bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Undergraduate Mechatronics Research Case Study: Contributing towards a Dexterous Robot Hand
Authors: Saliba Michael A. , Cassar David J. , Axiak Maria
Published: June 2013

The importance of implementing a strong project-based approach to undergraduate mechatronics education and the enhancement obtained through the introduction of a research aspect to these projects have been emphasized in the literature. This paper describes the immersion of final-year undergraduate mechanical engineering students into the research programme of the Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering of the University of Malta, through supervised undergraduate projects that build upon each other from year to year, eventually leading to publications in the international research literature. We focus on the area of robot hands and present an extended project as a case study. We first describe briefly a selection of research-oriented undergraduate projects in this area carried out over the last decade. The paper then focuses on one particular project among those described, involving the development of an anthropomorphic robot hand with eight degrees of freedom that is based on observations of the attributes and the limitations of the human hand. The robot hand is intended to be used as a teleoperated slave device and a particular objective is to reduce its size and weight through the remote location of all of the actuators and sensors. The paper gives a detailed rationale for the design, followed by descriptions of the kinematic, mechanical, actuation, sensing and control systems of the constructed prototype. This is followed by a description of sensor calibration procedures and results. The paper concludes with a brief discussion of the significance of this work, addressing both the educational and research aspects, and of future directions to be taken.
MaxSUMO: A New Expert Approach for Evaluating Mobility Management Projects
Authors: Van Acker Veronique , Van Cauwenberge Begga , Witlox Frank
Published: June 2013

There is need for better understanding of how mobility management interventions work and how they affect the individuals’ modal choice decisions, as well as need for robust evaluation techniques allowing any behavioural changes to be observed. Changing individual’s behaviour is not a one-step process and any evaluation methodology should account for this. A new standardized expert evaluation resource MaxSUMO takes this step-wise process into account. MaxSUMO is based on a new theoretical behavioural change model MaxSEM which measures individuals’ stage positions (their susceptibility to change behaviour) and stage movement (progression towards actual behavioural change). This paper illustrates the use of MaxSUMO by the evaluation of the mobility campaign “I keep moving, even without my car” undertaken by the City of Ghent.
Order-Parameter Model for Synergetic Theory-based Railway Freight System and Evolution in China
Authors: Feng Fenling , Yang Liuen , Lan Dan
Published: June 2013

We investigate the synergetic nature and complexity of the railway freight system and select 13 parameters (railway fixed asset investment, GDP, railway’s revenue kilometers, etc.) as the system’s state variables. By using method of least square and method of external function, we build an order-parameter model for synergetic theory-based railway freight system, which will potentially support the studies on the railway freight system’s evolution. Our result shows that railway fixed asset investment is the order-parameter that governs the evolution of railway freight system: the average random fluctuation parameter  is 0.7060, which means that the mean fluctuation period of railway freight system is 9 years. Evolution of the railway freight system is a gradual process with abrupt changes from time to time.
Keeping blood vessels out of sight
Authors: Sim Dawn , Fruttiger Marcus
Published: June 2013

Researchers have identified a soluble receptor that prevents blood vessels forming in the outer retina—a process that can lead to blindness—by sequestering vascular endothelial growth factor.
The lasting influence of LSD1 in the blood
Authors: Dent Sharon YR , Chandra Joya
Published: June 2013

An enzyme called LSD1 that controls the development of blood cells by manipulating gene expression in progenitor cells could be a therapeutic target for leukemia.
Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Alkaline Pretreated Coconut Coir
Authors: Fatmawati Akbarningrum , Agustriyanto Rudy , Liasari Yusnita
Published: June 2013

The purpose of this research is to study the effect of concentration and temperature on the cellulose and lignin content, and the reducing sugars produced in the enzymatic hydrolysis of coconut coir. In this research, the coconut coir is pretreated using 3%, 7%, and 11% NaOH solution at 60oC, 80oC, and 100oC. The pretreated coir were assayed by measuring the amount of cellulose and lignin and then hydrolysed using Celluclast and Novozyme 188 under various temperature (30oC, 40oC, 50oC) and pH (3, 4, 5). The hydrolysis results were assayed for the reducing sugar content. The results showed that the alkaline delignification was effective to reduce lignin and to increase the cellulose content of the coir. The best delignification condition was observed at 11% NaOH solution and 100oC which removed 14,53% of lignin and increased the cellulose content up to 50,23%. The best condition of the enzymatic hydrolysis was obtained at 50oC and pH 4 which produced 7,57 gr/L reducing sugar. © 2013 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)
Improved Stabilities of Immobilized Glucoamylase on Functionalized Mesoporous Silica Synthesised using Decane as Swelling Agent
Authors: George Reni , Gopinath Sanjay , Sugunan Sankaran
Published: June 2013

Ordered mesoporous silica, with high porosity was used to immobilize glucoamylase via adsorption and covalent binding. Immobilization of glucoamylase within mesoporous silica was successfully achieved, resulting in catalytically high efficiency during starch hydrolysis. In this study, mesoporous silica was functionalized by co-condensation of tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) with organosilane (3-aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APTES) in a wide range of molar ratios of APTES: TEOS in the presence of triblock copolymer P123 under acidic hydrothermal conditions. The prepared materials were characterized by Small angle XRD, Nitrogen adsorption – desorption and 29Si MAS solid state NMR. N2 desorption studies showed that pore size distribution decreases due to pore blockage after functionalization and enzyme immobilization. Small angle XRD and 29Si MAS NMR study reveals mesophase formation and Si environment of the materials. The main aim of our work was to study the catalytical activity, effect of pH, temperature storage stability and reusability of covalently bound glucoamylase on mesoporous silica support. The result shows that the stability of enzyme can be enhanced by immobilization.  © 2013 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)
Activities of Heterogeneous Acid-Base Catalysts for Fragrances Synthesis: A Review
Authors: Hartati Hartati , Santoso Mardi , Triwahyono Sugeng , Prasetyoko Didik
Published: June 2013

This paper reviews various types of heterogeneous acid-base catalysts for fragrances preparation. Catalytic activities of various types of heterogeneous acid and base catalysts in fragrances preparation, i.e. non-zeolitic, zeolitic, and mesoporous molecular sieves have been reported. Generally, heterogeneous acid catalysts are commonly used in fragrance synthesis as compared to heterogeneous base catalysts. Heteropoly acids and hydrotalcites type catalysts are widely used as heterogeneous acid and base catalysts, respectively. © 2013 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)
Preparation and Characterization of Acid and Alkaline Treated Kaolin Clay
Authors: Kumar Sachin , Panda Achyut Kumar , Singh R. K.
Published: June 2013

Kaolin was refluxed with HNO3, HCl, H3PO4, CH3COOH, and NaOH of 3M concentration at 110 °C for 4 hours followed by calcination at 550 °C for 2 hours. The physico-chemical characteristics of resulted leached kaolinite clay were studied by XRF, XRD, FTIR, TGA, DTA, SEM and N2 adsorption techniques. XRF and FTIR study indicate that acid treatment under reflux conditions lead to the removal of the octahedral Al3+ cations along with other impurities. XRD of acid treated clay shows that, the peak intensity was found to decrease. Extent of leaching of Al3+ ions is different for different acid/base treatment. The acid treatment increased the Si/Al ratio, surface area and pore volume of the clay. Thus, the treated kaolin clay can be used as promising adsorbent and catalyst supports. © 2013 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)
Synthesis and Characterization of Ag/Ce1-xMnxO2-δ Oxidation Catalysts
Authors: Alami David , Bulavin Viktor
Published: June 2013

The aim of this work was to obtain samples of Ag - doped manganese-cerium mixed oxides and explore their characteristics. Six catalysts were prepared by the co-precipitation process followed by impregnation method for Ag incorporation. These catalysts were characterized in particular by means of TEM, XRD, TPR and examined on the reaction of hydrogen peroxide catalytic decomposition. The samples obtained were solid solution nanoparticle agglomerates with irregular surface morphology. The results pointed out that the highest activity in oxidation reactions should possess Ag/Ce0.23Mn0.77O2-δ catalyst. © 2013 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)
Drug Interaction Assessment Strategies: Small Molecules versus Therapeutic Proteins
Authors: Dallas Shannon , Sensenhauser Carlo , Chattopadhyay Souvik , Silva Jose
Published: June 2013

This chapter is not intended to give an expansive and detailed review of all ofthe methods and assays used for drug‐drug interaction (DDI) assessment during small molecule drug (SMD) development because this has already been accomplished by others in the field. Rather, general concepts and methods will be discussed for some of the typical assays undertaken in SMD development, including whether these methods can be, should be, or already have been applied in the context of therapeutic protein (TP)‐DI assessments. This chapter serves as a starting point for understanding the complexity and difficulties in assessing TP‐DIs.
Statistical Considerations in Assessing Drug–Drug Interactions for Therapeutic Biologics
Authors: Hu Chuanpu , Zhou Honghui
Published: June 2013

Therapeutic biologics have different mechanisms of action from small molecules, usually making drug–drug interactions (DDIs) less likely, although this may depend on the specific circumstances. That is, the
a priori
expectation of specific DDIs is different with therapeutic biologics. In addition, therapeutic biologics usually have long half‐lives, preventing the effective use of the usual crossover trials to assess drug–drug interactions. These issues influence the design and analysis of DDI assessments. Furthermore, population pharmacokinetics modeling has been used increasingly in drug development and has promising potential in DDI assessment. This chapter discusses the associated statistical issues, particularly to ensure appropriate power and type I error.
Scientific Perspectives on Therapeutic Protein Drug–Drug Interaction Assessments
Authors: Zhao Hong , Zhang Lei , Reynolds Kellie , Huang Shiew‐Mei
Published: June 2013

The purpose of this chapter is to describe our review of the literature on drug interactions involving therapeutic proteins (TPs), the FDA's expanded recommendations on TP‐drug–drug interactions (DDIs) in the updated draft drug interaction guidance, and FDA‐approved product labels that include TP‐DDI information. The information presented in this chapter includes the following: TPs with drug interaction studies conducted during product development; types of study designs used to evaluate TP‐DDIs; and impact of study results on product label.
Drug–Drug Interactions for Etanercept—A Fusion Protein
Authors: Korth‐Bradley Joan
Published: June 2013

The treatment of immune‐mediated inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and psoriatic arthritis, has been changed with the introduction of biological agents in the 1990s. Previously available biological agents, such as insulin, were replacements for endogenous proteins that were missing in patients with diabetes, while newer agents such as etanercept were constructs not found in nature.

In this case study of drug–drug interaction assessments for etanercept, a fusion protein targeting tumor necrosis factor α (TNF‐α) used in the treatment of several immune‐mediated inflammatory diseases, background information about etanercept will be discussed, followed by a general assessment on the likelihood of drug interactions with fusion proteins such as etanercept. Finally, the results of specificetanercept–drug interaction investigations will be discussed.
Drug Interactions for Growth Factors and Hormones
Authors: Wang Yow‐Ming C. , Kakkar Tarundeep
Published: June 2013

The focus of this chapter is on four recombinant growth factor products (erythropoietins, G‐CSF, KGF, and thrombopoietins) and three hormone products (glucagon,somatropin, and pegvisomant). We compiled the information related to drug interactions found in scientific publications and regulatory agency approved labeling documents. We reference U.S. prescribing information (PI) from the Drugs@FDA website and European summary of product characteristics (SPC) from the European Medicines Agency (EMA)'s website for European public assessment reports (EPARs). In addition, we gathered information from manufacturers and other interest groups that also post up‐to‐date labeling documents on their product websites.
Applications of Ligand‐Engineered Nanomedicines
Authors: Shim Gayong , Park Joo Yeon , Roh Lee Dong , Oh Yu‐Kyoung , Lee Sangbin
Published: June 2013

Over the past two decades, many therapeutic modalities have been investigated for the treatment of cancer. Among the most promising new modalities in the field of medical applications is nanomedicine, which has proven to be an outstanding approach for improving the therapeutic index. As this chapter will show, nanomedicines can achieve remarkable improvements in anticancer efficacy not only by increasing bioavailability and half‐life, but also by promoting tumor‐accumulation of therapeutic entities through the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect. Moreover, through modifications of the surface of nanoparticles, nanomedicines have shown the ability to improve target‐specificity and further enhance the efficacy.
Poor motor skills: A risk marker for bully victimization
Authors: Bejerot Susanne , Plenty Stephanie , Humble Alice , Humble Mats B.
Published: June 2013

Children who are clumsy are often bullied. Nevertheless, motor skills have been overlooked in research on bullying victimization. A total of 2,730 Swedish adults (83% females) responded to retrospective questions on bullying, their talents in physical education (i.e., coordination and balls skills) and school academics. Poor talents were used as indicators of poor gross motor skills and poor academic skills. A subset of participants also provided information on educational level in adulthood, childhood obesity, belonging to an ethic minority in school and socioeconomic status relative to schoolmates. A total of 29.4% of adults reported being bullied in school, and 18.4% reported having below average gross motor skills. Of those with below average motor skills, 48.6% were bullied in school. Below average motor skills in childhood were associated with an increased risk (OR 3.01 [95% CI: 1.97–4.60]) of being bullied, even after adjusting for the influence of lower socioeconomic status, poor academic performance, being overweight, and being a bully. Higher odds for bully victimization were also associated with lower socioeconomic status (OR 2.29 [95% CI: 1.45–3.63]), being overweight (OR 1.71 [95% CI: 1.18–2.47]) and being a bully (OR 2.18 [95% CI: 1.53–3.11]). The findings indicate that poor gross motor skills constitute a robust risk‐marker for vulnerability for bully victimization. Aggr. Behav. 39:453–461, 2013. © 2013 The Authors. Aggressive Behavior Published by Wiley‐Blackwell
Expressed Emotions and Perceived Credibility of Child Mock Victims Disclosing Physical Abuse
Authors: Wessel Ellen , Magnussen Svein , Melinder Annika Maria Desiree
Published: June 2013

The influence of emotions displayed by child witnesses during disclosure of abuse on judgments of credibility and guilt were examined. Eight mock police interviews with child actors, telling a story of physical abuse with different emotional expressions, were video‐recorded. In a between‐group design, jury eligible lay persons (n = 162) and professional child protective service (CPS) workers (n = 154) rated the credibility of the child witnesses and the probability that the alleged perpetrator was guilty of crime. The emotions displayed by the child witnesses strongly affected judgments of credibility and guilt. The patterns of ratings were closely similar in the two participant samples, but the overall ratings of the CPS workers were higher than those of the lay participants. Judgments of the probability of guilt followed a similar pattern with a correlation of .68 between the two variables. The theoretical and practical implications of the results are briefly discussed. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Open‐Circuit Voltage and Effective Gap of Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Widmer Johannes , Tietze Max , Leo Karl , Riede Moritz
Published: June 2013

The open‐circuit voltage (VOC) of an organic solar cell is limited by the donor‐acceptor material system. The effective gap Egeff between the electron affinity of the acceptor and the ionization potential of the donor is usually regarded as the upper limit for VOC, which is only reached for T → 0 K. This relation is confirmed for a number of small‐molecule bulk heterojunction p‐i‐n type solar cells by varying the temperature and illumination intensity. With high precision, the low temperature limit of VOC is identical to Egeff. Furthermore, the influence of the hole transport material in a p‐doped hole transport layer and the donor‐acceptor mixing ratio on this limit V0 is found to be negligible. Varying the active material system, the quantitative relation between V0 and Egeff is found to be identity. A comparison of V0 in a series of nine different donor‐acceptor material combinations opens a pathway to quantitatively determine the ionization potential of a donor material or the electron affinity of an acceptor material.
Quasi‐One Dimensional in‐Plane Conductivity in Filamentary Films of PEDOT:PSS
Authors: van de Ruit Kevin , Cohen Racheli Itzhak , Bollen Dirk , van Mol Ton , Yerushalmi‐Rozen Rachel , Janssen René A. J. , Kemerink Martijn
Published: June 2013

The mechanism and magnitude of the in‐plane conductivity of poly(3,4‐ethy‐lenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) thin films is determined using temperature dependent conductivity measurements for various PEDOT:PSS weight ratios with and without a high boiling solvent (HBS). Without the HBS the in‐plane conductivity of PEDOT:PSS is lower and for all studied weight ratios well described by the relation $ \sigma = \sigma _0 {\rm exp}[- \left({{{{T_0}}\over{T}}} \right)^{0.5}] $ with T0 a characteristic temperature. The exponent 0.5 indicates quasi‐one dimensional (quasi‐1D) variable range hopping (VRH). The conductivity prefactor σ0 varies over three orders of magnitudes and follows a power law σ0∝c3.5PEDOT with cPEDOT the weight fraction of PEDOT in PEDOT:PSS. The field dependent conductivity is consistent with quasi‐1D VRH. Combined, these observations suggest that conductance takes place via a percolating network of quasi‐1D filaments. Using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) filamentary structures are observed in vitrified dispersions and dried films. For PEDOT:PSS films with HBS, the conductivity also exhibits quasi‐1D VRH behavior when the temperature is less than 200 K. The low characteristic temperature T0 indicates that HBS‐treated films are close to the critical regime between a metal and an insulator. In this case, the conductivity prefactor scales linearly with cPEDOT, indicating the conduction is no longer limited by a percolation of filaments. The lack of observable changes in TEM upon processing with the HBS suggests that the changes in conductivity are due to a smaller spread in the conductivities of individual filaments, or a higher probability for neighboring filaments to be connected rather than being caused by major morphological modification of the material.
Oxygen Vacancies and Ordering of d‐levels Control Voltage Suppression in Oxide Cathodes: the Case of Spinel LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4‐δ
Authors: Sushko Peter V. , Rosso Kevin M. , Zhang Ji‐Guang , Liu Jun , Sushko Maria L.
Published: June 2013

This study presents a microscopic model for the correlation between the concentration of oxygen vacancies and voltage suppression in high voltage spinel cathodes for Li‐ion batteries. Using first principles simulations, it is shown that neutral oxygen vacancies in LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4‐δ promote substitutional Ni/Mn disorder and the formation of Ni‐rich and Ni‐poor regions. The former trap oxygen vacancies, while the latter trap electrons associated with these vacancies. This leads to the creation of deep and shallow Mn3+ states and affects the stability of the lattice Li ions. Together, these two factors result in a characteristic profile of the voltage dependence on Li content. This insight provides guidance for mitigating the voltage suppression in LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 and other cathodes.
Imaging the Electric Potential within Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Saive Rebecca , Scherer Michael , Mueller Christian , Daume Dominik , Schinke Janusz , Kroeger Michael , Kowalsky Wolfgang
Published: June 2013

The charge transport in organic solar cells is investigated by surface potential measurements via scanning Kelvin probe microscopy. Access to the solar cell's cross‐section is gained by milling holes with a focused ion beam which enables the direct scan along the charge transport path. In a study of poly(3‐hexylthiophene):1‐(3‐methoxycarbonyl)propyl‐1‐phenyl[6,6]C61 (P3HT:PCBM) bulk heterojunction solar cells, the open circuit voltage is built up at the top contact. A comparison of the potential distribution within normal and inverted solar cells under operation exhibits strongly different behaviors, which can be assigned to a difference in interface properties.
Transferable Crack‐Free Colloidal Crystals on an Elastomeric Matrix with Surface Relief
Authors: Kim Mi Ri , Im Sang Hyuk , Kim Young‐Seok , Cho Kuk Young
Published: June 2013

Crack‐free three‐dimensional (3D) colloidal silica crystals are fabricated on an elastomeric polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) stamp via the lift‐up method. A surface relief structure is fabricated on the PDMS substrate to enable the formation of colloidal crystal assemblies that cannot be achieved on a plane PDMS substrate owing to the hydrophobic nature of its surface. Four samples of uniform silica particles having different sizes are prepared for colloidal crystal assembly on PDMS substrates with various relief patterns. This strategy not only provides a means for the assembly of crack‐free colloidal crystals on a soft hydrophobic surface via the lift‐up method but enables the transfer of the crack‐free colloidal crystals onto a curved surface.
Nanofiber Bundles and Yarns Production by Electrospinning: A Review
Authors: Abbasipour Mina , Khajavi Ramin
Published: June 2013

Electrospinning is a versatile method for spinning various polymers into nanoscale fibers. Nanofibers produced by electrospinning or other methods show enhanced properties such as high surface area to volume ratio, flexibility in surface functionalities, and mechanical properties. To increase their practical usage and opening new windows for their innovative applications, theses nanofibers can be assembled into an ordered structure like yarn. Besides their intrinsic‐based polymer characteristics, these nanofiber yarns have an exceptional high specific surface area as a heritage of their forming nanofibers. This unique property together with the increased number of fibers in an unit area of cross section will improve their some properties such as water and chemical absorbency and flexibility in comparison with conventional yarns. So far, miscellaneous methods are established for fabricating electrospun nanofibers into yarn and the effects of processing factors on the characteristics of produced nanofiber yarns are studied by many researchers. In this review, the achievements in nanofibers bundles and yarn production and different established methods including twisted, hybrid, and core types are discussed. It also reviews the reinforced yarns by carbon nanotubes and the mechanical properties of nanoyarns. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Technol 2013, 32, 21363; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/adv.21363
Beyond diet reconstruction: Stable isotope applications to human physiology, health, and nutrition
Authors: Reitsema Laurie J.
Published: June 2013

Analysis of stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes from soft or mineralized tissues is a direct and widely‐used technique for modeling diets. In addition to its continued role in paleodiet analysis, stable isotope analysis is now contributing to studies of physiology, disease, and nutrition in archaeological and living human populations. In humans and other animals, dietary uptake and distribution of carbon and nitrogen among mineralized and soft tissue is carried out with varying efficiency due to factors of internal biology. Human pathophysiologies may lead to pathology‐influenced isotopic fractionation that can be exploited to understand not just skeletal health and diet, but physiological health and nutrition. This study reviews examples from human biology, non‐human animal ecology, biomedicine, and bioarchaeology demonstrating how stable isotope analyses are usefully applied to the study of physiological adaptation and adaptability. Suggestions are made for future directions in applying stable isotope analysis to the study of nutritional stress, disease, and growth and development in living and past human populations. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 25:445–456, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Selective Blockade of Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor I Inhibits Proinflammatory Cytokine and Chemokine Production in Human Rheumatoid Arthritis Synovial Membrane Cell Cultures
Authors: Schmidt Emily M. , Davies Marie , Mistry Prafull , Green Patricia , Giddins Grey , Feldmann Marc , Stoop A. Allart , Brennan Fionula M.
Published: June 2013

Objective

To determine whether selective blockade of tumor necrosis factor receptor I (TNFRI) affects spontaneous proinflammatory cytokine and chemokine production in ex vivo–cultured human rheumatoid arthritis synovial membrane mononuclear cells (MNCs) and to compare this response to that of TNF ligand blockade using etanercept.

Methods

A bispecific, single variable‐domain antibody (anti‐TNFRI moiety plus an albumin binding moiety [TNFRI‐AlbudAb]) was used to selectively block TNFRI. Inhibition of TNFα‐mediated responses in cell lines expressing TNFRI/II confirmed TNFRI‐AlbudAb potency, human rhabdomyosarcoma cell line KYM‐1D4 cytotoxicity, and human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM‐1) upregulation. Eighteen RA synovial membrane MNC suspensions were cultured for 2 days or 5 days, either alone or in the presence of TNFRI‐AlbudAb, control‐AlbudAb, or etanercept. Proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines in culture supernatants were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays. A mixed‐effects statistical analysis model was used to assess the extent of TNFRI selective blockade, where the results were expressed as the percentage change with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs).

Results

TNFRI‐AlbudAb inhibited TNFα‐induced KYM‐1D4 cell cytotoxicity (50% inhibition concentration [IC50] 4 nM) and HUVEC VCAM‐1 up‐regulation (IC50 12 nM) in a dose‐dependent manner. In ex vivo–cultured RA synovial membrane MNCs, selective blockade of TNFRI inhibited the production of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines to levels similar to those obtained with TNF ligand blockade, without inducing cellular toxicity. Changes in cytokine levels were as follows: −23.5% (95% CI −12.4, −33.2 [P = 0.004]) for granulocyte–macrophage colony‐stimulating factor, –33.4% (95% CI –20.6, –44.2 [P ≤ 0.0001]) for interleukin‐10 (IL‐10), –17.6% (95% CI 3.2, –34.2 [P = 0.0880]) for IL‐1β, and –19.0% (95% CI –3.4, –32.1 [P = 0.0207]) for IL‐6. Changes in chemokine levels were as follows: –34.2% (–14.4, –49.4 [P = 0.0030]) for IL‐8, –56.6% (–30.7, –72.9 [P = 0.0011]) for RANTES, and –24.9% (2, –44.8 [P = 0.0656]) for monocyte chemotactic protein 1.

Conclusion

In ex vivo–cultured RA synovial membrane MNCs, although a limited role of TNFRII cannot be ruled out, TNFRI signaling was found to be the dominant pathway leading to proinflammatory cytokine and chemokine production. Thus, selective blockade of TNFRI could potentially be therapeutically beneficial over TNF ligand blockade by retaining the beneficial TNFRII signaling.
Mixed‐methods approach to measuring user experience in online news interactions
Authors: O'Brien Heather L. , Lebow Mahria
Published: June 2013

When it comes to evaluating online information experiences, what metrics matter? We conducted a study in which 30 people browsed and selected content within an online news website. Data collected included psychometric scales (User Engagement, Cognitive Absorption, System Usability Scales), self‐reported interest in news content, and performance metrics (i.e., reading time, browsing time, total time, number of pages visited, and use of recommended links); a subset of the participants had their physiological responses recorded during the interaction (i.e., heart rate, electrodermal activity, electrocmytogram). Findings demonstrated the concurrent validity of the psychometric scales and interest ratings and revealed that increased time on tasks, number of pages visited, and use of recommended links were not necessarily indicative of greater self‐reported engagement, cognitive absorption, or perceived usability. Positive ratings of news content were associated with lower physiological activity. The implications of this research are twofold. First, we propose that user experience is a useful framework for studying online information interactions and will result in a broader conceptualization of information interaction and its evaluation. Second, we advocate a mixed‐methods approach to measurement that employs a suite of metrics capable of capturing the pragmatic (e.g., usability) and hedonic (e.g., fun, engagement) aspects of information interactions. We underscore the importance of using multiple measures in information research, because our results emphasize that performance and physiological data must be interpreted in the context of users' subjective experiences.
Tracing the footprint of knowledge spillover: Evidence from U.S.–China collaboration in nanotechnology
Authors: Tang Li , Hu Guangyuan
Published: June 2013

The impact of international collaboration on research performance has been extensively explored over the past two decades. Most research, however, focuses on quantity and citation‐based indicators. Using the turnover of keywords, this study develops an integrative approach, tracking and visualizing the shift of the research stream, and tests it within the context of U.S.–China collaboration in nanotechnology. The results show evidence in support of the linkage between the emergence of a new research stream of Chinese researchers when there is U.S.–China collaboration. We also find that the triggered research stream diffused further via extended coauthorship. Policy implications for science and technology development and resource allocation in the United States and China are discussed.
A rapid and selective HPLC‐UV method for the quantitation of efavirenz in plasma from patients on concurrent HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis treatments
Authors: Bienvenu Emile , Hoffmann Kurt‐Jürgen , Ashton Michael , Kayumba Pierre Claver
Published: June 2013

Owing to heterogeneity in therapeutic response, efavirenz is of research and clinical interest. There is a need to quantitate it using noncostly and selective methods. A method for efavirenz quantitation in plasma containing HIV and tuberculosis drugs was developed. Chromatographic separation was carried out using a C18 column. The mobile phase consisted of 0.1% formic acid and acetonitrile, and was pumped at a flow rate of 0.3 mL/min. Efavirenz and ritonavir (internal standard) were monitored at 247 nm. Plasma proteins were precipitated by centrifugation. The analysis time was 6 min. The response was linear (r = 0.9997). The accuracy ranged between 98 and 115% (intraday) and between 99 and 117% (interday). The precision ranged from 1.670 to 4.087% (intraday) and from 3.447 to 13.347% (interday). Recovery ranged from 98 to 132%. Stability ranged between 99 and 123%. The selectivity was proven by analysis of drugs used for the management of HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis. Plasma sample analysis showed an efavirenz retention time of 5.57 min and a peak plasma concentration of 2.4 µg/mL occurring at 2 h. This method is rapid and selective, and thus suitable for monitoring efavirenz in patients with HIV/AIDS alone or co‐infected with tuberculosis in a less resourced setting. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determination of flomoxef in human plasma by liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Kravtsova Oxana Yu. , Paramonov Sergey A. , Vasilevich Natalya I. , Kazyulkin Denis N. , Vlasova Ekaterina , Engsig Michael
Published: June 2013

A specific, sensitive, rapid and reproducible method for the determination of flomoxef in human plasma using high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry was developed and validated. Flomoxef was detected using an electrospay ionization method operated in negative‐ion mode. Chromatographic separation was performed in gradient elution mode on a Luna® C18(2) column (3 μm, 20 × 4.0 mm) at a flow rate of 1 mL/min and runtime 3.5 min. The mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile and water containing 0.1% formic acid as additive. Extraction of flomoxef from plasma and precipitation of plasma proteins was performed with acetonitrile with an absolute recovery of 86.4 ± 1.6%. The calibration curve was linear with a correlation coefficient of 0.999 over the concentration range 10–5000 ng/mL and the lower limit of quantification was 10 ng/mL. The intra‐ and inter‐day precisions were <11.8%, while the accuracy ranged from 99.6 to 109.0%. A stability study of flomoxef revealed that it could be successfully analyzed at 4ºС over 24 h, but it was unstable in solutions at room temperature during short‐term storage (4 h) and several freeze–thaw cycles. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Advancing next‐generation sequencing data analytics with scalable distributed infrastructure
Authors: Kim Joohyun , Maddineni Sharath , Jha Shantenu
Published: June 2013

With the emergence of popular next‐generation sequencing (NGS)‐based genome‐wide protocols such as chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing (ChIP‐Seq) and RNA‐Seq, there is a growing need for research and infrastructure to support the requirement of effectively analyzing NGS data. Such research and infrastructure do not replace but complement algorithmic advances developments in analyzing NGS data. We present a runtime environment, Distributed Application Runtime Environment, that supports the scalable, flexible, and extensible composition of capabilities that cover the primary requirements of NGS‐based analytics. In this work, we use BFAST as a representative stand‐alone tool used for NGS data analysis and a ChIP‐Seq pipeline as a representative pipeline‐based approach to analyze the computational requirements. We analyze the performance characteristics of BFAST and understand its dependency on different input parameters. The computational complexity of genome‐wide mapping using BFAST, amongst other factors, depends upon the size of a reference genome and the data size of short reads. Characterizing the performance suggests that the mapping benefits from both scaling‐up (increased fine‐grained parallelism) and scaling‐out (task‐level parallelism – local and distributed). For certain problem instances, scaling‐out can be a more efficient approach than scaling‐up. On the basis of investigations using the pipeline for ChIP‐Seq, we also discuss the importance of dynamical execution of tasks. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
More than one ring to bind them all: Recent insights into the structure of the axon
Authors: Gallo Gianluca
Published: June 2013

This brief review outlines recent developments in the understanding of the ultrastructural organization of the axonal and growth cone actin filament cytoskeleton. A novel form of structural organization has arisen as a regulator of the actin cytoskeleton: ring‐like structures. Rings may represent a conserved functional theme exhibited by diverse molecular systems and have implications for the understanding of the axon in development, maturity, and disease. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 73:799–805, 2013
Comparison of daily versus nondaily image‐guided radiotherapy protocols for patients treated with intensity‐modulated radiotherapy for head and neck cancer
Authors: Yu Yao , Michaud Anthony L. , Sreeraman Radhika , Liu Tianxiao , Purdy James A. , Chen Allen M.
Published: June 2013

Background

The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of nondaily image‐guided radiotherapy (RT) strategies with intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for head and neck cancer.

Methods

Alignment data was analyzed from 103 consecutive patients treated by IMRT for head and neck cancer who had undergone daily imaging with onboard mega‐voltage CT (MVCT), resulting in 3275 images. Geometric setup errors that would have occurred using less‐than‐daily imaging were hypothetically estimated for 4 temporal less‐than‐daily image‐guided RT protocols.

Results

For image‐guided RT on the first fraction, weekly image‐guided RT, first 5 + weekly image‐guided RT, and alternating day image‐guided RT, the respective incidences of geometric miss were 50.5%, 33.8%, 30.1%, and 15.7% assuming 3‐mm uncertainty margins; and 18.7%, 11.7%, 10.3%, and 4.1% with 5‐mm margins.

Conclusion

Less‐than‐daily image‐guided RT strategies result in a high incidence of potential miss when 3‐mm uncertainty margins are utilized. Less‐than‐daily image‐guided RT strategies should incorporate margins of at least 5 mm. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 36: 992–997, 2014
Multivariate analysis of prognostic factors for salvage nasopharyngectomy via the maxillary swing approach
Authors: Chan Jimmy Yu Wai , To Victor Shing Howe , Chow Velda Ling Yu , Wong Stanley Thian Sze , Wei William Ignace
Published: June 2013

Background

The purpose of this study was to investigate the prognostic factors for salvage nasopharyngectomy.

Methods

A retrospective review was conducted on maxillary swing nasopharyngectomy performed between 1998 and 2010. Univariate and multivariate analyses identified prognostic factors affecting actuarial local tumor control and overall survival.

Results

The median follow‐up duration was 52 months. Among the 268 patients, 79.1% had clear resection margins. The 5‐year actuarial local tumor control and overall survival was 74% and 62.1%, respectively. On multivariate analysis, tumor size, resection margin status, and gross tumor in the sphenoid sinus were independent prognostic factors for local tumor control. For overall survival, resection margin status, synchronous cervical nodal recurrence, and cavernous sinus invasion had a negative influence on overall survival after surgery.

Conclusion

Extent of nasopharyngectomy should be tailored to the individual tumor to achieve clear resection margins. Cavernous sinus invasion is associated with poor survival outcome, and detailed counseling and meticulous surgical planning is crucial in such circumstances. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 36: 1013–1017, 2014
Analysis of failure in patients with adenoid cystic carcinoma of the head and neck. An international collaborative study
Authors: Amit Moran , Binenbaum Yoav , Sharma Kanika , Ramer Naomi , Ramer Ilana , Agbetoba Abib , Miles Brett , Yang Xinjie , Lei Delin , Bjøerndal Kristine , Godballe Christian , Mücke Thomas , Wolff Klaus‐Dietrich , Fliss Dan , Eckardt André M. , Copelli Chiara , Sesenna Enrico , Palmer Frank , Patel Snehal , Gil Ziv
Published: June 2013

Background

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is a locally aggressive tumor with a high prevalence of distant metastases. The purpose of this study was to identify independent predictors of outcome and to characterize the patterns of failure.

Methods

An international retrospective review was conducted of 489 patients with ACC treated between 1985 and 2011 in 9 cancer centers worldwide.

Results

Five‐year overall‐survival (OS), disease‐specific survival (DSS), and disease‐free survival (DFS) were 76%, 80%, and 68%, respectively. Independent predictors of OS and DSS were: age, site, N classification, and presence of distant metastases. N classification, age, and bone invasion were associated with DFS on multivariate analysis. Age, tumor site, orbital invasion, and N classification were independent predictors of distant metastases.

Conclusion

The clinical course of ACC is slow but persistent. Paranasal sinus origin is associated with the lowest distant metastases rate but with the poorest outcome. These prognostic estimates should be considered when tailoring treatment for patients with ACC. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 36: 998–1004, 2014
Nigerasterols A and B, Antiproliferative Sterols from the Mangrove‐Derived Endophytic Fungus Aspergillus niger MA‐132
Authors: Liu Dong , Li Xiao‐Ming , Li Chun‐Shun , Wang Bin‐Gui
Published: June 2013

Two new 6,8(14),22‐hexadehydro‐5α,9α‐epidioxy‐3,15‐dihydroxy sterols, nigerasterols A and B (1 and 2, resp.), together with two known cyclopentapeptides, malformins A1 and C (3 and 4, resp.), were identified in the culture extract of Aspergillus niger MA‐132, an endophytic fungus isolated from a fresh healthy sample of the mangrove plant Avicennia marina. The structures and relative configurations of these compounds were established on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analyses. The absolute configuration of compound 1 was determined by application of a modified version of Mosher's method. Nigerasterols A and B (1 and 2, resp.) represent the first 5,9‐epidioxy‐sterol compounds of marine origin, and they displayed potent activity against tumor cell lines HL60 and A549 in a preliminary bioassay.
Triterpenoids from the Roots of Camellia oleifera C.Abel and Their Cytotoxic Activities
Authors: Wang Shou‐Li , Chen Zhong , Tong Xiao‐Jing , Liu Yan‐Li , Li Xia , Xu Qiong‐Ming , Li Xiao‐Ran , Yang Shi‐Lin
Published: June 2013

Three new triterpenoids, 21β,22α‐diangeloyloxy‐3β,15α,16α,28‐tetrahydroxyolean‐12‐en‐23‐al (1), 21β‐angeloyloxy‐3β,15α,16α,28‐tetrahydroxy‐22α‐(2‐methylbutanoyloxy)olean‐12‐en‐23‐al (2), and 21β‐angeloyloxy‐3β,16α,28‐trihydroxy‐22α‐(2‐methylbutanoyloxy)olean‐12‐en‐23‐al (3), along with six known triterpenoids, were isolated from the roots of Camellia oleifera C.Abel. The structures of compounds 1–3 were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analyses. Moreover, all compounds isolated were evaluated for their cytotoxic activities by MTT (=3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐2H‐tetrazolium bromide) assay.
Primary Studies on Variation in Position of Trifluoromethyl Groups in Several Aromatic Group‐14 Derivatives by 19F‐NMR Spectroscopy
Authors: Xue Bao Yu , Dillon Keith B.
Published: June 2013

Variation in the position of CF3 groups in several aromatic Group‐14 compounds was studied by 19F‐NMR spectroscopy. In these compounds RnECl4−n (n=1 or 2; E=Si, Ge, or Sn; R=2,4,6‐(CF3)3C6H2 (=Ar), 2,6‐(CF3)2C6H3 (=Ar′), or 2,4‐(CF3)2C6H3 (=Ar″)), Ar, Ar′, and Ar″ are all bulky, strongly electron‐withdrawing ligands. The 19F‐NMR studies of the variation in position of the CF3 substituents in these compounds as revealed by chemical shifts could be correlated with the electronegativities of the central elements E, and with intramolecular E–F interactions derived from single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction data. These interactions are considered to play an important role in the stabilization of these compounds.
Formation of cine‐Substitution Products in the SuzukiMiyaura Cross‐Coupling Reaction Catalyzed by Dinuclear Palladium Complexes
Authors: Tsukada Naofumi , Abe Tsubasa , Inoue Yoshio
Published: June 2013

The SuzukiMiyaura coupling reaction catalyzed by dinuclear palladium complexes gave cine‐substitution products along with ordinary ipso‐substitution products. In the reaction in (D6)benzene, the ipso position of the cine‐substitution product was highly deuterated. The H/D exchange also occurred in various positions of benzene rings.
Two New Lycopodium Alkaloids from Lycopodium obscurum
Authors: Pan Ke , Luo Jian‐Guang , Kong Ling‐Yi
Published: June 2013

Two new Lycopodium alkaloids, (+)‐cermizine D N‐oxide (1) and (8β)‐8‐(acetyloxy)obscurumine A (2), along with five known compounds, were isolated from the crude alkaloid portion of Lycopodium obscurum. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data and chemical correlation. All of these alkaloids were tested in an assay for acetylcholine esterase (AChE) inhibitory activity.
Antibacterial activity and cytocompatibility of Cu–Ti–O nanotubes
Authors: Hang Ruiqiang , Gao Ang , Huang Xiaobo , Wang Xiaoguang , Zhang Xiangyu , Qin Lin , Tang Bin
Published: June 2013

TiO2 nanotubes (NTs) have favorable biological properties, but the poor antibacterial activity limits their application especially in orthopedics fields. In this article, Cu–Ti–O nanotubes with different Cu contents are fabricated on sputtered TiCu films. Scanning electron microscopy reveals the NTs can be formed on sputtered TiCu films when the Cu content is less than 14.6 at %. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy results indicate the NTs are consist of CuO mixed with TiO2 and the Cu content in NTs decreases dramatically compared with that in TiCu films. Biological experiments show that although these NTs have poor release antibacterial activity, their contact antibacterial activity has proven to be excellent, indicating the NT surface can effectively inhibit biomaterial‐associated infections. The cytocompatibility of the NTs is closely related to the Cu content and when its content is relatively low (1.01 at %), there is no appreciable cytotoxicity. So Cu–Ti–O NTs with 1 at % Cu may be suitable to achieve proper antibacterial activity and desired cytocompatibility. The Cu–Ti–O NTs integrate the favorable antibacterial activity of Cu and excellent biological properties of TiO2 NTs therefore have potential applications in orthopedics, dentistry, and other biomedical fields. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 1850–1858, 2014.