bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Affinity Maturation of Tacrolimus Antibody for Improved Immunoassay Performance
Authors: Siegel Robert W , Baugher Wade , Rahn Tanya , Drengler Susan , Tyner Joan 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Background: Organic solvents used for extraction of tacrolimus from whole blood samples lower the apparent affinity of the antibody used in a diagnostic immunoassay, thereby affecting the detection limit.
Methods: We used in vitro recombinant antibody engineering to screen and isolate clones from diverse libraries with mutagenic complementarity regions (CDRs) from tacrolimus 1-60-46 hybridoma cell line, with improved binding to tacrolimus in the presence of 10% methanol organic solvent solution.
Results: We isolated a number of clones with mutations in variable heavy (VH) CDR 2, variable light (VL) CDR 1, and VL CDR 3 with improved binding. Various combinatorial pairings constructed from these individual mutations contained &gt;10-fold improvements in both the dissociation rate and overall equilibrium affinity constants. Selected clones produced as IgG have increased functional sensitivity, with a 3- to 6-fold reduction in the limit of detection relative to the parental tacrolimus 1-60-46 monoclonal antibody in the Architect® Tacrolimus immunodiagnostic assay.
Conclusions: The recent advent of recombinant in vitro antibody display technologies in general, and yeast surface display in particular, allows the flexibility to engineer new or augment specific analytical characteristics, such as affinity, specificity, or stability, into previously isolated and otherwise desirable antibodies to enhance assay performance. These in vitro selections can also be performed under conditions meant to mimic the assay in which the reagent will ultimately be used, to increase the likelihood of successful assay development.
Fatigue Crack Growth in Integrally Stiffened Panels Joined Using Friction Stir Welding and Swept Friction Stir Spot Welding
Authors: Burford Dwight A. , Tweedy Bryan M. , Widener Christian A. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Fatigue crack growth rates in AA2024-T3 sheet joined to AA7075-T6 stiffeners by friction stir welding have been compared with rates measured in panels joined with rivets and in unstiffened parent material panels. Friction stir panels were prepared with both continuous friction stir welding (FSW) and swept friction stir spot welding (FSSW). Fatigue cracks in edge crack panels with continuous FSW joints tended to grow into the parent material away from the stiffeners. This behavior was attributed to the reduced stress levels corresponding to the increased thickness of continuous FSW joints and the support of the attached stiffener. Fatigue cracks in edge crack panels were found to follow the joint line in panels made with discrete fasteners (both rivets and swept FSSW joints). The measured crack growth rates in riveted panels increased at an increasing rate as the crack approached the riveted joints. In contrast, crack growth rates in panels joined with FSSW decreased at a decreasing rate as the crack approached the swept spot joints. Test results indicate that the swept FSSW process produced favorable residual stresses that inhibited fatigue crack growth along the joint line.
An investigation of bacteriological and chemical water quality and the barriers to private well water sampling in a Southwestern Ontario Community
Authors: Hexemer April M. , Pintar Katarina , Bird Tom M. , Zentner Shawn E. , Garcia Henry P. , Pollari Frank 
Published: April 2008

Private well owners in Canada are responsible for maintenance, including routine sampling, of their private drinking water supply. Sampling rates in a Southern Ontario community are well below the public health recommendation. A study with private well owners was conducted to improve private well water sampling rates through the removal of two significant barriers to private well water testing.
During the pilot and extended study phases, 549 nitrate and 425 bacteriological water sampling bottles were delivered to private well owners and water samples were collected the following day. A follow-up telephone survey was conducted with both study participants and non-participants to identify barriers to private water sampling that were encountered by the study sample population.
Participation rates in the pilot and extended study phases were less than 50% prompting the follow-up telephone survey. Inconvenience and lack of time [statistically significant, P &lt; 0.01] were found to be the main barriers for participation in the study.
The findings from this study illustrate the influence that certain barriers have on the frequency of private well water testing in a Southern Ontario community. The findings provide guidance for other health authorities to improve sampling rates.
Spatial Databases
Authors: Gandhi Vijay , Kang James M. , Shekhar Shashi 
Published: April 2008

AbstractSpatial database research has continued to advance greatly in the last three decades addressing the growing data management and analysis needs of spatial applications. This research has produced a taxonomy of models for space, conceptual models, spatial query languages and query processing, spatial file organization and indexes, and spatial data mining. However, emerging needs for spatial database systems include the handling of 3‐D spatial data, temporal dimension with spatial data, and spatial data visualization. In addition, the rise of new systems such as sensor networks and multicore processors is likely to have an impact in spatial databases. The goal of this article is to provide a broad overview of the recent advancements in spatial databases and of research needs in each area.
Energy optimization for the design of corn‐based ethanol plants
Authors: Karuppiah Ramkumar , Peschel Andreas , Grossmann Ignacio E. , Martín Mariano , Martinson Wade , Zullo Luca 
Published: April 2008

AbstractIn this work, we address the problem of optimizing corn‐based bioethanol plants through the use of heat integration and mathematical programming techniques. The goal is to reduce the operating costs of the plant. Capital cost, energy usage, and yields—all contribute to production cost. Yield and energy usage also influence the viability of corn‐based ethanol as a sustainable fuel. We first propose a limited superstructure of alternative designs including the various process units and utility streams involved in ethanol production. Our objective is to determine the connections in the network and the flow in each stream in the network such that we minimize the energy requirement of the overall plant. This is accomplished through the formulation of a mixed‐integer nonlinear programming problem involving short‐cut models for mass and energy balances for all the units in the system, where the model is solved through two nonlinear programming subproblems. We then perform a heat integration study on the resulting flowsheet; the modified flowsheet includes multieffect distillation columns that further reduces energy consumption. The results indicate that it is possible to reduce the current steam consumption required in the transformation of corn into fuel grade ethanol by more than 40% compared to initial basic design. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2008
Schinzel–Giedion syndrome: Report of splenopancreatic fusion and proposed diagnostic criteria
Authors: Lehman Anna M. , McFadden Deborah , Pugash Denise , Sangha Karan , Gibson William T. , Patel Millan S. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractWe report on the 46th patient with Schinzel–Giedion syndrome (SGS) and the first observation of splenopancreatic fusion in this syndrome. In the antenatal period, a male fetus was found to have bilateral hydronephrosis. Postnatally, in keeping with a diagnosis of SGS, there were large fontanelles, ocular hypertelorism, a wide, broad forehead, midface retraction, a short, upturned nose, macroglossia, and a short neck. Other anomalies included cardiac defects, widened and dense long bone cortices, cerebral ventriculomegaly, and abnormal fundi. Splenopancreatic fusion, usually encountered in trisomy 13, was found on autopsy. Schinzel–Giedion syndrome is likely a monogenic condition for which neither the heritability pattern nor pathogenesis has yet been determined. A clinical diagnosis may be made by identifying the facial phenotype, including prominent forehead, midface retraction, and short, upturned nose, plus one of either of the two other major distinguishing features: typical skeletal abnormalities or hydronephrosis. Typical skeletal anomalies include a sclerotic skull base, wide supraoccipital‐exoccipital synchondrosis, increased cortical density or thickness, and broad ribs. Other highly supportive features include neuroepithelial tumors (found in 17%), hypertrichosis, and brain abnormalities. Severe developmental delay and poor survival are constant features in reported patients. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Chemical vapor deposition of metal borides: 6. The formation of neodymium boride thin film materials from polyhedral boron clusters and metal halides by chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Kher Shreyas S. , Romero Jennifer V. , Caruso John D. , Spencer James T. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of crystalline thin films of neodymium hexaboride (NdB6) was achieved using either nido‐pentaborane(9) or nido‐decaborane(14) with neodymium(III) chloride on different substrates. The highly crystalline NdB6 films were formed at relatively moderate temperatures (835 °C, ca. 1 µm/h) and were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray emission spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction and glow discharge mass spectrometry. The NdB6 polycrystalline films were found to be pure and uniform in composition in the bulk material. Depositions using CoCl2, NdCl3 and B5H9 as the CVD precursors resulted in the formation of a mixture of NdB6 and CoB phases, rather than the ternary phase. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investigation of Barton esters as radical photoinitiators
Authors: Dietlin C. , Allonas X. , Morlet‐Savary F. , Fouassier J. P. , Visconti M. , Norcini G. , Romagnano S. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractDifferent photoinitiators based on Barton thiohydroxamic esters,O‐acyl‐N‐hydroxy‐pyridine‐2(1H)‐thione andO‐acyl‐N‐hydroxy‐thiazole‐2(3H)‐thione derivatives, were tested in photopolymerization reactions through time‐resolved FTIR spectroscopy. Good rates of polymerization and final monomer conversion were obtained for some compounds. The excited state processes, investigated by time resolved absorption spectroscopy, lie on a fast singlet state cleavage leading to thiyl and alkyl radicals. Both the pyridine‐2(1H)‐thiyl and alkyl radicals are able to initiate a polymerization, in contrast with the thiazole‐2(3H)‐thiyl radical. A triplet state is observed for some derivatives. Computational studies help to describe the excited state properties and show a strong difference in the spin localization in the formed thiyl initiating radicals. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Study on a novel N‐functionalized multilithium initiator and its application for preparing star‐shaped N‐functionalized styrene‐butadiene rubber
Authors: Sun Liang , Wang Yurong , Li Yang , Zhang Chunqing 
Published: April 2008

AbstractA novel N‐functionalized multilithium (N‐M‐Li) initiator was synthesized from divinylbenzene (DVB) and lithiohexamethyleneimine (LHMI), and its microstructure and molecular weight distribution were characterized by 1H‐NMR and GPC, respectively. Reaction kinetics of synthesis of N‐M‐Li was also studied and the apparent propagation rate constants of different monomers in this reaction were obtained. Star‐shaped N‐functionalized styrene‐butadiene rubber (SBR) was prepared by anionic polymerization using N‐M‐Li as initiator, N,N,N′,N′‐tetramethylethylenediamine (TMEDA) as polar additive, and cyclohexane as solvent. The molecular weight distribution of the target product was measured by GPC and the result showed that it contained a certain amount of star‐shaped polymers. Three types of SBR were initiated by N‐M‐Li, LHMI, and n‐BuLi, respectively, and then were contrasted in terms of the loss factor (tan δ) by DMA, which demonstrated that N‐M‐Li initiator could provide rubbers with improved hysteresis characteristics. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Biomechanical Evaluation of Equine Masticatory Action: Position and Curvature of Equine Cheek Teeth and Age‐Related Changes
Authors: Huthmann Stefanie , Gasse Hagen , Jacob Hans‐Georg , Rohn Karl , Staszyk Carsten 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe equine cheek tooth battery is part of a very dynamic system. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the curvature and position of the teeth are also involved in such dynamical processes. The alveolar crest was labelled with a radiodense marker (48 cadaver heads, 15 skulls) and laterolateral radiographs were taken. Then a geometrical method was elaborated to determine a cheek tooth's curvature and its position by means of specific angles. This method respects the remarkable changes of the equine dentition throughout life by considering two items: (1) the alveolar crest was taken as a constant landmark, (2) the central axis of the curved dental crown was determined by calculation of a linear regression equation. This equation considered several geometrically determined points on the curved dental crown which had been marked in the radiographs. Our study yielded the following results: Mandibular cheek teeth became more curved with age, but their positions (represented by the so‐called mesio‐occlusal angle between tooth and alveolar crest) did not change significantly. In maxillary cheek teeth, however, the mesio‐occlusal angle became larger with age (indication of change of dental position), while their curvature did not change. Even though changes of the dental position were not always statistically significant, they are discussed as being biologically/functionally relevant. The mandibular anticlinal tooth, i.e. the tooth positioned at a mesio‐occlusal angle of about 90°, was not in contact with the maxillary anticlinal tooth. Interestingly, the maxillary anticlinal tooth is known to cause most clinical dental problems. Anat Rec, 291:565–570, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
In Holz eingeklebte stiftförmige faserverstärkte Kunststoffe – Experimentelle Untersuchungen und mechanische Modellierung
Authors: Pörtner Carsten , Seim Werner 
Published: April 2008

AbstractDer Einsatz faserverstärkter Kunststoffe ist seit mehreren Jahren auf vielen Gebieten des Bauwesens zu beobachten. So wird beispielsweise die Technologie der nachträglichen Biegeverstärkung von Massivbauwerken mittels im Zugbereich aufgeklebter Kohlefaserlamellen schon seit mehr als 10 Jahren im Rahmen von Systemlösungen mit allgemein bauaufsichtlicher Zulassung angeboten.Dieser Beitrag beschreibt nach einer kurzen Zusammenfassung zu bisherigen Arbeiten anderer Autoren auf diesem Gebiet die Untersuchungen zum Verbundverhalten von in Holz eingeklebten Kunststoffstäben. Es werden Ergebnisse experimenteller und numerischer Untersuchungen vorgestellt und praxisgerechte Hinweise für die Ausführung des Klebverbunds gegeben. Abschließend wird ein für die Praxis handhabbares Rechenmodell vorgestellt, das das Verbundverhalten in Holz eingeklebter Stäbe bis zum Versagen zutreffend abbildet. Dem Anwender werden hierzu erforderliche Materialkennwerte und Modellparameter in Form einer Tabelle an die Hand gegeben.
On the origins of novelty in development and evolution
Authors: Moczek Armin P. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe origin of novel traits is what draws many to evolutionary biology, yet our understanding of the mechanisms that underlie the genesis of novelty remains limited. Here I review definitions of novelty including its relationship to homology. I then discuss how ontogenetic perspectives may allow us to move beyond current roadblocks in our understanding of the mechanics of innovation. Specifically, I explore the roles of canalization, plasticity and threshold responses during development in generating a reservoir of cryptic genetic variation free to drift and accumulate in natural populations. Environmental or genetic perturbations that exceed the buffering capacity of development can then release this variation, and, through evolution by genetic accommodation, result in rapid diversification, recurrence of lost phenotypes as well as the origins of novel features. I conclude that, in our quest to understand the nature of innovation, the nature of development deserves to take center stage. BioEssays 30:432–447, 2008. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mechanical restraints as positive reinforcers for aggression
Authors: Kahng SungWoo , Leak Jean‐Marie , Vu Chau , Mishler Brian 
Published: April 2008

AbstractResearch suggests that, in some cases, mechanical restraints may function as positive reinforcers. In this study, we conducted a functional analysis of severe aggression exhibited by an individual with a history of wearing arm splints. The results of this functional analysis demonstrated that his aggression was maintained by access to the arm splints. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exploring sequence space: Profile analysis and protein‐ligand docking to screen ω‐aminotransferases with expanded substrate specificity
Authors: Seo Joo‐Hyun , Park Hyung‐Yeon , Kim Juhan , Lee Bon‐Su , Kim Byung‐Gee 
Published: April 2008

Abstractω‐Aminotransferase (ωAT) is an interesting biocatalyst for the preparation of chiral amines, which are widely used as building blocks for pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals and fine chemicals. With the assumption that substrate and sequence spaces are in the process of co‐evolution, we explored sequences space to screen the enzymes showing activity to new target compounds. Bacterial genome sequences (n=527) were analyzed by the profiles of subgroups in aminotransferase group II including ornithine aminotransferase (orAT), acetylornithine aminotransferase (aoAT), ωAT, γ‐aminobutyrate aminotransferase (GABAAT) and 7,8‐diaminopelargonate aminotransferase (DAPAAT). We selected the sequences having a Z score of 0‐1.8 to guarantee the ωAT reaction and to avoid the typical ωAT sequences. Among the selected sequences, we filtered out the sequences with very low Z scores for the rest of four subgroups in aminotransferase group II to consider the diversity. For the selected sequences, we performed protein‐ligand docking simulations to predict the docking pose of amino acceptor. Throughout all the analysis procedures, several candidate aminotransferase sequences for the asymmetric synthesis of chiral amines were obtained. An efficient procedure for virtual screening of novel enzymes was demonstrated.
Globotriose‐Functionalized Gold Nanoparticles as Multivalent Probes for Shiga‐like Toxin
Authors: Chien Yuh‐Yih , Jan Mi‐Dan , Adak Avijit Kumar , Tzeng Hsiao‐Chien , Lin Yen‐Ping , Chen Yu‐Ju , Wang Ken‐Tseng , Chen Chien‐Tien , Chen Chia‐Chun , Lin Chun‐Cheng 
Published: April 2008

AbstractCompared to monovalent carbohydrates, multivalent carbohydrate ligands exhibit significantly enhanced binding affinities to their interacting proteins. Here, we report globotriose (Pk ligand)‐functionalized gold nanoparticle (AuNP) probes for the investigation of multivalent interactions with the B5 subunit of Shiga‐like toxin I (B‐Slt). Six Pk‐ligand‐encapsulated AuNPs (Pk‐AuNPs) of varying particle size and linker length were synthesized and evaluated for their potential as multivalent affinity probes by using a surface plasmon resonance competition assay. The affinity of these probes for the interacting proteins was greatly affected by nanoparticle size, linker length, and ligand density on nanoparticle surface. For example, the 20‐nm 20‐Pk‐l‐AuNP, which had a relatively long linker showed a >108‐fold increase in affinity compared with the mono Pk ligand. This intrinsic high‐affinity AuNP probe specifically captured the recombinant B‐Slt from Escherichia coli lysate, and the resulting purity of the B‐Slt was >95 %. We also developed a robust Pk‐AuNP‐based detection method for Slt‐I by combining the technique with silver enhancement.
GeB4O9⋅H2en: An Organically Templated Borogermanate with Large 12‐Ring Channels Built by B4O9 Polyanions and GeO4 Units: Host–Guest Symmetry and Charge Matching in Triangular‐Tetrahedral Frameworks
Authors: Pan Chun‐Yang , Liu Guang‐Zhen , Zheng Shou‐Tian , Yang Guo‐Yu 
Published: April 2008

AbstractA new borogermanate open‐framework, FJ‐18, with intersecting 12‐/8‐, 9‐, and 9‐ring channels in multidimensions was synthesized by using an organic diamine as structure‐directing agent (SDA). X‐ray diffraction showed that its structure is constructed by flexible connection of strictly alternate B4O9 clusters (with fictitious tetrahedral geometry) and GeO4 tetrahedra to form a zeotype framework with the CrB4 topology. The topology and structural relations between FJ‐18 and FJ‐16, a known borogermanate based on the linkage of B4O9 clusters and GeO4 units, are described in detail. Different guest SDAs can, by means of their shape, size, and charge, directly influence the structure of the host framework, and the origin of these phenomena can be attributed to fundamental parameters such as host–guest symmetry and charge matching through H‐bonding interactions, the concept of which has for the first time been extended to tetrahedral‐triangular frameworks. This result is a part of our ongoing work aimed at making new large‐pore materials constructed from B–O polyanions and Ge–O cluster units.
Klebstoffe im Fahrzeugbau. Die unsichtbaren Helfer
Authors: Schmitz Franz Peter , Symietz Detlef 
Published: April 2008

AbstractKlebstoffe haben im heutigen Fahrzeugbau wichtige Funktionen übernommen. Sie ermöglichen crash‐stabile und gleichzeitig dichtende Metall‐Verbindungen, sie halten Scheiben in Position, sie schaffen neue Möglichkeiten bei Produktionsabläufen und beim Automobildesign. Gleichzeitig ist es dem Einsatz von Klebstoffen zu verdanken, dass – trotz einer wachsenden Zahl von eingebauten elektronischen und elektrischen Funktionen – das Gesamtgewicht von Fahrzeugen nicht noch weiter angestiegen ist, da mittels Klebstoffen Leichtbaumaterialien miteinander verbunden werden können. Somit tragen Klebstoffe nicht nur zu größerem Komfort und erhöhter Sicherheit bei, sondern auch zur Reduktion des Kraftstoffverbrauchs.
Grenzflächen fester Ionenleiter. Oberflächen‐Elektrochemie
Authors: Mutoro Eva , Luerßen Bjoern , Janek Jürgen 
Published: April 2008

AbstractGrenzflächen spielen für die Eigenschaften und die Anwendung fester Ionenleiter eine zentrale Rolle. Die chemischen und strukturellen Aspekte von Grenzflächen fester Ionenleiter werden dargestellt und in drei Beispielen (Metallauflösung und –abscheidung, schneller Ionentransport in Grenzflächen, elektrochemisch kontrollierte heterogene Katalyse) erläutert. Die Bedeutung der Grenzflächen für die Funktion und weitere Optimierung von Lithiumbatterien und Brennstoffzellen wird veranschaulicht.