bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acid β‐glucosidase mutants linked to gaucher disease, parkinson disease, and lewy body dementia alter α‐synuclein processing
Authors: Cullen Valerie , Sardi S. Pablo , Ng Juliana , Xu You‐Hai , Sun Ying , Tomlinson Julianna J. , Kolodziej Piotr , Kahn Ilana , Saftig Paul , Woulfe John , Rochet Jean‐Christophe , Glicksman Marcie A. , Cheng Seng H. , Grabowski Gregory A. , Shihabuddin Lamya S. , Schlossmacher Michael G. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractObjective:Heterozygous mutations in the GBA1 gene elevate the risk of Parkinson disease and dementia with Lewy bodies; both disorders are characterized by misprocessing of α‐synuclein (SNCA). A loss in lysosomal acid–β‐glucosidase enzyme (GCase) activity due to biallelic GBA1 mutations underlies Gaucher disease. We explored mechanisms for the gene's association with increased synucleinopathy risk.Methods:We analyzed the effects of wild‐type (WT) and several GBA mutants on SNCA in cellular and in vivo models using biochemical and immunohistochemical protocols.Results:We observed that overexpression of all GBA mutants examined (N370S, L444P, D409H, D409V, E235A, and E340A) significantly raised human SNCA levels to 121 to 248% of vector control (p < 0.029) in neural MES23.5 and PC12 cells, but without altering GCase activity. Overexpression of WT GBA in neural and HEK293‐SNCA cells increased GCase activity, as expected (ie, to 167% in MES‐SNCA, 128% in PC12‐SNCA, and 233% in HEK293‐SNCA; p < 0.002), but had mixed effects on SNCA. Nevertheless, in HEK293‐SNCA cells high GCase activity was associated with SNCA reduction by ≤32% (p = 0.009). Inhibition of cellular GCase activity (to 8–20% of WT; p < 0.0017) did not detectably alter SNCA levels. Mutant GBA‐induced SNCA accumulation could be pharmacologically reversed in D409V‐expressing PC12‐SNCA cells by rapamycin, an autophagy‐inducer (≤40%; 10μM; p < 0.02). Isofagomine, a GBA chaperone, showed a related trend. In mice expressing two D409Vgba knockin alleles without signs of Gaucher disease (residual GCase activity, ≥20%), we recorded an age‐dependent rise of endogenous Snca in hippocampal membranes (125% vs WT at 52 weeks; p = 0.019). In young Gaucher disease mice (V394Lgba+/+//prosaposin[ps]‐null//ps‐transgene), which demonstrate neurological dysfunction after age 10 weeks (GCase activity, ≤10%), we recorded no significant change in endogenous Snca levels at 12 weeks of age. However, enhanced neuronal ubiquitin signals and axonal spheroid formation were already present. The latter changes were similar to those seen in three week‐old cathepsin D‐deficient mice.Interpretation:Our results demonstrate that GBA mutants promote SNCA accumulation in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner, thereby identifying a biochemical link between GBA1 mutation carrier status and increased synucleinopathy risk. In cell culture models, this gain of toxic function effect can be mitigated by rapamycin. Loss in GCase activity did not immediately raise SNCA concentrations, but first led to neuronal ubiquitinopathy and axonal spheroids, a phenotype shared with other lysosomal storage disorders. ANN NEUROL 2011;
Design and optimization of isolated energy systems through pinch analysis
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Santanu 
Published: February 2011

AbstractIsolated energy systems seem to be a promising option for electrifying remote locations where grid extension is not feasible or economical. Integration of battery bank as means of energy storage with different renewable energy systems can enhance the system reliability and its overall performance. Therefore, appropriate choices of generator sizes and the battery bank capacity are critical to the success of such renewable‐based isolated power systems. In this article, the tools of pinch analysis are extended to design isolated renewable energy systems. The importance of setting targets before design is highlighted for designing renewable‐based isolated energy systems. The system sizing through the grand composite curve (GCC) representation of stored energy is proposed in this article. The set of all feasible solutions, defined as the design space for the system, is graphically represented for in‐depth visualization. The relation between the design space approach for designing and optimizing an isolated energy system and the principles of pinch analysis have been established in this article. The GCC representation also provides opportunity to the system designer for strategic load growth without affecting the system size. Copyright © 2011 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation and characterization of biodegradable polylactide/thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer blends
Authors: Han Juan‐Juan , Huang Han‐Xiong 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThe melt blending of polylactide (PLA) and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) elastomer was performed in an effort to toughen the PLA. The phase morphology, mechanical properties, and toughening mechanism of the PLA/TPU blends were investigated. The results indicate that the spherical TPU particles dispersed in the PLA matrix, and the uniformity decreased with increasing TPU content. There existed long threads among some TPU droplets in blend with 30 wt % TPU. TPU improved the toughness of the PLA. With 30 wt % TPU, the elongation at break of the blend reached 602.5%, and samples could not be broken in the notched Izod impact tests at room temperature. The matrix ligament thickness of the PLA/TPU blends was below the critical value, and the blends deformed to a large extent because of shear yield caused by debonding, the formation of fibers upon impact; this dissipated a large amount of energy. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Synthesis and characterization of imine polymers containing aliphatic and aromatic groups and some of Schiff base‐metal complexes
Authors: Kaya İsmet , Uysal Seçil 
Published: February 2011

AbstractIn this study, the oxidative polycondensation reaction conditions of 2,2′‐[(2,5‐dichloro‐1,4‐phenylene)bisnitrilomethylylidene]diphenol (DCPMDP) were studied between 40 and 90°C using different times and concentrations in the alkaline medium to determine effect on the yield of these parameters. Polymerization of 2,2′‐piperazine‐1,4‐diylbis[propane‐3,1‐diylnitrilomethylylidene]diphenol (PDMDP) was performed at two steps with graft polycondensation method. Additionally, seven different metal complexes were also synthesized from PDMDP with some metal salts. The structures of the compounds were confirmed by UV–vis, FT‐IR, 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy analyses. The characterization was made by TG‐DTA, size exclusion chromatography (SEC), elemental analysis, and solubility tests. HOMO‐LUMO energy levels and electrochemical band (Eg′) gaps were determined from cyclic voltammetry (CV) measurements. Also, optical band (Eg) gaps were calculated from UV–vis measurements. Electrical conductivity of doped and undoped monomer and oligomer were measured by four‐point probe technique using an electrometer. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Preparation and characterization of novel polyimide with chiral side chain for twist nematic liquid crystal display
Authors: Sukchol Kulthida , Thongyai Supakanok , Praserthdam Piyasan 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThe synthesis of novel polyimide (PI) films containing chirals in side chain was investigated for utilizing in twist nematic (TN) liquid crystal display (LCD). The polyimide with amine side groups (PI4 a.m.) was prepared by two steps copolymerization of 4,4′‐hexafluoroisopropylidene diphthalic anhydride (6FDA), 4,4′‐oxydianiline (ODA), and 3,3′‐diaminobezidine (4 a.m.) in N‐methyl‐2‐ pyrrolidinone (NMP). In the first step, the oligomer of 6FDA and ODA with mole ratio 4 : 3 was synthesized. In the second step, the oligomer was reacted with 4 a.m. by gradually dropping the oligomer into 4 a.m. solution with the mole ratio 4 : 5. By reacting chiral compounds, mandelic acid, menthyl chloroformate, and menthyl glyoxylate hydrate using condensation reaction with amine groups along polyimide molecules, the novel polyimides can be synthesized. Their chemical structures were confirmed by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H‐NMR). The coated glass slides pairs were coated with PI4 a.m. and with each Polyimide/chiral. The liquid crystals (LCs) were inserted between two coated glass slides at above the nematic temperature under the polarized light microscope to observe the alignment of LCs. The results showed the alignment of LCs in some certain direction under Polyimide/chiral pair, regardless of the type of the chiral molecule. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Morphology and properties of nylon6 and high density polyethylene blends in absence and presence of nanoclay
Authors: Mallick Sumana , Khatua B. B. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThe morphology and properties of nylon6/HDPE blends without and with nanoclay has been reported. Scanning electron microscopy study of the (70/30 w/w) nylon6/HDPE blends with small amount (0.1 phr) of nanoclay indicated a reduction in the average domain sizes (D) of dispersed HDPE phase and hence better extent of mixing compared to the blend without any nanoclay. X‐ray diffraction study and transmission electron microscopy revealed that nanoclay layers were mostly located in nylon6 matrix of the (70/30 w/w) nylon6/HDPE blend. However, the same effect of nanoclay on the morphology was not observed in (30/70 w/w) nylon6/HDPE blend where HDPE became the matrix. In (30/70 w/w) nylon6/HDPE blend, addition of nanoclay increased the D of dispersed nylon6 domains by preferential location of the clays in side the nylon6 domains. Thus, the clay platelets in the matrix phase acted as barrier that restricted the coalescence of dispersed domains during melt‐mixing. Addition of PE‐g‐MA in both the compositions of nylon6/HDPE blend effectively reduced the D of dispersed phases. Storage modulus and thermal stability of the blend were improved in presence of small amount of clay, whereas addition of PE‐g‐MA lowered the mechanical and thermal properties of the blends. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Increased onset temperature of expansion in thermally expandable microspheres through combination of crosslinking agents
Authors: Jonsson Magnus , Nordin Ove , Malmström Eva 
Published: February 2011

AbstractFree‐radical suspension polymerization was used to synthesize thermally expandable microspheres (TEMS) in which a poly(acrylonitrile‐co‐methacrylonitrile) shell encapsulates isooctane. TEMS were prepared with 1,4‐butanediol dimethacrylate (BDDMA), in combination with 1,4‐butanediol divinyl ether (BDDVE), diallyl carbonate (DAC), or allyl methacrylate, as crosslinkers. It was found that a significant increase in the onset temperature of expansion (Tstart) could be obtained when a combination of BDDMA and BDDVE or DAC was used, compared to when only BDDMA was used as crosslinker. The expansion capacity of the TEMS was excellent when BDDMA and DAC were combined. One benefit of the increased Tstart was demonstrated when poly(vinyl chloride)‐plastisols containing TEMS could be cured at higher temperatures without premature expansion. The differences in expansion obtained with different combinations of crosslinkers originate from the difference in reactivity of the vinyl‐functionalities of the crosslinkers, which regulate the incorporation of the crosslinker into the polymer and thereby, the mechanical properties of the microsphere shell. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Effect of maleic anhydride/vinyltrimethoxysilane‐co‐grafting polypropylene on the properties of wood‐flour/polypropylene composites by electron‐beam preirradiation
Authors: Guo Lihua , Li Bin , Wang Huanfeng 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThe electron‐beam preirradiation and reactive extrusion technologies were used to prepare maleic anhydride (MAH)/vinyltrimethoxysilane (VTMS)‐co‐grafting polypropylene (PP) as a high‐performance compatibilizer for wood‐flour/PP composites. The grafting content, chemical structure, and crystallization behavior of the compatibilizers were characterized through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and an extraction method. The effects of the compatibilizers on the mechanical properties, water absorption, morphological structure, and torque rheological behavior of the composites were investigated comparatively. The experimental results demonstrate that MAH/VTMS‐g‐PP markedly enhanced the mechanical properties of the composites. Compared with MAH‐g‐PP and VTMS‐g‐PP, MAH/VTMS‐g‐PP clearly showed synergistic effects on the increasing mechanical properties, water absorption, and compatibility of the composites. Scanning electron microscopy further confirmed that the adhesion and dispersion of wood flours in the composites were effectively improved by MAH/VTMS‐g‐PP. These results were also proven by the best water resistance of the wood‐flour/PP composites with MAH/VTMS‐g‐PP. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Exogenous Material in the Inner Ear of the Adult Port Jackson Shark, Heterodontus portusjacksoni (Elasmbranchii)
Authors: Mills Morena , Rasch Ron , Siebeck Ulrike E. , Collin Shaun P. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractPort Jackson sharks, Heterodontus portusjacksoni (photographed by Andy Murch, previously published in www.elasmodiver.com). See Mills et al., on page 375, in this issue.
Effectiveness of a shortened, clinically engaged anatomy course for physician assistant students
Authors: Rizzolo Lawrence J. , Rando William C. , O'Brien Michael K. , Garino Alexandria , Stewart William B. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThere is little consensus among programs that train physician assistants (PAs) regarding how much time should be devoted to the study of anatomy, what should be included, or how it should be taught. Similar concerns led us to redesign anatomy for medical students and introduce clinically engaged anatomy, an approach designed in collaboration with clinical faculty. This approach presents anatomy entirely within the context of common clinical cases. This report examines whether clinically engaged anatomy could be adapted to the PA program, where students cover the basic sciences in half the time as medical students. We offered a modified version of clinically engaged anatomy to PA students in which time spent in self‐directed learning activities was reduced relative to medical students. We compared their scores on an examination of long‐term recall to students who took the previous course. Two classes who took clinically engaged anatomy, scored the same or significantly higher on every portion of the examination (P < 0.05). Students expressed high satisfaction with the course (Likert scale, 4.3–4.8/5 points). Compared to medical students who took clinically engaged anatomy, the data suggest that the tradeoff for reducing the time spent in self‐directed learning was reduced skills in applying structure‐function relationships and spatial reasoning to clinical problems. The data suggest clinically engaged anatomy can be effective in various educational settings, and can be readily adapted to clinical programs that vary in the depth that anatomy is covered. Nonetheless, careful assessments are needed to determine if the necessary tradeoffs are consistent with the goals of the profession. Anat Sci Educ 4: 64–70, 2011. © 2011 American Association of Anatomists.
Constructivist learning of anatomy: Gaining knowledge by creating anatomical casts
Authors: Hermiz David J. , O'Sullivan Daniel J. , Lujan Heidi L. , DiCarlo Stephen E. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractEducators are encouraged to provide inquiry‐based, collaborative, and problem solving activities that enhance learning and promote curiosity, skepticism, objectivity, and the use of scientific reasoning. Making anatomical casts or models by injecting solidifying substances into organs is an example of a constructivist activity for achieving these goals. This report describes a student‐implemented protocol for making postmortem anatomical casts of the bronchial tree and coronary arteries of rats using Silastic® sealant. The teacher facilitated this process by asking leading questions to guide the students toward the development of their own conclusions. This relatively simple and inexpensive procedure has important applications for the constructivist approach to study cardiovascular and respiratory morphology. Anat Sci Educ 4: 98–104, 2011. © 2011 American Association of Anatomists.
Diels–Alder Reactions of Inert Aromatic Compounds within a Self‐Assembled Coordination Cage
Authors: Horiuchi Shinnosuke , Murase Takashi , Fujita Makoto 
Published: February 2011

AbstractA self‐assembled coordination cage serves as a nanometer‐sized molecular flask to promote the Diels–Alder reactions of aromatic hydrocarbons with N‐cyclohexylmaleimide. The coordination cage accelerated the Diels–Alder reaction of anthracene at the electronically unfavorable, terminal benzene ring to give a compact, cavity‐restrained syn‐adduct. Activation‐parameter measurements for the reactions revealed considerable reduction in the entropy cost, and preorganization of the substrates is a dominant factor in the enhanced reactivity. Owing to this entropy‐cost reduction, otherwise‐unreactive aromatic compounds, such as naphthalenes or triphenylene, also underwent Diels–Alder reactions in a regio‐ and stereocontrolled fashion. In the naphthalene Diels–Alder reaction, X‐ray crystallographic analysis of the guest‐inclusion complex clarified the reinforced orientation and proximity of the substrate pairs before the reaction. A perylene Diels–Alder adduct was stabilized inside the cage and protected from aerial oxidation.
Comparison of pedestrian trip generation models
Authors: Kim Nam Seok , Susilo Yusak O. 
Published: February 2011

SUMMARYUsing Poisson regression and negative binomial regression, this paper presents an empirical comparison of four different regression models for the estimation of pedestrian demand at the regional level and finds the most appropriate model with reference to the National Household Travel Survey (NHTS) 2001 data for the Baltimore (USA) region. The results show that Poisson regression seems to be more appropriate for pedestrian trip generation modeling in terms of χ2 ratio test, Pseudo R2, and Akaike's information criterion (AIC). However, R2 based on deviance residuals and estimated log‐likelihood value at convergence confirmed the empirical studies that negative binomial regression is more appropriate for the over‐dispersed dependent variable than Poisson regression. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bioluminescent high‐throughput assay for the bacteria adherence to the tissue culture cells
Authors: Brovko L. , Minikh O. , Piekna A. , Griffiths M.W. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThe goal of this study was develop a rapid high‐throughput method for the assessment of the bacterial adhesion to tissue culture cells and test this method by investigation of the adhesion and growth of pathogenic and non‐pathogenic Escherichia coli strains in the presence of HeLa human epithelial cells. Fifteen strains of E. coli were transformed with a plasmid carrying the entire lux operon of Photorhabdus luminescens to make them bioluminescent. By using the Time‐to‐Detection approach and bioluminescence imaging in microplate format, the adherence and growth of bacteria in tissue culture medium in the presence of HeLa cells was monitored. It was observed that Eagle's minimal essential medium (EMEM) supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) significantly inhibited growth of E. coli. However, in the presence of HeLa cells the detected growth of E. coli was similar to the growth observed in LB medium. It was established that the initial number of E. coli cells present in the microplate directly correlated with the time necessary for the bioluminescence signal to reach the threshold level, hence allowing the accurate assessment of the adhered cells within 8–10 h. Neither bacterial adherence nor growth kinetics correlated with the pathogenicity of the strain though they were strain‐specific. The developed approach provided new information on the interaction of E. coli with epithelial cells and could be used for both pathogenicity research and for the screening of potential therapeutic agents for the ability to minimize pathogen colonization of human tissues. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2011; 108:1628–1633. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evaluation of steam‐treated giant bamboo for production of fermentable sugars
Authors: García‐Aparicio María , Parawira Wilson , Van Rensburg Eugéne , Diedericks Danie , Galbe Mats , Rosslander Christian , Zacchi Guido , Görgens Johann 
Published: February 2011

AbstractGiant bamboo plantations are currently being established in the Southern Africa region and can be considered as potential lignocellulosic feedstock for the production of second generation bioethanol. In this study, giant bamboo internodal material was subjected to sulphur dioxide (SO2) impregnated steam pretreatment prior to enzymatic hydrolysis. The effect of temperature, residence time, and acidity on the overall sugar recovery and byproduct formation was studied using response surface response technology according to a central composite experimental design (CCD) at a fixed SO2 concentration of 2.5% (w/w liquid) after impregnation. The results showed that pretreatment conditions with combined severity factor (CSF) values and enzyme dosages greater than 1.72 and 30 FPU/g water insoluble solid, respectively, were required to obtain an efficient glucan digestibility and a good overall glucose recovery. Up to 81.2% of the sugar in the raw material was recovered for a CSF of 2.25. However, considering overall sugar yield and byproducts concentration, the pretreated material obtained with a CSF of 1.62 can be considered as the most appropriate for SSF experiments using a xylose‐utilizing yeast. At these conditions, it could be possible to obtain up to 247 L of ethanol per dry ton of giant bamboo considering hexose and pentose sugars fermentation. This amount could be increased up to 292 L of ethanol per dry ton of giant bamboo with the maximum sugar yield obtained (CSF = 2.25) if the microorganism possesses robust fermentative characteristics as well as a high resistance to pretreatment by‐products. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2011
Hirsutane Sesquiterpenoids from the Marine‐Derived Fungus Chondrostereum sp.
Authors: Li Hou‐Jin , Lan Wen‐Jian , Lam Chi‐Keung , Yang Fen , Zhu Xiao‐Feng 
Published: February 2011

AbstractA new hirsutane sesquiterpenoid, hirsutanol E (1), together with the known compounds hirsutanol A (2) and hirsutanol F (3; gloeosteretriol) were obtained from AcOEt extract of the marine fungus Chondrostereum sp., which was isolated from the soft coral Sarcophyton tortuosum. The structures were elucidated mainly on the basis of the NMR, MS, and X‐ray single‐crystal diffraction data. Hirsutanol A (2) exhibited potent cytotoxic activities against various cancer cell lines.