bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Histopathology of balloon‐dilation eustachian tuboplasty
Authors: Kivekäs Ilkka , Chao Wei‐Chieh , Faquin William , Hollowell Monica , Silvola Juha , Rasooly Tali , Poe Dennis 
Published: August 2014

Objectives/HypothesisSurgical intervention of the Eustachian tube (ET) has become increasingly common in the past decade, and balloon dilation has shown promising results in recent studies. It is unclear how balloon dilation enhances ET function. Our aim was to evaluate histological changes in the ET's mucosal lumen comparing before balloon dilation, immediately after, and postoperatively.Study DesignCase series.MethodsThirteen patients with bilateral ET dysfunction were enrolled. Biopsies of the ET mucosa were obtained just before balloon dilation; immediately after; and in three cases, 5 to 12 weeks postoperatively. Specimens were retrospectively examined under light microscopy by two pathologists blinded to the clinical information and whether specimens were pre‐ or postballoon dilation.ResultsPreoperative biopsies were characterized by inflammatory changes within the epithelium and submucosal layer. Immediate response to balloon dilation was thinning of the mucosa, shearing of epithelium and crush injury to the submucosa, especially to lymphocytic infiltrates. Postoperative biopsies demonstrated healthy pseudocolumnar epithelium and replacement of lymphocytic infiltrate with a thinner layer of fibrous tissue.ConclusionReduction of inflammatory epithelial changes and submucosal inflammatory infiltrate appeared to be the principal result of balloon dilation. The balloon may shear or crush portions of inflamed epithelium but usually spared the basal layer, allowing for rapid healing. Additionally, it appeared to effectively crush lymphocytes and lymphocytic follicles that may become replaced with thinner fibrous scar. Histopathology of the ET undergoing balloon dilation demonstrated effects that could reduce the overall inflammatory burden and may contribute to clinical improvement in ET function.Level of Evidence4. Laryngoscope, 125:436–441, 2015
Global health‐related publications in otolaryngology are increasing
Authors: Chambers Kyle J. , Creighton Francis , Abdul‐Aziz Dunia , Cheney Mack , Randolph Gregory W. 
Published: August 2014

Objectives/HypothesisDetermine trends in global health‐related publication in otolaryngology.Study DesignA review of research databases.MethodsA search of publications available on PubMed and nine additional databases was undertaken reviewing two time periods 10 years apart for the timeframes 1998 to 2002 (early time period) and 2008 to 2012 (recent time period) using specific search terms to identify global health‐related publications in otolaryngology. Publications were examined for region of origin, subspecialty, type of publication, and evidence of international collaboration. χ and t test analyses were used to identify trends.ResultsIn the 1998 to 2002 time period, a total of 26 publications met inclusion criteria for the study, with a mean of 5.2 ± 2.8 publications per year. In the 2008 to 2012 time period, a total of 61 publications met inclusion criteria, with a mean of 12.3 ± 5.6 publications per year. The 235% increase in global health‐related publications identified between the two study periods was statistically significant (P = .02). The absolute number of publications in which collaboration occurred between countries increased from three in the early time period to nine the recent time period.ConclusionsThere has been a significant increase in the volume of global health‐related publications in English language otolaryngology journals over the past decade, providing strong evidence of the increasing trend of global health as an academic pursuit within the field of otolaryngology.Level of EvidenceNA Laryngoscope, 125:848–851, 2015
Synthesis of Well‐Defined Polystyrene Rink Amide Soluble Supports and Their Use in Peptide Synthesis
Authors: Amrane Meryem Imane , Chouikhi Dalila , Badi Nezha , Lutz Jean‐François 
Published: August 2014

A soluble polystyrene‐based support bearing a cleavable Rink amide moiety is synthesized and utilized for the iterative synthesis of an oligopeptide. This soluble support is obtained in three steps. First, a well‐defined polystyrene segment is prepared by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) using a fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl (Fmoc)‐protected amino‐functional ATRP initiator. After polymerization, the Fmoc‐protecting group is cleaved and the obtained primary amine is coupled to a commercial Knorr linker (also known as Rink amide linker). The formed Rink amide soluble support is characterized by size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. As a proof of concept, this soluble support is used for the synthesis of a model tetrapeptide Glycine‐Lysine‐Serine‐Arginine. This peptide is also prepared on a commercial Rink amide resin, in order to compare the advantages and drawbacks of soluble and solid supports. It is found that the soluble support allows efficient synthesis of the model oligopeptide. Interestingly, it also allows a precise monitoring of the oligomer synthesis by SEC and NMR.
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Basal ganglia network by constrained spherical deconvolution: A possible cortico‐pallidal pathway?
Authors: Milardi Demetrio , Gaeta Michele , Marino Silvia , Arrigo Alessandro , Vaccarino Gianluigi , Mormina Enricomaria , Rizzo Giuseppina , Milazzo Carmelo , Finocchio Giovanni , Baglieri Annalisa , Anastasi Giuseppe , Quartarone Angelo 
Published: August 2014

AbstractIn the recent past, basal ganglia circuitry was simplified as represented by the direct and indirect pathways and by hyperdirect pathways. Based on data from animal studies, we hypothesized a fourth pathway, the cortico‐pallidal, pathway, that complements the hyperdirect pathway to the subthalamus. Ten normal brains were analyzed by using the high angular resolution diffusion imaging—constrained spherical deconvolution (CSD)‐based technique. The study was performed with a 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner (Achieva, Philips Healthcare, Best, Netherlands); by using a 32‐channel SENSE head coil. We showed that CSD is a powerful technique that allows a fine evaluation of both the long and small tracts between cortex and basal ganglia, including direct, indirect, and hyperdirect pathways. In addition, a pathway directly connecting the cortex to the globus pallidus was seen. Our results confirm that the CSD tractography is a valuable technique allowing a reliable reconstruction of small‐ and long‐fiber pathways in brain regions with multiple fiber orientations, such as basal ganglia. This could open a future scenario in which CSD could be used to focally target with deep brain stimulation (DBS) the small bundles within the basal ganglia loops. © 2014 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Ornithine Aminotransferase versus GABA Aminotransferase: Implications for the Design of New Anticancer Drugs
Authors: Lee Hyunbeom , Juncosa Jose I. , Silverman Richard B. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractOrnithine aminotransferase (OAT) and γ‐aminobutyric acid aminotransferase (GABA‐AT) are classified under the same evolutionary subgroup and share a large portion of structural, functional, and mechanistic features. Therefore, it is not surprising that many molecules that bind to GABA‐AT also bind well to OAT. Unlike GABA‐AT, OAT had not been viewed as a potential therapeutic target until recently; consequently, the number of therapeutically viable molecules that target OAT is very limited. In this review the two enzymes are compared with respect to their active‐site structures, catalytic and inactivation mechanisms, and selective inhibitors. Insight is offered that could aid in the design and development of new selective inhibitors of OAT for the treatment of cancer.
Comparing the expression patterns of placental magnesium/phosphorus‐transporting channels between healthy and preeclamptic pregnancies
Authors: Yang Hyun , Kim Tae‐Hee , Lee Geun‐Shik , Hong Eui‐Ju , Jeung Eui‐Bae 
Published: August 2014

SUMMARYPreeclampsia is a pregnancy‐specific disorder characterized by de novo development of concurrent hypertension, proteinuria, and placental oxidative stress. During the last trimester of gestation, maternal‐to‐fetal transport of minerals is dramatically increased and becomes tightly mediated by ion channels that are highly permeable to various divalent cations, such as Ca2+, Mg2+, and Zn2+. The regulation of magnesium/inorganic phosphorus ion‐channel transport in the placenta, however, is not incompletely understood. In the present study, we examined the regulation of magnesium/inorganic phosphorus channels (MPCs) in the placenta of pregnant women suffering from preeclampsia as well as in primary human placental cells subjected to oxidative stress. The expression of MPC genes (TRPM6, TRPM7, PiT‐1, and PiT‐2) was down‐regulated in preeclamptic placenta tissues during preterm labor, and generally remained lower at term labor—although TRPM7 expression in the central placenta or PiT‐2 expression in whole placenta was unchanged or up‐regulated. Consistent with this association, expression of MPC genes in the primary placental cells was reduced under hypoxic conditions. TRPM6, TRPM7, and PiT‐1 channels were predominantly detected in the syncytiotrophoblast layers of the placenta. In contrast, PiT‐2 was abundant in the placental intravillous connective tissues. Taken together, our findings indicated that placental MPC expression is down‐regulated in cases of preeclampsia and under hypoxia. This relationship may contribute to a better understanding of the interrelationship between magnesium/inorganic phosphorus imbalances and preeclampsia development during preterm or term labor. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 81: 851–860, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cu(In,Ga)Se2 superstrate solar cells: prospects and limitations
Authors: Heinemann Marc Daniel , Efimova Varvara , Klenk Reiner , Hoepfner Britta , Wollgarten Markus , Unold Thomas , Schock Hans‐Werner , Kaufmann Christian A. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractSuperstrate solar cells were prepared by thermal evaporation of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 onto ZnO coated glass substrates. For the first time, photo‐conversion efficiencies above 11% were reached without the necessity of additional light soaking or forward biasing of the solar cell. This was achieved by modifying the deposition process as well as the sodium doping. Limitations of the superstrate device configuration and possible ways to overcome these were investigated by analyzing the hetero‐interface with electron microscopy and X‐ray photoemission spectroscopy measurements, combined with capacitance spectroscopy and device simulations. A device model was derived that explains how on the one hand the GaOx, which forms at the CIGSe/ZnO interface, reduces the interface recombination. On the other hand how it limits the efficiency by acting as an electron barrier at the hetero‐interface presumably because of a high density of negatively charged acceptor states like CuGa. The addition of sodium enhances the p‐type doping of the absorber but also increases the net doping within the GaOx. Hence, a trade‐off between these two effects is required. The conversion efficiency was found to decrease over time, which can be explained in our model by field‐induced diffusion of sodium cations out from the GaOx layer. The proposed device model is able to explain various effects frequently observed upon light soaking and forward biasing of superstrate devices. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Smart photoluminescent nanohybrids based on CdSe quantum dots capped with multidentate thiolated pH‐responsive and thermoresponsive polymers for nanosensing
Authors: Liras Marta , Peinado Elena , Cañamero Pedro , Quijada‐Garrido Isabel , García Olga 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTWell‐defined thermoresponsive polymers obtained by the atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of short oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylates (MEOnMA, n = 2, 3, or 8) with small ratios of a thiolated comonomer, 2‐(acetylthio)ethylmethacrytale, can replace the hydrophobic trioctylphosphine oxide (TOPO) capping of CdSe quantum dots (QDs). After this facile ligand exchange, the mild hydrolysis of the acetylthiol group into thiol is the key to enhance the QD luminescence. However, the length of the ethylene glycol side chain is critical for the success of the functionalization; it is established that the shortest MEO2MA‐based copolymers result in a compact coating and a highest quantum yield (up to a factor of 6) when compared with that of CdSe@TOPO in dichloromethane. In addition, the amphiphilic character of the copolymer allows the CdSe@P(MEOnMA‐co‐SEMA) nanohybrids to disperse in water. On the other hand, the residual ionizable thiol groups do not get attached to the QD surface, cause that the lower critical solubility temperature of the polymer depends on pH as well. Thus, at acidic pH, an abrupt increase in the luminescence emission accompanies the polymer collapse, which establishes the promise of these hybrids as temperature/pH nanosensors and targeted drug delivery. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2014, 52, 3087–3095
Thermo‐responsive gels in the presence of monovalent salt at physiological concentrations: A Monte Carlo simulation study
Authors: Quesada‐Pérez Manuel , Ahualli Silvia , Martín‐Molina Alberto 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTIn this work, slightly charged thermo‐responsive gels in the presence of salt at concentrations close to physiological conditions have been simulated within a coarse‐grained model widely used in the last decade. These simulations allow differentiate charge and salt effects, which are antagonist and coupled in many real systems because the degree of ionization might depend on the electrolyte concentration. An analysis in terms of the different contributions to osmotic pressure is also presented, which highlights the role played by excluded volume effects. In addition, our results also permit us to test some predictions based on the ideal Donnan equilibrium, a common assumption made to justify the swelling behavior of gels and microgels in the presence of salt. More specifically, simulations show that, for the slightly charged gels simulated here, such an assumption overestimates the concentration of salt inside collapsed gels and underestimates the excess of osmotic pressure associated to the additional electrolyte. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2014, 52, 1403–1411
The Survival of Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) Eggs During Dewatering in a River Subjected to Hydropeaking
Authors: Casas‐Mulet R. , Saltveit S. J. , Alfredsen K. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractHydropeaking in regulated rivers is likely to become more frequent with increasing demands for renewable energy. Sudden fluctuations affect surface and subsurface flow regimes and change hydrological interactions occurring in the hyporheic zone. The hyporheic zone plays an important role for salmon embryonic development, and groundwater influx may create refuges for egg survival during low flow in hydropeaking regulated rivers. The links between salmon embryo survival and hyporheic hydrological processes during hydropeaking have hardly been investigated.A field experiment was undertaken in a 5 × 20 m side gravel bar subject to dewatering due to hydropeaking. Eleven cylindrical boxes composed of eight compartments were placed in the permanently wet area and the ramping zone. Sixty eggs were placed in two compartments (at 10 and 30 cm depth) in each box. Surface and interstitial water levels and temperatures were monitored at 2 min resolution. Data were collected for a period of 3 months, coinciding with early stages of salmonid egg development in this catchment. Egg compartments were checked on six occasions for survival after different hydropeaking events. Dead eggs were counted and removed. Survival rates were lower in the top compartments in the ramping zone (78%) compared with the boxes in the permanently wet area and the lowermost compartments in the ramping (survival rates >99%). With no water quality issues in the catchment and very low inputs of fine sediments in the egg compartments, exposure to dry conditions and subzero temperatures were the main factors explaining egg mortality in the top compartments of the ramping zone. The rate of survival will thus depend on the surface water and groundwater interactions. Site‐specific hydrological interactions occurring in the hyporheic zone should be actively considered when managing fish populations in rivers with hydropeaking. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sensitivity analysis of graphical functions
Authors: Eker Sibel , Slinger Jill , van Daalen Els , Yücel Gönenç 
Published: August 2014

AbstractDespite high degrees of uncertainty associated with graphical functions, sensitivity analysis of these functions has received less attention than parametric sensitivity analysis. Recently, a promising method was proposed in the literature to generate alternative functional forms, reducing the problem to that of parametric sensitivity. Yet the usability of the method for graphical functions in system dynamics has not been investigated. We apply this function distortion method to a sample model and identify a number of shortcomings, such as a limited variety of alternative forms. We then propose extensions to the method to address the shortcomings, and subsequently test the extensions. We find the (extended) method of function distortion to be readily applicable and efficient in testing the sensitivity of model outputs to variations in the form of graphical functions. The proposed extensions increase the variety of possible distortions, but further research can be conducted on the control of the distortions. Copyright © 2014 System Dynamics Society
Efficient self‐healing group key management with dynamic revocation and collusion resistance for SCADA in smart grid
Authors: Jiang Rong , Lu Rongxing , Luo Jun , Lai Chengzhe , Shen Xuemin (Sherman) 
Published: August 2014

AbstractIn this paper, in order to simultaneously resolve the transmission security and availability in Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA) group communications, we propose a robust and efficient group key management scheme, called LiSH+, which is characterized by developing a secure self‐healing mechanism with t‐revocation and collusion resistance capability. A dual direction hash chain is utilized to guarantee the backward secrecy and forward secrecy of group key. A novel self‐healing mechanism is constructed to ensure availability of the group member in case of devices failure and prevent the collusive users from exploiting the group key in the proposed scheme. In addition, the compromised users can be revoked from the group dynamically by broadcasting message. Detailed security analysis shows that the proposed LiSH+ scheme meets the requirements of group communication and is secure in terms of t user collusion‐free. Performance evaluation also demonstrates its efficiency in terms of low storage requirement and communication overheads. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An industrial assessment for a multimodel framework
Authors: Larrucea Xabier , Santamaria Izaskun 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTSoftware process improvement (SPI) initiatives are facing complex environments where stakeholders need to integrate different reference models in their organizations. There are several approaches to multimodel environments defining some steps or activities that should be carried out for implementing it efficiently inside organizations. This paper presents a report on the use of a multimodel framework integrating three quality reference models in 47 SPI initiatives. Basically, this report is based on statistical data extracted from industrial assessments. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modelling the concept of systems analysis
Authors: Koprinkov Christo 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThe methodology of Systems Analysis needs tools for avoiding misunderstanding within an interdisciplinary group of experts and decision‐makers. A possible solution of the problem is to introduce a common tool for communication which could be perceived/cognized by everyone involved in such a group. Trying to apply Systems Analysis to the notion of Systems Analysis itself, essentially by treating the triplet reality‐model‐researcher, the paper concentrates on those aspects of the perceptual organization of the researcher that allows him to see and conceptualize a given reality as a system. That is an attempt to build a proper Verbal Model which may appear to contain the possible solution of the problem. “Any system is a logical configuration of the significant elements in a selected problem area” (Adrian M. McDonough [7]).
A note on progress: Postmodern transformation in the systems age
Authors: Nodoushani Omid 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThe purpose of this paper is to reflect on the relationship between contemporary conception of Systems research and the idea of Progress. Consequently this paper is written in five parts. (1) Prologue: why systems thinkers and systems researchers must deal with the idea of Progress. (2) On defining the concept of Progress. (3) Historical background of the concept. (4) Progress and its relation to systems theoretical works and particularly to Social Systems Sciences called S3. (5) Progress and the nature of contentment. That is, the idea of contentment necessitates a place for redefining our conception of Progress.
RNA triplexes: from structural principles to biological and biotech applications
Authors: Devi Gitali , Zhou Yuan , Zhong Zhensheng , Toh Desiree‐Faye Kaixin , Chen Gang 
Published: August 2014

The diverse biological functions of RNA are determined by the complex structures of RNA stabilized by both secondary and tertiary interactions. An RNA triplex is an important tertiary structure motif that is found in many pseudoknots and other structured RNAs. A triplex structure usually forms through tertiary interactions in the major or minor groove of a Watson–Crick base‐paired stem. A major‐groove RNA triplex structure is stable in isolation by forming consecutive major‐groove base triples such as U·A‐U and C+·G‐C. Minor‐groove RNA triplexes, e.g., A‐minor motif triplexes, are found in almost all large structured RNAs. As double‐stranded RNA stem regions are often involved in biologically important tertiary triplex structure formation and protein binding, the ability to sequence specifically target any desired RNA duplexes by triplex formation would have great potential for biomedical applications. Programmable chemically modified triplex‐forming oligonucleotides (TFOs) and triplex‐forming peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) have been developed to form TFO·RNA2 and PNA·RNA2 triplexes, respectively, with enhanced binding affinity and sequence specificity at physiological conditions. Here, we (1) provide an overview of naturally occurring RNA triplexes, (2) summarize the experimental methods for studying triplexes, and (3) review the development of TFOs and triplex‐forming PNAs for targeting an HIV‐1 ribosomal frameshift‐inducing RNA, a bacterial ribosomal A‐site RNA, and a human microRNA hairpin precursor, and for inhibiting the RNA–protein interactions involving human RNA‐dependent protein kinase and HIV‐1 viral protein Rev. WIREs RNA 2015, 6:111–128. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1261This article is categorized under:

RNA Structure and Dynamics > RNA Structure, Dynamics, and Chemistry
RNA Structure and Dynamics > Influence of RNA Structure in Biological Systems
RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Small Molecule–RNA Interactions
Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Regulatory RNAs