bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hepatic and nephric mercury and selenium concentrations in common mergansers, mergus merganser, from baltic region, Europe
Authors: Kalisinska Elzbieta , Gorecki Jerzy , Okonska Anna , Pilarczyk Bogumila , Tomza-Marciniak Agnieszka , Budis Halina , Lanocha Natalia , Kosik-Bogacka Danuta I. , Kavetska Katarzyna M. , Macherzynski Mariusz , Golas Janusz
Published: October 2013

The subject of the present study was the piscivorous common mergansers (Mergus merganser). The total mercury (THg), methylmercury (MeHg), selenium (Se) inorganic mercury (InHg; THg – MeHg), percentage of THg that is MeHg (%MeHg), molar ratios (THg:Se, MeHg:Se, InHg:Se), and their mutual relations in livers and kidneys were determined in ducks from an Se-deficient area in Poland. The authors verified a hypothesis that, as a result of living in an Se-deficient region, mergansers from Poland should have higher THg:Se ratios than other waterbirds with similar THg tissue levels. Although a comparison of healthy mergansers from Poland and Canada showed similar THg tissue contents, the group in the present study had a few times lower Se levels and higher THg:Se ratios (overall means >1.7 in both livers and kidneys in all studied individuals) than the Canadian group and other European and North American waterbirds. The authors found significant correlations between various relations, including MeHg–THg, InHg–THg, Se–THg, %MeHg–THg, InHg/%THg–THg, %MeHg/THg–InHg, %InHg/THg–InHg, MeHg:Se–THg:Se, InHg:Se–THg:Se, InHg:Se–MeHg:Se in liver and InHg–THg, Se–THg, Se–InHg, %MeHg–THg, %MeHg–InHg, %InHg/THg–InHg, THg:Se–THg, InHg:Se–THg, MeHg:Se–MeHg, THg:Se–InHg, InHg:Se–InHg, and InHg:Se–THg:Se in kidney. It is likely that the main factor responsible for the high value of THG:Se ratio (>1) in mergansers from Poland is Se deficiency in central and northern Europe. Therefore, this element is unlikely to participate in the detoxification of Hg in these birds. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:421–430. © 2013 SETAC
A scheme for connecting vehicular networks to the Internet
Authors: Xiaonan Wang , Haili Huang , Hongbin Cheng , Rong Zhou
Published: October 2013

This paper proposes a scheme for connecting vehicular networks to the Internet protocol version 6‐based Internet. In this scheme, the architecture based on road domains is proposed in order to reduce the mobility handover frequency. Based on this architecture, the distributed address configuration algorithm for vehicular networks is proposed. In this algorithm, a vehicle obtains a unique address from the nearest access point (AP) without duplicate address detection. Based on this architecture, the routing algorithm based on the geographical position is proposed. The routing algorithm is performed in the link layer, and a vehicle achieves the communication with the Internet via the nearest AP. As a result, the communication delay is shortened. In this scheme, a vehicle is always identified by its home address, and during the mobility process, it does not need to be configured with a care‐of address. Therefore, the packet loss caused by the address change is avoided. Moreover, during the mobility handover process, a vehicle can receive the data from the same AP, so the packet loss rate is substantially reduced. This paper evaluates the performance of the proposed scheme, and the data results show that this scheme shortens the communication delay and lowers the packet loss. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Visual Study of Bubble Formation in Microfluidic Fuel Cells
Authors: Shyu J.‐C.
Published: October 2013

Two microfluidic fuel cells having microchannel widths of 1.0 mm (cell #1) and 0.5 mm (cell #2) with electrode spacing of 0.4 mm were tested at volumetric flow rates ranging from 0.1 to 1.0 ml min–1. The concentration of hydrogen peroxide was tested at 0.1, 0.3, and 0.6 M. An additional microfluidic fuel cell (cell #3) having microchannel width of 0.5 mm and electrode spacing of 0.2 mm was also tested. Bubble formation under various tested conditions in different microchannels are presented. The open circuit voltage of the cells increased as reactant volumetric flow rate increased. Effect of electrode spacing on cell performance depends on the reactant concentration and volumetric flow rate. Also reported was the area‐specific internal resistance of the present cells and their fuel utilization corresponding to peak power density at a given flow rate with [H2O2] = 0.1 M. For cell #1, cell #2, and cell #3, respectively, the maximum power densities were 9, 40, and 16 mW cm–2 at 1.0 ml min–1 and 0.6 M, while the maximum power densities were 5, 11, and 15 mW cm–2 at 1.0 ml min–1 and 0.1 M.
Fuel Cell Membranes Based on Grafted and Post‐Sulfonated Glycidyl Methacrylate (GMA)
Authors: Buchmüller Y. , Wokaun A. , Gubler L.
Published: October 2013

Glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) was pre‐irradiation grafted into ETFE base film of 25 μm thickness up to graft levels of 300%. The grafted films were sulfonated using a mixture of sulfite and bisulfite. FTIR and SEM–EDX analysis of the synthesized films and membranes was performed to confirm the grafting and the sulfonation. A pronounced front mechanism for grafting of GMA into ETFE was found. Regarding ex situ fuel cell relevant properties, conductivities of up to 0.25 S cm–1 were attained. For the first time, fuel cell testing of this type of membrane is reported. These grafted membranes performed comparable to a commercial benchmark membrane (Nafion® 212) and better than a styrene‐based grafted membrane with similar conductivity. Post‐test FTIR analysis showed that a fraction of the grafted chains was lost during the test under constant current conditions, yet the membrane still exhibited superior durability compared to a styrene‐based grafted membrane. Hydrolysis of the methacrylate groups was shown not to be the principle cause of the loss of sulfonic acid groups.
Maximum mouth opening and trismus in 143 patients treated for oral cancer: A 1‐year prospective study
Authors: Wetzels Jan‐Willem G. H. , Merkx Matthias A. W. , de Haan Anton F. J. , Koole Ron , Speksnijder Caroline M.
Published: October 2013

Background

Patients with oral cancer can develop restricted mouth opening (trismus) because of the oncologic treatment.

Methods

Maximum mouth opening (MMO) was measured in 143 patients shortly before treatment and 0, 6, and 12 months posttreatment, and the results were analyzed using a linear mixed‐effects model.

Results

In every patient, MMO decreased after treatment. The patients who underwent surgery, recovered partially by 6 and 12 months after treatment, whereas the patients who received both surgery and radiotherapy or primary radiotherapy did not recover. Tumor location, tumor size, and alcohol consumption had independent effects on MMO. Having trismus (MMO <35 mm) 1 year after treatment was associated most strongly with pretreatment MMO, receiving both surgery and radiotherapy, and maxillary or mandibular tumor involvement.

Conclusion

Postoperative radiotherapy and maxillary or mandibular tumor involvement are the highest contributing risk factors to decreasing MMO and the subsequent development of trismus after oral cancer treatment. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 36: 1754–1762, 2014
Feeding tube use in patients with head and neck cancer
Authors: Lewis Sherri L. , Brody Rebecca , Touger–Decker Riva , Parrott James S. , Epstein Joel
Published: October 2013

Background

Use of a prophylactic feeding tube before concurrent chemotherapy and radiotherapy (CRT) for patients with head and neck cancer is often debated.

Methods

A retrospective, exploratory study of 109 veterans with stage III/IV head and neck cancer who completed standard CRT was conducted. Relationships among 3 feeding tube status groups: prophylactic feeding tube (PFT), reactive feeding tube (RFT), and no feeding tube (no‐FT) were compared for clinical outcomes.

Results

Patients with a PFT had significantly less weight loss during CRT, fewer nutrition‐related emergency department visits or hospitalizations, and higher proportions of chemotherapy cycles completed compared to those with an RFT or no‐FT. At 12 months post‐CRT, there was no relationship between the use of a PFT and 100% feeding tube dependency.

Conclusion

Use of a PFT in this veteran population with stage III/IV head and neck cancer produced better outcomes when compared to both an RFT or no feeding tube without higher rates of long‐term dysphagia. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 36: 1789–1795, 2014
The theta‐related firing activity of parvalbumin‐positive neurons in the medial septum‐diagonal band of broca complex and their response to 5‐HT1A Receptor stimulation in a rat model of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Li Li‐Bo , Han Ling‐Na , Zhang Qiao‐Jun , Sun Yi‐Na , Wang Yong , Feng Jie , Zhang Li , Wang Tao , Chen Li , Liu Jian
Published: October 2013

The parvalbumin (PV)‐positive neurons in the medial septum‐diagonal band of Broca complex (MS‐DB) play an important role in the generation of hippocampal theta rhythm involved in cognitive functions. These neurons in this region express a high density of 5‐HT1A receptors which regulate the neuronal activity and consequently affect the theta rhythm. In this study, we examined changes in the theta‐related firing activity of PV‐positive neurons in the MS‐DB, their response to 5‐HT1A receptor stimulation and the corresponding hippocampal theta rhythm, and the density of PV‐positive neurons and their co‐localization with 5‐HT1A receptors in rats with 6‐hydroxydopamine lesions of the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc). The lesion of the SNc decreased the rhythmically bursting activity of PV‐positive neurons and the peak frequency of hippocampal theta rhythm. Systemic administration of 5‐HT1A receptor agonist 8‐OH‐DPAT (0.5–128 µg/kg, i.v.) inhibited the firing rate of PV‐positive neurons and disrupted rhythmically bursting activity of the neurons and the theta rhythm in sham‐operated and the lesioned rats, respectively. The cumulative doses producing inhibition and disruption in the lesioned rats were higher than that of sham‐operated rats. Furthermore, local application of 8‐OH‐DPAT (0.005 μg) in the MS‐DB also inhibited the firing rate of PV‐positive neurons and disrupted their rhythmically bursting activity in sham‐operated rats, while having no effect on PV‐positive neurons in the lesioned rats. The lesion of the SNc decreased the density of PV‐positive neurons in the MS‐DB, and percentage of PV‐positive neurons expressing 5‐HT1A receptors. These results indicate that the lesion of the SNc leads to suppression of PV‐positive neurons in the MS‐DB and hippocampal theta rhythm. Furthermore, the lesion decreases the response of these neurons to 5‐HT1A receptor stimulation, which attributes to dysfunction and/or down‐regulation of 5‐HT1A receptor expression on these neurons. These changes may be involved in cognitive impairments of Parkinson's disease. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Endogenous cathelicidin production limits inflammation and protective immunity to Mycobacterium avium in mice
Authors: Santos José Carlos , Silva‐Gomes Sandro , Silva João Pedro , Gama Miguel , Rosa Gustavo , Gallo Richard L. , Appelberg Rui
Published: October 2013

The production of antimicrobial peptides, such as the cathelicidins, plays a prominent role in the innate immune response against microbial pathogens. Cathelicidins are widely distributed amongst living organisms, and the antimicrobial peptides generated by proteolysis of the precursor forms are typically cationic and α‐helical, a structure that facilitates their interaction and insertion into anionic bacterial cell walls and membranes, causing damage and promoting microbial death. Here, we found that mouse cathelicidin (Camp) expression was induced in bone marrow‐derived macrophages by infection with Mycobacterium avium in a TLR2‐ and TNF‐dependent manner. However, the endogenous production of the cathelin‐related antimicrobial peptide (CRAMP) was not required for the bacteriostasis of M. avium either in primary cultures of macrophages or in vivo, as shown by the use of CRAMP‐null mice. In contrast, the lack of Camp led to a transient improvement of M. avium growth control in the spleens of infected mice while at the same time causing an exacerbation of the inflammatory response to infection. Our data highlight the anti‐inflammatory effects of CRAMP and suggests that virulent mycobacteria may possess strategies to escape its antimicrobial activity.
Pushing tumor cells towards a malignant phenotype: Stimuli from the microenvironment, intercellular communications and alternative roads
Authors: Marcucci Fabrizio , Bellone Matteo , Caserta Carmelo Antonio , Corti Angelo
Published: October 2013

The tumor microenvironment produces different types of stimuli capable of endowing tumor cells with an aggressive behavior that is characterized by increased motility, invasiveness and propensity to metastasize, gain of a tumor‐initiating phenotype, and drug resistance. The following classes of stimuli have been reported to promote such a malignant phenotype: (i) solid‐ or fluid‐induced stress; (ii) altered composition of the extracellular matrix; (iii) hypoxia and low pH; (iv) innate and adaptive immune responses; (v) antitumor drugs. The simultaneous presence of more than one of these stimuli, as likely occurs in vivo, may lead to synergistic interactions in the induction of malignant traits. In many cases, the gain of a malignant phenotype is not the result of a direct effect of the stimuli on tumor cells but, rather, a stimulus‐promoted cross‐talk between tumor cells and other cell types within the tumor microenvironment. This cross‐talk is mainly mediated by two classes of molecules: paracrine factors and adhesion receptors. Stimuli that promote a malignant phenotype can promote additional outcomes in tumor cells, including autophagy and cell death. We summarize here the available evidence about the variables that induce tumor cells to take one or the other of these roads in response to the same stimuli. At the end of this review, we address some unanswered questions in this domain and indicate future directions of research.
New syngeneic inflammatory‐related lung cancer metastatic model harboring double KRAS/WWOX alterations
Authors: Bleau Anne‐Marie , Freire Javier , Pajares María José , Zudaire Isabel , Anton Iker , Nistal‐Villán Estanislao , Redrado Miriam , Zandueta Caroli na , Garmendia Irati , Ajona Daniel , Blanco David , Pio Ruben , Lecanda Fernando , Calvo Alfonso , Montuenga Luis M.
Published: October 2013

New mouse models with specific drivers of genetic alterations are needed for preclinical studies. Herein, we created and characterized at the genetic level a new syngeneic model for lung cancer and metastasis in Balb‐c mice. Tumor cell lines were obtained from a silica‐mediated airway chronic inflammation that promotes tumorigenesis when combined with low doses of N‐nitrosodimethylamine, a tobacco smoke carcinogen. Orthotopic transplantation of these cells induced lung adenocarcinomas, and their intracardiac injection led to prominent colonization of various organs (bone, lung, liver and brain). Driver gene alterations included a mutation in the codon 12 of KRAS (G–A transition), accompanied by a homozygous deletion of the WW domain‐containing oxidoreductase (WWOX) gene. The mutant form of WWOX lacked exons 5–8 and displayed reduced protein expression level and activity. WWOX gene restoration decreased the in vitro and in vivo tumorigenicity, confirming the tumor suppressor function of this gene in this particular model. Interestingly, we found that cells displayed remarkable sphere formation ability with expression of specific lung cancer stem cell markers. Study of non‐small‐cell lung cancer patient cohorts demonstrated a deletion of WWOX in 30% of cases, with significant reduction in protein levels as compared to normal tissues. Overall, our new syngeneic mouse model provides a most valuable tool to study lung cancer metastasis in balb‐c mice background and highlights the importance of WWOX deletion in lung carcinogenesis.
Study of Cl−(H2O)n (n = 1–4) using basin‐hopping method coupled with density functional theory
Authors: Jiang Shuai , Liu Yi‐Rong , Huang Teng , Wen Hui , Xu Kang‐Ming , Zhao Wei‐Xiong , Zhang Wei‐Jun , Huang Wei
Published: October 2013

Cl−(H2O)n (n = 1–4) clusters were investigated using a basin‐hopping (BH) algorithm coupled with density functional theory (DFT). Structures, energetics, thermodynamics, vertical detachment energies, and vibrational frequencies were obtained from high‐level ab initio calculations. Through comparisons with previous theoretical and experimental data, it was demonstrated that the combination of the BH method and DFT could accurately predict the global and local minima of Cl−(H2O)n (n = 1–4). Additionally, to optimize larger Cl−(H2O)n (n > 4) clusters, several popular density functionals as well as DF‐LMP2 (Schütz et al., J. Chem. Phys. 2004, 121, 737) (second‐order Møller‐Plesset perturbation theory using local and density fitting approximations) were tested with appropriate basis sets through comparisons with MP2 optimized results. DF‐LMP2 will be used in future studies because its overall performance in describing the relative binding energies and the geometrical parameters of Cl−(H2O)n (n = 1–4) was outstanding in this study. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Computer‐aided Discovery of Potential Inhibitors for Transthyretin‐related Amyloidosis
Authors: Zhou Zheng‐Li , Liu Hsuan‐Liang , Wu Josephine W. , Tsao Cheng‐Wen , Chen Wei‐Hsi , Liu Kung‐Tien , Ho Yih
Published: October 2013

Transthyretin (TTR) is a homotetrameric plasma protein associated with human amyloid diseases. Although Tafamidis has been recently approved for the treatment of TTR familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP), there is still a need for more effective drugs in the treatment of TTR amyloidosis diseases. In this study, a computer‐aided approach combining molecular docking, virtual screening and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations was employed to identify potent TTR amyloidosis inhibitors from National Cancer Institute (NCI), Maybridge and Asdi databases. A receptor‐specific scoring function was also developed using comparative binding energy (COMBINE) method to accurately predict the inhibitory activities for the selected compounds during virtual screening. The developed receptor‐specific scoring function demonstrated good predictive ability by yielding strong correlation coefficients between experimental activities and estimated activities for 32 training set and 9 test set compounds, respectively. Moreover, it was successfully applied to rank the candidate compounds from structure‐based virtual screening. Finally, three compounds (NSC220163, MFCD00276817 and SPB06319) were identified as potential leads, which exhibited higher predicted inhibitory activities and higher binding affinities in comparison to the Tafamidis. Our results further suggest that halogen bonding interaction plays a crucial role in stabilizing the TTR‐inhibitor complex. These results indicate that our computational approach could effectively discover more potent TTR amyloidosis inhibitors, which can be further validate by in vitro and in vivo biological tests.
Toxic Interaction between Dibutyl Phthalate and Human Serum Albumin: Spectroscopic and Molecular Modeling Investigations
Authors: Yuan Dong , Shen Zhong‐lan , Liu Ru‐tao , Wei Pei‐hai , Gao Can‐zhu
Published: October 2013

Because of the widely usage of Dibutyl phthalate (DBP), its residue exist extensively in the environment and can enter human body, being potential harmful. Human serum albumin (HSA) is a major transporter for endogenous and exogenous compounds in vivo. The aim of this study was to examine the interaction of HSA with DBP through spectroscopic and molecular modeling methods. The experiments revealed that DBP binds to site I (subdomain IIA) of HSA mainly through hydrophobic interactions, illustrated by the calculated ΔH and ΔS. Furthermore, molecular docking was applied to define the specific binding sites, the results of which show that DBP mainly interacts with the positively charged amino acid residues LEU 219, PHE 223, LEU 234, LEU 238, ALA 258, LEU 260, and ILE 290 predominately through hydrophobic interactions, in accordance with the conclusion of thermodynamic analysis. The binding of DBP can cause conformational and some microenvironmental changes of HSA, revealed by UV‐vis absorption, synchronous fluorescence, and circular dichroism results. The accurate and full basic data in the work is beneficial to clarifying the binding mechanism of DBP with HSA in vivo and understanding its effect on protein function during the blood transportation process.
Measurement accuracy of different active tracking sequences for interventional MRI
Authors: Wech Tobias , Shea Steven M. , Barbot Julien , Vij Kamal , Pan Li , Lorenz Christine H. , Patil Sunil
Published: October 2013

Purpose

To compare the spatial accuracy of three typical active tracking sequences using a new, unique phantom design.

Materials and Methods

Three different tracking sequences (Single Echo, Dual Echo and Hadamard Multiplexed) were compared with each other in a phantom study with respect to their positional accuracy. A custom‐built phantom was constructed to conduct the experiments with precise framework conditions which facilitated sufficient measurement accuracy. An electrophysiology catheter incorporating four micro‐coils was used as an interventional device. Tracking profiles were acquired in all three spatial dimensions and validated against the distances that were measured by a Vernier caliper in combination with a three‐dimensional reference scan.

Results

The Bland‐Altman plots demonstrated that all three sequences show < 1.5 mm positional error. The measurement accuracy of Single Echo and Double Echo are prone to off‐resonances, whereas Hadamard Encoding is immune to it.

Conclusion

The developed phantom enabled the performance of objective measurements of the accuracy of different active tracking sequences. The proposed setup allows for objectively contrasting different methods for interventional procedures. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2014;40:490–495. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Clinical utility of endorectal MRI‐guided prostate biopsy: Preliminary experience
Authors: Jung Adam J. , Westphalen Antonio C. , Kurhanewicz John , Wang Zhen J. , Carroll Peter R. , Simko Jeffry P. , Coakley Fergus V.
Published: October 2013

Purpose

To investigate the potential clinical utility of endorectal MRI‐guided biopsy in patients with known or suspected prostate cancer.

Materials and Methods

We prospectively recruited 24 men with known or suspected prostate cancer in whom MRI‐guided biopsy was clinically requested after multiparametric endorectal MRI showed one or more appropriate targets. One to six 18‐gauge biopsy cores were obtained from each patient. Transrectal ultrasound guided biopsy results and post MRI‐guided biopsy complications were also recorded.

Results

MRI‐guided biopsy was positive in 5 of 7 patients with suspected prostate cancer (including 2 of 4 with prior negative ultrasound‐guided biopsies), in 8 of 12 with known untreated prostate cancer (including 5 where MRI‐guided biopsy demonstrated a higher Gleason score than ultrasound guided biopsy results), and in 3 of 5 with treated cancer. MRI‐guided biopsies had a significantly higher maximum percentage of cancer in positive cores when compared with ultrasound guided biopsy (mean of 37 ± 8% versus 13 ± 4%; P = 0.01). No serious postbiopsy complications occurred.

Conclusion

Our preliminary experience suggests endorectal MRI‐guided biopsy may safely contribute to the management of patients with known or suspected prostate cancer by making a new diagnosis of malignancy, upgrading previously diagnosed disease, or diagnosing local recurrence. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2014;40:314–323. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ionic‐liquid‐assisted microwave distillation coupled with headspace single‐drop microextraction followed by GC–MS for the rapid analysis of essential oil in Dryopteris fragrans
Authors: Jiao Jiao , Gai Qing‐Yan , Wang Wei , Luo Meng , Zhao Chun‐Jian , Fu Yu‐Jie , Ma Wei
Published: October 2013

A rapid, green and effective miniaturized sample preparation technique, ionic‐liquid‐assisted microwave distillation coupled with headspace single‐drop microextraction was developed for the extraction of essential oil from dried Dryopteris fragrans. 1‐Ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium acetate was the optimal ionic liquid as the destruction agent of plant cell walls and microwave absorption was medium. n‐Heptadecane (2.0 μL) was adopted as the suspended microdrop solvent in the headspace for the extraction and concentration of essential oil. The optimal parameters of the proposed method were an irradiation power of 300 W, sample mass of 0.9 g, mass ratio of ionic liquids to sample of 2.8, extraction temperature of 79°C, and extraction time of 3.6 min. In comparison to the previous reports, the proposed technique could equally monitor all the essential oil components with no significant differences in a simple way, which was more rapid and required a much lower amount of sample.
Ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potentials in response to three test positions and two frequencies
Authors: Todai Janvi K. , Congdon Sharon L. , Sangi‐Haghpeykar Haleh , Cohen Helen S.
Published: October 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

To determine how eye closure, test positions, and stimulus frequencies influence ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potentials.

Study Design

This study used a within‐subjects repeated measures design.

Methods

Twenty asymptomatic subjects were each tested on ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potentials in three head/eye conditions at 500 Hz and 1,000 Hz using air‐conducted sound: 1) sitting upright, head erect, eyes open, looking up; 2) lying supine, neck flexed 30°, eyes open, looking up; and 3) lying supine, neck flexed 30°, eyes closed, relaxed. The four dependent variables measured were n10, p16, amplitude, and threshold.

Results

Supine/eyes open was comparable to sitting/eyes open and better than supine/eyes closed. Eyes closed resulted in lower amplitude, higher threshold, and prolonged latency. Significantly fewer subjects provided responses with eyes closed than with eyes open. No significant differences were found between both eyes open conditions. Both n10 and p16 were lower at 1,000 Hz than at 500 Hz. Amplitude and threshold were higher at 1,000 Hz than at 500 Hz.

Conclusions

Supine/eyes open is a reliable alternative to sitting/eyes open in patients who cannot maintain a seated position. Testing at 1,000 Hz provides a larger response with a faster onset that fatigues faster than at 500 Hz. The increased variability and decreased response in the eyes closed position suggest that the eyes closed position is not reliable.

Level of Evidence

3b Laryngoscope, 124:E237–E240, 2014
Alkylphosphocholines as Promising Antitumor Agents: Exploring the Role of Structural Features on the Hemolytic Potential
Authors: de Sá Matheus Malta , Pasqualoto Kerly Fernanda Mesquita , Modestia Silvestre Massimo , Rangel‐Yagui Carlota O.
Published: October 2013

Alkylphosphocholines (APC) are promising antitumor agents, which have the cellular membrane as primary target; however, red blood cell damage limits their wide therapeutic use. A variety of APC analogs has been synthesized and tested showing less hemolytic effect than the class prototype, Miltefosine (HePC). In this work, chemometric methods were applied to a set of 34 APC derivatives to identify the most relevant structural and molecular features of hemolytic activity. The APC derivatives were divided into three groups: (i) N‐methylpiperidine and N‐methylmorpholine derivatives with a long alkyl chain or flexible cyclopentadecyl rings, displaying a hemolytic rate of 17 %; (ii) adamantyl and cyclopentadecyl derivatives, showing an average hemolysis of 39 %; and, N,N,N‐trimethylammonium, trans‐N,N,N‐trimethylcyclohexanamine, and trans‐N,N,N‐trimethylcyclopentanamine derivatives, whose average hemolysis was 41 %. The findings suggested that the presence of either bulky cationic head groups, or rings such as adamantyl and cyclohexyl, primarily increases the hemolysis of compounds with eleven atoms in the alkyl chain. Moreover, the macrocyclic cyclopentadecyl seems to be important to the hemolytic potential especially of compounds with five carbon atoms in the alkyl chain. Regarding linear carbon chain derivatives with no ring substitution, less bulky cationic head groups seem to favor hemolysis. Thus, in order to design more potent and less toxic APC antitumors, the reported structural/molecular patterns should not be included in their structure.
Block fracturing analysis using nodal‐based discontinuous deformation analysis with the double minimization procedure
Authors: Tian Qian , Zhao Zhiye , Bao Huirong
Published: October 2013

As a hybrid method, the nodal‐based discontinuous deformation analysis (NDDA) greatly improves the stress accuracy within each DDA block by coupling a well‐defined finite element mesh inside the DDA block; at the same time, the NDDA inherits the unique block kinematics of the standard DDA method. Each finite element mesh line inside the DDA block is treated as a potential crack, which enables the transformation of the block material from continuum to discontinuum through the tensile and shear fracturing mechanism. This paper introduces a double minimization procedure into the NDDA method to further improve the accuracy of the stresses evaluated at the finite element mesh lines and thus to obtain a more realistic fracture model. Three numerical examples are employed to demonstrate the improved stress accuracy by the implemented double minimization procedure and the accuracy and capability of the enhanced NDDA method in capturing brittle fracturing process. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Polyamine Ligand‐Mediated Self‐Assembly of Gold and Silver Nanoparticles into Chainlike Structures in Aqueous Solution: Towards New Nanostructured Chemosensors
Authors: Fernández‐Lodeiro Adrián , Fernández‐Lodeiro Javier , Núñez Cristina , Bastida Rufina , Capelo José Luis , Lodeiro Carlos
Published: October 2013

Featured on this month′s cover are the results of collaborative work between the research group at the University Nova of Lisbon, Faculty of Science and Technology, BIOSCOPE‐NanOmics in Portugal, and the group at the University of Santiago de Compostela, Faculty of Chemistry in Spain. The cover picture represents the ability of silver and gold nanoparticles to form 1D nanostructured materials in the presence of polyamine ligands. These self‐assembled nanoparticles are able to sense Hg2+ metal ions in water and can potentially be used as chromogenic and fluorogenic sensors. For more details, see the Full Paper on page 200 ff.
Identification of a protein signature in renal allograft rejection
Authors: Cibrik Diane M. , Warner Roscoe L. , Kommareddi Mallika , Song Peter , Luan Fu L. , Johnson Kent J.
Published: October 2013

Purpose

Serum creatinine functions as a poor surrogate marker of renal allograft dysfunction and long‐term graft survival. By measuring multiple proteins simultaneously in the serum of transplant patients, we can identify unique protein signatures of graft dysfunction.

Experimental design

We utilized training and validation cohorts composed of healthy and volunteer subjects, stable renal transplant patients, and renal transplant patients experiencing acute allograft rejection. Utilizing our antibody microarray, we measured 108 proteins simultaneously in these groups.

Results

Using Mann–Whitney tests with Bonferroni correction, we identified ten serum proteins from 19 renal transplant patients with stable renal function, which are differentially expressed, compared to healthy control subjects. In addition, we identified 17 proteins that differentiate rejecting renal transplant recipients from stable renal transplant. Validation cohorts substantiated these findings.

Conclusion and clinical relevance

Our preliminary results support that a specific pattern of protein expression or “protein signature” may be able to differentiate between stable transplant patients from those with rejection. Future studies will focus on other etiologies of renal allograft dysfunction and the effect of treatment on protein expression and long‐term outcome.
Modeling of the Agglomeration Phenomena in Combustion of Aluminized Composite Solid Propellant
Authors: Yavor Yinon , Gany Alon , Beckstead Merrill W.
Published: October 2013

A theoretical model was developed in order to predict the size of agglomerates ejected from aluminized composite solid propellants. The model accounts for aspects of both mechanistic and geometric approaches. A thin mobile surface layer is assumed to dominate particle accumulation. Agglomeration number Nag expressing the ratio between ignition and accumulation times, was found to greatly affect the characteristics of agglomeration phenomena, as noted in previous works. The concept of a characteristic distance De of the mobile surface layer was introduced, depending mostly on coarse AP particle diameter and loading. It was found to have a significant effect on the resulting agglomerate diameter. An agglomeration threshold was defined as the particle diameter equal to the mobile layer thickness. Particles smaller than this threshold have shown tendency to form large agglomerates, whereas particles with a somewhat larger diameter have demonstrated faster ignition and smaller ejected agglomerates. Model predictions for a number of propellant compositions showed good agreement with other theoretical studies as well as with experimental results.
Crystal structure of a putative quorum sensing‐regulated protein (PA3611) from the Pseudomonas‐specific DUF4146 family
Authors: Das Debanu , Chiu Hsiu‐Ju , Farr Carol L. , Grant Joanna C. , Jaroszewski Lukasz , Knuth Mark W. , Miller Mitchell D. , Tien Henry J. , Elsliger Marc‐André , Deacon Ashley M. , Godzik Adam , Lesley Scott A. , Wilson Ian A.
Published: October 2013

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen commonly found in humans and other organisms and is an important cause of infection especially in patients with compromised immune defense mechanisms. The PA3611 gene of P. aeruginosa PAO1 encodes a secreted protein of unknown function, which has been recently classified into a small Pseudomonas‐specific protein family called DUF4146. As part of our effort to extend structural coverage of novel protein space and provide a structure‐based functional insight into new protein families, we report the crystal structure of PA3611, the first structural representative of the DUF4146 protein family. Proteins 2014; 82:1086–1092. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The stability of Taq DNA polymerase results from a reduced entropic folding penalty; identification of other thermophilic proteins with similar folding thermodynamics
Authors: Liu Chin‐Chi , LiCata Vince J.
Published: October 2013

The thermal stability of Taq DNA polymerase is well known, and is the basis for its use in PCR. A comparative thermodynamic characterization of the large fragment domains of Taq (Klentaq) and E. coli (Klenow) DNA polymerases has been performed by obtaining full Gibbs‐Helmholtz stability curves of the free energy of folding (ΔG) versus temperature. This analysis provides the temperature dependencies of the folding enthalpy and entropy (ΔH and ΔS), and the heat capacity (ΔCp) of folding. If increased or enhanced non‐covalent bonding in the native state is responsible for enhanced thermal stabilization of a protein, as is often proposed, then an enhanced favourable folding enthalpy should, in general, be observed for thermophilic proteins. However, for the Klenow–Klentaq homologous pair, the folding enthalpy (ΔHfold) of Klentaq is considerably less favorable than that of Klenow at all temperatures. In contrast, it is found that Klentaq's extreme free energy of folding (ΔGfold) originates from a significantly reduced entropic penalty of folding (ΔSfold). Furthermore, the heat capacity changes upon folding are similar for Klenow and Klentaq. Along with this new data, comparable extended analysis of available thermodynamic data for 17 other mesophilic–thermophilic protein pairs (where enough applicable thermodynamic data exists) shows a similar pattern in seven of the 18 total systems. When analyzed with this approach, the more familiar “reduced ΔCp mechanism” for protein thermal stabilization (observed in a different six of the 18 systems) frequently manifests as a temperature dependent shift from enthalpy driven stabilization to a reduced‐entropic‐penalty model. Proteins 2014; 82:785–793. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Vector population manipulation for control of arboviruses – a novel prospect for India
Authors: Niranjan Reddy BP , Gupta Bhavna , Rao B Prasad
Published: October 2013

India, the seventh largest country in the world, has diverse geographical and climatic regions with vast rural and peri‐urban areas. Many are experiencing an escalation in the spread and intensity of numerous human diseases transmitted by insects. Classically, the management of these vector‐borne diseases is underpinned by either chemical insecticides and/or environmental management targeted at the vector. However, these methods or their present implementation do not offer acceptable levels of control, and more effective and sustainable options are now available. Genetic strategies for the prevention of arbovirus transmission are most advanced for dengue and chikungunya, targeting their primary vector, Aedes aegypti. The national burden in terms of morbidity and mortality as a direct consequence of dengue virus in India is considered to be the largest worldwide, over 4 times that of any other country. Presently, new genetic technologies are undergoing field evaluation of their biosafety and efficacy in several countries. This paper discusses the merits of these approaches and argues for fair and transparent appraisal in India as a matter of urgency. Identification of any associated risks and their appropriate mitigation are fundamental to that process. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Plasmon‐enhanced light absorption of thin‐film solar cells using hemispherical nanoparticles
Authors: Alemu Negash , Chen Fuyi
Published: October 2013

The surface plasmon resonance‐enhanced optical absorption in thin silicon solar cells through hemispherical silver nanoparticles (NPs) was investigated in this work. The effect of particle size, the distance between particles, spacing layer, and thickness of silicon substrate on absorption enhancement is studied using a finite‐difference time‐domain (FDTD) technique. The results showed that an enhancement of 25% in absorption could be achieved by integrating the silver particles on 500‐nm semi‐infinite thick silicon solar cells with the proper combination of NP parameters compared to those without silver particles. In addition, absorption enhancement can be further modified by the spacing of the oxide layer and thickness of silicon substrate as seen in our calculations. The calculated results shown in this paper will serve as a valuable reference for further theoretical and experimental studies.
Targeted Metabolomic Study Indicating Glycyrrhizin's Protection against Acetaminophen‐induced Liver Damage through Reversing Fatty Acid Metabolism
Authors: Yu Jian , Jiang Yang‐Shen , Jiang Yuan , Peng Yan‐Fang , Sun Zhuang , Dai Xiao‐Nan , Cao Qiu‐Ting , Sun Ying‐Ming , Han Jing‐Chun , Gao Ya‐Jie
Published: October 2013

The present study aimed to give a short report on a possible mechanism of glycyrrhizin to acetaminophen‐induced liver toxicity. Seven‐day intraperitoneal administration of glycyrrhizin (400 mg/kg/day) to 2‐ to 3‐month‐old male C57BL/6N mice (mean weight 27 g) significantly prevents acetaminophen‐induced liver damage, as indicated by the activity of alanine transaminase and aspartate aminotransferase. Metabolomics analysis and principal component analysis (PCA) using ultra‐fast liquid chromatography coupled to triple time‐of‐flight mass spectrometer were performed. PCA separated well the control, glycyrrhizin‐treated, acetaminophen‐treated, and glycyrrhizin + acetaminophen‐treated groups. Long‐chain acylcarnitines were listed as the top ions that contribute to this good separation, which include oleoylcarnitine, palmitoylcarnitine, palmitoleoylcarnitine, and myristoylcarnitine. The treatment of glycyrrhizin significantly reversed the increased levels of long‐chain acylcarnitines induced by acetaminophen administration. In conclusion, this metabolomic study indicates a significant glycyrrhizin protection effect against acetaminophen‐induced liver damage through reversing fatty acid metabolism. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Land surface VIS/NIR BRDF atlas for RTTOV‐11: model and validation against SEVIRI land SAF albedo product
Authors: Vidot Jérôme , Borbás Éva
Published: October 2013

This study describes the scientific approach and the validation of the visible and near‐infrared snow‐free land surface Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function (BRDF) atlas for Version 11 of the Radiative Transfer for the Television Infrared Observation Satellite (TIROS) Operational Vertical Sounder (TOVS) (RTTOV) Forward Model. The atlas provides a global (at a spatial resolution of 0.1°) and monthly mean land surface BRDF for any instrument containing channels with a central wavelength between 0.4 and 2.5 µm, as well as a quality index of the BRDF. It is based on the reconstructed hyperspectral BRDF from the seven channels of the operational and global Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) 16 days BRDF kernel‐driven product MCD43C1: a principal component analysis regression method was applied between the seven channels of the MODIS BRDF products and a set of the US Geological Survey hyperspectral reflectance measurements for soils, rocks, and mixtures of both and vegetation surfaces. The comparison of the RTTOV BRDF atlas against the Spinning Enhanced Visible and Infrared Imager (SEVIRI) surface black‐sky albedo products of the European Organization for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT) Land Satellite Application Facility on Land Surface Analysis (Land‐SAF) shows good spatial and temporal consistency of the RTTOV BRDF atlas when applied on three SEVIRI visible and near‐infrared channels. The RTTOV narrowband black‐sky albedo is retrieved within ±0.01 in absolute accuracy at 0.6 and 1.6 µm and is overestimated by something between 0.01 and 0.03 at 0.8 µm. The temporal variation of the RTTOV broadband black‐sky albedo is consistent with the EUMETSAT Land‐SAF SEVIRI products but overestimated by somewhere between 0.01 and 0.02 when considering the best quality index of the RTTOV BRDF atlas. Less agreement is found in two cases: (i) for extreme geometrical conditions when the satellite zenith angle is greater than 65° and (ii) for lower quality indices of the RTTOV BRDF atlas.
Ion mobility mass spectrometry analysis of isomeric disaccharide precursor, product and cluster ions
Authors: Li Hongli , Bendiak Brad , Siems William F. , Gang David R. , Hill Herbert H.
Published: October 2013

RATIONALE

Carbohydrates are highly variable in structure owing to differences in their anomeric configurations, monomer stereochemistry, inter‐residue linkage positions and general branching features. The separation of carbohydrate isomers poses a great challenge for current analytical techniques.

METHODS

The isomeric heterogeneity of disaccharide ions and monosaccharide‐glycolaldehyde product ions was evaluated using electrospray traveling wave ion mobility mass spectrometry (Synapt G2 high‐definition mass spectrometer) in both positive and negative ion modes.

RESULTS

The separation of isomeric disaccharide ions was observed but not fully achieved based on their mobility profiles. The mobilities of isomeric product ions, the monosaccharide‐glycolaldehydes, derived from different disaccharide isomers were measured. Multiple mobility peaks were observed for both monosaccharide‐glycolaldehyde cations and anions, indicating that there was more than one structural configuration in the gas phase as verified by NMR in solution. More importantly, the mobility patterns for isomeric monosaccharide‐glycolaldehyde product ions were different, which enabled partial characterization of their respective disaccharide ions. Abundant disaccharide cluster ions were also observed. The results showed that a majority of isomeric cluster ions had different drift times and, moreover, more than one mobility peak was detected for a number of specific cluster ions.

CONCLUSIONS

It is demonstrated that ion mobility mass spectrometry is an advantageous method to assess the isomeric heterogeneity of carbohydrate compounds. It is capable of differentiating different types of carbohydrate ions having identical m/z values as well as multiple structural configurations of single compounds. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessing the barriers to image‐guided drug delivery
Authors: Lanza Gregory M. , Moonen Chrit , Baker James R. , Chang Esther , Cheng Zheng , Grodzinski Piotr , Ferrara Katherine , Hynynen Kullervo , Kelloff Gary , Lee Yong‐Eun Koo , Patri Anil K. , Sept David , Schnitzer Jan E. , Wood Bradford J. , Zhang Miqin , Zheng Gang , Farahani Keyvan
Published: October 2013

Imaging has become a cornerstone for medical diagnosis and the guidance of patient management. A new field called image‐guided drug delivery (IGDD) now combines the vast potential of the radiological sciences with the delivery of treatment and promises to fulfill the vision of personalized medicine. Whether imaging is used to deliver focused energy to drug‐laden particles for enhanced, local drug release around tumors, or it is invoked in the context of nanoparticle‐based agents to quantify distinctive biomarkers that could risk stratify patients for improved targeted drug delivery efficiency, the overarching goal of IGDD is to use imaging to maximize effective therapy in diseased tissues and to minimize systemic drug exposure in order to reduce toxicities. Over the last several years, innumerable reports and reviews covering the gamut of IGDD technologies have been published, but inadequate attention has been directed toward identifying and addressing the barriers limiting clinical translation. In this consensus opinion, the opportunities and challenges impacting the clinical realization of IGDD‐based personalized medicine were discussed as a panel and recommendations were proffered to accelerate the field forward. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2014, 6:1–14. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1247

This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies

Diagnostic Tools > In Vivo Nanodiagnostics and Imaging

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease
Archivierung von Genomdaten
Authors: Grütz R. , Mathieu N. , Löhnhardt B. , Weil P. , Krawczak M.
Published: October 2013

Angesichts der zunehmenden Datenflut in der Genomforschung wird ein effizientes Forschungsdatenmanagement, verbunden mit einer sicheren und nachhaltigen Archivierung, auch in diesem Wissenschaftsbereich immer wichtiger. Der letzte von 3 Artikeln der Reihe „Forschungsdatenmanagement von Genomdaten“ beschreibt allgemein den Lebenszyklus von Forschungsdaten – ausgehend von deren Planung, über die Auswahl und Übernahme der Daten für die Speicherung bis hin zu notwendigen Erhaltungsmaßnahmen und dem Zugriff durch Datennutzer. Archive spielen in fast allen Phasen dieses Zyklus eine Rolle und bilden daher eine wichtige Komponente der Verarbeitung von Genomdaten. Beispielhaft werden 3 öffentliche europäische Archive für Genomdaten vorgestellt: die Datenbank des European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), das Sequence Read Archive und das Trace Archive. Da jede dieser Einrichtungen jedoch auf eine bestimmte Art von Daten spezialisiert ist, bleibt ein Bedarf an zusätzlichen Langzeitarchiven, die flexibel mit verschiedenen Datentypen umgehen bzw. auf zusätzliche Datentypen erweitert werden können. Für solche Archive wird ein generisches Konzept beschrieben und mit Empfehlungen für dessen praktische Umsetzung verbunden.