bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A combined spectroscopic and molecular docking approach to characterize binding interaction of megestrol acetate with bovine serum albumin
Authors: Shi Jie‐hua , Zhu Ying‐yao , Wang Jing , Chen Jun 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe binding interactions between megestrol acetate (MA) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) under simulated physiological conditions (pH 7.4) were investigated by fluorescence spectroscopy, circular dichroism and molecular modeling. The results revealed that the intrinsic fluorescence of BSA was quenched by MA due to formation of the MA–BSA complex, which was rationalized in terms of a static quenching procedure. The binding constant (Kb) and number of binding sites (n) for MA binding to BSA were 2.8 × 105 L/mol at 310 K and about 1 respectively. However, the binding of MA with BSA was a spontaneous process due to the negative ∆G0 in the binding process. The enthalpy change (∆H0) and entropy change (∆S0) were – 124.0 kJ/mol and –295.6 J/mol per K, respectively, indicating that the major interaction forces in the binding process of MA with BSA were van der Waals forces and hydrogen bonding. Based on the results of spectroscopic and molecular docking experiments, it can be deduced that MA inserts into the hydrophobic pocket located in subdomain IIIA (site II) of BSA. The binding of MA to BSA leads to a slight change in conformation of BSA but the BSA retained its secondary structure, while conformation of the MA has significant change after forming MA–BSA complex, suggesting that flexibility of the MA molecule supports the binding interaction of BSA with MA. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biodistribution study of free and microencapsulated 6‐methylcoumarin in Wistar rats by HPLC
Authors: Hernández Aura Rocío , Ospina Luis Fernando , Aragón Diana Marcela 
Published: May 2014

AbstractA sensitive, specific and reproducible HPLC method has been developed and validated for the quantitative determination of 6‐methylcoumarin (6MC) in plasma and other tissues in Wistar rats. A C18 column was used with UV detection at 321 nm and a gradient system consisting of methanol‐deionized water was used as mobile phase. The retention time for 6MC was 14.921 min and no interfering peaks were observed for any of the matrices. Linear relationships (r2 > 0.997) were obtained between the peak height ratios and the corresponding biological sample concentrations over the range 0.4–12.8 µg/mL. Precision and accuracy were evaluated; the coefficient of variation and the relative error for all of the organs were <2 and 7%, respectively. The limit of quantitation was 0.20 µg/mL for the heart and 0.30 µg/mL for the other tissues evaluated. This HPLC method was successfully used in the determination of 6MC in the biodistribution study after administration of 200 mg/kg of both 6MC‐free and 6MC‐loaded polymeric microparticles. In this study, extensive 6MC was found, in both free and microencapsulated forms, in all the organs tested. The 6MC‐free showed a range of between 1.7 and 11.5 µg/g, while the microencapsulated 6MC showed concentrations of between 6.35 and 17.7 µg/g, suggesting that 6MC improved absorption rate. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An all‐in‐one efficient lane‐changing model for virtual traffic
Authors: Wang Hua , Mao Tianlu , Kang Xingchen , Wang Zhaoqi 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTModeling lane changes realistically play an important role in traffic animations. Existing models for traffic simulations mostly focus on lane‐changing decision‐making. They cannot describe how lane‐changing processes go on. Though some methods in motion planning can be further used to describe the processes, they are time‐consuming. In this paper, we present an all‐in‐one model for lane‐changing animations. We transform all conditions for lane‐changing decision‐making into constraints on lane‐changing trajectories. We use two polynomials designed in moving reference frames to describe the trajectories. The whole lane‐changing process, whether it can occur and how it goes on, is determined by whether there is a valid trajectory. It only takes O(1) time for the determination. Experiment results show that our model can describe lane‐changing processes realistically and efficiently. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adaptive skeleton‐driven cages for mesh sequences
Authors: Chen Xue , Feng Jieqing 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTThe design of a compact and effective representation is a critical step in fully utilizing the abundant raw mesh‐based animation resources. In this paper, we present a high‐level control structure for animated mesh sequences referred to as an adaptive skeleton‐driven cage representation. This approach combines a skeleton and cage to express time‐varying shape details and offer flexible control for rigid limb motions. The initial skeleton is inferred by sketching on the rest pose mesh. The corresponding cage is constructed by using an adaptive cross‐section‐based method. Then, the initial skeleton and cage are propagated to the other meshes in the sequence. Additionally, the generated cage sequence can be automatically refined to improve the mesh reconstruction quality. Our results and comparisons demonstrate that the proposed approach is an intuitive, compact, and efficient representation. We demonstrate its potential through a variety of applications, such as animation compression, deformation transfer and pose editing. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Flock morphing animation
Authors: Wang Xinjie , Zhou Linling , Deng Zhigang , Jin Xiaogang 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTWe propose a new animation technique, called flock morphing, to create special morphing effects between two arbitrary 3D objects by combining the features of 3D morphing and flock animation. Its core idea is first to tetrahedralize the source 3D mesh and regard each tetrahedron as an agent in a flock and then continually generate the flock morphing animation until the target mesh emerges, formed by the same set of tetrahedra. By applying plausible trajectory planning scheme and smooth deformation algorithm, we demonstrate that our proposed method can simultaneously achieve visually desired morphing effects. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structure–Performance Correlation of Nanocellulose‐Based Polymer Electrolytes for Efficient Quasi‐solid DSSCs
Authors: Chiappone Annalisa , Bella Federico , Nair Jijeesh R. , Meligrana Giuseppina , Bongiovanni Roberta , Gerbaldi Claudio 
Published: May 2014

AbstractNanoscale microfibrillated cellulose (NMFC) was introduced into a light‐cured polymeric matrix to result in a green, cheap, and highly efficient quasi‐solid electrolyte for the next‐generation of bio‐based dye‐sensitized solar cells. The effect of NMFC on the photovoltaic parameters and performance of the resulting photo‐electrochemical cells was thoroughly investigated, and a noticeable increase in both the photocurrent (due to optical phenomena) and the photovoltage (through a shielding effect on the recombination reactions) was demonstrated. Upon thorough optimization of the amount of NMFC introduced into the polymeric network, sunlight conversion efficiencies as high as 7.03 and 8.25 % were achieved at simulated light intensities of 1.0 and 0.4 sun, respectively. Furthermore and outstandingly, the addition of NMFC positively affected the long‐term stability of the device, which was able to retain >95 % of its initial efficiency after 500 h of extreme aging conditions.
Organic Fluorescent Thermometers Based on Borylated Arylisoquinoline Dyes
Authors: Pais Vânia F. , Lassaletta José M. , Fernández Rosario , El‐Sheshtawy Hamdy S. , Ros Abel , Pischel Uwe 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBorylated arylisoquinolines with redshifted internal charge‐transfer (ICT) emission were prepared and characterized. Upon heating, significant fluorescence quenching was observed, which forms the basis for a molecular thermometer. In the investigated temperature range (283–323 K) an average sensitivity of −1.2 to −1.8 % K−1 was found for the variations in fluorescence quantum yield and lifetime. In the physiological temperature window (298–318 K) the average sensitivity even reaches values of up to −2.4 % K−1. The thermometer function is interpreted as the interplay between excited ICT states of different geometry. In addition, the formation of an intramolecular Lewis pair can be followed by 11B NMR spectroscopy. This provides a handle to monitor temperature‐dependent ground‐state geometry changes of the dyes. The role of steric hindrance is addressed by the inclusion of a derivative that lacks the Lewis pair formation.
Experimental and Theoretical Characterization of 5,10‐Diminoporphodimethenes: Dearomatized Porphyrinoids from Palladium‐Catalyzed Hydrazinations of 5,10‐Diarylporphyrins
Authors: Bašić Bruno , Locos Oliver B. , Rintoul Llew , Kan Jinglan , Jiang Jianzhuang , Arnold Dennis P. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractInvited for this month’s cover is the group of Prof. Dennis P. Arnold from Queensland University of Technology, Australia. The cover picture shows the optimised geometry, the electron density difference map for the HOMO‐LUMO transition, and the simulated and experimental electronic absorption spectra of a nickel(II) 5,10‐diiminoporphodimethene, a new type of porphyrinoid in which the macrocycle is electronically partitioned into tri‐ and monopyrrolic units. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/cplu.201300433
Additional sex combs‐like family genes are required for normal cardiovascular development
Authors: McGinley Andrea L. , Li Yanyang , Deliu Zane , Wang Q. Tian 
Published: May 2014

SummaryCongenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common birth defect. However, the majority of CHD cases have unknown etiology. Here we report the identification of ASXL2 and ASXL1, two homologous chromatin factors, as novel regulators of heart development. Asxl2−/− fetuses have reduced body weight and display congenital heart malformations including thickened compact myocardium in the left ventricle, membranous ventricular septal defect, and atrioventricular valval stenosis. Although most Asxl2−/− animals survive to term, the neonates have patent ductus arteriosus and consequent lung hemorrhage and die soon after birth. Asxl1−/− fetuses have reduced body weight and display cleft palate, anophthalmia as well as ventricular septal defects and a failure in lung maturation. From these results, we conclude that normal heart development requires both ASXL proteins. In particular, ASXL2 plays an important role in heart morphogenesis and the transition from fetal to postnatal circulation. genesis 52:671–686, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Inflation and Unemployment Forecasting with Genetic Support Vector Regression
Authors: Sermpinis Georgios , Stasinakis Charalampos , Theofilatos Konstantinos , Karathanasopoulos Andreas 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTIn this paper a hybrid genetic algorithm–support vector regression (GA‐SVR) model in economic forecasting and macroeconomic variable selection is introduced. The proposed algorithm is applied to the task of forecasting US inflation and unemployment. GA‐SVR genetically optimizes the SVR parameters and adapts to the optimal feature subset from a feature space of potential inputs. The feature space includes a wide pool of macroeconomic variables that might affect the two series under study. The forecasting performance of GA‐SVR is benchmarked with a random walk model, an autoregressive moving average model, a moving average convergence/divergence model, a multi‐layer perceptron, a recurrent neural network and a genetic programming algorithm. In terms of our results, GA‐SVR outperforms all benchmark models and provides evidence on which macroeconomic variables can be relevant predictors of US inflation and unemployment in the specific period under study. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Projected changes in temperature and precipitation in ten river basins over China in 21st century
Authors: Sun Qiaohong , Miao Chiyuan , Duan Qingyun 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTPresent and future climate change information is required to develop adaptation and mitigation strategies at national and international levels. This study assessed the simulated surface air temperature (SAT) and precipitation (PR) over China from 24 models involved in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5). The reliability ensemble average (REA) is applied to project the SAT and PR change under representative concentration pathway (RCP) scenarios over China in the 21st century. The results show that most CMIP5 models tend to underestimate SAT and overestimate PR in China. Models generally agree better with the observed SAT than PR. For SAT, the ensemble prediction shows that warming is expected all over China for all RCPs. The warming trend from 2006 to 2099 in China is 0.87 ± 0.14 °C 100 year−1, 2.47 ± 0.48 °C 100 year−1, 5.85 ± 0.73 °C 100 year−1 for RCP 2.6, RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5, respectively. Northern regions experience more warming than southern regions. The Songhua River basin warms the most, considering the ten studied basins for RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5. Under RCP 2.6, the largest warming trend occurs in the Huaihe River basin. For PR, the spatial pattern of PR change has zonal characteristics. The girds with the maximum linear trend, i.e. >7.5 mm decade−1, are concentrated in the upper Yangtze River basin. For temporal scale, PR in China is also projected to increase during the 21st century by 4.89 ± 2.30% 100 year−1, 8.67 ± 6.27% 100 year−1 and 13.39 ± 12.58% 100 year−1 for RCP 2.6, RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5, respectively. PR tends to decrease in the Yangtze River basin, Southeast River Drainage and Pearl River basin during the early period (2011–2030) for all RCPs, largely increase thereafter. However, uncertainties are unavoidable for SAT and PR projections. The PR uncertainty exceeds the temperature uncertainty. More studies regarding the analysis of narrowing uncertainties are essential for a better understanding of climate change.
Linking Land Cover Changes in the Sub‐Alpine and Montane Belts to Changes in a Torrential River
Authors: Sanjuán Yasmina , Gómez‐Villar Amelia , Nadal‐Romero Estela , Álvarez‐Martínez Javier , Arnáez José , Serrano‐Muela María P. , Rubiales Juan Manuel , González‐Sampériz Penélope , García‐Ruiz José M. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractChannel changes are the consequence of changes in sediment yield from the slopes and in the connectivity between slopes and channels because of distinct land use and climate impacts. In this study, we investigated the characteristics and evolution of a short reach in the headwater of the Ijuez River, central–southern Pyrenees. Assessment of a series of sedimentary and geomorphic structures confirmed major changes to the valley bottom, mainly related to changes in the intensity of human activity. The oldest sedimentary structure is a terrace level located 3 to 4 m above the current alluvial plain. General deforestation, overgrazing and recurring fires in the montane belt (1100–1600 m a.s.l.) have led to increased soil erosion and connectivity, and to the triggering of debris flows that have been deposited on the fluvial terrace. Woody fragments from within the debris flows were dated using accelerator mass spectrometry 14C radiocarbon techniques (AMS), yielding ages between 100 and 115 cal years bp, which coincides with the period of maximum deforestation and human density in the Pyrenees. Depopulation and farmland abandonment since the beginning of the 20th century has resulted in generalized natural and artificial reforestation, a shrinkage of the eroded areas and a decline in connectivity between slopes and the channel. The most important consequence has been channel incision and narrowing, and the development of a sediment armour layer. Active sediment transport is continuing, although there has been a decrease in sediment yield from the slopes. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Huntington's disease dysphagia scale
Authors: Heemskerk Anne‐Wil , Verbist Berit M. , Marinus Johan , Heijnen Bas , Sjögren Elisabeth V. , Roos Raymund A.C. 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTBackgroundLittle is known about the swallowing disturbances of patients with Huntington's disease; therefore, we developed the Huntington's Disease Dysphagia Scale.MethodsThe scale was developed in four stages: (1) item generation, (2) comprehension testing, (3) evaluation of reliability, (4) item reduction and validity testing. The questionnaire was presented twice to 50 Huntington's disease patients and their caregivers. The Kruskal‐Wallis test was used to evaluate whether the severity of swallowing difficulties increased with advancing disease. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to examine the construct validity with the Swallowing Disturbance Questionnaire.ResultsThe final version contained 11 items with five response options and exhibited a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.728. The severity of swallowing difficulties was significantly higher in more advanced Huntington's disease. The correlation with the Swallowing Disturbance Questionnaire was 0.734.ConclusionWe developed a valid and reliable 11‐item scale to measure the severity of dysphagia in Huntington's disease. © 2014 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Andersen–Tawil syndrome: Report of 3 novel mutations and high risk of symptomatic cardiac involvement
Authors: Kostera‐Pruszczyk Anna , Potulska‐Chromik Anna , Pruszczyk Piotr , Bieganowska Katarzyna , Miszczak‐Knecht Maria , Bienias Piotr , szczałuba krzysztof , Lee Hsien‐Yang , Quinn Emily , Ploski Rafal , Kaminska Anna , Ptáček Louis J. 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Andersen–Tawil syndrome (ATS) is a potassium channelopathy affecting cardiac and skeletal muscle. Periodic paralysis is a presenting symptom in some patients, whereas, in others, symptomatic arrhythmias or prolongation of QT in echocardiographic recordings will lead to diagnosis of ATS. Striking intrafamilial variability of expression of KCNJ2 mutations and rarity of the syndrome may lead to misdiagnosis. Methods: We report 15 patients from 8 Polish families with ATS, including 3 with novel KCNJ2 mutations. Results: All patients had dysmorphic features; periodic paralysis affected males more frequently than females (80% vs. 20%), and most attacks were normokalemic. Two patients (with T75M and T309I mutations) had aborted sudden cardiac death. An implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator was utilized in 40% of cases. Conclusions: KCNJ2 mutations cause a variable phenotype, with dysmorphic features seen in all patients studied, a high penetrance of periodic paralysis in males and ventricular arrhythmia with a risk of sudden cardiac death. Muscle Nerve 51: 192–196, 2015
Ultrasound assessment of the diaphragm: Preliminary study of a canine model of X‐linked myotubular myopathy
Authors: Sarwal Aarti , Cartwright Michael S. , Walker Francis O. , Mitchell Erin , Buj‐Bello Anna , Beggs Alan H. , Childers Martin K. 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTIntroduction: We tested the feasibility of using neuromuscular ultrasound for non‐invasive real‐time assessment of diaphragmatic structure and function in a canine model of X‐linked myotubular myopathy (XLMTM). Methods: Ultrasound images in 3 dogs [wild‐type (WT), n = 1; XLMTM untreated, n = 1; XLMTM post–AAV8‐mediated MTM1 gene replacement, n = 1] were analyzed for diaphragm thickness, change in thickness with respiration, muscle echogenicity, and diaphragm excursion amplitude during spontaneous breathing. Results: Quantitative parameters of diaphragm structure were different among the animals. WT diaphragm was thicker and less echogenic than the XLMTM control, whereas the diaphragm measurements of the MTM1‐treated XLMTM dog were comparable to those of the WT dog. Conclusions: This pilot study demonstrates the feasibility of using ultrasound for quantitative assessment of the diaphragm in a canine model. In the future, ultrasonography may replace invasive measures of diaphragm function in canine models and in humans for non‐invasive respiratory monitoring and evaluation of neuromuscular disease. Muscle Nerve 50: 607–609, 2014
Transient hyperckemia in the setting of neuromyelitis optica (NMO)
Authors: Malik Rabia , Lewis Aaron , Cree Bruce A.C. , Ratelade Julien , Rossi Andrea , Verkman Alan S. , Bollen Andrew W. , Ralph Jeffrey W. 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTIntroductionNeuromyelitis optica (NMO) is characterized by inflammatory demyelinating lesions of the spinal cord and optic nerves from an autoimmune response against water channel aquaporin‐4 (AQP4). We report 2 patients with transient hyperCKemia associated with NMO suggesting possible skeletal muscle damage. Methods: Patient 1 was a 72‐year‐old man who presented with muscle soreness and elevated serum creatine kinase (CK) preceding an initial attack of NMO. Patient 2 was a 25‐year‐old woman with an established diagnosis of NMO who presented with diffuse myalgias, proximal upper extremity weakness, and hyperCKemia. Muscle biopsies were obtained for histopathologic evaluation, protein gel electrophoresis, immunofluorescence, and complement staining. Results: In both patients the muscle showed only mild variation in fiber diameter. There were no inflammatory changes or muscle fiber necrosis, though there was reduced AQP4 expression and deposition of activated complement. Conclusions: Complement‐mediated sarcolemmal injury may lead to hyperCKemia in NMO. Muscle Nerve 50: 859–862, 2014
Synthesis of magnetic citric‐acid‐functionalized graphene oxide and its application in the removal of methylene blue from contaminated water
Authors: Namvari Mina , Namazi Hassan 
Published: May 2014

AbstractA magnetic nanocomposite of citric‐acid‐functionalized graphene oxide was prepared by an easy method. First, citric acid (CA) was covalently attached to acyl‐chloride‐functionalized graphene oxide (GO). Then, Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) were chemically deposited onto the resulting adsorbent. CA, as a good stabilizer for MNPs, was covalently attached to the GO; thus MNPs were adsorbed much more strongly to this framework and subsequent leaching decreased and less agglomeration occurred. The attachment of CA onto GO and the formation of the hybrid were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction spectrometry and transmission electron microscopy. The specific saturation magnetization of the magnetic CA‐grafted GO (GO‐CA‐Fe3O4) was 57.8 emu g−1 and the average size of the nanoparticles was found to be 25 nm by transmission electron microscopy. The magnetic nanocomposite was employed as an adsorbent of methylene blue from contaminated water. The adsorption tests demonstrated that it took only 30 min to attain equilibrium. The adsorption capacity in the concentration range studied was 112 mg g−1. The GO‐CA‐Fe3O4 nanocomposite was easily manipulated in an external magnetic field which eases the separation and leads to the removal of dyes. Thus the prepared nanocomposite has great potential in removing organic dyes. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry