bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multilayer Nanoscale Encapsulation of Biofunctional Peptides to Enhance Bone Tissue Regeneration In Vivo
Authors: Gentile Piergiorgio , Ferreira Ana Marina , Callaghan Jill T. , Miller Cheryl A. , Atkinson Joss , Freeman Christine , Hatton Paul V.
Published: February 2017

Bone tissue healing is a dynamic process that is initiated by the recruitment of osteoprogenitor cells followed by their migration, proliferation, differentiation, and development of a mineralizing extracellular matrix. The work aims to manufacture a functionalized porous membrane that stimulates early events in bone healing for initiating a regenerative cascade. Layer‐by‐layer (LbL) assembly is proposed to modify the surface of osteoconductive electrospun meshes, based on poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) and nanohydroxyapatite, by using poly(allylamine hydrochloride) and poly(sodium 4‐styrenesulfonate) as polyelectrolytes. Molecular cues are incorporated by grafting peptide fragments into the discrete nanolayers. KRSR (lysine‐arginine‐serine‐arginine) sequence is grafted to enhance cell adhesion and proliferation, NSPVNSKIPKACCVPTELSAI to guide bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells differentiation in osteoblasts, and FHRRIKA (phenylalanine‐histidine‐arginine‐arginine‐isoleucine‐lysine‐alanine) to improve mineralization matrix formation. Scanning electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy demonstrate the successful surface functionalization. Furthermore, the peptide incorporation enhances cellular processes, with good viability and significant increase of alkaline phosphatase activity, osteopontin, and osteocalcin. The functionalized membrane induces a favorable in vivo response after implantation for four weeks in nonhealing rat calvarial defect model. It is concluded that the multilayer nanoencapsulation of biofunctional peptides using LbL approach has significant potential as innovative manufacturing technique to improve bone regeneration in orthopedic and craniofacial medical devices.
SrCl2 Derived Perovskite Facilitating a High Efficiency of 16% in Hole‐Conductor‐Free Fully Printable Mesoscopic Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Zhang Hua , Wang Huan , Williams Spencer T. , Xiong Dehua , Zhang Wenjun , Chueh Chu‐Chen , Chen Wei , Jen Alex K.‐Y.
Published: February 2017

Despite the breakthrough of over 22% power conversion efficiency demonstrated in organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cells (PVSCs), critical concerns pertaining to the instability and toxicity still remain that may potentially hinder their commercialization. In this study, a new chemical approach using environmentally friendly strontium chloride (SrCl2) as a precursor for perovskite preparation is demonstrated to result in enhanced device performance and stability of the derived hole‐conductor‐free printable mesoscopic PVSCs. The CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite is chemically modified by introducing SrCl2 in the precursor solution. The results from structural, elemental, and morphological analyses show that the incorporation of SrCl2 affords the formation of CH3NH3PbI3(SrCl2)x perovskites endowed with lower defect concentration and better pore filling in the derived mesoscopic PVSCs. The optimized compositional CH3NH3PbI3(SrCl2)0.1 perovskite can substantially enhance the photovoltaic performance of the derived hole‐conductor‐free device to 15.9%, outperforming the value (13.0%) of the pristine CH3NH3PbI3 device. More importantly, the stability of the device in ambient air under illumination is also improved.
Water‐Based Photo‐ and Electron‐Beam Lithography Using Egg White as a Resist
Authors: Jiang Bojing , Yang Jie , Li Chen , Zhang Liangliang , Zhang Xu , Yang Peng
Published: February 2017

Complex lithographic steps and the use of toxic chemicals in these processes are in conflict with a sustainable human society. Development of new inexpensive and green resist, simple alternative procedures, and nontoxic solvents is the key to move recyclable micro/nanofabrication from laboratory level to industrial application in large scale. Herein, precise control on protein fragmentation/aggregation upon photo/electron irradiation is conceived into egg white‐based green resist for all‐water‐based photo/electron lithography at submicron resolution. This study acquires the egg white simply from chicken egg without additional complex purification steps. Photolithography and electron‐beam direct writing on spin‐coated egg white layer can generate geometrically complex micro/nanopatterns at a low irradiation dose of 3000 and 1500 µC cm−2 for effective positive and negative pattern, respectively. With further developing the patterned resist in chemical etching system, the resist pattern can be transferred onto underlying Si/SiO2/Au/Cu substrates with good fidelity and one egg can efficiently process five objects with 2 in. in diameter, demonstrating its practical implication in spatially definable micro/nanoprocessing of materials.
Visible‐Light‐Mediated Oxygenation Reactions using Molecular Oxygen
Authors: Bian Changliang , Singh Atul K. , Niu Linbin , Yi Hong , Lei Aiwen
Published: February 2017

As a clean, inexpensive and widely available energy source, visible light has received increased attention and research interest from all around the world. In the field of synthetic organic chemistry, more and more groups are pursuing visible‐light‐mediated chemical transformations. Various types of reactions using visible light as an initiator have been described in the past several decades (mainly in the past ten years). It has become a powerful tool for constructing new chemical bonds and has shown wide application prospects in organic synthesis. In addition, there have been several reviews summarizing the progress of visible‐light‐mediated syntheses from different points of view. This review provides a summary on the development of visible‐light‐mediated oxygenation reactions using molecular oxygen, and can be used as a reference guide to direct the design of new reactions.
Reaction of Donor‐Acceptor Cyclobutanes with Indoles: A General Protocol for the Formal Total Synthesis of (±)‐Strychnine and the Total Synthesis of (±)‐Akuammicine
Authors: Feng Liang‐Wen , Ren Hai , Xiong Hu , Wang Pan , Wang Lijia , Tang Yong
Published: February 2017

A ligand‐promoted catalytic [4+2] annulation reaction using indole derivatives and donor‐acceptor (D‐A) cyclobutanes is reported, thus providing an efficient and atom‐economical access to versatile cyclohexa‐fused indolines with excellent levels of diastereoselectivity and a broad substrate scope. In the presence of a chiral SaBOX ligand, excellent enantioselectivity was realized with up to 94 % ee. This novel synthetic method is applied as a general protocol for the total synthesis of (±)‐akuammicine and the formal total synthesis of (±)‐strychnine from the same common‐core scaffold.
Biodegradable nanofibrous scaffolds as smart delivery vehicles for amino acids
Authors: Maione Silvana , Pérez‐Madrigal Maria M. , del Valle Luis J. , Díaz Angélica , Franco Lourdes , Cativiela Carlos , Puiggalí Jordi , Alemán Carlos
Published: February 2017

The encapsulation of amino acids (AAs) and their correct preservation before they are ingested are challenging tasks. Nonpolar (l‐alanine and l‐phenylalanine), polar (l‐cysteine hydrochloride and l‐asparagine), and charged (l‐lysine hydrochloride and l‐aspartic acid) AAs were loaded into biodegradable and nontoxic poly(tetramethylene succinate) (PE44) nanofibers (NFs) with electrospinning. The loading of AAs considerably affected the morphology, topography, thermal properties, and wettability of the PE44 NFs. Furthermore, although the AAs crystallized in a phase separated from the polymeric matrix, the distribution of such crystals changed into PE44 NFs and depended on their chemical nature. Release assays in enzyme‐free solutions provided evidence that very significant amounts of AAs were retained in the NFs after 7 days, whereas assays in the lipase‐containing solution (because lipase performs essential roles in the digestion) showed almost complete release after a few hours. Lipase preferentially attacked the PE44 regions responsible for the retention of AAs in the biphasic system and favored the almost immediate release of the biomolecules. The results displayed in this study, combined with the biocompatibility, biodegradability, and potential use of the PE44 NFs as edible nonnutritional elements, suggest that the loaded PE44–AA NFs could be used to supply essential and conditional AAs. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44883.
Improved mechanical and barrier properties of starch film with reduced graphene oxide modified by SDBS
Authors: Ge Xuesong , Li Hui , Wu Lin , Li Ping , Mu Xindong , Jiang Yijun
Published: February 2017

Starch is regarded as one of the most promising biopolymers to replace the fossil resources. However, due to the poor mechanical properties, high sensitivity to humidity, and low barrier property, the development of starch‐based materials has been limited. In this study, they improved the mechanical and barrier properties of starch film with reduced graphene oxide (RGO) modified by sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS). The hydrophilia of modified RGO (r‐RGO) was improved and result in a good dispersion in oxidized starch (OS) matrix. The tensile strength of the r‐RGO‐4/OS film increased to 58.5 MPa which was more than three times of the OS film (17.2 MPa). Besides, both the water vapor and oxygen barrier properties of r‐RGO/OS film were improved greatly compared with OS and GO/OS films. Moreover, the r‐RGO/OS film could protect against UV light effectively due to its lightproof performance. In conclusion, the r‐RGO/OS composite film has great potential applications in packaging industry. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44910.
Improved performance of solid polymer electrolytes for structural batteries utilizing plasticizing co‐solvents
Authors: Ihrner Niklas , Johansson Mats
Published: February 2017

This study describes the formulation, curing, and characterization of solid polymer electrolytes (SPE) based on plasticized poly(ethylene glycol)‐methacrylate, intended for use in structural batteries that utilizes carbon fibers as electrodes. The effect of crosslink density, salt concentration, and amount of plasticizer has been investigated. Adding a plasticizing solvent increases the overall performance of the SPE. Increased ionic conductivity and mechanical performance can be attained compared to similar systems without plasticizer. At ambient temperature, ionic conductivity (σ) of 3.3 × 10−5 S cm−1, with a corresponding storage modulus (E′) of 20 MPa are reached. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44917.
Multisensory integration in Lepidoptera: Insights into flower‐visitor interactions
Authors: Kinoshita Michiyo , Stewart Finlay J. , Ômura Hisashi
Published: February 2017

As most work on flower foraging focuses on bees, studying Lepidoptera can offer fresh perspectives on how sensory capabilities shape the interaction between flowers and insects. Through a combination of innate preferences and learning, many Lepidoptera persistently visit particular flower species. Butterflies tend to rely on their highly developed sense of colour to locate rewarding flowers, while moths have evolved sophisticated olfactory systems towards the same end. However, these modalities can interact in complex ways; for instance, butterflies’ colour preference can shift depending on olfactory context. The mechanisms by which such cross‐modal interaction occurs are poorly understood, but the mushroom bodies appear to play a central role. Because of the diversity seen within Lepidoptera in terms of their sensory capabilities and the nature of their relationships with flowers, they represent a fruitful avenue for comparative studies to shed light on the co‐evolution of flowers and flower‐visiting insects.
Fermentative production of L‐pipecolic acid from glucose and alternative carbon sources
Authors: Pérez-García Fernando , Max Risse Joe , Friehs Karl , Wendisch Volker F.
Published: February 2017

Corynebacterium glutamicum is used for the million‐ton scale production of amino acids and has recently been engineered for production of the cyclic non‐proteinogenic amino acid L‐pipecolic acid (L‐PA). In this synthetic pathway L‐lysine was converted to L‐PA by oxidative deamination, dehydration and reduction by L‐lysine 6‐dehydrogenase (deaminating) from Silicibacter pomeroyi and pyrroline 5‐carboxylate reductase from C. glutamicum. However, production of L‐PA occurred as by‐product of L‐lysine production only. Here, the author show that abolishing L‐lysine export by the respective gene deletion resulted in production of L‐PA as major product without concomitant lysine production while the specific growth rate was reduced due to accumulation of high intracellular lysine concentrations. Increasing expression of the genes encoding L‐lysine 6‐dehydrogenase and pyrroline 5‐carboxylate reductase in C. glutamicum strain PIPE4 increased the L‐PA titer to 3.9 g L−1, and allowed faster growth and, thus, a higher volumetric productivity of 0.08 ± 0.00 g L−1 h−1 respectively. Secondly, expression of heterologous genes for utilization of glycerol, xylose, glucosamine, and starch in strain PIPE4 enabled L‐PA production from these alternative carbon sources. Third, in a glucose/sucrose‐based fed‐batch fermentation with C. glutamicum PIPE4 L‐PA was produced to a titer of 14.4 g L−1 with a volumetric productivity of 0.21 g L−1 h−1 and an overall yield of 0.20 g g−1.
Learning and memory disabilities in IUGR babies: Functional and molecular analysis in a rat model
Authors: Camprubí Camprubí Marta , Balada Caballé Rafel , Ortega Cano Juan A. , Ortega de la Torre Maria de los Angeles , Duran Fernández‐Feijoo Cristina , Girabent‐Farrés Montserrat , Figueras‐Aloy Josep , Krauel Xavier , Alcántara Soledad
Published: February 2017

Introduction

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is the failure of the fetus to achieve its inherent growth potential, and it has frequently been associated with neurodevelopmental problems in childhood. Neurological disorders are mostly associated with IUGR babies with an abnormally high cephalization index (CI) and a brain sparing effect. However, a similar correlation has never been demonstrated in an animal model. The aim of this study was to determine the correlations between CI, functional deficits in learning and memory and alterations in synaptic proteins in a rat model of IUGR.

Methods

Utero‐placental insufficiency was induced by meso‐ovarian vessel cauterization (CMO) in pregnant rats at embryonic day 17 (E17). Learning performance in an aquatic learning test was evaluated 25 days after birth and during 10 days. Some synaptic proteins were analyzed (PSD95, Synaptophysin) by Western blot and immunohistochemistry.

Results

Placental insufficiency in CMO pups was associated with spatial memory deficits, which are correlated with a CI above the normal range. CMO pups presented altered levels of synaptic proteins PSD95 and synaptophysin in the hippocampus.

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that learning disabilities may be associated with altered development of excitatory neurotransmission and synaptic plasticity. Although interspecific differences in fetal response to placental insufficiency should be taken into account, the translation of these data to humans suggest that both IUGR babies and babies with a normal birth weight but with intrauterine Doppler alterations and abnormal CI should be closely followed to detect neurodevelopmental alterations during the postnatal period.
Ultrafast and Durable Lithium Storage Enabled by Porous Bowl‐Like LiFePO4/C Composite with Na+ Doping
Authors: Wang Boya , Wang Yan , Wu Hao , Yao Lei , Yang Li , Li Jianlong , Xiang Mingwu , Zhang Yun , Liu Heng
Published: February 2017

Porous bowl‐like LiFePO4/C composites are prepared by using the ammonium salt and sodium salt processes with a facile precipitation method coupled with spray‐drying technology. Both of the as‐prepared LiFePO4/C composites present high crystallinity, bowl‐like morphology, and uniform carbon‐layer‐coated particles. Compared with the traditional ammonium salt process, the sodium salt process, without ammonia nitrogen pollutants, is not only environmentally friendly, but also allows us to introduce appropriate Na+ doping within the resultant LiFePO4. Moreover, the LiFePO4/C composite prepared by using the sodium salt process exhibits better electrochemical performance: a high rate capability (136, 129, and 119 mAh g−1 at 10, 20, and 40 C rate, respectively) and a long cycle stability (60.3 % of initial capacity after 3000 cycles at 10 C, only corresponding to 0.013 % capacity decay per cycle) compared with the other (only exhibits a capacity of 123, 107, and 62 mAh g−1 at rate of 10, 20, and 40 C and retains a 37.5 % of initial capacity after 3000 cycles at 10 C). This good electrochemical performance originates from its special morphology, high crystallinity, stable structure, and Na+ doping.
Conceptual Design of Highly Integrated Processes – Optimization of Dividing Wall Columns
Authors: Waltermann Thomas , Skiborowski Mirko
Published: February 2017

Process intensification provides a whole toolbox of innovative solutions for improved energy efficiency of chemical processes. However, evaluation of this potential is hampered by the unavailability of suitable models and design tools. Integrated processes like dividing wall columns either have to be mapped by available unit operation models or tailored equation‐based models have to be developed. The current article reviews available methods for conceptual design and optimization of dividing wall columns and provides a detailed comparison of two representative optimization approaches.
High Purity Oligomeric Oxymethylene Ethers as Diesel Fuels
Authors: Deutsch Diana , Oestreich Dorian , Lautenschütz Ludger , Haltenort Philipp , Arnold Ulrich , Sauer Jörg
Published: February 2017

Oligomeric oxymethylene dimethyl ethers (OMEn, CH3(OCH2)nOCH3, n = 1 – 5) are promising diesel fuels for the reduction of harmful emissions. If OMEs are produced from dimethoxymethane and trioxane, the resulting OME mixtures usually contain residual trioxane which appears, after rectification, in the OME2 fraction. To circumvent this obstacle, substoichiometric amounts of trioxane have been employed in OME synthesis. Thus, OME2 samples with high purity could be prepared. Physicochemical and fuel data of high purity OME2 and higher OMEs have been determined to supplement previously reported data.
Solarthermie und CO2: Methanol aus der Wüste
Authors: Offermanns Heribert , Effenberger Franz X. , Keim Willi , Plass Ludolf
Published: February 2017

Methanol kann aus CO2 auf Basis von Kohle oder letzendlich aus der Luft durch Hydrierung mit Wasserstoff, erzeugt durch Wasserelektrolyse mit aus Solarthermieanlagen gewonnenem Strom in Wüstenregionen, produziert werden. Methanol ist ein geeignetes Speichermedium für Energie, es kann günstig gelagert und transportiert werden. Damit ist es ist ein geeigneter Energierohstoff, Treibstoff für Benzin‐ und Dieselmotoren sowie ein Chemierohstoff, der nahtlos Erdgas und Erdöl ersetzen kann. Die Nutzung einer Methanol‐Technologie könnte für Staaten in Südeuropa und Nordafrika enorme volkswirtschaftliche Bedeutung erlangen.
A multi‐institutional comparison of outcomes of immunosuppressed and immunocompetent patients treated with surgery and radiation therapy for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck
Authors: Manyam Bindu V. , Garsa Adam A. , Chin Re‐I , Reddy Chandana A. , Gastman Brian , Thorstad Wade , Yom Sue S. , Nussenbaum Brian , Wang Steven J. , Vidimos Allison T. , Koyfman Shlomo A.
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND

Patients who are chronically immunosuppressed have higher rates of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (cSCC‐HN). This is the largest multi‐institutional study to date investigating the effect of immune status on disease outcomes in patients with cSCC‐HN who underwent surgery and received postoperative radiation therapy (RT).

METHODS

Patients from 3 institutions who underwent surgery and also received postoperative RT for primary or recurrent, stage I through IV cSCC‐HN between 1995 and 2015 were included in this institutional review board‐approved study. Patients categorized as immunosuppressed had chronic hematologic malignancy, human immunodeficiency/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, or had received immunosuppressive therapy for organ transplantation ≥6 months before diagnosis. Overall survival, locoregional recurrence‐free survival, and progression‐free survival were calculated using the Kaplan‐Meier method. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using Cox proportional‐hazards regression.

RESULTS

Of 205 patients, 138 (67.3%) were immunocompetent, and 67 (32.7%) were immunosuppressed. Locoregional recurrence‐free survival (47.3% vs 86.1%; P < .0001) and progression‐free survival (38.7% vs 71.6%; P = .002) were significantly lower in immunosuppressed patients at 2 years. The 2‐year OS rate in immunosuppressed patients demonstrated a similar trend (60.9% vs 78.1%; P = .135) but did not meet significance. On multivariate analysis, immunosuppressed status (hazard ratio [HR], 3.79; P < .0001), recurrent disease (HR, 2.67; P = .001), poor differentiation (HR, 2.08; P = .006), and perineural invasion (HR, 2.05; P = .009) were significantly associated with locoregional recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

Immunosuppressed patients with cSCC‐HN had dramatically lower outcomes compared with immunocompetent patients, despite receiving bimodality therapy. Immune status is a strong prognostic factor that should be accounted for in prognostic systems, treatment algorithms, and clinical trial design. Cancer 2017;123:2054–2060. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Hierarchical Assembly of Monodisperse Hydroxyapatite Nanowires and Construction of High‐Strength Fire‐Resistant Inorganic Paper with High‐Temperature Flexibility
Authors: Li Heng , Zhu Ying‐Jie , Jiang Ying‐Ying , Yu Ya‐Dong , Chen Feng , Dong Li‐Ying , Wu Jin
Published: February 2017

High‐strength flexible inorganic paper with fire‐resistant and adiabatic properties is highly demanded in various high‐temperature applications. However, constructing inorganic paper that not only has high strength and high flexibility at room temperature but also can prevent the high‐temperature‐induced friability is still a great challenge. Inspired by the hierarchical structure and excellent mechanical properties of the tooth enamel, we have developed a systematic approach for the bottom‐up fabrication of multi‐hierarchical fire‐resistant hydroxyapatite (HAP) nanowire paper with balanced tensile strength and flexibility that includes four steps: (1) the synthesis of monodisperse HAP nanowires from the molecular level to the nanoscale; (2) the self‐assembly of HAP nanowires into long fibers and two‐dimensional (2D) nanowire networks from the nanoscale to the mesoscale; (3) the layered assembly of 2D nanowire networks into the highly flexible high‐strength fire‐resistant paper from the mesoscale to the macroscale; (4) reinforcing the HAP nanowire paper with inorganic additives to enhance the tensile strength and to overcome the high‐temperature‐induced pulverization. By adopting this strategy, the mechanical properties of the fire‐resistant HAP nanowire paper are greatly improved. The experimental results show that the tensile strength of the as‐prepared HAP nanowires‐based inorganic paper is greatly enhanced to ≈15 MPa, which is close to that of the commercial copying paper, and the A4‐sized HAP nanowires‐based inorganic paper is highly flexible and can be directly printed using a commercial printer. Owing to the synergistic effect of all components and the unique hierarchical structure, the as‐prepared fire‐resistant HAP nanowire paper can also preserve well its high flexibility even under high‐temperature conditions.
Is Corporate Reputation Associated with Quality of CSR Reporting? Evidence from Spain
Authors: Odriozola María D. , Baraibar‐Diez Elisa
Published: February 2017

Disclosure of social, environmental, and governance (ESG) information is inherent to the implementation of a corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy. Furthermore, the level of quality in sustainability reports that are developed by the company may enhance its credibility and in turn, influence the perception of stakeholders improving corporate reputation. The aim of this work is to test whether the quality of sustainability reports influences subsequent corporate reputation. This contribution responds to a latent need in the literature as the study of the assurance on sustainability reporting is relatively new and its focus is novel since few studies examine the level of quality information as a precedent of reputation instead of a result of certain corporate variables. Using a logistic regression applied to Ibex35 companies for the period 2006–2011, we find that the quality of sustainability reporting increases the likelihood of having higher corporate reputation. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Perineuronal nets and vocal plasticity in songbirds: A proposed mechanism to explain the difference between closed‐ended and open‐ended learning
Authors: Cornez Gilles , Madison Farrah N. , Van der Linden Annemie , Cornil Charlotte , Yoder Kathleen M. , Ball Gregory F. , Balthazart Jacques
Published: February 2017

Perineuronal nets (PNN) are aggregations of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans surrounding the soma and proximal processes of neurons, mostly GABAergic interneurons expressing parvalbumin. They limit the plasticity of their afferent synaptic connections. In zebra finches PNN develop in an experience‐dependent manner in the song control nuclei HVC and RA (nucleus robustus arcopallialis) when young birds crystallize their song. Because songbird species that are open‐ended learners tend to recapitulate each year the different phases of song learning until their song crystallizes at the beginning of the breeding season, we tested whether seasonal changes in PNN expression would be found in the song control nuclei of a seasonally breeding species such as the European starling. Only minimal changes in PNN densities and total number of cells surrounded by PNN were detected. However, comparison of the density of PNN and of PNN surrounding parvalbumin‐positive cells revealed that these structures are far less numerous in starlings that show extensive adult vocal plasticity, including learning of new songs throughout the year, than in the closed‐ended learner zebra finches. Canaries that also display some vocal plasticity across season but were never formally shown to learn new songs in adulthood were intermediate in this respect. Together these data suggest that establishment of PNN around parvalbumin‐positive neurons in song control nuclei has diverged during evolution to control the different learning capacities observed in songbird species. This differential expression of PNN in different songbird species could represent a key cellular mechanism mediating species variation between closed‐ended and open‐ended learning strategies. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 77: 975–994, 2017
Light and noise pollution interact to disrupt interspecific interactions
Authors: McMahon Taegan A. , Rohr Jason R. , Bernal Ximena E.
Published: February 2017

Studies on the consequences of urbanization often examine the effects of light, noise, and heat pollution independently on isolated species providing a limited understanding of how these combined stressors affect species interactions. Here, we investigate how these factors interact to affect parasitic frog‐biting midges (Corethrella spp.) and their túngara frog (Engystomops pustulosus) hosts. A survey of túngara frog calling sites revealed that frog abundance was not significantly correlated with urbanization, light, noise, or temperature. In contrast, frog‐biting midges were sensitive to light pollution and noise pollution. Increased light intensity significantly reduced midge abundance at low noise levels. At high noise intensity, there were no midges regardless of light level. Two field experiments controlling light and noise levels to examine attraction of the midges to their host and their feeding behavior confirmed the causality of these field patterns. These findings demonstrate that both light and noise pollution disrupt this host–parasite interaction and highlight the importance of considering interactions among species and types of pollutants to accurately assess the impacts of urbanization on ecological communities.
Synthesis of a Chlorin Fullerene Dyad for Artificial Photosynthesis
Authors: Bertran Jordi Cerón , Montforts Franz‐Peter
Published: February 2017

To mimic photosynthesis a new chlorin fullerene dyad 4b was synthesized. Chlorin donor and fullerene acceptor subunits were linked by means of a Diels–Alder reaction. The chlorin donor moiety represents the characteristic chromophore of chlorophylls. Nature and evolution has optimized chlorophylls to be efficient light‐harvesting pigments. Artificial photosynthesis devices should also benefit from this evolutionary optimization. The rigid spacer and quite extended spacer geometry of 4b was chosen to minimize electron interaction between the chlorin donor and the fullerene acceptor.
A Convenient and Efficient Palladium‐Catalyzed Carbonylative Sonogashira Transformation with Formic Acid as the CO Source
Authors: Peng Jin‐Bao , Wu Fu‐Peng , Li Chong‐Liang , Qi Xinxin , Wu Xiao‐Feng
Published: February 2017

A practical, convenient, and efficient palladium‐catalyzed carbonylative Sonogashira reaction of aryl iodides was developed. With formic acid as the CO source and dicyclohexylcarbodiimide as the activator, various alkynones were produced in good to excellent yields.
Pain patients' letters: The visit before the visit – A qualitative analysis of letters from patients referred to a tertiary pain center
Authors: Perrot S. , Launay A. , Desjeux D. , Cedraschi C.
Published: February 2017

Background

Pain centers manage only selected patients, and have long waiting lists. Some patients spontaneously send letters, before the visit, and these letters represent the first contact between the patients and the pain centers. We report a study of the content and format of these letters, for a patient perspective analysis.

Methods

During a 3 month‐period, all newly referred patients to a tertiary pain center were considered. If a patient letter was provided, it was collected for analysis. Qualitative analyses including semantic and content analyses were performed to identify themes and categories.

Results

Among 138 newly referred patients, 44 had sent a letter before consultation. Content analysis of 42 letters disclosed four themes: I) pain experience; II) impact of the pain problem; III) patient history; and IV) expectations. These themes could be distributed along four pain dimensions: (1) physical; (2) psycho‐affective; (3) social; and (4) temporal. This first study on patient letters reveals that a bio‐psychosocial model. Patients contribute actively to their trajectory, not only as healthcare seekers but also by constructing their narrative identity.

Conclusions

Patient letters constitute narrative material to be integrated into clinical analysis, alongside patient interviews, especially in pain management. Pain specialists should take account of this narrative approach to better understand the unvoiced and sometimes silent experience of pain. This may increase quality of medical care by including patient‐centered data in an original method. Further studies may be valuable to analyze the possible contributions of such letters to patient management.

Significance

Patients' letters constitute original narrative material to be integrated into clinical analysis, especially for pain management. Patients' letters analyses may improve the patient physician relationship, by understanding patient's perspectives, beliefs and expectations.
Recent trends and applications in liquid‐phase chromatography enantioseparation of atropisomers
Authors: Peluso Paola , Mamane Victor , Aubert Emmanuel , Cossu Sergio
Published: February 2017

The termAtropisomerismdefines a type of enantiomerism that arises from hindered rotation around an axis that makes two rotational isomers enantiomers. Atropisomeric compounds are present in nature, being important building blocks of many biologically active compounds. Atropisomers have been extensively studied in environmental and toxicological chemistry and, in particular, separating them has become a need in specific fields as organic synthesis and pharmaceutical research. High‐performance LC has been fruitfully applied in this context, and despite HPLC separation on chiral stationary phase is considered as mature technology nowadays, in the last years several advancements and applications contributed to study compounds where axial chirality is of utmost importance. Moreover, dynamic chromatography has been exploited as a versatile tool for kinetic studies of systems with slow internal motion gaining essential information on their stereodynamic behavior. On this basis, current topics and trends in liquid‐phase chromatography enantioseparation of atropisomers are presented herein with specific focus on new representative applications with HPLC, covering years 2010–2016. Some examples concerning supercritical fluid chromatography applications are also reported. This review aims to provide the reader with a modern overview of the field to highlight the renewed interest toward the chemistry of molecules with atropisomeric properties. A systematic compilation of all published literature has not been attempted.
Combining electrospinning and cell sheet technology for the development of a multiscale tissue engineered ligament construct (TELC)
Authors: Vaquette Cedryck , Sudheesh Kumar P. T. , Petcu Eugen Bogdan , Ivanovski Saso
Published: February 2017

Ligament tissue rupture is a common sport injury. Although current treatment modalities can achieve appropriate reconstruction of the damaged ligament, they present significant drawbacks, mostly related to reduced tissue availability and pain associated with tissue harvesting. Stem cell based tissue regeneration combined with electrospun scaffolds represents a novel treatment method for torn ligaments. In this study, a low fiber density polycaprolactone (PCL) electrospun mesh and sheep mesenchymal stem cells (sMSCs) were used to develop tissue engineered ligament construct (TELC)in vitro. The assembly of the TELC was based on the spontaneous capacity of the cells to organize themselves into a cell sheet once seeded onto the electrospun mesh. The cell sheet matured over 4 weeks and strongly integrated with the low fiber density electrospun mesh which was subsequently processed into a ligament‐like bundle and braided with two other bundles to develop the final construct. Live/dead assay revealed that the handling of the construct through the various phases of assembly did not cause significant difference in viability compared to the control. Mechanical evaluation demonstrated that the incorporation of the cell sheet into the braided construct resulted in significantly modifying the mechanical behavior. A stress/displacement J‐curve was observed for the TELC that was similar to native ligament, whereas this particular feature was not observed in the non‐cellularized specimens. The regenerative potential of the TELC was evaluated ectopically in immunocompromized rats, compared to non cellularized electrospun fiber mesh and this demonstrated that the TELC was well colonized by host cells and that a significant remodelling of the implanted construct was observed. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 399–409, 2018.
Harmonization of serum 25‐hydroxycalciferol assay results from high‐performance liquid chromatography, enzyme immunoassay, radioimmunoassay, and immunochemiluminescence systems: A multicenter study
Authors: Nikooyeh Bahareh , Samiee Siamak M. , Farzami Marjan R. , Alavimajd Hamid , Zahedirad Maliheh , Kalayi Ali , Shariatzadeh Nastaran , Boroumand Nasrin , Golshekan Elham , Gholamian Yalda , Neyestani Tirang R.
Published: February 2017

Background

Remarkable disagreement among different systems of 25‐hydroxy vitamin D 25(OH)D assay makes decision making for both clinical and community interventions very difficult. This study aimed to harmonize the results obtained from different 25(OH)D assay systems.

Methods

A total of 275 serum samples were analyzed for 25(OH)D using DIAsource‐enzyme immunoassay (EIA), DIAsource‐radioimmunoassay (RIA), Roche‐electrochemiluminescence (ECL), Diasorin‐chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA), and high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), as the reference method. Serum intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) was also measured in all samples. Between‐system agreement and harmonization were evaluated using Bland–Altman analysis, receiver operating characteristic (ROC), and regression analysis.

Results

Mean serum 25(OH)D concentrations and frequency distribution of vitamin D status showed a significant difference among the studied systems (P<.001 for both). Serum 25(OH)D assay results from all systems correlated with those from HPLC. As compared with HPLC, ECL showed a positive bias (+3.8 nmol/L), whereas CLIA had a negative bias (−11.9 nmol/L). Both EIA and RIA showed a more or less similar positive bias (8.0 and 8.1 nmol/L, respectively). Using serum iPTH‐based 25(OH)D cutoff points, only ECL results became comparable to and without significant difference with HPLC. However, when system‐specific cutoffs were defined based on HPLC results using regression equations, mean 25(OH)D and frequency distribution of vitamin D status were more harmonized compared with the other methods.

Conclusion

Our findings showed that with adjustment of circulating 25(OH)D based on HPLC, frequency distribution of vitamin D status, as judged by different methods, can be well harmonized with no statistically significant inter‐system difference.
The relationship between procalcitonin and thyroid autoantibodies in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis
Authors: Oncul Ali , Ates Ihsan , Arikan Mehmet Fettah , Yilmaz Nisbet , Topcuoglu Canan , Yilmaz Fatma Meric , Altay Mustafa
Published: February 2017

Background

The aim of this study is to investigate the serum levels of procalcitonin and its association with autoantibodies in patients with euthyroid Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

Methods

A total of 80 participants were included in the study; 40 of which were newly diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, aged over 18, and 40 of which were healthy volunteers. The serum levels of procalcitonin were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kit. Thyroid function tests were analyzed in hormone laboratory with Electro‐chemiluminescence immunoassay.

Results

Hashimoto's thyroiditis patients had higher median procalcitonin levels than those of the control group (34.3 pg/mL vs 27.8 pg/mL respectively; P=.037). Also, male patients had higher median procalcitonin levels as compared to female patients (37 pg/mL vs 27 pg/mL respectively; P=.013). In the Hashimoto's thyroiditis group, procalcitonin level was positively correlated with anti‐thyroglobulin and anti‐thyroid peroxidase levels (r=.559, P<.001; r=634, P<.001, respectively). The procalcitonin and anti‐thyroid peroxidase levels were identified to be an independent predictor in diagnosis of Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

Conclusions

The fact that procalcitonin was found to be correlated with thyroid autoantibodies and found to be an independent risk factor for Hashimoto's thyroiditis in the regression analysis in the framework of this study urges us to think that procalcitonin may be associated with the autoimmunity.
High‐resolution precipitation mapping in a mountainous watershed: ground truth for evaluating uncertainty in a national precipitation dataset
Authors: Daly Christopher , Slater Melissa E. , Roberti Joshua A. , Laseter Stephanie H. , Swift Lloyd W.
Published: February 2017

A 69‐station, densely spaced rain gauge network was maintained over the period 1951–1958 in the Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory, located in the southern Appalachians in western North Carolina, USA. This unique dataset was used to develop the first digital seasonal and annual precipitation maps for the Coweeta basin, using elevation regression functions and residual interpolation. It was found that a 10‐m elevation grid filtered to an approximately 7‐km effective wavelength explained the most variance in precipitation (R2 = 0.82–0.95). A ‘dump zone’ of locally high precipitation a short distance downwind from the mountain crest marking the southern border of the basin was the main feature that was not explained well by the precipitation–elevation relationship.

These data and maps provided a rare ‘ground‐truth’ for estimating uncertainty in the national‐scale Parameter‐elevation Relationships on Independent Slopes Model (PRISM) precipitation grids for this location and time period. Differences between PRISM and ground‐truth were compared with uncertainty estimates produced by the PRISM model and cross‐validation errors. Potential sources of uncertainty in the national PRISM grids were evaluated, including the effects of coarse grid resolution, limited station data, and imprecise station locations.

The PRISM national grids matched closely (within 5%) with the Coweeta dataset. The PRISM regression prediction interval, which includes the influence of stations in an area of tens of kilometres around a given location, overestimated the local error at Coweeta (12–20%). Offsetting biases and generally low error rates made it difficult to isolate major sources of uncertainty in the PRISM grids, but station density and selection, and mislocation of stations were identified as likely sources of error. The methods used in this study can be repeated in other areas where high‐density data exist to gain a more comprehensive picture of the uncertainties in national‐level datasets, and can be used in network optimization exercises.
Use of various β‐cyclodextrin derivatives as chiral selectors for the enantiomeric separation of ofloxacin and its five related substances by capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Zhu Bolin , Xu Shuying , Guo Xingjie , Wei Lan , Yu Jia , Wang Tiejie
Published: February 2017

A capillary electrophoretic method for the enantioseparation of ofloxacin and its five related substances (potential impurities, indicated as impurities B–F) was developed using β‐cyclodextrin derivatives as chiral selectors. To our knowledge, there are no previous studies about using capillary electrophoresis for the separation of impurities B–D. Six β‐cyclodextrin derivatives including cationic (piperidine‐ and cyclohexylamine‐), neutral (dimethyl‐ and hydroxypropyl‐), and anionic (carboxymethyl‐ and sulfated‐) β‐cyclodextrin derivatives were tested and operational parameters such as buffer pH and concentration of β‐cyclodextrin derivatives were investigated. The best resolutions were all obtained with anionic β‐cyclodextrin derivatives: ofloxacin, impurities C–F could be best resolved with carboxymethyl‐β‐cyclodextrin at satisfactory resolutions of 8.27, 9.98, 5.92, 8.49 and 6.78, respectively, while for impurity B, a particularly impressive resolution value, up to 21.38, was observed using sulfated‐β‐cyclodextrin. The enhancement of enantioseparation observed for the tested analytes using anionic β‐cyclodextrin derivatives might be due to some favorable interaction between selectors and analytes. Given the fact that the selection of chiral selector depends on the structures of analytes, with the help of structural similarities and differences of the analytes, the structure–separation relationship was further discussed.
Controllability of Phosphorus Losses in Surface Runoff from Sloping Farmland Treated by Agricultural Practices
Authors: Zhang Qingwen , Chen Shanghong , Dong Yuequn , Liu Dinghui , Yang Xiaojuan , Yang Zhengli
Published: February 2017

Phosphorus (P) loss from arable sloping land due to water erosion causes off‐site environment pollution in the Three Gorges area in China. This study aims to estimate the effects of agricultural practices on the reduction of P losses during water erosion processes under natural precipitation conditions: contour culturing with organic matter addition (CT + OM), contour culturing with wheat straw mulching (CT + SM), contour culturing with straw mulching and organic matter addition (CT + OM + SM) and conventional downslope culturing framework as a control (CK). Results demonstrated that CT + OM + SM could viably diminish runoff, sediment yields and P losses from arable sloping land. Compared with CK, CT + OM, CT + SM and CT + OM + SM lessened the surface runoff depths by 19%, 34% and 50%, respectively. A high curve number value induced a notable runoff potential from the plot. The surface‐runoff‐related total P (TP) loads for CK with yearly measures of 1·56 kg ha−1were significantly higher than those for CT + OM, CT + SM and CT + OM + SM at 1·07, 0·77 and 0·51 kg ha−1(p < 0·05), respectively. With all things considered, the particulate P losses represented a significant division of TP losses, adding up to almost 80% in 2014 and 79% in 2015. The outcomes demonstrated that surface protection and organic matter addition are two of the greatest agricultural protection practices that lessen P losses in the surface runoff from sloping farmland by water erosion. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thermoresponsive UCST‐Type Behavior of Interpolymer Complexes of Poly(ethylene glycol) and Poly(poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate) Brushes with Poly(acrylic acid) in Isopropanol
Authors: Szabó Ákos , Bencskó György , Szarka Györgyi , Iván Béla
Published: February 2017

Upper critical solution temperature (UCST)‐type thermoresponsive behavior of poly(ethylene glycol)–poly(acrylic acid) (PEG–PAA) and poly(poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate)–poly(acrylic acid) (PPEGMA–PAA) interpolymer complexes has been observed in isopropanol. For these investigations, PPEGMA and PAA with various average molecular weights have been synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization. It has been found that both the PEG and PPEGMA have lower cloud point temperatures (Tcp) than its mixed polymer solutions with PAA, whereas PAA does not show such behavior in the investigated temperature range. These findings indicate the reversible formation of interpolymer complexes with variable structure and composition in the solutions of the polymer mixtures in isopropanol. Increasing the ethylene glycol/acrylic acid molar ratio or the molecular weight of either the PAA or the H‐acceptor PEG component of the interpolymer complexes increases the UCST‐type cloud point temperatures of these interpolymer systems. The polymer–polymer interactions by hydrogen bonds between PAA and PEG or PPEGMA and the correlations between Tcp and structural parameters of the components revealed in the course of these investigations may be utilized for exploring well‐defined UCST‐type material systems for various applications.

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Borinic Acid Polymer: Simplified Synthesis and Enzymatic Biofuel Cell Application
Authors: Lv Xin‐Hu , Li Shun‐Shun , Tian Cong‐Yu , Yang Mao‐Mao , Li Cheng , Zhou Yan , Sun Xiao‐Li , Zhang Jun , Wan Wen‐Ming
Published: February 2017

A simplified one‐pot and less harmful method has been introduced for the synthesis of borinic acid monomer. The corresponding borinic acid polymer (PBA) has been prepared by reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer polymerization. Property investigations confirm the characteristics of PBA as a new type of “smart material” in the field of thermo‐responsive polymer. The potential application of PBA in the field of enzymatic biofuel cell has been illustrated with a wide open circuit potential of 0.92 V.

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