This article presents complex clustering algorithm for Delay Tolerant Networks (DTNs) including neighborhood discovery, cluster creation, and data distribution within cluster. The general idea is to reduce the amount of messages being sent and of buffer utilization, by taking advantage of the nodes tendency to create groups and to share similar mobility patterns among each other. The main purpose of the algorithm is to improve the network performance without major changes in communication schemes between nodes. Almost no extra message type is added. Most extra features are available thanks to adding small extra fields into transmitted packages. Neighborhood discovery is being realized passively by listening to other nodes messages. The proposed algorithms allow to reduce both the bandwidth occupation, as well as the problems related to the media access. Furthermore, it can increase message delivery probability thanks to intelligent package distribution inside created cluster. Simulations were carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed solution in terms of package delivery probability, mean buffer occupancy and mean hop number to delivery the message. Results of simulation show that this solution is not necessary or recommended for small-scale networks with few nodes using clustering algorithms. However, with increasing number of nodes and messages, the performance of non-clustered DTNs drops significantly while clustered network works efficiently.

The multi-parametric capillary sensor with local sample heating has been shown as an effective tool for diesel fuel fit for use classification at the laboratory level of technology, where a trained operator performs the experiments. The sensor consists of disposable capillary optrode, head and measurement control unit. An increase of the technology level of the sensor requires automation of samples handling and implementing automatic rejection of uncertain outlier data. Such data uncertainty may come from variations of capillary optrode diameters, inaccuracy of optrode filling with sample, inaccuracy of corking the sample as well as inaccuracy of optrode positioning in the head. Mentioned inaccuracies of preparation of the measurement may lead to outlier data, which impacts the correctness of sample classification. In this paper automatic detection of outlier data received in multi-parametric capillary sensors of diesel fuels is proposed and examined with data collected by untrained and trained operators. Performed experiments show that direct statistical tools applied to raw data lead to improper results of outlier data pointing. The proper outlier data pointing taking place for raw data converted to vector pattern of data on the base of physical phenomena described by experimental data or with the use of analysis of first derivative of raw data characteristic points course.

Modern rims and wheels are tested at the design and production stages. Tests can be performed in laboratory conditions and on the ride. In the laboratory, complex and costly equipment is used, as for example wheel balancers and impact testers. Modern wheel balancers are equipped with electronic and electro-mechanical units that enable touch-less measurement of dimensions, including precision measurement of radial and lateral wheel run-out, automatic positioning and application of the counterweights, and vehicle wheel set monitoring - tread wear, drift angles and run-out unbalance. Those tests are performed by on-wheel axis measurements with laser distance meters. The impact tester enables dropping of weights from a defined height onto a wheel. Test criteria are the loss of pressure of the tire and generation of cracks in the wheel without direct impact of the falling weights. In the present paper, a set up composed of three accelerometers, a temperature sensor and a pressure sensor is examined as the base of a wheel tester. The sensor set-up configuration, on-line diagnostic and signal transmission are discussed.

Cell division cycle protein 45 (Cdc45) is an essential component of the eukaryotic replicative DNA helicase. We found that human Cdc45 forms a complex with the single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) binding protein RPA. Moreover, it actively loads RPA onto nascent ssDNA. Pull-down assays and surface plasmon resonance studies revealed that Cdc45-bound RPA complexed with ssDNA in the 8-10 nucleotide binding mode, but dissociated when RPA covered a 30-mer. Real-time analysis of RPA-ssDNA binding demonstrated that Cdc45 catalytically loaded RPA onto ssDNA. This placement reaction required physical contacts of Cdc45 with the RPA70A subdomain. Our results imply that Cdc45 controlled stabilization of the 8-nt RPA binding mode, the subsequent RPA transition into 30-mer mode and facilitated an ordered binding to ssDNA. We propose that a Cdc45-mediated loading guarantees a seamless deposition of RPA on newly emerging ssDNA at the nascent replication fork.

Increased phosphorylation of the KIF5 anterograde motor is associated with impaired axonal transport and neurodegeneration, but paradoxically also with normal transport, though the details are not fully defined. JNK phosphorylates KIF5C on S176 in the motor domain; a site that we show is phosphorylated in brain. Microtubule pelleting assays demonstrate that phosphomimetic KIF5C(1-560)S176D associates weakly with microtubules compared to KIF5C(1-560)WT. Consistent with this, 50% of KIF5C(1-560)S176D shows diffuse movement in neurons. However, the remaining 50% remains microtubule bound and displays decreased pausing and increased bidirectional movement. The same directionality switching is observed with KIF5C(1-560)WT in the presence of an active JNK chimera, MKK7-JNK. Yet, in cargo trafficking assays where peroxisome cargo is bound, KIF5C(1-560)S176D-GFP-FRB transports normally to microtubule plus ends. We also find that JNK increases the ATP hydrolysis of KIF5C in vitro. These data suggest that phosphorylation of KIF5C-S176 primes the motor to either disengage entirely from microtubule tracks as previously observed in response to stress, or to display improved efficiency. The final outcome may depend on cargo load and motor ensembles.

Multiparametric capillary sensors are used for examination of liquids. The measurements results from such sensors are data from time series measurements taken during the movement of the fluid inside the capillary. The truthful characterization requires simultaneous measurements at different capillary points or performed with different techniques or specification. Points and tracks of time series can be analyzed simultaneously. Such analysis performed by trained human operators is time consuming and sometimes not precise because of slow signals levels variations resulting from device imperfection, and fast variations resulting from the presence of noise. The paper presents result of software characteristic data detection from a two-channel capillary sensor. One channel is for the reflected signal measurement; the other channel is for sensing of the scattered signal. The fluid movement inside the capillary is forced by local heating. The software analysis allows the classification of diesel and biodiesel fuel by their content on the base of the slopes of signals manifestation. Obtained results show that the automated analysis of the differences between two simultaneous channels of signals provides more precise data than those obtained from independent time series analysis.

SummaryOxidized low‐density lipoprotein (OxLDL) plays a crucial role in the development of atherosclerosis. Carbamylated LDL has been suggested to promote atherogenesis in patients with chronic kidney disease. Here we observed that plasma IgG and IgM antibodies to carbamylated epitopes were associated with IgG and IgM antibodies to oxidation‐specific epitopes (ρ = 0·65–0·86, P < 0·001) in healthy adults, suggesting a cross‐reaction between antibodies recognizing carbamyl‐epitopes and malondialdehyde (MDA)/malondialdehyde acetaldehyde (MAA) ‐adducts. We used a phage display technique to clone a human Fab antibody that bound to carbamylated LDL and other carbamylated proteins. Anti‐carbamyl‐Fab (Fab106) cross‐reacted with oxidation‐specific epitopes, especially with MDA‐LDL and MAA‐LDL. We showed that Fab106 bound to apoptotic Jurkat cells known to contain these oxidation‐specific epitopes, and the binding was competed with soluble carbamylated and MDA‐/MAA‐modified LDL and BSA. In addition, Fab106 was able to block the uptake of carbamyl‐LDL and MDA‐LDL by macrophages and stained mouse atherosclerotic lesions. The observed cross‐reaction between carbamylated and MDA‐/MAA‐modified LDL and its contribution to enhanced atherogenesis in uraemic patients require further investigation.

Numerous high‐value therapeutic proteins are produced in Escherichia coli and exported to the periplasm, as this approach simplifies downstream processing and enables disulfide bond formation. Most recombinant proteins are exported by the Sec pathway, which transports substrates across the plasma membrane in an unfolded state. The Tat system also exports proteins to the periplasm, but transports them in a folded state. This system has attracted interest because of its tendency to transport correctly folded proteins, but this trait renders it unable to export proteins containing disulfide bonds since these are normally acquired only in the periplasm; reduced substrates tend to be recognized as incorrectly folded and rejected. In this study we have used a series of novel strains (termed CyDisCo) which oxidise disulfide bonds in the cytoplasm, and we show that these cells efficiently export a range of disulfide‐containing proteins when a Tat signal peptide is attached. These test proteins include alkaline phosphatase (PhoA), a phytase containing four disulfide bonds (AppA), an antiinterleukin 1β scFv and human growth hormone. No export of PhoA or AppA is observed in wild‐type cells lacking the CyDisCo factors. The PhoA, AppA and scFv proteins were exported in an active form by Tat in the CyDisCo strain, and mass spectrometry showed that the vast majority of the scFv protein was disulfide‐bonded and correctly processed. The evidence indicates that this combination of Tat + CyDisCo offers a novel means of exporting active, correctly folded disulfide bonded proteins to the periplasm. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 30:281–290, 2014

Mitochondrial fatty acid synthesis (mtFAS) is essential for respiratory growth in yeast and mammalian embryonic survival. The human 3-ketoacyl-acyl carrier protein (ACP) reductase (KAR) of mtFAS is a heterotetrameric α2β2-assembly composed of 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type-8 (HSD17B8, α-subunit) and carbonyl reductase type-4 (CBR4, β-subunit). Here we provide a structural explanation for the stability of the heterotetramer from the crystal structure with NAD(+) and NADP(+) bound to the HSD17B8 and CBR4 subunits, respectively, and show that the catalytic activity of the NADPH- and ACP-dependent CBR4 subunit is crucial for a functional HsKAR. Therefore, mtFAS is NADPH- and ACP dependent, employing the 3R-hydroxyacyl-ACP intermediate. HSD17B8 assists in the formation of the competent HsKAR assembly. The intrinsic NAD(+)- and CoA-dependent activity of the HSD17B8 subunit on the 3R-hydroxyacyl-CoA intermediates may indicate a role for this subunit in routing 3R-hydroxyacyl-CoA esters, potentially arising from the metabolism of unsaturated fatty acids, into the mitochondrial β-oxidation pathway.

The time series sequence of data readings are the input for computer aided analysis of signal from the multiparametric optical capillary sensor. The time series signals have characteristic points and forms. Their analysis by trained human operators is time consuming and sometimes lacks of precision because of the presence of signal noise. The noises can be mostly rejected with advanced electronic signal processing, but the output analog signal is often modified by the electromagnetic environment and by the noise generated by electronic elements. We propose and analyze an algorithm that can be used as an automatic detector of characteristic points and form of the time series signals that are produced by the measuring head and the analog electronic units of the biodiesel fuel quality test sensor.

The cell division cycle protein 45 (Cdc45) represents an essential replication factor that, together with the Mcm2-7 complex and the four subunits of GINS, forms the replicative DNA helicase in eukaryotes. Recombinant human Cdc45 (hCdc45) was structurally characterized and its DNA-binding properties were determined. Synchrotron radiation circular dichroism spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, small-angle X-ray scattering and atomic force microscopy revealed that hCdc45 exists as an alpha-helical monomer and possesses a structure similar to its bacterial homolog RecJ. hCdc45 bound long (113-mer or 80-mer) single-stranded DNA fragments with a higher affinity than shorter ones (34-mer). hCdc45 displayed a preference for 3′ protruding strands and bound tightly to single-strand/double-strand DNA junctions, such as those presented by Y-shaped DNA, bubbles and displacement loops, all of which appear transiently during the initiation of DNA replication. Collectively, our findings suggest that hCdc45 not only binds to but also slides on DNA with a 3′–5′ polarity and, thereby acts as a molecular ‘wedge’ to initiate DNA strand displacement.

The interaction of aminomethylated resorcinarenes with a red xanthene dye, rhodamine B, was investigated in chloroform, methanol and chloroform–methanol solutions using UV-vis, NMR and fluorescence spectroscopy. Aminomethylated resorcinarenes 1 and 2 shift the rhodamine B equilibrium from the zwitterion to the lactone form unlike reference compounds 3 and 4, which do not contain tertiary amino groups at the upper rim, giving an example of how supramolecular hosts can influence the equilibrium of rhodamine B isomers.

Capillary electrophoresis was coupled successfully and reliably to potentiometric sensors, which are based on an ionically conductive rubber phase coating, applied on a 250 microm diameter metal substrate. The membrane components included potassium tetrakis(p-chlorophenyl)borate (TCPB), bis(2-ethylhexyl)sebacate (DOS), and high molecular mass poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC). Potentiometry reveals a very sensitive CE detection mode, with sub-micromolar detection limits for amines and the randomly chosen drugs quinine, clozapine, cocaine, heroine, noscapine, papaverine, and ritodrine. The lowest detection limit, 1 x 10(-8) M injected concentration, was obtained for the quaternary ammonium compound tetrahexylammonium chloride. The more polar lower aliphatic amines and the biogenic amines dopamine, adrenaline, and cadaverine have much higher detection limits. The detection limits are log P dependent. Addition of a commercially available calixarene molecule or a synthetic macrocyclic amphiphilic receptor molecule to the electrode coatings enhanced the sensitivity respectively for the lower aliphatic amines and for the biogenic amines. A transpose of the Nikolskii-Eisenman-type function was suggested and used to convert the signal of the detector to a concentration-dependent signal.

The synthesis and characterisation of novel liquid crystals which display columnar mesomorphism induced upon complexation of a series of nonmesomorphic hexacatenar 4,4'-disubstituted 2,2'-bipyridines (L-n) are reported. The introduction of different metal centres (Zn, Pd) causes the appearance of mesomorphism in all complexes regardless of the geometry around the metal ion. We therefore report the first examples of mesomorphism in tetrahedral zinc derivatives. The nature of the columnar phases is related to the self-assembly of the half-disc shaped [(LMCl2)-M-n] (M = Zn, Pd) complexes into full disc-shaped supramolecules. The molecular organisation in the mesophase is mainly driven by intermolecular attractive interactions, as shown by the crystal structure of the model compound [LPdCl2]. Preliminary measurements of photoconductivity have been performed on samples of [(LMCl2)-M-n] complexes doped with C-60 to increase absorption. Promising results were obtained. ((C) Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005).

The photorefractive properties of chiral smectic C phases formed by cyclopalla-dated complexes were studied. The complexes were not doped with. photosensitizers. A gain coefficient higher than 100cm(-1) at an applied field of 5.4 V/mu m was measured. Measurements of phase shift between interference fringes and index grating were also performed. By using a previously developed model, the amplitude of the space-charge field was estimated and shown to be much smalled than what predicted by the commonly used in model for photorefractiue inorganic crystals.

AbstractFor Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.

An efficient synthetic route for the synthesis of cavitands derived from calix[4]resorcinarene and its tetrabromo derivative was elaborated. A large-scale preparation was achieved in excellent yield, by replacing the high-boiling solvents with acetone. The tetrabromocavitands were transformed into tetra-boronic acid cavitands via lithiation with butyllithium and reaction with triethylborate. Two lipophilic cavitands bearing four boronic acid residues were demonstrated to form stable Langmuir monolayers at the water–air interface. These cavitand receptors differ in bridging unit between oxygen atoms, i.e. one contains a one-carbon unit and the other a two-carbon unit. l-sorbose, d-galactose, d-glucose, and d-cellobiose were selected for molecular recognition studies using the Langmuir techniques. The unsubstituted tetra-n-undecyl calix[4]resorcinarene was used as a reference receptor compound. Differences in surface potential were diagnostic of the different types of binding forces, which can occur.

The interaction between calix[4]resorcinarene derivatives and amino acids is presented in this paper. Langmuir film technique was used to control this interaction.

Calix[4]resorcinarenes bearing lipophilic and amino functions were investigated as potential receptors for ions and neutral molecules by means of thermogravimetric, CP/MAS NMR, transport/extraction, HPLC, X-ray, Langmuir, and electrochemical methods. Chiral Mannich-base calix[4]resorcinarenes forming Langmuir films were found to differentiate amino acids in water subphase.