INTRAMOLECULAR VIBRATIONAL-ENERGY TRANSFER IN METHYL FORMATE

Intramolecular vibrational energy transfer in isolated gas phase molecules of methyl formate has been studied by spectrally resolving the IR laser induced fluorescence from C???H stretch fundamentals, combination bands, and overtones in the region from 2900 to 3500 cm???1. By comparing the experimentally observed relative energy content of the IR active modes with that calculated from a statistical model it is concluded that complete randomization of the energy initially deposited in the zeroth order optically excited state occurs. However, due to the finite density of vibrations, that statistical distribution differs clearly from a thermal distribution. Both the model and experiment agree that different optically excited states deposit different amounts of energy in the carbonyl stretching mode at 1754 cm???1. We also observe a rotational state dependence of vibrational energy transfer in the 2939 cm???1 band. The experiments are performed by exciting a molecule cooled in a nozzle expansion with light from an infrared optical parametric oscillator. The fluorescence spectra are recorded with a cryogenic Michelson interferometer. REFERENCE

Small Molecule Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Nintedanib Reduces Development of Cardiac Allograft Vasculopathy in Murine Aortic Allografts

Background. Nintedanib is a small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor that blocks the action of the platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR), the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) and the fibroblast growth factor receptor. All of these receptors have been shown to be involved in the development of cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) after heart transplantation. We therefore hypothesized that blocking these tyrosine kinase receptors with nintedanib could prevent CAV. Methods. CBA/JRj (H2k) mice underwent an abdominal aortic transplantation with a graft derived from fully allogeneic C57BL/6JRj (H2b) mice. Nintedanib was given daily from the first day after transplantation until harvest on day 14 for polymerase chain reaction analysis of intragraft cytokine expression or harvest on day 30 for histological analysis of the graft. Results. Nintedanib treatment resulted in significantly reduced neointima formation in the aortic graft compared with untreated control allografts. Interestingly, the immigration of smooth muscle cells into the neointima was markedly reduced while graft infiltrating macrophages and T cells were not altered in nintedanib-treated animals. The expression of the growth factor PDGF was significantly reduced in the nintedanib group going along with a distinctly reduced expression of the corresponding receptors PDGFR α and -β. Conclusions. Treatment with nintedanib caused a significant reduction of CAV development after aortic transplantation in mice. We hypothesize the attenuated neointima formation in nintedanib-treated animals to be mediated by a direct inhibition of intimal smooth muscle cell proliferation via reduced expression of PDGF and the appropriate receptors PDGFR α + β

Implementing a Digital Wellness Application into Use : Challenges and Solutions Among Aged People

The ageing population is a growing priority area for policy makers and healthcare providers worldwide. Life expectancy is improving, but at the same time, insufficient physical activity threatens older age. Thus, an important question arises: how to improve the probability of people living a healthy and active life in older age. One potential solution to support physical activity and healthy aging is digital wellness technologies. However, digital wellness technologies are still typically designed for younger populations, yet a growing need and potential also among aged people is prevalent. Aged people are a user group with distinct needs and challenges. The main purpose of this study was to identify challenges and suggest solutions for implementing digital wellness applications into use among aged people. The focus was on the implementation phase. This study was based on a research program where groups of aged people implement into use a digital wellness application that is meant for tracking, following, and supporting physical activity and exercise. In total, 14 main challenges in implementing digital wellness applications into use among aged people were identified. These challenges are categorised into 1) technology-based challenges, 2) physical activity-based challenges, and 3) participant-related challenges. In addition, possible solutions for each challenge are suggested. The findings of this study provide both researchers and practitioners with insights on aspects that would be beneficial to be taken into account in designing digital wellness applications and building digital wellness interventions for aged people.peerReviewe