bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chronic venous leg ulcers: Effects of foam sclerotherapy on healing and recurrence
Authors: Grover G , Tanase A , Elstone A , Ashley S 
Published: October 2014

Introduction Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive treatment option used for ablation of axial and perforator reflux for chronic venous ulceration. Active ulceration presents a significant health burden in both the primary and secondary care setting. The objective of this study is to determine ulcer healing rates at 24 weeks and 12 months, and ulcer recurrence rates at one year for chronic venous ulcers after ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy. Methods Between 2007 and 2012, 54 patients underwent ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy for clinical, aetiological, anatomical and pathological C6 ulcers. All patients were followed up clinically, and venous duplex was performed on all legs before and after treatment. A prospectively maintained database was analysed to determine venous truncal occlusion rates, 24-week and 12-month healing and recurrence rates (using Kaplan–Meier survival analysis). Results Fifty-seven ulcerated legs, 39 primary and 18 with recurrent superficial venous reflux were analysed. Median time of active ulceration at presentation was 15.2 months (range 5 months to 17 years). At a median follow-up of 2.7 months, 90% (51 legs) achieved full truncal occlusion after one session, 4% (2) short segment occlusion and 5% (3) failed to occlude and one patient died and was lost to follow-up; 13/57 (23%) required a second session of treatment for completion of treatment, recanalisations and to treat perforator disease, 88% (50/57) ulcers healed at a median of 5.3 months (interquartile range 2.9–8.4 months) following their first ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy treatment. The 24-week and 12-month estimated healing rates were 53% and 72%, respectively. The estimated 12-month recurrence rate was 9.2%. There were no reported incidences of deep venous thrombosis or neurological symptoms. Conclusion This study affirms the role of ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy as a safe and effective option for abolition of superficial reflux.
Cytoadhesion of Plasmodium falciparum–infected erythrocytes to chondroitin-4-sulfate is cooperative and shear enhanced
Authors: Rieger Harden , Yoshikawa Hiroshi Y. , Quadt Katharina , Nielsen Morten A. , Sanchez Cecilia P. , Salanti Ali , Tanaka Motomu , Lanzer Michael 
Published: October 2014

Key Points
Cytoadhesion of parasitized erythrocytes depends on the intermolecular distance between neighboring chondroitin-4-sulfate molecules. VAR2CSA is an allosteric adhesin that binds chondroitin-4-sulfate in a cooperative and shear stress–induced manner.
Hybrid morphology dependence of CdTe:CdSe bulk-heterojunction solar cells
Authors: Tan Furui , Qu Shengchun , Zhang Weifeng , Wang Zhanguo 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
A nanocrystal thin-film solar cell operating on an exciton splitting pattern requires a highly efficient separation of electron-hole pairs and transportation of separated charges. A hybrid bulk-heterojunction (HBH) nanostructure providing a large contact area and interpenetrated charge channels is favorable to an inorganic nanocrystal solar cell with high performance. For this freshly appeared structure, here in this work, we have firstly explored the influence of hybrid morphology on the photovoltaic performance of CdTe:CdSe bulk-heterojunction solar cells with variation in CdSe nanoparticle morphology. Quantum dot (QD) or nanotetrapod (NT)-shaped CdSe nanocrystals have been employed together with CdTe NTs to construct different hybrid structures. The solar cells with the two different hybrid active layers show obvious difference in photovoltaic performance. The hybrid structure with densely packed and continuously interpenetrated two phases generates superior morphological and electrical properties for more efficient inorganic bulk-heterojunction solar cells, which could be readily realized in the NTs:QDs hybrid. This proved strategy is applicable and promising in designing other highly efficient inorganic hybrid solar cells.
Selection of high temperature and salinity tolerant Trichoderma isolates with antagonistic activity against Sclerotium rolfsii
Authors: Poosapati Sowmya , Ravulapalli Prasad Durga , Tippirishetty Navaneetha , Vishwanathaswamy Dinesh Kumar , Chunduri Sarada 
Published: October 2014

Abstract

Trichoderma isolates were collected from varied agro-climatic zones of India and screened for high temperature and salinity tolerance. Among all the isolates tested, T. asperellum, TaDOR673 was highly tolerant to heat shock of 52°C with a mean spore count (log c.f.u/ml) of 4.33. The isolate after recovery from heat shock possessed higher germination rate and biomass production compared to its wild counterpart, upon prolonged exposure to 37°C. Under stress, TaDOR673 accumulated >15% of trehalose and >5% of mannose and raffinose compared to the wild type strain signifying their role in stress tolerance. T. asperellum, TaDOR693 and T. asperellum, TaDORS3 were identified as superior salt-tolerant isolates. Interestingly, TaDOR673 also possessed similar tolerance levels to increasing saline concentrations as indicated by its improved colony growth under stress conditions. T. asperellum, TaDOR673 and T. asperellum, TaDOR7316 effectively controlled the collar rot disease in groundnut by 79.7% when screened in vitro and in vivo. Thus, the study identified a potential thermotolerant and saline tolerant strain of Trichoderma, TaDOR673 that could be used as potential bioagent in stressed soils.
β1 and β4 integrins: from breast development to clinical practice
Authors: Nisticò Paola , Di Modugno Francesca , Spada Sheila , Bissell Mina J 
Published: October 2014

AbstractFollowing a highly dynamic and complex dialogue between the epithelium and the surrounding microenvironment, the mammary gland develops into a branching structure during puberty, buds during pregnancy, forms intricate polar acini during lactation and, once the babies are weaned, remodels and involutes. At every stage of menstrual and pregnancy cycles, interactions between the cells and the extracellular matrix (ECM) and homotypic and heterotypic cell–cell interactions give rise to the architecture and function of the gland at that junction. These orchestrated programs would not be possible without the important role of the ECM receptors, integrins being the prime examples. The ECM–integrin axis regulates many crucial cellular functions including survival, migration and quiescence; the imbalance in any of these processes could contribute to oncogenesis. In this review we spotlight the involvement of two prominent integrin subunits, β1 and β4 integrins, in cross-talk with tyrosine kinase receptors, and we discuss the roles of these integrin subunits in the biology of normal breast differentiation and as potential prognostic and therapeutic targets in breast cancer.
Regulatory T cells and control of the germinal centre response
Authors: Vanderleyden Ine , Linterman Michelle A , Smith Kenneth GC 
Published: October 2014

AbstractGerminal centres (GCs) are specialised lymphoid microenvironments that form in secondary B-cell follicles upon exposure to T-dependent antigens. In the GC, clonal expansion, selection and differentiation of GC B cells result in the production of high-affinity plasma cells and memory B cells that provide protection against subsequent infection. The GC is carefully regulated to fulfil its critical role in defence against infection and to ensure that immunological tolerance is not broken in the process. The GC response can be controlled by a number of mechanisms, one of which is by forkhead box p3 expressing regulatory T (Treg) cells, a suppressive population of CD4+ T cells. A specialised subset of Treg cells - follicular regulatory T (Tfr) cells - form after immunisation and are able to access the GC, where they control the size and output of the response. Our knowledge of Treg cell control of the GC is expanding. In this review we will discuss recent advances in the field, with a particular emphasis on the differentiation and function of Tfr cells in the GC.
Developing evidence-based dentistry skills: how to interpret randomized clinical trials and systematic reviews
Authors: Kiriakou Juliana , Pandis Nikolaos , Madianos Phoebus , Polychronopoulou Argy 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
Decision-making based on reliable evidence is more likely to lead to effective and efficient treatments. Evidence-based dentistry was developed, similarly to evidence-based medicine, to help clinicians apply current and valid research findings into their own clinical practice. Interpreting and appraising the literature is fundamental and involves the development of evidence-based dentistry (EBD) skills. Systematic reviews (SRs) of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are considered to be evidence of the highest level in evaluating the effectiveness of interventions. Furthermore, the assessment of the report of a RCT, as well as a SR, can lead to an estimation of how the study was designed and conducted.
Elk-3 is a KLF4-regulated gene that modulates the phagocytosis of bacteria by macrophages
Authors: Tsoyi Konstantin , Geldart Adriana M , Christou Helen , Liu Xiaoli , Chung Su Wol , Perrella Mark A 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
ETS family proteins play a role in immune responses. A unique member of this family, Elk-3, is a transcriptional repressor that regulates the expression of HO-1. Elk-3 is very sensitive to the effects of inflammatory mediators and is down-regulated by bacterial endotoxin (LPS). In the present study, exposure of mouse macrophages to Escherichia coli LPS resulted in decreased, full-length, and splice-variant isoforms of Elk-3. We isolated the Elk-3 promoter and demonstrated that LPS also decreased promoter activity. The Elk-3 promoter contains GC-rich regions that are putative binding sites for zinc-finger transcription factors, such as Sp1 and KLFs. Mutation of the GC-rich region from bp –613 to –603 blunted LPS-induced down-regulation of the Elk-3 promoter. Similar to the LPS response, coexpression of KLF4 led to repression of Elk-3 promoter activity, whereas coexpression of Sp1 increased activity. ChIP assays revealed that KLF4 binding to the Elk-3 promoter was increased by LPS exposure, and Sp1 binding was decreased. Thus, down-regulation of Elk-3 by bacterial LPS is regulated, in part, by the transcriptional repressor KLF4. Overexpression of Elk-3, in the presence of E. coli bacteria, resulted in decreased macrophage phagocytosis. To determine whether limited expression of HO-1 may contribute to this response, we exposed HO-1-deficient bone marrow-derived macrophages to E. coli and found a comparable reduction in bacterial phagocytosis. These data suggest that down-regulation of Elk-3 and the subsequent induction of HO-1 are important for macrophage function during the inflammatory response to infection.
Efficacy and Tolerability of Vemurafenib in Patients with BRAFV600E -Positive Papillary Thyroid Cancer: M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Off Label Experience
Authors: Dadu Ramona , Shah Komal , Busaidy Naifa L. , Waguespack Steven G. , Habra Mouhammad A. , Ying Anita K. , Hu Mimi I. , Bassett Roland , Jimenez Camilo , Sherman Steven I. , Cabanillas Maria E. 
Published: October 2014

Abstract

Context:
Vemurafenib, a selective BRAF inhibitor, appears to have promising clinical activity in patients with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) harboring the BRAFV600E mutation.

Objective:
To determine the efficacy and safety of vemurafenib when used outside of a clinical trial.

Design:
A retrospective review at MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Methods:
The best responses were evaluated using RECIST v1.1. A single radiologist reviewed all images. Adverse events (AEs) were evaluated using CTCAE v.4.0.

Results:
We identified 17 patients with advanced PTC harboring the BRAFV600E mutation who were treated with vemurafenib outside of a clinical trial. Median age at diagnosis was 63 years, and 53% were male. At vemurafenib start, 3 (18%) patients had disease confined to the neck, and 14 (72%) had distant metastases. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors had been previously administered to 4 (24%) patients. Two (12%) patients discontinued vemurafenib because of AEs before restaging. Best response: partial response (PR) in 7/15 (47%) and stable disease (SD) in 8/15(53%) patients. The rate of durable response (PR plus SD ≥ 6 months) was 67%. Median time to treatment failure was 13 months. There was no association between change in thyroglobulin and tumor size. Drug discontinuation, drug interruptions, and dose reductions were needed in 5 (29%), 13 (76%), and 10 (59%) patients, respectively. Most common AEs were fatigue (71%), weight loss (71%), anorexia (65%), arthralgias (59%), hair loss (59%), rash (59%), hand-foot syndrome (53%), calluses (47%), diarrhea (47%), fever (41%), dry mouth (35%), nausea (35%), and verrucous keratosis (35%). Grade ≥ 3 AEs were present in 8 (47%) patients.

Conclusions:
Vemurafenib is a potentially effective and well-tolerated treatment strategy in patients with advanced PTC harboring the BRAFV600E mutation. Our results are similar to those reported in a phase II clinical trial and support the potential role of vemurafenib in this patient population.
Improved land cover mapping using aerial photographs and satellite images
Authors: Varga Katalin , Szabó Szilárd , Szabó Gergely , Dévai György , Tóthmérész Béla 
Published: October 2014

AbstractManual Land Cover Mapping using aerial photographs provides sufficient level of resolution for detailed vegetation or land cover maps. However, in some cases it is not possible to achieve the desired information over large areas, for example from historical data where the quality and amount of available images is definitely lower than from modern data. The use of automated and semiautomated methods offers the means to identify the vegetation cover using remotely sensed data. In this paper automated methods were tested on aerial photographs and satellite images to extract better and more reliable information about vegetation cover. These testswere performed by using automated analysis of LANDSAT7 images (with and without the surface model of the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM)) and two temporally similar aerial photographs. The spectral bands were analyzed with supervised (maximum likelihood) methods. In conclusion, the SRTM and the combination of two temporally similar aerial photographs from earlier years were useful in separating the vegetation cover on a floodplain area. In addition the different date of the vegetation season also gave reliable information about the land cover. High quality information about old and present vegetation on a large area is an essential prerequisites ensuring the conservation of ecosystems
Characterization of the Mutagenic Spectrum of 4-Nitroquinoline 1-Oxide (4-NQO) inAspergillus nidulansby Whole Genome Sequencing
Authors: Downes Damien J , Chonofsky Mark , Tan Kaeling , Pfannenstiel Brandon T , Reck-Peterson Samara L , Todd Richard B 
Published: October 2014

Abstract4-Nitroquinoline 1-oxide (4-NQO) is a highly carcinogenic chemical that induces mutations in bacteria, fungi, and animals through the formation of bulky purine adducts. 4-NQO has been used as a mutagen for genetic screens and in both the study of DNA damage and DNA repair. In the model eukaryote Aspergillus nidulans, 4-NQO−based genetic screens have been used to study diverse processes, including gene regulation, mitosis, metabolism, organelle transport, and septation. Early work during the 1970s using bacterial and yeast mutation tester strains concluded that 4-NQO was a guanine-specific mutagen. However, these strains were limited in their ability to determine full mutagenic potential, as they could not identify mutations at multiple sites, unlinked suppressor mutations, or G:C to C:G transversions. We have now used a whole genome resequencing approach with mutant strains generated from two independent genetic screens to determine the full mutagenic spectrum of 4-NQO in A. nidulans. Analysis of 3994 mutations from 38 mutant strains reveals that 4-NQO induces substitutions in both guanine and adenine residues, although with a 19-fold preference for guanine. We found no association between mutation load and mutagen dose and observed no sequence bias in the residues flanking the mutated purine base. The mutations were distributed randomly throughout most of the genome. Our data provide new evidence that 4-NQO can potentially target all base pairs. Furthermore, we predict that current practices for 4-NQO−induced mutagenesis are sufficient to reach gene saturation for genetic screens with feasible identification of causative mutations via whole genome resequencing.
Prevalence, Evolution, andcis-Regulation of Diel Transcription inChlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Panchy Nicholas , Wu Guangxi , Newton Linsey , Tsai Chia-Hong , Chen Jin , Benning Christoph , Farré Eva M , Shiu Shin-Han 
Published: October 2014

AbstractEndogenous (circadian) and exogenous (e.g., diel) biological rhythms are a prominent feature of many living systems. In green algal species, knowledge of the extent of diel rhythmicity of genome-wide gene expression, its evolution, and its cis-regulatory mechanism is limited. In this study, we identified cyclically expressed genes under diel conditions in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and found that ~50% of the 17,114 annotated genes exhibited cyclic expression. These cyclic expression patterns indicate a clear succession of biological processes during the course of a day. Among 237 functional categories enriched in cyclically expressed genes, &gt;90% were phase-specific, including photosynthesis, cell division, and motility-related processes. By contrasting cyclic expression between C. reinhardtii and Arabidopsis thaliana putative orthologs, we found significant but weak conservation in cyclic gene expression patterns. On the other hand, within C. reinhardtii cyclic expression was preferentially maintained between duplicates, and the evolution of phase between paralogs is limited to relatively minor time shifts. Finally, to better understand the cis regulatory basis of diel expression, putative cis-regulatory elements were identified that could predict the expression phase of a subset of the cyclic transcriptome. Our findings demonstrate both the prevalence of cycling genes as well as the complex regulatory circuitry required to control cyclic expression in a green algal model, highlighting the need to consider diel expression in studying algal molecular networks and in future biotechnological applications.
Biocomputing, Biosensing and Bioactuation Based on Enzyme Biocatalyzed Reactions
Authors: Mailloux Shay , Katz Evgeny 
Published: October 2014

AbstractThe focus of this review paper is on the design and implementation of smart ‘Sense-and-Treat’ systems using enzyme-biocatalytic systems. These systems were used to perform biomolecular computing and they were functionally integrated with signal responsive materials aiming towards their biomedical use. Electrode interfaces, functionalized with signal-responsive materials, find applications in biocomputing, biosensing, and, specifically, triggered release of bioactive substances. ‘Sense-and-Treat’ systems require multiple components working together, including biosensors, actuators, and filters, in order to achieve closed-loop and autonomous operation. In general, biochemical logic networks were developed to process single biochemical or chemical inputs as well as multiple inputs, responding to nonphysiological (for concept demonstration purposes) and physiological signals (for injury detection or diagnosis). Actuation of drug-mimicking release was performed using the responsive material iron-cross-linked alginate with entrapped biomolecular species, responding to physical, chemical or biochemical signals.
Evaluation of dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction for the determination of cobalt and cadmium by flame atomic absorption spectrometry: application in water and food samples
Authors: Bosch Ojeda C. , Sánchez Rojas F. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractDispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME) was applied to the separation and preconcentration of Cd(II) and Co(II) from water and food samples. The influence of the following analytical parameters on the quantitative recoveries of cadmium and cobalt were investigated: pH, extraction solvent volume, dispersing solvent volume and type, and concentration of chelating agent. Under the optimized conditions, the detection limits were 2 μg L
Drivers’ Growth of Islamic Banking Industry: Lesson from Malaysia
Authors: Elryah Yagoub 
Published: October 2014

Numerous studies focus on the Islamic banking performance, banks’ growth. There are, however, very little is known about the drivers’ growth of Islamic banking. The paper attempted to fill this gap. To achieve the objectives of the study, we consider government financial strategies for Islamic banking in Malaysia (Master Plan financial services 2000-2010 and Blueprint financial sector plan 2011-2020) and interviews the policy makers and regulators from BNM and selected banks. In this context, we explored the drivers’ growth Islamic banking industry in Malaysia for the period 2002-2012. The findings of the study revealed that the government strategies, high skilled banker’s human resources, financial stability, foreign banks, innovative products, awareness of the customers and quality of the financial and regulatory reforms were main drivers’ growth of Islamic banking in Malaysia. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijssm.v1i4.10626 Int. J. Soc. Sci. Manage. Vol-1, issue-4: 122-128
Joining steel to aluminum alloy by resistance spot welding with a rivet
Authors: Qiu Ranfeng , Wang Nannan , Shi Hongxin , Cui Lihu , Hou Longlong , Zhang Keke 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
A new joining method, termed resistance spot welding with a rivet, was tried to weld steel to aluminum alloy. Scanning electron microscopy studies of the interfacial microstructures revealed the presence of an FeAl reaction layer at the rivet/aluminum alloy interface, and of FeAl3 at the steel/aluminum alloy interface. A tensile shear load of a maximum of 3.85 kN was obtained at a welding current of 21 kA. The results reveal that resistance spot welding with a rivet is an effective method for joining steel and aluminum alloy.
Effect of excess Pb on ferroelectric characteristics of conductive Al-doped ZnO and Sn-doped In2O3 top electrodes in PbLaZrTiO
x
capacitors
Authors: Takada Yoko , Tsuji Toru , Okamoto Naoki , Saito Takeyasu , Kondo Kazuo , Yoshimura Takeshi , Fujimura Norifumi , Higuchi Koji , Kitajima Akira , Oshima Akihiro 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
The Pb content effect of chemical solution deposited lanthanum-doped lead zirconate titanate (PLZT) (Pb:La:Zr:Ti = Pb:3:30:70, Pb = 105∼117) was studied for conductive aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO) and tin-doped indium oxide (ITO) deposited as top electrodes by means of pulsed laser deposition. The crystallinity, surface morphology, ferroelectric properties and hydrogen degradation resistance of the ITO/PLZT/Pt and AZO/PLZT/Pt capacitors were evaluated. All the PLZT films showed perovskite phase (revealed by X-ray diffraction patterns) and showed similar surface morphology and grain size (revealed by scanning electron microscopy images). PLZT capacitors with a Pb content of 113 exhibited the largest remnant polarization (at 15 V (300 kV cm−
1)), however, the difference in hydrogen degradation resistance was small between the four levels of Pb content.