bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prediction of Disease-associated Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms Using Virtual Genomes Constructed from a Public Haplotype Database
Authors: Miyashita A. , Kitamura N. , Kuwano R. , Akazawa K. , Toyabe S. 
Published: November 2008

Summary

Objectives:
Simultaneous dealing of hundreds of thousands of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genome-wide association studies is laborious. The aim of our study is to develop a method to decrease the number of candidate SNPs prior to the genotyping of study subjects.

Methods:
We created virtual genotype data on case and control subjects from data of the International HapMap Project by using haplotype-based simulation method. We repeated virtual case-control association studies and selected candidate SNPs. We applied the selected SNPs to previously published genetic casecontrol studies. Sensitivity to detect association with causative genes using our method was compared to the original studies and results using tag SNPs.

Results:
We found a discrete distribution pattern of SNPs, which was able to produce significant results in case-control association studies. The number of candidate SNPs that we selected was 24.7% of the number of the original set of SNPs. We applied this method to previously published genetic case-control studies and found that the use of candidate SNPs improved the sensitivity for detecting significant alleles, both compared to the original studies and to the use of tag SNPs. The results were not affected by the difference of the diseases and genes involved.

Conclusions:
Our simulation-based approach has advantages of reducing costs and improving performance to detect significant alleles. This method can be used without considering the specific disease and genes involved.
Use of Kullback–Leibler divergence for forgetting
Authors: Kárný Miroslav , Andrýsek Josef 
Published: November 2008

AbstractNon‐symmetric Kullback–Leibler divergence (KLD) measures proximity of probability density functions (pdfs). Bernardo (Ann. Stat.1979;7(3):686–690) had shown its unique role in approximation of pdfs. The order of the KLD arguments is also implied by his methodological result. Functional approximation of estimation and stabilized forgetting, serving for tracking of slowly varying parameters, use the reversed order. This choice has the pragmatic motivation: recursive estimator often approximates the parametric model by a member of exponential family (EF) as it maps prior pdfs from the set of conjugate pdfs (CEF) back to the CEF. Approximations based on the KLD with the reversed order of arguments preserves this property. In the paper, the approximation performed within the CEF but with the proper order of arguments of the KLD is advocated. It is applied to the parameter tracking and performance improvements are demonstrated. This practical result is of importance for adaptive systems and opens a way for improving the functional approximation. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Matching a system behavior with a known set of models: A quadratic optimization‐based adaptive solution
Authors: Bonilla Moisés , Martínez‐García J. C. , Pacheco‐Martínez J. , Malabre M. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe matching process between a time‐domain external behavior of a lumped single‐input single‐output dynamical system and a known set of linear continuous time‐invariant models is tackled in this paper. The proposed online solution is based on an adaptive structure detector, which in finite time locates in the known set of models the one corresponding to the observed external behavior; the detector results from the solution of a constrained quadratic optimization problem. The problem is expressed in terms of the time‐domain activity of a family of discriminating filters and is solved via a normalized gradient algorithm, which avoids mismatching due to the presence of structural zeros in the filters and can take into account band‐limited high‐frequency measurement noise. A failure detection problem concerning a simulated servomechanism is included in order to illustrate the proposed solution. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Delivery System for Self‐Healing Inorganic Films
Authors: Liu Harvey A. , Gnade Bruce E. , Balkus Kenneth J. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractMultilayer composites that utilize polymeric and brittle inorganic films are essential components for extending the lifetimes and exploiting the flexibility of many electronic devices. However, crack formation within the brittle inorganic layers that arise from defects as well as the flexing of these multilayer composite materials allows the influx of atmospheric water, a major source of device degradation. Thus, a composite material that can initiate self‐healing upon the influx of environmental water through defects or stress‐induced cracks would find potential applications in multilayer composite materials for permeation barriers. In the present study, the reactive metal oxide precursor TiCl4 is encapsulated within the pores of a degradable polymer, poly(lactic acid) (PLA). Electrospun PLA fibers are found to be reactive to atmospheric water leading to the hydrolysis of the degradable polymer shell and subsequent release of the reactive metal oxide precursor. Release of the reactive TiCl4 from the pores results in hydrolysis of the metal oxide precursor, forming solid titanium oxides at the surface of the fibers. The efficacy of this self‐healing delivery system is also demonstrated by the integration of these reactive fibers in the polymer planarization layer, poly(methyl methacrylate), of a multilayer film, upon which an alumina barrier layer is deposited. The introduction of nanocracks in the alumina barrier layer lead to the release of the metal oxide precursor from the pores of the fibers and the formation of titanium dioxide nanoparticles within the crack and upon the thin film surface. In this study the first delivery system that may find utility for the self‐healing of multilayer barrier films through the site‐specific delivery of metal oxide nanoparticles through smart reactive composite fibers is established.
Controllable Soluble Protein Concentration Gradients in Hydrogel Networks
Authors: Peret Brian J. , Murphy William L. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractHere, controlled formation of sustained, soluble protein concentration gradients within hydrated polymer networks is reported. The approach involves spatially localizing proteins or biodegradable, protein‐loaded microspheres within hydrogels to form a protein‐releasing “depot.” Soluble protein concentration gradients are then formed as the released protein diffuses away from the localized source. Control over key gradient parameters, including maximum concentration, gradient magnitude, slope, and time dynamics, is achieved by controlling the release of protein from the depot and subsequent transport through the hydrogel. Results demonstrate a direct relationship between the amount of protein released from the depot and the source concentration, gradient magnitude, and slope of the concentration gradient. In addition, an inverse relationship exists between the diffusion coefficient of protein within the hydrogel and the slope of the concentration gradient. The time dynamics of the concentration gradient profile can be directly correlated to protein release from the localized source, providing a mechanism for temporarily controlling gradient characteristics. Therefore, each key biologically relevant parameter associated with the protein concentration gradient can be controlled by defining protein release and diffusion. It is anticipated that the resulting materials may be useful in 3D cell culture systems, and in emerging tissue engineering approaches that aim to regenerate complex, functional tissues.
Highly Porous Crosslinkable PLA‐PNB Block Copolymer Scaffolds
Authors: Wang Yiqing , Noga David E. , Yoon Kunsang , Wojtowicz Abigail M. , Lin Angela S. P. , García Andrés J. , Collard David M. , Weck Marcus 
Published: November 2008

AbstractPoly(lactic acid) (PLA)‐block‐poly(norbornene) (PNB) copolymers which bear photocrosslinkable cinnamate side‐chains are synthesized by combining the ring‐opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) of norbornenes with the ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of lactides. Highly porous 3D scaffolds with tunable pore sizes ranging from 20 to 300 µm are fabricated through liquid–solid phase separation. Scaffolds with an average pore size around 250 µm, which are under investigation as bone grafting materials, are reproducibly obtained from freeze‐drying 5% w/v benzene solutions of PLA‐b‐PNB copolymers at −10 °C. As a demonstration of the impact of photocrosslinking of cinnamate side‐chains, scaffolds are exposed to UV radiation for 8 h, resulting in a 33% increase in the compressive modulus of the polymeric scaffold. The foams and the methodology described herein represent a new strategy toward polymeric scaffolds with potential for use in regenerative medicine applications.
An Electrochemical Bottom‐Up Approach to Producing Nanostructured Electrodes Based on Nanocolumnar ZnO Acting as a Self‐Assembled Template
Authors: Finke Alexandre , Poizot Philippe , Guéry Claude , Mazouzi Driss , Tarascon Jean‐Marie 
Published: November 2008

AbstractAn Fe3O4/Cu nanostructured prototype electrode was developed from a 100% bottom‐up approach thanks to an original three‐step electrodeposition procedure that enlists 1) the growth of a ZnO nanocolumnar template, 2) the filling of the template voids by copper prior to the dissolution of the zincite nanopillars, and 3) the plating on the remaining copper nanodots of the Fe3O4 phase. The key technological point is that ZnO readily forms nanorod arrays by self‐assembly when an aqueous solution of ZnII, saturated by dioxygen, is cathodically polarized. The as‐obtained inorganic solid template is sufficiently stable for further deposition steps of any kind (metals, oxides, polymers, and so on) but is easy to remove in both acidic and alkaline media. The self‐supported Fe3O4/Cu nanostructured electrode shows, besides sustained capacity retention, outstanding rate capability when electrochemically tested versus Li. This original and soft process, derived from template‐assisted synthesis, avoids fixing (mechanically) a nanoporous membrane on the substrate, thus, enabling nanostructural design on shapeless surfaces.
A Simple, One‐Step Approach to Durable and Robust Superhydrophobic Textiles
Authors: Zimmermann Jan , Reifler Felix A. , Fortunato Giuseppino , Gerhardt Lutz‐Christian , Seeger Stefan 
Published: November 2008

AbstractSuperhydrophobic textile fabrics are prepared by a simple, one‐step gas phase coating procedure by which a layer of polymethylsilsesquioxane nanofilaments is grown onto the individual textile fibers. A total of 11 textile fabrics made from natural and man made fibers are successfully coated and their superhydrophobic properties evaluated by the water shedding angle technique. A thorough investigation of the commercially relevant poly(ethylene terephthalate) fabric reveals an unparalleled long‐term water resistance and stability of the superhydrophobic effect. Because of the special surface geometry generated by the nanoscopic, fibrous coating on the microscopic, fibrous textiles, the coated fabric remains completely dry even after two months of full immersion in water and stays superhydrophobic even after continuous rubbing with a skin simulating friction partner under significant load. Furthermore, important textile parameters such as tensile strength, color, and haptics are unaffected by the silicone nanofilament coating. For the first time, an in‐depth characterization of the wetting properties, beyond simple contact angle measurements, as well as a thorough evaluation of the most important textile parameters is performed on a superhydrophobic fabric, which reveals a true potential for application.
Ionic Liquid Effect on the Reversal of Configuration for the Magnesium(II) and Copper(II) Bis(oxazoline)‐Catalysed Enantioselective Diels–Alder Reaction
Authors: Goodrich P. , Hardacre C. , Paun C. , Pârvulescu V. I. , Podolean I. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractIonic liquids have been used to support a range of magnesium‐ and copper‐based bis(oxazoline) complexes for the enantioselective Diels–Alder reaction between N‐acryloyloxazolidinone and cyclopentadiene. Compared with reaction performed in dichloromethane or diethyl ether, an enhancement in ee is observed with a large increase in reaction rate. In addition, for non‐sterically hindered bis(oxazoline) ligands, that is, phenyl functionalised ligands, a reversal in configuration is found in the ionic liquid, 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bis[(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide], compared with molecular solvents. Supported ionic liquid phase catalysts have also been developed using surface‐modified silica which show good reactivity and enantioselectivity for the case of the magnesium‐based bis(oxazoline) complexes. Poor ees and conversion were observed for the analogous copper‐based systems. Some drop in ee was found on supporting the catalyst due a drop in the rate of reaction and, therefore, an increase in the contribution from the uncatalysed achiral reaction.
Suppressing the segregation of granular mixtures in rotating tumblers
Authors: Vargas Watson L. , Hajra Suman K. , Shi Deliang , McCarthy J. J. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractWhile an understanding of the dynamics of segregation has begun to emerge, controlling segregation continues to be a complicated problem. The use of time‐modulation—via selective baffle placement—in order to suppress segregation in rotating tumblers is explored. Bidisperse (size or density), cohesionless granular materials in quasi‐two‐dimensional (2‐D) rotating containers are studied by means of simulations and experiments. Results are presented in two main configurations for the placement of the baffles, (1) axial placement, and (2) attached to the periphery of the tumbler. Both experiments and simulations indicate that baffles attached at the periphery are ineffective in reducing segregation, while baffles axially located in the tumbler generate periodic flow inversions and dramatically reduce both density and size segregation. Qualitative and quantitative evidence is presented, in terms of the intensity of segregation. Theoretical and scale‐up arguments are provided for the practical implementation of this approach. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2008
Exudates as a fallback food forCallimico goeldii
Authors: Porter Leila M. , Garber Paul A. , Nacimento Edilio 
Published: November 2008

AbstractFallback foods have been defined as resources for which a species has evolved specific masticatory and digestive adaptations, and are consumed principally when preferred foods are scarce. In the present field investigation, we examine fungi, fruit, and exudate consumption in one group ofCallimico goeldiiin order to determine the importance of exudates as a fallback food for this species. Based on a total of 1,198 hr of quantitative behavioral data collected between mid‐November 2002–August 2003, we found that pod exudates ofParkia velutinaaccounted for 19% of callimico feeding time in the dry season. This resource was not consumed in the wet season when fruits and fungi were the most common items in the diet. In the dry season of 2005 (July), the same callimico study group did not consumeParkiapod exudates. Instead, the group ate exudates obtained from holes gouged in tree trunks by pygmy marmosets and exudates resulting from natural weathering and insect damage on trunks, roots, and lianas. Pod exudates are reported to contain greater amounts of readily available energy than do trunk and root exudates, and were consumed throughout all periods of the day, particularly in the late afternoon. Trunk and root exudates were consumed principally in the morning. We propose that digestive adaptations of the hindgut, which enable callimicos to exploit fungi (a resource high in structural carbohydrates) year‐round, predispose them to efficiently exploit and process exudates as fallback foods when other resources, such as ripe fruits, are scarce. Am. J. Primatol. 71:120–129, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evidences of solvent‐induced miscibility in polychloroprene‐co‐ethylene‐propene diene terpolymer blends
Authors: Dubey K. A. , Bhardwaj Y. K. , Chaudhari C. V. , Kumar Virendra , Goel N. K. , Sabharwal S. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractSolvent dependent changes in the compatibility behavior of Polychloroprene/Ethylene–propylene–diene terpolymer blends (CR/EPDM) have been investigated using dilute solution viscometry and solvent permeability analysis. To predict the compatibility of rubber blends of different compositions in solvents of different cohesive energy densities, Huggins interaction parameter (ΔB), hydrodynamic interaction (Δη) and Sun's parameter (α) were evaluated from the analysis of the specific and reduced viscosity data of two and three‐component polymer solutions. Miscibility criteria were not satisfied for CR/EPDM blends over the entire composition range in toluene, xylene, and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), however, a narrow miscibility domain was observed in chloroform (CHCl3) for CR/EPDM/CHCl3 system. These results were further corroborated with the analysis of heat of mixing (ΔHm) and polymer–polymer interaction parameter (χ12), for all rubber blend compositions. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Kinetics of the thermal degradation of hyperbranched poly(phenylene sulfide)
Authors: Bo Yan , Yanmo Chen , Hao You , Bin Sun , Meifang Zhu 
Published: November 2008

AbstractAn advanced heat‐resistant hyperbranched poly(phenylene sulfide) (HPPS) had been subjected to dynamic thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) in nitrogen. The presence of a single peak in the DTG cures suggested that weight loss occurs in a single stage. The thermal decomposition kinetics had been analyzed by applying the Kissinger, Friedman and Ozawa‐Flynn methods. The E values determined for the hyperbranched PPS using these analyses were found to be 183.1, 189.2, 193.9 kJ mol−1, respectively. Coats‐Redfern method was used to discuss the probable degradation mechanisms. The solid‐state decomposition mechanism followed by the degradation stage of HPPS was Phase boundary controlled mechanism (R1). © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Effect of silane coupling agent on swelling behaviors and mechanical properties of thermosensitive hybrid gels
Authors: Huang Wei‐Jen , Lee Wen‐Fu 
Published: November 2008

AbstractA series of organic–inorganic hybrid thermosensitive gels with three different structures were prepared from N‐isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm), and N, N′‐methylenebisacrylamide (NMBA) and tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) [N‐IPN]; NIPAAm, 3‐(trimethoxysilyl) propyl methacrylate (TMSPMA) as coupling agent and TEOS [NT‐IPN]; and NIPAAm, TMSPMA, and TEOS [NT‐semi‐IPN] by emulsion polymerization and sol–gel reaction in this study. The effect of different gel structures and coupling agent on the swelling behavior, mechanical properties, and morphologies of the present gels was investigated. Results showed that the properties of the gels would be affected by the gel networks such as IPN or semi‐IPN and with or without existence of TMSPMA as the bridge chain between networks. The NT‐semi‐IPN gel had higher swelling ratio and faster diffusion rate because poly(NIPAAm) moiety in the semi‐IPN gels was not restricted by NMBA network. However, the IPN gels such as N‐IPN and NT‐IPN had good mechanical properties and lower swelling ratio, but had a poor thermosensitivity due to the addition of coupling agent, TMSPMA, into the gel system that resulted in denser link between organic and inorganic components. The morphology showed that IPN gels had partial aggregation (siloxane domain) and showed some denser phases. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Markers of acculturation and risk of NTDs among Hispanic women in California
Authors: Carmichael Suzan L. , Shaw Gary M. , Song Jun , Abrams Barbara 
Published: November 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND: Prevalences of NTDs are typically 50–100% greater among Hispanic women compared to non‐Hispanic Whites. This article examines whether markers of acculturation such as “language preference” allow the identification of high‐risk groups within the Hispanic population. It also examines whether known NTD risk factors explain observed differences in risk among Hispanic women who are more and less acculturated. METHODS: This population‐based case‐control study of deliveries in selected California counties from 1999–2003 included 337 NTD cases and 626 nonmalformed, liveborn controls. RESULTS: Relative to less acculturated US‐born Hispanic women (i.e., women who preferred reading and speaking Spanish), other subgroups (i.e., US‐born Hispanic women who preferred English, foreign‐born Hispanic women regardless of “language preference”, and non‐Hispanic White women) had approximately twofold increased risks of spina bifida. Only the less acculturated foreign‐born women (i.e., women with a preference for Spanish) had substantially increased risk of anencephaly (OR 1.7; 95% CI 0.9, 3.4). Adjustment for several NTD risk factors (maternal intake of folic acid‐containing supplements, dietary folate intake, body mass index, food insecurity, stressful life events, smoking, alcohol intake, education, income, and neighborhood education and poverty) resulted in modest or no reductions in most of the ORs. CONCLUSIONS: The explanation for variability in NTD risks among Hispanic and non‐Hispanic White women therefore likely extends beyond most known NTD risk factors. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A case control population‐based study investigating smoking as a risk factor for gastroschisis in Utah, 1997–2005
Authors: Feldkamp Marcia L. , Alder Stephen C. , Carey John C. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND:Smoking in pregnancy increases the risk for many different adverse pregnancy outcomes, including birth defects. Gastroschisis, a birth defect most commonly associated with young maternal age has been associated with smoking, but findings are inconsistent. We assessed whether smoking increases the risk for gastroschisis using population‐based data from Utah.METHODS:Gastroschisis cases (n= 189) were identified from the Utah Birth Defect Network and all live births without birth defects (n= 423,499) occurring in Utah from January 1, 1997 through December 31, 2005 served as controls. Exposure data were derived from birth certificates and fetal death certificates and, for terminated pregnancies, the Utah Birth Defect Network.RESULTS:Women who smoked during the first trimester of pregnancy had an increased risk of gastroschisis (OR 1.6; 95% CI: 1.1, 2.3) after adjusting for maternal age and preconception BMI. Discordance between birth certificate data and data from structured interviews increased exposure prevalence from 16.9 to 22.2% for case mothers and 7.4 to 13.2% for control mothers. Accounting for this misclassification, the crude OR decreased by 24%, 1.9 (1.3, 2.7).CONCLUSIONS:Though first trimester cigarette smoking was reported on birth certificates by more mothers of gastroschisis cases than controls, adjustment for confounders (maternal age and preconception BMI) and smoking misclassification suggests the association is weak. Despite a decrease in smoking prevalence among all women of childbearing years in Utah between 1997 and 2005, the prevalence of gastroschisis has not followed a similar trend. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.