bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of Private Probe Data in Route Choice Analysis to Explore Heterogeneity in Drivers' Familiarity with Origin–Destination Pairs
Authors: Li Dawei , Miwa Tomio , Morikawa Takayuki
Published: September 2013

An exploratory analysis about the effect on route choice of heterogeneity in driver familiarity with origin–destination (O-D) pairs was carried out. This analysis was based on probe data collected by private vehicles in Toyota, Japan. The hypothesis test results showed that route choice behavior changed in relation to the level of familiarity with O-D pairs. Two specifications of choice models were proposed to consider the effect of familiarity. The estimation results showed that the models that considered familiarity fit the data better and suggested that trips between more familiar O-D pairs had larger error variances and less sensitivity to explanatory variables. The estimated models were applied to a specific choice situation, and the prediction results showed the potential biases introduced by not considering the heterogeneity in the familiarity with O-D pairs. In addition, when traveling between more familiar O-D pairs, drivers were less sensitive to the intersection count than to the free travel time.
Use of Low-Level Sensor Data to Improve the Accuracy of Bluetooth-Based Travel Time Estimation
Authors: Araghi Bahar Namaki , Christensen Lars Tørholm , Krishnan Rajesh , Olesen Jonas Hammershøj , Lahrmann Harry
Published: September 2013

Bluetooth sensors have a large detection zone compared with other static vehicle reidentification systems. A larger detection zone increases the probability of detecting a Bluetooth-enabled device in a fast-moving vehicle, yet increases the probability of multiple detection events being triggered by a single device. The latter situation could lead to location ambiguity and could reduce the accuracy of travel time estimation. Therefore, the accuracy of travel time estimation by Bluetooth technology depends on how location ambiguity is handled by the estimation method. The issue of multiple detection events in the context of travel time estimation by Bluetooth technology has been considered by various researchers. However, treatment of this issue has been simplistic. Most previous studies have used the first detection event (enter–enter) as the best estimate. No systematic analysis has been conducted to explore the most accurate method of travel time estimation with multiple detection events. In this study, different aspects of the Bluetooth detection zone, including size and impact on the accuracy of travel time estimation, were discussed. Four methods were applied to estimate travel time: enter–enter, leave–leave, peak–peak, and combined. These methods were developed on the basis of various technical considerations related to multiple detection events. A controlled field experiment was conducted to evaluate the accuracy of the methods through comparison with the ground truth travel time data measured by Global Positioning System technology. The results showed that the accuracy of the combined and peak–peak methods was higher than that of the other methods and that the employment of the first detection event did not necessarily yield the best travel time estimation.
Standardized Data Processing
Authors: Pu Wenjing
Published: September 2013

The newly enacted U.S. transportation act Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century requires the reporting of highway performance in terms of congestion and reliability. With unprecedented coverage and detail, private-sector probe-based traffic data are one of the most promising sources for the establishment of a highway performance monitoring system that can track congestion and reliability on a national scale. But the data alone are not enough; many variants in the data and the data-processing procedures can cause significantly different results even from the same set of data. As demonstrated in this paper, the space mean speed feature of the probe data, the referencing of the segment locations, the frequency of data archiving, the calculation procedures, and the difference between experienced travel time and instantaneous travel time could play a role in determining the values of certain performance measures. Standardized data elements and data processing procedures should be established in the effort to use proprietary probe data to measure highway performance.
Probe Vehicle–Based Statewide Mobility Performance Measures for Decision Makers
Authors: Brennan Thomas M. , Remias Stephen M. , Grimmer Gannon M. , Horton Deborah K. , Cox Edward D. , Bullock Darcy M.
Published: September 2013

Decision makers in state transportation agencies typically manage budgets approaching or exceeding $1 billion. Historically, the data used to make investment decisions have been quite coarse and have been typically based on short-term volume counts fed into models to forecast performance. As a result, it is not uncommon for construction projects to address needs that were forecast to be a priority 5 to 10 years earlier, while more pressing congestion challenges go unmet. It is essential that long-term planning begins to be supplemented by more current performance measures. The emerging private-sector probe vehicle data obtained from commercial providers offer an opportunity to augment traditional forward-looking planning models with performance measures that reflect the conditions motorists are experiencing today. This paper proposes scalable, analytical probe data–reduction techniques to create technically sound, yet visually intuitive, system-performance measures of current freeway conditions. These types of performance measure are increasingly used by high-level agency management to identify locations at which customers experience congestion, and the magnitude of that congestion, and to compare congestion on various highway corridors. These proposed performance measures can be used for policy-oriented decisions, such as the prioritization of capital program investments, the management of snow removal, and the scheduling of lane closures. The techniques are applied to seven Indiana Interstate highways, comprised of 1,886 directional miles. The Interstates span rural and urban sections that experience varying levels of recurring and nonrecurring congestion as a result of winter weather and construction activity. Specific examples adjacent to the Indianapolis, Indiana; Louisville, Kentucky; and Chicago, Illinois, metropolitan areas are presented, along with the 10 most congested Interstate segments.
Orthodontic Management of a Case with Skeletal Class III Malocclusion
Authors: Saha Arup Kumar , Rabbani Rashed Md Golam , Hasan Md Ishtiaq , Uddin Helal , Haque ASM Rafiul , Hossain Md Zakir
Published: September 2013

Class III malocclusions are considered one of the most complex and difficult orthodontic problems to diagnose and treat. Skeletal and /or dental asymmetries in patient presenting with Class III malocclusion can worsen the prognosis recognizing the dentoalveolar and skeletal characteristics of class III malocclusion and their treatment possibilities is essential for a favorable nonsurgical correction. Therefore, this case presents a nonsurgical extraction approach to class III malocclusion treatment which can significantly improve the occlusion and facial deformities. A male patient of 18 yrs attended a private dental office at Dhaka, Bangladesh with the complain of aesthetic problem. On examination, incisor, canine and molar relationships were found Class III on both sides with palatally placed upper central incisors and crowding on both anterior segments. The case was treated orthodontically. It tooks nearly 18 months to complete the treatment. The patient was happy with the new appearance and function. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cdcj.v10i2.16349 City Dent. Coll. J Voume-10, Number-2, July-2013
Reflection of SAQ in Undergraduate Anatomy MBBS Course According to New Curriculum of BMDC
Authors: Manara A , Uddin MN , Habib MA , Ayub M
Published: September 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jafmc.v8i2.16340 JAFMC Vol.8(2) 2012 pp.03-07
Detection of Extended Spectrum ?-Lactamase Producing Bacteria in Combined Military Hospital, Dhaka
Authors: Hoque MM , Ahmad M , Chowdhury JP , Nurunnobi S , Mahmood S
Published: September 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jafmc.v8i2.16341 JAFMC Vol.8(2) 2012 pp.08-15
Feeding Practices and its Impact on Nutritional Status Children Under 2 Years in a Selected Rural Community of Bangladesh
Authors: Ara R , Dipti TR , Uddin MN , Ali M , Rahman L
Published: September 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jafmc.v8i2.16344 JAFMC Vol.8(2) 2012 pp.26-31
Outcome of Management of Malignant Pleural Effusion by Tube Thoracostomy and Chemical Pleurodesis - Study of 282 Cases
Authors: Rahman MS , Uddin MN , Islam MA , Rahman MA , Majumdar MNI
Published: September 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jafmc.v8i2.16356 JAFMC Vol.8(2) 2012 pp.58-63
Haematological Changes Following Open Heart Surgery
Authors: Mahfuz H , Rahman MM , Mahmud Z , Khan MM
Published: September 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jafmc.v8i2.16359 JAFMC Vol.8(2) 2012 pp.75-80
Disseminated Histoplasmosis in a Patient with AIDS - A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Bhuiyan MNZ , Giti S , Islam MS , Uddin MN
Published: September 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jafmc.v8i2.16360 JAFMC Vol.8(2) 2012 pp.81-86
Assessment Drives Learning
Authors: Uddin MN , Habib MA
Published: September 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jafmc.v8i2.16362 JAFMC Vol.8(2) 2012 pp.1-2
Antibodies Targeting Human OX40 Expand Effector T Cells and Block Inducible and Natural Regulatory T Cell Function
Authors: Voo Kui S. , Bover Laura , Harline Megan L. , Vien Long T. , Facchinetti Valeria , Arima Kazuhiko , Kwak Larry W. , Liu Yong J.
Published: September 2013

Current cancer vaccines induce tumor-specific T cell responses without sustained tumor regression because immunosuppressive elements within the tumor induce exhaustion of effector T cells and infiltration of immune-suppressive regulatory T cells (Tregs). Therefore, much effort has been made to generate agonistic Abs targeting members of the TNFR superfamily, such as OX40, 4-1BB, and GITR, expressed on effector T cells and Tregs, to reinvigorate T cell effector function and block Treg-suppressive function. In this article, we describe the development of a panel of anti-human OX40 agonistic mouse mAbs that could promote effector CD4+ and CD8+ T cell proliferation, inhibit the induction of CD4+ IL-10 -producing type 1 regulatory T cells, inhibit the expansion of ICOS+IL-10+ Tregs, inhibit TGF-β–induced FOXP3 expression on naive CD4+ T cells, and block natural Treg–suppressive function. We humanized two anti–human OX40 mAb clones, and they retained the potency of their parental clones. These Abs should provide broad opportunities for potential combination therapy to treat a wide realm of cancers and preventative vaccines against infectious diseases.
IFIT2 Is an Effector Protein of Type I IFN–Mediated Amplification of Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-Induced TNF-α Secretion and LPS-Induced Endotoxin Shock
Authors: Siegfried Alexandra , Berchtold Susanne , Manncke Birgit , Deuschle Eva , Reber Julia , Ott Thomas , Weber Michaela , Kalinke Ulrich , Hofer Markus J. , Hatesuer Bastian , Schughart Klaus , Gailus-Durner Valérie , Fuchs Helmut , Hrabě de Angelis Martin , Weber Friedemann , Hornef Mathias W. , Autenrieth Ingo B. , Bohn Erwin
Published: September 2013

Type I IFN signaling amplifies the secretion of LPS-induced proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α or IL-6 and might thus contribute to the high mortality associated with Gram-negative septic shock in humans. The underlying molecular mechanism, however, is ill defined. In this study, we report the generation of mice deficient in IFN-induced protein with tetratricopeptide repeats 2 (Ifit2) and demonstrate that Ifit2 is a critical signaling intermediate for LPS-induced septic shock. Ifit2 expression was significantly upregulated in response to LPS challenge in an IFN-α receptor– and IFN regulatory factor (Irf)9–dependent manner. Also, LPS induced secretion of IL-6 and TNF-α by bone marrow–derived macrophages (BMDMs) was significantly enhanced in the presence of Ifit2. In accordance, Ifit2-deficient mice exhibited significantly reduced serum levels of IL-6 and TNF-α and reduced mortality in an endotoxin shock model. Investigation of the underlying signal transduction events revealed that Ifit2 upregulates Irf3 phosphorylation. In the absence of Irf3, reduced Ifn-β mRNA expression and Ifit2 protein expression after LPS stimulation was found. Also, Tnf-α and Il-6 secretion but not Tnf-α and Il-6 mRNA expression levels were reduced. Thus, IFN-stimulated Ifit2 via enhanced Irf3 phosphorylation upregulates the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines. It thereby amplifies LPS-induced cytokine production and critically influences the outcome of endotoxin shock.
Fibrosis and Subsequent Cytopenias Are Associated with Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor–Deficient Pluripotent Mesenchymal Stromal Cells in Large Granular Lymphocyte Leukemia
Authors: Mailloux Adam W. , Zhang Ling , Moscinski Lynn , Bennett John M. , Yang Lili , Yoder Sean J. , Bloom Gregory , Wei Cody , Wei Sheng , Sokol Lubomir , Loughran Thomas P. , Epling-Burnette Pearlie K.
Published: September 2013

Cytopenias occur frequently in systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, Felty’s syndrome, and large granular lymphocyte (LGL) leukemia, but the bone marrow microenvironment has not been systematically studied. In LGL leukemia (n = 24), retrospective analysis of bone marrow (BM) histopathology revealed severe fibrosis in 15 of 24 patients (63%) in association with the presence of cytopenias, occurrence of autoimmune diseases, and splenomegaly, but was undetectable in control cases with B cell malignancies (n = 11). Fibrosis severity correlated with T cell LGL cell numbers in the BM, but not in the periphery, suggesting deregulation is limited to the BM microenvironment. To identify fibrosis-initiating populations, primary mesenchymal stromal cultures (MSCs) from patients were characterized and found to display proliferation kinetics and overabundant collagen deposition, but displayed normal telomere lengths and osteoblastogenic, chondrogenic, and adipogenic differentiation potentials. To determine the effect of fibrosis on healthy hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs), bioartificial matrixes from rat tail or purified human collagen were found to suppress HPC differentiation and proliferation. The ability of patient MSCs to support healthy HSC proliferation was significantly impaired, but could be rescued with collagenase pretreatment. Clustering analysis confirmed the undifferentiated state of patient MSCs, and pathway analysis revealed an inverse relationship between cell division and profibrotic ontologies associated with reduced basic fibroblast growth factor production, which was confirmed by ELISA. Reconstitution with exogenous basic fibroblast growth factor normalized patient MSC proliferation, collagen deposition, and HPC supportive function, suggesting LGL BM infiltration and secondary accumulation of MSC-derived collagen is responsible for hematopoietic failure in autoimmune-associated cytopenias in LGL leukemia.
Distinction and Temporal Stability of Conformational Epitopes on Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Recognized by Patients with Different Inflammatory Central Nervous System Diseases
Authors: Mayer Marie C. , Breithaupt Constanze , Reindl Markus , Schanda Kathrin , Rostásy Kevin , Berger Thomas , Dale Russell C. , Brilot Fabienne , Olsson Tomas , Jenne Dieter , Pröbstel Anne-Katrin , Dornmair Klaus , Wekerle Hartmut , Hohlfeld Reinhard , Banwell Brenda , Bar-Or Amit , Meinl Edgar
Published: September 2013

Autoantibodies targeting conformationally intact myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) are found in different inflammatory diseases of the CNS, but their antigenic epitopes have not been mapped. We expressed mutants of MOG on human HeLa cells and analyzed sera from 111 patients (104 children, 7 adults) who recognized cell-bound human MOG, but had different diseases, including acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), one episode of transverse myelitis or optic neuritis, multiple sclerosis (MS), anti-aquaporin-4 (AQP4)–negative neuromyelitis optica (NMO), and chronic relapsing inflammatory optic neuritis (CRION). We obtained insight into the recognition of epitopes in 98 patients. All epitopes identified were located at loops connecting the β strands of MOG. The most frequently recognized MOG epitope was revealed by the P42S mutation positioned in the CC′-loop. Overall, we distinguished seven epitope patterns, including the one mainly recognized by mouse mAbs. In half of the patients, the anti-MOG response was directed to a single epitope. The epitope specificity was not linked to certain disease entities. Longitudinal analysis of 11 patients for up to 5 y indicated constant epitope recognition without evidence for intramolecular epitope spreading. Patients who rapidly lost their anti-MOG IgG still generated a long-lasting IgG response to vaccines, indicating that their loss of anti-MOG reactivity did not reflect a general lack of capacity for long-standing IgG responses. The majority of human anti-MOG Abs did not recognize rodent MOG, which has implications for animal studies. Our findings might assist in future detection of potential mimotopes and pave the way to Ag-specific depletion.
Analysis of projected changes in the occurrence of heat waves in Hungary
Authors: Pongrácz R. , Bartholy J. , Bartha E. B.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. Heat wave events are important temperature-related hazards due to their impacts on human health. In 2004, a Heat Health Warning System including three levels of heat wave warning was developed on the basis of a retrospective analysis of mortality and meteorological data in Hungary to anticipate heat waves that may result in a large excess of mortality. Projected changes in the frequency of different heat wave warning levels are analysed for the 21st century. For this purpose, outputs of regional climate model PRECIS (Providing REgional Climates for Impacts Studies) are used taking into account three different global emissions scenarios (A2, A1B, B2). The results clearly show an increase in occurrence and length of heat waves with respect to the underlying emissions scenarios and regional climate model used. Moreover, the potential season of heat wave occurrences is projected to be lengthened by two months in 2071–2100 compared to 1961–1990.
Chemoattraction: Basic Concepts and Role in the Immune Response
Authors: Rodríguez‐Fernández José Luis , Cabañas Laura Gómez
Published: September 2013

Chemoattraction is defined as the unidirectional movement of a cell, in response to a chemical gradient of ligands. During chemoattraction, cells move in the direction from a low to a high concentration of the chemoattractant. Chemoattraction is called ‘chemotaxis’ when the ligand gradient is soluble and ‘haptotaxis’ when this gradient is bound to the substrate. Chemoattraction plays a fundamental role in the regulation of the precise location of leucocytes during the immune response and consequently is fundamental for the adequate functioning of leucocytes in the immune system. Classical chemoattractants and chemokines use guanine nucleotide‐binding protein‐coupled seven‐transmembrane‐spanning receptors to relay intracellular signals that regulate chemoattraction. Apart from chemoattraction, chemoattractants and chemoattractant receptors may play additional functions, scavenging, transcytosis or even antimicrobial activities that could also importantly contribute to a correct immune response.

Key Concepts:

Chemoattraction is defined as the unidirectional movement of a cell, in response to a chemical gradient of ligands.

Chemoattractive factor constitutes a diverse group of chemicals, including lipids, formylated peptides, proteolytic fragments of complement proteins and chemokines, with chemoattractive properties.

Alterations in the expression or function of chemokine receptors are involved in a variety of human pathologies.

Chemokines are small secreted proteins (8–14 kDa) that display a similar tertiary structure and potent chemoattractive abilities.

Chemokines regulate a variety of cell functions in addition to chemotaxis.
Size‐Exclusion Chromatography Coupled with Infrared Spectroscopy, Applications of
Authors: Rickard Mark A.
Published: September 2013

The combination of size‐ and composition‐based separations with infrared spectroscopic detectors is a powerful technique that provides detailed information about the molecular structure of polymers that is not accessible with standard detectors. Two approaches for coupling size‐exclusion chromatography (SEC) and liquid chromatography (LC) to infrared detectors are flow cells and solvent elimination interfaces. Flow cells are straightforward to interface with separations, but they are limited by interference from the solvent. Solvent elimination interfaces are more complex than flow cells, but they remove the problem of solvent interference and, therefore, provide more structural information and higher sensitivity. In addition, they are readily compatible with gradient separations. Selected applications of flow cells and solvent elimination interfaces for polymer characterization are described.
Bright and Photostable Organic Fluorescent Dots with Aggregation‐Induced Emission Characteristics for Noninvasive Long‐Term Cell Imaging
Authors: Qin Wei , Li Kai , Feng Guangxue , Li Min , Yang Zhiyong , Liu Bin , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: September 2013

Efficient long‐term cell tracing in a noninvasive and real‐time manner is of great importance to understand genesis, development, invasion, and metastasis of cancerous cells. Cell penetrating organic dots with aggregation‐ induced emission (AIE) characteristics are successfully developed as long‐term cell trackers. The AIE dots enjoy the advantages of high emission efficiency, large Stokes shift, good biocompatibility, and high photostability, which ensure their good performance in long‐term non‐invasive in vitro cell tracing. Moreover, it is the first report that AIE dots exhibit certain permeability to cellular nucleus, making them attractive potential candidates for nucleus imaging. The AIE dots display superior performance compared to their counterparts of inorganic quantum dots, opening a new avenue in the development of fluorescent probes for monitoring biological processes.
Cell‐Tethered Ligands Modulate Bone Remodeling by Osteoblasts and Osteoclasts
Authors: Hayden Rebecca S. , Fortin Jean‐Philippe , Harwood Benjamin , Subramanian Balajikarthick , Quinn Kyle P. , Georgakoudi Irene , Kopin Alan S. , Kaplan David L.
Published: September 2013

The goals of the present study are to establish an in vitro co‐culture model of osteoblast and osteoclast function and to quantify the resulting bone remodeling. The bone is tissue engineered using well‐defined silk protein biomaterials in 2D and 3D formats in combination with human cells. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) and glucose‐dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) are selected because of their roles in bone remodeling for expression in tethered format on human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). The cell‐modified biomaterial surfaces are reconstructed from scanning electron microscopy images into 3D models for quantitative measurement of surface characteristics. Increased calcium deposition and surface roughness are found in 3D surface models of silk protein films remodeled by co‐cultures containing tethered PTH, and decreased surface roughness is found for the films remodeled by tethered GIP co‐cultures. Increased surface roughness is not found in monocultures of hMSCs expressing tethered PTH, suggesting that osteoclast‐osteoblast interactions in the presence of PTH signaling are responsible for the increased mineralization. These data point towards the design of in vitro bone models in which osteoblast‐osteoclast interactions are mimicked for a better understanding of bone remodeling.
Flexible Nanodielectric Materials with High Permittivity for Power Energy Storage
Authors: Dang Zhi‐Min , Yuan Jin‐Kai , Yao Sheng‐Hong , Liao Rui‐Jin
Published: September 2013

Study of flexible nanodielectric materials (FNDMs) with high permittivity is one of the most active academic research areas in advanced functional materials. FNDMs with excellent dielectric properties are demonstrated to show great promise as energy‐storage dielectric layers in high‐performance capacitors. These materials, in common, consist of nanoscale particles dispersed into a flexible polymer matrix so that both the physical/chemical characteristics of the nanoparticles and the interaction between the nanoparticles and the polymers have crucial effects on the microstructures and final properties. This review first outlines the crucial issues in the nanodielectric field and then focuses on recent remarkable research developments in the fabrication of FNDMs with special constitutents, molecular structures, and microstructures. Possible reasons for several persistent issues are analyzed and the general strategies to realize FNDMs with excellent integral properties are summarized. The review further highlights some exciting examples of these FNDMs for power‐energy‐storage applications.
PubMed search strings for the study of agricultural workers' diseases
Authors: Mattioli Stefano , Gori Davide , Di Gregori Valentina , Ricotta Lara , Baldasseroni Alberto , Farioli Andrea , Zanardi Francesca , Galletti Stefania , Colosio Claudio , Curti Stefania , Violante Francesco S.
Published: September 2013

Background

Several optimized search strategies have been developed in Medicine, and more recently in Occupational Medicine. The aim of this study was to identify efficient PubMed search strategies to retrieve articles regarding putative occupational determinants of agricultural workers' diseases.

Methods

We selected the Medical Subjects Heading (MeSH) term agricultural workers' diseases and six MeSH terms describing farm work (agriculture, agrochemicals NOT pesticides, animal husbandry, pesticides, rural health, rural population) alongside 61 other promising terms. We estimated proportions of articles containing potentially pertinent information regarding occupational etiology to formulate two search strategies (one “more specific,” one “more sensitive”). We applied these strategies to retrieve information on the possible occupational etiology among agricultural workers of kidney cancer, knee osteoarthritis, and multiple sclerosis. We evaluated the number of needed to read (NNR) abstracts to identify one potentially pertinent article in the context of these pathologies.

Results

The “more specific” search string was based on the combination of terms that yielded the highest proportion (40%) of potentially pertinent abstracts. The “more sensitive” string was based on use of broader search fields and additional coverage provided by other search terms under study. Using the “more specific” string, the NNR to find one potentially pertinent article were: 1.1 for kidney cancer; 1.4 for knee osteoarthritis; 1.2 for multiple sclerosis. Using the sensitive strategy, the NNR were 1.4, 3.6, and 6.3, respectively.

Conclusion

The proposed strings could help health care professionals explore putative occupational etiology for agricultural workers' diseases (even if not generally thought to be work related). Am. J. Ind. Med. 56:1473–1481, 2013. © 2013 The Authors. American Journal of Industrial Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
SOX12 and NRSN2 are candidate genes for 20p13 subtelomeric deletions associated with developmental delay
Authors: An Yu , Amr Sami S. , Torres Alcy , Weissman Laura , Raffalli Peter , Cox Gerald , Sheng Xiaoming , Lip Va , Bi Weimin , Patel Ankita , Stankiewicz Pawel , Wu Bai‐Lin , Shen Yiping
Published: September 2013

20p13 telomeric/subtelomeric deletions are clinically significant but are currently under‐investigated. So far only five molecularly delineated cases have been reported in literature and no candidate genes have been sufficiently implicated. Here, we present six new deletion cases identified by chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA). We also review 32 cases combined from literature and databases. We found that most 20p13 deletion patients exhibit significant developmental delay. Dysmorphic features are common but a consistent pattern was not recognized. Reduced cognitive ability was frequent. Based on pathogenic deletions delineated in this study, we mapped the smallest overlapping region and identified two nervous system expressing genes (SOX12 and NRSN2) as candidate genes that may be involved in the developmental defects in 20p13 microdeletion. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Electrochemical deposition of poly[N,N′‐ethylene–bis(salicylideneiminato)–nickel(II)] nanobelts as electrode materials for supercapacitors
Authors: Zhang Yakun , Li Jianling , Wang Xindong , Ye Feng , Yang Jun
Published: September 2013

N,N′‐ethylene–bis(salicylideneiminato)]–nickel(II) [Ni(salen)] was synthesized in situ onto the surface of multiwalled carbon nanotubes via a one‐step potentiostatic electrodeposition as one‐dimensional nanobelts. The synthetic process was free of any templates or additives. Potential played a key role in the formation of the poly[N,N′‐ethylene–bis(salicylideneiminato)]–nickel(II)] {poly[Ni(salen)]} nanobelts, and the electrical conductivities of the poly[Ni(salen)] decreased with increasing deposition time. The capacitance values of poly[Ni(salen)] were 272, 195, and 146 F/g at 0.05 mA/cm2 for deposition times of 10, 20, and 30 min, respectively. The capacitance of the sample with a particle structure was much lower than that of poly[Ni(salen)] with a nanobelt structure. The poly[Ni(salen)] nanobelts exhibited a better capacitive behavior than the poly[Ni(salen)] particles because the nanobelt structure made access for the charge and ion to the inner part of the electrode easier. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 39561.
Inhibitory effect of hydrogen bonding on thermal decomposition of the nanocrystalline cellulose/poly(propylene carbonate) nanocomposite
Authors: Hong Jia‐Li , Zhang Xing‐Hong , Wei Ren‐Jian , Wang Qi , Fan Zhi‐Qiang , Qi Guo‐Rong
Published: September 2013

Biodegradable poly(propylene carbonate, PPC) is a typical noncrystalline polymer from the copolymerization of carbon dioxide (CO2) with propylene oxide (PO). But it is easy to be degraded to propylene carbonate (PC) via backbiting route during heat process (above 170°C), which limits its application. This work reports the introduction of biodegradable nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) which was exfoliated from microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) by acid hydrolysis into PPC, affording a biodegradable PPC/NCC nanocomposite with improved thermal decomposition temperatures (the initial decomposition temperature, T5wt% was up to 265°C). Impressively, the thermal decomposition of PPC to PC at 200°C within 4.0 h was dramatically inhibited by introducing NCC, which was evident by 1H NMR spectra. This could be attributed to the hydrogen bonding interaction between NCC and PPC. Moreover, the film of PPC/NCC nanocomposite had not deformed when it was heated at 110°C for 4 h. In application, such biodegradable nanocomposite is a promising disposable package material. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 39847.
Poly(ethylene glycol)‐containing cationic hydrogels with lipophilic character
Authors: Dutta Sujan , Dey Debabrata , Dhara Dibakar
Published: September 2013

Not much effort has been focused towards the development of hydrogels that swell in nonpolar solvents. We have synthesized a new set of polyelectrolyte hydrogels and demonstrated their ability to absorb a less‐polar or nonpolar organic solvent, as well as their ability to resist gel‐collapse in a predominantly nonpolar medium. The hydrogels were prepared by free radical polymerization of different molar ratios of poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether acrylate and (3‐(methacryloylamino)propyl)‐trimethyl ammonium chloride as comonomers in an aqueous medium. Their swelling behavior in organic solvents was studied by varying the dielectric constant of the swelling medium including mixed‐solvent systems. Besides a high degree of swelling (up to 200 times) in polar solvents, some of the hydrogels also exhibited moderate swelling (up to 15 times) in less‐polar organic solvents. Hydrogels samples with high cationic content showed drastic change in swelling extent in some of the mixed‐solvent systems. It was also interesting to note that the retention of significant swelling in dimethyl sulphoxide–toluene mixture with even 90% toluene content for some compositions. These polyelectrolyte hydrogels with improved lipophilicity opens up greater opportunities for the development of even superior soft materials through proper structural optimizations that would successfully function for a wider range of solvents. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 39873.
Adaptive Parameter Estimation for an Energy Model of Belt Conveyor with DC Motor
Authors: Shen Yanjun , Xia Xiaohua
Published: September 2013

In practice, design parameters of a belt conveyor likely drift away from their design values by maintenance, readjustment, retrofit, abrasion, and circumstance change. For the purpose of energy optimization, these parameters should be estimated through experiments. In this paper, a new energy model of a DC motor driven belt conveyor is presented. Then, based on an adaptive observer, a parameter estimation algorithm is derived. In addition, under a persistent excitation condition, the convergence of the parameters to the desired values can also be concluded. Compared with the existing methods, our methods can be implemented by measuring only the feed rate of the belt conveyor and the angular velocity of the rotor of the DC motor.
Novel mutations in ADAMTSL2 gene underlying geleophysic dysplasia in families from United Arab Emirates
Authors: Ben‐Salem Salma , Hertecant Jozef , Al‐Shamsi Aisha M. , Ali Bassam R. , Al‐Gazali Lihadh
Published: September 2013

BACKGROUND

Geleophysic dysplasia (GD) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by short stature, brachydactyly, stiff joints, thick skin, and cardiac valvular abnormalities that are often responsible for early death. Mutations in ADAMTSL2 and FBN1 genes have been shown to cause GD due to the dysregulation of transforming growth factor‐β signaling pathways. Small numbers of mutations in ADAMTSL2 have been reported so far in patients with GD type 1 (GD1).

METHODS

In this study, we clinically evaluated two children from two consanguineous Arab families living in the United Arab Emirates with GD1. In addition we have sequenced all the coding exons of ADAMTSL2 gene using Sanger sequencing.

RESULTS

The two patients exhibited most of the typical features of this rare bone dysplasia. Molecular analysis of the ADAMTSL2 gene revealed two novel homozygous missense mutations (c.938T>C, p.M313T and c.499G>A, p.D167N). The mutations segregated well in the studied families with the parents being heterozygous. In addition, bioinformatics analyses showed that these mutations are affecting conserved amino acids residues and thus strongly support their pathogenicity.

CONCLUSION

We describe the clinical phenotypes of two patients with GD1 that are caused by two novel homozygous missense mutations in the ADAMTSL2 gene. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 97:764–769, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Simultaneous determination of three purines in Alysicarpus vaginalis (L.) DC. by hollow fiber‐based liquid‐phase microextraction combined with high‐performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Liu Hongjiao , Lei Ming , Liang Xiao , Jiang Zhen , Guo Xingjie
Published: September 2013

In this paper, a three‐phase hollow fiber liquid‐phase microextraction (HF‐LPME) method combined with high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was developed for the determination of hypoxanthine (HX), xanthine (Xan) and adenine (A) and then for the first time successfully applied to the analysis of HX, Xan and A in Alysicarpus vaginalis (L.) DC. medicinal materials. Different factors affecting the HF‐LPME procedure were investigated and optimized. Under optimal extraction conditions (1‐octanol as organic solvent, pH of the donor and acceptor phase 10.0 and 3.5, respectively, extraction time 40 min, stirring rate 800 rpm and salt addition 10%, w/v), HX, Xan and A could be determined within the test ranges with a good correlation coefficient (r2 > 0.9992). The limit of detection for HX, Xan and A was 153, 173 and 97 ng/mL, respectively, and the intra‐ and inter‐day relative standard deviations were no more than 9.8%. The content of HX, Xan and A in Alysicarpus vaginalis (L.) DC. medicinal materials was 120.40, 18.37 and 62.75 µg/g, respectively. This procedure afforded a convenient, sensitive, accurate and inexpensive method with a high extraction efficiency for determination of HX, Xan and A. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Kinetic modeling of lipase‐catalyzed esterification reaction between oleic acid and trimethylolpropane: A simplified model for multi‐substrate multi‐product ping–pong mechanisms
Authors: Bornadel Amin , Åkerman Cecilia Orellana , Adlercreutz Patrick , Hatti‐Kaul Rajni , Borg Niklas
Published: September 2013

Kinetic models are among the tools that can be used for optimization of biocatalytic reactions as well as for facilitating process design and upscaling in order to improve productivity and economy of these processes. Mechanism pathways for multi‐substrate multi‐product enzyme‐catalyzed reactions can become very complex and lead to kinetic models comprising several tens of terms. Hence the models comprise too many parameters, which are in general highly correlated and their estimations are often prone to huge errors. In this study, Novozym®435 catalyzed esterification reaction between oleic acid (OA) and trimethylolpropane (TMP) with continuous removal of side‐product (water) was carried out as an example for reactions that follow multi‐substrate multi‐product ping‐pong mechanisms. A kinetic model was developed based on a simplified ping‐pong mechanism proposed for the reaction. The model considered both enzymatic and spontaneous reactions involved and also the effect of product removal during the reaction. The kinetic model parameters were estimated using nonlinear curve fitting through unconstrained optimization methodology and the model was verified by using empirical data from different experiments and showed good predictability of the reaction under different conditions. This approach can be applied to similar biocatalytic processes to facilitate their optimization and design. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 29:1422–1429, 2013
Investigating the effect of peptide agonists on the chondrogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells using design of experiments
Authors: Renner Julie N. , Liu Julie C.
Published: September 2013

Human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are attractive for use in cartilage tissue engineering. Cells are often seeded in a structural scaffold containing growth factors. Peptide mimics of full‐length growth factors are a promising alternative because they are less expensive and easier to manufacture. We investigated four short peptides for their effect on the chondrogenesis of human MSCs. The peptides were originally designed to mimic bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP‐2), transforming growth factor‐beta 1 (TGF‐β1), and insulin, all of which have been shown to affect MSC chondrogenesis. Previous studies demonstrated that the peptides elicited bioactivity in other cell types, but the peptides have not been investigated for their effect on chondrogenesis in human MSCs. In a preliminary investigation, peptides were added to a pellet culture of human MSCs and assayed for their effect on glycosaminoglycan (GAG) production. These experiments determined peptide concentrations used in a full‐factorial experiment to investigate any interactions. The experiment revealed the BMP peptide as a robust stimulant for GAG production. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 29:1550–1557, 2013
A Unique Amino Transfer Mechanism for Constructing the β‐Amino Fatty Acid Starter Unit in the Biosynthesis of the Macrolactam Antibiotic Cremimycin
Authors: Amagai Keita , Takaku Ryoma , Kudo Fumitaka , Eguchi Tadashi
Published: September 2013

Cremimycin is a 19‐membered macrolactam glycoside antibiotic based on three distinctive substructures: 1) a β‐amino fatty acid starter moiety, 2) a bicyclic macrolactam ring, and 3) a cymarose unit. To elucidate the biosynthetic machineries responsible for these three structures, the cremimycin biosynthetic gene cluster was identified. The cmi gene cluster consists of 33 open reading frames encoding eight polyketide synthases, six deoxysugar biosynthetic enzymes, and a characteristic group of five β‐amino‐acid‐transfer enzymes. Involvement of the gene cluster in cremimycin production was confirmed by a gene knockout experiment. Further, a feeding experiment demonstrated that 3‐aminononanoate is a direct precursor of cremimycin. Two characteristic enzymes of the cremimycin‐type biosynthesis were functionally characterized in vitro. The results showed that a putative thioesterase homologue, CmiS1, catalyzes the Michael addition of glycine to the β‐position of a non‐2‐enoic acid thioester, followed by hydrolysis of the thioester to give N‐carboxymethyl‐3‐aminononanoate. Subsequently, the resultant amino acid was oxidized by a putative FAD‐dependent glycine oxidase homologue, CmiS2, to produce 3‐aminononanoate and glyoxylate. This represents a unique amino transfer mechanism for β‐amino acid biosynthesis.
MnCu/cordierite monolith used for catalytic combustion of Volatile Organic Compounds
Authors: Aguero F. N. , Morales M. R. , Duran F. G. , Barbero B. P. , Cadús L. E.
Published: September 2013

A MnCu‐mixed oxide catalyst supported on a cordierite monolith was synthesized. The catalyst showed very good stability and high homogeneity and presented an excellent catalytic activity in the combustion of ethyl acetate, n‐hexane, and its mixture. The total conversion temperature of the mixture was determined by the temperature at which the most difficult molecule was oxidized.
Improved Interfacial Electron Transfer in Modified Bilirubin Oxidase Biocathodes
Authors: Lopez Ryan J. , Babanova Sofia , Ulyanova Yevgenia , Singhal Sameer , Atanassov Plamen
Published: September 2013

The reducing inhibition of interfacial electron transfer and the resulting impact on the catalytic current of bilirubin oxidase (BOx) biocathodes is explored. Polymer‐coated multi‐wall carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) are modified with tethering and orientating agents to provide stable immobilization and efficient enzyme orientation. 1‐pyrenebutanoic acid, succinimidyl ester (PBSE) is used as a cross‐linker. A BOx natural substrate, bilirubin, and its artificial analogues are explored as orientating agents. It is established that bilirubin/PBSE‐modified BOx cathodes show approximately 0.4‐ and 3.2‐fold increases in the current density compared to cathodes modified separately with either PBSE or bilirubin, respectively. In subsequent experiments, the incorporation of PBSE and 2,5‐dimethyl‐1‐phenyl‐1H‐pyrrole‐3‐carbaldehyde, a functional analogue of bilirubin, into the MWNT matrix results in a further 2–2.5‐fold increase in the generated current density compared to the hybrid bilirubin/PBSE‐modified cathode, which is, therefore, 20 times higher than the unmodified BOx cathode. This significant enhancement in the performance of the cathode is attributed to the concomitant covalent attachment and proper orientation of BOx, which leads to improved enzyme/electrode interactions.
Towards Highly Stable Storage of Sodium Ions: A Porous Na3V2(PO4)3/C Cathode Material for Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Shen Wei , Wang Cong , Liu Haimei , Yang Wensheng
Published: September 2013

A porous Na3V2(PO4)3 cathode material coated uniformly with a layer of approximately 6 nm carbon has been synthesized by the sol–gel method combined with a freeze‐drying process. The special porous morphology and structure significantly increases the specific surface area of the material, which greatly enlarges the contact area between the electrode and electrolyte, and consequently supplies more active sites for sodium ions. When employed as a cathode material of sodium‐ion batteries, this porous Na3V2(PO4)3/C exhibits excellent rate performance and cycling stability; for instance, it shows quite a flat potential plateau at 3.4 V in the potential window of 2.7–4.0 V versus Na+/Na and delivers an initial capacity as high as 118.9 and 98.0 mA h g−1 at current rates of 0.05 and 0.5 C, respectively, and after 50 cycles, a good capacity retention of 92.7 and 93.6 % are maintained. Moreover, even when the discharge current density is increased to 5 C (590 mA g−1), an initial capacity of 97.6 mA h g−1 can still be achieved, and an exciting capacity retention of 88.6 % is obtained after 100 cycles. The good cycle performance, excellent rate capability, and moreover, the low cost of Na3V2(PO4)3/C suggest that this material is a promising cathode for large‐scale sodium‐ion rechargeable batteries.
Improved Synthesis of Capuramycin and Its Analogues
Authors: Wang Yong , Siricilla Shajila , Aleiwi Bilal A. , Kurosu Michio
Published: September 2013

Capuramycin and its congeners are considered to be important lead molecules for the development of a new drug for multidrug‐resistant (MDR) Mycobacterium tuberculosis infections. Extensive structure–activity relationship studies of capuramycin to improve the efficacy have been limited because of difficulties in selectively chemically modifying the desired position(s) of the natural product with biologically interesting functional groups. We have developed efficient syntheses of capuramycin and its analogues by using new protecting groups, derived from the chiral (chloro‐4‐methoxyphenyl)(chlorophenyl)methanols, for the uridine ureido nitrogen and primary alcohol. The chiral nonracemic (2,6‐dichloro‐4‐methoxyphenyl)(2,4‐dichlorophenyl)methanol derivative is a useful reagent to resolve rac‐3‐amino‐1,3‐dihydro‐5‐phenyl‐2H‐1,4‐benzodiazepin‐2‐one, the (S)‐configuration isomer of which plays a significant role in improving the mycobactericidal activity of capuramycin.
The Enantioselective Pharmacokinetics Metabolism of Diniconazole in Quail (Coturnix coturnixs japonica)
Authors: Chen Jin Hui , Wang Hui Li , Guo Bao Yuan , Xu Peng , Li Jian Zhong
Published: September 2013

The pharmacokinetics of diniconazole enantiomers in quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) were investigated by liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS). Quails were exposed to racemic diniconazole in capsule by oral at dose of 10 mg/kg (body weight). The maximal concentrations observed in blood, heart, liver, and kidney were 3.18, 11.35, 12.32, 15.03 µg/g for S‐diniconazole, and 1.13, 3.70, 6.00, 2.60 µg/g for R‐diniconazole. The elimination of enantiomers all met the one‐compartment model in blood, heart, liver, and kidney well. The elimination half‐lives (T1/2) of S‐diniconazole were 2.87, 3.85, 5.29, and 4.42 h in blood, heart, liver, and kidney, respectively; the T1/2 of R‐diniconazole were 2.44, 3.42, 146.23, and 74.02 h in blood, heart, liver, and kidney, respectively. The enantiomer fractions (EFs) steadily increased from 0.50 to 0.92 in blood samples and 0.91 in heart samples. Meanwhile, the values increased to 0.70 and 0.80 in liver and kidney initially, and then decreased to 0.33 and 0.44 at the end of the experiment. Metabolism was examined as well and it was found that diniconazole was metabolized to 1, 2, 4‐triazole, (E)‐3‐(1H‐1, 2, 4‐triazol‐1‐yl) acrylaldehyde, (E, S)‐(R, S)‐4‐(2, 4‐dichlorophenyl)‐2, 2‐dimethyl‐5‐(1H‐1, 2, 4‐triazol‐1‐yl) pent‐4‐ene‐1, 3‐diol, (E)‐4‐(2, 4‐dichlorophenyl)‐3‐hydroxy‐2, 2‐dimethyl‐5‐(1H‐1, 2, 4‐triazol‐1‐yl) pent‐4‐enoic acid, and 1, 3‐dichlorobenzen in all samples of quail. Chirality 25:910–916, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.