bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Electronic, spectra, and spin orbit interaction for FrAr van der Waals system
Authors: Berriche Hamid 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThe potential energy curves and spectroscopic constants of the ground and many excited states of the FrAr van der Waals system have been determined using a one‐electron pseudopotential approach. The Fr+ core and the electron–Ar interactions are replaced by effective potentials. The Fr+Ar core–core interaction is incorporated using the accurate CCSD(T) potential of Hickling et al. (Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys. 2004, 6, 4233). This approach reduces the number of active electrons of the FrAr van der Waals system to only one valence electron, which permits the use of very large basis sets for the Fr and Ar atoms. Using this technique, the potential energy curves of the ground and many excited states are calculated at the self consistent field (SCF) level. In addition, the spin–orbit interaction is also considered using the semiempirical scheme for the states dissociating into Fr (7p) and Fr (8p). The FrAr system is not studied previously and its potential interactions, spectroscopic constants and dipole functions are presented here for the first time. Furthermore, we have predicted the X2Σ+–A2Π1/2, X2Σ+–AΠ3/2, X2Σ+–B2Σ1/2+, X2Σ+–32Π1/2, X2Σ+–32Π3/2, and X2Σ+–52Σ1/2+ absorption spectra. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
New criteria for exponential stability of nonlinear time‐varying differential systems
Authors: Ngoc Pham Huu Anh 
Published: August 2012

SUMMARYGeneral nonlinear time‐varying differential systems are considered. An explicit criterion for exponential stability is presented. Furthermore, an explicit robust stability bound for systems subjected to nonlinear time‐varying perturbations is given. In particular, it is shown that the generalized Aizerman conjecture holds for positive linear systems. Some examples are given to illustrate obtained results.Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Composite hierarchical anti‐disturbance control for nonlinear systems with DOBC and fuzzy control
Authors: Wei Xinjiang , Chen Nan 
Published: August 2012

SUMMARYAnti‐disturbance control and estimation problem is introduced for a class of nonlinear system subject to disturbances. The adaptive disturbance observers are constructed separately from the controller design to estimate the disturbance with partial known information. By integrating disturbance‐observer‐based control with fuzzy control, a novel type of composite hierarchical anti‐disturbance control scheme is presented for a class of nonlinear system with unknown nonlinear dynamics. Simulations for a flight control system are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the results compared with the previous schemes.Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quadratic approximate dynamic programming for input‐affine systems
Authors: Keshavarz Arezou , Boyd Stephen 
Published: August 2012

SUMMARYWe consider the use of quadratic approximate value functions for stochastic control problems with input‐affine dynamics and convex stage cost and constraints. Evaluating the approximate dynamic programming policy in such cases requires the solution of an explicit convex optimization problem, such as a quadratic program, which can be carried out efficiently. We describe a simple and general method for approximate value iteration that also relies on our ability to solve convex optimization problems, in this case, typically a semidefinite program. Although we have no theoretical guarantee on the performance attained using our method, we observe that very good performance can be obtained in practice.Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structure and Function of Glucose Binding Protein–Single Walled Carbon Nanotube Complexes
Authors: McNicholas Thomas P. , Yum Kyungsuk , Ahn Jin‐Ho , Mu Bin , Plettenburg Oliver , Gooderman Annlouise , Natesan Sridaran , Strano Michael S. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractUnderstanding the structure and function of glucose binding proteins (GBP) complexed with single walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) is important for the development of applications including fluorescent sensors and nanostructure particle tracking. Herein, circular dichroism (CD), thermal denaturation, photo‐absorption spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy are used to study these nanostructures. The protein retains its glucose‐binding activity after complexation and is thermally stable below 36 °C. However, the SWNT lowers the midpoint denaturation temperature (Tm) by 5 °C and 4 °C in the absence and presence of 10 mM glucose, respectively. This data highlights that using techniques such as CD and thermal denaturation may be necessary to fully characterize such protein‐nanomaterial nanostructures.
Negatively Charged Gold Nanoparticles Inhibit Alzheimer's Amyloid‐β Fibrillization, Induce Fibril Dissociation, and Mitigate Neurotoxicity
Authors: Liao Yi‐Hung , Chang Yu‐Jen , Yoshiike Yuji , Chang Yun‐Chorng , Chen Yun‐Ru 
Published: August 2012

AbstractAmyloids are pathogenic hallmarks in many neurodegenerative diseases such as amyloid‐β (Aβ) fibrils in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here, the effect of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) on amyloids is examined using Aβ as a model system. It is found that bare AuNPs inhibited Aβ fibrillization to form fragmented fibrils and spherical oligomers. Adding bare AuNPs to preformed Aβ fibrils results in ragged species where AuNPs bind preferentially to fibrils. Similar results are demonstrated with carboxyl‐ but not amine‐conjugated AuNPs. Co‐incubation of negatively charged AuNPs with Aβ relieved Aβ toxicity to neuroblastoma. Overall, it is demonstrated that AuNPs possessing negative surface potential serve as nano‐chaperones to inhibit and redirect Aβ fibrillization, which could contribute to applications for AD.
An agent‐based simulation model of human‐robot team performance in military environments
Authors: Giachetti Ronald E. , Marcelli Veronica , Cifuentes José , Rojas José A. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractPrior to deploying human‐robot teams on military missions, system designers need to understand how design decisions affect team performance. This paper describes a multiagent simulation model that captures both team coordination and human‐robot interaction. The purpose of the model is to evaluate proposed team designs in uncertain Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) scenarios and determine which design factors are most critical to team performance. The simulation model is intended to be a tool in the systems engineering iterations of proposing designs, testing them, and then evaluating them during the conceptual design phase. To illustrate the model's usefulness for this purpose, a fractional factorial design of experiments is conducted to evaluate team design factors and the two‐factor interaction between controllable factors and noise factors that described the environment and robot reliability. The experimental results suggest that (1) larger teams have more robust performance over the noise factors, (2) robot reliability is critical to the formation of human‐robot teams, and (3) high centralization of decision‐making authority created communication bottlenecks at the commander in large teams. This work contributes to the agent‐based modeling of teams, and to understanding how the U.S. Army can attain its goal of greater utilization of robots in future military operations. ©2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Eng 15
Tissue characterization using mean gray value analysis in deep infiltrating endometriosis
Authors: Guerriero S. , Pilloni M. , Alcazar J. L. , Sedda F. , Ajossa S. , Mais V. , Melis G. B. , Saba L. 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACTObjectivesTo investigate differences in tissue characterization using three‐dimensional sonographic mean gray value (MGV) between retrocervical and rectosigmoid deeply infiltrating endometriosis, and to assess intra‐ and interobserver concordance in MGV quantification.MethodsIn this retrospective study, stored ultrasound volumes from 50 premenopausal women (mean age, 32 years) with 57 histologically confirmed nodules of deep endometriosis were retrieved from our database for analysis. A single experienced operator had acquired all volumes. For each nodule, the MGV was evaluated using Virtual Organ Computer‐aided AnaLysis (VOCAL) software with semiautomated sphere‐sampling (1 cm3) from the central part of the nodule. In these patients the MGV was also quantified from the myometrium of the fundal part of the uterus. In addition, two observers calculated the MGV in a subset of 24 volumes in order to quantify inter‐ and intraobserver agreement using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC).ResultsMean MGV was significantly higher in rectosigmoid nodules (n = 34) than in nodules with a retrocervical location (n = 23) (23.863 vs 17.705; P < 0.001). MGV of the myometrium was significantly higher in comparison with that of nodules in both locations (P < 0.001 for both). Intra‐ and interobserver measurement reproducibility was excellent (ICC > 0.95).ConclusionsRetrocervical and rectosigmoid endometriotic nodules display significantly different MGVs. Measurement of MGV is highly reproducible and its clinical value in the diagnosis and assessment of distribution of deep endometriosis should be assessed in future studies. Copyright © 2012 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Microfabricated platforms to modulate and monitor T cell synapse assembly
Authors: Jung Hong‐Ryul , Choi Jong‐Cheol , Cho Wonhwa , Doh Junsang 
Published: August 2012

AbstractImmunological synapse (IS) is a complex supramolecular structure formed at the interface between T cells and antigen presenting cells (APCs) during T cell antigen recognition. Microfabricated platforms have made great contributions to our understanding of the assembly dynamics and functional roles of the T cell synapses over the last decade. Here, we review three different types of microfabricated platforms developed to modulate and monitor the T cell synapse assembly. Firstly, multi‐protein micropatterned surfaces presenting key ligands for T cell activation that can modulate the spatial distribution of receptors/signaling molecules in T cell synapses are described. Secondly, micropatterned supported bilayers that can modulate the dynamics of T cell receptor (TCR) microclusters are introduced. Lastly, T‐APC pair arrays that allow for improved fluorescence live cell imaging are discussed. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2013, 5:67–74. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1182This article is categorized under:

Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Cells at the Nanoscale
Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology
Stem cell bioengineering at the interface of systems‐based models and high‐throughput platforms
Authors: Underhill Gregory H. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractStem cell functions are regulated by a combination of molecular signals that are provided both intrinsically and from the local microenvironment. The complexity of these mechanisms has encouraged the use of interdisciplinary experimental strategies, such as bioengineering methods, to address fundamental questions in stem cell biology. These approaches have primarily aimed to (1) develop tools for the improved control of microenvironmental cues and genetic perturbations, (2) integrate high‐throughput technologies to broaden the experimental state space and facilitate systematic examination of combinatorial signals, and (3) construct systems‐based models to better define stem cell processes through an understanding of the interdependence of the individual signaling components. Cooperative advancements in these areas will continue to contribute to the evolution of stem cell‐based therapeutics. WIREs Syst Biol Med 2012, 4:525–545. doi: 10.1002/wsbm.1189This article is categorized under:

Models of Systems Properties and Processes > Cellular Models
Laboratory Methods and Technologies > Genetic/Genomic Methods
Developmental Biology > Stem Cell Biology and Regeneration
Translational, Genomic, and Systems Medicine > Translational Medicine
Fragment screening of cyclin G-associated kinase by weak affinity chromatography
Authors: Meiby Elinor , Knapp Stefan , Elkins Jonathan M. , Ohlson Sten 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Fragment-based drug discovery (FBDD) has become a new strategy for drug discovery where lead compounds are evolved from small molecules. These fragments form low affinity interactions (dissociation constant (K
D) = mM − μM) with protein targets, which require fragment screening methods of sufficient sensitivity. Weak affinity chromatography (WAC) is a promising new technology for fragment screening based on selective retention of fragments by a drug target. Kinases are a major pharmaceutical target, and FBDD has been successfully applied to several of these targets. In this work, we have demonstrated the potential to use WAC in combination with mass spectrometry (MS) detection for fragment screening of a kinase target—cyclin G-associated kinase (GAK). One hundred seventy fragments were selected for WAC screening by virtual screening of a commercial fragment library against the ATP-binding site of five different proteins. GAK protein was immobilized on a capillary HPLC column, and compound binding was characterized by frontal affinity chromatography. Compounds were screened in sets of 13 or 14, in combination with MS detection for enhanced throughput. Seventy-eight fragments (46 %) with K
D < 200 μM were detected, including a few highly efficient GAK binders (K
D of 2 μM; ligand efficiency = 0.51). Of special interest is that chiral screening by WAC may be possible, as two stereoisomeric fragments, which both contained one chiral center, demonstrated twin peaks. This ability, in combination with the robustness, sensitivity, and simplicity of WAC makes it a new method for fragment screening of considerable potential.
Phase II trial of single-agent foretinib (GSK1363089) in patients with recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck
Authors: Seiwert Tanguy , Sarantopoulos John , Kallender Howard , McCallum Stewart , Keer Harold N. , Blumenschein George 
Published: August 2012

Summary
Background Foretinib is a small-molecule, oral multikinase inhibitor primarily targeting the mesenchymal epithelial transition (MET) factor receptor, and the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2. We conducted a phase II study to evaluate the single-agent activity and tolerability of foretinib in patients with recurrent/metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). Methods An open-label, single-arm, multicenter trial employing a Simon 2-stage design was conducted with a total of 41 patients planned for the study. One or more responses in the first 14 patients were required in order to progress to the second stage. Foretinib was administered as 240 mg orally for 5 consecutive days of a 14-day treatment cycle (5/9 schedule) to patients with recurrent and/or metastatic SCCHN. Results Fourteen patients were enrolled. The study did not meet criteria for continuing to the second stage. A maximum of 30 cycles were administered (median = 4.0). Fifty percent of patients (7/14) showed stable disease (SD), 43 % of patients (6/14) experienced tumor shrinkage and two patients had prolonged disease stabilization for ≥13 months. The most common adverse events were fatigue, constipation and hypertension, which were manageable with additional medication or adjustments to the dosing schedule. Conclusion Foretinib 240 mg on a 5/9 schedule was generally well tolerated. SD was the best-observed outcome, with minor tumor shrinkage detected in nearly half of all patients. The efficacy results, prolonged disease stabilization and tolerable side-effect profile, support further investigation, possibly in combination with other targeted agents or cytotoxic chemotherapy for SCCHN.
Genetic Disorders of Intellectual Disability: Expanding our Concepts of Phenotypes and of Family Outcomes
Authors: Hodapp Robert M. , Dykens Elisabeth M. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractOver the past two decades, great strides have been made in our understandings of how genetic conditions influence behavior and how such so‐called “behavioral phenotypes” influence parent and family stress and coping. In this paper, we call for expansions in two directions. First, as a field we need to go beyond behavior in our concepts of phenotypes, to also include the many medical, physical, and other “non‐behavioral” phenotypes that influence children's everyday lives. Second, in examining how etiology‐related phenotypes affect others, we need to go beyond the outcome of parental stress. In this regard, we focus on parental health, well‐being, and various life choices, as well as how parenting children with specific genetic disorders can often lead to positive perceptions and outcomes. We end by discussing remaining research issues and how these two expansions relate to clinical practice.
Preparation of Some Eco‐friendly Corrosion Inhibitors Having Antibacterial Activity from Sea Food Waste
Authors: Hussein Mohamed H. M. , El‐Hady Mohamed F. , Shehata Hassan A. H. , Hegazy Mohammad A. , Hefni Hassan H. H. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractChitosan is one of the important biopolymers and it is extracted from exoskeletons of crustaceans in sea food waste. It is a suitable eco‐friendly carbon steel corrosion inhibitor in acid media; the deacetylation degree of prepared chitosan is more than 85.16 %, and the molecular weight average is 109 kDa. Chitosan was modified to 2‐N,N‐diethylbenzene ammonium chloride N‐oxoethyl chitosan (compound I), and 12‐ammonium chloride N‐oxododecan chitosan (compound II) as soluble water derivatives. The corrosion inhibition efficiency for carbon steel of compound (I) in 1 M HCl at varying temperature is higher than for chitosan and compound (II). However, the antibacterial activity of chitosan for Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans is higher than for its derivatives, and the minimum inhibition concentration and minimum bacterial concentration of chitosan and its derivatives were carried out with the same strain.
Synthesis of Didodecylmethylcarboxyl Betaine and Its Application in Surfactant–Polymer Flooding
Authors: Cui Zheng‐gang , Du Xiang‐rui , Pei Xiao‐mei , Jiang Jian‐zhong , Wang Feng 
Published: August 2012

AbstractEnhanced crude oil recovery by chemical flooding has been a main measure for postponing the overall decline of crude oil output in China, and surfactant‐polymer (SP) flooding may replace alkali‐surfactant‐polymer flooding in the future for avoiding the undesired effects of using alkali. In this paper the synthesis of a surfactant with a large hydrophobe, didodecylmethylcarboxyl betaine (diC12B), and its adaptability in SP flooding were investigated. The results show that diC12B can be synthesized by reaction of didodecylmethyl amine, a product commercially available, with chloroacetic acid in the presence of NaOH, with a resulting yield as high as 80 wt% under appropriate conditions. With double dodecyl chain diC12B is highly surface active as displayed by its low CMC, 3.7 × 10−6 mol L−1, low γCMC, 27 mNm−1, as well as high adsorption and small cross section area (≤0.25 nm2) at both air/water and oil/water interfaces at 25 °C. By mixing with conventional hydrophilic surfactants diC12B can be well dissolved in Daqing connate water and reduce the Daqing crude oil/connate water interfacial tension to about 10−3 mN m−1 at 45 °C in a wide total surfactant concentration range, from 0.01 to 0.5 wt%. And a tertiary oil recovery, 18 ± 1.5 % OOIP, can been achieved by SP flooding using natural cores without adding any alkaline agent or neutral electrolyte. DiC12B seems thus to be a good surfactant for enhanced oil recovery by SP flooding.
Reduction of Rat Cardiac Hypertrophy by Osthol is Related to Regulation of Cardiac Oxidative Stress and Lipid Metabolism
Authors: Zhou Feng , Zhong Wen , Xue Jie , Gu Zhen‐lun , Xie Mei‐lin 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThe objective of this study was to examine the therapeutic effect of osthol, a coumarin compound isolated from the fruit ofCnidium monnieri(L.) Cusson, on cardiac hypertrophy in rats and investigate its potential mechanisms. The rats with cardiac hypertrophy induced by renovascular hypertension were given osthol orally by gavage for 4 weeks. The results showed that in the osthol 20 mg/kg group, the blood pressure, heart weight index and myocardial malondialdehyde content were lowered (p< 0.001,p= 0.002 andp= 0.025, respectively), the myocardial superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase contents were increased (p< 0.001), and the elevated unesterified fatty acids and triacylglycerols in myocardial tissues were decreased (p= 0.017 andp= 0.004, respectively). At the same time, the myocardial peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR)‐α and carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT)‐1a mRNA expressions were increased and the myocardial diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT) mRNA expression was decreased in the osthol 20 mg/kg group (p< 0.001). Osthol treatment was associated with a decreased cross‐sectional area of cardiomyocytes (p< 0.001). These findings suggest that osthol may exert a therapeutic effect on cardiac hypertrophy in rats, and its mechanisms may be related to the improvement of myocardial oxidative stress and lipid metabolism via regulation of PPARα‐mediated target gene expressions including an increase in CPT‐1a mRNA expression and a decrease in DGAT mRNA expression.
Study of Structured Lipid‐Based Oil‐in‐Water Emulsion Prepared with Sophorolipid and its Oxidative Stability
Authors: Xue Cheng‐Lian , Solaiman Daniel K. Y. , Ashby Richard D. , Zerkowski Jonathan , Lee Jeung Hee , Hong Soon‐Taek , Yang Dan , Shin Jung‐Ah , Ji Chen‐Ming , Lee Ki‐Teak 
Published: August 2012

AbstractIn this study, the stability of oil‐in‐water (O/W) emulsions prepared with structured lipid (SL) were evaluated in which the SL was produced through lipase‐catalyzed interesterification between soybean oil and rice bran oil. After interesterification, the major TAG species in the SL were PLP (22.5 %), PLL/OOLn (21.8 %), LPL (16.1 %), and LLS/PLO (16.1 %), and the total amount of tocopherol and tocotrienol was 20.9 mg/100 g of SL. Sophorolipid was used as an emulsifier for preparing SL‐based O/W emulsions, and the effect of pH (pH 5.8, 7 and 7.2) on stability was studied by analyzing the fat globule size. From the results, SL‐based O/W emulsions showed similar stabilities to those prepared with Tween 20 at the neutral environment. In the oxidation study, any antioxidant addition of propyl gallate (PG), ascorbic acid 6‐palmitate (AP) or quercetin hydrate (Que) distinctively prevented peroxide formation on the SL‐based O/W emulsion throughout the 23 days of storage while AP was less effective to lower TBARS values than PG and Que.
Systems Approaches to Biology and Disease Enable Translational Systems Medicine
Authors: Hood Leroy , Tian Qiang 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
The development and application of systems strategies to biology and disease are transforming medical research and clinical practice in an unprecedented rate. In the foreseeable future, clinicians, medical researchers, and ultimately the consumers and patients will be increasingly equipped with a deluge of personal health information, e.g., whole genome sequences, molecular profiling of diseased tissues, and periodic multi-analyte blood testing of biomarker panels for disease and wellness. The convergence of these practices will enable accurate prediction of disease susceptibility and early diagnosis for actionable preventive schema and personalized treatment regimes tailored to each individual. It will also entail proactive participation from all major stakeholders in the health care system. We are at the dawn of predictive, preventive, personalized, and participatory (P4) medicine, the fully implementation of which requires marrying basic and clinical researches through advanced systems thinking and the employment of high-throughput technologies in genomics, proteomics, nanofluidics, single-cell analysis, and computation strategies in a highly-orchestrated discipline we termed translational systems medicine.