bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural Characterization by NMR of a Double Phosphorylated Chimeric Peptide Vaccine for Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Ramírez-Gualito Karla , Richter Monique , Matzapetakis Manolis , Singer David , Berger Stefan
Published: April 2013

Rational design of peptide vaccines becomes important for the treatment of some diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and related disorders. In this study, as part of a larger effort to explore correlations of structure and activity, we attempt to characterize the doubly phosphorylated chimeric peptide vaccine targeting a hyperphosphorylated epitope of the Tau protein. The 28-mer linear chimeric peptide consists of the double phosphorylated B cell epitope Tau229-237[pThr231/pSer235] and the immunomodulatory T cell epitope Ag85B241-255 originating from the well-known antigen Ag85B of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis, linked by a four amino acid sequence -GPSL-. NMR chemical shift analysis of our construct demonstrated that the synthesized peptide is essentially unfolded with a tendency to form a β-turn due to the linker. In conclusion, the -GPSL- unit presumably connects the two parts of the vaccine without transferring any structural information from one part to the other. Therefore, the double phosphorylated epitope of the Tau peptide is flexible and accessible.
A Hybrid LSSVR/HMM-Based Prognostic Approach
Authors: Liu Zhijuan , Li Qing , Liu Xianhui , Mu Chundi
Published: April 2013

In a health management system, prognostics, which is an engineering discipline that predicts a system’s future health, is an important aspect yet there is currently limited research in this field. In this paper, a hybrid approach for prognostics is proposed. The approach combines the least squares support vector regression (LSSVR) with the hidden Markov model (HMM). Features extracted from sensor signals are used to train HMMs, which represent different health levels. A LSSVR algorithm is used to predict the feature trends. The LSSVR training and prediction algorithms are modified by adding new data and deleting old data and the probabilities of the predicted features for each HMM are calculated based on forward or backward algorithms. Based on these probabilities, one can determine a system’s future health state and estimate the remaining useful life (RUL). To evaluate the proposed approach, a test was carried out using bearing vibration signals. Simulation results show that the LSSVR/HMM approach can forecast faults long before they occur and can predict the RUL. Therefore, the LSSVR/HMM approach is very promising in the field of prognostics.
Resident Perceptions of Sport Mega-Events: A Host Community Perspective on the Forthcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow 2014
Authors: Martin Andrew , Barth Kristin
Published: April 2013

Special events are a popular component of tourism and economic development strategies for communities and regions in many parts of the world. researchers continue to develop an understanding of the positive and negative aspects of the events, and to assess residents' support and their
views about impacts. this study compares and contrasts methods and theories behind sport mega-events and attitude variations among residents. the research focuses on residents of Glasgow and the upcoming Commonwealth Games 2014, highlighting their perceptions toward potential impacts. this
was achieved by gathering quantitative data via 85 questionnaires and the use of a semistructured interview with a key player involved in planning and organizing for the Games. Data analysis followed the format developed in the article by ritchie, Shipway, and Cleeve. the results indicated
that generally residents were supportive of hosting the event, but were concerned over traffic congestion and parking issues and potential increases in tax. Further analysis demonstrated that perceptions were influenced by sociodemographics and external factors such as age, length of residency,
involvement in sport, and tourism. It also showed that residents had little involvement or communication in decision making overall. these findings provide a basis for the organizing committee to ensure the engagement of the community as a whole to increase overall support even further. this
would help to address issues and concerns of residents and may encourage the development of ideas to help lighten the actual impact of the event on the host community as the report concluded.
Former les enseignants à la transmission du langage théâtral : déplacer des « représentations » ?
Authors: Dulibine Chantal , Grosjean Bernard
Published: April 2013

L’article propose dans une première partie un état des représentations initiales et des attentes des enseignants en formation, liées à des modèles de référence dont il interroge la pertinence. Puis il développe une typologie des compétences à construire pour tout animateur (intervenant et enseignant). Dans une deuxième partie, l’article rend compte d’un parcours pratique effectué en temps restreint autour de Roméo et Juliette dans une classe entière de première. Une troisième partie questionne l’efficacité des stages inscrits aux plans académiques de formation et évoque d’autres dispositifs destinés aux enseignants dans d’autres formats et d’autres contextes.
L'évaluation de la gouvernance territoriale. Enjeux et propositions méthodologiques
Authors: Rey-Valette Hélène , Mathé Syndhia
Published: April 2013

Face à l’importance croissante des dispositifs de gouvernance multi-acteurs et multi-niveaux, cette contribution se propose de rendre compte des types et des conditions d’évaluation de ces dispositifs. Les auteurs proposent une revue des recherches récentes sur les modalités d’évaluation de la gouvernance, qui témoigne de la faiblesse des travaux sur les effets de la gouvernance territoriale tant en termes d’efficacité que d’impact sur la démocratie et « l’empowerment » des participants. Il s’agit ensuite de s’interroger sur la construction d’un cadre d’évaluation approprié aux dispositifs de gouvernance territoriale en montrant que par ses propriétés d’apprentissage, l’évaluation participative constitue non seulement un outil d’évaluation mais qu’elle joue aussi un rôle important pour le renforcement des effets démocratiques des systèmes de gouvernance territoriale.
Comment modéliser les déterminants locaux de préservation des espaces non-artificialisés en France ? L'apport d'une confrontation littérature-terrain
Authors: Delattre Laurence , Chanel Olivier , Napoléone Claude
Published: April 2013

Alors que les politiques internationales ou nationales appellent à contenir les croissances urbaines pour préserver terres agricoles et espaces naturels, la tendance à l’étalement urbain persiste en France. Afin d’identifier les éléments qui prévalent à la décision locale d’urbanisation, nous analysons les déterminants des documents d’urbanisme. Un état de l’art des travaux théoriques et empiriques, qualitatifs ou quantitatifs, est confronté aux résultats d’une analyse qualitative de terrain (sud-est de la France). Nous proposons une typologie de communes selon leurs stratégies de développement urbain. Est ainsi mise en avant l’importance de déterminants souvent négligés dans les modèles théoriques et leur validation empirique comme le dynamisme et l’image de l’activité agricole, la légitimité politique des élus, les politiques communales antérieures ou celles des communes voisines et la configuration du bâti existant. In fine, nous proposons une ébauche de modèle des déterminants locaux de préservation des espaces non-artificialisés adaptée au contexte français.
A Silver Lining to Higher Prices at the Pump? Gasoline Prices and Teen Driving Behaviors
Authors: Sen Bisakha , Patidar Nitish , Thomas Sheikilya
Published: April 2013

Purpose.

Existing literature shows negative relationships between gasoline price and motor vehicle crashes, particularly among teens. This paper extends that literature by evaluating the relationship between gasoline price and self-reported risky driving among teens.

Design.

Observational study using multivariate empirical analysis, using pooled data from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey, waves 2003–2009.

Setting.

Secondary data from survey administered in private and public high schools across the United States.

Subjects.

Students in grades 9 through 12, surveyed biennially from 2003 to 2009 (n = 58,749).

Measures.

Outcomes are (self-reported) driving without seatbelts, driving after consuming alcohol, and moderate physical activity (like walking or bicycling). State-level retail gasoline prices constitute the main predictor variable.

Analysis.

Multivariate logistic models are estimated for the full sample, as well as by gender, race/ethnicity, and age. Individual characteristics, state unemployment, and state driving policies are controlled for. Standard errors are clustered at the state level. Results are reported in form of risk differences.

Results.

Higher gasoline prices are negatively and significantly associated with driving without seatbelts. Associations are particularly strong for males and minorities. There are fewer statistical associations between gasoline prices and driving after drinking. Higher gasoline prices are positively associated with more moderate physical activity.

Conclusion.

Higher gasoline prices are associated with less risky driving behaviors among teens, and they may be associated with more active forms of transportation, like walking and bicycling. The study limitations are discussed.
Re-Creating Touba: Pilgrimage Videos in the American Muridiyya
Authors: Dell Jeremy
Published: April 2013

This article examines the relationship between new media objects and novel religious practices through a consideration of pilgrimage videos available in American Murid communities. Building upon earlier studies of Murid visual culture, it suggests a preliminary typology of videos centered on the Grand Magal in Touba and the Magal of Two Rakkas in Saint-Louis. I argue that such videos, while not a substitute for pilgrimage itself, approximate the pilgrimage experience via their internal organization and formal characteristics. In addition to mediating religious practices within dispersed Murid communities, pilgrimage videos are also acts of historicization, rewriting narratives of Murid expansion within Senegal and without.
Assessing the spatial variability of weights of landslide causal factors in different regions from Romania using logistic regression
Authors: Mărgărint M. C. , Grozavu A. , Patriche C. V.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. In landslide susceptibility assessment, an important issue is the correct identification of significant causal factors, which leads to the improvement of predictions regarding this type of geomorphological processes. In the scientific literature, different weightings are assigned to these factors, but with large variations. This study aims to identify the spatial variability and range of variation of landslide causal factors in different geographical conditions. Four square sectors of 15 km × 15 km (225 km2) were selected for analysis from representative regions in Romania in terms of spatial extent of landslides, situated both in hilly areas (Transylvanian Plateau and Moldavian Plateau) and lower mountain region (Subcarpathians). The following factors were taken into consideration: elevation, slope angle, slope height, terrain curvature (mean, plan and profile), distance from drainage network, slope aspect, surface lithology and land use. For each sector, landslide inventory, digital elevation model and thematic layers of the mentioned predictors were achieved and integrated in georeferenced environment. The logistic regression was applied separately for the four study sectors, as statistical method for assessing terrain landsliding susceptibility. Maps of landslide susceptibility were achieved, the values of which were classified using the natural breaks method (Jenks). The accuracy of logistic regression outcomes was evaluated using the ROC curve and AUC parameter, which show values between 0.852 and 0.922. The values of factor weights are generally placed within the limits specified by the scientific literature. For all study sectors, the prevailing factors for landslide susceptibility are slope angle, land use and slope height above channel network. The study points out that the weights assigned to the causal factors through logistic regression are capable to reveal some important regional characteristics in landslides manifestation.
Obliquely propagating electron acoustic solitons in magnetized plasmas with nonextensive electrons
Authors: Pakzad H. R. , Javidan K.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. The problem of small amplitude electron-acoustic solitary waves (EASWs) is discussed using the reductive perturbation theory in magnetized plasmas consisting of cold electrons, hot electrons obeying nonextensive distribution and stationary ions. The presented investigation shows that the presence of nonextensive distributed hot electrons (due to the effects of long-range interactions) causes a reduction in the soliton amplitude while its width increases. The effects of the population ratio of hot to cold electrons and also the effects of the presence of magnetic field in this situation are also discussed.
Preparing a Future Graduate Workforce for Work
Authors: Al-Ali Salah
Published: April 2013

This paper reports on a study that examined factors which had a direct impact on the quality of graduates from the Public Authority of Applied Education and Training (PAAE&T) in Kuwait. The study also examined the extent to which the graduates met the requirements of local employers. It consisted of a review of the literature; a questionnaire given to a sample of students in selected departments; interviews with department heads at the PAAE&T; Deans of related colleges and institutions; Deans of industrial liaison offices in the selected sample of the PAAE&T; supervisors in industry who had direct contact with prospective PAAE&T graduates; and employed graduates. The findings indicate that there is a need to develop a proper labour strategy to ensure that graduates from PAAE&T are equipped with the required knowledge, skills and attitudes to meet industry and business requirements.
Trapetum natantis Müller et Görs 1960 in hydromeliorative facilities in Serbia
Authors: Džigurski Dejana , Ljevnaić-Mašić Branka , Nikolić Ljiljana
Published: April 2013

Trapa natans is one of the very few plants that generate so many contrasting views: it is highly endangered in Europe, invasive in North America and Australia, yet highly valued in India and China due to its nutritional and medical properties. Its endangered status in most of the Europe has prompted significant conservation efforts aimed at retention and expansion of its population. T. natans is currently on the red list of many European countries and is included under “Appendix I” of the “Convention on the conservation of European wildlife and natural habitats” (Bern Convention) and IPA list (IPA criterion A, threatened species). The unusual circumstances, i.e. endangered status of T. natans in the region on one hand and its expansion in Serbia on the other, are the reason behind this research that aims to present the distribution, floristic composition and ecological conditions of ass. Trapetum natantis stands in hydromeliorative facilities (Serbia), comprised of 28 hydrophytes. In the analyzed stands, based on the long-term phytocenological studies, we have singled out four floristic and ecological groups: the stands in which T. natans predominates, the stands with Ceratophyllum demersum, the stands with lemnids plants (Lemna minor, L. gibba, Spirodela polyrrhiza) and Salvinia natans and the stands with Hydrocharis morsus-ranae. In the researched localities, the differentiation of ass. Trapetum natantis stands is predetermined by the phosphorus and nitrate content, as well as pH and BOD5 levels.
PROPOSTA METODOLÓGICA PARA O ENSINO DE FÍSICA: A FISICOTECA
Authors: Salete Vaceli Quintilio Maria , Rocha Lourenço Manoel , Camarini Alves Vagner
Published: April 2013

The design ofaFisicoteca(room-environment with emphasis onPhysicalSciences) canhelp teachersofprimary and secondary educationto contextualizethe physical conceptsand assistin the understandingof current technology, present in ourdaily life, encouraging science education. Thisstudy aimed to: a proposal forateaching methodologybased on thephysicssystem-room environments, the installation of aFisicoteca, and the selection ofappropriate scientificapparatusto the proposal andeasy to handle. Inscience classes, particularly in physics, it is possible to teachconcepts, procedures and attitudeswhich theobservation, experimentation, building relationshipsand systematicprocessesarefundamentaland should beaidedby the resourcesavailable at each school, such as laboratory andscienceroom. Therefore, it isextremely importantthat teachersusethese resources andtake full advantageof them, creating opportunities for studentsto channeltheir curiosity, ideasand interestsin solvingcertain problems. Throughliterature, wereproduced and /or adaptedforsomeinitial experimentsFisicotecaassembly, addressing the most basicissues, such as electromagnetism,mechanics and optics. Theseexperiments were performedand analyzed, highlighting its objectivesin relation toskills and abilitiesthat eachprovides.In this first phasewas prioritizedease ofassembly andmaterial handling. Itisthusthat theroomenvironment favors(and demands!) Achange inteaching methodology, which should be seriously considered. The atmospheregenerated byFisicotecaenablesapupil-teacherinteractionmore efficient and dynamicas well as providingaplace conduciveto learningcontext.
Transmissão de Código de Barras por Rádio Frequência usando Microcontroladores
Authors: S. Gonsalves Alexandre , O. Artero Almir
Published: April 2013

This paper presents a wireless barcode system reader, which can, advantageously, replace the wired system, used in most applications. Using a microcontroller to do all the processing, the proposed system transmits the information collected by a simple wire barcode reader with a common thread to a computer using radio frequency signals. With a low cost, the proposed project allows its use in various applications that need to collect data, mainly, in areas of difficult access, or when it is impossible to bring the object into the reader connected to the wired computer.
Model of Service-Oriented B2B Integration in the Traffic Safety Area
Authors: Janković Slađana , Mladenović Snežana , Lipovac Krsto , Mladenović Dušan , Vesković Slavko
Published: April 2013

One class of methods for black spots identification is based on the analysis of: traffic accidents (TA), road parameters, and traffic intensity. The data used in the analysis can be grouped into the information about: roads, persons participating in TA, vehicles participating in TA, traffic accidents and their consequences, and traffic. These categories of data are usually under the jurisdiction of different traffic and non-traffic subjects. Therefore, it is necessary to exchange traffic safety data among the following sources: traffic police, road manager, and health and judicial sector. This paper proposes a model for the exchange and integration of traffic safety data into a single database, which allows the calculation of risks for road sections, as well as the classification and ranking of the sections. The model is based on B2B integration of service-oriented applications. This paper describes a practical example that demonstrates the proposed integration model.
Validation of Microscopic Traffic Models Based on GPS Precise Measurement of Vehicle Dynamics
Authors: Apeltauer Tomas , Macur Jiri , Holcner Petr , Radimsky Michal
Published: April 2013

A necessary stage in the development of traffic models is model validation, where the developed model is verified by comparing its outputs with observed data. The most frequently used variables are average value of speed, flow intensity and flow density (during a selected period).It is possible to use these values for the calibration of macroscopic models, but one cannot always obtain a relevant microscopic dynamic model in this way. A typical use of the microsimulation models is the capacity assessment, where this sort of data (flow, speed and queues) is considered to be standard and sufficient. However microsimulation is also increasingly being used for other assessments (e.g. noise and emissions) where the correct representation of each vehicle’s acceleration and deceleration plays a crucial role. Another emerging area is the use of microsimulation to predict near-miss situations and conflicts to identify dangerous and accident prone locations. In such assessments the vehicle trajectory, distance from other vehicles as well as velocity and acceleration are very important.Additional source of data, which can be used to validate vehicle dynamics in microsimulation models, is the Global Positioning System (GPS) that is able to determine vehicle position with centimeter accuracy.In this article we discuss validation of selected microscopic traffic models, based on the comparison of simulated vehicle dynamics with observed dynamic characteristics of vehicles recorded by the precise geodetic GPS equipment.
Identification and Prioritization of Hazardous Road Locations by Segmentation and Data Envelopment Analysis Approach
Authors: Sadeghi Aliasghar , Ayati Esmaeel , Pirayesh Neghab Mohammadali
Published: April 2013

The aim of the present study is the representation of a method to identify and prioritize accident-prone sections (APSs) based upon efficiency concept to emphasize accidents with regard to traffic, geometric and environmental circumstances of road which can consider the interaction of accidents as well as their casual factors. This study incorporates the segmentation procedure into data envelopment analysis (DEA) technique which has no requirement of distribution function and special assumptions, unlike the regression models. A case study has been done on 144.4km length of Iran roads to describe the approach. Eleven accident-prone sections were identified among 154 sections obtained from the segmentation process and their prioritization was made based on the inefficiency values coming from DEA method. The comparisons demonstrated that the frequency and severity of accidents would not be only considered as the main factors for black-spots identification but proper rating can be possible by obtaining inefficiency values from this method for the road sections. This approach could applicably offer decision-making units for identifying accident-prone sections and their prioritizations. Also, it can be used to prioritize intersections, roundabouts or the total roads of the safety organization domain.
Assessing Antisite Defect and Impurity Concentrations in Bi2Te3 Based Thin Films by High‐Accuracy Chemical Analysis
Authors: Peranio Nicola , Winkler Markus , Dürrschnabel Michael , König Jan , Eibl Oliver
Published: April 2013

In Bi2Te3‐based materials charge‐carrier densities are determined by antisite defects and controlling these defects is a key issue for thermoelectric and topological insulator materials. Bi‐Te thin films with high‐quality thermoelectric properties are deposited using a nano‐alloying approach by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) and sputtering. The in‐plane transport properties are measured at room temperature as a function of charge‐carrier density. High‐accuracy chemical analysis by wavelength‐dispersive X‐ray spectrometry (WDX) is applied for the first time to these Bi2Te3‐based thin films. The acquisition conditions for WDX spectrometry are established using Monte Carlo simulations for the electron trajectories, which guarantees a high lateral resolution and rules out stray radiation generated in the substrate of the films. In contrast to energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectrometry (EDX), which is usually applied, WDX offers unprecedented accuracy for measuring antisite defect concentrations and thus has a high impact on improving the quality of thin films. The charge‐carrier densities are calculated from the WDX results according to the point‐defect model of Miller and Li and the thermopower and electrical conductivity are calculated for different charge‐carrier densities by solving the linearized Boltzmann transport equation. A good quantitative agreement is found for the dependence of the thermopower on stoichiometry, whereas the electrical conductivity is sensitively affected by contaminants.
A phase I trial of immunostimulatory CpG 7909 oligodeoxynucleotide and 90yttrium ibritumomab tiuxetan radioimmunotherapy for relapsed B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Witzig Thomas E. , Wiseman Gregory A. , Maurer Matthew J. , Habermann Thomas M. , Micallef Ivana N.M. , Nowakowski Grzegorz S. , Ansell Stephen M. , Colgan Joseph P. , Inwards David J. , Porrata Luis F. , Link Brian K. , Zent Clive S. , Johnston Patrick B. , Shanafelt Tait D. , Allmer Cristine , Asmann Yan W. , Gupta Mamta , Ballas Zuhair K. , Smith Brian J. , Weiner George J.
Published: April 2013

Radioimmunotherapy (RIT) for relapsed indolent non‐Hodgkin lymphoma produces overall response rates (ORR) of 80% with mostly partial remissions. Synthetic CpG oligonucleotides change the phenotype of malignant B‐cells, are immunostimulatory, and can produce responses when injected intratumorally and combined with conventional radiation. In this phase I trial, we tested systemic administration of both CpG and RIT. Eligible patients had biopsy‐proven previously treated CD20+ B‐cell NHL and met criteria for RIT. Patients received rituximab 250 mg/m2 days 1,8, and 15; 111In‐ibritumomab tiuxetan days 1, 8; CpG 7909 days 6, 13, 20, 27; and 0.4 mCi/kg of 90Y‐ibritumomab tiuxetan day 15. The doses of CpG 7909 tested were 0.08, 0.16, 0.32 (six patients each) and 0.48 mg/kg (12 patients) IV over 2 hr without dose limiting toxicity. The ORR was 93% (28/30) with 63% (19/30) complete remission (CR); median progression free survival of 42.7 months (95% CI 18‐NR); and median duration of response (DR) of 35 months (4.6–76+). Correlative studies demonstrated a decrease in IL10 and TNFα, and an increase in IL1β, in response to therapy. CpG 7909 at a dose of 0.48 mg/kg is safe with standard RIT and produces a high CR rate and long DR; these results warrant confirmation. Am. J. Hematol. 88:589–593, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Association between baseline body mass index and overall survival among patients over age 60 with acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Brunner Andrew M. , Sadrzadeh Hossein , Feng Yang , Drapkin Benjamin J. , Ballen Karen K. , Attar Eyal C. , Amrein Philip C. , McAfee Steven L. , Chen Yi‐Bin , Neuberg Donna S. , Fathi Amir T.
Published: April 2013

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is more common and more lethal among patients over the age of 60. Increased body mass index (BMI) has been associated with a higher incidence of various malignancies, including AML. We sought to determine whether patient BMI at the time of AML diagnosis is related to overall survival (OS) among elderly patients. We identified 97 patients with AML diagnosed after the age of 60 and treated with cytarabine‐based induction chemotherapy. The median age was 68 years (range 60–87); 52% of patients were male, and our study population was predominantly white (89% of patients). The median OS for all patients was 316 days (95% CI 246–459). The hazard ratio for mortality was increased among patients with a BMI < 25 compared to BMI ≥ 30 (HR 2.14, P = 0.009, 95% CI 1.21–3.77), as well as with older age (HR 1.76, P = 0.015, 95% CI 1.12–2.79) and with secondary versus de novo disease (HR 1.95, P = 0.006, 95% CI 1.21–3.14). After multivariable analysis, we did not find a significant association between OS and other potential confounders such as coronary artery disease or diabetes among these patients. We conclude that increased BMI was independently associated with improved OS among older AML patients at our institution. Am. J. Hematol. 88:642–646, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Polymorphisms in DNA repair pathway genes, body mass index, and risk of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Chen Yingtai , Zheng Tongzhang , Lan Qing , Kim Christopher , Qin Qin , Foss Francine , Chen Xuezhong , Holford Theodore , Leaderer Brian , Boyle Peter , Wang Chengfeng , Dai Min , Liu Zhenjiang , Ma Shuangge , Chanock Stephen J. , Rothman Nathaniel , Zhang Yawei
Published: April 2013

We conducted a population‐based case‐control study in Connecticut women to test the hypothesis that genetic variations in DNA repair pathway genes may modify the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and risk of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Compared to those with BMI <25, women with BMI ≥25 had significantly increased risk of NHL among women who carried BRCA1 (rs799917) CT/TT, ERCC2 (rs13181) AA, XRCC1 (rs1799782) CC, and WRN (rs1801195) GG genotypes, but no increase in NHL risk among women who carried BRCA1 CC, ERCC2 AC/CC, XRCC1 CT/TT, and WRN GT/TT genotypes. A significant interaction with BMI was only observed for WRN (rs1801195; P = 0.004) for T‐cell lymphoma and ERCC2 (rs13181; P = 0.002) for diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma. The results suggest that common genetic variation in DNA repair pathway genes may modify the association between BMI and NHL risk. Am. J. Hematol. 88:606–611, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Short telomere length is associated with NOTCH1/SF3B1/TP53 aberrations and poor outcome in newly diagnosed chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients
Authors: Mansouri Larry , Grabowski Pawel , Degerman Sofie , Svenson Ulrika , Gunnarsson Rebeqa , Cahill Nicola , Smedby Karin Ekström , Geisler Christian , Juliusson Gunnar , Roos Göran , Rosenquist Richard
Published: April 2013

Most previous studies on telomere length (TL) in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) are based on referral cohorts including a high proportion of aggressive cases. Here, the impact of TL was analyzed in a population‐based cohort of newly diagnosed CLL (n = 265) and in relation to other prognostic markers. Short telomeres were particularly associated with high‐risk genetic markers, such as NOTCH1, SF3B1, or TP53 aberrations, and predicted a short time to treatment (TTT) and overall survival (OS) (both P < 0.0001). TL was an independent prognostic factor and subdivided patients with otherwise good‐prognostic features (e.g., mutated IGHV genes, favorable cytogenetics) into subgroups with different outcome. Furthermore, in follow‐up samples (n = 119) taken 5–8 years after diagnosis, TL correlated well with TL at diagnosis and remained unaffected by treatment. Altogether, these novel data indicate that short TL already at diagnosis is associated with poor outcome in CLL and that TL can be measured at later stages of the disease. Am. J. Hematol. 88:647–651, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Circuit QED lattices: Towards quantum simulation with superconducting circuits
Authors: Schmidt Sebastian , Koch Jens
Published: April 2013

The Jaynes‐Cummings model describes the coupling between photons and a single two‐level atom in a simplified representation of light‐matter interactions. In circuit QED, this model is implemented by combining microwave resonators and superconducting qubits on a microchip with unprecedented experimental control. Arranging qubits and resonators in the form of a lattice realizes a new kind of Hubbard model, the Jaynes‐Cummings‐Hubbard model, in which the elementary excitations are polariton quasi‐particles. Due to the genuine openness of photonic systems, circuit QED lattices offer the possibility to study the intricate interplay of collective behavior, strong correlations and non‐equilibrium physics. Thus, turning circuit QED into an architecture for quantum simulation, i.e., using a well‐controlled system to mimic the intricate quantum behavior of another system too daunting for a theorist to tackle head‐on, is an exciting idea which has served as theorists’ playground for a while and is now also starting to catch on in experiments. This review gives a summary of the most recent theoretical proposals and experimental efforts.
Overall gas–liquid mass transfer from Taylor bubbles flowing upwards in a circular capillary
Authors: Mehdi Shozab , Billet Anne‐Marie , Chughtai Imran R. , Inayat Mansoor H.
Published: April 2013

Overall liquid side volumetric mass transfer coefficient kLa was determined experimentally for cocurrent Taylor flow moving upwards in a glass tube of an internal diameter of 3 mm. Experiments were performed for physical absorption of oxygen in 20% aqueous solution of ethanol. Shadowgraph technique was deployed for precise measurements of bubble lengths and velocities. Experimental values of volumetric mass transfer coefficient kLa were evaluated by use of oxygen sensor and contributions of two possible mass transfer mechanisms: bubble to liquid slug and bubble to liquid film were discussed. Effects of various hydrodynamic parameters such as superficial velocity, length of bubble and slug, and so forth on kLa have also been presented. A correlation has been proposed for the estimation of kLa for a wide range of bubble to slug lengths ratio and superficial velocities of gas and liquids. © 2013 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improvement in mechanical and thermal properties of phenolic foam reinforced with multiwalled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Yang Zhongjia , Yuan Lili , Gu Yizhuo , Li Min , Sun Zhijie , Zhang Zuoguang
Published: April 2013

Phenolic foams reinforced with pristine and functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were fabricated to develop fire‐resistant materials with improved mechanical properties. The influences of the contents of carboxyl multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs‐COOH) and of MWCNTs types on the compressive properties of the composite foams were investigated. The microstructure and detailed failure behavior of MWCNTs/phenolic composite foams were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and in situ quasistatic compression inside SEM, respectively. In addition, thermal performances were evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and vertical burning method. It is found that as heterogeneous nucleation agents, MWCNTs increase cell density and decrease cell size of the produced foams, and that as reinforcements located in cell walls, MWCNTs impart high strength and stiffness to brittle foams. Moreover, MWCNTs reinforced foams have higher thermal stability than raw foams and exhibit similar excellent resistance to flame, confirming the effectiveness of MWCNTs as stabilizers. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 1479–1488, 2013
Asymmetric Perception of Gains versus Non‐losses and Losses versus Non‐gains: The Causal Role of Regulatory Focus
Authors: Sacchi Simona , Stanca Luca
Published: April 2013

Recent studies show that, while losses loom larger than equivalent non‐gains, gains loom larger than equivalent non‐losses. This finding has been interpreted within the framework of regulatory focus theory. In this study, we highlight the importance of considering the motivational focus independently of the framing and the valence of outcome, thus exploring the causal effect of regulatory focus on the asymmetric perception of gains versus non‐losses and losses versus non‐gains. In two studies, we examine the perceived effects of either actual or hypothetical changes in monetary wealth, while orthogonally manipulating framing, valence, and regulatory focus. We find a significant interaction between the three factors. The gain versus non‐loss asymmetry in perceived satisfaction is stronger in promotion focus, whereas the loss versus non‐gain asymmetry in perceived dissatisfaction is stronger in prevention focus. The results suggest that the effects of incentives framed in terms of (non)gains and (non)losses depend on their congruence with the individual's motivational state. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Perceived Utility (not Sympathy) Mediates the Proportion Dominance Effect in Helping Decisions
Authors: Erlandsson Arvid , Björklund Fredrik , Bäckström Martin
Published: April 2013

The proportion dominance effect (PDE) refers to a higher motivation to help when the victims are part of a small (you can help 56 out of 60) rather than a large (you can help 56 out of 560) reference group. In two studies using different experimental paradigms, we investigated possible mediators of the PDE. Study 1 (N = 168) was conducted in three separate steps in order to test each link of the mediator model independently. Students read six vignettes where it was possible to help a fixed number of victims but where the size of the reference group was either small or large. When the reference group was small, helping motivation and perceived utility were higher, whereas sympathy toward the victims and perceived rights were not. A within‐subject mediation analysis showed that perceived utility mediated the PDE. Study 2 (N = 36) presented four versions of a single helping situation in a joint evaluation mode where the size of the reference group became gradually smaller in each version. All participants compared and responded to each version. Helping motivation increased as the reference group became smaller, and this effect was mediated by perceived utility rather than by distress, sympathy, or perceived responsibilities. Our results suggest that unlike, for example, the identifiability and singularity effects, which have been suggested to be mediated by emotional reactions, the PDE is mediated by perceived utility. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biosynthesis of gamma‐linolenic acid and beta‐carotene by Zygomycetes fungi
Authors: Klempova Tatiana , Basil Eva , Kubatova Alena , Certik Milan
Published: April 2013

Due to increasing demand for natural sources of both polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and beta‐carotene, 28 Zygomycetes fungal soil isolates were screened for their potential to synthesize these biologically active compounds. Although all fungi produced C18 PUFAs, only nine strains also formed beta‐carotene. Although Actinomucor elegans CCF 3218 was the best producer of gamma‐linolenic acid (GLA) (251 mg/L), Umbelopsis isabellina CCF 2412 was found to be the most valuable fungus because of the dual production of GLA (217 mg/L) and beta‐carotene (40.7 mg/L). The calculated ratio of formed PUFAs provided new insight into activities of individual fatty acid desaturases involved in biosynthetic pathways for various types of PUFAs. The maximal activity of delta‐9 desaturase was accompanied by high accumulation of storage lipids in fungal cells. On the other hand, maximal activity of delta‐15 desaturase was found in strains synthesizing low amounts of oleic acid due to diminished delta‐9 desaturase. Activities of delta‐6 desaturase showed competition for fatty acids engaged in n3, n6, and n9 biosynthetic pathways. Such knowledge about fatty acid desaturase activities provides new challenges for the regulation of biotechnological production of PUFAs by Zygomycetes fungi.
Bioreactor design for clinical‐grade expansion of stem cells
Authors: dos Santos Francisco F. , Andrade Pedro Z. , da Silva Cláudia Lobato , Cabral Joaquim M.S.
Published: April 2013

The many clinical trials currently in progress will likely lead to the widespread use of stem cell‐based therapies for an extensive variety of diseases, either in autologous or allogeneic settings. With the current pace of progress, in a few years' time, the field of stem cell‐based therapy should be able to respond to the market demand for safe, robust and clinically efficient stem cell‐based therapeutics. Due to the limited number of stem cells that can be obtained from a single donor, one of the major challenges on the roadmap for regulatory approval of such medicinal products is the expansion of stem cells using Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)‐compliant culture systems. In fact, manufacturing costs, which include production and quality control procedures, may be the main hurdle for developing cost‐effective stem cell therapies. Bioreactors provide a viable alternative to the traditional static culture systems in that bioreactors provide the required scalability, incorporate monitoring and control tools, and possess the operational flexibility to be adapted to the differing requirements imposed by various clinical applications. Bioreactor systems face a number of issues when incorporated into stem cell expansion protocols, both during development at the research level and when bioreactors are used in on‐going clinical trials. This review provides an overview of the issues that must be confronted during the development of GMP‐compliant bioreactors systems used to support the various clinical applications employing stem cells.
Multiple Site‐Selective Insertions of Noncanonical Amino Acids into Sequence‐Repetitive Polypeptides
Authors: Wu I‐Lin , Patterson Melissa A. , Carpenter Desai Holly E. , Mehl Ryan A. , Giorgi Gianluca , Conticello Vincent P.
Published: April 2013

A simple and efficient method is described for the introduction of noncanonical amino acids at multiple, defined sites within recombinant polypeptide sequences. Escherichia coli MRA30, a bacterial host strain with attenuated activity of release factor 1 (RF1), was assessed for its ability to support incorporation of a diverse range of noncanonical amino acids in response to multiple encoded amber (TAG) codons within genes derived from superfolder GFP and an elastin‐mimetic protein polymer. Suppression efficiency and protein yield depended on the identity of the orthogonal aminoacyl‐tRNA synthetase/tRNACUA pair and the noncanonical amino acid. Elastin‐mimetic protein polymers were prepared in which noncanonical amino acid derivatives were incorporated at up to 22 specific sites within the polypeptide sequence with high substitution efficiency. The identities and positions of the variant residues were confirmed by mass spectrometric analysis of the full‐length polypeptides and proteolytic cleavage fragments from thermolysin digestion. The data suggest that this multisite suppression approach permits the preparation of protein‐based materials in which novel chemical functionalities can be introduced at precisely defined positions within the polypeptide sequence.
Differential Pharmacologic Properties of the Two C75 Enantiomers: (+)‐C75 Is a Strong Anorectic Drug; (−)‐C75 Has Antitumor Activity
Authors: Makowski Kamil , Mera Paula , Paredes David , Herrero Laura , Ariza Xavier , Asins Guillermina , Hegardt Fausto G. , García Jordi , Serra Dolors
Published: April 2013

C75 is a synthetic compound described as having antitumoral properties. It produces hypophagia and weight loss in rodents, limiting its use in cancer therapy but identifying it as a potential anti‐obesity drug. C75 is a fatty acid synthase (FAS) inhibitor and, through its coenzyme A (CoA) derivative, it acts as a carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT) 1 inhibitor. Racemic mixtures of C75 have been used in all the previous studies; however, the potential different biological activities of C75 enantiomers have not been examined yet. To address this question we synthesized the two C75 enantiomers separately. Our results showed that (−)‐C75 inhibits FAS activity in vitro and has a cytotoxic effect on tumor cell lines, without affecting food consumption. (+)‐C75 inhibits CPT1 and its administration produces anorexia, suggesting that central inhibition of CPT1 is essential for the anorectic effect of C75. The differential activity of C75 enantiomers may lead to the development of potential new specific drugs for cancer and obesity. Chirality 25:281–287, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Biological Stereoselectivity of Atropisomeric Natural Products and Drugs
Authors: Zask Arie , Murphy John , Ellestad George A.
Published: April 2013

Selected examples of natural product and drug atropisomers that exhibit stereoselectivity towards receptor and enzyme targets are reviewed. The atropisomeric preference of the receptors and enzyme binding domains makes these agents attractive molecules for drug development in the treatment of various diseases. Included are commonly recognized atropisomers containing a chiral biaryl axis along with some less common examples of atropisomers without a biaryl axis. The biological targets include: antiapoptotic proteins; bacteria; microtubules; kinases; vasopressin receptors; a G‐protein coupled receptor related to obesity; monocarboxylate transporters; tachykinin NK1‐receptors; cyclooxygenase‐1 and squalene synthase. Chirality 25:265–274, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Absolute Configuration and Predominant Conformations of a Chiral Crown Ether‐Based Colorimetric Sensor: A Vibrational Circular Dichroism Spectroscopy and DFT Study of Chiral Recognition
Authors: Merten Christian , Hyun Myung Ho , Xu Yunjie
Published: April 2013

In the present work, we report a comprehensive vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) spectroscopic study of a chiral crown ether which features an axial chiral 3.3'‐diphenyl‐1,1'‐binaphthyl group as chiral moiety. By comparing the experimental and calculated VCD spectra, we show that the presumably very flexible crown ether preferably adopts only one ring conformation. Conformational flexibility is observed in the 2,4‐dinitrophenyl‐diazophenol group, which was previously introduced for colorimetric detection of primary amines and amino alcohols (Cho et al., Chirality 2011;23:349–353). The VCD spectra of the host–guest complexes with phenyl glycinol (PG) and phenyl alaninol have been studied as well. Based on the spectra calculated, it is shown that the diastereomeric complexes in general can be differentiated using VCD spectroscopy. Furthermore, the experimental VCD spectra of the complexes of the host molecule with PG support the above finding. Chirality 25:294–300, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fault detection and diagnosis for distillation column using two‐tier model
Authors: Tian Wen‐De , Sun Su‐Li , Guo Qing‐Jie
Published: April 2013

In this paper, a two‐tier model‐based fault detection and diagnosis method for a distillation column is developed. It employs the nonlinear model developed earlier to monitor the distillation process and a corresponding linear model to identify an abnormal source when large deviations of measured values occur. The inner distillation fault parameters are estimated through linear least‐square method based on the linear model. The proposed method is applied to the stripping tower in the Tennessee Eastman process simulator. Case studies demonstrate that the two‐tier diagnosis structure effectively captures the variation of fault parameters and is more efficient than a pure nonlinear model‐based structure.
Numerical modelling of microwave heating of frozen wood
Authors: Erchiqui F. , Annasabi Z. , Koubaa A. , Slaoui‐Hasnaoui F. , Kaddami H.
Published: April 2013

The heating process of frozen wood exposed to plane microwaves is numerically investigated. The nonlinear heat conduction problem involving phase change such as wood freezing is solved by a specific 3D volumetric enthalpy‐based finite element method. Dielectric and thermal properties are a function of temperature and moisture content. The numerical model is validated by experimental and analytical means. As an application, we studied the effect of moisture content and frequency on microwave heating of trembling aspen wood.
Influence of the second emulsification step during production of W/O/W multiple emulsions: Comparison of different methods to determine encapsulation efficiency in W/O/W emulsions
Authors: Schuch Anna , Tonay Ayse Nur , Köhler Karsten , Schuchmann Heike P.
Published: April 2013

As water encapsulation is crucial for most W/O/W emulsion applications, we compare different measurement techniques for its analysis. Therefore, we produce two different W/O/W emulsions that should have different EE, as we change the applied shear rate during the second emulsification step. We use the marker based techniques photometry (with Vitamin B12) and electroconductivity (using NaCl), rheometry as another indirect technique as well as DSC as a direct measurement method. It was found that photometry was not capable to detect differences between the emulsions. As DSC is the only direct technique, we conclude that it is most suitable to measure EE.