bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bioorthogonal Chemistry: Fishing for Selectivity in a Sea of Functionality
Authors: Sletten Ellen M. , Bertozzi Carolyn R. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThe study of biomolecules in their native environments is a challenging task because of the vast complexity of cellular systems. Technologies developed in the last few years for the selective modification of biological species in living systems have yielded new insights into cellular processes. Key to these new techniques are bioorthogonal chemical reactions, whose components must react rapidly and selectively with each other under physiological conditions in the presence of the plethora of functionality necessary to sustain life. Herein we describe the bioorthogonal chemical reactions developed to date and how they can be used to study biomolecules.
Mathematical model for mixing index in gas–solid fluidized bed: an analysis
Authors: Sahoo Abanti , Rana Subal 
Published: August 2009

AbstractAn available theoretical model for mixing index in gas‐solid fluidized bed has been analyzed for further modification and improvement. Assumption of 50% bed material moving in the upward direction and rest 50% in the downward direction considered for the above model (the counter‐flow circulation model) has been analyzed for optimum result. A computer program was run for different bed conditions by varying operating parameters, namely, the mixture composition, fractions of bed materials, minimum fluidization velocity of the jetsam particles and that of the bed materials (i.e. mixture of the jetsam and the flotsam particles). The developed model was solved by finite difference (central differencing). Fraction of the bed material moving in the upward direction was varied from 0 to 100% and the minimum fluidization velocity was varied within the Umf of the flotsam to that of the jetsam particles (i.e. 0.465–1.0335 m/s). Optimum fraction of bed materials with respect to its distribution (as per the earlier proposed model) in the upward and downward streams during the fluidization process was found to be 20 and 80%, respectively. The modified model was validated by conducting experiments on fluidization and studying the mixing characteristics of regular homogeneous materials (sago) in a 15 × 100 cm cylindrical column. Fairly good agreement was observed between the values of mixing index obtained from the proposed modified model and the experimental observations. Copyright © 2009 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of an uneven DBD reactor for diesel PM removal
Authors: Yao Shuiliang , Kodama Satoshi , Yamamoto Shin , Fushimi Chihiro , Madokoro Kazuhiko , Mine Chieko , Fujioka Yuichi 
Published: August 2009

AbstractAn uneven dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) reactor of 21 electrode pairs that can improve the energy efficiency for the removal of particulate matter (PM) from a diesel engine is characterized. Ninety percent of PM (about 0.48 g/h) is removed by plasma discharges at an energy injection of 90 W into an exhaust gas (40 Nm3/h with PM emission rate 0.53 g/h). The discharge properties and relations of PM removal and energy efficiency with energy injection are given. The fuel penalty due to the use of the uneven DBD reactor is estimated. Comparison with other types of DBD reactors is carried out. Copyright © 2009 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and properties of random copolymers of 2,2‐dimethyltrimethylene carbonate and ethylene carbonate catalyzed by lanthanide tris(2,6‐di‐tert‐butyl‐4‐methylphenolate)
Authors: Xu Ning , Liu Xin , Liu Yixin , Zhu Weipu , Chen Feng , Shen Zhiquan 
Published: August 2009

AbstractRandom copolymers of 2,2‐dimethyltrimethylene carbonate and ethylene carbonate (EC) were synthesized with lanthanide tris(2,6‐di‐tert‐butyl‐4‐methylphenolate)s [Ln(DBMP)3; Ln = La, Nd, Sm, or Dy] as catalysts, among which La(DBMP)3 showed the highest activity. Poly(2,2‐dimethyltrimethylene carbonate‐co‐ethylene carbonate)s [poly(DTC‐co‐EC)]s with high molecular weights were prepared at room temperature and characterized with 1H‐NMR and size exclusion chromatography. The thermal behavior and crystalline properties of the poly(DTC‐co‐EC)s were analyzed with differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and X‐ray diffraction. The crystallinity and melting temperatures of the poly(DTC‐co‐EC)s both decreased with increasing EC content in the copolymers. The mechanical properties of these copolymers were also investigated with dynamic mechanical analysis and tensile strength measurements, which revealed that a reduction of the glass‐transition temperature and great enhancement of the tensile properties could be achieved with higher EC contents. These improvements in the thermal and mechanical properties indicate potential applications in biomedical research for novel polycarbonates. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Microwave‐initiated synthesis of polyacrylamide grafted sodium alginate: Synthesis and characterization
Authors: Sen Gautam , Singh Ram Prakash , Pal Sagar 
Published: August 2009

AbstractMicrowave‐initiated synthesis of polyacrylamide‐grafted sodium alginate, a graft copolymer with wide variety of applications has been reported in this study. The effect of reaction parameters (i.e., irradiation time and monomer concentration) onto the percentage grafting has been investigated. The resulting polymer has been characterized by a variety of characterization techniques such as intrinsic viscosity measurement, Fourier transform infrared spectra,13C NMR spectra, elemental analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, molecular weight determination using static light scattering analysis, and scanning electron micrographs. Further, the flocculation efficiency of this graft copolymer has been investigated in coal suspension. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Epoxidized natural rubber–alumina nanoparticle composites: Optimization of mixer parameters via response surface methodology
Authors: Mohamad Noraiham , Muchtar Andanastuti , Ghazali Mariyam Jameelah , Mohd Dahlan HJ. , Azhari Che Husna 
Published: August 2009

AbstractEpoxidized natural rubber–alumina nanoparticle composites were prepared by melt compounding with an internal mixer for a constant filler loading of 10 phr. Mixer parameters such as the mixing temperature, mixing time, and rotor speed were screened and optimized with response surface methodology to maximize the impact strength. The parameters were selected as three independent variables and the impact strength (J/m) was selected as the response in a screening factor study. The mixing temperature and its interaction terms were identified as insignificant factors with a P value greater than 0.0500. The optimum calculated values of the tested variables (rotor speed and mixing time) for the maximum impact strength were found to be a rotor speed of 60 rpm and a mixing time of 6 min with a predicted impact strength of 208.88 J/m. These predicted optimum parameters were tested in real experiments. The final impact strength was found to be close to the predicted value of 215.84 J/m, with only a 3.33% deviation. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Characterization of polyurethane resins by FTIR, TGA, and XRD
Authors: Trovati Graziella , Sanches Edgar Ap , Neto Salvador Claro , Mascarenhas Yvonne P. , Chierice Gilberto O. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractFourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy, Thermogravimetric Analysis, and X‐ray Diffractometry have been used to investigate the rigid, semi rigid, and soft polyurethane (PU) forms, which were developed by the Group of Analytic Chemistry and Technology of Polymers ‐ USP ‐ São Carlos. The –NCO/–OH ratios were 0.6, 0.5, and 0.3% for rigid, semi rigid, and soft PUs, respectively, showing that different ratios cause differences in thermal behaviors and crystalline structures of the synthesized PU resins. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
The impact of flare on disease costs of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Zhu Tracy Y. , Tam Lai‐shan , Lee Vivian W.‐Y. , Lee Kenneth K.‐C. , Li Edmund K. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate both direct and indirect costs of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients with and without flares from a societal perspective, and to investigate the impact of the severity and clinical manifestations of flares on direct/indirect costs.MethodsA retrospective cost‐of‐illness study was performed on 306 SLE patients. Participants completed questionnaires on sociodemographics, employment status, and out‐of‐pocket expenses. Health resources consumption was recorded by chart review and patient self‐reported questionnaire. The total number of flares and involved organs during the preceding 12 months were recorded. Multiple linear regression was performed to determine the cost predictors.ResultsPatients with flares were younger, had shorter disease duration, and had higher disease activity at the time of the assessment. The overall incidence of lupus flares was 0.24 episodes per patient‐year. Patients with flares used more health care resources and incurred significantly higher annual direct and indirect costs. The mean total costs per patient‐year were 2‐fold higher for patients with flares ($22,580 versus $10,870 [2006 US dollars]; P < 0.0005). Multiple regression analysis showed that the number of flares was an independent explanatory variable associated with increased direct costs. Patients with multiorgan flares or renal/neuropsychiatric flares incurred higher direct costs compared with those with single‐organ flares or with other organ flares.ConclusionPatients with flares incur higher direct and indirect costs compared with those without flares. Major organ flares incur higher disease costs than other organ flares. Treatments that effectively control disease activity and prevent flares, especially major organ flares, may reduce the high costs associated with flare in SLE.
Neutrophil gelatinase–associated lipocalin is a predictor of the course of global and renal childhood‐onset systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity
Authors: Hinze Claas H. , Suzuki Michiko , Klein‐Gitelman Marisa , Passo Murray H. , Olson Judyann , Singer Nora G. , Haines Kathleen A. , Onel Karen , O'Neil Kathleen , Silverman Earl D. , Tucker Lori , Ying Jun , Devarajan Prasad , Brunner Hermine I. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractObjectiveTo determine whether neutrophil gelatinase–associated lipocalin (NGAL) can predict worsening of global and renal disease activity in childhood‐onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).MethodsOne hundred eleven patients with childhood‐onset SLE were enrolled in a longitudinal, prospective study with quarterly study visits and had at least 3 study visits. At each visit, global disease activity was measured using 3 external standards: the numerically converted British Isles Lupus Assessment Group (BILAG) index, the SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 update score, and the physician's assessment of global disease activity. Renal and extrarenal disease activity were measured by the respective domain scores. The disease course over time was categorized at the most recent visit (persistently active, persistently inactive, improved, or worsening). Plasma and urinary NGAL levels were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and urinary NGAL levels were standardized to the urinary creatinine concentration. The longitudinal changes in NGAL levels were compared with the changes in SLE disease activity using mixed‐effect models.ResultsSignificant increases in standardized urinary NGAL levels of up to 104% were detected up to 3 months before worsening of lupus nephritis (as measured by all 3 external standards). Plasma NGAL levels increased significantly by as much as 26% up to 3 months before worsening of global SLE disease activity as measured by all 3 external standards. Plasma NGAL levels increased significantly by 26% as early as 3 months prior to worsening of lupus nephritis as measured by the BILAG renal score.ConclusionSerial measurement of urinary and plasma NGAL levels may be valuable in predicting impending worsening of global and renal childhood‐onset SLE disease activity.
Decreased physical function and increased pain sensitivity in mice deficient for type IX collagen
Authors: Allen Kyle D. , Griffin Timothy M. , Rodriguiz Ramona M. , Wetsel William C. , Kraus Virginia B. , Huebner Janet L. , Boyd Lawrence M. , Setton Lori A. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractObjectiveIn mice with Col9a1 gene inactivation (Col9a1−/−), osteoarthritis (OA) and intervertebral disc degeneration develop prematurely. The aim of this study was to investigate Col9a1−/−mice for functional and symptomatic changes that may be associated with these pathologies.MethodsCol9a1−/−and wild‐type mice were investigated for reflexes, functional impairment (beam walking, pole climbing, wire hang, grip strength), sensorimotor skills (rotarod), mechanical sensitivity (von Frey hair), and thermal sensitivity (hot plate/tail flick). Gait was also analyzed to determine velocity, stride frequency, symmetry, percentage stance time, stride length, and step width. Postmortem, sera obtained from the mice were analyzed for hyaluronan, and their knees and spines were graded histologically for degeneration.ResultsCol9a1−/−mice had compensatory gait changes, increased mechanical sensitivity, and impaired physical ability. Col9a1−/−mice ambulated with gaits characterized by increased percentage stance times and shorter stride lengths. These mice also had heightened mechanical sensitivity and were deficient in contact righting, wire hang, rotarod, and pole climbing tasks. Male Col9a1−/−mice had the highest mean serum hyaluronan levels and strong histologic evidence of cartilage erosion. Intervertebral disc degeneration was also detected, with Col9a1−/−mice having an increased incidence of disc tears.ConclusionThese data describe a Col9a1−/−behavioral phenotype characterized by altered gait, increased mechanical sensitivity, and impaired function. These gait and functional differences suggest that Col9a1−/−mice select locomotive behaviors that limit joint loads. The nature and magnitude of behavioral changes were largest in male mice, which also had the greatest evidence of knee degeneration. These findings suggest that Col9a1−/−mice present behavioral changes consistent with anatomic signs of OA and intervertebral disc degeneration.
Polymyalgia rheumatica prevalence in a population‐based sample
Authors: Bernatsky S. , Joseph L. , Pineau C. A. , Belisle P. , Lix L. , Banerjee D. , Clarke A. E. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractObjectiveTo determine polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) prevalence using population‐based administrative data, and to estimate the error associated with case ascertainment approaches when using these databases.MethodsCases were ascertained using physician billing and hospitalization data from the province of Manitoba (population 1.1 million). Focusing on the population age ≥45 years, we compared 3 different case definition algorithms and also used statistical methods that accounted for imperfect case ascertainment to estimate the prevalence and the properties of the ascertainment algorithms. A hierarchical Bayesian latent class regression model was developed that also allowed us to assess differences across patient demographics (sex and region of residence).ResultsUsing methods that account for the imperfect nature of both billing and hospitalization databases, we estimated the prevalence of PMR in women age ≥45 years to be lower in urban areas (754.5 cases/100,000; 95% credible interval [95% CrI] 674.1–850.3) compared with rural areas (1,004 cases/100,000; 95% CrI 886.3–1,143). This regional trend was also seen in men age ≥45 years, where the prevalence was estimated at 273.6 cases/100,000 (95% CrI 219.8–347.6) in urban areas and 380.7 cases/100,000 (95% CrI 311.3–468.1) in rural areas. Billing data appeared more sensitive in ascertaining cases than hospitalization data, and a large proportion of diagnoses was made by physicians other than rheumatologists.ConclusionThese data suggest a higher prevalence of PMR in rural versus urban regions. Our approach demonstrates the usefulness of methods that adjust for the imperfect nature of multiple information sources, which also allow for estimation of the sensitivity of different case ascertainment approaches.
Shared and idiosyncratic cortical activation patterns in autism revealed under continuous real‐life viewing conditions
Authors: Hasson Uri , Avidan Galia , Gelbard Hagar , Vallines Ignacio , Harel Michal , Minshew Nancy , Behrmann Marlene 
Published: August 2009

AbstractAlthough widespread alterations in cortical structure have been documented in individuals with autism, the functional implications of these alterations remain to be determined. Here, we adopted a novel inter‐subject correlation (inter‐SC) and intra‐subject correlation (intra‐SC) technique to quantify the reliability of the spatio‐temporal responses of functional MR activity in adults with autism during free‐viewing of a popular audio–visual movie. Whereas these complex stimuli evoke highly reliable shared response time courses in typical individuals, cortical activity was more variable across individuals with autism (low inter‐SC). Interestingly, when we measured the responses within an autistic individual across repeated presentations of the movie, we observed a unique, idiosyncratic response time course that was reliably replicated within each individual (high intra‐SC). Encouragingly, after filtering out the idiosyncratic responses from each individual time course, we were able to uncover a more typical response profile, which resembles the shared responses seen in the typical subjects. These findings indicate that, under conditions approximating real‐life situations, the neural activity of individuals with autism is characterized by individualistic responses that, although reliable within an autistic individual, are both highly variable across autistic individuals and different from the responses observed within the typical subjects. These idiosyncratic responses may underlie the atypical behaviors observed in autism. At the same time, we are encouraged by the presence of the more typical activation pattern lurking beneath these idiosyncratic fluctuations. Taken together, these findings may pave the way to future research aimed at characterizing the idiosyncratic response profiles, which, in turn, might contribute to a better understanding of the heterogeneity of the autism spectrum and its diagnosis.
Terminology of developmental abnormalities in common laboratory mammals (Version 2)
Authors: Makris Susan L. , Solomon Howard M. , Clark Ruth , Shiota Kohei , Barbellion Stephane , Buschmann Jochen , Ema Makoto , Fujiwara Michio , Grote Konstanze , Hazelden Keith P. , Hew Kok Wah , Horimoto Masao , Ooshima Yojiro , Parkinson Meg , Wise L. David 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThis update (Version 2) of the Terminology of Developmental Abnormalities in Common Laboratory Mammals (Version 1) by Wise et al. (1997) incorporates improvements and enhancements to both content and organization of the terminology, to enable greater flexibility in its application, while maintaining a consistent approach to the description of findings. The revisions are the result of an international collaboration among interested organizations, advised by individual experts and the outcomes of several workshops. The terminology remains organized into tables under the broad categories of external, visceral, and skeletal observations, following the manner in which data are typically collected and recorded in developmental toxicity studies. This arrangement of the tables, as well as other information provided in appendices, is intended to facilitate the process of specimen evaluation at the laboratory bench level. Only the commonly used laboratory mammals (i.e., rats, mice, rabbits) are addressed in the current terminology tables. The inclusion of other species that are used in developmental toxicity testing, such as primates, is considered outside the scope of the present update. Similarly, categorization of findings as, for example, “malformation” or “variation” remains unaddressed, in accordance with the overall principle that the focus of this document is descriptive terminology and not diagnosis/interpretation. The skeletal terms have been augmented to accommodate cartilage findings. Birth Defects Res (Part B) 86:227–327, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Origin and evolution of chromosomal sperm proteins
Authors: Eirín‐López José M. , Ausió Juan 
Published: August 2009

AbstractIn the eukaryotic cell, DNA compaction is achieved through its interaction with histones, constituting a nucleoprotein complex called chromatin. During metazoan evolution, the different structural and functional constraints imposed on the somatic and germinal cell lines led to a unique process of specialization of the sperm nuclear basic proteins (SNBPs) associated with chromatin in male germ cells. SNBPs encompass a heterogeneous group of proteins which, since their discovery in the nineteenth century, have been studied extensively in different organisms. However, the origin and controversial mechanisms driving the evolution of this group of proteins has only recently started to be understood. Here, we analyze in detail the histone hypothesis for the vertical parallel evolution of SNBPs, involving a “vertical” transition from a histone to a protamine‐like and finally protamine types (H → PL → P), the last one of which is present in the sperm of organisms at the uppermost tips of the phylogenetic tree. In particular, the common ancestry shared by the protamine‐like (PL)‐ and protamine (P)‐types with histone H1 is discussed within the context of the diverse structural and functional constraints acting upon these proteins during bilaterian evolution.
Left‐right asymmetry in gut development: what happens next?
Authors: Burn Sally F , Hill Robert E 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThe gastrointestinal tract is an asymmetrically patterned organ system. The signals which initiate left‐right asymmetry in the developing embryo have been extensively studied, but the downstream steps required to confer asymmetric morphogenesis on the gut organ primordia are less well understood. In this paper we outline key findings on the tissue mechanics underlying gut asymmetry, across a range of species, and use these to synthesise a conserved model for asymmetric gut morphogenesis. We also discuss the importance of correct establishment of left‐right asymmetry for gut development and the consequences of perturbations in this process.
Metabolic systems maintain stable non‐equilibrium via thermodynamic buffering
Authors: Igamberdiev Abir U. , Kleczkowski Leszek A. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractHere, we analyze how the set of nucleotides in the cell is equilibrated and how this generates simple rules that help the cell to organize itself via maintenance of a stable non‐equilibrium state. A major mechanism operating to achieve this state is thermodynamic buffering via high activities of equilibrating enzymes such as adenylate kinase. Under stable non‐equilibrium, the ratios of free and Mg‐bound adenylates, Mg2+ and membrane potentials are interdependent and can be computed. The adenylate status is balanced with the levels of reduced and oxidized pyridine nucleotides through regulated uncoupling of the pyridine nucleotide pool from ATP production in mitochondria, and through oxidation of substrates non‐coupled to NAD+ reduction in peroxisomes. The set of adenylates and pyridine nucleotides constitutes a generalized cell energy status and determines rates of major metabolic fluxes. As the result, fluxes of energy and information become organized spatially and temporally, providing conditions for self‐maintenance of metabolism.