bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modeling of 2‐D DNA display
Authors: Florescu Ana‐Maria , Joyeux Marc , Lafay Bénédicte 
Published: October 2009

Abstract2‐D display is a fast and economical way of visualizing polymorphism and comparing genomes, which is based on the separation of DNA fragments in two steps, first according to their size and then to their sequence composition. In this article, we present an exhaustive study of the numerical issues associated with a model aimed at predicting the final absolute locations of DNA fragments in 2‐D display experiments. We show that simple expressions for the mobility of DNA fragments in both dimensions allow one to reproduce experimental final absolute locations better than experimental uncertainties. However, our simulations also point out that the results of 2‐D display experiments are not sufficient to determine the best set of parameters for the modeling of fragments separation in the second dimension and that additional detailed measurements of the mobility of a few sequences are necessary to achieve this goal. We hope that this work will help in establishing simulations as a powerful tool to optimize experimental conditions without having to perform a large number of preliminary experiments and to estimate whether 2‐D DNA display is suited to identify a mutation or a genetic difference that is expected to exist between the genomes of closely related organisms.
Measurement of electrophoretic mobility of cardiomyocytes
Authors: Zhou Ying , Liu Jun , Wang Jing , Wang Yan , Sun Pei 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThe electrophoretic mobility (EPM) of rat cardiomyocytes with or without the treatment of neuraminidase was studied by cell electrophoresis. The EPM was found to change over a range from 0 to 8.67 μm s−1/V cm−1, depending on ionic strength, transmembrane potential, pH value, and/or surface charges. It is interesting that zero EPM was observed but reverse of the mobility was not. These results suggested that the negative charges carried on the cardiomyocyte surface might comprehensively consist of surface sialic acid, plasmalemma proteins, phospholipids, and transmembrane potential. The aberrant electrical double layer formed between the carried negative charges and adions had a big adsorption layer and a diffusion layer whose sizes changed circularly, making only negative charges be carried on the surface of living cardiomyocytes. The special structures on the surface of cardiomyocytes probably play a considerable role in the process of cardiac electrical activity.
Hedging and value at risk: A semi‐parametric approach
Authors: Cao Zhiguang , Harris Richard D.F. , Shen Jian 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThe non‐normality of financial asset returns has important implications for hedging. In particular, in contrast with the unambiguous effect that minimum‐variance hedging has on the standard deviation, it can actually increase the negative skewness and kurtosis of hedge portfolio returns. Thus, the reduction in Value at Risk (VaR) and Conditional Value at Risk (CVaR) that minimum‐variance hedging generates can be significantly lower than the reduction in standard deviation. In this study, we provide a new, semi‐parametric method of estimating minimum‐VaR and minimum‐CVaR hedge ratios based on the Cornish‐Fisher expansion of the quantile of the hedged portfolio return distribution. Using spot and futures returns for the FTSE 100, FTSE 250, and FTSE Small Cap equity indices, the Euro/US Dollar exchange rate, and Brent crude oil, we find that the semiparametric approach is superior to the standard minimum‐variance approach, and to the nonparametric approach of Harris and Shen (2006). In particular, it provides a greater reduction in both negative skewness and excess kurtosis, and consequently generates hedge portfolios that in most cases have lower VaR and CVaR. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 30:780–794, 2010
Frequent deletion of CDKN2A and recurrent coamplification of KIT, PDGFRA, and KDR in fibrosarcoma of bone—An array comparative genomic hybridization study
Authors: Niini Tarja , López‐Guerrero José Antonio , Ninomiya Shinsuke , Guled Mohamed , Hattinger Claudia Maria , Michelacci Francesca , Böhling Tom , Llombart‐Bosch Antonio , Picci Piero , Serra Massimo , Knuutila Sakari 
Published: October 2009

AbstractVery little is known about the genetics of fibrosarcoma (FS) of bone. We applied array comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) to identify genes and genomic regions with potential role in the pathogenesis of this tumor. Seventeen patients with FS of bone were included in the study. Array CGH analysis was carried out in 13 fresh frozen tissue specimens from 11 of these patients (nine primary tumors and four local recurrences). DNA was extracted and hybridizations were performed on Agilent 244K CGH oligoarrays. The data were analyzed using Agilent DNA Analytics Software. The number of changes per patient ranged from 0 to 132 (average = 43). Losses were most commonly detected at 6q, 8p, 9p, 10, 13q, and 20p. CDKN2A was homozygously deleted in 7/11 patients. Hypermethylation of both p16INK4a and p14ARF was found in 1/14 patients. An internal deletion of STARD13 was found in a region with common losses at 13q13.1. The most frequent gains were seen at 1q, 4q, 5p, 8q, 12p, 15q, 16q, 17q, 20q, 22q, and Xp. Single recurrent high level amplification was detected at 4q12, including KIT, PDGFRA, and KDR. No activating mutations were found in any of them. Immunohistochemistry revealed expression of PDGFRA and/or PDGFRB in 12/17 samples. Moreover, small regions of gains pinpointed genes of particular interest, such as IGF1R at 15q26.3 and CHD1L at 1q21.1. In conclusion, our analysis provided novel findings that can be exploited when searching for markers for diagnosis and prognosis, and targets of therapy in this tumor type. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Identifying functional impairment with scores from the repeatable battery for the assessment of neuropsychological status (RBANS)
Authors: Hobson Valerie L. , Hall James R. , Humphreys‐Clark Joy D. , Schrimsher Gregory W. , O'Bryant Sid E. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the link between RBANS scores and functional impairment. Functional status was evaluated through informant report using the clinical dementia rating (CDR) scale.MethodsArchival data were reviewed from records of 99 patients in a memory disorder clinic (MDC) research database. Consensus‐based diagnoses were Alzheimer's disease (AD; n = 48), mild cognitive impairment (MCI; n = 48), AD with vascular components; (n = 2) and dementia due to psychiatric conditions (n = 1).ResultsThe RBANS language index score was significantly related to CDR domain scores of community affairs (p < .01), home and hobbies (p < .01), personal care (p < .05), memory (p < 0.01), and judgment (p < 0.01). RBANS immediate memory index scores were significantly related to (p < 0.05) the CDR Memory and judgment and problem solving domains. Based on these findings, follow‐up regressions were conducted. Semantic fluency was significantly related to CDR memory (p < 0.01), judgment (p < 0.05), community affairs (p < 0.05), home/hobbies (p < 0.05), and personal care (p < 0.05) functional domains. Picture naming was significantly related to the CDR personal care domain (p < 0.05). List learning was significantly related to CDR memory functional domain (p < 0.01) and judgment (p < 0.05). Lastly, story memory was significantly related to the CDR judgment domain (p < 0.05).ConclusionsThe RBANS may be an indicator of functional impairment as well as a neuropsychological testing tool. The use of the RBANS could reduce the amount of testing that is administered to the patient, or can provide a way to compare other measurements of functional impairment to assess accuracy of findings. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Health and well‐being in care staff and their relations to organizational and psychosocial factors, care staff and resident factors in nursing homes
Authors: Testad I. , Mikkelsen A. , Ballard C. , Aarsland D. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study is to investigate the association of psychosocial factors and patient factors with stress in care staff in nursing homes.MethodsIn this cross‐sectional survey, 197 care staff from 13 dementia wards from four nursing homes in the Stavanger region, Norway, participated. Stress in care staff was measured by Perceived Stress Scale, Hopkins Symptom Check List, and subjective health complaints. Agitation in patients was measured with the Cohen‐Mansfield Agitation Inventory. Work‐related psychosocial factors were measured by General Nordic Questionnaire for Psychosocial and Social Factors at Work (QPSNordic). Data were analyzed using multivariate regression analyses.ResultsPsychosocial factors (QPS Nordic) were significantly associated with all the three outcome measures of stress in care staff, whereas agitation was associated with subjective health complaints only. QPS Nordic subscales significantly associated with stress in care staff were those associated with leadership.ConclusionsPsychosocial factors were more important predictors of carer stress than patient‐related factors such as dementia severity and agitation. The findings provide key background information in the planning of interventions to improve conditions for care staff and ultimately for nursing home residents. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of biofilm formation on new Phonax and Provox 2 voice prostheses—A pilot study
Authors: Leonhard Matthias , Moser Doris , Reumueller Adrian , Mancusi Gudrun , Bigenzahn Wolfgang , Schneider‐Stickler Berit 
Published: October 2009

AbstractBackground.In voice rehabilitation for laryngectomized patients, voice prosthetic biofilm formation is still an unsolved problem. Design and materials of voice prostheses have been altered by manufacturers to improve function and extend the lifetime of devices. The goal of the study was to investigate biofilm formation on Provox 2 and Phonax, recently introduced voice prostheses made of thermoplastic polyurethane.Methods.Five laryngectomized patients were equipped with both Phonax and Provox 2 voice prostheses. Microbial colonization was analyzed using standard microbiological methods. Biofilm formation and material infiltration were illustrated using scanning electron microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, and thin‐section light microscopy.Results.Although no differences in quality or quantity of microbial colonization were assessed, microscopic imaging revealed differences in material surfaces, biofilm composition, and infiltration morphologies; the polyurethane material seems to destabilize biofilm architecture by inhibition of hypheal Candida growth forms.Conclusions.Polyurethane material for voice prostheses seems to reduce biofilm stability and infiltrative processes. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2009
Simulating the Impact of climate change on streamflow in the Tarim River basin by using a modified semi‐distributed monthly water balance model
Authors: Peng D. Z. , Xu Z. X. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractA modified semi‐distributed monthly water balance model is proposed to simulate the streamflow in the Tarim River. With the comparative study among TOPMODEL, Xinanjiang model and the modified semi‐distributed monthly water balance model in the headwater catchment of the Tarim River, it showed that the proposed model with simple structure and two parameters as well as TOPMODEL, Xinanjiang model perform well in the study area (the Nash‐Sutcliffe efficiencies R2 were between 0·60 and 0·69, and the relative errors of the volumetric fitness RE were between −19% and 19%). At Shaliguilank hydrological station in the Aksu River basin, R2 is around 0·60. Those values at other stations are generally between 0·60 and 0·66 in headwater catchment of the Tarim River. The high‐flow year, average year and dry year were determined by analysing the frequency of annual runoff in the Tarim River from 1957 to 2005 using Pearson type III (P‐III) distribution, and the L‐moment approach was applied to the parameter estimation for P‐III distribution. With the reference years (high‐flow year, average year and dry year) and the long‐term trend, different scenarios for the precipitation in 2010 and 2020 have been generated. The streamflow was simulated by using the proposed model with different scenarios, and the impact of climate change on streamflow was analysed. The results showed that the streamflow in 2010 and 2020 exhibited an increasing tendency in the Aksu, Yarkant, and Hotan River basins. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Amyloid precursor protein expression is induced by tumor necrosis factor α in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes
Authors: Sommer Grit , Kralisch Susan , Lipfert Jana , Weise Sebastian , Krause Kerstin , Jessnitzer Beate , Lössner Ulrike , Blüher Matthias , Stumvoll Michael , Fasshauer Mathias 
Published: October 2009

AbstractAmyloid precursor protein (APP) has been characterized as an adipocyte‐secreted protein that might contribute to obesity‐related insulin resistance, inflammation, and dementia. In the current study, regulation of APP by the proinflammatory and insulin resistance‐inducing cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α was determined in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes. Interestingly, APP protein synthesis and mRNA expression were significantly increased by TNFα in a time‐dependent manner with maximal induction observed after 24 h of treatment. Furthermore, TNFα induced APP mRNA expression dose‐dependently with maximal 6.4‐fold upregulation seen at 100 ng/ml effector. Moreover, inhibitor experiments suggested that TNFα‐induced APP expression was mediated by nuclear factor κ B. Taken together, we show for the first time a potent upregulation of APP by TNFα suggesting a potential role of this adipocyte‐secreted protein in TNFα‐induced insulin resistance and inflammatory disease. J. Cell. Biochem. 108: 1418–1422, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Computational screening of biomolecular adsorption and self‐assembly on nanoscale surfaces
Authors: Heinz Hendrik 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThe quantification of binding properties of ions, surfactants, biopolymers, and other macromolecules to nanometer‐scale surfaces is often difficult experimentally and a recurring challenge in molecular simulation. A simple and computationally efficient method is introduced to compute quantitatively the energy of adsorption of solute molecules on a given surface. Highly accurate summation of Coulomb energies as well as precise control of temperature and pressure is required to extract the small energy differences in complex environments characterized by a large total energy. The method involves the simulation of four systems, the surface‐solute–solvent system, the solute–solvent system, the solvent system, and the surface‐solvent system under consideration of equal molecular volumes of each component under NVT conditions using standard molecular dynamics or Monte Carlo algorithms. Particularly in chemically detailed systems including thousands of explicit solvent molecules and specific concentrations of ions and organic solutes, the method takes into account the effect of complex nonbond interactions and rotational isomeric states on the adsorption behavior on surfaces. As a numerical example, the adsorption of a dodecapeptide on the Au {111} and mica {001} surfaces is described in aqueous solution. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2010
Excited state properties, fluorescence energies, and lifetimes of a poly(fluorene‐phenylene), based on TD‐DFT investigation
Authors: Chidthong Rungtiwa , Hannongbua Supa 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThe structural and electronic properties of fluorene‐phenylene copolymer (FP)n, n = 1–4 were studied by means of quantum chemical calculations based on density functional theory (DFT) and time dependent density functional theory (TD‐DFT) using B3LYP functional. Geometry optimizations of these oligomers were performed for the ground state and the lowest singlet excited state. It was found that (FP)n is nonplanar in its ground state while the electronic excitations lead to planarity in its S1 state. Absorption and fluorescence energies were calculated using TD‐B3LYP/SVP and TD‐B3LYP/SVP+ methods. Vertical excitation energies and fluorescence energies were obtained by extrapolating these values to infinite chain length, resulting in extrapolated values for vertical excitation energy of 2.89 and 2.87 eV, respectively. The S1 ← S0 electronic excitation is characterized as a highest occupied molecular orbital to lowest unoccupied molecular orbital transition and is distinguishing in terms of oscillator strength. Fluorescence energies of (FP)n calculated from TD‐B3LYP/SVP and TD‐B3LYP/SVP+ methods are 2.27 and 2.26 eV, respectively. Radiative lifetimes are predicted to be 0.55 and 0.51 ns for TD‐B3LYP/SVP and TD‐B3LYP/SVP+ calculations, respectively. These fundamental information are valuable data in designing and making of promising materials for LED materials. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2010
Generalized hybrid control synthesis for affine systems using sequential adaptive networks
Authors: Nayak Rajib , Gomes James 
Published: October 2009

AbstractBACKGROUND: A generalized methodology for the synthesis of a hybrid controller for affine systems using sequential adaptive networks (SAN) is presented. SAN consists of an assembly of neural networks that are ordered in a chronological sequence, with one network assigned to each sampling interval. Using a suitable process model based on oxygen metabolism and an a priori objective function, a hybrid control law is derived that can use online measurements and the states predicted by SAN for computing the desired control action.RESULTS: The performance of the SAN–hybrid controller is tested for simulated fed‐batch production of methionine for three different process conditions. Simulations assume that online measurements of dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration are available. The performance of the SAN–hybrid controller gave an NRMSE of ∼10−4 in the absence of noise, ∼10−3 and ∼10−2 for ± 5% and ± 10% noise in the DO measurement and ∼10−2 for parameter uncertainty when compared with the ideal model prediction.CONCLUSIONS: The observed performance for unmeasured state prediction and control implementation shows that the proposed SAN–hybrid controller can efficiently compute the manipulated variable required to maintain methionine production along the optimized trajectory for different conditions. The test results show that the SAN–hybrid controller can be used for online real‐time implementation in fed‐batch bioprocesses. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Polarized micro‐Raman study of Al2O3‐based directionally solidified oxide eutectics containing GdAlO3 perovskite, Er3Al5O12 garnet and cubic ZrO2
Authors: Gouadec G. , Makaoui K. , Perrière L. , Colomban Ph. , Mazerolles L. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThe paper reports on the Raman signature of GdAlO3 perovskite and Er3Al5O12 garnet in melt‐grown eutectic composites, which contain α‐alumina and cubic zirconia also. Different wavelengths were used to discriminate the Raman signal from fluorescence of the rare‐earth elements. Fourteen out of the 24 Raman active perovskite modes were identified. Mode symmetry is proposed for 12 of them, based on the polarization of the light backscattered by a rotated sample. Twenty‐one out of 25 Raman active modes of the garnet were listed and assigned by straight comparison with those of the parent compounds. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Vinylphosphonic Acid Homo‐ and Block Copolymers
Authors: Wagner Thomas , Manhart Angelika , Deniz Nesrin , Kaltbeitzel Anke , Wagner Manfred , Brunklaus Gunther , Meyer Wolfgang H. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractVinylphosphonic acid homo‐ and block copolymers with styrene have been prepared via anionic polymerization of dialkylvinylphosphonates (VPE) and subsequent hydrolysis of the precursor polyester with trimethylsilylbromide. Poly(vinylphosphonic acid) (PVPA) homopolymers with 4 200<$\overline M _{\rm w}$<814 000 have been obtained with vinyl‐diisopropyl‐phosphonate as monomer. With polystyryl anion as macroinitiator, AB block copolymers have been obtained with block compositions from approximately 9:2 to 3:7; however, the total molecular weights are limited to <10 000, due to solubility limitations. 1H DOSY NMR has been used to prove a real block‐type structure consisting of hydrophobic polystyrene and hydrophilic PVPA (PVPA‐b‐PS), which exhibits a phase‐separated morphology. It was found that the bulk proton conductivity does not change significantly with different molecular weights of the homopolymers, but is strongly dependant on the composition of the block copolymers. PVPA‐b‐PS with low PS content, behaves more or less like PVPA homopolymers, whereas PVPA‐b‐PS with a high PS content looses its conductivity when heated above the glass transition temperature of the PS phase. The swelling behaviour of the block copolymers differs significantly from that of PVPA homopolymers, when exposed to a humidified environment.magnified image
Recent Progress on Nafion‐Based Nanocomposite Membranes for Fuel Cell Applications
Authors: Cele Nonhlanhla , Ray Suprakas Sinha 
Published: October 2009

AbstractProton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) have attracted tremendous attention because of their high efficiency compared to other types of fuel cells. Nafion is the most commonly used polymer for membranes used in PEMFCs. A large variety of nanoparticles of different natures and sizes can be blended with a Nafion matrix, generating a new class of nanostructured electrolyte membrane with interesting physical properties. In this paper, we discuss the recent progress in the field of Nafion‐based nanocomposite membranes. They exhibit a significant improvement in thermo‐mechanical and thermal stability as well as proton conductivity at very low filler contents. The preparation, characterization, and properties of various types of Nafion‐based nanocomposite membranes are critically reviewed, and detailed examples are summarized.magnified image
Poly(vinylidene fluoride) and Poly(ethyl 2‐cyanoacrylate) Blends through Controlled Polymerization of Ethyl 2‐Cyanoacrylates
Authors: Tiwari Manish K. , Bayer Ilker S. , Jursich Gregory M. , Schutzius Thomas M. , Megaridis Constantine M. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractWe demonstrate solution blending of PVDF with PECA obtained by controlled polymerization of ECA. This method circumvents the processing detriments posed by the instant cross‐linking of CAs when encountering aprotic solvents such as DMF, a common PVDF solvent. The slower polymerization of ECA was tracked using NMR spectroscopy. The polymer mixture solutions were spin‐coated to study the film morphology, wettability, and surface energy. The polymer films show strong contribution of basic polar surface energy that can be beneficial in biomedical applications. DSC and TGA were also performed on the blended polymers. The DSC thermograms show clear suppression of PVDF melting point, which provides evidence of two‐polymer miscibility.magnified image