bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modular Multifunctional Poly(ethylene glycol) Hydrogels for Stem Cell Differentiation
Authors: Singh Anirudha , Zhan Jianan , Ye Zhaoyang , Elisseeff Jennifer H. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractSynthetic polymers are employed to create highly defined microenvironments with controlled biochemical and biophysical properties for cell culture and tissue engineering. Chemical modification is required to input biological or chemical ligands, which often changes the fundamental structural properties of the material. Here, a simple modular biomaterial design strategy is reported that employs functional cyclodextrin nanobeads threaded onto poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) polymer necklaces to form multifunctional hydrogels. Nanobeads with desired chemical or biological functionalities can be simply threaded onto the PEG chains to form hydrogels, creating an accessible platform for users. The design and synthesis of these multifunctional hydrogels are described, structure‐property relationships are elucidated, and applications ranging from stem cell culture and differentiation to tissue engineering are demonstrated.
Endosomolytic Anionic Polymer for the Cytoplasmic Delivery of siRNAs in Localized In Vivo Applications
Authors: Khormaee Sariah , Choi Yong , Shen Michael J. , Xu Biying , Wu Haitao , Griffiths Gary L. , Chen Rongjun , Slater Nigel K. H. , Park John K. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThe use of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) to down‐regulate the expression of disease‐associated proteins carries significant promise for the treatment of a variety of clinical disorders. One of the main barriers to the widespread clinical use of siRNAs, however, is their entrapment and degradation within the endolysosomal pathway of target cells. Here, the trafficking and function of PP75, a nontoxic, biodegradable, lipid membrane disruptive anionic polymer composed of phenylalanine derivatized poly(L‐lysine isophthalamide) is reported. PP75 is readily endocytosed by cells, safely permeabilizes endolysosomes in a pH dependent manner and facilitates the transfer of co‐endocytosed materials directly into the cytoplasm. The covalent attachment of siRNAs to PP75 using disulfide linkages generates conjugates that effectively traffic siRNAs to the cytoplasm of target cells both in vitro and in vivo. In a subcutaneous malignant glioma tumor model, a locally delivered PP75‐stathmin siRNA conjugate decreases stathmin expression in tumor cells and, in combination with the nitrosourea chemotherapy carmustine, is highly effective at inhibiting tumor growth. PP75 may be clinically useful for the local delivery of siRNAs, in particular for the treatment of solid tumors.
Quantum Dot Based Heterostructures for Unassisted Photoelectrochemical Hydrogen Generation
Authors: Rodenas Pau , Song Taesup , Sudhagar Pitchaimuthu , Marzari Gabriela , Han Hyungkyu , Badia‐Bou Laura , Gimenez Sixto , Fabregat‐Santiago Francisco , Mora‐Sero Ivan , Bisquert Juan , Paik Ungyu , Kang Yong Soo 
Published: September 2012

AbstractTiO2 hollow nanowires (HNWs) and nanoparticles (NPs) constitute promising architectures for QDs sensitized photoanodes for H2 generation. We sensitize these structures with CdS/CdSe quantum dots by two different methods (chemical bath deposition, CBD and succesive ionic layer adsorption and reaction, SILAR) and evaluate the performance of these photoelectrodes. Remarkable photocurrents of 4 mA·cm and 8 mA·cm−2 and hydrogen generation rates of 40 ml·cm−2·day−1 and 80 ml·cm−2·day−1 have been obtained in a three electrode configuration with sacrificial hole scavengers (Na2S and Na2SO3), for HNWs and NPs respectively, which is confirmed through gas analysis. More importantly, autonomous generation of H2 (20 ml·cm−2·day−1 corresponding to 2 mA·cm−2 photocurrent) is obtained in a two electrode configuration at short circuit under 100 mW·cm−2 illumination, clearly showing that these photoanodes can produce hydrogen without the assistance of any external bias. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the highest unbiased solar H2 generation rate reported for these of QDs based heterostructures. Impedance spectroscopy measurements show similar electron density of trap states below the TiO2 conduction band while the recombination resistance was higher for HNWs, consistently with the much lower surface area compared to NPs. However, the conductivity of both structures is similar, in spite of the one dimensional character of HNWs, which leaves some room for improvement of these nanowired structures. The effect of the QDs deposition method is also evaluated. Both structures show remarkable stability without any appreciable photocurrent loss after 0.5 hour of operation. The findings of this study constitute a relevant step towards the feasibility of hydrogen generation with wide bandgap semiconductors/quantum dots based heterostructures.
Unexpected Improved Performance of ALD Coated LiCoO2/Graphite Li‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Jung Yoon Seok , Lu Peng , Cavanagh Andrew S. , Ban Chunmei , Kim Gi‐Heon , Lee Se‐Hee , George Steven M. , Harris Stephen J. , Dillon Anne C. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThe performance of Al2O3 atomic layer deposition (ALD) coatings for LiCoO2/natural graphite (LCO/NG) batteries is investigated, where various permutations of the electrodes are coated in a full battery. Coating both electrodes with ∼1 nm of alumina as well as coating only the LCO (positive electrode) enables improved performance when cycling at high voltage, where the LCO is known to degrade. However, we found that coating only the NG (negative electrode) also improves the performance of the whole battery when cycling at high voltage. Under these conditions, the uncoated LCO (positive electrode) should degrade quickly, and the NG should be unaffected. A variety of characterization techniques show the surface reactions that occur on the negative electrode and positive electrode are related, resulting in the enhanced performance of the uncoated LCO.
Laboratory studies of the impact of calcite on in vitro and in vivo effects of coal dust: A potential preventive agent for coal workers' pneumoconiosis?
Authors: Aladdin Meena , Jian Jinlong , Yang Qing , Chen Lung‐Chi , Finkelman Robert B. , Huang Xi 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBackgroundBioavailable iron (BAI) in coal, which may play a key role in causing coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP), is present at relatively high levels in Appalachian coals. Calcite decreases BAI and is more plentiful in Western coals than in Appalachian coals, possibly explaining the lower CWP prevalence among Western miners.MethodsWe measured effects of calcite on BAI in non‐cellular and cellular systems involving Pennsylvania (PA) coal dust. We also tested in vivo effects of calcite on transferrin receptor and markers of epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) and inflammation in mice exposed to PA coal.ResultsCalcite rapidly eliminated BAI in an aqueous suspension of PA coal. Ferritin induction in human lung epithelial cells exposed to PA coal was effectively eliminated by calcite. Mouse lung tissue markers indicated increased EMT after exposure to PA coal dust, but not after exposure to PA coal plus calcite. Markers of inflammation increased following exposure to PA coal alone, but not following exposure to PA coal plus calcite.ConclusionAdditional research may lead to the use of supplemental calcite in coal mining as a safe and effective way to prevent CWP among Appalachian coal miners. Am. J. Ind. Med. 56:292–299, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Predictors of long‐term outcome in multiple sclerosis patients treated with interferon beta
Authors: Bermel Robert A. , You Xiaojun , Foulds Pamela , Hyde Robert , Simon Jack H. , Fisher Elizabeth , Rudick Richard A. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractObjective:To identify early predictors of long‐term outcomes in patients with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) treated with intramuscular (IM) interferon beta‐1a (IFNβ‐1a).Methods:A multicenter, observational, 15‐year follow‐up study of patients who completed ≥2 years in the pivotal trial of IM IFNβ‐1a for RRMS was conducted. One hundred thirty‐six patients participated in the 15‐year follow‐up (69 originally randomized to IM IFNβ‐1a and 67 to placebo). After the 2‐year clinical trial, treatment was not regulated by study protocol. Disease activity during the 2‐year trial was defined as: ≥2 gadolinium‐enhancing lesions (cumulative) on year 1 and/or year 2 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); ≥3 new T2 lesions on year 2 MRI compared to baseline; and ≥2 relapses over 2 years. Odds ratios were calculated for early disease activity predicting severe Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) worsening (worst quartile of change, ≥4.5 EDSS points) during the 15‐year interval.Results:The proportion of patients experiencing early disease activity was lower in patients on IM IFNβ‐1a than placebo for all disease activity markers (range, 23.5–29.0% vs 41.0–45.5%). In the IM IFNβ‐1a group, persistent disease activity predicted severe EDSS worsening: gadolinium‐enhancing lesions (odds ratio [OR], 8.96; p < 0.001); relapses (OR, 4.44; p = 0.010); and new T2 lesions (OR, 2.90; p = 0.080). In placebo patients, early disease activity was not as strongly associated with long‐term outcomes (OR range, 1.53–2.62; p = 0.069–0.408).Interpretation:Disease activity despite treatment with IFNβ is associated with unfavorable long‐term outcomes. Particular attention should be paid to gadolinium‐enhancing lesions on IFNβ therapy, as their presence strongly correlates with severe disability 15 years later. The results provide rationale for monitoring IFNβ‐treated patients with MRI, and for changing therapy in patients with active disease. ANN NEUROL 2013.
Disease‐specific and inflammation‐independent stromal alterations in spondylarthritis synovitis
Authors: Yeremenko Nataliya , Noordenbos Troy , Cantaert Tineke , van Tok Melissa , van de Sande Marleen , Cañete Juan D. , Tak Paul P. , Baeten Dominique 
Published: September 2012

AbstractObjectiveThe molecular processes driving the distinct patterns of synovial inflammation and tissue remodeling in spondylarthritis (SpA) as compared to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) remain largely unknown. Therefore, we aimed to identify novel and unsuspected disease‐specific pathways in SpA by a systematic and unbiased synovial gene expression analysis.MethodsDifferentially expressed genes were identified by pan‐genomic microarray and confirmed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical analyses of synovial tissue biopsy samples from patients with SpA (n = 63), RA (n = 28), and gout (n = 9). The effect of inflammation on gene expression was assessed by stimulating fibroblast‐like synoviocytes (FLS) with synovial fluid and by analysis of synovial tissue samples at weeks 0 and 12 of etanercept treatment.ResultsUsing very stringent statistical thresholds, microarray analysis identified 64 up‐regulated transcripts in patients with SpA synovitis as compared to those with RA synovitis. Pathway analysis revealed a robust myogene signature in this gene set. The myogene signature was technically and biologically reproducible, was specific for SpA, and was independent of disease duration, treatment, and SpA subtype (nonpsoriatic versus psoriatic). Synovial tissue staining identified the myogene expressing cells as vimentin‐positive, prolyl 4‐hydroxylase β–positive, CD90+, and CD146+ mesenchymal cells that were significantly overrepresented in the intimal lining layer and synovial sublining of inflamed SpA synovium. Neither in vitro exposure to synovial fluid from inflamed SpA joints nor in vivo blockade of tumor necrosis factor modulated the SpA‐specific myogene signature.ConclusionThese data identify a novel and disease‐specific myogene signature in SpA synovitis. The fact that this stromal alteration appeared not to be downstream of local inflammation warrants further analysis of its functional role in the pathogenesis of the disease.
Active Noise Control and its Application to Snore Noise Cancellation
Authors: Chang Cheng‐Yuan , Pan Shing‐Tai , Liao Kuo‐Chun 
Published: September 2012

AbstractAn active noise control (ANC) system with a digital signal processor (DSP) is proposed for snoring noise cancellation. The ANC system applies the filtered‐X least mean square (FXLMS) method to generate anti‐snoring noise by estimating the secondary path and then adaptively tuning the weights of the finite‐length impulse response (FIR) filter. By interfering with noise, the anti‐snoring noise signals help to create a silent zone around the snorer. Several experiments confirm the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Association of copper‐zinc superoxide dismutase (SOD1) and manganese superoxide dismutase (SOD2) genes with nonsyndromic myelomeningocele
Authors: Kase Benjamin A. , Northrup Hope , Morrison Alanna C. , Davidson Christina M. , Goiffon Amanda M. , Fletcher Jack M. , Ostermaier Kathryn K. , Tyerman Gayle H. , Au Kit Sing 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBACKGROUNDA common and severe neural tube defect (NTD) phenotype, myelomeningocele (MM), results from the defective closure of the caudal end of the neural tube with herniation of the spinal cord and meninges through the vertebral column. The exact mechanisms for NTDs are unknown, but excessive oxidative stress, particularly in association with maternal diabetes, has been postulated as a mechanism for MM.MethodsThe SNPlex Genotyping (ABI, Foster City, CA) platform was used to investigate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) across the superoxide dismutase (SOD) 1 and 2 genes to assess their association with MM risk. The study population included 329 trio (affected child and both parents) and 281 duo (affected child and one parent) families. Only cases with documented MM were studied. Seventeen SNPs across the SOD1 and SOD2 genes met the quality‐control criteria to be considered for statistical analysis. Genetic association was assessed using the family‐based transmission disequilibrium test in PLINK (a genome association analysis toolset).RESULTSFour SNPs in the SOD1 gene (rs 202446, rs202447, rs4816405, and rs2070424) and one SNP in the SOD2 gene (s 5746105) appeared to be associated with MM risk in our population. After adjusting for multiple testing, these SNPs remained significant.CONCLUSIONThis study provides the first genetic evidence to support association of myelomeningocele with superoxide scavenging. The rare alleles of the five specific SNPs within SOD1 and SOD2 appear to confer a protective effect on the susceptibility for MM risk in the MM population tested. Further evaluation of the roles of superoxide scavenging and neural tube development is warranted. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Systematic review of resection of primary midgut carcinoid tumour in patients with unresectable liver metastases
Authors: Capurso G , Rinzivillo M , Bettini R , Boninsegna L , Fave G Delle , Falconi M 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Background
Surgery for small intestinal neuroendocrine tumours (SI-NETs) is limited by metastatic disease in most patients. However, resection of the primary lesion alone has been advocated in patients with unresectable liver metastases. The present systematic review investigated the value of surgical resection of the primary lesion in patients with unresectable metastatic disease.

Methods
MEDLINE was searched for studies reporting the outcome of patients with SI-NETs and unresectable liver metastases where there was an explicit comparison between resection of the primary lesion alone and no resection. The primary outcome was overall survival. Secondary outcomes were progression-free survival, treatment-related mortality and relief of symptoms.

Results
Meta-analysis was not possible, but six studies were analysed qualitatively to highlight useful information. Possible confounders in these studies were the inclusion of patients with other primary tumour sites, unknown primary tumour or non-metastatic disease. Bearing in mind these limitations, there was a clear trend towards longer survival in patients who underwent surgical resection in all studies; their median overall survival ranged from 75 to 139 months compared with 50–88 months in patients who did not have resection. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant in three studies. Data on symptomatic improvement were scarce and did not suggest a clear benefit of surgery. Surgery-related mortality seemed low.

Conclusion
Available data suggest a possible benefit of resection of the primary lesion in patients with unresectable liver metastases, but the studies have several limitations and the results should therefore be considered with caution.
Sustainable Development in Retailing: What is the Impact on Store Choice?
Authors: Hampl Nina , Loock Moritz 
Published: September 2012

ABSTRACTSustainability is gaining ground in the food retail industry. But empirical studies on sustainable development in retailing are rare when it comes to highlighting the customer's perspective. This paper investigates the impact of sustainability initiatives on store choice. We report from a web‐based conjoint experiment with 153 customers from Austria, Germany and Switzerland and investigate 1224 choice‐decisions conducted between June and October 2009. We find that sustainability is more than a soft topic and has a hard impact on customers’ store choice. In particular we show that price is not of paramount importance when it comes to store choice, and if retailers consider different sustainability measures they can have a positive impact on store choice. We propose that retailers incorporate matters of sustainability in general management and performance‐oriented management. Further, more detailed implications apply. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Assessing the Comprehensiveness of Supply Chain Environmental Strategies
Authors: Comas Martí Joana M. , Seifert Ralf W. 
Published: September 2012

ABSTRACTAs environmental awareness grows, firms are expected to expand the scope of their environmental strategies beyond organisational boundaries and to address more comprehensively environmental issues in their supply chains and product life cycles. Drawing on different literature streams, international standards and corporate disclosure, this paper presents a conceptual framework for the quantitative assessment of the comprehensiveness of firms' environmental strategies. This framework allows us to capture: (i) the environmental inputs and outputs addressed, (ii) the firm versus supply chain orientation of environmental strategies, and (iii) the environmental management practices adopted by companies. We illustrate the application of this framework with a content analysis of corporate sustainability reports for a cross‐sectoral sample of sustainability leaders. Our results indicate that there is a need for greater specificity in environmental reporting and that, overall, companies remain firm‐oriented. It is also observed that supply chain orientation can generally be associated with stakeholder pressure. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Environmental Performance, Environmental Risk and Risk Management
Authors: Dobler Michael , Lajili Kaouthar , Zéghal Daniel 
Published: September 2012

ABSTRACTEnvironmental performance, environmental risk and risk management are of contemporary interest, but to date there is limited evidence on their relationships. This paper is the first to provide detailed insights by adopting a content analysis approach and disaggregating firm‐level environmental risk into types related to regulations, operations and nature. For a sample of US firms in polluting sectors, descriptive findings show that the level of risk and the likelihood of active risk management differ in the type considered. Environmental performance, risk and the likelihood of risk management all differ across firms and industries. Multiple regressions reveal a negative association between environmental performance and environmental risk, the extent of which depends on the type of risk. Results hold when controlling for active risk management, which is not found to contribute significantly to environmental performance. Our findings have implications for public policy and suggest that linkages to environmental risk and risk management are worth exploring in more differential ways and beyond industry‐level assessments in environmental studies. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Insertion of an H‐Bonding Residue into the Distal Pocket of the Ferriheme Protein Nitrophorin 4: Effect on NitriteIron Coordination and Nitrite Disproportionation
Authors: He Chunmao , Ogata Hideaki , Knipp Markus 
Published: September 2012

AbstractHeme proteins are important entities for the metabolism of nitrite. Inspection of the structural features of the reported hemoproteinnitrite crystal structures reveals that, except for nitrophorin 4 (NP4), H‐bonding to the nitrite ligand is accomplished via histidine or arginine residues. These H‐bonds probably play an important role for the nitrite coordination and/or reactivities. In nitrophorins, which catalyze the nitrite disproportionation reaction, such a residue is missing. Here, we report on the L130R mutant of the NP isoprotein NP4 that provides the Arg130 residue as part of the flexible GH loop as a potential H‐bonding residue in the distal heme pocket. Similar to the wild‐type protein, nitrite remains N‐bonded in the crystal structure of NP4(L130R). However, spectroscopic investigations show that, in solution, a second ligand‐rotational orientation exists, which is in fast‐exchange equilibrium with the normal, parallel ligand orientation. Moreover, the nitrite disproportionation is inhibited in NP4(L130R). Comparison with another, also less active mutant NP4(D30N) suggests that the displacement of H2O molecules from the heme cavity prevents the proton donation pathway through Asp30.
Microbial Metalloproteomes Explored Using MIRAGE
Authors: Sevcenco Ana‐Maria , Hagen Wilfred R. , Hagedoorn Peter‐Leon 
Published: September 2012

AbstractMetalloproteomics is a rapidly developing field of science that involves the comprehensive analysis of all metal‐containing or metal‐binding proteins in a biological sample. The purpose of this review is to offer an overview of the research involving Metal Isotope native RadioAutography in Gel Electrophoresis (MIRAGE), a powerful new method to visualize and study the proteome of a particular metal ion. MIRAGE involves four steps: i) labelling of target proteins with a radioisotope; ii) separation of intact holo‐proteins using native isoelectric focusing (1D) combined with Blue Native PAGE (2D); iii) spot visualization and quantification using autoradiography; and iv) protein identification by tandem mass spectrometry. MIRAGE Investigations of the soluble Cu, Zn, and Fe metalloproteomes of Escherichia coli, and of the soluble Mo and W proteomes of the hyperthermophilic archaeon Pyrococcus furiosus are reviewed.