) to limit brain distribution of dual ABCB1/ABCG2 substrates. In this pilot study we used positron emission tomography (PET) to assess brain distribution of two model ABCB1/ABCG2 substrates ([11C]elacridar and [11C]tariquidar) in healthy subjects without (c.421CC) or with (c.421CA) the ABCG2 single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) c.421C>A. Subjects underwent PET scans under conditions when ABCB1 and ABCG2 were functional and during ABCB1 inhibition with high‐dose tariquidar. In contrast to the ABCB1‐selective substrate (R)‐[11C]verapamil, [11C]elacridar and [11C]tariquidar showed only moderate increases in brain distribution during ABCB1 inhibition. This provides evidence for a functional interplay between ABCB1 and ABCG2 at the human BBB and suggests that both ABCB1 and ABCG2 need to be inhibited to achieve substantial increases in brain distribution of dual ABCB1/ABCG2 substrates. During ABCB1 inhibition c.421CA subjects had significantly higher increases in [11C]tariquidar brain distribution than c.421CC subjects, pointing to impaired cerebral ABCG2 function.
An Effectively Activated Hierarchical Nano‐/Microspherical Li1.2Ni0.2Mn0.6O2 Cathode for Long‐Life and High‐Rate Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Li Yu , Bai Ying , Bi Xuanxuan , Qian Ji , Ma Lu , Tian Jun , Wu Chuan , Wu Feng , Lu Jun , Amine Khalil
Published: March 2016

Rechargeable lithium‐ion batteries with high energy and high power density are required in the application of electric vehicles and portable electronics. Herein, we introduce a type of spherical Li‐rich cathode material, Li1.2Ni0.2Mn0.6O2, assembled from uniform nanocubes by a facile polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)‐assisted hydrothermal method. The material with a hierarchical nano‐/microstructure exhibits stable high‐rate performance. Furthermore, the precipitant (i.e., urea) and the structure‐directing agent (i.e., PVP) effectively activated the Li2MnO3 components in the microscale material to achieve a high specific capacity of 298.5 mAh g−1 in the first cycle. This Li‐rich cathode material still delivered 243 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C after 200 cycles and the capacity retentions at 0.5, 1, 2, and 5 C were 94.4, 78.7, 76.3, and 67.8 % after 150 cycles, respectively. The results make this Li‐rich nano‐/microstructure a promising cathode material for long‐life and high‐performance lithium‐ion batteries.
A mast‐seeding desert shrub regulates population dynamics and behavior of its heteromyid dispersers
Authors: Auger Janene , Meyer Susan E. , Jenkins Stephen H.
Published: March 2016

Granivorous rodent populations in deserts are primarily regulated through precipitation‐driven resource pulses rather than pulses associated with mast‐seeding, a pattern more common in mesic habitats. We studied heteromyid responses to mast‐seeding in the desert shrub blackbrush (Coleogyne ramosissima), a regionally dominant species in the Mojave–Great Basin Desert transition zone. In a 5‐year study at Arches National Park, Utah, USA, we quantified spatiotemporal variation in seed resources in mast and intermast years in blackbrush‐dominated and mixed desert vegetation and measured responses of Dipodomys ordii (Ord's kangaroo rat) and Perognathus flavescens (plains pocket mouse). In blackbrush‐dominated vegetation, blackbrush seeds comprised >79% of seed production in a mast year, but 0% in the first postmast year. Kangaroo rat abundance in blackbrush‐dominated vegetation was highest in the mast year, declined sharply at the end of the first postmast summer, and then remained at low levels for 3 years. Pocket mouse abundance was not as strongly associated with blackbrush seed production. In mixed desert vegetation, kangaroo rat abundance was higher and more uniform through time. Kangaroo rats excluded the smaller pocket mice from resource‐rich patches including a pipeline disturbance and also moved their home range centers closer to this disturbance in a year of low blackbrush seed production. Home range size for kangaroo rats was unrelated to seed resource density in the mast year, but resource‐poor home ranges were larger (P < 0.001) in the first postmast year, when resources were limiting. Blackbrush seeds are higher in protein and fat but lower in carbohydrates than the more highly preferred seeds of Indian ricegrass (Achnatherum hymenoides) and have similar energy value per unit of handling time. Kangaroo rats cached seeds of these two species in similar spatial configurations, implying that they were equally valued as stored food resources. Blackbrush mast is a key resource regulating populations of kangaroo rats in this ecosystem.
Leaf meristems: an easily ignored component of the response to human disturbance in alpine grasslands
Authors: Hong Jiangtao , Ma Xingxing , Wang Xiaodan
Published: March 2016

Grazing and fencing are two important factors that influence productivity and biomass allocation in alpine grasslands. The relationship between root (R) and shoot (S) biomass and the root:shoot ratio (R/S) are critical parameters for estimating the terrestrial carbon stocks and biomass allocation mechanism responses to human activities. Previous studies have often used the belowground:aboveground biomass ratio (Mb/Ma) to replace the R/S in alpine ecosystems. However, these studies may have neglected the leaf meristem biomass, which belongs to the shoot but occurs below the soil surface, leading to a significant overestimation of the R/S ratio. We conducted a comparative study to explore the differences between the R/S and Mb/Ma at both the species (Stipa purpurea, Carex moorcroftii, and Artemisia nanschanica) and community levels on a Tibetan alpine grassland with grazing and fencing management blocks. The results revealed that the use of the Mb/Ma to express the R/S appeared to overestimate the actual value of the R/S, both at species and community levels. For S. purpurea, the Mb/Ma was three times higher than the R/S. The Mb/Ma was approximately two times higher than the R/S for the species of C. moorcroftii and A. nanschanica and at the community level. The relationships between the R‐S and Mb‐Ma exhibited different slopes for the alpine plants across all the management practices. Compared to the fenced grasslands, the plants in the grazing blocks not only allocated more biomass to the roots but also to the leaf meristems. The present study highlights the contribution of leaf meristems to the accurate assessment of shoot and belowground biomasses. The R/S and Mb/Ma should be cautiously used in combination in the future research. The understanding of the distinction between the R‐S and Mb‐Ma may help to improve the biomass allocation mechanism response to human disturbances in an alpine area.
Heterogeneity in the Effect of Common Shocks on Healthcare Expenditure Growth
Authors: Hauck Katharina , Zhang Xiaohui
Published: March 2016

Healthcare expenditure growth is affected by important unobserved common shocks such as technological innovation, changes in sociological factors, shifts in preferences, and the epidemiology of diseases. While common factors impact in principle all countries, their effect is likely to differ across countries. To allow for unobserved heterogeneity in the effects of common shocks, we estimate a panel data model of healthcare expenditure growth in 34 OECD countries over the years 1980 to 2012, where the usual fixed or random effects are replaced by a multifactor error structure. We address model uncertainty with Bayesian model averaging, to identify a small set of robust expenditure drivers from 43 potential candidates. We establish 16 significant drivers of healthcare expenditure growth, including growth in GDP per capita and in insurance premiums, changes in financing arrangements and some institutional characteristics, expenditures on pharmaceuticals, population ageing, costs of health administration, and inpatient care. Our approach allows us to provide robust evidence to policy makers on the drivers that were most strongly associated with the growth in healthcare expenditures over the past 32 years. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Alcoholic hepatitis: Translational approaches to develop targeted therapies
Authors: Mandrekar Pranoti , Bataller Ramon , Tsukamoto Hidekazu , Gao Bin
Published: March 2016

Alcoholic liver disease is a leading cause of liver‐related mortality worldwide. In contrast to recent advances in therapeutic strategies for patients with viral hepatitis, there is a significant lack of novel therapeutic options for patients with alcoholic liver disease. In particular, there is an urgent need to focus our efforts on effective therapeutic interventions for alcoholic hepatitis (AH), the most severe form of alcoholic liver disease. AH is characterized by an abrupt development of jaundice and complications related to liver insufficiency and portal hypertension in patients with heavy alcohol intake. The mortality of patients with AH is very high (20%‐50% at 3 months). Available therapies are not effective in many patients, and targeted approaches are imminently needed. The development of such therapies requires translational studies in human samples and suitable animal models that reproduce the clinical and histological features of AH. In recent years, new animal models that simulate some of the features of human AH have been developed, and translational studies using human samples have identified potential pathogenic factors and histological parameters that predict survival. Conclusion: This review summarizes the unmet needs for translational studies on the pathogenesis of AH, preclinical translational tools, and emerging drug targets to benefit the AH patient. (Hepatology 2016;64:1343‐1355)
Functional imaging of the angiogenic switch in a transgenic mouse model of human breast cancer by dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Consolino Lorena , Longo Dario Livio , Dastrù Walter , Cutrin Juan Carlos , Dettori Daniela , Lanzardo Stefania , Oliviero Salvatore , Cavallo Federica , Aime Silvio
Published: March 2016

Tumour progression depends on several sequential events that include the microenvironment remodelling processes and the switch to the angiogenic phenotype, leading to new blood vessels recruitment. Non‐invasive imaging techniques allow the monitoring of functional alterations in tumour vascularity and cellularity. The aim of this work was to detect functional changes in vascularisation and cellularity through Dynamic Contrast Enhanced (DCE) and Diffusion Weighted (DW) Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) modalities during breast cancer initiation and progression of a transgenic mouse model (BALB‐neuT mice). Histological examination showed that BALB‐neuT mammary glands undergo a slow neoplastic progression from simple hyperplasia to invasive carcinoma, still preserving normal parts of mammary glands. DCE‐MRI results highlighted marked functional changes in terms of vessel permeability (Ktrans, volume transfer constant) and vascularisation (vp, vascular volume fraction) in BALB‐neuT hyperplastic mammary glands if compared to BALB/c ones. When breast tissue progressed from simple to atypical hyperplasia, a strong increase in DCE‐MRI biomarkers was observed in BALB‐neuT in comparison to BALB/c mice (Ktrans = 5.3 ± 0.7E‐4 and 3.1 ± 0.5E‐4; vp = 7.4 ± 0.8E‐2 and 4.7 ± 0.6E‐2 for BALB‐neuT and BALB/c, respectively) that remained constant during the successive steps of the neoplastic transformation. Consistent with DCE‐MRI observations, microvessel counting revealed a significant increase in tumour vessels. Our study showed that DCE‐MRI estimates can accurately detect the angiogenic switch at early step of breast cancer carcinogenesis. These results support the view that this imaging approach is an excellent tool to characterize microvasculature changes, despite only small portions of the mammary glands developed neoplastic lesions in a transgenic mouse model.
Thermo‐responsive hydrogels from cellulose‐based polyelectrolytes and catanionic vesicles for biomedical application
Authors: Milcovich Gesmi , Antunes Filipe , Golob Samuel , Farra Rossella , Grassi Mario , Voinovich Dario , Grassi Gabriele , Asaro Fioretta
Published: March 2016

In this study, negatively charged catanionic vesicles/hydrophobically modified hydroxyethylcellulose polymers thermo‐responsive hydrogels have been fabricated. Vesicular aggregates were found to act as multifunctional junctions for networking of modified‐cellulose water solutions. The contributions of the electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions were evaluated by changing either vesicles composition or the polymer hydrophobic substitution. Thermal‐induced size and lamellarity of hydrogel‐enclosed vesicles were detected, with further polygonal shape changes induced by cellulose‐based polymer addition. The thermal transition was also found to tune hydrogel mechanical behaviour. The network formation was further assessed through molecular insights, which allow to determine the arrangement of the polymer chains on the vesicles' surface. The examined systems exhibited interesting thermo‐responsive characteristics. Thus, vesicularly cross‐linked hydrogels herein presented can offer a wide variety of applications, i.e. in biomedical field, as multi‐drug delivery systems, thanks to their ability to provide for different environments to guest molecules, comprising bulk water, vesicles' interior and bilayers, sites on polymeric chains. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 1668–1679, 2016.
Heparin‐based self‐assembling peptide scaffold reestablish chondrogenic phenotype of expanded de‐differentiated human chondrocytes
Authors: Recha‐Sancho Lourdes , Semino Carlos E.
Published: March 2016

The use of chondrocytes in cell‐based therapies for cartilage lesions are limited by quantity and, therefore, require an in vitro expansion. As monolayer culture leads to de‐differentiation, different culture techniques are currently under development to recover chondrocyte phenotype after cell expansion. In the present work, we studied the capacity of the bimolecular heparin‐based self‐assembling peptide scaffold (RAD16‐I) as a three‐dimensional (3D) culture system to foster reestablishment of chondrogenic phenotype of de‐differentiated human Articular Chondrocytes (AC). The culture was performed in a serum‐free medium under control and chondrogenic induction and good viability results were observed after 4 weeks of culture in both conditions. Cells changed their morphology to a more elongated shape and established a cellular network that induced the condensation of the constructs in the case of chondrogenic medium, leading to a compacted structure with improved mechanical properties. Specific extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins of mature cartilage, such as collagen type II and aggrecan were up‐regulated under chondrogenic medium and significantly enhanced with the presence of heparin in the scaffold. 3D constructs became highly stained with toluidine blue dye after 4 weeks of culture, indicating the presence of synthetized proteoglycans (PGs) by the cells. Interestingly, the full viscoelastic behavior was closely related to that found in chicken native cartilage. Altogether, the results suggest that the 3D culture model described can help de‐differentiated human chondrocytes to recover its cartilage phenotype. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 1694–1706, 2016.
A novel hematopoietic progenitor cell mobilization regimen, utilizing bortezomib and filgrastim, for patients undergoing autologous transplant
Authors: Abhyankar Sunil , Lubanski Philip , DeJarnette Shaun , Merkel Dean , Bunch Jennifer , Daniels Kelly , Aljitawi Omar , Lin Tara , Ganguly Sid , McGuirk Joseph
Published: March 2016

Adequate hematopoietic progenitor cell (HPC) collection is critical for patients undergoing autologous HPC transplant (AHPCT). Historically, 15 − 30% of patients failed HPC mobilization with granulocyte‐colony stimulating factor (G‐CSF) alone. Bortezomib, a proteasome inhibitor, has been shown to down regulate very late antigen‐4 (VLA‐4), an adhesion molecule expressed on HPCs. In this pilot study, bortezomib was administered on days −11 and −8 at a dose of 1.3 mg/m2 intravenously (IV) or subcutaneously (SQ), followed by G‐CSF 10 mcg/kg SQ, on days −4 to −1 prior to HPC collection (Day 1). Nineteen patients, with multiple myeloma (n = 12) or non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (n = 7) undergoing AHPCT for the first time, were enrolled. Patients were excluded if they had worse than grade II neuropathy or platelet count less than 100 x 109/L. Bortezomib was well tolerated and all patients had adequate HPC collections with no mobilization failures. One patient (6%) had a CD34+ cell count of 3.9 cells/µL on Day 1 and received plerixafor per institutional algorithm. Eleven patients completed HPC collection in 1 day and eight in 2 days. All patients underwent AHPCT and had timely neutrophil and platelet engraftment. Comparison with a historical control group of 70 MM and lymphoma patients, who were mobilized with G‐CSF, showed significantly higher CD 34+ cells/kg collected in the bortezomib mobilization study group. Bortezomib plus G‐CSF is an effective HPC mobilizing regimen worth investigating further in subsequent studies. J. Clin. Apheresis 31:559–563, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An alternative mini buffy coat preparation method for adult patients with extracorporeal photopheresis contraindications
Authors: Grabmer Christoph , Schlager Sandra , Mayer Georg , Streif Doris , Lener Thomas , Schallmoser Katharina , Rohde Eva
Published: March 2016

Background: Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) is an important cell‐based therapy for various diseases but is limited to patients eligible for apheresis. We developed an alternative mini buffy coat (BC) preparation method using the Spectra Optia® apheresis system and compared its efficacy of white blood cell (WBC) recovery with the standard mini BC preparation method already established for pediatric patients. Methods: Whole blood (450 ± 45 mL) samples were collected from 30 randomly selected healthy volunteer blood donors and divided into two groups. In the first group, WBCs were separated with a fully automated separator device (Compomat G4®). In the second group, BCs were separated with the bone marrow processing program of the Spectra Optia apheresis system. Results: There were no significant differences in total leukocyte counts per product between the two groups. In contrast, lymphocyte counts per product were significantly higher (P < 0.001) in BCs separated from apheresis. Conclusion: Our novel technique resulted in similar WBC yields but higher lymphocyte yields than the standard mini BC preparation method. This method can serve as an alternative to WBC collection in conventional ECP for adult patients with apheresis contraindications. J. Clin. Apheresis 32:12–15, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Probing the binding of two 19‐nortestosterone derivatives to human serum albumin: insights into the interactions of steroid hormone drugs with functional biomacromolecule
Authors: He Jiawei , Wang Qing , Ma Xiangling , Yang Hongqin , Li Shanshan , Xu Kailin , Li Hui
Published: March 2016

Norethindrone acetate (NETA) is a fatty acid ester of norethindrone (NET) that can convert to its more active parent compound NET when orally administered. To study the interactions of NETA and NET with human serum albumin (HSA), we applied fluorescence spectroscopy, circular dichroism (CD), and molecular docking. The effects of metal ions on the HSA–NETA/NET system were also explored. Fluorescence data showed that the quenching mechanism of HSA by NETA and NET was consistent with a static model and that the binding constant of NETA was higher than that of NET. Thermodynamic parameters indicated that hydrogen bonds and van der Waals forces were the main forces maintaining the stability of the HSA–NETA/NET complex. Molecular modeling studies revealed that NETA and NET were bound within subdomain IIA of HSA, in accordance with the site probe results. Synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy, CD, and three‐dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy further confirmed that the binding of NETA/NET to HSA changed the secondary structure of the protein. All other metal ions, except for Ca2+, decreased the K value of the HSA–NETA/NET system with enhancement of the maximum effectiveness of NETA/NET. Three commercially available steroid hormone drugs influenced the binding ability of NETA on HSA to different extents. This study provides novel insights into the interactions between HSA and NETA/NET, as well as a solid foundation for future research on drug pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparative study of wound healing in rat skin following incision with a novel picosecond infrared laser (PIRL) and different surgical modalities
Authors: Petersen Hannes , Tavakoli Fatemeh , Kruber Sebastian , Münscher Adrian , Gliese Alexandra , Hansen Nils‐Owe , Uschold Stephanie , Eggert Dennis , Robertson Wesley D. , Gosau Tobias , Sehner Susanne , Kwiatkowski Marcel , Schlüter Hartmut , Schumacher Udo , Knecht Rainald , Miller R.J. Dwayne
Published: March 2016

Background and Objective

As a result of wound healing the original tissue is replaced by dysfunctional scar tissue. Reduced tissue damage during surgical procedures beneficially affects the size of the resulting scar and overall healing time. Thus the choice of a particular surgical instrument can have a significant influence on the postoperative wound healing. To overcome these problems of wound healing we applied a novel picosecond infrared laser (PIRL) system to surgical incisions. Previous studies indicated that negligible thermal, acoustic, or ionization stress effects to the surrounding tissue results in a superior wound healing.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Using the PIRL system as a surgical scalpel, we performed a prospective wound healing study on rat skin and assessed its final impact on scar formation compared to the electrosurgical device and cold steel. As for the incisions, 6 full‐thickness, 1‐cm long‐linear skin wounds were created on the dorsum of four rats using the PIRL, an electrosurgical device, and a conventional surgical scalpel, respectively. Rats were euthanized after 21 days of wound healing. The thickness of the subepithelial fibrosis, the depth and the transverse section of the total scar area of each wound were analyzed histologically.

Results

After 21 days of wound healing the incisions made by PIRL showed minor scar tissue formation as compared to the electrosurgical device and the scalpel. Highly significant differences (P < 0.001) were noted by comparing the electrosurgical device with PIRL and scalpel. The transverse section of the scar area also showed significant differences (P = 0.043) when comparing PIRL (mean: 141.46 mm2; 95%CI: 105.8–189.0 mm2) with scalpel incisions (mean: 206.82 mm2; 95%CI: 154.8–276.32 mm2). The subepithelial width of the scars that resulted from using the scalpel were 1.3 times larger than those obtained by using the PIRL (95%CI: 1.0–1.6) though the difference was not significant (P < 0.083).

Conclusions

The hypothesis that PIRL results in minimal scar formation with improved cosmetic outcomes was positively verified. In particular the resection of skin tumors or pathological scars, such as hypertrophic scars or keloids, are promising future fields of PIRL application. Lasers Surg. Med. 48:385–391, 2016. © 2016 The Authors. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Behavioral and transcriptomic profiling of mice null forLphn3, a gene implicated inADHDand addiction
Authors: Orsini Caitlin A. , Setlow Barry , DeJesus Michael , Galaviz Stacy , Loesch Kimberly , Ioerger Thomas , Wallis Deeann
Published: March 2016

Background

TheLatrophilin 3(LPHN3) gene (recently renamedAdhesion G protein‐coupled receptor L3 (ADGRL3)) has been linked to susceptibility to attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and vulnerability to addiction. However, its role and function are not well understood as there are no known functional variants.

Methods

To characterize the function of this little known gene, we phenotypedLphn3null mice. We assessed motivation for food reward and working memory via instrumental responding tasks, motor coordination via rotarod, and depressive‐like behavior via forced swim. We also measured neurite outgrowth of primary hippocampal and cortical neuron cultures. Standard blood chemistries and blood counts were performed. Finally, we also evaluated the transcriptome in several brain regions.

Results

Behaviorally, loss ofLphn3increases both reward motivation and activity levels.Lphn3null mice display significantly greater instrumental responding for food than wild‐type mice, particularly under high response ratios, and swim incessantly during a forced swim assay. However, loss ofLphn3does not interfere with working memory or motor coordination. Primary hippocampal and cortical neuron cultures demonstrate that null neurons display comparatively enhanced neurite outgrowth after 2 and 3 days in vitro. Standard blood chemistry panels reveal that nulls have low serum calcium levels. Finally, analysis of the transcriptome from prefrontal cortical, striatal, and hippocampal tissue at different developmental time points shows that loss ofLphn3results in genotype‐dependent differential gene expression (DGE), particularly for cell adhesion molecules and calcium signaling proteins. Much of theDGEis attenuated with age, and is consistent with the idea thatADHDis associated with delayed cortical maturation.

Conclusions

Transcriptome changes likely affect neuron structure and function, leading to behavioral anomalies consistent with bothADHDand addiction phenotypes. The data should further motivate analyses ofLphn3function in the developmental timing of altered gene expression and calcium signaling, and their effects on neuronal structure/function during development.
Obesity prevalence and related risk of comorbidities among HIV+ patients attending a New England ambulatory centre
Authors: Becofsky Katie M. , Wing Edward J. , Wing Rena R. , Richards Kathryn E. , Gillani Fizza S.
Published: March 2016

Background

Human immunodeficiency virus infection and obesity are pro‐inflammatory conditions that, when occurring together, may pose a synergistic risk for diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Purpose

The aim of the current study was (i) to document the prevalence of obesity in HIV+ patients treated at the Miriam Hospital Immunology Center (Providence, RI) and (ii) to investigate the relationship between obesity and comorbidities.

Methods

The study population consisted of 1,489 HIV+ adults (70% men; average age 48 ± 11 years) treated between 01/01/2012 and 06/30/2014. Separate logistic regressions tested the associations between overweight and obesity and comorbid diagnoses (diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease), as compared with normal weight. Covariates included age, gender and smoking status.

Results

Approximately 37% of patients were overweight (body mass index 25.0–29.9), and an additional 28% were obese (body mass index ≥30.0). Obesity was associated with higher odds of comorbid diabetes (OR = 3.26, CI = 1.98–5.39) and hypertension (OR = 2.11, CI = 1.49–2.98). There was no significant association between obesity and the presence of cardiovascular disease (OR = 1.12, CI = 0.66–1.90). Overweight was associated only with higher odds of comorbid diabetes (OR = 1.72; CI = 1.02–2.88).

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate a heightened risk of comorbidities in overweight and obese HIV+ patients. Future studies should investigate whether weight loss interventions for this population can reduce cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors as they do in other populations.
Structures and dynamics of microparticles in suspension studied using ultrasound scattering techniques
Authors: Norisuye Tomohisa
Published: March 2016

Ultrasonic waves are widely employed in medical diagnosis and non‐destructive testing to observe the condition of fetuses and to study non‐transparent materials, respectively. Although ultrasonic waves are mostly applied to relatively large‐scale structures, megahertz ultrasound has been utilized to investigate the microstructure of particulate matter and the local dynamics of soft matter. More recently, due to the development of high‐speed recording technology with large memory storage and sophisticated techniques employing scattered amplitude and phase, analyses of the dynamics as well as the structures of highly turbid suspensions are possible for a wide range of concentrations and particle sizes (several tens of nanometers to several tens of micrometers) using new routes. The technology could simultaneously allow the investigation of complex dynamics involving the Brownian motion of nanoparticles and sedimentation due to the formation of large aggregates. The advantages of using ultrasound are not only the applicability to optically turbid systems but also the wave characteristics related to mechanical (viscoelastic) information, allowing one to evaluate the elastic moduli of particular components, e.g. the elastic shell of a microcapsule immersed in liquid without dilution or drying of the sample. In this paper, the recent developments of novel ultrasound techniques for soft matter characterization are reviewed. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Remodeling of the conformational ensemble of the repeat domain of tau by an aggregation enhancer
Authors: Akoury Elias , Mukrasch Marco D. , Biernat Jacek , Tepper Katharina , Ozenne Valery , Mandelkow Eckhard , Blackledge Martin , Zweckstetter Markus
Published: March 2016

Misfolding of the microtubule‐associated protein Tau is a hallmark of Alzheimer disease and several other neurodegenerative disorders. Because of the dynamic nature of the Tau protein, little is known about the changes in Tau structure that occur during misfolding. Here we studied the structural consequences upon binding of the repeat domain of Tau, which plays a key role in pathogenic aggregation, to an aggregation enhancer. By combining NMR experiments with molecular simulations we show that binding of the aggregation enhancer polyglutamic acid remodels the conformational ensemble of Tau. Our study thus provides insight into an early event during misfolding of Tau.
Dodine as a transparent protein denaturant for circular dichroism and infrared studies
Authors: Guin Drishti , Sye Kori , Dave Kapil , Gruebele Martin
Published: March 2016

The fungicide dodine combines the cooperative denaturation properties of guanidine with the mM denaturation activity of SDS. It was previously tested only on two small model proteins. Here we show that it can be used as a chemical denaturant for phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK), a much larger two‐domain enzyme. In addition to its properties as a chemical denaturant, dodine facilitates thermal denaturation of PGK, and we show for the first time that it also facilitates pressure denaturation of a protein. Much higher quality circular dichroism and amide I′ infrared spectra of PGK can be obtained in dodine than in guanidine, opening the possibility for use of dodine as a denaturant when UV or IR detection is desirable. One caution is that dodine denaturation, like other detergent‐based denaturants, is less reversible than guanidine denaturation.
Evolutionary dynamics of viral escape under antibodies stress: A biophysical model
Authors: Chéron Nicolas , Serohijos Adrian W.R. , Choi Jeong‐Mo , Shakhnovich Eugene I.
Published: March 2016

Viruses constantly face the selection pressure of antibodies, either from innate immune response of the host or from administered antibodies for treatment. We explore the interplay between the biophysical properties of viral proteins and the population and demographic variables in the viral escape. The demographic and population genetics aspect of the viral escape have been explored before; however one important assumption was the a priori distribution of fitness effects (DFE). Here, we relax this assumption by instead considering a realistic biophysics‐based genotype‐phenotype relationship for RNA viruses escaping antibodies stress. In this model the DFE is itself an evolvable property that depends on the genetic background (epistasis) and the distribution of biophysical effects of mutations, which is informed by biochemical experiments and theoretical calculations in protein engineering. We quantitatively explore in silico the viability of viral populations under antibodies pressure and derive the phase diagram that defines the fate of the virus population (extinction or escape from stress) in a range of viral mutation rates and antibodies concentrations. We find that viruses are most resistant to stress at an optimal mutation rate (OMR) determined by the competition between supply of beneficial mutation to facilitate escape from stressors and lethal mutagenesis caused by excess of destabilizing mutations. We then show the quantitative dependence of the OMR on genome length and viral burst size. We also recapitulate the experimental observation that viruses with longer genomes have smaller mutation rate per nucleotide.
Piezotronic‐based magnetoelectric sensor: Fabrication and response
Authors: Gröttrup Jorit , Kaps Sören , Carstensen Jürgen , Smazna Daria , Mishra Yogendra Kumar , Piorra André , Kirchhof Christine , Quandt Eckhard , Adelung Rainer
Published: March 2016

In the present work, magnetoelectric‐piezotronic devices have been fabricated using exceptionally long (mm long) ZnO nano‐ and microneedles grown by the simple and versatile flame transport synthesis approach. The piezotronic response to an applied magnetic field has been investigated for state of the art magnetoelectric (ME) sensors containing AlN and PZT as piezoelectric phase as well as sensors based on ZnO nano‐ and microneedles, which are among the best described materials in terms of piezotronic applications. The current voltage (I–V) characteristics of the fabricated electronic sensor devices have been measured to understand the individual contributions of the piezoelectric and semiconducting properties. The experimentally obtained correlations between the piezotronic effect and the I–V responses have been fitted using appropriate theoretical models which have been discussed in detail. The current observations demonstrate that ME based piezotronic sensing devices have complementary roles, on one hand, the ME principle helps to get a better understanding of the piezotronic nature of quasi one dimensional (Q1D) ZnO nano‐ and microneedles, and on the other hand, the integration of a piezotronic effect leads to an improved sensitivity of the ME devices and hence to a better quality of ME sensors.
Statistic regularities of magnetization jumps in K0.4[Cr(CN)6][Mn(R/S)‐pn](R/S)‐pnH0.6 ferrimagnet
Authors: Talantsev Artem , Kirman Marina , Morgunov Roman
Published: March 2016

A series of two types of stochastic magnetization jumps in K0.4[Cr(CN)6][Mn(R/S)‐pn](R/S)‐pnH0.6 single crystals (pn = 1,2‐diaminopropane) are reported. Large jumps appear on the demagnetization branch of the hysteresis loop at the critical value of the decreasing magnetic field. The correlation of the temperature dependence of jump magnetic field and the temperature dependence of magnetic anisotropy field indicates a contribution of magnetic anisotropy to nonlinear spin‐soliton structure. Small magnetization jumps occur in both magnetization and demagnetization regimes.
Alternately double‐sided growth of low‐curvature GaN templates on sapphire substrates using hydride vapor phase epitaxy
Authors: Okada Narihito , Ihara Hiroshi , Yamane Keisuke , Tadatomo Kazuyuki
Published: March 2016

GaN layers have been grown on double‐side‐polished sapphire substrates using hydride vapor phase epitaxy. The GaN layers on each side of the substrate were alternately grown using a new susceptor with a rotating mechanism. Although a conventional GaN layer grown on one side of a sapphire substrate exhibits a small radius of curvature, the alternately double‐sided‐grown GaN template exhibits a large radius of curvature. The radius of curvature of the alternately double‐sided‐grown GaN template with a thickness of 180 μm was found to be approximately 16.4 m, and was larger than the 0.5 m radius of curvature of the conventional GaN template.
On the stability of outcropping eddies in a constant‐PV ocean
Authors: Cohen Y. , Dvorkin Y. , Paldor N.
Published: March 2016

Stability analyses of baroclinic ocean eddies have previously demonstrated that eddies with no surface fronts are stable when the potential vorticity (PV) in the surrounding ocean is constant. This assumption of constant‐PV ocean which might explain the long life span of observed ocean eddies is applied here in the stability analyses of two warm eddies that are characterized by surface fronts along the outcropping line of the interface that separates the eddy from the ocean. The first is an eddy in a solid body rotation and the second is a constant‐PV eddy, both of them in a two‐layer shallow‐water model. The prescription of the basic state of constant PV in the lower layer couples the mean fields in the eddy and the surrounding ocean so that the mean flow in the eddy changes with the ocean depth. The calculation of the growth rates of small‐amplitude wavelike perturbations are done numerically using a shooting to fitting point method, which enables a consistent incorporation of the regularity conditions at the centre, the surface front and infinity into the solution. In both eddies no unstable modes are found for wave numbers 2, 3 or 4. An analysis of the real phase speed shows that the coalescence of inertia‐gravity waves in the two layers that generates instability in other settings is inhibited in the present model while Rossby waves are eliminated from the lower layer by the constant‐PV assumption. The elimination of Rossby waves in the lower layer by the constant‐PV assumption stabilizes the two eddies, both of which were previously shown to be highly unstable when the underlying ocean is assumed motionless.
Fast functionalization of (7‐aza)indoles using continuous flow processes
Authors: D'Attoma Joseph , Cozien Grégoire , Brun Pierre Louis , Robin Yves , Bostyn Stéphane , Buron Frédéric , Routier Sylvain
Published: March 2016

The use of flow chemistry to obtain (7‐aza)indole derivatives was investigated in three steps (C‐3 iodination followed by N‐Boc protection). Excellent yields were achieved after very short reaction times. The challenge of using a continuous flow process was incremented by performing a novel copper‐free Sonogashira cross coupling in C‐3 (7‐Aza)indolic position using a recyclable supported palladium catalyst. A library of polyfunctionalized (7‐aza)indoles was obtained in high yield with a very efficient process (< 3 min.). Scale‐up was studied and the preparation of significant amounts of final alkynyl and Boc protected (aza)indoles can be immediately extended to a pilot scale in optimum security conditions.
Dimeric and Star‐Shaped Viologens: Synthesis and Capping interactions with β‐cyclodextrin
Authors: Madasamy Kanagaraj , Kathiresan Murugavel
Published: March 2016

Herein, we report the synthesis, characterization, inter‐and intramolecular complexation of branched viologen derivatives. Dimeric (DV), Trimeric (TV) and Star‐shaped (SV) viologen molecules bearing naphthyl periphery were successfully synthesized and characterized. Cyclic voltammetric studies shows that these derivatives undergo electrochemical reduction much easily at lower potentials than their corresponding dibenzyl analogues. Preliminary UV‐Vis investigations confirmed the formation of intramolecular CT (charge‐transfer) complexation between the chemically reduced monocation radicals in the case of o‐xylylene interconnected dimeric viologen. Capping interactions with β‐CD (β‐Cyclodextrin) were studied by 1H NMR techniques. Experiments in D2O showed the formation of inclusion complex (capping) between the terminal naphthyl groups and internal cavity of β‐CD via intermolecular hydrophobic interaction.
Influence of Martensite Fraction on Tensile Properties of Quenched and Partitioned (Q&P) Martensitic Stainless Steels
Authors: Huang Qiuliang , Schröder Christina , Biermann Horst , Volkova Olena , Mola Javad
Published: March 2016

By means of a simplified quenching and partitioning (Q&P) processing with quench temperature equal to room temperature, austenite fractions of 56, 43, and 24 vol% are stabilized in the microstructures of Q&P‐processed Fe–Cr–C, Fe–Cr–C–Co, and Fe–Cr–C–N stainless steels, respectively. The mechanical stability of austenite is quantified by tensile tests at temperatures between 20 and 200 °C. In agreement with the Q&P concept, the stability of austenite is found to be highest for the steel with the highest martensite fraction. The carbon enrichment of austenite in a specimen of the Fe–Cr–C steel processed to have 82 vol% martensite is estimated by X‐ray diffraction measurement of the austenite lattice parameter. The results indicate that only about 12% of the carbon contained in the martensite has partitioned into the austenite. The formation of tempering carbides is one of the mechanisms behind the significant deviation of the carbon enrichments from the full partitioning assumption.
Re: Chorioamniotic membrane separation after fetoscopy in monochorionic twin pregnancy: incidence and impact on perinatal outcome. J. U. Ortiz, E. Eixarch, A. Peguero, S. M. Lobmaier, M. Bennasar, J. M. Martinez and E. Gratacós. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2016; 47: 345–349
Authors: Bebbington M.
Published: March 2016

Linked Comment: Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2016; 47: 345–349
A Discrete Nickel Cubane with [Ni4O4] Cluster: Synthesis, Structure, and Magnetic Property
Authors: Zhang Qi‐Long , Wu Zhi‐Lei , Xu Hong , Zhai Bin , Wang Yu‐Fang , Feng Guang‐Wei , Huang Ya‐Li
Published: March 2016

The tetranuclear nickel cluster {[Ni4(L)4(C2H5OH)4]·7H2O} (1) was synthesized based on the tridentate Schiff base ligand H2L = 1‐phenyl‐3‐[(2‐hydroxyphenyl)imino]‐1‐butanone. The structure of 1 was determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. It exhibits a discrete [Ni4O4] cluster. Magnetic studies indicate that ferromagnetic interactions exist within compound 1. Furthermore, thermogravimetric analysis and PXRD patterns in various solvents reveal thermal and solvent stability of compound 1.
Improving isobutanol production in metabolically engineered Escherichia coli by co-producing ethanol and modulation of pentose phosphate pathway
Authors: Liu Zichun , Liu Pingping , Xiao Dongguang , Zhang Xueli
Published: March 2016

Redox imbalance has been regarded as the key limitation for anaerobic isobutanol production in metabolically engineered Escherichia coli strains. In this work, the ethanol synthetic pathway was recruited to solve the NADH redundant problem while the pentose phosphate pathway was modulated to solve the NADPH deficient problem for anaerobic isobutanol production. Recruiting the ethanol synthetic pathway in strain AS108 decreased isobutanol yield from 0.66 to 0.29 mol/mol glucose. It was found that there was a negative correlation between aldehyde/alcohol dehydrogenase (AdhE) activity and isobutanol production. Decreasing AdhE activity increased isobutanol yield from 0.29 to 0.6 mol/mol. On the other hand, modulation of the glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase gene of the pentose phosphate pathway increased isobutanol yield from 0.29 to 0.41 mol/mol. Combination of these two strategies had a synergistic effect on improving isobutanol production. Isobutanol titer and yield of the best strain ZL021 were 53 mM and 0.74 mol/mol, which were 51 % and 12 % higher than the starting strain AS108, respectively. The total alcohol yield of strain ZL021 was 0.81 mol/mol, which was 23 % higher than strain AS108.