bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Polymeric nanoparticles for targeted radiosensitization of prostate cancer cells
Authors: Menon Jyothi U. , Tumati Vasu , Hsieh Jer‐Tsong , Nguyen Kytai T. , Saha Debabrata 
Published: August 2014

AbstractOne of the many issues of using radiosensitizers in a clinical setting is timing daily radiation treatments to coincide with peak drug concentration in target tissue. To overcome this deficit, we have synthesized a novel nanoparticle (NP) system consisting of poly (lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) NPs conjugated with prostate cancer cell penetrating peptide‐R11 and encapsulated with a potent radio‐sensitizer 8‐dibenzothiophen‐4‐yl‐2‐morpholin‐4‐yl‐chromen‐4‐one (NU7441) to allow prostate cancer‐specific targeting and sustained delivery over 3 weeks. Preliminary characterization studies showed that the R11‐conjugated NPs (R11‐NU7441 NPs) had an average size of about 274 ± 80 nm and were stable for up to 5 days in deionized water and serum. The NPs were cytocompatible with immortalized prostate cells (PZ‐HPV‐7). Further, the particles showed a bi‐phasic release of encapsulated NU7441 and were taken up by PC3 prostate cancer cells in a dose‐ and magnetic field‐dependent manner while not being taken up in nonprostate cancer cell lines. In addition, R11‐NU7441 NPs were effective radiation sensitizers of prostate cancer cell lines in vitro. These results thus demonstrate the potential of R11‐conjugated PLGA NPs as novel platforms for targeted radiosensitization of prostate cancer cells. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 1632–1639, 2015.
MRT Letter: An extended scanning probe microscopy system for macroscopic topography imaging
Authors: Fu Ji , Li Faxin 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTEnlightened by the principle of scanning probe microscopy or atomic force microscope (AFM), we proposed a novel surface topography imaging system based on the scanning of a piezoelectric unimorph cantilever. The height of sample surface can be obtained by recording the cantilever's strain using an ultra‐sensitive strain gauge and the Z‐axis movement is realized by electric bending of the cantilever. This system can be operated in the way similar to the contact mode in AFM, with the practical height detection resolution better than 100 nm. Imaging of the inner surface of a steel tube and on a transparent wing of a honey bee were conducted and the obtained results showed that this proposed system is a very promising solution for in situ topography mapping. Microsc. Res. Tech. 77:749–753, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Structure and anterior regeneration of musculature and nervous system inCirratuluscf.cirratus(Cirratulidae, Annelida)
Authors: Weidhase Michael , Bleidorn Christoph , Helm Conrad 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTAnnelids provide suitable models for studying regeneration. By now, comprehensive information is restricted to only a few taxa. For many other annelids, comparative data are scarce or even missing. Here, we describe the regeneration of a member of theCirratulus cirratusspecies complex. Using phalloidin‐labeling and antibody‐stainings combined with subsequent confocal laser scanning microscopy, we provide data about the organization of body wall musculature and nervous system of intact specimens, as well as about anteriorly regenerating specimens. Our analyses show thatC. cf.cirratusexhibits a prominent longitudinal muscle layer forming a dorsal muscle plate, two ventral muscle strands and a ventral‐median muscle fiber. The circular musculature forms closed rings which are interrupted in the area of parapodia. The nervous system ofC. cf.cirratusshows a typical rope‐ladder like arrangement and the circumesophageal connectives exhibit two separate roots leading to the brain. During regeneration, the nervous system redevelops remarkably earlier than the musculature, first constituting a tripartite loop‐like structure which later become the circumesophageal connectives. Regeneration of longitudinal musculature starts with diffuse ingrowth and subsequent structuring into the blastema. In contrast, circular musculature develops independently inside the blastema. Our findings constitute the first analysis of regeneration for a member of the Cirratuliformia on a structural level. Summarizing the regeneration process inC. cf.cirratus, five main phases can be subdivided: 1) wound closure, 2) blastema formation, 3) blastema differentiation, 4) resegmentation, and 5) growth, respectively elongation. Additionally, the described tripartite loop‐like structure of the regenerating nervous system has not been reported for any other annelid taxon. In contrast, the regeneration of circular and longitudinal musculature originating from different groups of cells seems to be a general pattern in annelid regeneration. J. Morphol. 275:1418–1430, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Clinical relevance of the plasma load of cytomegalovirus in patients infected with HIV—A survival analysis
Authors: Aramă Victoria , Mihăilescu Raluca , Rădulescu Mihaela , Aramă Sorin Ştefan , Streinu‐Cercel Adrian , Youle Mike ,   CMV‐HIV Study group
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTTo investigate whether asymptomatic cytomegalovirus (CMV) viraemia impact the course of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, this study evaluated the effect of CMV replication on progression of newly‐diagnosed HIV infected individuals towards AIDS events and death. In a 3‐year prospective study on co‐infected patients, clinical, immunological, and virological tests were performed in a national reference hospital quarterly. CMV viraemia was quantified by RoboGene® HCMV DNA Quantification Kit (Analytik Jena, Germany), on ABI Prism® 7000 Sequence Detection System (Applied Biosystems, USA). One hundred and five patients were enrolled with a balanced sex distribution and a median age of 30.7 years. Median CD4+ cell count at enrollment was 164/mm3 and median HIV RNA 4.6 log10copies/ml. Detectable CMV viraemia was found in 25.7% of the patients. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed progression of HIV infection to be significantly increased in those with active CMV replication and/or low CD4+ cell count. Cox regression indicated the risk of developing new AIDS events was 2.6 times greater in patients with detectable CMV viraemia versus those without (CI95% 1–6.6; P = 0.04). Also in multivariate analysis, the overall risk of progression to AIDS events or death was 3‐fold higher in those with detectable CMV viraemia (CI95% 1.3–6.7; P = 0.008) and 2.3‐fold higher if CD4+ cell count was below 100/mm3 (CI95% 1–5.1; P = 0.04). In these young Romanian HIV‐seropositives, active CMV replication increased morbidity, even when treated with combination antiretroviral therapy. Further studies are needed to evaluate if serial quantitative CMV‐DNA levels might correlate with non‐infectious inflammation‐related risks in patients with HIV and active CMV infection. J. Med. Virol. 86:1821–1827, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Exploring the Relationship between Adolescent Activities and Choice of Graduate School Discipline: Implications for Creativity Development
Authors: Hartzell Stephanie A. , Hong Eunsook 
Published: August 2014

The relationship between adolescent extra‐curricular activities and choice of graduate‐education field was examined among students from three fields of study, science (n = 12), art (n = 12), and education (n = 14), using qualitative and quantitative methods. Results of profile analysis indicated that the different majors participated in stereotypically varying activities when they were adolescents. Science majors generally participated in mathematics and science activities during adolescence. Art majors generally participated in theater and music activities, and education majors tended to have participated in social leadership and educational activities. Interviews with the participants supported these findings and provided a more comprehensive discussion of these tendencies. While in high school, the participants had many influences when determining a field of study. Using personal happiness as a guide, the participants chose activities and ultimately graduate‐level majors that reflected their interests. It was concluded that adolescent extra‐curricular activities are important in the development of interest in creatively talented individuals and may lead to graduate field selection.
Structure modeling of the glenoid: Relevance to shoulder arthroplasty
Authors: Sharma Gulshan B. , McMahon Patrick J. , Robertson Douglas D. 
Published: August 2014

SummaryWe applied shape modeling and principal component analysis (PCA) to discover glenoid bone structural relationships relevant to improving glenoid prosthesis features, fixation, and instrumentation. Knowledge of external bone morphology guides prosthesis shape and positioning, while internal bone morphology and bone density influence fixation. CT‐based modeling defined nonarthritic glenoid subchondral bone surface and internal structure. First and second principal shape components were related to size and density. Reproducible structural parameters and glenoid feature relationships were discovered. Subchondral bone surface was approximated by a circle inferiorly and a triangle superiorly with the circle's center at a reproducible point along a superior‐inferior line. Glenoid vault's maximum depth was at the circle's center, and the highest bone density was in posterior glenoid. Glenoid subchondral bone surface version varied from superior to inferior, but not by sex or side. Male subchondral bone surfaces were larger and more retroverted. Even if subchondral bone surfaces are deformed by arthritis, glenoid morphology can be identified by extra‐articular landmarks, permitting location of the glenoid center and scapular orientation (glenoid version). Knowledge obtained from this study directs design of novel prosthesis features and instrumentation for use without pre‐op CT or computer aided surgery. © 2014 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 32:1471–1478, 2014.
Early detection of heterotopic ossification using near‐infrared optical imaging reveals dynamic turnover and progression of mineralization following Achilles tenotomy and burn injury
Authors: Perosky Joseph E. , Peterson Jonathan R. , Eboda Owulatobi N. , Morris Michael D. , Wang Stewart C. , Levi Benjamin , Kozloff Kenneth M. 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTHeterotopic ossification (HO) is the abnormal formation of bone in soft tissue. Current diagnostics have low sensitivity or specificity to incremental progression of mineralization, especially at early time points. Without accurate and reliable early diagnosis and intervention, HO progression often results in incapacitating conditions of limited range of motion, nerve entrapment, and pain. We hypothesized that non‐invasive near‐infrared (NIR) optical imaging can detect HO at early time points and monitor heterotopic bone turnover longitudinally. C57BL6 mice received an Achilles tenotomy on their left hind limb in combination with a dorsal burn or sham procedure. A calcium‐chelating tetracycline derivative (IRDye 680RD BoneTag) was injected bi‐weekly and imaged via NIR to measure accumulative fluorescence for 11 wk and compared to in vivo microCT images. Percent retention of fluorescence was calculated longitudinally to assess temporal bone resorption. NIR detected HO as early as five days and revealed a temporal response in HO formation and turnover. MicroCT could not detect HO until 5 wk. Confocal microscopy confirmed fluorophore localization to areas of HO. These findings demonstrate the ability of a near‐infrared optical imaging strategy to accurately and reliably detect and monitor HO in a murine model. © 2014 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 32:1416–1423, 2014.
Hip contact force in presence of aberrant bone geometry during normal and pathological gait
Authors: Bosmans Lode , Wesseling Mariska , Desloovere Kaat , Molenaers Guy , Scheys Lennart , Jonkers Ilse 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTChildren with cerebral palsy (CP) often present aberrant hip geometry, specifically increased femoral anteversion and neck‐shaft angle. Furthermore, altered gait patterns are present within this population. We analyzed the effect of aberrant femoral geometry, as present in CP subjects, on hip contact force (HCF) during pathological and normal gait. We ran dynamic simulations of CP‐specific and normal gait using two musculoskeletal models (MSMs), one reflecting normal femoral geometry and one reflecting proximal femoral deformities. The combination of aberrant bone geometry and CP‐specific gait characteristics reduced HCF compared to normal gait on a CP subject‐specific MSM, but drastically changed the orientation of the HCF vector. The HCF was orientated more vertically and anteriorly than compared to HCF orientation during normal gait. Furthermore, subjects with more pronounced bony deformities encountered larger differences in resultant HCF and HCF orientation. When bone deformities were not accounted for in MSMs of pathologic gait, the HCF orientation was more similar to normal children. Thus, our results support a relation between aberrant femoral geometry and joint loading during pathological/normal gait and confirm a compensatory effect of altered gait kinematics on joint loading. © 2014 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 32:1406–1415, 2014.
Glucosamine protects nucleus pulposus cells and induces autophagy via the mTOR‐dependent pathway
Authors: Jiang LiBo , Jin YongLong , Wang HuiRen , Jiang YunQi , Dong Jian 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTAlthough glucosamine has been suggested to be effective in the treatment of osteoarthritis, its effect on disc degeneration remains unclear. We sought to explore whether glucosamine can activate autophagy in rat nucleus pulposus (NP) cells and protect cells treated with IL‐1β or hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Autophagy in cells was examined by detecting for LC3, Beclin‐1, m‐TOR, and p70S6K, as well as by analyzing autophagosomes. To inhibit autophagy, 3‐methyladenine (3‐MA) was used. In the cells treated with IL‐1β, the levels of Adamts‐4, Mmp‐13, aggrecan, and Col2a1 were analyzed by real‐time PCR and immunofluorescence. Apoptosis was analyzed by TUNEL. Cell senescence under H2O2 was revealed by SA‐β‐Gal staining. Glucosamine could activate autophagy in a dose‐dependent manner within 24 h and inhibit the phosphorylation of m‐TOR and p70S6K. Autophagy in IL‐1β or H2O2‐treated cells was increased by glucosamine. Glucosamine attenuated the decrease of aggrecan and prevented the apoptosis of the NP cells induced by IL‐1β, whereas 3‐MA partly reversed these effects. The percentage of SA‐β‐Gal‐positive cells induced by H2O2 treatment was decreased by glucosamine, accompanied by the decline of p70S6K phosphorylation. Glucosamine protects NP cells and up‐regulates autophagy by inhibiting the m‐TOR pathway, which might point a potential therapeutic agent for disc degeneration. © 2014 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 32:1532–1542, 2014.
Viability of chondrocytes seeded onto a collagen I/III membrane for matrix‐induced autologous chondrocyte implantation
Authors: Hindle Paul , Hall Andrew C. , Biant Leela C 
Published: August 2014

AbstractCell viability is crucial for effective cell‐based cartilage repair. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of handling the membrane during matrix‐induced autologous chondrocyte implantation surgery on the viability of implanted chondrocytes. Images were acquired under five conditions: (i) Pre‐operative; (ii) Handled during surgery; (iii) Cut edge; (iv) Thumb pressure applied; (v) Heavily grasped with forceps. Live and dead cell stains were used. Images were obtained for cell counting and morphology. Mean cell density was 6.60 × 105 cells/cm2 (5.74–7.11 × 105) in specimens that did not have significant trauma decreasing significantly in specimens that had been grasped with forceps (p < 0.001) or cut (p = 0.004). Cell viability on delivery grade membrane was 75.1%(72.4–77.8%). This dropped to 67.4%(64.1–69.7%) after handling (p = 0.002), 56.3%(51.5–61.6%) after being thumbed (p < 0.001) and 28.8%(24.7–31.2%) after crushing with forceps (p < 0.001). When cut with scissors there was a band of cell death approximately 275 µm in width where cell viability decreased to 13.7%(10.2–18.2%, p < 0.001). Higher magnification revealed cells without the typical rounded appearance of chondrocytes. We found that confocal laser‐scanning microscope (CLSM) can be used to quantify and image the fine morphology of cells on a matrix‐induced autologous chondrocyte implantation (MACI) membrane. Careful handling of the membrane is essential to minimise chondrocyte death during surgery. © 2014 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 32:1495–1502, 2014.
FOREIGN AID AND DECENTRALIZATION: LIMITATIONS ON IMPACT IN AUTONOMY AND RESPONSIVENESS
Authors: Dickovick J. Tyler 
Published: August 2014

SUMMARYDonor support for decentralization comes in two main categories: policy support to increase the autonomy of subnational governments (SNGs) and project/program activities to improve the responsiveness and accountability of those SNGs. In the former, donors advocate for reforms that increase the extent or ‘quantity’ of decentralization, whereas in the latter, they aim at the ‘quality’ of decentralized governance. Drawing upon this distinction, this paper's argument is twofold. The principal argument is that donors have had modest causal impacts on the quantity of decentralization because the preexisting political incentives of central governments are sufficient to explain decisions for major reforms. Decentralization advances farthest when there are regime‐level incentives to decentralize, a moderate amount when there are government‐level incentives, and minimally when donors (or other actors outside the central state) are leading champions of decentralization. The second argument of the paper is that donor efficacy is further complicated by partially conflicting emphases that sometimes tradeoff local autonomy with accountability. Implications include support for those programming efforts that pair autonomy with responsiveness at the local level. © 2014 The Authors.Public Administration and Developmentpublished by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Insights into corrosion in dye solar cells
Authors: Miettunen Kati , Etula Jarkko , Saukkonen Tapio , Jouttijärvi Sami , Halme Janne , Romu Jyrki , Lund Peter 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThe main issue in using low cost metals in dye solar cells is the corrosion caused by the liquid electrolyte. Contrary to typical applications of metals, the adverse effects of corrosion in dye solar cells are related to irreversible depletion of charge carriers from the electrolyte rather than consumption of the metal itself. It is calculated that the penetration rate due to corrosion should not exceed 10−4 mpy (a couple of nanometers per year) to ensure device lifetime longer than 1 year. This is 10 000 times slower rate than what is considered to be a general benchmark value for very low corrosion rate in the field of corrosion science and has a major effect on how corrosion should be investigated in the case of dye solar cells. Different methods, their applicability, and limitations to investigate corrosion in dye solar cells are evaluated here. The issue with most techniques is that they can detect metals that are clearly corroding, but they have significant limitations in proving a metal stable. Our investigation shows that the most reliable information on corrosion is obtained from complete dye solar cells that are exposed to working conditions. A combination of color analysis of the electrolyte to such measurement is proposed as a means to extrapolate future performance of the cells and estimate potential lifetimes of the dye solar cells in regards to corrosion. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Understanding sprint velocity fluctuations for improved project plans with Scrum: a case study
Authors: Albero Pomar Filipe , Calvo‐Manzano Jose A. , Caballero Edgar , Arcilla‐Cobián Magdalena 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTStarting from the documentation of high sprint velocity fluctuations in a Scrum project, this paper presents a thorough approach to identify the sources of issues arising in the context of Scrum implementation. Given that Scrum provides guidance on identifying process issues but not their root causes, various approaches are explored. This is of great relevance because Scrum defines project schedules relying heavily on sprint velocity and because it is the most widely used agile methodology. The findings provide a new approach to evaluate such fluctuations and establish a more realistic project assessment than what is currently defined by Scrum. In this respect, this paper contributes to improve the understanding of the software development process using this agile framework. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ecotoxicological Assessment of Mixtures of Ether Carboxylic Derivative and Amine‐Oxide‐Based Non‐ionic Surfactants on the Aquatic Environment
Authors: Fernández‐Serrano Mercedes , Jurado Encarnación , Fernández‐Arteaga Alejandro , Ríos Francisco , Lechuga Manuela 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to discuss the effect of the chemical structure of anionic and non‐ionic surfactants and surface activity on toxicity. Single and binary mixtures of three ether carboxylic derivative surfactants and three amine‐oxide‐based non‐ionic surfactants were used. Toxicity was determined using three test organisms: freshwater crustaceans (Daphnia magna), luminescent bacteria (Vibrio fischeri), and microalgae (Selenastrum capricornutum). The toxicity of surfactants is related to the hydrophobic alkyl chain, the degree of ethoxylation, and the critical micelle concentration of surfactants. Relationships found agreed with the fact that the lower toxicity is shown by the shorter alkyl chain. There is a strong relation between surface activity and toxicity: the toxicity increased as the CMC of the surfactant or mixtures of surfactants decreased. Commercial products are formulated using surfactants mixtures, so it is important to know their behavior using an easily measured property: the least toxic mixtures were formed by the surfactants having lower individual toxicity. Around the CMC, our data show a synergism for the binary mixtures. The results have given rise to a classification of the different surfactants and their mixtures according to the organism test, as safe, harmful or toxic.V. fischeriwas in general the most sensitive microorganism to the toxic effect of the surfactants, followed byDaphnia magna, whileSelenastrum capricornutumwas more tolerant. These results can be useful for selecting technically efficient surfactants and their mixtures with a lower ecotoxicity on the aquatic environment.