bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preference for Male Child in Two Semiurban Communities of Pune
Authors: Singh Amarjeet , Bhatnagar Nidhi , Dudeja Puja , Jindal Ashok
Published: August 2013

A strong preference for male child exists in our society. Most of the factors that compel or favor son preference are social in origin. A cross-sectional study was conducted to ascertain preference for male child in married females of two semiurban communities in Pune and determinants thereof. Unit of study was a married woman in reproductive age group of 16 to 45 years. A close-ended, pretested structured interview schedule was prepared. Face-to-face interview was conducted with the respondents. Preference for a male child was taken as presence of sex preference in the respondent. Data was analyzed using EPI 2002 software. Preference for male child was present in half of the respondents. Remaining half believed that it is not necessary for each couple to have a male child. Proportion of women with preference for a male child decreased as the educational level of women increased and it was found that there was a significant linear relationship between literacy status and son preference (p < 0.05). Significantly more (64%) of joint family respondents had son preference than nuclear family (40%). The odds of a respondent from a joint family having a son preference were 2.6 times that of a respondent in nuclear (p < 0.05). Hindus had significantly more preference for male child as compared to non-Hindus. The most common reason for desire to have a male child was ‘an expectation of security in old age’. Others reasons included ‘to perform last rites’ and ‘to make in-laws happy’.

How to cite this article

Dudeja P, Singh A, Jindal A, Bhatnagar N. Preference for Male Child in Two Semiurban Communities of Pune. J Postgrad Med Edu Res 2013;47(3):144-147.
Ipsilateral Type IV Closed Talus and Calcaneal Fractures: A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Dhillon Mandeep , Bachhal Vikas , Bhagwat Kishan , Bali Kamal
Published: August 2013

Talar and calcaneal fractures are commonly associated with other musculoskeletal injuries and systemic trauma. Both injuries in isolation have a guarded clinical outcome, and are associated with numerous complications whether treated operatively or nonoperatively. Few studies, however, have reported cases with ipsilateral closed talus and calcaneal fractures. We report one such rare case presenting with closed ipsilateral type IV talar neck fracture and type IV communited intra-articular calcaneal fracture as a result of high energy trauma. Unfortunately the patient had a concurrent vascular injury at the proximal tibia level which ultimately necessitated amputation. Through our report we highlight the universally poor results in such cases and discuss the management options if encountered with such a rare pattern of injury.

How to cite this article

Bhagwat K, Bachhal V, Bali K, Dhillon MS. Ipsilateral Type IV Closed Talus and Calcaneal Fractures: A Case Report and Review of Literature. J Postgrad Med Edu Res 2013;47(3):156-158.
Tulip Bulb Sign
Authors: Khandelwal Niranjan , Singhal Manphool , Sodhi Kushaljit Singh , Dutta Milli , Saxena Akshay Kumar
Published: August 2013

Tulip bulb sign refers to a configuration of the aortic root, in which dilatation of the root of aorta occurs along with effacement of the sinotubular junction. It is characteristically described in annuloaortic ectasia, a common feature of Marfan syndrome.

How to cite this article

Sodhi KS, Dutta M, Saxena AK, Singhal M, Khandelwal N. Tulip Bulb Sign. J Postgrad Med Edu Res 2013;47(3):167-168.
THE DEVELOPMENT OF A FAMILY OF LIGHTWEIGHT AND WIDE SWATH UAV CAMERA SYSTEMS AROUND AN INNOVATIVE DUAL-SENSOR ON-SINGLE-CHIP DETECTOR
Authors: Delauré B. , Michiels B. , Lewyckyj N. , Van Achteren T.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. Together with a Belgian industrial consortium VITO has developed the lightweight camera system MEDUSA. It combines high spatial resolution with a wide swath to support missions for large scale mapping and disaster monitoring applications. MEDUSA has been designed to be operated on a solar-powered unmanned aerial vehicle flying in the stratosphere. The camera system contains a custom designed CMOS imager with 2 sensors (each having 10000 × 1200 pixels) on 1 chip. One sensor is panchromatic, one is equipped with colour filters. The MEDUSA flight model camera has passed an extensive test campaign and is ready to conduct its maiden flight. First airborne test flights with an engineering model version of the camera have been executed to validate the functionality and the performance of the camera. An image stitching work flow has been developed in order to generate an image composite in near real time of the acquired images. The unique properties of the dual-sensor-on-single-chip detector triggered the development of 2 new camera designs which are currently in preparation. MEDUSA-low is a modified camera system optimised for compatibility with more conventional UAV systems with a payload capacity of 5–10 kg flying at an altitude around 1 km. Its camera acquires both panchromatic and colour images. The MEDUSA geospectral camera is an innovative hyperspectral imager which is equipped with a spatially varying spectral filter installed in front of one of the two sensors. It acquires both hyperspectral and broad band high spatial resolution image data from one and the same camera.
A PRECISE POSITION AND ATTITUDE DETERMINATION SYSTEM FOR LIGHTWEIGHT UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES
Authors: Eling C. , Klingbeil L. , Wieland M. , Kuhlmann H.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. In many unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) applications a direct georeferencing is required. The reason can be that the UAV flies autonomous and must be navigated precisely, or that the UAV performs a remote sensing operation, where the position of the camera has to be known at the moment of the recording. In our application, a project called Mapping on Demand, we are motivated by both of these reasons. The goal of this project is to develop a lightweight autonomously flying UAV that is able to identify and measure inaccessible three-dimensional objects by use of visual information. Due to payload and space limitations, precise position and attitude determination of micro- and mini-sized UAVs is very challenging. The limitations do not only affect the onboard computing capacity, but they are also noticeable when choosing the georeferencing sensors. In this article, we will present a new developed onboard direct georeferencing system which is real-time capable, applicable for lightweight UAVs and provides very precise results (position accuracy σ < 5 cm and attitude accuracy σ < 0.5 deg). In this system GPS, inertial sensors, magnetic field sensors, a barometer as well as stereo video cameras are used as georeferencing sensors. We will describe the hardware development and will go into details of the implemented software. In this context especially the RTK-GPS software and the concept of the attitude determination by use of inertial sensors, magnetic field sensors as well as an onboard GPS baseline will be highlighted. Finally, results of first field tests as well as an outlook on further developments will conclude this contribution.
UAS FOR ARCHAEOLOGY – NEW PERSPECTIVES ON AERIAL DOCUMENTATION
Authors: Fallavollita P. , Balsi M. , Esposito S. , Melis M. G. , Milanese M. , Zappino L.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. In this work some Unmanned Aerial Systems applications are discussed and applied to archaeological sites survey and 3D model reconstructions. Interesting results are shown for three important and different aged sites on north Sardinia (Italy). An easy and simplified procedure has proposed permitting the adoption of multi-rotor aircrafts for daily archaeological survey during excavation and documentation, involving state of art in UAS design, flight control systems, high definition sensor cameras and innovative photogrammetric software tools. Very high quality 3D models results are shown and discussed and how they have been simplified the archaeologist work and decisions.
IMAGE REGISTRATION OF HIGH-RESOLUTION UAV DATA: THE NEW HYPARE ALGORITHM
Authors: Bahr T. , Jin X. , Lasica R. , Giessel D.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. Unmanned aerial vehicles play an important role in the present-day civilian and military intelligence. Equipped with a variety of sensors, such as SAR imaging modes, E/O- and IR sensor technology, they are due to their agility suitable for many applications. Hence, the necessity arises to use fusion technologies and to develop them continuously. Here an exact image-to-image registration is essential. It serves as the basis for important image processing operations such as georeferencing, change detection, and data fusion. Therefore we developed the Hybrid Powered Auto-Registration Engine (HyPARE). HyPARE combines all available spatial reference information with a number of image registration approaches to improve the accuracy, performance, and automation of tie point generation and image registration. We demonstrate this approach by the registration of 39 still images from a high-resolution image stream, acquired with a Aeryon Photo3S™ camera on an Aeryon Scout micro-UAV™.
TOWARDS MULTIMODAL OMNIDIRECTIONAL OBSTACLE DETECTION FOR AUTONOMOUS UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES
Authors: Holz D. , Nieuwenhuisen M. , Droeschel D. , Schreiber M. , Behnke S.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. Limiting factors for increasing autonomy and complexity of truly autonomous systems (without external sensing and control) are onboard sensing and onboard processing power. In this paper, we propose a hardware setup and processing pipeline that allows a fully autonomous UAV to perceive obstacles in (almost) all directions in its surroundings. Different sensor modalities are applied in order take into account the different characteristics of obstacles that can commonly be found in typical UAV applications. We provide a complete overview on the implemented system and present experimental results as a proof of concept.
A MULTI-SENSOR MICRO UAV BASED AUTOMATIC RAPID MAPPING SYSTEM FOR DAMAGE ASSESSMENT IN DISASTER AREAS
Authors: Jeon E. , Choi K. , Lee I. , Kim H.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. Damage assessment is an important step toward the restoration of the severely affected areas due to natural disasters or accidents. For more accurate and rapid assessment, one should utilize geospatial data such as ortho-images acquired from the damaged areas. Change detection based on the geospatial data before and after the damage can make possible fast and automatic assessment with a reasonable accuracy. Accordingly, there have been significant demands on a rapid mapping system, which can provide the orthoimages of the damaged areas to the specialists and decision makers in disaster management agencies. In this study, we are developing a UAV based rapid mapping system that can acquire multi-sensory data in the air and generate ortho-images from the data on the ground in a rapid and automatic way. The proposed system consists of two main segments, aerial and ground segments. The aerial segment is to acquire sensory data through autonomous flight over the specified target area. It consists of a micro UAV platform, a mirror-less camera, a GPS, a MEMS IMU, and sensor integration and synchronization module. The ground segment is to receive and process the multi-sensory data to produce orthoimages in rapid and automatic ways. It consists of a computer with appropriate software for flight planning, data reception, georeferencing, and orthoimage generation. In the middle of this on-going project, we will introduce the overview of the project, describe the main components of each segment and provide intermediate results from preliminary test flights.
SINGLE-LAYER LASER SCANNER FOR DETECTION AND LOCALIZATION OF UNMANNED SWARM MEMBERS
Authors: Krüger T. , Nowak S. , Matthaei J. , Bestmann U.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. In the presented work unmanned vehicles are used for an extra-terrestrial exploration mission. In this scenario a high factor of redundancy for all systems has to be considered. Defective sensors for instance cannot be repaired and any damage has to be compensated through an intelligent use of the remaining sensors and a robust data fusion. Therefore this work proposes the utilization of a singlelayer laser scanner, which is used for Simultaneous Localization And Mapping (SLAM) for the compensation of a defective relative positioning system. An Extended Kalman-Filter (EKF) with error states is used to perform the loosely coupled integration of the estimated states and the measured relative position in discrete updates. Subsequently the improvement of the navigation solution onboard an Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) can be estimated. The outcomes of a specifically developed simulation will be shown, delivering theoretic results for the proposed method. A flight test is done finally in order to prove the capability of the laser scanner to detect and locate an UAV.
STOCHASTIC REASONING FOR UAV SUPPORTED RECONSTRUCTION OF 3D BUILDING MODELS
Authors: Loch-Dehbi S. , Dehbi Y. , Plümer L.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. The acquisition of detailed information for buildings and their components becomes more and more important. However, an automatic reconstruction needs high-resolution measurements. Such features can be derived from images or 3D laserscans that are e.g. taken by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). Since this data is not always available or not measurable at the first for example due to occlusions we developed a reasoning approach that is based on sparse observations. It benefits from an extensive prior knowledge of probability density distributions and functional dependencies and allows for the incorporation of further structural characteristics such as symmetries. Bayesian networks are used to determine posterior beliefs. Stochastic reasoning is complex since the problem is characterized by a mixture of discrete and continuous parameters that are in turn correlated by nonlinear constraints. To cope with this kind of complexity, the implemented reasoner combines statistical methods with constraint propagation. It generates a limited number of hypotheses in a model-based top-down approach. It predicts substructures in building facades – such as windows – that can be used for specific UAV navigations for further measurements.
RELATIVE AND ABSOLUTE CALIBRATION OF A MULTIHEAD CAMERA SYSTEM WITH OBLIQUE AND NADIR LOOKING CAMERAS FOR A UAS
Authors: Niemeyer F. , Schima R. , Grenzdörffer G.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. Numerous unmanned aerial systems (UAS) are currently flooding the market. For the most diverse applications UAVs are special designed and used. Micro and mini UAS (maximum take-off weight up to 5 kg) are of particular interest, because legal restrictions are still manageable but also the payload capacities are sufficient for many imaging sensors. Currently a camera system with four oblique and one nadir looking cameras is under development at the Chair for Geodesy and Geoinformatics. The so-called "Four Vision" camera system was successfully built and tested in the air. A MD4-1000 UAS from microdrones is used as a carrier system. Light weight industrial cameras are used and controlled by a central computer. For further photogrammetric image processing, each individual camera, as well as all the cameras together have to be calibrated. This paper focuses on the determination of the relative orientation between the cameras with the „Australis“ software and will give an overview of the results and experiences of test flights.
ENHANCEMENTS IN UAV FLIGHT CONTROL AND SENSOR ORIENTATION
Authors: Bäumker M. , Przybilla H.-J. , Zurhorst A.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. The acquisition of photogrammetric image data by means of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) has developed in recent years to an interesting new measurement method especially for small to medium sizes of objects. In addition the latest developments in the field of navigation systems (GNSS), of inertial sensors and other sensors in combination with powerful and easy to program microcontrollers have made a major contribution to this. In particular, the development of MEMS sensors has triggered the boom of the UAV and has given decisively influence and it is still going on. The integration of sensors on a single board not only enables a cost-effective manufacturing and mass production, but also the use in accordance with small, lightweight UAV. The latest developments on a 50 mm × 50 mm-sized circuit board combine the sensors and the microcontroller for the flight control and flight navigation. Both the board and the microcontroller are easy to program and maintain several interfaces for connecting additional sensors, such as GNSS, ultrasonic sensors and telemetry. This article presents the UAV system of the Bochum University of Applied Sciences, the used sensors and the obtained results for accurate georeferencing.
A GRAPH BASED BUNDLE ADJUSTMENT FOR INS-CAMERA CALIBRATION
Authors: Bender D. , Schikora M. , Sturm J. , Cremers D.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. In this paper, we present a graph based approach for performing the system calibration of a sensor suite containing a fixed mounted camera and an inertial navigation system. The aim of the presented work is to obtain accurate direct georeferencing of camera images collected with small unmanned aerial systems. Prerequisite for using the pose measurements from the inertial navigation system as exterior orientation for the camera is the knowledge of the static offsets between these devices. Furthermore, the intrinsic parameters of the camera obtained in a laboratory tend to deviate slightly from the values during flights. This induces an in-flight calibration of the intrinsic camera parameters in addition to the mounting offsets between the two devices. The optimization of these values can be done by introducing them as parameters into a bundle adjustment process. We show how to solve this by exploiting a graph optimization framework, which is designed for the least square optimization of general error functions.
DENSE TRACKING AND MAPPING WITH A QUADROCOPTER
Authors: Sturm J. , Bylow E. , Kerl C. , Kahl F. , Cremers D.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. In this paper, we present an approach for acquiring textured 3D models of room-sized indoor spaces using a quadrocopter. Such room models are for example useful for architects and interior designers as well as for factory planners and construction managers. The model is internally represented by a signed distance function (SDF) and the SDF is used to directly track the camera with respect to the model. Our solution enables accurate position control of the quadrocopter, so that it can automatically follow a pre-defined flight pattern. Our system provides live feedback of the acquired 3D model to the user. The final model consisting of a textured 3D triangle mesh can be saved in several standard CAD file formats.
A DIGITAL-MAP AIDED TARGET LOCATION IN AN AERIAL IMAGE
Authors: Zhang C. X. , Wen G. J. , Lin Z. R. , Li F. D. , Yao Y. G.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. Target location in an aerial image has become a critical issue with the wide application of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) in the fields of target tracking and reconnaissance. This paper proposes a pipeline of target location based on the existing digital map and Digital Elevation Model (DEM). It utilizes the corresponding points between the aerial image and the digital map to build a mapping model, and calculate the position of target from this model. The pipeline can provide not only an approximate position obtained by the Direct Linear Transformation (DLT), but also an accurate value by implementing a few of iterations. The related error analysis is conducted to verify the positioning accuracy of this strategy. It can successfully avoid the dependence of the performance of GPS and POS, and ensure the high positioning precision simultaneously, which is attractive to low-cost surveying applications of small UAVs.
IMPLEMENTATION AND TESTING OF LOW COST UAV PLATFORM FOR ORTHOPHOTO IMAGING
Authors: Brucas D. , Suziedelyte-Visockiene J. , Ragauskas U. , Berteska E. , Rudinskas D.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. Implementation of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for civilian applications is rapidly increasing. Technologies which were expensive and available only for military use have recently spread on civilian market. There is a vast number of low cost open source components and systems for implementation on UAVs available. Using of low cost hobby and open source components ensures considerable decrease of UAV price, though in some cases compromising its reliability. In Space Science and Technology Institute (SSTI) in collaboration with Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (VGTU) researches have been performed in field of constructing and implementation of small UAVs composed of low cost open source components (and own developments). Most obvious and simple implementation of such UAVs – orthophoto imaging with data download and processing after the flight. The construction, implementation of UAVs, flight experience, data processing and data implementation will be further covered in the paper and presentation.
Juvenile diabetes: Understanding its impact beyond the pancreas
Authors: Yau Lawrence , Lepore Natasha
Published: August 2013

My name is Lawrence Yau and I am in my 5th year doing an Honours Specialization in Medical Sciences. My decision to pursue this degree was based on my interest in learning more about human diseases. Although I gained a lot of knowledge through my studies, it was a challenge to put a face on the diseases that I learned at school. Consequently, I started volunteering at Rotoract's Juvenile Diabetes Camp (JD Camp) three years ago. JD Camp is a weekend camp operating during the month of March and is open to both children and families affected by Type I diabetes. The camp experience offers a host of fun activities for the children and also provides many networking and educational opportunities for parents. As the food coordinator, in addition to planning and preparing meals for roughly 60 people each year, I had the opportunity to interact with both the children and their parents. Through my experiences at the camp, I gained a greater appreciation and understanding of not only the physical implication of Type I diabetes on the child but also its impact on the emotional, social, and financial well being of the entire family. I believe the challenge facing future medical research lies in improving the quality of life of patients afflicted with Type I diabetes and their families.
Estimating stakeholder benefits of community water system regionalization
Authors: Hansen Jason K.
Published: August 2013

Community water system regionalization (CWSR) provides small community water systems with a solution to the conundrum of large fixed costs and a small rate base. In practice, however, very few systems actually regionalize. Applying social welfare theory, this article estimates stakeholder benefits from CWSR. Results are reported for three New Mexico communities as case studies in which CWSR was hypothetically imposed. Benefits for consumers are non‐negative across price scenarios, but in some cases producer benefits are negative. The findings suggest that reluctance to regionalize is not in consumers' economic interest, but it may be for producers. Depending on the water price that follows CWSR and savings achieved by economies of scale, consumers gain at producers' expense. The results shed light on issues that policymakers should consider when evaluating the merits of CWSR. Producers' historic reluctance to adopt CWSR may in fact be driven by economics.
Enzymatic Writing to Soft Films: Potential to Filter, Store, and Analyze Biologically Relevant Chemical Information
Authors: Liu Yi , Kim Eunkyoung , Lee Morgan E. , Zhang Boce , Elabd Yossef A. , Wang Qin , White Ian M. , Bentley William E. , Payne Gregory F.
Published: August 2013

Sensor‐based chemical analyses commonly enlist either the molecular recognition capabilities of biology (e.g., enzyme biosensors) or advanced information processing algorithms (e.g., the electronic nose). Here, a hybrid approach is proposed in which an enzyme is used to “filter” chemical information and write this information to a film which then serves as a permanent storage medium that can be ‘read’ repeatedly, interactively, and by multiple sensor modalities. This approach is demonstrated by analyzing common dietary phenols that are reported to offer health benefits. Specifically, the enzyme tyrosinase is used to convert these phenols into reactive quinones that graft (i.e., write) to a chitosan film. Grafting can be detected by optical, mechanical, and electrochemical sensors. Importantly, grafting confers redox activity to the films and this redox activity can be probed interactively by advanced electrochemical methods that allow the intrinsic redox reactivities to be compared, redox interactions to be identified, and biologically relevant redox activities to be examined. The transfer of chemical and biological information to a film is envisioned to provide broader access to the extensive capabilities offered by sensor technologies and signal processing methodologies.
Highly Selective SAM–Nanowire Hybrid NO2 Sensor: Insight into Charge Transfer Dynamics and Alignment of Frontier Molecular Orbitals
Authors: Hoffmann Martin W. G. , Prades Joan Daniel , Mayrhofer Leonhard , Hernandez‐Ramirez Francisco , Järvi Tommi T. , Moseler Michael , Waag Andreas , Shen Hao
Published: August 2013

Organic–inorganic hybrid gas sensors can offer outstanding performance in terms of selectivity and sensitivity towards single gas species. The enormous variety of organic functionalities enables novel flexibility of active sensor surfaces compared to commonly used pure inorganic materials, but goes along with an increase of system complexity that usually hinders a predictable sensor design. In this work, an ultra‐selective NO2 sensor is realized based on self‐assembled monolayer (SAM)‐modified semiconductor nanowires (NWs). The crucial chemical and electronic parameters for an effective interaction between the sensor and different gas species are identified using density functional theory simulations. The theoretical findings are consistent with the experimentally observed extraordinary selectivity and sensitivity of the amine‐terminated SnO2 NW towards NO2. The energetic position of the SAM–gas frontier orbitals with respect to the NW Fermi level is the key to ensure or impede an efficient charge transfer between the NW and the gas. As this condition strongly depends on the gas species and the sensor system, these insights into the charge transfer mechanisms can have a substantial impact on the development of highly selective hybrid gas sensors.
Cell–Material Interactions Revealed Via Material Techniques of Surface Patterning
Authors: Yao Xiang , Peng Rong , Ding Jiandong
Published: August 2013

Cell–material interactions constitute a key fundamental topic in biomaterials study. Various cell cues and matrix cues as well as soluble factors regulate cell behaviors on materials. These factors are coupled with each other as usual, and thus it is very difficult to unambiguously elucidate the role of each regulator. The recently developed material techniques of surface patterning afford unique ways to reveal the underlying science. This paper reviews the pertinent material techniques to fabricate patterns of microscale and nanoscale resolutions, and corresponding cell studies. Some issues are emphasized, such as cell localization on patterned surfaces of chemical contrast, and effects of cell shape, cell size, cell–cell contact, and seeding density on differentiation of stem cells. Material cues to regulate cell adhesion, cell differentiation and other cell events are further summed up. Effects of some physical properties, such as surface topography and matrix stiffness, on cell behaviors are also discussed; nanoscaled features of substrate surfaces to regulate cell fate are summarized as well. The pertinent work sheds new insight into the cell–material interactions, and is stimulating for biomaterial design in regenerative medicine, tissue engineering, and high‐throughput detection, diagnosis, and drug screening.
Effects of free volume in thin‐film composite membranes on osmotic power generation
Authors: Li Xue , Chung Tai‐Shung , Chung Tai‐Shung
Published: August 2013

For the first time, the effects of free volume in thin‐film composite (TFC) membranes on membrane performance for forward osmosis and pressure retarded osmosis (PRO) processes were studied in this work. To manipulate the free volume in the TFC layer, a bulky monomer (i.e., p‐xylylenediamine) was blended into the interfacial polymerization and methanol immersion was conducted to swell up the TFC layer. Results from positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS) show that p‐xylylenediamine blending and methanol induced swelling enlarge and broaden the free volume cavity. In addition, the performance of TFC membranes consisting of different free volumes were examined in terms of water flux, reverse salt flux, and power density under high pressure PRO operations. The TFC‐B‐5 membrane (i.e., a TFC membrane made of blending monomers) with a moderate free volume shows the highest power density of 6.0 W/m2 at 9 bar in comparison of TFC membranes with other free volumes. After PRO operations, it is found that the free volume of TFC layers decreases due to high pressure compression, but membrane transport properties in terms of water and salt permeability increase. Interestingly, the membrane performance in terms of resistance against high pressures and power density stay the same. A slow positron beam was used to investigate the microstructure changes of the TFC layer after PRO operations. Compaction in free volume occurs and the TFC layer becomes thinner under PRO tests but no visible defects can be observed by both scanning electronic microscopy and PALS. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 59: 4749–4761, 2013
Microdeletions of 3p21.31 characterized by developmental delay, distinctive features, elevated serum creatine kinase levels, and white matter involvement
Authors: Eto Kaoru , Sakai Norio , Shimada Shino , Shioda Mutsuki , Ishigaki Keiko , Hamada Yusuke , Shinpo Michiko , Azuma Junji , Tominaga Koji , Shimojima Keiko , Ozono Keiichi , Osawa Makiko , Yamamoto Toshiyuki
Published: August 2013

Interstitial deletions of chromosome 3 are rare, and only one patient with a microdeletion of 3p21.31 has been reported to date. We identified two additional cases of patients with microdeletions of 3p21.31. The characteristic clinical features of developmental delay and distinctive facial features (including arched eyebrows, hypertelorism, epicanthus, and micrognathia) were seen both in the previously reported patient and in the two newly identified patients. In these two new cases, additional features, including elevated serum creatine kinase levels and characteristic neuroradiological features with white matter involvement, were seen. These features had not been described in the previous case in which the patient was examined during infancy, suggesting an age‐dependent mechanism. The shortest region of overlap among the three deletions narrowed down the candidate genes that may be responsible for the common neurological features to the bassoon (presynaptic cytomatrix protein) gene (BSN), which has an important function in neuronal synapses. In this study, we confirmed common phenotypic features in the patients with microdeletions of 3p21.31 and identified additional features that have not been reported previously. Because the constellation of such characteristic features is quite unique, clinical manifestations of the patients with microdeletions of 3p21.31 would be clinically recognizable as a contiguous gene deletion syndrome. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
More than meets the eye: The evolving phenotype of Weill–Marchesani syndrome—diagnostic confusion with geleophysic dysplasia
Authors: Pimienta Allen L. , Wilcox William R. , Reinstein Eyal
Published: August 2013

The criteria for diagnosing and distinguishing between Weill–Marchesani syndrome (WMS) and geleophysic dysplasia (GD) are inexact and often overlap. We report the clinical findings and evolving phenotype for a period of 18 years in a patient whose diagnosis, and distinguishing characteristics, transformed from GD to WMS. Molecular testing demonstrated novel mutations in the ADAMTS10 gene confirming a diagnosis of autosomal recessive WMS in the proposita. We further report on phenotypic features not classically linked to WMS. These findings indicate that the Weill–Marchesani phenotype may be developed and is not always apparent in early childhood. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Clinical and neurocognitive characterization of a family with a novel MED12 gene frameshift mutation
Authors: Lesca Gaetan , Moizard Marie‐Pierre , Bussy Gerald , Boggio Dominique , Hu Hao , Haas Stefan A. , Ropers Hans‐Hilger , Kalscheuer Vera M. , Des Portes Vincent , Labalme Audrey , Sanlaville Damien , Edery Patrick , Raynaud Martine , Lespinasse James
Published: August 2013

FG syndrome, Lujan syndrome, and Ohdo syndrome, the Maat–Kievit–Brunner type, have been described as distinct syndromes with overlapping non‐specific features and different missense mutations of the MED12 gene have been reported in all of them. We report a family including 10 males and 1 female affected with profound non‐specific intellectual disability (ID) which was linked to a 30‐cM region extending from Xp11.21 (ALAS2) to Xq22.3 (COL4A5). Parallel sequencing of all X‐chromosome exons identified a frameshift mutation (c.5898dupC) of MED12. Mutated mRNA was not affected by non‐sense mediated RNA decay and induced an additional abnormal isoform due to activation of cryptic splice‐sites in exon 41. Dysmorphic features common to most affected males were long narrow face, high forehead, flat malar area, high nasal bridge, and short philtrum. Language was absent or very limited. Most patients had a friendly personality. Cognitive impairment, varying from borderline to profound ID was similarly observed in seven heterozygous females. There was no correlation between cognitive function and X‐chromosome inactivation profiles in blood cells. The severe degree of ID in male patients, as well as variable cognitive impairment in heterozygous females suggests that the duplication observed in the present family may have a more severe effect on MED12 function than missense mutations. In a cognitively impaired male from this family, who also presented with tall stature and dysmorphism and did not have the MED12 mutation, a 600‐kb duplication at 17p13.3 including the YWHAE gene, was found in a mosaic state. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ethoxyquin prevents chemotherapy‐induced neurotoxicity via Hsp90 modulation
Authors: Zhu Jing , Chen Weiran , Mi Ruifa , Zhou Chunhua , Reed Nicole , Höke Ahmet
Published: August 2013

Objective

Peripheral neurotoxicity is a major dose‐limiting side effect of many chemotherapeutic drugs. Currently there are no effective disease‐modifying therapies for chemotherapy‐induced peripheral neuropathies, but these side effects of chemotherapy are potentially ideal targets for development of neuroprotective therapies, because candidate drugs can be co‐ or preadministered before the injury to peripheral axons takes place.

Methods

We used a phenotypic drug screening approach to identify ethoxyquin as a potential neuroprotective drug and carried out additional biochemical experiments to identify its mechanism of action.

Results

We validated the screening results with ethoxyquin and its derivatives and showed that they prevented paclitaxel‐induced peripheral neuropathy without blocking paclitaxel's ability to kill tumor cells. Furthermore, we demonstrated that ethoxyquin acts by modulating the chaperone activity of heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) and blocking the binding of 2 of its client proteins, ataxin‐2 and Sf3b2. Ethoxyquin‐induced reduction in levels of both of these proteins resulted in prevention of axonal degeneration caused by paclitaxel.

Interpretation

Ethoxyquin and its novel derivatives as well as other classes of small molecules that act as Hsp90 modulators may offer a new opportunity for development of drugs to prevent chemotherapy‐induced axonal degeneration. Ann Neurol 2013;74:893–904
Neuronal endoplasmic reticulum stress in axon injury and neurodegeneration
Authors: Li Shaohua , Yang Liu , Selzer Michael E. , Hu Yang
Published: August 2013

Injuries to central nervous system axons result not only in Wallerian degeneration of the axon distal to the injury, but also in death or atrophy of the axotomized neurons, depending on injury location and neuron type. No method of permanently avoiding these changes has been found, despite extensive knowledge concerning mechanisms of secondary neuronal injury. The autonomous endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress pathway in neurons has recently been implicated in retrograde neuronal degeneration. In addition to the emerging role of ER morphology in axon maintenance, we propose that ER stress is a common neuronal response to disturbances in axon integrity and a general mechanism for neurodegeneration. Thus, manipulation of the ER stress pathway could have important therapeutic implications for neuroprotection. Ann Neurol 2013;74:768–777
Stability Analysis and Controller Design of Discrete Interval Type‐2 Fuzzy Systems
Authors: Sheng Long , Ma Xiaoyu
Published: August 2013

This paper is concerned with trajectory stabilization of a computer simulated model car with uncertain velocity via type‐2 fuzzy control systems. First, stability conditions of discrete interval type‐2 fuzzy control systems are given in accordance with the definition of stability in the sense of Lyapunov. Then, we approximate a computer simulated model car, whose dynamics are nonlinear and velocity is uncertain. A type‐2 Takagi–Sugeno TS fuzzy controller is designed to handle system uncertainty. The control rules, which guarantee stability of the system, are derived from the approximated model. The simulation results show that the type‐2 fuzzy control rules can effectively stabilize the car model.
Cooperative Catalysis of Metal and OH⋅⋅⋅O/sp3‐CH⋅⋅⋅O Two‐Point Hydrogen Bonds in Alcoholic Solvents: Cu‐Catalyzed Enantioselective Direct Alkynylation of Aldehydes with Terminal Alkynes
Authors: Ishii Takaoki , Watanabe Ryo , Moriya Toshimitsu , Ohmiya Hirohisa , Mori Seiji , Sawamura Masaya
Published: August 2013

Catalyst–substrate hydrogen bonds in artificial catalysts usually occur in aprotic solvents, but not in protic solvents, in contrast to enzymatic catalysis. We report a case in which ligand–substrate hydrogen‐bonding interactions cooperate with a transition‐metal center in alcoholic solvents for enantioselective catalysis. Copper(I) complexes with prolinol‐based hydroxy amino phosphane chiral ligands catalytically promoted the direct alkynylation of aldehydes with terminal alkynes in alcoholic solvents to afford nonracemic secondary propargylic alcohols with high enantioselectivities. Quantum‐mechanical calculations of enantiodiscriminating transition states show the occurrence of a nonclassical sp3‐CH⋅⋅⋅O hydrogen bond as a secondary interaction between the ligand and substrate, which results in highly directional catalyst–substrate two‐point hydrogen bonding.
Addition of Electrophilic Radicals to 2‐Benzyloxyglycals: Synthesis and Functionalization of Fluorinated α‐C‐Glycosides and Derivatives
Authors: Colombel Sophie , Van Hijfte Nathalie , Poisson Thomas , Leclerc Eric , Pannecoucke Xavier
Published: August 2013

A new method for the synthesis of fluorinated α‐C‐glycosides is described. The reactions between highly electrophilic radicals (fluorinated or unfluorinated) and a 2‐benzyloxyglucal or galactal provide 2‐keto‐D‐arabino‐ or 2‐keto‐D‐lyxo‐hexopyranosides through an addition/fragmentation process. Sodium borohydride mediated or Meerwein–Ponndorf–Verley (MPV) reduction of these compounds provides α‐C‐glycosides that feature appropriate anchoring groups for further synthetic elaboration. The presence of CF2CO2iPr or CF2Br groups at the pseudo‐anomeric position allows efficient reduction/olefination or Br/Li‐exchange/nucleophilic‐addition sequences. These transformations open the way for the synthesis of fluorinated C‐glycosidic analogues of glycoconjugates.
The modification of industrial grade metatitanic and application in SCR DeNOX catalyst preparation
Authors: Yao Jie , Zhong Zhao‐Ping , Zhang Xi‐yun
Published: August 2013

In this paper, industrial grade metatitanic (H2TiO3) from sulphate process was used as the raw material to prepare TiO2 through a series of modification. Granular and honeycomb SCR DeNOX catalysts were made by granulation and molding processes respectively with those TiO2 as the carrier material. The characterisation, mechanical strength and denitration performance of the carrier/catalyst samples were tested and compared with those of commercial anatase nano‐TiO2 products. The results showed that the TiO2 sample after the modified operation was remarkably improved in particle diameter, dispersion characteristic (average particle size from 15.79 to 1.746 µm) and the degree of crystallinity (from 93.7% to 98.1%), also the impurity content of K, Na, Ca, Mg, Al, S, etc. was significantly reduced; however, the grain size was increased (from 7.0 to 9.9 nm), and the specific surface area was decreased slightly (from 148.1 to 112.6 m2/g). As a whole, the characterisation was extremely close to commercial anatase nano‐TiO2. Catalyst samples prepared with TiO2 after the modified operation had an upgrade on catalytic activity (the maximum denitration rate of granular catalyst from 95.0% to 97.1%; honeycomb catalyst from 92.2% to 93.3%), and the mechanical properties of honeycomb catalysts have been enhanced significantly (compressive strength of axial direction changed from 0.1063 to 0.5965 Mpa). The work indicated that TiO2 prepared with the industrial grade metatitanic from sulphate process was suitable as a carrier material for SCR DeNOX catalyst production. Also the modification was necessary.
Analysis of Red Blood Cell Deformation under Fast Shear Flow for Better Estimation of Hemolysis
Authors: Nakamura Masanori , Bessho Sadao , Wada Shigeo
Published: August 2013

We examined the deformation behavior of a red blood cell (RBC) in various flow fields to determine whether the extent of RBC deformation is correlated with the shear stress used as a hemolysis index. The RBC model was introduced to a simple shear flow (Couette flow) and to slightly complex flows (unsteady shear flows and stenosed flows). The RBC deformation was assessed by the maximum first principal strain over the RBC membrane and compared with the shear stress. Although the results were consistent under steady Couette flow, this was not the case under unsteady Couette flow or stenosed flow due to the viscoelastic nature of the RBC deformation caused by fluid forces. These results suggest that there is a limitation in accurately estimating the mechanical damage of RBCs solely from a macroscopic flow field, indicating the necessity of taking into account the dynamic deformation of RBCs to provide a better estimation of hemolysis. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Clinical Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, Safety and Tolerability of Darexaban, an Oral Direct Factor Xa Inhibitor, in Healthy Elderly Japanese Subjects
Authors: Kadokura Takeshi , Oikawa Keishi , Miyata Koji , Murase Toshinobu , Nakamura Mashio
Published: August 2013

The clinical pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, safety and tolerability of darexaban after single and multiple once‐daily doses of 60, 120, and 240 mg in healthy elderly Japanese subjects were assessed. Following oral administration, darexaban was rapidly and extensively metabolized to darexaban glucuronide, which is an active glucuronide metabolite. Plasma concentrations of darexaban glucuronide increased with dose, and Cmax and AUC increased dose‐dependently after both single and repeated doses. Cumulative urinary excretion of darexaban glucuronide up to 24 hours after repeated doses ranged from 28.59% to 36.50%. PT‐INR, aPTT, and FXa activity were prolonged or decreased dose‐dependently after both single and repeated doses of darexaban. The time‐profile of pharamcodynamic parameters closely followed the time‐concentration profile of darexaban glucuronide. Five adverse events occurred in the present study (4: darexaban [16.7%]; 1: placebo [8.3%]), all of which were mild in severity and required no treatment.
Health, functioning, and participation of adolescents and adults with cerebral palsy: A review of outcomes research
Authors: Frisch Dana , Msall Michael E.
Published: August 2013

With medical advances, more individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) syndromes who reside in developed countries are surviving to adolescence and adulthood. However, there continues to be a paucity of research examining long‐term health, functional activities, and participatory outcomes over their life‐course. This article reviews the current literature assessing adult outcomes for individuals with CP within the framework of the International Classification of Functioning (ICF), Disability, and Health model of enablement. Preliminary data over the last decade indicate that among adults with cerebral palsy without intellectual disability, 60–80% completed high school, 14–25% completed college, up to 61% were living independently in the community, 25–55% were competitively employed, and 14–28% were involved in long term relationships with partners or had established families. These outcomes occurred with biomedical advances in the management of spasticity, deformity, and medical co‐morbidities, as well as with concurrent policy initiatives to increase access to a continuum of habilitative and education services. Although we have incomplete population data to inform comprehensive life‐course planning, there are opportunities to create clinical and translational community networks with improved measures of functioning and participation that can better inform us about the factors influencing lifespan development of people with CP. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Disabil Res Rev 2013;18:84–94.
The Chelating Behaviour of 3‐(4‐X‐Phenyl)‐2‐sulfanylpropenoic Acids with the PbII Ion – Relevance of the Lone Electron Pair in the Supramolecular Structures of the 2:1 Complexes
Authors: Casas José S. , Castaño M. Victoria , Couce Maria D. , Sánchez Agustín , Sordo José , Torres M. Dolores , Vázquez López Ezequiel M.
Published: August 2013

The interaction of 3‐(4‐X‐phenyl)‐2‐sulfanylpropenoic acids [H2(X‐pspa); X = –F, –Cl, –Br, –I, –OCH3, –OCF3, –OH] with lead(II) acetate in an alcoholic medium was explored in the search for new chelating agents for the Pb2+ ion. The direct reactions afforded [Pb(X‐pspa)] complexes in yields of 67 (X = –Br) to 95 % (X = –OCH3). When the PbII/H2(X‐pspa) reaction was performed in the presence of diisopropylamine (Q), the derivatives [HQ]2[Pb(X‐pspa)2] (X = Cl, Br) were obtained. All of the complexes were characterized by spectrometric (FAB‐MS and ESI‐MS) and spectroscopic (IR, 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy) methods and these showed the permanence of the O,S coordination of the ligands to the metal ion in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) solution. H2(Cl‐pspa), [HQ]2[Pb(Cl‐pspa)2] and [HQ]2[Pb(Br‐pspa)2] were also fully characterized in the solid state by X‐ray diffraction. The importance of the stereochemically active lone electron pair of the PbII ion in the supramolecular arrangement of [HQ]2[Pb(X‐pspa)2] (X = Cl, Br) is discussed.