bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Design of Traffic Safety Control Systems for Railroads and Roadways Using Timed Petri Nets
Authors: Weng Yi‐Shun , Huang Yi‐Sheng , Pan Yen‐Liang , Jeng MuDer 
Published: May 2014

AbstractTimed Petri nets (TPNs) are useful for performance evaluation of discrete event systems due to their mathematical formalism. This paper proposes the use of TPNs to model parallel railroad level crossing traffic safety control systems. Double‐track railroad lines using TPNs are illustrated. The resulting models allow us to identify and thus avoid critical scenarios in such systems by using conditions and events of the model that control the phase of traffic light alternations. Their analysis is performed to demonstrate how the models enforce the phase of traffic transitions using the method of a reachability graph with timed information. The liveness and reversibility of the proposed model are verified. This helps advance the state‐of‐the‐art in traffic safety related to the intersection of railroads and roadways.
Toward the improvement of short‐range forecasts by the analysis of cloud variables from IASI radiances
Authors: Martinet Pauline , Fourrié Nadia , Bouteloup Yves , Bazile Eric , Rabier Florence 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe use of the Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI) to improve short‐range forecasts by the analysis of cloud variables is presented. After the retrieval of cloud microphysical variables, a one‐dimensional (1D) version of the French convective scale model AROME is used here to discuss the persistence of the cloudy increment in the numerical weather prediction (NWP) model. The analysis of cloud variables is shown to significantly improve the forecasts of cloud variables, temperature and humidity during 3 h. This maintenance of the cloud information in the NWP model is expected to have a high impact on the forecasts of clouds and heavy rainfall events.
Immobilization of lipase on porous monodisperse chitosan microspheres
Authors: Chen Yang , Liu Junteng , Xia Chunjie , Zhao Chenxi , Ren Zhongqi , Zhang Weidong 
Published: May 2014

AbstractPorous monodisperse chitosan microspheres were synthesized for enzyme immobilization. The microspheres were prepared using microchannels and modified with glutaraldehyde. The microspheres had a mean diameter of 495 µm; the polydispersity indices were less than 0.08, and the specific surface area was between 121 and 173 m2/g. Candida sp. 1619 lipase was selected as a model lipase. Immobilization conditions such as enzyme loading, glutaraldehyde concentration, and immobilization time were optimized. The temperature, pH, and storage stability of the free and immobilized enzymes were also investigated. The immobilized enzyme had broad‐ranging pH and temperature optima as compared with free enzyme. The storage stability of the immobilized enzyme was higher than that of the free enzyme.
A comparison of Protein A chromatographic stationary phases: Performance characteristics for monoclonal antibody purification
Authors: Liu Zhuo , Mostafa Sigma S. , Shukla Abhinav A. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractProtein A chromatography remains the dominant capture step used during the downstream purification of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). With the recent expiry of the Repligen patent on recombinant Protein A, a variety of new Protein A resins have been introduced in the market. Given productivity limitations during downstream processing that have come into sharper focus with the recent increase in cell culture titers for mAbs, the selection of an appropriate Protein A resin has direct implications on the overall process economics of mAb production. The performance of seven different Protein A chromatographic resins was compared with respect to static binding capacity and dynamic binding capacity as a function of flow rate. This data was translated into a comparison of productivity (g mAb purified per unit resin volume per unit time) for the seven stationary phases. In addition, elution pH and host cell protein impurity levels after product capture on each of these resins were determined. The current article provides an effective methodology and dataset for the selection of the optimal Protein A chromatographic resin.
Photocurrent generation by adsorption of two main pigments of Halobacterium salinarum on TiO2 nanostructured electrode
Authors: Molaeirad Ahmad , Janfaza Sajad , Karimi‐Fard Abbas , Mahyad Baharak 
Published: May 2014

AbstractDye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), which are proposed as a substitute for silicon crystalline solar cells, have received considerable attention in the recent decade. They could be produced from inexpensive materials through low‐cost processes. In the current work, a bio‐sensitized solar cell is designed using abundant, cheap, and nontoxic materials. Bacteriorhodopsin and bacterioruberin are two natural biomolecules found in the cytoplasmic membrane of Halobacterium salinarum. These two pigments were immobilized on nanoporous titanium dioxide films successfully and employed as molecular sensitizers in DSSC with efficient photocurrent generation. The photovoltaic performance of DSSCs based on bacteriorhodopsin and bacterioruberin sensitizers was investigated. Under AM1.5 irradiation a short‐circuit current of 0.45 mA cm−2, open circuit voltages of 0.57 V, fill factor of 0.62, and an overall energy conversion efficiency of 0.16% are achieved by employing a mixture of biomolecules as a sensitizer.
Helicases, G4‐DNAs, and Drug Design
Authors: Hale Tracy K. , Norris Gillian E. , Jameson Geoffrey B. , Filichev Vyacheslav V. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractNew helicase assays that recognise therapeutically important G4‐DNA structures will lead to the discovery of novel molecular entities that bind not only to G4‐tetrads, but also to grooves and loops of G4‐DNA. Such assays can also provide inhibitors of G4‐specific helicases that will shed light on the emerging involvement of helicases in cancer and other diseases linked to defective DNA repair pathways.
Topographic specializations in the retinal ganglion cell layer of Australian passerines
Authors: Coimbra João Paulo , Collin Shaun P. , Hart Nathan S. 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTThornbills, honeyeaters, and silvereyes represent an abundant group of Australian passerines, whose diversity in niche differentiation suggests a pivotal role for vision. Using stereological methods and retinal wholemounts, we studied the topographic distribution of neurons in the ganglion cell layer of insectivorous, nectarivorous, and frugivorous species occupying terrestrial and arboreal microhabitats. All species studied have a central convexiclivate fovea (peak densities from 130,000 to 160,000 cells/mm2), which is shallow in the terrestrial/insectivorous yellow‐rumped thornbill and deep in the arboreal/nectarivorous honeyeaters and frugivorous silvereye. Surrounding the fovea, neuronal densities in the ganglion cell layer form a broadly ovoid and asymmetric plateau in the yellow‐rumped thornbill and a more restricted, circular and symmetric plateau in the other species. These differences in the plateau organization may reflect specific needs to locate food on the ground or among dense vegetation. We also found a temporal area (peak densities from 43,000 to 54,000 cells/mm2) across species, which increases spatial resolution in the frontal visual field and assists with foraging. Using microtubule‐associated protein 2 (MAP2) immunohistochemistry, we detected a higher concentration of giant ganglion cells forming an area gigantocellularis in the temporal retina of all species. Giant ganglion cell densities also form a horizontal streak in all species, except in the yellow‐rumped thornbill, which has an unusual increase toward the retinal periphery. In the yellow‐rumped thornbill and silvereye, giant ganglion cells also peak in the nasal retina. We suggest that these topographic variations afford differential sampling of motion signals for the detection of predators. J. Comp. Neurol. 522:3609–3628, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Large basolateral processes on type II hair cells are novel processing units in mammalian vestibular organs
Authors: Pujol Rémy , Pickett Sarah B. , Nguyen Tot Bui , Stone Jennifer S. 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTSensory receptors in the vestibular system (hair cells) encode head movements and drive central motor reflexes that control gaze, body movements, and body orientation. In mammals, type I and II vestibular hair cells are defined by their shape, contacts with vestibular afferent nerves, and membrane conductance. Here we describe unique morphological features of type II vestibular hair cells in mature rodents (mice and gerbils) and bats. These features are cytoplasmic processes that extend laterally from the hair cell base and project under type I hair cells. Closer analysis of adult mouse utricles demonstrated that the basolateral processes of type II hair cells vary in shape, size, and branching, with the longest processes extending three to four hair cell widths. The hair cell basolateral processes synapse upon vestibular afferent nerves and receive inputs from vestibular efferent nerves. Furthermore, some basolateral processes make physical contacts with the processes of other type II hair cells, forming some sort of network among type II hair cells. Basolateral processes are rare in perinatal mice and do not attain their mature form until 3–6 weeks of age. These observations demonstrate that basolateral processes are significant signaling regions of type II vestibular hair cells and suggest that type II hair cells may directly communicate with each other, which has not been described in vertebrates. J. Comp. Neurol. 522:3141–3159, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bioequivalence of enalapril oral solution for treatment of pediatric hypertension and enalapril tablets
Authors: Moffett Brady S. , DiSanto Anthony R. , Espinosa Orlando , Hou Jingguo , Colabuono Peter 
Published: May 2014

AbstractTreating children with compounded liquid formulations of tablets intended for adults, where quality‐control and compliance issues exist, was previously the only antihypertensive therapy option. A 1‐mg/mL oral solution of enalapril maleate (enalapril), Epaned™, recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is the first angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor treatment for pediatric hypertension. The pharmacokinetic comparability of enalapril oral solution to the reference listed drug (RLD) tablet was assessed under fasted conditions. The effect of food on the bioavailability of enalapril oral solution was also assessed. Plasma levels of enalapril and the active metabolite, enalaprilat, were measured postdose using validated liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectroscopy methods. The ratio of enalapril oral solution to the RLD tablet was assessed. The 90% confidence intervals for the geometric mean ratios of Cmax, AUClast, and AUCinf for plasma levels of enalapril and enalaprilat were bioequivalent (within the FDA‐accepted range of 80–125%). A commercially available oral solution of enalapril is bioequivalent to tablet formulations and can expand therapeutic options for pediatric patients. Administering enalapril oral solution with a high‐fat meal decreased Cmax of plasma concentrations of enalapril and Cmax, AUClast, and AUCinf of plasma concentrations of enalaprilat compared to enalapril oral solution under fasting conditions.
Low‐Temperature Depolymerization of Polysiloxanes with Iron Catalysis
Authors: Enthaler Stephan , Kretschmer Robert 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe easy accessibility and high adjustability of polymers mainly accounts for the great impact of such materials on modern society. Besides this great success, an important matter is the accumulation of large amounts of end‐of‐life polymers, which are mainly deposited in landfills or converted by thermal recycling or down‐cycling to low‐quality materials. In contrast to that, the depolymerization of end‐of‐life polymers to monomers, which can be applied as feedstock in polymerization chemistry for high‐quality polymers, is only carried out for a small fraction of waste. Polysiloxanes are extensively used in a diverse array of technological applications. Based on intrinsic properties of polymers, depolymerization is challenging and only a few high‐temperature or less environment‐friendly processes have been reported. In this regard, we have set up a capable low‐temperature protocol for the depolymerization of poly(dimethylsiloxane) in the presence of catalytic amounts of simple iron salts in combination with different depolymerization reagents. The application of benzoyl fluoride, benzoyl chloride/potassium fluoride, or benzoic anhydride/potassium fluoride as depolymerization reagents affords difluorodimethylsilane or 1,3‐difluoro‐1,1,3,3‐tetramethyldisilxanes as products, which are interesting building blocks for the synthesis of new polymers and allow an overall recycling of polysiloxanes.
Ultrathin Graphitic C3N4 Nanosheets/Graphene Composites: Efficient Organic Electrocatalyst for Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Tian Jingqi , Liu Qian , Asiri Abdullah M. , Alamry Khalid A. , Sun Xuping 
Published: May 2014

AbstractGraphitic C3N4 (g‐C3N4) is used as a low‐cost organic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalyst. The integration of ultrathin g‐C3N4 nanosheets with graphene leads to g‐C3N4/graphene composites with high OER activity and good durability. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) studies suggest that the OER activity results from pyridinic‐N‐related active sites. This catalyst provides an alternative to OER catalysts based on transition metals.
Embedding and reconfiguration algorithms for service aggregation in network virtualization
Authors: Jiang Yiming , Lan Julong , Wang Zhiming , Deng Yuanyuan 
Published: May 2014

SummaryNetwork virtualization and transmission quality optimization are promising techniques for future Internet. Previous researches on virtual network embedding focused on efficient utilization of network resources. In this paper, we present a virtual network embedding scheme that aims at improving the effect of transmission quality optimization. In order to enable more service benefit from optimization, the embedding algorithm presented in this paper follows the service aggregation embedding principle. We also develop a reconfiguration algorithm based on service aggregation and load balance. Simulation experiments demonstrate that the proposed algorithms can achieve good performance on service aggregation as well as efficient resource utilization. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Internal validation testing for new technologies: Bringing telecytopathology into the mainstream
Authors: McCarthy Erin E. , McMahon Rachel Q. , Das Kasturi , Stewart Jimmie 
Published: May 2014

Implementing new technology in the laboratory can improve processes and patient care, but compliance with regulatory requirements can be a significant hurdle to clear. This study provides a detailed procedure to address user training, competency assessment, and internal validation of telecytopathology simultaneously, while fulfilling regulatory requirements set forth by the College of American Pathologists and CLIA ‘88. Six pathologists participated in this study. Methods and materials used included a blind correlation study between diagnoses rendered via telecytopathology and via direct microscopy on 10 finalized fine needle aspiration (FNA) cases. The first step of this procedure involved each pathologist to render a diagnosis for each specimen using telecytopathology. The second step was to allow each pathologist to diagnose each specimen via direct microscopic review after a wait period of at least 6 weeks. The diagnoses rendered via telecytopathology were then compared to both the established final diagnoses and the secondary direct microscopic review diagnoses to examine interpathologist and intrapathologist reproducibility with a passing rate of 90% or better. Results of the study yielded an average concordance rate of 96.67% for interpathologist reproducibility and 95% for intrapathologist reproducibility across all participating pathologists. All participants passed the assessment with a rate of 90% or better, proving evidence of competency. This study confirmed user competency and validated telecytopathology as an effective tool for examining and diagnosing cytology FNA specimens remotely. It also satisfied regulatory compliance requirements to ensure high quality of diagnostic testing and patient care. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2015;43:3–7. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Red mangrove life history variables along latitudinal and anthropogenic stress gradients
Authors: Proffitt C. Edward , Travis Steven 
Published: May 2014

AbstractMangroves migrate northward in Florida and colonize marshes historically dominated by salt marsh species. In theory, this migration should be facilitated by greater numbers of propagules stemming from increased reproductive activity and greater genetic variability caused by outcrossing. We aimed to determine if stand reproduction and % outcrossing were affected by cold stress (stress increases with latitude), anthropogenic stress (human population density as a proxy), and years since a major hurricane. Further, we wished to determine if mutation rate varied with the stressors and if that affected stand reproduction. Both coasts of Florida from the southern Florida Keys to Tampa Bay on the Gulf of Mexico coast, and Merritt Island on the Atlantic coast. We conducted field surveys of frequency of reproducing trees (104,211 trees surveyed in 102 forested stands), incidence of trees showing albinism in propagules, and% outcrossing estimated from the ratio of albino:normal propagules. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test a conceptual model that served as a multivariate hypothesis. Reproductive frequencies varied by site and increased with latitude although more strongly on the Gulf coast. Our SEM results indicate that outcrossing increases in this predominately selfing species under conditions of cold and anthropogenic stress, and that this increases reproductive output in the population. Further, we find that increased mutation rates suppress stand reproductive output but there is no significant relationship between outcrossing and mutation rate. Tree size responded to stressors but did not affect stand reproduction. Reproduction increased with years since major hurricane. Potential for colonization of northern Florida salt marshes by mangroves is enhanced by increased reproductive rates that provides more propagules and outcrossing that should enhance genetic variation thereby promoting adaptation to novel environmental conditions. Natural (cold) stress reduced mutation rate and increased stand reproductive output but anthropogenic stress did the opposite.
Assessment of Optimal Power Generation Mix Considering Extensive Variable Renewable Energy and Nationwide Power Interchange through Tie Lines
Authors: Komiyama Ryoichi , Shibata Saeko , Fujii Yasumasa 
Published: May 2014

SUMMARYThis paper evaluates the optimal power generation mix considering massive deployment of variable renewable energy and regional power interchange. Japan has initiated the feed‐in‐tariff (FIT) and expected the significant introduction of PV and wind power for energy self‐sufficiency and climate change. However, wind power resources in Japan are concentrated mainly in Hokkaido and the Tohoku region, which are remote from electricity‐consuming areas such as Tokyo, and facilitating the considerable deployment of wind power requires the establishment of inter‐regional power transmission lines. Against these backgrounds, we develop an optimal power generation mix model including regional electricity exchange as a large‐scale linear programming model with 10 million variables and 30 million constraints. The calculation results show that regional grid expansion encourages wind power installation in the Hokkaido and Tohoku regions for power supply to the Tokyo area, where PV power and stationary batteries are alternatively replaced. Grid expansion too promotes the shift of PV installation to the Kyushu and Shikoku regions, which have longer sunshine duration, and interchangeably mitigates PV deployment in other regions through the transport of PV power from those two regions.
Apoptotic cell capture by DCs induces unexpectedly robust autologous CD4+ T‐cell responses
Authors: Valente Michael , Baey Camille , Louche Pauline , Dutertre Charles‐Antoine , Vimeux Lene , Marañón Concepción , Hosmalin Anne , Feuillet Vincent 
Published: May 2014

Apoptotic cells represent an important source of self‐antigens and their engulfment by dendritic cells (DCs) is usually considered to be related to tolerance induction. We report here an unexpectedly high level of human CD4+ T‐cell proliferation induced by autologous DCs loaded with autologous apoptotic cells, due to the activation of more than 10% of naive CD4+ T cells. This proliferation is not due to an increase in the costimulatory capacity of DCs, but is dependent on apoptotic cell‐associated material processed through an endo‐lysosomal pathway and presented on DC MHC class II molecules. Autologous CD4+ T cells stimulated with apoptotic cell‐loaded DCs exhibit suppressive capacities. However, in the presence of bacterial lipopolysaccharide, apoptotic cell‐loaded DCs induce the generation of IL‐17‐producing cells. Thus, apoptotic cell engulfment by DCs may lead to increased autologous responses, initially generating CD4+ T cells with suppressive capacities able to differentiate into Th17 cells in the presence of a bacterial danger signal such as LPS.
Shape‐Controlled Synthesis of Silver Nature‐Like Spiky Particles for Piezoresistive Sensor Applications
Authors: Stassi Stefano , Cauda Valentina , Canavese Giancarlo , Manfredi Diego , Chiodoni Angelica , Pirri Candido Fabrizio 
Published: May 2014

AbstractSilver particles with spiky nanostructured morphologies have been obtained by two different wet‐synthesis approaches. A detailed investigation was carried out into the synthesis parameters to tune the shape of the sample into desert‐rose‐ and succulent‐like particles. The first synthetic route was based on the reduction of silver nitrate by iron sulfate in the presence of maleic acid as anisotropic agent, whereas in the second method ascorbic acid was used as the reducing agent and citric acid as the anisotropic agent. A nucleation model is proposed to explain the growth mechanism and the effect of each parameter on the particle morphology. These Ag nanostructured spiky particles have been used as conductive fillers in polymeric piezoresistive composites, the working principle of which is based on the tunneling conduction mechanism. Composite samples were thus prepared and characterized, demonstrating the enhancing effect of the sharp protrusions on the tunneling phenomena upon a mechanical compressive strain.
New Gold(I) Organometallic Compounds with Biological Activity in Cancer Cells
Authors: Bertrand Benoît , de Almeida Andreia , van der Burgt Evelien P. M. , Picquet Michel , Citta Anna , Folda Alessandra , Rigobello Maria Pia , Le Gendre Pierre , Bodio Ewen , Casini Angela 
Published: May 2014

AbstractN‐Heterocyclic carbene gold(I) complexes bearing a fluorescent coumarin ligand were synthesized and characterized by various techniques. The compounds were examined for their antiproliferative effects in normal and tumor cells in vitro; they demonstrated moderate activity and a certain degree of selectivity. The compounds were also shown to efficiently inhibit the selenoenzyme thioredoxin reductase (TrxR), whereas they were poorly effective towards the glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione peroxidase enzymes. Notably, {3‐[(7‐methoxy‐2‐oxo‐2H‐chromen‐4‐yl)methyl]‐1‐methylimidazol‐2‐ylidene}(tetra‐O‐acetyl‐1‐thio‐β‐D‐glucopyranosido)gold(I) (3) showed a pronounced inhibition of TrxR also in cell extracts, and it appeared to activate GR. Mechanistic information on the system derived from biotin‐conjugated iodoacetamide assays showed selective metal binding to selenocysteine residues. Preliminary confocal fluorescence microscopy experiments proved that 3 enters tumor cells, where it reaches the nuclear compartment.