bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neural systems for evaluating speaker (Un)believability
Authors: Jiang Xiaoming , Sanford Ryan , Pell Marc D.
Published: May 2017

Our voice provides salient cues about how confident we sound, which promotes inferences about how believable we are. However, the neural mechanisms involved in these social inferences are largely unknown. Employing functional magnetic resonance imaging, we examined the brain networks and individual differences underlying the evaluation of speaker believability from vocal expressions. Participants (n = 26) listened to statements produced in a confident, unconfident, or “prosodically unmarked” (neutral) voice, and judged how believable the speaker was on a 4‐point scale. We found frontal–temporal networks were activated for different levels of confidence, with the left superior and inferior frontal gyrus more activated for confident statements, the right superior temporal gyrus for unconfident expressions, and bilateral cerebellum for statements in a neutral voice. Based on listener's believability judgment, we observed increased activation in the right superior parietal lobule (SPL) associated with higher believability, while increased left posterior central gyrus (PoCG) was associated with less believability. A psychophysiological interaction analysis found that the anterior cingulate cortex and bilateral caudate were connected to the right SPL when higher believability judgments were made, while supplementary motor area was connected with the left PoCG when lower believability judgments were made. Personal characteristics, such as interpersonal reactivity and the individual tendency to trust others, modulated the brain activations and the functional connectivity when making believability judgments. In sum, our data pinpoint neural mechanisms that are involved when inferring one's believability from a speaker's voice and establish ways that these mechanisms are modulated by individual characteristics of a listener. Hum Brain Mapp 38:3732–3749, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Spectral attenuation of brain and retina tissues in the near‐infrared range measured using a fiber‐based supercontinuum device
Authors: Saldaña‐Díaz José Eduardo , Jarabo Sebastián , Salgado‐Remacha Francisco Javier , Perdices Lorena , Pinilla Isabel , Sánchez‐Cano Ana
Published: May 2017

A novel setup for the efficient constant optical measurements of biological tissues in the near infrared is presented. The system combines the use of a fiber‐based supercontinuum source with a simple optics fiber collimator. This configuration allows a wide spectral range of measurement and, at the same time, can efficiently filter the straightforward transmitted light while avoiding scattered light. As a performance example, the optical characterization of rat brain and retina tissues are shown. The attenuation coefficient for both tissues in the near infrared region is also obtained. This technique could be applied in clinical research as a noninvasive method with several potential practical applications.
Label‐free imaging of healthy and infarcted fetal sheep hearts by two‐photon microscopy
Authors: Sorvina Alexandra , Bader Christie A. , Lock Mitchell C. , Brooks Douglas A. , Morrison Janna L. , Plush Sally E.
Published: May 2017

Coronary heart disease is one of the largest causes of death worldwide, making this a significant health care issue. A critical problem for the adult human heart is that it does not undergo effective repair in response to damage, leaving patients with a poor prognosis. Unlike the adult, fetal hearts have the ability to repair after myocardial damage. Using two‐photon microscopy, we have visualised the morphological and metabolic changes following myocardial infarction in sheep fetuses, to characterise response to cardiac injury in a mammalian model. Following myocardial infarction, fetal hearts showed no significant increase in collagen deposition in the region of the infarction, when compared to either the surrounding tissue or shams. In contrast, metabolic activity (i. e. NAD(P)H and FAD) was significantly reduced in the region of myocardial infarction, when compared to either the surrounding tissue or sham hearts. For comparison, we also imaged two hearts from preadolescent sheep (sham and myocardial infarction) and showed highly ordered collagen deposition with decreased metabolic activity within the infarcted area. Therefore, two‐photon imaging had the capacity to image both morphological and metabolic changes in response to myocardial infarction and showed differences in the response with age. Picture: Two‐photon imaging of myocardial infarction (b and d) enabled the visualisation of increased collagen (blue; Em=431 nm) and changes in other tissue autofluorescence (green; Em=489–606 nm) in fetal (a and b) and preadolescent (c and d) hearts, compared to shams (a and c). The excitation wavelength was 840 nm. Scale bars: 10 μm.

magnified image
On‐chip spectroscopic assessment of microbial susceptibility to antibiotics within 3.5 hours
Authors: Schröder Ulrich‐Christian , Kirchhoff Johanna , Hübner Uwe , Mayer Günter , Glaser Uwe , Henkel Thomas , Pfister Wolfgang , Fritzsche Wolfgang , Popp Jürgen , Neugebauer Ute
Published: May 2017

In times of rising antibiotic resistances, there is a high need for fast, sensitive and specific methods to determine antibiotic susceptibilities of bacterial pathogens. Here, we present an integrated microfluidic device in which bacteria from diluted suspensions are captured in well‐defined regions using on‐chip dielectrophoresis and further analyzed in a label‐free and non‐destructive manner using Raman spectroscopy. Minimal sample preparation and automated sample processing ensure safe handling of infectious material with minimal hands‐on time for the operator. Clinical applicability of the presented device is demonstrated by antibiotic susceptibility testing of Escherichia coli towards the commonly prescribed second generation fluoroquinolone ciprofloxacin. Ciprofloxacin resistant E. coli were differentiated from sensitive E. coli with high accuracy within roughly three hours total analysis time paving the way for future point‐of‐care devices. Spectral changes leading to the discrimination between sensitive and resistant bacteria are in excellent agreement with expected metabolic changes in the bacteria due to the mode of action of the drug. The robustness of the method was confirmed with experiments involving different chip devices with different designs, both electrode as well as microfluidics design, and material. Furthermore, general applicability was demonstrated with different operators over an extended time period of half a year.
Intracellular localization and delivery of plasmid DNA by biodegradable microsphere‐mediated femtosecond laser optoporation
Authors: Ishii Atsuhiro , Hiruta Yuki , Heinemann Dag , Heisterkamp Alexander , Kanazawa Hideko , Terakawa Mitsuhiro
Published: May 2017

Micro‐/nanosphere‐mediated femtosecond laser cell perforation is one of the high throughput technologies used for macro‐molecule‐delivery into multiple cells. We have demonstrated the delivery of plasmid‐DNA/liposome complexes into cells using biodegradable polymer microspheres and a femtosecond laser and investigated the intracellular localization of the complexes by delivering fluorescence‐labeled plasmid‐DNA/liposome complexes into cells. The utilization of liposomes increases the number of complexes delivered into the cytoplasm by laser illumination, which contributed to the increased transfection rate. In the experiment involving polystyrene (PS) microspheres of different diameters, the fluorescence of the complexes was detected in the nucleus as well as cytoplasm after laser illumination for PS microspheres of 3.0 μm diameter. The direct delivery of complexes into the nucleus is probably attributed to the enhancement of the nuclear membrane permeability by the enhanced optical field obtained close to the nucleus. These revelations on the intracellular localization of foreign DNA would provide effective laser‐based transfection. Picture: Intranuclear delivery of plasmid‐DNA/liposome complexes by utilizing dielectric microspheres and a femtosecond laser.
DNA Length Modulates the Affinity of Fragments of Genomic DNA for the Nuclear Matrix In Vitro
Authors: García‐Vilchis David , Aranda‐Anzaldo Armando
Published: May 2017

Classical observations have shown that during the interphase the chromosomal DNA of metazoans is organized in supercoiled loops attached to a compartment known as the nuclear matrix (NM). Fragments of chromosomal DNA able to bind the isolated NM in vitro are known as matrix associated/attachment/addressed regions or MARs. No specific consensus sequence or motif has been found that may constitute a universal, defining feature of MARs. On the other hand, high‐salt resistant DNA–NM interactions in situ define true DNA loop anchorage regions or LARs, that might correspond to a subset of the potential MARs but are not necessarily identical to MARs characterized in vitro, since there are several examples of MARs able to bind the NM in vitro but which are not actually bound to the NM in situ. In the present work we assayed the capacity of two LARs, as well as of shorter fragments within such LARs, for binding to the NM in vitro. Paradoxically the isolated (≈2 kb) LARs cannot bind to the NM in vitro while their shorter (≈300 pb) sub‐fragments and other non‐related but equally short DNA fragments, bind to the NM in a high‐salt resistant fashion. Our results suggest that the ability of a given DNA fragment for binding to the NM in vitro primarily depends on the length of the fragment, suggesting that binding to the NM is modulated by the local topology of the DNA fragment in suspension that it is known to depend on the DNA length. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 4487–4497, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Long Noncoding RNA lncARSR Promotes Doxorubicin Resistance in Hepatocellular Carcinoma via Modulating PTEN‐PI3K/Akt Pathway
Authors: Li Yaling , Ye Yun , Feng Bimin , Qi Yan
Published: May 2017

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is generally resistant to chemotherapy due to intrinsic or acquired drug resistances. Many molecules and signaling pathways are involved in chemo‐resistance of HCC cells. However, the contribution of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) to chemo‐resistance of HCC cells is still largely unknown. In this study, we revealed the critical roles of long noncoding RNA lncARSR in chemo‐resistance of HCC cells. lncARSR is upregulated in HCC, associated with large tumor size and advanced BCLC stage, and indicts poor prognosis. Functional assays showed that overexpression of lncARSR enhances doxorubicin resistance of HCC cells in vitro and in vivo. And while knockdown of lncARSR increases sensitivity of HCC cells to doxorubicin in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, we found that lncARSR physically associates with PTEN mRNA, promotes PTEN mRNA degradation, decreases PTEN expression, and activates PI3K/Akt pathway. PTEN is downregulated in HCC, and the expression of PTEN is negatively correlated with lncARSR in HCC tissues. Furthermore, the effects of lncARSR overexpression on doxorubicin resistance could be reversed by PI3K/Akt pathway inhibitor, and lncARSR knockdown‐induced doxorubicin sensitivity could be reversed by PTEN depletion. Taken together, our results showed that upregulated lncARSR promotes doxorubicin resistance in HCC via modulating PTEN‐PI3K/Akt pathway, and implied that lncARSR may serve as a promising prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for HCC chemo‐resistance. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 4498–4507, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A simple answer to complex questions: Caenorhabditis elegans as an experimental model for examining the DNA damage response and disease genes
Authors: Rieckher Matthias , Bujarrabal Arturo , Doll Markus A. , Soltanmohammadi Najmeh , Schumacher Björn
Published: May 2017

The genetic information is constantly challenged by genotoxic attacks. DNA repair mechanisms evolved early in evolution and recognize and remove the various lesions. A complex network of DNA damage responses (DDR) orchestrates a variety of physiological adaptations to the presence of genome instability. Erroneous repair or malfunctioning of the DDR causes cancer development and the accumulation of DNA lesions drives the aging process. For understanding the complex DNA repair and DDR mechanisms it is pivotal to employ simple metazoan as model systems. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has become a well‐established and popular experimental organism that allows dissecting genome stability mechanisms in dynamic and differentiated tissues and under physiological conditions. We provide an overview of the distinct advantages of the nematode system for studying DDR and provide a range of currently applied methodologies.
A 56‐year‐old female with celiac artery compression syndrome recovering through dietary changes and weight gain
Authors: Yoshida Kiichiro , Kita Keiichiro , Yamashiro Seiji
Published: May 2017

Celiac artery compression syndrome is a rare condition characterized by extrinsic compression of the celiac artery by the median arcuate ligament, which leads to chronic, recurrent postprandial epigastric pain. Although traditional treatment of this syndrome involves laparotomy to release the median arcuate ligament, here we report on the rare case of a middle‐aged woman recovering with no specific treatment through her use of a food diary to change her diet which resulted in gradual weight gain. This suggests that in some cases, a conservative therapy for celiac artery compression syndrome should be tried before choosing surgical intervention.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Anti‐inflammatory Activity of Novel Isoxazolyl‐4‐(2‐oxo‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐3‐indolyl)pyrrole‐3‐carboxylates
Authors: Saini Ramakrishna , Dharavath Nagaraju , Eligeti Rajanarendar , Malladi Srinivas Reddy
Published: May 2017

A series of novel isoxazolyl‐4‐(2‐oxo‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐3‐indolyl)pyrrole‐3‐carboxylates (17a–i) were synthesized by a three‐component reaction of 4‐amino‐3‐methyl‐5‐styrylisoxazole 14, β‐keto ester 15, and 3‐phenacylideneoxindole 16, in the presence of CAN catalyst in ethanol. The structures of the synthesized compounds have been established on the basis of spectral and analytical data. The title compounds 17a–i were evaluated for their anti‐inflammatory activity. Compounds 17b and 17c exhibited potent anti‐inflammatory activity as that of standard drug.
Genetic variability of human respiratory syncytial virus group B in Panama reveals a novel genotype BA14
Authors: Ábrego Leyda E. , Delfraro Adriana , Franco Danilo , Castillo Juan , Castillo Marlene , Moreno Brechla , López‐Vergès Sandra , Pascale Juan M. , Arbiza Juan
Published: May 2017

In Panama, human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) is responsible of 20‐40% of acute respiratory infections in children under 5 years old. Currently, little is known about the genetic variability of HRSV in Central America and the Caribbean. Recently, we reported the genetic variability of HRSV‐A, however; no studies on HRSV‐B in Panama have been described yet. In this study, 24 sequences of Panamanian HRSV‐B, from children (<5 years) with acute respiratory infections (ARI), collected from July 2008 to November 2012 were analyzed. All sequences share the characteristic 60‐nt duplication of the BA strains. Six Panamanian strains grouped with the BA10 genotype and 12 samples clustered together in a separate monophyletic clade with an aLRT support value of 0.92 and an intra‐group p‐distance less than 0.07. This fulfills the criteria to consider a new genotype in HRSV, which we named BA14 genotype. Another six strains remain unclassified, but closely related to BA9, BA11, or the new BA14 genotypes, according to their genetic p‐distance. Different amino acid substitutions in the Panamanian HRSV‐B strains were observed, some previously described and others found only on Panamanian strains. This study contributes to the knowledge of the genetic variability and evolution of HRSV in Central America.
Genetic characterization respiratory syncytial virus in Kerala, the southern part of India
Authors: Patil Savita L. , Balakrishnan Anukumar
Published: May 2017

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is an important cause of acute lower respiratory tract infection (ALRI) in infants and young children globally. RSV presents two antigenic groups RSV‐A and ‐B. Genetic variability is also very high within each group. RSV circulation varies year to year and even varies among different regions. Data on circulatory pattern of RSV are available from other parts of India except Kerala. The aim of the study was to generate data about groups and genotypes of circulating RSV in Kerala. In this study, RSV positive samples received during January, 2012 to December, 2014 were used for genetic characterization. The samples were tested by using nucleocapsid (N) gene‐based conventional multiplex reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) to identify the RSV group. Genotyping was done by nucleotide sequencing of the C‐terminal region of the glycoprotein (G) gene. Out of the 130 patient samples tested, 49 samples were positive for RSV. Among the positive samples, 32 belong to the RSV‐A and 17 belong to RSV‐B virus. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all RSV‐A sequences (n = 22) belonged to NA1 genotype and five of the sequences showed the novel 72 nucleotide duplication and clustered into the newly designated ON1 genotype. All RSV‐B sequences (n = 17) were clustered into the BA (BA9 and 10) genotype. From this study, we concluded both RSV‐A and ‐B were co‐circulated in Kerala and RSV‐A was observed predominantly in 2012 and RSV‐B in 2014. As per our best of knowledge, BA10 genotype is first observed in India.
Development of a systems‐based in situ multiplex biomarker screening approach for the assessment of immunopathology and neural tissue plasticity in male rats after traumatic brain injury
Authors: Bogoslovsky Tanya , Bernstock Joshua D. , Bull Greg , Gouty Shawn , Cox Brian M. , Hallenbeck John M. , Maric Dragan
Published: May 2017

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) pose a massive burden of disease and continue to be a leading cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world. A major obstacle in developing effective treatments is the lack of comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanisms that mediate tissue damage and recovery after TBI. As such, our work aims to highlight the development of a novel experimental platform capable of fully characterizing the underlying pathobiology that unfolds after TBI. This platform encompasses an empirically optimized multiplex immunohistochemistry staining and imaging system customized to screen for a myriad of biomarkers required to comprehensively evaluate the extent of neuroinflammation, neural tissue damage, and repair in response to TBI. Herein, we demonstrate that our multiplex biomarker screening platform is capable of evaluating changes in both the topographical location and functional states of resident and infiltrating cell types that play a role in neuropathology after controlled cortical impact injury to the brain in male Sprague–Dawley rats. Our results demonstrate that our multiplex biomarker screening platform lays the groundwork for the comprehensive characterization of changes that occur within the brain after TBI. Such work may ultimately lead to the understanding of the governing pathobiology of TBI, thereby fostering the development of novel therapeutic interventions tailored to produce optimal tissue protection, repair, and/or regeneration with minimal side effects, and may ultimately find utility in a wide variety of other neurological injuries, diseases, and disorders that share components of TBI pathobiology.
Zirconia phase transformation in retrieved, wear simulated, and artificially aged ceramic femoral heads
Authors: Parkes Maria , Sayer Kathryn , Goldhofer Markus , Cann Philippa , Walter William L. , Jeffers Jonathan
Published: May 2017

Zirconia in Zirconia toughened alumina ceramic hip replacements exists in an unstable state and can transform in response to stress giving the material improved fracture toughness. Phase transformation also occurs under hydrothermal conditions such as exist in vivo. To predict the hydrothermal aging that will occur in vivo accelerated aging procedures have been used, but validation of these models requires the study of retrieved hip joints. Here 26 retrievals are analysed to determine the degree of phase transformation in vivo. These were compared with virgin heads, heads that had undergone the accelerated aging process and heads wear tested to 5 million cycles in a hip simulator. Monoclinic content and surface roughness were measured using Raman spectroscopy and white light interferometry respectively. The monoclinic content for retrieved heads was 28.5% ± 7.8, greater than twice that in virgin, aged, or wear tested heads and did not have a significant correlation with time, contrary to the predictions of the hydrothermal aging model. The surface roughness for retrieved heads in the unworn area was not significantly different to that in virgin, aged, or unworn areas of wear tested heads. However in worn areas of the retrieved heads, the surface roughness was higher than observed in wear simulator testing. These results indicate that current testing methodologies do not fully capture the operational conditions of the material and the real performance of future new materials may not be adequately predicted by current pre‐clinical testing methods. © 2017 The Authors.Journal of Orthopaedic ResearchPublished by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Orthopaedic Research Society 35:2781–2789, 2017.
Long‐chain ionic liquid based mixed hemimicelles and magnetic dispersed solid‐phase extraction for the extraction of fluorescent whitening agents in paper materials
Authors: Wang Qing , Qiu Bin , Chen Xianbo , Wang Bin , Zhang Hui , Zhang Xiaoyuan
Published: May 2017

A novel mixed hemimicelles and magnetic dispersive solid‐phase extraction method based on long‐chain ionic liquids for the extraction of five fluorescent whitening agents was established. The factors influenced on extraction efficiency were investigated. Under the optimal conditions, namely, the pH of sample solution at 8.0, the concentration of long chain ionic liquid at 0.5 mmol/L, the amount of Fe3O4 nanoparticle at 12 mg, extraction time at 10 min, pH 6.0 of methanol as eluent, and the desorption time at 1 min, satisfactory results were obtained. Wide linear ranges (0.02–10 ng/mL) and good linearity were attained (0.9997–0.9999). The intraday and interday RSDs were 2.1–8.3%. Limits of detection were 0.004–0.01 ng/mL, which were decreased by almost an order of magnitude compared to direct detection without extraction. The present method was applied to extract the fluorescent whitening agents in two kinds of paper samples, obtaining satisfactory results. All showed results illustrated that the detection sensitivity was improved and the proposed method was a good choice for the enriching and monitoring of trace fluorescent whitening agents.
Sol–gel‐graphene‐based fabric‐phase sorptive extraction for cow and human breast milk sample cleanup for screening bisphenol A and residual dental restorative material before analysis by HPLC with diode array detection
Authors: Samanidou Victoria , Filippou Olga , Marinou Eirini , Kabir Abuzar , Furton Kenneth G.
Published: May 2017

Fabric‐phase sorptive extraction has already been recognized as a simple and green alternative to the conventional sorbent‐based sorptive microextraction techniques, using hybrid organic–inorganic sorbent coatings chemically bonded to a flexible fabric surface. Herein, we have investigated the synergistic combination of the advanced material properties offered by sol–gel graphene sorbent and the simplicity of Fabric phase sorptive extraction approach in selectively extracting bisphenol A and residual monomers including bisphenol A glycerolatedimethacrylate, urethane dimethacrylate, and triethylene glycol dimethacrylate derived dental restorative materials from cow and human breast milk samples. Different coatings were evaluated. Final method development employed sol–gel graphene coated media. The main experimental parameters influencing extraction of the compounds, such as sorbent chemistry used, sample loading conditions, elution solvent, sorption stirring time, elution time, impact of protein precipitation, amount of sample, and matrix effect, were investigated and optimized. Absolute recovery values from standard solutions were 50% for bisphenol A, 78% for T triethylene glycol dimethacrylate, 110% for urethane dimethacrylate, and 103% for bisphenol A glycerolatedimethacrylate, while respective absolute recovery values from milk were 30, 52, 104, and 42%. Method validation was performed according to European Decision 657/2002/EC in terms of selectivity, sensitivity, linearity, accuracy, and precision.
Nitrogen transport, transformation, and retention in the Three Gorges Reservoir: A mass balance approach
Authors: Ran Xiangbin , Bouwman Lex , Yu Zhigang , Beusen Arthur , Chen Hongtao , Yao Qingzhen
Published: May 2017

Dam construction in river systems affects the biogeochemistry of nitrogen (N), yet most studies on N cycling in reservoirs do not consider the transformations and retention of the different N species. This study addresses the N inputs, transport, transformations, and retention in the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR) in the Changjiang River, the world largest water storage project, during its filling phase in 2004–2007. The results indicate that dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) was the most abundant N form in the TGR and particulate N was only 2% to the total N flow and retention. About 34% of the dissolved organic nitrogen (DON), 64% of nitrite, and 44% of ammonia were retained by transformation within the TGR in 2007. Time‐series data show that about 8% of inflowing total dissolved N was lost by denitrification and sedimentation. Transformations of DON, nitrite and ammonia caused an increase of the nitrate load by 6%; and at the same time the DIN flux increased by 4% while the water moved through the TGR, which is the balance between formation and retention of DIN. The large contribution of biogeochemical transformations to nitrate loading in the TGR indicates the importance of internal processing for the river N species composition.
A Smart Nano‐Prodrug Platform with Reactive Drug Loading, Superb Stability, and Fast Responsive Drug Release for Targeted Cancer Therapy
Authors: Meng Hao , Zou Yan , Zhong Ping , Meng Fenghua , Zhang Jian , Cheng Ru , Zhong Zhiyuan
Published: May 2017

Nano‐prodrugs usually involve a multistep synthesis which largely compromises their benefits. Here, a smart nano‐prodrug platform with reactive drug loading, superb stability, and triggered drug release is reported for targeted melanoma therapy. cRGD‐decorated polymersomal mertansine prodrug (cRGD‐PS‐DM1) is readily fabricated from cRGD‐functionalized poly(ethylene glycol)‐b‐poly(trimethylene carbonate‐co‐dithiolane trimethylene carbonate) with simultaneous loading of mertansine (DM1) via thiol–disulfide exchange reaction and disulfide cross‐linking of polymersomal membrane. cRGD‐PS‐DM1 exhibits a size of ≈100 nm, little drug leakage, and fast DM1 release in the presence of 2 × 10−3–10 × 10−3
m glutathione. Tetrazolium‐based colorimetric assay (MTT) and confocal microscopy studies confirm effective homing of cRGD‐PS‐DM1 to αvβ3 overexpressing B16F10 melanoma cells. Notably, the in vivo studies show that cRGD‐PS‐DM1 has a greatly improved toleration as compared with free DM1 and effectively inhibits tumor growth and extends the survival time of B16F10 melanoma‐bearing mice. cRGD‐PS‐DM1 nano‐prodrug with reactive drug loading and multifunction provides an advanced nanomedicine for cancer therapy.

image
Pluronic‐Induced Surface Etching of Biodegradable Nanofibers for Enhanced Adsorption of Serum Protein
Authors: Mao Wei , Yoo Hyuk Sang
Published: May 2017

Manipulated roughness has been etched on nanofibers to modulate adsorption of serum proteins for serum‐free cells cultivation. Mixtures of Polycaprolactone and Pluronic with various blending ratios are electrospun to nanofibers and Pluronic is subsequently leached out by methanol. Electron microscopy reveals that surface roughness of the nanofibers is changed according to the contents of Pluronic. Both weight loss monitoring and NMR spectroscopy confirm that all Pluronic is leached out after methanol treatment. Water swelling ratio and protein adsorption of rougher nanofibers are higher than those of smoother ones. Also, when serum incorporation on the nanofibers is estimated in 0.01–10% serum solution, rougher nanofibers show higher serum incorporation and those soaked in 10% serum solution are employed for serum‐free cell cultivation. Viability of the cells cultivated on rougher nanofibers is much higher after 24 h. Thus, Pluronic‐induced leaching‐out strategy can be potentially employed for fabricating roughness on nanofibers for enhancing protein adsorption for serum‐free cell cultivation.

image
Unusual Rheological Properties of Lightly Crosslinked Polydimethylsiloxane
Authors: Villani Vincenzo , Lavallata Vito
Published: May 2017

The rheological behavior of elastomers of polydimethylsiloxane vinyl‐terminated has been investigated in both rotational and oscillating modes. Partially crosslinked liquid rubbers have been prepared, varying the curing agent‐to‐elastomer weight ratio p. Viscoelastic fluids with unusual rheological properties have been obtained. For small p, zero‐shear viscosity and storage dynamic modulus G′(ω) at low frequencies are obtained, lower than those of reference liquid elastomers. Outcomes are discussed according to the polymer tube model theory and an extension at nanoscale of the Einstein equation of viscosity proposed. The unentangled crosslinked nanodomain model has been proposed. At light networking, isolated crosslinked nanodomains would form and the longer chains will be preferentially bonded. This will determine a decrease in the entanglement density in the matrix. On the nanodomain surface the dangling chains will not be long enough to give stable entanglements, determining the formation of a free volume at the interface polymer matrix‐nanoparticles.

image
Thiol‐Functionalized Organic Porous Polymers as a Support for Gold Nanoparticles and Its Catalytic Applications
Authors: Zhong Aiqing , Xu Yang , He Zidong , Zhang Hui , Wang Tianqi , Zhou Minghong , Xiong Linfeng , Huang Kun
Published: May 2017

In this work, a novel synthesis approach of gold nanohybrid materials (Au/SH‐OPPs) is demonstrated using the thiol‐functionalized organic porous polymers (SH‐OPPs) as a support by a combination of hyper‐cross‐linking and molecular templating of functionalized bottlebrush copolymers. HAuCl4 as the gold source is in situ reduced to produce Au nanoparticles based on the strong action of gold with the thiol groups. The monodispersed Au nanoparticles are anchored on the SH‐OPPs with the small average particle size (3.0 ± 1.0 nm) and the high loading about 18%. Moreover, the resultant Au/SH‐OPPs exhibit excellent catalytic performance for the selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol.

image
Solid State Polymerization of Poly(Ethylene Furanoate) and Its Nanocomposites with SiO2and TiO2
Authors: Achilias Dimitris S. , Chondroyiannis Antonis , Nerantzaki Maria , Adam Kyriakos‐Vasilios , Terzopoulou Zoe , Papageorgiou George Z. , Bikiaris Dimitrios N.
Published: May 2017

In the present study, poly(ethylene furanoate) (PEF) and its nanocomposites with SiO2and TiO2have been prepared and studied. Emphasis is given to study the effect of different nanoadditives, time, and temperature on solid state polymerization (SSP) of PEF. SSP is conducted at 180, 190, and 200 °C for 1, 2, 3.5, and 5 h under vacuum application. From intrinsic viscosity ([η]) measurements it is found that in all SSP samples the molecular weight increase is time and temperature dependent. The addition of nanofillers results in polymer production with slightly higher average molecular weight, especially at lower temperatures. A simple kinetic model is also developed and used to predict the time evolution of polymer's [η], as well as the carboxyl and hydroxyl content during the SSP. From the experimental measurements and the theoretical simulation it is proved that the presence of the nanoadditives results in higher transesterification kinetic rate constants. Moreover, compared to poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), the lower [η] of PEF, results in a much higher number of hydroxyl end groups and larger tranesterification and esterification reaction rates. Finally, the activation energy for the transesterification of PEF is found to be much higher compared to that of PET.

image
Fabrication of Large Area Broadband and Omnidirectional Antireflective Transparent Foils by Roll‐to‐Roll Extrusion Coating
Authors: Murthy Swathi , Lotz Mikkel Rønne , Feidenhans'l Nikolaj , Madsen Morten H. , Pedersen Henrik C. , Pranov Henrik , Taboryski Rafael
Published: May 2017

This study investigates the fabrication and performance of broadband and omnidirectional antireflective polymer foils, in the visible spectrum (400–800 nm), consisting of subwavelength inverted moth‐eye structures. The foils are fabricated by a high throughput roll‐to‐roll extrusion coating process allowing structuring on both sides at a rate of 60 m min−1, with web width 45 cm. The highest average transmittance obtained in the visible spectrum is (98 ± 1) %; compared with (92 ± 1) % for the unstructured foil. The antireflective foil shows no significant difference in transmittance between normal incidence and incidence up to at least 60°. The foil performance is also investigated for different depths (Dp) and shapes of structures. The transmittance initially increases with Dp and reaches a maximum at Dp ≈ 120 nm. For process parameters yielding greater depths, other shape factors also play a critical role in the foil's antireflective properties.

image
Internal Structure of Amorphous Electrospun Nanofiber: Oriented Molecular Chains
Authors: Xu Yiyang , Gao Yanhong , Wang Xiaofeng , Jiang Jing , Hou Jianhua , Li Qian
Published: May 2017

The properties of polymeric nanofibers are determined by their internal structure. Although electrospun nanofibers have been widely applied in many fields, their internal structure is still not extensively reported, especially for amorphous nanofibers, which cannot be analyzed by studying the morphology of the crystal lamellar such as the crystalline nanofibers. In this study, the internal structure of electrospun amorphous polycarbonate (PC) nanofibers is investigated. The phase contrast and transmission electron microscopy images show that PC nanofibers exhibit a cylinder‐like structure composed of molecular chains that are highly oriented along the fiber axis. This interesting cylinder‐like internal structure may be the result of evaporation‐induced phase separation in the polymer solution jet and the high strain rate in the electrospinning process. The variation of mechanical properties of PC nanofibers agrees well with the varied internal structure of the nanofibers with different fiber diameters. Due to the high degree of molecular orientation, as‐spun PC nanofibers exhibit superior elastic modulus (6.2 GPa) and strength (780 MPa). The cylinder‐like structure provides an insight into the internal structure of an amorphous electrospun nanofiber, which helps optimize the mechanical performance of amorphous nanofibers and fiber‐based devices.

image
A synbiotic composed of Lactobacillus fermentum CECT5716 and FOS prevents the development of fatty acid liver and glycemic alterations in rats fed a high fructose diet associated with changes in the microbiota
Authors: Rivero‐Gutiérrez Belén , Gámez‐Belmonte Reyes , Suárez María Dolores , Lavín José Luis , Aransay Ana María , Olivares Mónica , Martínez‐Augustin Olga , Sánchez de Medina Fermín , Zarzuelo Antonio
Published: May 2017

We investigated the effect of a high fructose diet (HFD) on Sprague Dawley rats and the impact of a synbiotic composed of Lactobacillus fermentum CECT5716 and fructooligosaccharides. Feeding the HFD for 5 weeks resulted in liver steatosis and insulin resistance but not obesity. These changes were associated with increased production of short‐chain fatty acids and increased Bacteroidetes in feces, with an augmented Bacteroidetes/Firmicutes ratio, among other changes in the microbiota. In addition, barrier function was weakened, with increased LPS plasma levels. These data are consistent with increased fructose availability in the distal gut due to saturation of absorptive mechanisms, leading to dysbiosis, endotoxemia, hepatic steatosis, and insulin resistance. Treatment with the synbiotic prevented some of the pathological effects, so that treated rats did not develop steatosis or systemic inflammation, while dysbiosis and barrier function were greatly ameliorated. In addition, the synbiotic had hypolipidemic effects. The synbiotic composed by L. fermentum CECT5716 and fructooligosaccharides has beneficial effects in a model of metabolic syndrome induced by a HFD, suggesting it might be clinically useful in this type of condition, particularly considering that high fructose intake has been related to metabolic syndrome in humans.
Imaging features from pretreatment CT scans are associated with clinical outcomes in nonsmall‐cell lung cancer patients treated with stereotactic body radiotherapy
Authors: Li Qian , Kim Jongphil , Balagurunathan Yoganand , Liu Ying , Latifi Kujtim , Stringfield Olya , Garcia Alberto , Moros Eduardo G. , Dilling Thomas J. , Schabath Matthew B. , Ye Zhaoxiang , Gillies Robert J.
Published: May 2017

Purpose

To investigate whether imaging features from pretreatment planning CT scans are associated with overall survival (OS), recurrence‐free survival (RFS), and loco‐regional recurrence‐free survival (LR‐RFS) after stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) among nonsmall‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients.

Patients and methods

A total of 92 patients (median age: 73 yr) with stage I or IIA NSCLC were qualified for this study. A total dose of 50 Gy in five fractions was the standard treatment. Besides clinical characteristics, 24 “semantic” image features were manually scored based on a point scale (up to 5) and 219 computer‐derived “radiomic” features were extracted based on whole tumor segmentation. Statistical analysis was performed using Cox proportional hazards model and Harrell's C‐index, and the robustness of final prognostic model was assessed using tenfold cross validation by dichotomizing patients according to the survival or recurrence status at 24 months.

Results

Two‐year OS, RFS and LR‐RFS were 69.95%, 41.3%, and 51.85%, respectively. There was an improvement of Harrell's C‐index when adding imaging features to a clinical model. The model for OS contained the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status [Hazard Ratio (HR) = 2.78, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.37–5.65], pleural retraction (HR = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.08–0.92), F2 (short axis × longest diameter, HR = 1.72, 95% CI: 1.21–2.44) and F186 (Hist‐Energy‐L1, HR = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.00–1.61); The prognostic model for RFS contained vessel attachment (HR = 2.13, 95% CI: 1.24–3.64) and F2 (HR = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.33–2.15); and the model for LR‐RFS contained the ECOG performance status (HR = 2.01, 95% CI: 1.12–3.60) and F2 (HR = 1.67, 95% CI: 1.29–2.18).

Conclusions

Imaging features derived from planning CT demonstrate prognostic value for recurrence following SBRT treatment, and might be helpful in patient stratification.
Ssm1b expression and function in germ cells of adult mice and in early embryos
Authors: Ratnam Sarayu , Bozek Grazyna , Martin Terence , Gallagher Shannon J. , Payne Christopher J. , Storb Ursula
Published: May 2017

Ssm1b (Strain‐specific modifier of DNA methylation 1b) is a Krüppel‐associated box (KRAB) zinc finger gene that promotes CpG methylation in the mouse transgene HRD (Heavy chain enhancer, rearrangement by deletion). We report here that Ssm1b expression and concomitant HRD methylation are also present in the male and female germ cells of adult mice. Ssm1b is expressed in both diploid (2N) and haploid (1N) oocytes, as well as in 1N spermatids and spermatozoa, but not in 2N spermatogonia. Interestingly, Ssm1b mRNA is not detected in any other adult mouse organ examined, although Ssm1‐family mRNAs are highly expressed in the heart. Reflecting strain specificity, Ssm1b expression and HRD methylation are not observed in early‐stage C3H/HeJ mouse embryos; however, an Ssm1b‐like gene that closely resembles an Ssm1b‐like gene previously found in wild‐derived mice is expressed in cultured embryonic stem cells derived from C3H/HeJ embryos, suggesting that culture conditions affect its expression. Collectively, this work demonstrates that HRD methylation by Ssm1b is more temporally restricted during spermatogenesis compared to oogenesis, and is altered when embryonic stem cells are cultured from C3H/HeJ inner cell mass cells.
Mit molekularen Photoschaltern Materialien kontrollieren
Authors: Fuhrmann Anne , Kathan Michael , Göstl Robert , Hecht Stefan
Published: May 2017

Moleküle, die ihre Eigenschaften bei Lichtbestrahlung ändern, stehen zunehmend im Blickpunkt der Materialforscher. Denn Ort und Dauer der Lichteinwirkung sind präzise kontrollierbar, und die Schalt‐prozesse sind reversibel.
einhundertundfünfzig
Authors: Bulmahn Maren
Published: May 2017

Verblüffendes, Informatives, schon fast Vergessenes: Die Serie Zahlenstatistik des Monats liefert Fakten aus 150 Jahren. In diesem Monat geht es um die chemische Industrie.
Plastikflaschen aus Biomüll
Authors: Bernhardt Sarah
Published: May 2017

Aus Chicorée‐Wurzeln entsteht Kunststoff für Verpackungsmaterial von Getränken und Lebensmitteln.
Seinerzeit und heutzutage: Scoparin aus Besenginster
Authors: Brecker Lothar
Published: May 2017

Die Strukturaufklärung von Naturstoffen ist seit mehr als 150 Jahren ein wichtiges Forschungsgebiet österreichischer Chemiker. So haben sich zwischen 1866 und 1926 mehrere österreichische Arbeitsgruppen mit der Untersuchung des Scoparins beschäftigt.
Covestro: Bilanz 2016
Authors: Bulmahn Maren
Published: May 2017

Die Leverkusener Covestro hat im Jahr 2016 mehr Tonnen ihrer Produkte verkauft als zuvor, aber weniger Umsatz gemacht.
Chemiewirtschaft: Alles beim Alten in Österreich
Authors: Pummer Johann
Published: May 2017

Der Umsatz der chemischen Industrie Österreichs ähnelte im vergangenen Jahr dem im Jahr zuvor. Dabei stehen Produkte mit einem höheren Verarbeitungsgrad besser da als die Grundstoffchemie.
Synthese im Blickpunkt: Benachbarte Stereozentren unter voller Kontrolle
Authors: Teichert Johannes F.
Published: May 2017

Eins von vier möglichen Stereoisomeren zweier benachbarter Stereozentren selektiv herzustellen, ist schwierig. Noch schwieriger, aber attraktiv wäre, nicht nur die beiden Zentren aufzubauen, sondern simultan die Bindung zwischen ihnen. Damit entstünden Molekülskelett und stereogene Zentren gleichzeitig. Dies leistet effizient die stereodivergente Katalyse.
Mit der GDCh in die Zukunft führen
Authors: Bürger Nicole , Kühner Susanne , Karger Gerhard
Published: May 2017

Zur zweitägigen Beratung der GDCh‐Fachgruppenvorsitzenden mit der GDCh‐Präsidentin trafen sich im Oktober vergangenen Jahres Vertreter von 24 Fachstrukturen zum zwölften Mal im Heinrich‐Fabri‐Institut in Blaubeuren. Mit dem Verkauf der Tagungsstätte durch die Universität Tübingen geht eine Ära zu Ende, die Günter Gauglitz und seine Teams mitgeprägt haben.
Winterschule für Katalyseforscher in Heidelberg
Authors: Hamann Jessica Nadine , Hermsen Marko
Published: May 2017

Jubiläum: Mitte Februar fand die zehnte „CaRLa Winter School“ in Heidelberg statt. Bei der fünftägigen Veranstaltung tauschten sich 40 Doktoranden und Postdoktoranden mit 9 Professoren aus aller Welt und Vertretern der BASF über neue Erkenntnisse der homogenen Katalyse aus. Organisiert wurde die Konferenz von den Leitern des Catalysis Research Laboratorys, Thomas Schaub (BASF) und Stephen Hashmi (Universität Heidelberg).
Nanochemie in der Schule
Authors: Heinzerling Peter
Published: May 2017

Nanochemie ist ein aktuelles Forschungsgebiet, das auch im Chemieunterricht vorkommen sollte. Versuche dazu gab es bereits vor über 100 Jahren. Leicht abgewandelt eignen sie sich auch heute noch für die Schule.
Reinigungsvalidierung mit überkritischem CO2
Authors: Möller Isabelle
Published: May 2017

Zu jedem Prozessschritt in der Produktion von pharmazeutischen Wirkstoffen gehört die Reinigung der verwendeten Reaktoren und anschließend die Reinigungsvalidierung. Diese ist wichtig, da sie die Qualität der Produkte sichert. Eine schnelle Alternative zur HPLC ist dabei die Online‐Extraktion und ‐Chromatographie mit überkritischen Fluiden.
Long‐term follow‐up of anterior vaginal repair: A comparison among colporrhaphy, colporrhaphy with reinforcement by xenograft, and mesh
Authors: Balzarro Matteo , Rubilotta Emanuele , Porcaro Antonio B. , Trabacchin Nicolò , Sarti Alessandra , Cerruto Maria A. , Siracusano Salvatore , Artibani Walter
Published: May 2017

Aims

To assess the long‐term complications and outcomes in patients treated for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) with transvaginal anterior colporrhaphy (AC) alone, transvaginal naterior AC with reinforcement by using porcine Xenograft (AC‐P) (Pelvisoft® Biomesh), and transvaginal anterior repair with polypropylene mesh (AC‐M).

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of 109/123 consecutive patients, who underwent cystocele repair: 42 AC, 19 AC‐P, and 48 AC‐M. Subjective outcomes included validated questionnaires as well as questions that had not been previously validated. Objective outcomes have been evaluated considering failure the anterior vaginal wall recurrence >2 stage POP‐Quantification. Statistical analysis included the chi‐square or Fisher exact test.

Results

The mean follow‐up was 94.80 ± 51.72 months (19‐192 months). In all groups, the patient's personal satisfaction was high. There was no evidence of difference in outcome based on whether a biological graft was or was not performed, or whether synthetic mesh was used to reinforce the repair. Data showed a higher rate of complications in the AC‐M group (P < 0.05) that could explain the lower subjective satisfaction of these patients.

Conclusions

This study evaluated long‐term outcomes to anterior vaginal repair over a period of more than 5 years in all the groups. Our data show that anterior vaginal repair with mesh and xenograft did not improve significantly objective and subjective outcomes. Rather, prosthetic device use leads to higher rate of complications.
Stimulus‐associated urinary urges in overactive bladder syndrome
Authors: O'Connell Kathleen A. , Singer Jonathan , Rajan Sonali
Published: May 2017

Aims

Although anecdotal reports of urinary urgency at one's front door are common in overactive bladder syndrome (OAB), little research has been done on how one's front door and other stimuli are related to urinary symptoms. We hypothesized that individuals with OAB would have higher scores on the Urinary Cues Questionnaire, developed for this study to assess stimulus‐associated urinary urges, than those without OAB.

Methods

Online surveys were administered to 328 women age 18‐40 years recruited from a respondent panel maintained by CINT such that one‐third of the sample reported a diagnosis of OAB. The survey assessed OAB symptoms and the frequency with which participants associated 42 stimuli with the urge to urinate.

Results

Psychometric analyses showed internal consistency estimates of the Urinary Cues Questionnaire of α = 0.97 and a test‐retest correlation of 0.91. Women with OAB had significantly higher Urinary Cues Scores than those without OAB, with a t‐test showing a large effect size of d = 1.49 (95%CI 1.24, 1.74), P < 0.001.

Discussion

Behavioral treatments aimed at reducing the response to cues may be useful in OAB, but more research is needed on both treatment implications and on the trajectory of symptom development.