bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The safety and efficacy of thermal lipolysis of adipose tissue via ultrasound for circumference reduction: An open label, single‐arm exploratory study
Authors: Otto Morkel J. 
Published: June 2016

Background and ObjectiveTo better understand adipocyte sensitivity under hyperthermic conditions, the ULTIMA system (also known as MUST) was designed to induce the thermal destruction of fat cells using ultrasound, radiofrequency, and vacuuming. This clinical study assessed the safety and efficacy of ULTIMA in non‐invasive reductions of abdominal circumference.Study DesignThis open‐label, single‐arm exploratory study monitored the response of 21 patients to a single fat reduction treatment session with the ULTIMA system. Male and female patients between the ages of 18 and 65 who presented with a subcutaneous adipose fat thickness >2.5 cm as measured with a caliper and 2 cm as measured by ultrasound were eligible to participate in the study. Patients with a history of surgery in the target region and who had previous fat/circumference reduction treatments within the previous 6 months were excluded. Efficacy measures evaluated at the 1‐, 2‐, and 3‐month post‐treatment visits included the following: photographs of before and after treatment as evaluated by two blinded reviewers, changes from the baseline abdominal circumference and fat layer thickness, and subjective physician and patient assessments. Immediate skin responses were recorded for up to 30 minutes post‐treatment, and adverse events were recorded throughout the study.ResultsAn average of 10 zones per patient were subjected to ULTIMA treatment and 87.5% of the pre‐treatment photographs were correctly rated by two independent blinded reviewers. A statistically and clinically significant reduction in the abdominal circumference was observed at 3 months post‐treatment. The changes in circumference (represented as the mean ± SE) of the baseline of the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS), umbilicus, and maximal circumference during this period were −3.2 ± 0.7 cm, −3.9 ± 0.7 cm, and −3.3 ± 0.8 cm, respectively. Physician‐based assessments classified all patients (100%) as “improved” within 3 months of treatment, and self‐assessment questionnaires completed by the patients demonstrated that 92% of them classified their conditions as either improved or much improved within this same time period. Any immediate skin reactions observed fell within the expected norms and were short‐lived and self‐resolving.ConclusionsA single ULTIMA treatment session effectively and safely resulted in visual appearance improvement and in a significant reduction in the patients’ abdominal circumference, which persisted for 3 months. Additional investigations will be required to further optimize the treatment regimen and assess its long‐term sustainability. Lasers Surg. Med. 48:734–741, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
1H NMR‐based metabolomics exploring urinary biomarkers correlated with proteinuria in focal segmental glomerulosclerosis: a pilot study
Authors: Kalantari Shiva , Nafar Mohsen , Samavat Shiva , Parvin Mahmoud , Nobakht M.GH. B. Fatemeh , Barzi Farnaz 
Published: June 2016

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a common glomerulonephritis, and its rates of occurrence are increasing worldwide. Proteinuria is a clinical defining feature of FSGS which correlates with the severity of podocyte injury in patients with nephrotic‐range protein excretion. Metabolite biomarkers corresponding with the level of proteinuria could be considered as non‐invasive complementary prognostic factors to proteinuria.The urine samples of 15 patients (n = 6 women and n = 9 men) with biopsy‐proven FSGS were collected and subjected to nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis for metabolite profiling. Multivariate statistical analyses, including principal component analysis and orthogonal projection to latent structure discriminant analysis, were applied to construct a predictive model based on patients with proteinuria >3000 mg/day and <3000 mg/day. In addition, random forest was performed to predict differential metabolites, and pathway analysis was performed to find the defective pathways responsible for proteinuria.Ten metabolites, significant in both statistical methods (orthogonal projection to latent structure discriminant analysis and random forest), were considered as prognostic biomarkers for FSGS: citrulline, dimethylamine, proline, acetoacetate, alpha‐ketoisovaleric acid, valine, isobutyrate, D‐Palmitylcarnitine, histidine, and N‐methylnicotinamide. Pathway analysis revealed impairment of the branched‐chain amino acid degradation pathways in patients with massive proteinuria.This study shows that metabolomics can reveal the molecular changes corresponding with disease progression in patients with FSGS and provide a new insight for pathogenic pathways. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Vps33b regulates Vwf‐positive vesicular trafficking in megakaryocytes
Authors: Dai Jing , Lu Yeling , Wang Conghui , Chen Xue , Fan Xuemei , Gu Hao , Wu Xiaolin , Wang Kemin , Gartner T Kent , Zheng Junke , Chen Guoqiang , Wang Xuefeng , Liu Junling 
Published: June 2016

AbstractMutations of vacuolar protein sorting‐associated protein 33b (VPS33B) cause arthrogryposis, renal dysfunction, and cholestasis syndrome, and a lack of platelet α‐granules in the affected patients. Conditional Vps33b knockout mice were developed to investigate the function(s) of Vps33b in platelet α‐granule formation. We found that early embryonic deletion of Vps33b was lethal. PF4‐Cre‐driven megakaryocyte‐targeted Vps33b gene deletion greatly diminished Vps33b expression in platelets, but had no effect on platelet α‐granule formation and protein content. Tamoxifen‐induced, haematopoietic stem cell (HSC)‐specific Vps33b deletion completely depleted Vps33b in platelets, caused the absence of α‐granules, and increased the number of vacuoles in platelets and megakaryocytes. VPS33B association with VIPAS39, α‐tubulin, and SEC22B was identified by co‐immunoprecipitation, mass spectra, and immunoblotting in human embryonic kidney 293T (HEK293T) cells. Also, pull‐down experiments revealed that VIPAS39 bound to intact VPS33B; in contrast, α‐tubulin and SEC22B separately interacted with the sec1‐like domains of VPS33B. Vps33b deficiency in megakaryocytes disturbs the redistribution of Vipas39 and Sec22b to proplatelets, and interrupted the co‐localization of Sec22b with Vwf‐positive vesicles. The data presented in this study suggest that Vps33b is involved in α‐granule formation possibly by facilitating the Vwf‐positive vesicular trafficking to α‐granule‐related vacuoles in megakaryocytes. Copyright © 2016 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Caregiver distress and patient health‐related quality of life: psychosocial screening during pediatric cancer treatment
Authors: Pierce Lisa , Hocking Matthew C. , Schwartz Lisa A. , Alderfer Melissa A. , Kazak Anne E. , Barakat Lamia P. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractBackgroundReports of acceptability of psychosocial screening are limited, and the utility of screening in identifying risk factors for health‐related quality of life (HRQL) of children with cancer has not been established. This study aimed to assess acceptability of screening for parents and evaluate associations between family risk factors and patient HRQL in the first year post‐diagnosis.ProcedureSixty‐seven parents of children with cancer completed the Psychosocial Assessment Tool (family risk), Distress Thermometer (caregiver distress), Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist‐Civilian 6 (caregiver traumatic stress), PedsQL 4.0 (parent‐proxy report of patient HRQL) and four acceptability questions via a tablet (iPad).ResultsPatients (Mage = 9.5 SD = 5.5 years) were equally distributed across major pediatric cancer diagnoses. The majority of parents endorsed electronic screening as acceptable (70%–97%). Patient gender, diagnosis, intensity of treatment and time since diagnosis were not significantly correlated with family risk, caregiver distress, traumatic stress, or patient HRQL. The full regression model predicting total HRQL was significant (R2 = .42, F(4,64) = 10.7, p = .000). Age (older) was a significant covariate, family risk and caregiver distress were significant independent predictors of poorer total HRQL. The full regression models for physical and psychosocial HRQL were significant; age and caregiver distress were independent predictors of physical HRQL, and age and family risk were independent predictors of psychosocial HRQL.ConclusionsScreening is acceptable for families and important for identifying risk factors associated with poorer patient HRQL during childhood cancer treatment. Targeted interventions addressing family resource needs as well as parent distress identified through screening may be effective in promoting patient HRQL. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Behavioral effects of sublethal exposure to a combination of β‐cyfluthrin and imidacloprid in the bed bug, Cimex lectularius L.
Authors: Crawley Sydney E , Kowles Katelyn A , Gordon Jennifer R , Potter Michael F , Haynes Kenneth F 
Published: June 2016

AbstractBACKGROUNDBed bugs (Cimex lectularius) are blood‐feeding insect pests with public health relevance. Their rapid evolution of resistance to pyrethroids has prompted a shift to combination products that include both a pyrethroid and neonicotinoid insecticide. Insecticides have both a direct impact on mortality and an indirect effect on behavior. Thus, we assessed the sublethal effects of a widely used combination product containing β‐cyfluthrin (a pyrethroid) and imidacloprid (a neonicotinoid), as unexpected behavioral changes after exposure have been known to affect efficacy of insecticides.RESULTSWe found that bed bugs exposed to sublethal doses of a combination product containing β‐cyfluthrin and imidacloprid did not feed as effectively as untreated bugs. Their locomotion behavior was also reduced. However, aggregation in response to the presence of conspecific harborages was not affected by sublethal exposure.CONCLUSIONBed bugs exhibit behavioral changes after sublethal exposure to a combination product that could affect pest management choices and outcomes. A reduction in host‐finding efficiency and feeding could complement the lethal effects of the insecticide. Alternatively, reduced locomotion following exposure could limit ongoing contact with insecticide deposits. However, an overall reduction in movement indicates that treatments are unlikely to cause dispersal of bugs to adjacent dwellings. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Nucleation and solid–liquid interfacial energy of Li nanoparticles: A molecular dynamics study
Authors: Yang Jianyu , Hu Wangyu 
Published: June 2016

AbstractThe nucleation and growth processes of lithium nanoparticles are simulated by molecular dynamics and embedded atom method. A critical temperature dividing, shrinking, or growing of lithium nanoparticles is determined. The linear relationship between the depression of the melting point of the lithium nanoparticle and the reciprocal of the critical nuclei is determined when the critical nuclei are between 1.0 and 2.0 nm. Solid–liquid interfacial energies of lithium nanoparticles are estimated from the Gibbs–Thomson effect. These results are consistent with the experimental values of other metals.
Thermodynamic stability of mixed Pb:Sn methyl‐ammonium halide perovskites
Authors: Korshunova Ksenia , Winterfeld Lars , Beenken Wichard J. D. , Runge Erich 
Published: June 2016

AbstractUsing density functional theory, we investigate systematically mixed perovskites, where is , and is , , or . Ab initio calculations of the orthorhombic, tetragonal, and cubic perovskite phases show that the substitution of lead by tin has a much weaker influence on both structure and cohesive energies than the substitution of the halogen. The thermodynamic stability of the mixtures at finite, non‐zero temperatures is studied within the regular solution model. We predict that it will be possible to create mixtures at any temperature. Our results imply that mixing is unlikely for the low‐temperature phase of bromide and chloride compounds, where instead local clusters are more likely to form. We further predict that in the high‐temperature cubic phase, Pb and Sn compounds will mix for both and due to the entropy contribution to the Helmholtz free energy.
CoFe2O4–ZnO nanoparticles for rapid microwave‐assisted tryptic digestion of phosphoprotein and phosphopeptide analysis by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Nawaz Mohd Imtiaz , Hasan Nazim , Wu Hui‐Fen 
Published: June 2016

RationalePhosphorylation is a post‐translational modification of proteins that plays very important role in a large number of biological processes. However, despite recent advancements in phosphoproteome research, large‐scale detection and characterization of phosphopeptides by mass spectrometry (MS) is still a challenging task due to the low abundance of phosphopeptides and sub‐stoichiometric nature of phosphorylation sites. On‐particle microwave‐assisted trypsin digestion of phosphoproteins and enrichment of phosphopeptides is an effective method for identification/characterization of phosphopeptides. Magnetic nanoparticles typically can absorb microwave radiation and generate heat in order to resolve complex phosphproteins and to enhance the digestion rate and capture the phosphopeptides on their modified surfaces.MethodsIn this study, we used a cheap and efficient method for rapid microwave‐assisted tryptic digestion of phosphoproteins and simultaneous enrichment of phosphopeptides using CoFe2O4‐ZnO magnetic nanoparticles. Using this technique, the digestion time of phosphoproteins can be reduced and the phosphopeptides can be quickly analyzed by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOFMS). For the first time, we have applied CoFe2O4‐ZnO magnetic nanoparticles for enrichment of phosphopeptides from standard phosphoproteins (β‐casein and ovalbumin), complex samples (human serum and egg white) and a protein mixture of β‐casein and BSA (1:100).ResultsOur results demonstrate that the capture efficiency of CoFe2O4‐ZnO nanoparticles for β‐casein and ovalbumin in MALDI‐TOFMS is very high (detection limits 0.2 fmol and 20 fmol, respectively). The CoFe2O4‐ZnO nanoparticles have high affinity for phosphopeptide enrichment for β‐casein in complex mixtures with BSA at 1:10 and 1:100 molar ratios in the microwave within 30 s.ConclusionsCompared with other reported magnetic nanoparticles, the CoFe2O4‐ZnO nanoparticles are easy to prepare and handle, and can save time in the phosphopeptide enrichment procedure, making these nanoparticle a good choice for highly sensitive phosphopeptide enrichment. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nitenpyram degradation in finished drinking water
Authors: Noestheden Matthew , Roberts Simon , Hao Chunyan 
Published: June 2016

RationaleNeonicotinoid pesticides and their metabolites have been indicated as contributing factors in the decline of honey bee colonies. A thorough understanding of neonicotinoid toxicity requires knowledge of their metabolites and environmental breakdown products. This work investigated the rapid degradation of the neonicotinoid nitenpyram in finished drinking water.MethodsNitenpyram reaction products were characterized using liquid chromatography/quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (LC/QTOFMS). A software algorithm that compared degraded and control samples was utilized to facilitate efficient data reduction. Fragmentation pathways for six reaction products and nitenpyram were proposed using predictive software and manual product ion analysis.ResultsThis study showed that nitenpyram degradation in unpreserved finished drinking water was likely the result of oxidation, hydrolysis and reaction with Cl2. Structures for six nitenpyram reaction products were proposed that suggest the C9/C11 olefin as the key reactive site.ConclusionsSimilarities between the identified nitenpyram reaction products and imidacloprid metabolites highlight the importance of this study, as the toxicity of neonicotinoids to pollinators has been linked to their metabolites. Based on the proposed reaction mechanisms, the identified nitenpyram reaction products in finished drinking water could also be present in the environment and water treatment facilities. As such, identifying these degradation products will aid in evaluating the environmental impact of neonicotinoid pesticides. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The oxygen isotope composition of San Carlos olivine on the VSMOW2‐SLAP2 scale
Authors: Pack Andreas , Tanaka Ryoji , Hering Markus , Sengupta Sukanya , Peters Stefan , Nakamura Eizo 
Published: June 2016

RationaleThe precise determination of Δ'17O values in terrestrial material is becoming increasingly important to understand the mass‐dependent fractionation processes that cause variations in oxygen isotope ratios. San Carlos olivine is widely used as the reference material for oxygen isotope measurements of terrestrial and extraterrestrial materials. We report new Δ'17O values for San Carlos olivine that were independently determined in two different laboratories (Geoscience Center [GZG], University of Göttingen) and Institute for Study of the Earth's Interior [ISEI], Okayama University, Misasa) in direct comparison with VSMOW2 and SLAP2 water standards.MethodsThe δ17O and δ18O values of VSMOW2, SLAP2, GISP, and San Carlos olivine were determined relative to reference gas. In both laboratories, water and San Carlos olivine samples were prepared by BrF5 fluorination. In both laboratories, the O2 released from water and olivine samples was passed through the same purification system and measured using the same mass spectrometer relative to the same reference gas.ResultsIn both laboratories, the δ17OVSMOW2 and δ18OVSMOW2 scales were slightly compressed with respect to the recommended composition of VSMOW2 and SLAP2. The new Δ'17O0.528 value (calculated from the VSMOW2‐SLAP2 scaled δ values) of San Carlos olivine from GZG was −36 ± 9 ppm and, from ISEI, a value of −40 ± 7 ppm (1σ standard deviation) was determined. These values are ~50 ppm higher than previously reported from the same laboratories. Possible causes for the observed discrepancies are discussed.ConclusionsThe results of this study in comparison with previous data from the same laboratories demonstrated that for high accuracy determination of Δ'17O values: (i) calibration of the reference gas relative to O2 released from primary standards (VSMOW2, SLAP2) in the same laboratory is highly recommended, (ii) non‐linearity of the mass spectrometer may not only affect δ17O and δ18O values but also Δ'17O values, and (iii) the VSMOW2‐SLAP2 scaling should also be applied to analyses of rocks and minerals. Studies that are concerned with small differences in Δ'17O at similar δ18O values, however, are not affected by non‐linearity of the mass spectrometer. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A systematic analysis strategy for accurate detection of anthocyanin pigments in red wines
Authors: Li Si‐Yu , He Fei , Zhu Bao‐Qing , Xing Ran‐Ran , Reeves Malcolm J. , Duan Chang‐Qing 
Published: June 2016

RationaleTo develop a reliable and accurate method for the identification of anthocyanins and their subsequent derivatives formed during red grape fermentation and wine maturation.MethodsBy using a Poroshell 120 EC‐C18 column in a high‐performance liquid chromatography/triple‐quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC/QqQ‐MS/MS) system, combined with multiple reaction monitoring (MRM), it was possible to establish and validate a method for the determination of anthocyanin and a range of complex reaction products. A selected range of six 3‐O‐glucosidic anthocyanins were used as standards. A database was established from these results. Then various red wines were examined and quantified by this method.ResultsWith the range of accuracy and precision being 86.97–111.39% and 0.09–4.32%, respectively, the HPLC/QqQ‐MS/MS method was found to be a reliable method for anthocyanin detection. By using this HPLC/QqQ‐MS/MS method combined with the inclusive database, accurate identification of 95 anthocyanin compounds of different families from various wine samples was systematically achieved in 29 min.ConclusionsBy combining this analytical system with an inclusive database, it was possible to determine a wide range of anthocyanins and related complex derivatives for the first time. We consider that it should be possible to extend this method further to include more complex anthocyanins, and to other complex compounds. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ion trap mass spectrometry of surfactins produced by Bacillus subtilis SZMC 6179J reveals novel fragmentation features of cyclic lipopeptides
Authors: Bóka Bettina , Manczinger László , Kecskeméti Anita , Chandrasekaran Muthusamy , Kadaikunnan Shine , Alharbi Naiyf S. , Vágvölgyi Csaba , Szekeres András 
Published: June 2016

RationaleSurfactins are mixtures of cyclic lipopeptides consisting of variants of a heptapeptide and a linked β‐hydroxy fatty acid with various chain lengths of 13–15 carbon atoms. A lactone bridge between the β‐hydroxy functional group of the fatty acid and the carboxy terminal functional component of the peptide chain form their cyclic structures. Such lipopeptides, produced mainly by Bacillus species, possess several remarkable biological effects such as antitumor and antimicrobial activities, some of which are highly promising for utilization in plant disease biocontrol. The strain Bacillus subtilis SZMC 6179J was previously shown to exert significant antifungal properties against various phytopathogenic filamentous fungi; therefore, we characterized the structural features of the surfactins produced by this strain in order to explore the origin of the observed antagonistic effects of this potential biocontrol organism.MethodsBacillus subtilis SZMC 6179J was used to produce surfactins, which were characterized by high‐performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionisation ion trap mass spectrometry (HPLC/ESI‐ITMS) techniques after precipitation and extraction steps.ResultsThe 26 isoforms separated and identified represent three types of known surfactin variants and a fourth, previously unknown group characterised by the replacement of the leucine residue by valine in position 2. The relative amounts of this newly identified surfactin group were below 1%, and their cyclic structures were closed by C13–C15 hydroxy fatty acids. The structural assessment of the isoforms by MS2 measurements led to the characterisation and description of a new fragmentation mechanism of surfactins.ConclusionsThe detected new natural lipoheptapeptide compounds with modified structures have significant potential for biotechnological and biocontrol applications. The complementary ITMS2 data as well as the described internal fragmentation mechanism obtained from the sodiated surfactin molecules may further facilitate the structural elucidation of cyclic lipopeptides in the future. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.