bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel N,P,C Cage Complex Formed by Rearrangement of a Tricyclic Phosphirane Complex: On the Importance of Non‐covalent Interactions
Authors: Nesterov Vitaly , Espinosa Arturo , Schnakenburg Gregor , Streubel Rainer
Published: April 2014

The reaction of Li/ClP‐CPh3phosphinidenoid tungsten(0) complex2with dimethylcyanamide afforded tricyclic phosphirane complex4, an unprecedented rearrangement of which led to the novel N,P,C cage complex6. On the basis of DFT calculations, formation and intramolecular [3+2] cycloaddition of the transient nitrilium phosphane ylide complex3to a phenyl ring of the triphenylmethyl substituent to give4is proposed. Furthermore, theoretical evidence for terminalN‐amidinophosphinidene complex7, formed by [2+1] cycloelimination from4, is provided, and the role of the electronic structure and non‐covalent interactions of intermediate7discussed.
Dense Energetic Nitraminofurazanes
Authors: Fischer Dennis , Klapötke Thomas M. , Reymann Marius , Stierstorfer Jörg
Published: April 2014

3,3′‐Diamino‐4,4′‐bifurazane (1), 3,3′‐diaminoazo‐4,4′‐furazane (2), and 3,3′‐diaminoazoxy‐4,4′‐furazane (3) were nitrated in 100 % HNO3 to give corresponding 3,3′‐dinitramino‐4,4′‐bifurazane (4), 3,3′‐dinitramino‐4,4′‐azofurazane (5) and 3,3′‐dinitramino‐4,4′‐azoxyfurazane (6), respectively. The neutral compounds show very imposing explosive performance but possess lower thermal stability and higher sensitivity than hexogen (RDX). More than 40 nitrogen‐rich compounds and metal salts were prepared. Most compounds were characterized by low‐temperature X‐ray diffraction, all of them by infrared and Raman spectroscopy, multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Calculated energetic performances using the EXPLO5 code based on calculated (CBS‐4M) heats of formation and X‐ray densities support the high energetic performances of the nitraminofurazanes as energetic materials. The sensitivities towards impact, friction, and electrostatic discharge were also explored. Additionally the general toxicity of the anions against vibrio fischeri, representative for an aquatic microorganism, was determined.
A Glutathione‐Activated Phthalocyanine‐Based Photosensitizer for Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: He Hui , Lo Pui‐Chi , Ng Dennis K. P.
Published: April 2014

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Dennis Ng at The Chinese University of Hong Kong. The image depicts the interaction of a molecular phthalocyanine‐quencher dyad with glutathione, resulting in detachment of the quencher, enhancement of fluorescence, and generation of singlet oxygen. The “activation” has also been demonstrated in tumor‐bearing nude mice. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.201400001.
Compression and Breakage Behavior of γ‐Al2O3 Granules
Authors: Müller Peter , Seeger Michael , Tomas Jürgen
Published: April 2014

Das Materialverhalten dominant elastisch‐plastischer, kugelförmiger γ‐Al2O3‐Granulate bei Druckbeanspruchung bis zum Bruch wurde experimentell ermittelt und die aufgezeichneten Kraft‐Weg‐Kurven mittels mechanischer Modelle aus der Literatur angepasst. Zusätzlich wurde der Einfluss der Partikelgröße und der Feuchtebeladung auf das Druckverhalten bestimmt. Aus den aufgezeichneten Kraft‐Weg‐Kurven können ebenfalls die mechanischen Eigenschaften der Granulate ermittelt werden. Zudem lassen sich die spezifischen Bruchenergieverteilungen und die energetisch äquivalenten Bruchgeschwindigkeitsverteilungen ableiten.
Characteristics of Maltodextrin‐Based Adhesive Agents for Production of Non‐Sweet Snack Bars
Authors: Herbst Julia‐Katrin , Schröder Jewe , Wolf Frederik , Schuchmann Heike Petra
Published: April 2014

Für das Verbinden von Komponenten in nicht süßen Snackriegeln wurden zwei Klebesysteme – eine Paste und eine Folie – auf Basis von Maltodextrin entwickelt und hinsichtlich Klebefähigkeit, Adsorptionsverhalten und Einfluss auf die Textur eines damit hergestellten Snacks untersucht. Beide Systeme zeigten trotz unterschiedlicher Klebefestigkeit eine ausreichende qualitative Klebefähigkeit. Die Folie hatte einen weniger ausgeprägten Einfluss auf die Textur, was auf das geringfügig bessere Wasserbindevermögen zurückzuführen ist.
The rise and fall of prostate brachytherapy: Use of brachytherapy for the treatment of localized prostate cancer in the National Cancer Data Base
Authors: Martin Jeffrey M. , Handorf Elizabeth A. , Kutikov Alexander , Uzzo Robert G. , Bekelman Justin E. , Horwitz Eric M. , Smaldone Marc C.
Published: April 2014

BACKGROUND

Brachytherapy has been shown to be an efficacious and cost‐effective treatment among patients with localized prostate cancer. In this study, the authors examined trends in brachytherapy use for localized prostate cancer using a large national cancer registry.

METHODS

In the National Cancer Data Base (NCDB), a total of 1,547,941 patients with localized prostate cancer were identified from 1998 through 2010. Excluding patients with lymph node‐positive or metastatic disease, the authors examined primary treatment trends focusing on the use of brachytherapy over time. Patients with available data (2004‐2009) were stratified by National Comprehensive Cancer Network risk criteria. Controlling for year of diagnosis and demographic, clinical, and pathologic characteristics, multivariate analyses were performed examining the association between patient characteristics and receipt of brachytherapy.

RESULTS

In the study cohort, brachytherapy use reached a peak of 16.7% in 2002, and then steadily declined to a low of 8% in 2010. Of the 719,789 patients with available data for risk stratification, 41.1%, 35.3%, and 23.6%, respectively, met low, intermediate, and high National Comprehensive Cancer Network risk criteria. After adjustment, patients of increasing age and those with Medicare insurance were more likely to receive brachytherapy. In contrast, patients with intermediate‐risk or high‐risk disease, Medicaid insurance, increasing comorbidity count, and increasing year of diagnosis were less likely to receive brachytherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

For patients with localized prostate cancer who are treated at National Cancer Data Base institutions, there has been a steady decline in brachytherapy use since 2003. For low‐risk patients, the declining use of brachytherapy monotherapy compared with more costly emerging therapies has significant health policy implications. Cancer 2014;120:2114–2121. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
Quinquephenyl: The Simplest Rigid‐Rod‐Like Nematic Liquid Crystal, or is it? An Atomistic Simulation
Authors: Olivier Yoann , Muccioli Luca , Zannoni Claudio
Published: April 2014

We have performed an atomistic molecular‐dynamics study on the molecular organization and liquid‐crystalline properties of quinquephenyl (P5), a prototypical mesogen that is of interest for organic electronics. The thermotropic behavior reveals different mesophases. When cooling down from the isotropic phase, a transition to nematic (≈715 K) is found, then a smecticSA(≈657 K) and another smectic,${S_{\rm{A}}^{\rm{X}} }$(≈642 K), before a crystalline phase is recovered (≈617 K). This phase sequence is compared with experimental findings. The different phases are described in terms of their molecular organization, orientational and positional order parameters, and pair distribution functions, as well as of their dynamics properties. In particular, the smectic phases that have not yet been characterized experimentally are discussed. By analyzing the effective shape of P5, it is concluded that its internal torsions and bending make it less rigid than could be expected.
Study of Carbamate‐Modified Disiloxane in Porous PVDF‐HFP Membranes: New Electrolytes/Separators for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Jeschke Steffen , Mutke Monika , Jiang Zhongxiang , Alt Burkhard , Wiemhöfer Hans‐Dieter
Published: April 2014

A gel electrolyte membrane is obtained through the absorption of a carbamate‐modified liquid disiloxane‐containing lithium bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide (LiTFSI) by using macroporous poly(vinylidene fluoride–hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF‐HFP) membranes. The porous membranes are prepared by means of a phase inversion technique. The resulting gel electrolyte membrane is studied by using differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and microscope mapping through coherent anti‐Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) confocal microscopy and impedance spectroscopy. The ionic conductivity of the gel electrolyte is 10−4 S cm−1 at 20 °C. FTIR spectroscopy reveals interactions between LiTFSI and the carbonyl moiety of the disiloxane. No interactions between LiTFSI and PVDF‐HFP or between disiloxane and PVDF‐HFP are detected by FTIR spectroscopy. Furthermore, the distribution of the α and β/γ phases of PVDF‐HFP and the homogeneous distribution of disiloxane/LiTFSI in the gel electrolyte membranes are examined by FTIR mapping. CARS confocal microscopy is used to image the three‐dimensional interconnectivity, which reveals a reticulated structure of macrovoids in the porous PVDF‐HFP framework. Owing to properties such as electrochemical and thermal stability of the disiloxane‐based liquid electrolyte and the mechanical stability of the porous PVDF‐HFP membrane, the gel electrolyte membranes presented herein are promising candidates for applications as electrolytes/separators in lithium‐ion batteries.
An Aqueous Lithium–Iodine Battery with Solid Polymer Electrolyte‐Coated Metallic Lithium Anode
Authors: Zhao Yu , Mercier Nadège Bonnet , Byon Hye Ryung
Published: April 2014

An aqueous lithium–iodine (Li–I2) cell with solid polymer electrolyte (SPE)‐passivated metallic Li is demonstrated. The metallic Li anode is isolated from the aqueous I3−/I− cathode by the SPE and a Li‐ion‐conductive solid electrolyte layer. The proposed aqueous Li–I2 cells exhibit a discharge potential of approximately 3.4 V versus Li+/Li, stable capacity retention for 50 cycles, and adequate rate capability.
A New Therapeutic Community: Development of a Compassion‐Focussed and Contextual Behavioural Environment
Authors: Veale David , Gilbert Paul , Wheatley Jon , Naismith Iona
Published: April 2014

Social relationships and communities provide the context and impetus for a range of psychological developments, from genetic expression to the development of core self‐identities. This suggests a need to think about the therapeutic changes and processes that occur within a community context and how communities can enable therapeutic change. However, the ‘therapeutic communities’ that have developed since the Second World War have been under‐researched. We suggest that the concept of community, as a change process, should be revisited within mainstream scientific research. This paper briefly reviews the historical development of therapeutic communities and critically evaluates their current theory, practice and outcomes in a systematic review. Attention is drawn to recent research on the nature of evolved emotion regulation systems, the way these are entrained by social relationships, the importance of affiliative emotions in the regulation of threat and the role of fear of affiliative emotions in psychopathology. We draw on concepts from compassion‐focussed therapy, social learning theory and functional analytical psychotherapy to consider how members of a therapeutic community can be aware of each other's acts of courage and respond using compassion. Living in structured and affiliative‐orientated communities that are guided by scientific models of affect and self‐regulation offers potential therapeutic advantages over individual outpatient therapy for certain client groups. This conclusion should be investigated further. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Key Practitioner Message

Current therapeutic community practice is not sufficiently evidence based and may not be maximizing the potential therapeutic value of a community.

Compassion‐focussed therapy and social learning theory offer new approaches for a therapeutic environment, involving an understanding of the role, nature and complexities of compassionate and affiliative relationships from staff and members, behavioural change guided by learning theory, a clear formulation based on threat‐derived safety strategies, goal setting and positive reinforcement.
Photocatalysis with Chromium‐Doped TiO2: Bulk and Surface Doping
Authors: Ould‐Chikh Samy , Proux Olivier , Afanasiev Pavel , Khrouz Lhoussain , Hedhili Mohamed N. , Anjum Dalaver H. , Harb Moussab , Geantet Christophe , Basset Jean‐Marie , Puzenat Eric
Published: April 2014

The photocatalytic properties of TiO2 modified by chromium are usually found to depend strongly on the preparation method. To clarify this problem, two series of chromium‐doped titania with a chromium content of up to 1.56 wt % have been prepared under hydrothermal conditions: the first series (Cr:TiO2) is intended to dope the bulk of TiO2, whereas the second series (Cr/TiO2) is intended to load the surface of TiO2 with Cr. The catalytic properties have been compared in the photocatalytic oxidation of formic acid. Characterization data provides evidence that in the Cr/TiO2 catalysts chromium is located on the surface of TiO2 as amorphous CrOOH clusters. In contrast, in the Cr:TiO2 series, chromium is mostly dissolved in the titania lattice, although a minor part is still present on the surface. Photocatalytic tests show that both series of chromium‐doped titania demonstrate visible‐light‐driven photo‐oxidation activity. Surface‐doped Cr/TiO2 solids appear to be more efficient photocatalysts than the bulk‐doped Cr:TiO2 counterparts.
Synthesis of New Thiobarbituric Acid Derived Spiroheterobicyclic Compounds and Their Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: Kaur Gurpreet , Gupta Parul , Harjai Kusum , Singh Vasundhara
Published: April 2014

Preclinical Research

A series pf novel (7S, 11R)—substituted diphenyl‐2,4,8,10‐tetraazaspiro [5.5] undecane‐3‐thio‐1,5,9‐triones 4a‐j and (7S,11R)‐substituted diphenyl‐2,4,8,10‐tetraazaspiro[5.5] undecane‐3‐thio‐1,5 dione, 9‐thiones 5a‐j were prepared using substituted aldehydes and urea/thiourea in the presence of thiobarbituric acid under solvent free, thermal and microwave conditions catalyzed by ecofriendly K‐10 clay. The antibacterial potency of these compounds in vitro on the gram negative strains Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and gram positive strains Staphyllococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis was evaluated.
IL‐25 exhibits disparate roles during Th2‐cell differentiation versus effector function
Authors: Mearns Helen , Forbes‐Blom Elizabeth. E. , Camberis Mali , Tang Shiau‐Choot , Kyle Ryan , Harvie Marina , Kleinschek Melanie A. , Gros Graham Le
Published: April 2014

A keenly sought therapeutic approach for the treatment of allergic disease is the identification and neutralization of the cytokine that regulates the differentiation of T helper 2 (Th2) cells. Th2 cells are exciting targets for asthma therapies. Recently, the cytokine IL‐25 has been shown to enhance Th2‐type immune activity and play important roles in mediating allergic inflammatory responses. To investigate this further, we crossed IL‐25−/− C57BL/6 mice with G4 IL‐4 C57BL/6 reporter mice and developed an assay for in vitro and in vivo IL‐4‐independent Th2‐cell differentiation. These assays were used to determine whether IL‐25 was critical for the formation of Th2 cells. We found there was no physiological role for IL‐25 in either the differentiation of Th2 cells or their development to effector or memory Th2‐cell subsets. Importantly, this data challenges the newly found and growing status of the cytokine IL‐25 and its proposed role in promoting Th2‐cell responses.
Autoimmune priming, tissue attack and chronic inflammation — The three stages of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Holmdahl Rikard , Malmström Vivianne , Burkhardt Harald
Published: April 2014

Extensive genome‐wide association studies have recently shed some light on the causes of chronic autoimmune diseases and have confirmed a central role of the adaptive immune system. Moreover, better diagnostics using disease‐associated autoantibodies have been developed, and treatment has improved through the development of biologicals with precise molecular targets. Here, we use rheumatoid arthritis (RA) as a prototype for chronic autoimmune disease to propose that the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases could be divided into three discrete stages. First, yet unknown environmental challenges seem to activate innate immunity thereby providing an adjuvant signal for the induction of adaptive immune responses that lead to the production of autoantibodies and determine the subsequent disease development. Second, a joint‐specific inflammatory reaction occurs. This inflammatory reaction might be clinically diagnosed as the earliest signs of the disease. Third, inflammation is converted to a chronic process leading to tissue destruction and remodeling. In this review, we discuss the stages involved in RA pathogenesis and the experimental approaches, mainly involving animal models that can be used to investigate each disease stage. Although we focus on RA, it is possible that a similar stepwise development of disease also occurs in other chronic autoimmune settings such as multiple sclerosis (MS), type 1 diabetes, and systemic lupus erythematosus.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Suzuki Cross‐Coupling of Phenylhydrazine or (Phenylsulfonyl)hydrazine
Authors: Li Yahui , Liu Wei , Tian Qingshan , Yang Qing , Kuang Chunxiang
Published: April 2014

The palladium‐catalyzed Suzuki cross‐coupling of phenylhydrazine or (phenylsulfonyl)hydrazine was developed for the preparation of biaryl compound in high yields. Moreover, these hydrazines were also used in other cross‐coupling reactions, and a possible pathway of this reaction was examined.
Ruthenium‐Catalyzed One‐Pot Synthesis of (E)‐(2‐Arylvinyl)boronates through an Isomerization/Cross‐Metathesis Sequence from Allyl‐Substituted Aromatics
Authors: Hemelaere Rémy , Caijo Frédéric , Mauduit Marc , Carreaux François , Carboni Bertrand
Published: April 2014

We described the efficient preparation of (E)‐(2‐arylvinyl)boronates from allylbenzene derivatives on the basis of an isomerization/cross‐metathesis sequence catalyzed by a modified Hoveyda–Grubbs catalyst. The implementation of the experimental procedure was simple and compatible with a large variety of substrates. This methodology provides a new chemical transformation not described to date. Allyl‐substituted aromatics can thus be converted into diversely functionalized compounds, such as (E)‐stilbene derivatives or (E)‐vinyl azides, in only two steps.
Synthesis and Characterization of Flexible Hydrogel Electrodes for Electrochemical Impedance Measurements of Protective Coatings on Metal Sculptures
Authors: England Alice H. , Clare Tami Lasseter
Published: April 2014

A novel conductive anionic hydrogel was synthesized for use as a solid electrolyte for electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) characterization of the barrier properties of protective coatings on outdoor metalworks, such as bronze sculptures. The AMPS‐co‐PAA hydrogel was soaked in a variety of aqueous salt solutions and characterized by swelling capacity and conductivity in order to determine the most appropriate gel/liquid electrolyte combination for use on culturally significant objects. K2PIPES‐equilibrated hydrogels were selected as the preferred electrodes for this particular application and were used to measure the impedance of a coated substrate, yielding spectra similar to those from standard liquid cells.
Behavior of Palladium Nanoparticles in the Absence or Presence of Cobalt Tetraaminophthalocyanine for the Electrooxidation of Hydrazine
Authors: Maringa Audacity , Nyokong Tebello
Published: April 2014

We report on the electrodeposition of palladium nanoparticles (PdNPs) on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) and onto a poly‐CoTAPc‐GCE (CoTAPc=cobalt tetraamino phthalocyanine) surface. The electrodes are denoted as PdNPs‐GCE and PdNPs/poly‐CoTAPc‐GCE, respectively. PdNPs/poly‐CoTAPc‐GCE showed the best activity for the oxidation of hydrazine at the lowest potential of −0.28 V and with the highest currents. The results were further supported by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) which showed that there was less resistance to charge transfer for PdNPs/poly‐CoTAPc‐GCE compared to PdNPs‐GCE. The catalytic rate constant for hydrazine oxidation was 6.12×108 cm3 mol−1 s−1 using PdNPs/poly‐CoTAPc‐GCE.
Comparative Analysis of Cellular Prion Detection by Mass‐Sensitive Immunosensors
Authors: Poturnayova A. , Snejdarkova M. , Babelova L. , Korri‐Youssoufi H. , Hianik T.
Published: April 2014

We performed a comparative study of the detection of human cellular prions (PrPC) with a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) immunosensor using various antibodies against PrPC. The sensing layer was formed by immobilized antibodies on a surface of polyamidoamine dendrimers (PAMAM) of fourth generation (G4) with attached protein A. The sensitivity of detection depended on the kind of antibody used and the best detection limit was 0.8 nM. PrPC detection in 10 times diluted blood plasma revealed more complicated behavior of motional resistance, which is evidence on viscosity contribution. The sensor recovery was 82.2 %, suggesting certain matrix effects on prion detection.
Electrochemical Oxidation of Sulfasalazine at a Glassy Carbon Electrode
Authors: Buoro Rafael M. , Diculescu Victor C. , Lopes Ilanna C. , Serrano Silvia H. P. , Oliveira‐Brett Ana Maria
Published: April 2014

Sulfasalazine (SSZ) is a pharmaceutical compound used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. The electrochemical oxidation of SSZ at a glassy carbon electrode was studied by cyclic, differential pulse and square wave voltammetry in a wide pH range. For electrolytes with pH<11.0, the oxidation is an irreversible, diffusion‐control, pH‐dependent process that involves the transfer of one electron and one proton from the hydroxyl group of the salicylic moiety. For pH>11.0 the oxidation is pH‐independent, and a pKa≈11 was determined. The formation of a quinone‐like oxidation product that undergoes two electrons and two protons reversible redox reaction was observed. Also, UV‐vis spectra of SSZ were recorded as a function of supporting electrolytes pH. An electrochemical oxidation mechanism was proposed.
Development of TiO2 and Au Nanocomposite Electrode as CEA Immunosensor Transducer
Authors: Aslan Sema , Anik Ülkü
Published: April 2014

A carbon paste electrode (CPE) was modified by titanium(IV) oxide microparticles and then gold nanoparticles were dispersed in chitosan and immobilized on the CPE surface. As result a nanostructure modified composite electrode was obtained. Carcinoembriyonic antigen (CEA) was chosen as model analyte and the developed electrode was used as CEA immunosensor transducer for the first time. Two linear ranges of 0.01–1 ng/mL and 1–20 ng/mL with corresponding correlation coefficients R2=0.986 and R2=0.990, were found respectively. The limit of detection of the developed immunosensor was calculated as 0.01 ng/mL with 2.8 % relative standard deviation (n=5). The developed system was applied for CEA detection in synthetically prepared serum sample and very promising recovery values were obtained.
Development of a new contactless dielectrophoresis system for active particle manipulation using movable liquid electrodes
Authors: Gwon Hyuk Rok , Chang Suk Tai , Choi Chang Kyoung , Jung Jung‐Yeul , Kim Jong‐Min , Lee Seong Hyuk
Published: April 2014

This study presents a new DEP manipulation technique using a movable liquid electrode, which allows manipulation of particles by actively controlling the locations of electrodes and applying on–off electric input signals. This DEP system consists of mercury as a movable liquid electrode, indium tin oxide (ITO)‐coated glass, SU‐8‐based microchannels for electrode passages, and a PDMS medium chamber. A simple squeezing method was introduced to build a thin PDMS layer at the bottom of the medium chamber to create a contactless DEP system. To determine the operating conditions, the DEP force and the friction force were analytically compared for a single cell. In addition, an appropriate frequency range for effective DEP manipulation was chosen based on an estimation of the Clausius–Mossotti factor and the effective complex permittivity of the yeast cell using the concentric shell model. With this system, we demonstrated the active manipulation of yeast cells, and measured the collection efficiency and the dielectrophoretic velocity of cells for different AC electric field strengths and applied frequencies. The experimental results showed that the maximum collection efficiency reached was approximately 90%, and the dielectrophoretic velocity increased with increasing frequency and attained the maximum value of 10.85 ± 0.95 μm/s at 100 kHz, above which it decreased.
Use of short chain alkyl imidazolium ionic liquids for on‐line stacking and sweeping of methotrexate, flinic acid and folic acid: Their application to biological fluids
Authors: Abd El‐Hady Deia , Albishri Hassan M. , Rengarajan Rajesh , Wätzig Hermann
Published: April 2014

Methotrexate (MTX) is widely used for the treatment of many types of cancer. Folinic acid (FNA) and folic acid (FA) were usually simultaneously supplemented with MTX to reduce the side effects of a folate deficiency. This study, for the first time, included on‐line sample preconcentration by stacking and sweeping techniques under reduced or enhanced electric conductivity in the sample region using short chain alkyl imidazolium ionic liquids (ILs) as micelle forming agents for analyte focusing. Both analyte focusing by micelle collapse (AFMC) and sweeping‐MEKC had been investigated for the comparison of their effectiveness to examine simultaneously MTX, FNA and FA in plasma and urine under physiological conditions. In sweeping‐MEKC, the sample solution without micelles was hydrodynamically injected as a long plug into a fused‐silica capillary pre‐filled with phosphate buffer containing 3.0 mol/L of 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bromide (BMIMBr). Using AFMC, the analytes were prepared in BMIMBr micellar matrix and hydrodynamically injected into the phosphate buffer without IL micelles. The conductivity ratio between BGE and sample (γ, BGE/sample) was optimized to be 3.0 in sweeping‐MEKC and 0.33 in AFMC resulting the adequate separation of analytes within 4.0 min. To reduce the possibility of BMIMBr adsorption, an appropriate rinsing protocol was used. The limits of detection were calculated as 0.1 ng/mL MTX, 0.05 ng/mL FNA and 0.05 ng/mL FA by sweeping‐MEKC and 0.5 ng/mL MTX, 0.3 ng/mL FNA and 0.3 ng/mL FA by AFMC. The accuracy was tested by recovery in plasma and urine matrices giving values ranging between 90 and 110%. Both stacking and sweeping by BMIMBr could be successfully used for the rapid, selective and sensitive determination of pharmaceuticals in complex matrices due to its fascinating properties, including high conductivity, good thermal stability and ability to form different types of interactions by electrostatic, hydrophobic, hydrogen bonding and π–π interactions. In sweeping‐MEKC, the using of BMIMBr enhanced the γ factor, k retention factor and the injected amount of sample. Consequently, this technique offers particular potential for higher sensitivity by giving 22‐ and 5‐fold sensitivity enhancement factors (SEFs) of MTX compared to CZE and AFMC, respectively.
Fully aseptic single‐use cross flow filtration system for clarification and concentration of cytomegalovirus‐like particles
Authors: Vicente Tiago , Burri Stephanie , Wellnitz Sabine , Walsh Kieron , Rothe Sebastian , Liderfelt Jakob
Published: April 2014

We report on the implementation of a fully aseptic, single‐use ReadyToProcess™ cross flow filtration system for scalable clarification and concentration of a cytomegalovirus‐like particle (CMV reVLP®), in preclinical development at Redbiotec AG, using ultrafiltration/diafiltration (UF/DF). Performed under gentle feed and permeate flow conditions, with a transmembrane pressure below 0.8 bar and a flux below 30 L m−2 h−1, this trial resulted in a close to 100% product recovery in an overall process time of 3.5 h. During clarification, cell viability was maintained throughout the concentration step (10x), while decreasing marginally during diafiltration (with three diafiltration volumes). The UF/DF process yielded an approximately 13‐fold concentrated material, with high CMV reVLP (virus‐like particle) recovery as determined by the amount of CMV envelope surface protein. We conclude that this system, based on hollow fibers, is a suitable solution for scalable processing of CMV reVLPs, instrumental for a cost‐effective manufacturing process of a future vaccine product. Kept in a fully contained circuit throughout the process, this presterilized system enabled an endotoxin‐free environment by preventing microorganism contamination; moreover, by enabling a fully aseptic process, sterile filtration may possibly be omitted, which can be challenging because of the large size of the CMV reVLPs.
Analysis of multifluid flows with large time steps using the particle finite element method
Authors: Idelsohn Sergio R. , Marti Julio , Becker Pablo , Oñate Eugenio
Published: April 2014

Multifluids are those fluids in which their physical properties (viscosity or density) vary internally and abruptly forming internal interfaces that introduce a large nonlinearity in the Navier–Stokes equations. For this reason, standard numerical methods require very small time steps in order to solve accurately the internal interface position. In a previous paper, the authors developed a particle‐based method (named particle finite element method (PFEM)) based on a Lagrangian formulation and FEM for solving the fluid mechanics equations for multifluids. PFEM was capable of achieving accurate results, but the limitation of small time steps was still present. In this work, a new strategy concerning the time integration for the analysis of multifluids is developed allowing time steps one order of magnitude larger than the previous method. The advantage of using a Lagrangian solution with PFEM is shown in several examples. All kind of heterogeneous fluids (with different densities or viscosities), multiphase flows with internal interfaces, breaking waves, and fluid separation may be easily solved with this methodology without the need of small time steps. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Moderate‐to‐high intensity aerobic exercise in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease: a pilot study
Authors: Frederiksen Kristian S. , Sobol Nanna , Beyer Nina , Hasselbalch Steen , Waldemar Gunhild
Published: April 2014

Objectives

Physical exercise may modulate neuropathology and symptoms of Alzheimer's disease (AD). This pilot study assessed the feasibility of conducting a study of moderate‐to‐high intensity aerobic exercise in home‐dwelling patients with mild AD.

Methods

An uncontrolled preintervention‐postintervention test design with a single group receiving the same intervention. A total of eight patients with mild to moderate AD from the Copenhagen Memory clinic were included in the study. The intervention lasted for 14 weeks and consisted of supervised, 1‐h sessions of aerobic exercise three times per week (50‐60% of heart rate reserve for a two‐week adaptation period and 70‐80 % of heart rate reserve for the remaining 12 weeks) Feasibility was assessed based on acceptability, including attendance and drop‐out, safety, and patients' and caregivers' attitudes towards the intervention as well as other relevant parameters.

Results

Attendance (mean, range: 90 %, 70‐100 %) and retention (seven out of eight) rates were very high. No serious adverse events were observed. In general, patients and caregivers were positive towards the intervention.

Conclusion

This study shows that it is feasible to conduct moderate‐to‐high intensity aerobic exercise in community‐dwelling patients with mild AD. Our findings indicate that aspects such as a longer adaptation period, information about injury prevention, and need for involvement and support from caregivers should be addressed when planning an exercise intervention in an AD population. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Early life trauma and directional brain connectivity within major depression
Authors: Grant Merida M. , White David , Hadley Jennifer , Hutcheson Nathan , Shelton Richard , Sreenivasan Karthik , Deshpande Gopikrishna
Published: April 2014

Objective: Early life trauma (ELT) is a significant risk factor for the onset of depression. Emerging findings indicate ELT is associated with enhanced amygdala reactivity to aversive stimuli in never‐depressed healthy controls as well as those with acute depression but may be absent in non‐ELT exposed depressed. The precise mechanism mediating these differences in amygdala reactivity remains unclear. Method: The authors used Granger causality methods to evaluate task‐based directional connectivity between medial or lateral prefrontal cortex (PFC) and amygdala in 20 unmedicated patients with current major depressive disorder (MDD) and 19 healthy matched controls while participants engaged in an affective variant of the flanker task comparing response to sad and neutral faces. These data were correlated with childhood trauma history. Results: Exposure to ELT was associated with failure of inhibition within the MDD group based on medial PFC–amygdala connectivity. In contrast, non‐ELT exposed MDD was associated with a negative causal pathway from medial prefrontal cortex to amygdala, despite reduced dorsolateral PFC input in comparison to healthy controls. Neither MDD group demonstrated significant lateral PFC–amygdala connectivity in comparison to healthy controls. Conclusions: Failure of the circuit implicated in emotion regulation was associated with a significant history of ELT but not with MDD more broadly. Non‐ELT related depression was associated with intact regulation of emotion despite the absence of difference in severity of illness. These findings indicate opposing system‐level differences within depression relative to ELT are expressed as differential amygdala reactivity. Hum Brain Mapp 35:4815–4826, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Three‐Dimensional Numerical Investigation of Nanofluids Flow in Microtube with Different Values of Heat Flux
Authors: Salman B. H. , Mohammed H. A. , Munisamy K. M. , Kherbeet A. Sh.
Published: April 2014

Forced convective laminar flow of different types of nanofluids such as Al2O3, CuO, SiO2, and ZnO, with different nanoparticle size 25, 45, 65, and 80 nm, and different volume fractions which ranged from 1% to 4% using ethylene glycol as base fluids were used. A three‐dimensional microtube (MT) with 0.05 cm diameter and 10 cm in length with different values of heat fluxes at the wall is numerically investigated. This investigation covers Reynolds number (Re) in the range of 80 to 160. The results have shown that SiO2‐EG nanofluid has the highest Nusselt number (Nu), followed by ZnO‐EG, CuO‐EG, Al2O3‐EG, and finally pure EG. The Nu for all cases increases with the volume fraction but it decreases with the rise in the diameter of nanoparticles. In all configurations, the Nu increases with Re. In addition, no effect of heat flux values on the Nu was found.
Isotropic high resolution optoacoustic imaging with linear detector arrays in bi‐directional scanning
Authors: Schwarz Mathias , Buehler Andreas , Ntziachristos Vasilis
Published: April 2014

Optoacoustic (photoacoustic) imaging is often performed with one‐dimensional transducer arrays, in analogy to ultrasound imaging. Optoacoustic imaging using linear arrays offers ease of implementation but comes with several performance drawbacks, in particular poor elevation resolution, i.e. the resolution along the axis perpendicular to the focal plane. Herein, we introduce and investigate a bi‐directional scanning approach using linear arrays that can improve the imaging performance to quasi‐isotropic transverse resolution. We study the approach theoretically and perform numerical simulations and phantom measurements to evaluate its performance under defined conditions. Finally, we discuss the features and the limitations of the proposed method.

The poor elevation resolution in a linear scan (left image) is overcome by the proposed bi‐directional scanning approach that yields isotropic transverse resolution (right).

magnified image

The poor elevation resolution in a linear scan (left image) is overcome by the proposed bi‐directional scanning approach that yields isotropic transverse resolution (right).
Preparation of animal polysaccharides nanofibers by electrospinning and their potential biomedical applications
Authors: Zhao Wen , Liu Wenlong , Li Jiaojiao , Lin Xiao , Wang Ying
Published: April 2014

Animal polysaccharides belong to a class of biological macromolecules. They are natural biopolymers with numerous advantages for biomedical applications, such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, non‐antigenicity and non‐toxicity. Electrospinning is a versatile and facile technique which can produce continuous fibers with nanoscale from a wide range of natural and synthetic polymers. The review aims to provide an up‐to‐date overview of the preparation of animal polysaccharides nanofibers by electrospinning and their potential biomedical applications such as tissue engineering, wound healing, and drug delivery. Various animal polysaccharides including chitin and chitosan (CS), hyaluronic acid (HA), heparin and heparan sulfate (HS), and chondroitin sulfate (ChS), are discussed. The challenges and some useful strategies in electrospinning of animal polysaccharides also are summarized. In addition, future study of animal polysaccharides nanofibers by electrospinning is proposed. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 807–818, 2015.
Bone forming capacity of cell‐ and growth factor‐based constructs at different ectopic implantation sites
Authors: Ma Jinling , Yang Fang , Both Sanne K. , Prins Henk‐Jan , Helder Marco N. , Pan Juli , Cui Fu‐Zhai , Jansen John A. , van den Beucken Jeroen J.J.P.
Published: April 2014

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of implantation site (i.e., subcutaneous, SQ vs. intramuscular, IM) on bone forming capacity of cell‐based and growth factor‐based scaffolds in athymic nude rats after an implantation period of 8 weeks. Cell‐based scaffolds consisted of porous hydroxyapatite/tricalcium phosphate (HA/TCP) scaffolds seeded with either human adipose tissue‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (AT‐MSCs) only or both AT‐MSCs and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), which were precultured in osteogenic medium for 7 days. Growth factor‐based scaffolds consisted of porous HA/TCP scaffolds with 20 µg preadsorbed bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP‐2). Histological and histomorphometrical analysis were used to assess bone formation. A differentiation experiment was performed in parallel to compare thein vitroosteogenic capacity of cell‐based scaffolds. The results showed that cell‐based scaffolds showed evident osteogenic differentiationin vitro, with only marginal differences between AT‐MSCs only and AT‐MSCs/HUVECs.In vivo, none of the cell‐based scaffolds showed bone formation, irrespective of the site of implantation. In contrast, all growth factor‐based scaffolds showed bone formation at both implantation sites without differences in the amount of formed bone. In conclusion, the results of this study demonstrated that the bone forming capacity of HA/TCP scaffolds with pre‐adsorbed BMP‐2 was equal at different ectopic implantation sites. Further, despite obviousin vitroosteogenic differentiation of AT‐MSCs and AT‐MSCS/HUVECs on HA/TCP scaffolds, no bone formation of these cell‐based scaffolds was observedin vivo. This indicates further investigation on bone formation mechanisms of AT‐MSCs is needed before AT‐MSCs can be used as a cytotherapeutic treatment in clinics. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 439–450, 2015.
Growth factor conjugation: Strategies and applications
Authors: Hajimiri Mirhamed , Shahverdi Sheida , Kamalinia Golnaz , Dinarvand Rassoul
Published: April 2014

Growth factors, first known for their essential role in the initiation of mitosis, are required for a variety of cellular processes and their localized delivery is considered as a rational approach in their therapeutic application to assure a safe and effective treatment while avoiding unwanted adverse effects. Noncovalent immobilization of growth factors as well as their covalent conjugation is amongst the most common strategies for localized delivery of growth factors. Today, immobilized and covalently conjugated growth factors are considered as a promising drug design and are widely used for protein reformulation and material design to cover the unwanted characteristics of growth factors as well as improving their functions. Selection of a suitable conjugation technique depends on the substrate chemistry and the availability of functional reactive groups in the structure of growth factor, the position of reactive groups in growth factor molecules and its relation with the receptor binding area, and the intention of creating either patterned or unpatterned conjugation. Various approaches for growth factor reformulation have been reported. This review provides an overview on chemical conjugation of growth factors and covers the relevant studies accomplished for bioconjugation of growth factors and their related application. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 819–838, 2015.
FAT‐Free p300 Is Good for Scar‐Free Tissue Repair
Authors: Ghosh Asish K.
Published: April 2014

Fibrosis, the deadly pathological manifestation of an abnormal tissue remodeling in any organ due to excessive collagen deposition, is associated with a wide variety of organ failure‐related human diseases. Chronic stress or repeated injury in a particular organ induces abnormal molecular signals that lead to super‐activation of matrix protein producing fibroblasts, excessive matrix proteins accumulation, loss of physiological tissue architecture or elasticity, and ultimately leading to organ failure. There is no effective therapy for fibrosis. Factor acetyltransferase p300 (FATp300), a major epigenetic regulator that acetylates specific lysines in histones and transcription factors, is essential for elevated collagen synthesis and the levels of FATp300 are significantly elevated in different fibrotic tissues. Pharmacological inhibition of FAT activity of p300 is associated with decreased collagen synthesis by fibroblasts in tissues and amelioration of organ fibrosis. Therefore, FAT‐free p300 is superior for physiological tissue repair and must be exploited as a viable therapeutic target against multi‐organ fibrosis. J. Cell. Biochem. 115: 1486–1489, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Isoforms of Receptors of Fibroblast Growth Factors
Authors: Gong Siew‐Ging
Published: April 2014

The breadth and scope of Fibroblast Growth Factor signaling is immense, with documentation of its role in almost every organism and system studied so far. FGF ligands signal through a family of four distinct tyrosine kinase receptors, the FGF receptors (FGFRs). One contribution to the diversity of function and signaling of FGFs and their receptors arises from the numerous alternative splicing variants that have been documented in the FGFR literature. The present review discusses the types and roles of alternatively spliced variants of the FGFR family members and the significant impact of alternative splicing on the physiological functions of five broad classes of FGFR isoforms. Some characterized known regulatory mechanisms of alternative splicing and future directions in studies of FGFR alternative splicing are also discussed. Presence, absence, and/or the combination of specific exons within each FGFR protein impart upon each individual isoform its unique function and expression pattern during normal function and in diseased states (e.g., in cancers and birth defects). A better understanding of the diversity of FGF signaling in different developmental contexts and diseased states can be achieved through increased knowledge of the presence of specific FGFR isoforms and their impact on downstream signaling and functions. Modern high‐throughput techniques afford an opportunity to explore the distribution and function of isoforms of FGFR during development and in diseases. J. Cell. Physiol. 229: 1887–1895, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effects of the subtropical anticyclones over North Africa and Arabian Peninsula on the African easterly jet
Authors: Spinks James , Lin Yuh‐Lang , Mekonnen Ademe
Published: April 2014

North African climate is analysed between 1979 and 2010 with an emphasis on August using the European Center for Medium‐Range Weather Forecast (ECMWF) global dataset to investigate the effects of the subtropical anticyclones over North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula on the African easterly jet (AEJ). It was found that the AEJ encloses a core with a local wind maximum (LWM) in both West and East Africa, in which the west LWM core has a higher zonal wind speed. The strength of both cores is distinctly different by way of thermal wind balance. As found in previous studies, the AEJ is formed through baroclinicity with influence from Saharan lower level heating along and to the north of the Intertropical Front (ITF). As there are two separate anticyclonic centres, the AEJ is maintained by the anticyclonic systems in West Africa, East Africa as well as the Arabian Peninsula. The presence of these two anticyclonic centres provides the AEJ with two separate core maxima with the western LWM located at 15°W, 17°N and the eastern LWM located at 35°E, 15°N for August.
Determination of phthalic acid esters in Chinese white spirit using dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction coupled with sweeping β‐cyclodextrin‐modified micellar electrokinetic chromatography
Authors: Sun Jianzhi , He Hui , Liu Shuhui
Published: April 2014

A simple method that consumes low organic solvent is proposed for the analysis of phthalic acid esters in Chinese white spirit using dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction coupled with sweeping‐micellar electrokinetic chromatography. Tetrachloromethane and white‐spirit‐containing ethanol were used as the extraction and dispersing solvents, respectively. The electrophoresis separation buffer was composed of 5 mM β‐cyclodextrin, 50 mM sodium dodecyl sulfate and 25 mM borate buffer (pH 9.2) with 9% acetonitrile, enabling the baseline resolution of the analytes within 13 min. Under the optimum conditions, satisfactory linearities (5–1000 ng/mL, r ≥ 0.9909), good reproducibility (RSD ≤ 6.7% for peak area, and RSD ≤ 2.8% for migration time), low detection limits (0.4–0.8 ng/mL) and acceptable recovery rates (89.6–105.7%) were obtained. The proposed method was successfully applied to 22 Chinese white spirits, and the content of dibutyl phthalate in 55% of the samples exceeded the Specific Migration Limit of 0.3 mg/kg established by the domestic and international regulations.