bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Moraxella catarrhalis is susceptible to antimicrobial photodynamic therapy with Photofrin
Authors: Luke‐Marshall Nicole R. , Mang Thomas S. , Hansen Lisa A. , Campagnari Anthony A. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractBackground and ObjectiveMoraxella catarrhalis is a significant cause of pediatric otitis media (OM), which is the most prevalent bacterial infection in children and primary reason for antibiotic administration in this population. Moreover, biofilm formation has been implicated as a primary mechanism of chronic or recurrent OM disease. As bacterial biofilms are inherently resistant to most antibiotics and these complex structures also present a significant challenge to the immune system, there is a clear need to identify novel antimicrobial approaches to treat OM infections. In this study, we evaluated the potential efficacy of antibacterial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) with porfimer sodium (Photofrin (PF)) against planktonic as well as biofilm‐associated M. catarrhalis.Materials and MethodsThe bactericidal activity of aPDT with PF was assessed against multiple recent clinical isolates of M. catarrhalis grown planktonically as well as in biofilms. The bactericidal activity of PF‐aPDT was quantified by enumeration of colony forming units post‐treatment. The effect of aPDT on M. catarrhalis biofilms was further investigated with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging.ResultsaPDT with PF significantly reduced M. catarrhalis viability. Although PF‐aPDT caused higher killing in planktonic grown organisms (5–6 log kill), biofilm grown bacteria also demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in viable organisms (3–4 log decrease in recoverable bacteria) following treatment as compared to saline only controls (P < 0.01). SEM studies indicated the PF‐aPDT treated bacteria exhibited prominent morphological changes with visibly distorted cell membranes.ConclusionsaPDT with PF elicits significant bactericidal activity against both planktonic and biofilm‐associated M. catarrhalis, suggesting this technology warrants further analysis as a potential novel antimicrobial treatment for acute or recurrent OM. Lasers Surg. Med. 46:712–717, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The allelic spectrum of Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease in over 17,000 individuals with neuropathy
Authors: DiVincenzo Christina , Elzinga Christopher D. , Medeiros Adam C. , Karbassi Izabela , Jones Jeremiah R. , Evans Matthew C. , Braastad Corey D. , Bishop Crystal M. , Jaremko Malgorzata , Wang Zhenyuan , Liaquat Khalida , Hoffman Carol A. , York Michelle D. , Batish Sat D. , Lupski James R. , Higgins Joseph J. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractWe report the frequency, positive rate, and type of mutations in 14 genes (PMP22, GJB1, MPZ, MFN2, SH3TC2, GDAP1, NEFL, LITAF, GARS, HSPB1, FIG4, EGR2, PRX, and RAB7A) associated with Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease (CMT) in a cohort of 17,880 individuals referred to a commercial genetic testing laboratory. Deidentified results from sequencing assays and multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification (MLPA) were analyzed including 100,102 Sanger sequencing, 2338 next‐generation sequencing (NGS), and 21,990 MLPA assays. Genetic abnormalities were identified in 18.5% (n = 3312) of all individuals. Testing by Sanger and MLPA (n = 3216) showed that duplications (dup) (56.7%) or deletions (del) (21.9%) in the PMP22 gene accounted for the majority of positive findings followed by mutations in the GJB1 (6.7%), MPZ (5.3%), and MFN2 (4.3%) genes. GJB1 del and mutations in the remaining genes explained 5.3% of the abnormalities. Pathogenic mutations were distributed as follows: missense (70.6%), nonsense (14.3%), frameshift (8.7%), splicing (3.3%), in‐frame deletions/insertions (1.8%), initiator methionine mutations (0.8%), and nonstop changes (0.5%). Mutation frequencies, positive rates, and the types of mutations were similar between tests performed by either Sanger (n = 17,377) or NGS (n = 503). Among patients with a positive genetic finding in a CMT‐related gene, 94.9% were positive in one of four genes (PMP22, GJB1, MPZ, or MFN2).
Transport in technicolor: Mapping ATP‐binding cassette transporters in sea urchin embryos
Authors: Gökirmak Tufan , Shipp Lauren E. , Campanale Joseph P. , Nicklisch Sascha C.T. , Hamdoun Amro 
Published: August 2014

SUMMARYOne quarter of eukaryotic genes encode membrane proteins. These include nearly 1,000 transporters that translocate nutrients, signaling molecules, and xenobiotics across membranes. While it is well appreciated that membrane transport is critical for development, the specific roles of many transporters have remained cryptic, in part because of their abundance and the diversity of their substrates. Multidrug resistance ATP‐binding cassette (ABC) efflux transporters are one example of cryptic membrane proteins. Although most organisms utilize these ABC transporters during embryonic development, many of these transporters have broad substrate specificity, and their developmental functions remain incompletely understood. Here, we review advances in our understanding of ABC transporters in sea urchin embryos, and methods developed to spatially and temporally map these proteins. These studies reveal that multifunctional transporters are required for signaling, homeostasis, and protection of the embryo, and shed light on how they are integrated into ancestral developmental pathways recapitulated in disease. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 81: 778–793, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A 2DRF pulse sequence for bolus tracking in hyperpolarized 13C imaging
Authors: Tang Shuyu , Jiang Wenwen , Chen Hsin‐Yu , Bok Robert , Vigneron Daniel B. , Larson Peder E. Z. 
Published: August 2014

PurposeA novel application of two‐dimensional (2D) spatially selective radiofrequency (2DRF) excitation pulses in hyperpolarized
imaging is proposed for monitoring the bolus injection with highly efficient sampling of the initially polarized substrate, thus leaving more polarization available for detection of the subsequently generated metabolic products.MethodsA 2DRF pulse was designed with a spiral trajectory and conventional clinical gradient performance. To demonstrate the ability of our 2DRF bolus tracking pulse sequence, hyperpolarized [1‐
]pyruvate in vivo imaging experiments were performed in normal rats, with a comparison to 1DRF excitation pulses.ResultsOur designed 2DRF pulse was able to rapidly and efficiently monitor the injected bolus dynamics in vivo, with an 8‐fold enhanced time resolution in comparison with 1DRF in our experimental settings. When applied at the pyruvate frequency for bolus tracking, our 2DRF pulse demonstrated reduced saturation of the hyperpolarization for the substrate and metabolic products compared to a 1DRF pulse, while being immune to ±0.5 ppm magnetic field inhomogeneity at 3T.Conclusion2DRF pulses in hyperpolarized
imaging can be used to efficiently monitor the bolus injection with reduced hyperpolarization saturation compared to 1DRF pulses. The parameters of our design are based on clinical scanner limits, which allows for rapid translation to human studies. Magn Reson Med 74:506–512, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nephron sparing surgery (NSS) for unilateral wilms tumor (UWT): The SIOP 2001 experience
Authors: Wilde Jim C.H. , Aronson Daniel C. , Sznajder Beata , Van Tinteren Harm , Powis Mark , Okoye Bruce , Cecchetto Giovanni , Audry Georges , Fuchs Jörg , Schweinitz Dietrich Von , Heij Hugo , Graf Norbert , Bergeron Christophe , Pritchard‐Jones Kathy , Van Den Heuvel‐Eibrink Marry , Carli Modesto , Oldenburger Foppe , Sandstedt Bengt , De Kraker Jan , Godzinski Jan 
Published: August 2014

AbstractBackgroundTotal nephrectomy (TN) remains the standard treatment of unilateral Wilms tumors (uWT). The SIOP WT‐2001 protocol allowed Nephron Sparing Surgery (NSS) for polar or peripherally non‐infiltrating tumors. Aim: Inventory of the current SIOP NSS‐experience.Procedures2,800 patients with a unilateral, localized or metastatic and an unequivocal surgical technique recorded were included. All had neo‐adjuvant chemotherapy and delayed surgery. In 91 (3%) NSS was performed and in 2709 TN. Data was retrieved from the SIOP WT 2001 database.ResultsNSS group contained 65% stage I tumours and the TN group 48%. Tumor volume (at diagnosis and surgery) was significantly smaller in the NSS group. Within stage III, after NSS, 7/12 (58%) had positive margins (M +), 5 with tumor negative lymph nodes (LN‐). After TN, 355/712 (55%) had M + , 182 were LN‐. Treatment of M+ in the NSS group resulted in two conversions to TN (one combined with radiotherapy), three patients had radiotherapy only and in two patients local therapy, if given, was not recorded. After NSS, four recurrences occurred. For localized disease the 5‐year overall (OS) and event free survival (EFS) in NSS group was 100 and 94.8 (95% CI:89.9‐99.9), respectively, while OS and EFS in the TN group were 94.4 (95% CI: 93.2‐95.5, log‐rank test P = 0.06) and 86.5 (95% CI:85.0‐88.1, log‐rank test P = 0.06), respectively.ConclusionsNSS was only performed in 3% of patients with uWT. Despite excellent survival with few relapses, the gain of nephrons needs to be weighed against the risk to induce stage III with intensified therapy. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2014;61:2175–2179. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Modified soybean oil as a reactive diluent: Synthesis and characterization
Authors: Nalawade Priyanka P. , Mehta Brinda , Pugh Coleen , Soucek Mark D. 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTSoybean oil was modified in two steps: (1) conjugation of soybean oil and (2) Diels‐Alder addition with 3‐(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate, 2,2,2‐trifluoroethyl methacrylate and triallyl ether acrylate. The structures were characterized using 1H NMR, 13C NMR, 13C‐1H gradient heteronuclear single quantum coherence (gHSQC) NMR spectroscopy, and MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry. The 13C‐1H gHSQC NMR spectra helped confirm the formation of a cyclohexene ring in all reactions, indicating a Diels‐Alder addition. The diluent efficiency of modified soybean oil was evaluated in long oil alkyd formulation. Triallyl ether functionalized soybean oil resulted in the highest reduction in the viscosity of the alkyd formulations. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2014, 52, 3045–3059
Synthesis and characterization of a biodegradable ABC triblock terpolymer as co‐delivery carrier of doxorubicin and DNA
Authors: Bian Jiao , Hao Ying , He Jinlin , Zhang Wenling , Zhang Mingzu , Ni Peihong 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTThis study is aimed to develop a well‐defined ABC triblock terpolymer, poly(ethylethylene phosphate)‐block‐poly(ε‐caprolactone)‐block‐poly[2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate] (PEEP‐b‐PCL‐b‐PDMAEMA), for co‐encapsulating anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX) and DNA to form polyplexes. The terpolymer is first synthesized via a combination of ring‐opening polymerization and atom‐transfer radical polymerization techniques, and characterized by 1H NMR and gel permeation chromatography. Subsequently, the self‐assembly behavior of the terpolymer and the micelles loaded with DOX or DNA are investigated by dynamic light scattering, ζ potential, transmission electron microscopy, and gel retardation assay, respectively. In vitro release study reveals that much more DOX is released at pH 5.0 than that at pH 7.4 in the same period. The simultaneous delivery of DOX and green fluorescent protein (GFP)‐labeled DNA is studied by a fluorescence microscope and the results demonstrate that both drug and GFP–DNA can be efficiently delivered into HeLa cells. This system presents a practical and promising carrier for the co‐delivery of drugs and genes. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2014, 52, 3005–3016
Tuning the LCST of poly(2‐cyclopropyl‐2‐oxazoline) via gradient copolymerization with 2‐ethyl‐2‐oxazoline
Authors: Glassner Mathias , Lava Kathleen , de la Rosa Victor R. , Hoogenboom Richard 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTPoly(2‐propyl‐oxazoline)s can be prepared by living cationic ring‐opening polymerization of 2‐oxazolines and represent an emerging class of biocompatible polymers exhibiting a lower critical solution temperature in aqueous solution close to body temperature. However, their usability is limited by the irreversibility of the transition due to isothermal crystallization in case of poly(2‐isopropyl‐2‐oxazoline) and the rather low glass transition temperatures (Tg < 45 °C) of poly(2‐n‐propyl‐2‐oxazoline)‐based polymers. The copolymerization of 2‐cyclopropyl‐2‐oxazoline and 2‐ethyl‐2‐oxazoline presented herein yields gradient copolymers whose cloud point temperatures can be accurately tuned over a broad temperature range by simple variation of the composition. Surprisingly, all copolymers reveal lower Tgs than the corresponding homopolymers ascribed to suppression of interchain interactions. However, it is noteworthy that the copolymers still have Tgs > 45 °C, enabling convenient storage in the fridge for future biomedical formulations. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2014, 52, 3118–3122
Single Step Plasma Deposition of Platinum‐Fluorocarbon Nanocomposite Films as Electrocatalysts of Interest for Micro Fuel Cells Technology
Authors: Milella Antonella , Palumbo Fabio , Dilonardo Elena , Barucca Gianni , Cosma Pinalysa , Fracassi Francesco 
Published: August 2014

AbstractIn this paper, we present a one step plasma based approach for the deposition of Pt‐fluorocarbon nanocomposite films as electrocatalysts in hydrogen‐based micro fuel cells. Results show that the chemical and morphological structure of the film can be tuned by controlling the power delivered to the plasma, and the gas feed composition. Platinum is included in the film in metallic form and its content can be continuously varied from a few atomic percent to 86%. The metal is embedded in the film as crystalline nanoclusters of size below 10 nm, uniformly distributed across the sample. Film catalytic activity, in terms of hydrogen oxidation reaction, has been tested by cyclovoltammetry and it increases with the Pt loading, with a maximum specific electrochemical surface area of 94 cm2 · mg−1, for film deposited on flat glassy carbon.
Scanning electron microscopy of bacteria Tetrasphaera duodecadis
Authors: Arroyo E. , Enríquez L. , Sánchez A. , Ovalle M. , Olivas A. 
Published: August 2014

SummaryThis study reports the characterization of the Tetrasphaera duodecadis bacteria and the techniques used therein. In order to evaluate the morphological characteristics of the T. duodecadis bacteria scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used throughout its different growth stages. These microorganisms were grown in vitamin B12 broths with 1% tryptone, 0.2% yeast extract, and 0.1% glucose. The turbidimetric method was employed for the determination of bacterial concentration and growth curve. The SEM results show small agglomerates of 0.8 ± 0.05 µm during the lag phase, and rod‐like shapes during the exponential phase with similar shapes in the stationary phase. SCANNING 36:547–550, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Concise Review: Therapeutic Potential of Mesenchymal Stem Cells for the Treatment of Acute Liver Failure and Cirrhosis
Authors: Volarevic Vladislav , Nurkovic Jasmin , Arsenijevic Nebojsa , Stojkovic Miodrag 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
Currently, the most effective therapy for acute liver failure and advanced cirrhosis is liver transplantation. However, this procedure has several limitations, including lack of donors, surgical complications, immunological suppression, and high medical costs. The alternative approaches that circumvent the use of a whole liver, such as stem cell transplantation, have been suggested as an effective alternate therapy for hepatic diseases. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), also known as multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells, are self-renewing cells that can be found in almost all postnatal organs and tissues, including liver. During the past decade, great progress has been made in the field of MSC-dependent liver regeneration and immunomodulation. Because of their potential for differentiation into hepatocytes as well as their immunomodulatory characteristics, MSCs are considered as promising therapeutic agents for the therapy of acute liver failure and cirrhosis. In this concise review, we have summarized therapeutic potential of MSCs in the treatment of acute liver failure and cirrhosis, emphasizing their regenerative and immunomodulatory characteristics after engraftment in the liver. We have also presented several outstanding problems including conflicting data regarding MSCs engraftment in the liver and unwanted mesenchymal lineage differentiation in vivo which limits MSC therapy as a mainstream treatment approach for liver regeneration. It can be concluded that efficient and safe MSC-based therapy for acute and chronic liver failure remains a challenging issue that requires more investigation and continuous cooperation between clinicians, researchers, and patients. Stem Cells 2014;32:2818–2823
Docosahexaenoic acid and l‐Carnitine prevent ATP loss in SH‐SY5Y neuroblastoma cells after exposure to silver nanoparticles
Authors: Tan Joey Wee‐Shan , Ho Christabel Fung‐Yih , Ng Yee‐Kong , Ong Wei‐Yi 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTSilver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are among the most commonly used nanomaterials, but thus far, little is known about ways to mitigate against potential toxic effects of exposure. In this study, we examined the potential effects of AgNPs on mitochondrial function and cellular ATP levels, and whether these could be prevented by treatment with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and l‐carnitine (LC). Acute exposure of AgNPs for 1 h to SH‐SY5Y cells resulted in decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, and decreased ATP and ADP levels, indicating mitochondrial damage and reduced production of ATP. Incubation of cells with DHA partially reduced, while treatment with LC and DHA completely abolished the AgNP induced decreases in ATP and ADP levels. This could be due to a LC‐facilitated entry of DHA to mitochondria, for repair of damaged phospholipids. It is postulated that DHA and LC may be useful for treatment of accidental environmental exposure to AgNPs. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 31: 224–232, 2016.
Multiple multicast for a half‐duplex butterfly network: a deterministic approach
Authors: Chen Zhengchuan , Fan Pingyi 
Published: August 2014

AbstractWe investigate the multicast throughput of a butterfly network, which may be a promising topology for network coding application in next‐generation wireless communication systems. The butterfly network consists of two sources, two destinations and a relay, where each destination requires decoding of data from two independent sources. It is assumed that all the nodes are operated in half‐duplex mode. Each end‐to‐end packet transmission should be completed in a two‐phase period. In order to reduce processing complexity and multiple interference, other nodes should keep silent when the relay transmits a signal. By using Avestimehr, Diggavi and Tse's deterministic model, we first introduce a deterministic butterfly network and demonstrate that its maximal multicast rate region can be achieved by employing a network coding policy. According to the results obtained in deterministic case, we then put forward a near‐optimal design on the transmitted signal and decoding scheme for Gaussian scenarios based on a nested lattice code. It is proved that the gap between the achievable rate region and an outer bound is less than 3bits/s/Hz, which is not related to the signal‐to‐noise ratio. That is, the proposed scheme can approach the maximal multicast throughput. Finally, numerical results demonstrate that the gap is robust to both channel gains and time division of the two phases. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The role of large‐scale energy storage under high shares of renewable energy
Authors: Inage Shin‐ichi 
Published: August 2014

This paper discusses how a high share of renewable energy (referred to as renewables) will influence the power quality of the grid. The mix of power generation varies from country to country. Each power generator has an important role in minimizing total operating costs and maintaining power quality. Conventionally, middle‐scale thermal power plants play a role in mitigating demand and supply variations. Under a high share of renewables, the supply adjustability of thermal power to mitigate the output variations due to renewables will run short. Therefore, energy storage systems will be required as a countermeasure. The energy storage capacity required will depend on the net variation due to a smoothing effect. The magnitude of this net variation is the key for estimating the correct storage capacities. Under net variations of 15 and 30%, the respective global energy storage capacities needed have been predicted to be 189 and 305 GW in 2050 when aiming at 50% carbon dioxide emission reductions globally. In this working paper, several energy storage systems are reviewed. Specifications for each energy storage system will be identified. It is concluded that an optimum mix of different energy storage systems will be essential to realize decarbonized power grids. WIREs Energy Environ 2015, 4:115–132. doi: 10.1002/wene.114This article is categorized under:

Energy Infrastructure > Systems and Infrastructure
Energy Systems Economics > Systems and Infrastructure
A Study of the Right Intersectional Plane (Right Portal Scissura) of the Liver Based on Virtual Left Hepatic Trisectionectomy
Authors: Sato Fumiya , Igami Tsuyoshi , Ebata Tomoki , Yokoyama Yukihiro , Sugawara Gen , Mizuno Takashi , Nagino Masato 
Published: August 2014

AbstractBackgroundLeft hepatic trisectionectomy is a challenging procedure. For an anatomically correct resection, it is necessary to have understanding of the right intersectional plane; however, little is known on this issue. The purpose of this study was to investigate the 3D anatomy of the right intersectional plane and to enable safe and precise left trisectionectomy.MethodsA virtual left trisectionectomy was performed using 3D‐processing software, in patients who underwent computed tomography. The reconstructed images were reviewed, and attention was paid to the extent of the right hepatic vein (RHV) exposure on the transected plane and the type of the inferior right hepatic vein (IRHV).ResultsOf the 200 study patients, 109 (54.5 %) patients showed complete exposure of the RHV on the transected plane, whereas the remaining 91 exhibited partial exposure. In the 109 patients with complete exposure, 58 (53.2 %) patients had no IRHV and the remaining 51 had a small IRHV. None of the patients had a large IRHV. In contrast, of the 91 patients with partial exposure, only 10 (11.0 %) patients had no IRHV, 35 (38.5 %) had a small IRHV, and 46 (50.5 %) patients had a large IRHV. The incidence of IRHV types was significantly different between the two groups (P < 0.001).ConclusionsThe RHV does not always run along the right intersectional plane, i.e., the vein is not always fully exposed on the transected plane even after anatomically correct left trisectionectomy. The extent of the RHV exposure is closely related to the type of the IRHV.