bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Headspace‐single drop microextraction with a commercial capillary electrophoresis instrument
Authors: Park Sung Tai , Kim Jihye , Choi Kihwan , Lee Hye Ryeo , Chung Doo Soo
Published: August 2012

Automated coupling of headspace‐single drop microextraction (HS‐SDME) and CE has been demonstrated using a commercial CE instrument. When a drop hanging at the inlet tip of a capillary for CE is used as the acceptor phase, HS‐SDME becomes a simple but powerful sample pretreatment technique for CE before injection to facilitate sample cleanup and enrichment. By combining HS‐SDME with an on‐line sample preconcentration technique, large volume sample stacking using an electroosmotic flow pump, the sensitivity can be improved further. The overall enrichment factors for phenolic compounds were from 1900 to 3400. HS‐SDME large volume sample stacking using an electroosmotic flow pump was successfully applied to a red wine sample to obtain an LOD of 4 nM (0.8 ppb) for 2,4,6‐trichlorophenol which is a precursor for 2,4,6‐trichloroanisole causing the foul odor in wine called cork taint.
Electric field gradient focusing using a variable width polyaniline electrode
Authors: Trickett Christopher A. , Henderson Rowan D. , Guijt Rosanne M. , Breadmore Michael C.
Published: August 2012

A new approach for electric field gradient focusing (EFGF) based on the use of a variable‐width polyaniline (PANI) electrode is demonstrated. The electrode was created by patterning a PANI nanofibre film using a 635‐nm laser and a computer‐controlled XY stage. The electrode consisted of 16 segments of varying width, ranging from 200 to 5000 μm in 320 μm increments, with the resistance changing approximately 20‐fold from 3881 to 198 kΩ at each extreme, respectively. Application of a voltage across the electrode established a voltage gradient resulting in a non‐linear distribution of electrophoretic velocities along the microchannel. When balanced with a combination of hydrodynamic flow and EOF, the variable‐width PANI electrode could be used for the concentration and separation of two cationic dyes, rhodamine 6G and quinine, which were concentrated by at least threefold within 10 min.
Gene expression analysis of a Louisiana native Chlorella vulgaris (Chlorophyta)/Leptolyngbya sp. (Cyanobacteria) co‐culture using suppression subtractive hybridization
Authors: Tate John J. , Gutierrez‐Wing M. Teresa , Rusch Kelly A. , Benton Michael G.
Published: August 2012

A locally isolated co‐culture of two photosynthetic species [Chlorella vulgaris (Chlorophyta) and Leptolyngbya sp. (Cyanobacteria)] displayed enhanced growth when compared to a Chlorella monoculture; however, the biological mechanisms driving such improvement are currently not well understood. To investigate these mechanisms, this study examined the differential gene expression in the Chlorella between the co‐culture and the monoculture. Suppression subtractive hybridization was performed between mRNA from Chlorella in the co‐culture and in a monoculture, and 105 genes were identified as being putatively differentially expressed. Nine of these genes, corresponding to the key functional categories of energy, metabolism, and protein synthesis, were further examined using quantitative real‐time PCR and showed differential regulation of photosystem I and photosystem II and upregulation of stress‐response genes and a gene encoding an oil‐globule‐associated gene in the co‐culture Chlorella. This differential gene expression study of a Chlorella/cyanobacteria co‐culture will aid in the development of culture strategies capable of taking advantage of these differences for the production of biomass and bioproducts of interest. Knowledge of the underlying genetic causes of the changes in growth and productivity of the species in co‐culture provides insights on possible target genes for optimization of the culture.
Immobilization of cellulases on the reversibly soluble polymer Eudragit S‐100 for cotton treatment
Authors: Yu Yuanyuan , Yuan Jiugang , Wang Qiang , Fan Xuerong , Wang Ping , Sun Xuejiao
Published: August 2012

Cellulases can penetrate into the fiber, causing tensile strength loss of the cellulosic fibers or fabrics. To minimize the tensile strength loss, we have immobilized cellulases on Eudragit S‐100. The characteristics of covalent Eudragit cellulase were evaluated using gel filtration analysis and UV spectra. Gel filtration analysis revealed that the cellulases were covalently bound to the polymer. Covalent Eudragit cellulase was loaded with the enzyme of about 40% and had a relative activity about 80% at a Eudragit S‐100 concentration of 15 g/L. When cellulase is bound to the polymer, the solubility profile becomes similar to the one of Eudragit. In addition, the effects of the enzyme on the cotton yarns and fabric using cellulases have been investigated. Native and immobilized cellulases caused improvements in whiteness and wrinkle recovery angle of the fabric in comparison to the control samples. The bending stiffness results show that native and immobilized cellulase treated cotton fabric has an improved softness than the control samples. It was found that using the immobilized cellulase reduced the weight and tensile strength, because the hydrolytic attack is only limited to the surfaces of cotton fibers.
Blind timing synchronization in OFDM systems by exploiting cyclic structure
Authors: Sheng Bin
Published: August 2012

In this paper, a novel blind timing offset estimation method is proposed for orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) systems. In order to eliminate the intersymbol interference as well as intercarrier interference, a cyclic prefix is appended to each OFDM symbol which makes the transmitted signal appear a cyclic structure. The proposed blind method is developed based on this cyclic structure and does not require any prior information. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of distributed interleave‐division‐multiplexing space–frequency codes
Authors: Weitkemper Petra , Bauch Gerhard
Published: August 2012

This paper investigates the application of interleave‐division multiplexing (IDM) to a relay network with orthogonal frequency‐division multiplexing (OFDM)‐based radio access. In the proposed scheme, the relay‐specific interleaving is performed on subcarriers in the frequency domain, which is called IDM space–frequency code (IDM‐SFC). It will be shown that IDM‐SFC in combination with OFDM radio access is well suited for distributed deployment of relays, as it is robust to multipath interference and it can achieve full spatial diversity with a constant rate of 1 on the relay–destination hop irrespective of the number of parallel relay nodes. It will be shown that IDM‐SFC outperforms other distributed diversity schemes like OFDM with cyclic delay diversity significantly in various scenarios. In addition to frame error rate analysis, also more theoretical considerations are carried out with the help of extrinsic information transfer charts and signal‐to‐noise power ratio distributions over the subcarrier to provide an insight into the behaviour of the two considered approaches. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
WiMAX‐based monitoring network for a utility company: a case study
Authors: Deruyck Margot , Vanhauwaert Erik , Pareit Daan , Lannoo Bart , Joseph Wout , Moerman Ingrid , Martens Luc
Published: August 2012

As the network of a power distribution company can be very large, maintaining such a network is not only very time‐consuming but also very costly, especially when failures occur. A huge amount of effort could be saved by monitoring the substations remotely, which allows, amongst others, to trace failures more efficiently. In this study, such a monitoring network is designed based on WiMAX in ‘Flanders’, Belgium. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this study differs from previous studies by combining both coverage and cost calculations. Firstly, the number of base stations needed to cover the considered area is determined. Therefore, link budget calculations are performed to obtain the ranges of the base stations. Secondly, the cost to install and maintain the network is determined using the results of the first step.

A cost of approximately 6.5 EUR was found per km2 that needs to be covered. This result is very sensitive to possible changes of the technical parameters, which can lead to cost fluctuations between 33.5% and 3007%. Changes in the cost parameters have, however, less impact on the total cost than the technical parameters. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Frequency, prevalence, incidence and risk factors associated with visual hallucinations in a sample of patients with Parkinson's disease: a longitudinal 4‐year study
Authors: Gibson G. , Mottram P. G. , Burn D. J. , Hindle J. V. , Landau S. , Samuel M. , Hurt C. S. , Brown R. G. , M Wilson K. C.
Published: August 2012

Objective

To examine the prevalence, incidence and risk factors associated with visual hallucinations (VHs) amongst people suffering from Parkinson's disease (PD).

Methods

We recruited 513 patients with PD from movement disorder and PD clinics within three sites in the UK. Patients were interviewed using a series of standardised clinical rating scales at baseline, 12, 24 and 36 months. Data relating to VHs were collected using the North‐East Visual Hallucinations Interview. Prevalence rates for VHs at each assessment were recorded. Associations were determined using multiple regression analysis.

Results

Cross‐sectional prevalence rates for VHs at baseline, 12, 24 and 36 months indicated VHs in approximately 50% of patients. A cumulative frequency of 82.7% of cases at the end of the study period exhibited VHs. The incidence rate for VHs was 457 cases per 1000 population. Longer disease duration, greater impairment in activities of daily living and higher rates of anxiety were most commonly associated with VHs. No factors predictive of VHs could be ascertained.

Conclusions

When examined longitudinally, VHs affect more patients than is commonly assumed in cross‐sectional prevalence studies. Clinicians should routinely screen for VHs throughout the disease course. Disease duration, impairment in activities of daily living and anxiety presented as co‐morbidities associated with VHs in PD, and therefore those presenting with VHs should be screened for anxiety disorder and vice versa. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prediction of Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment using cortical morphological patterns
Authors: Wee Chong‐Yaw , Yap Pew‐Thian , Shen Dinggang ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: August 2012

This article describes a novel approach to extract cortical morphological abnormality patterns from structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data to improve the prediction accuracy of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and its prodromal stage, i.e., mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Conventional approaches extract cortical morphological information, such as regional mean cortical thickness and regional cortical volumes, independently at different regions of interest (ROIs) without considering the relationship between these regions. Our approach involves constructing a similarity map where every element in the map represents the correlation of regional mean cortical thickness between a pair of ROIs. We will demonstrate in this article that this correlative morphological information gives significant improvement in classification performance when compared with ROI‐based morphological information. Classification performance is further improved by integrating the correlative information with ROI‐based information via multi‐kernel support vector machines. This integrated framework achieves an accuracy of 92.35% for AD classification with an area of 0.9744 under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and an accuracy of 83.75% for MCI classification with an area of 0.9233. In differentiating MCI subjects who converted to AD within 36 months from non‐converters, an accuracy of 75.05% with an area of 0.8426 under ROC curve was achieved, indicating excellent diagnostic power and generalizability. The current work provides an alternative approach to extraction of high‐order cortical information from structural MRI data for prediction of neurodegenerative diseases such as AD. Hum Brain Mapp 34:3411–3425, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Proportion cured models applied to 23 cancer sites in Norway
Authors: Cvancarova Milada , Aagnes Bjarte , Fosså Sophie D. , Lambert Paul C , Møller Bjørn , Bray Freddie
Published: August 2012

Statistical cure is reached when a group of patients has the same mortality as cancer‐free individuals. Cure models predict the cured proportion and the median survival of fatal cases. Cure models have seldom been applied and tested systematically across all major cancer sites. Incidence and follow‐up data on 23 cancer sites recorded at the Cancer Registry of Norway 1963–2007 were obtained. Mixture cure models were fitted to obtain trends and up‐to‐date estimates (based on period approach) assuming cured and uncured groups exist. The model converged for cancers of the mouth and pharynx, oesophagus, stomach, colon, rectum, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, lung and trachea, ovary, kidney, bladder, CNS, non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (only for males) and leukemia. The proportion of cured patients increased 1963–2002 for both sexes, with the largest changes (in percent) seen for leukemia (46.4 and 46.7) and CNS (35.9, 42.0), males given first. Median survival time for the uncured cases increased for colon and rectal cancer, and there was a three‐ fold increase in median survival time for patients with fatal ovarian cancers. Cancers of bladder and CNS had the highest up‐to‐date proportion cured (in percent), 67.4 and 64.0, respectively, pancreas and liver were amongst the lowest (5.7 and 9.9, respectively). Cure models are useful when monitoring progress in cancer care, but must be applied and interpreted with caution. The absolute estimates of the cure proportion are speculative and should not be calculated where cure is not medically anticipated.
THE EFFECT OF BOUNDARY CONDITIONS ON EFFICIENCY AND PRICING IN DOUBLE‐AUCTION MARKETS WITH ZERO‐INTELLIGENCE AGENTS
Authors: Miller Ross M.
Published: August 2012

The computational tractability of many markets with computerized agents requires they be subject to boundary conditions that are both unnecessary and undesirable in markets with humans. In particular, double‐auction markets with zero‐intelligence agents, which are a standard baseline in computational economics, constrain all bids, offers and trade prices to lie between an upper and a lower bound. This paper shows how changes in these boundary conditions influence pricing and efficiency. It is found that boundary conditions consistent with competitive pricing are generally inconsistent with the most efficient operation of those markets. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Immobilization of cell‐binding peptides on poly‐ε‐caprolactone film surface to biomimic the peripheral nervous system
Authors: de Luca A. C. , Stevens J. S. , Schroeder S. L. M. , Guilbaud J.‐B. , Saiani A. , Downes S. , Terenghi G.
Published: August 2012

Cell‐material interactions are crucial for cell adhesion and proliferation on biomaterial surfaces. Immobilization of biomolecules leads to the formation of biomimetic substrates, improving cell response. We introduced RGD (Arg‐Gly‐Asp) sequences on poly‐ε‐caprolactone (PCL) film surfaces using thiol chemistry to enhance Schwann cell (SC) response. XPS elemental analysis indicated an estimate of 2–3% peptide functionalization on the PCL surface, comparable with carbodiimide chemistry. Contact angle was not remarkably reduced; hence, cell response was only affected by chemical cues on the film surface. Adhesion and proliferation of Schwann cells were enhanced after PCL modification. Particularly, RGD immobilization increased cell attachment up to 40% after 6 h of culture. It was demonstrated that SC morphology changed from round to very elongated shape when surface modification was carried out, with an increase in the length of cellular processes up to 50% after 5 days of culture. Finally RGD immobilization triggered the formation of focal adhesion related to higher cell spreading. In summary, this study provides a method for immobilization of biomolecules on PCL films to be used in peripheral nerve repair, as demonstrated by the enhanced response of Schwann cells. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2013.
Different hyaluronic acid morphology modulates primary articular chondrocyte behavior in hyaluronic acid‐coated polycaprolactone scaffolds
Authors: Lebourg Myriam , Rochina Joaquin Rodenas , Sousa Tiago , Mano João , Ribelles José Luis Gómez
Published: August 2012

Scaffolds for cartilage tissue engineering should promote both adequate biomechanical environment and chondrogenic stimulation. Hyaluronic acid (HA) has been used in cartilage engineering for its chondrogenic and chondroprotective properties, nevertheless its mechanical properties are limited. Influence of HA microstructure in chondrocyte response has not been addressed yet. In this work, polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds were modified using HA following two coating strategies: coating in one step (PCL‐HA1s) yields a gel‐like phase within the scaffold, whereas a two‐step reaction (PCL‐HA2s) yields a thin HA layer coating internal surfaces of PCL structure. Chondrocytes were seeded in the scaffolds and cultured in dedifferentiating conditions up to 3 weeks and analyzed using a total DNA assay and sulfated glycosaminoglycan (sGAG) determination assay; cell morphology and extracellular matrix secretion were assessed by electron microscopy as well as immunofluorescent imaging (collagen I, collagen II, aggrecan, CD44). Cells proliferate in all samples and no cytotoxicity is observed. PCL‐HA1s shows higher sGAG production per cell than PCL and PCL‐HA2s at all times. Presence of hyaluronic acid promotes qualitative expression of CD44 surface markers and aggrecan (more visible in PCL‐HA1s than PCL‐HA2s), whereas in dedifferentiating conditions, expression of CD44 and aggrecan can hardly be detected in pure PCL scaffolds. Collagen type II seems more prominent in PCL‐HA2s; although PCL‐HA2s shows markers for COL II, aggrecan and CD44, quantitative ECM production is not improved with respect to PCL. It is thus likely that CD44 activation is not sufficient for explaining the better response in PCL‐HA1s. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2013.
Cellular interactions and stimulated biological functions mediated by nanostructured carbon for tissue reconstruction and tracheal tubes and sutures
Authors: Misra R. D. K. , Chaudhari P. M.
Published: August 2012

Nylon 6,6 is used for biological applications including gastrointestinal segments, tracheal tubes and sutures, vascular graft, and for hard tissue reconstruction. While it is a relatively inexpensive polymer, it is not widely acceptable as a preferred biomaterial because of bioactivity. To this end, we have discovered the exciting evidence that introduction of a novel nanostructured carbon, graphene, in the void space between the nylon chains and processing at elevated pressure favorably stimulates cellular functions and provides high degree of cytocompatibility. The cell–substrate interactions on stand alone Nylon 6,6 and Nylon 6,6‐graphene oxide hybrid system were investigated in terms of cell attachment, viability, proliferation, and assessment of proteins, actin, vinculin, and fibronectin. The enhanced biological functions in the nanostructured hybrid system are attributed to relatively superior hydrophilicity of the surface and to the presence of graphene. Furthermore, it is proposed that the negatively charged graphene interacts with the polar nature of cells and the culture medium, such that the interaction is promoted through polar forces. This is accomplished by investigating cell attachment, proliferation, and morphology, including cytomorphometry evaluation, and quantitative assessment of prominent proteins, actin, vinculin, and fibronectin that are sensitive to cell–substrate interactions. Osteoblasts were studied to establish the practical viability of the hybrid nanostructured biomaterial. The study strengthens the foundation for utilizing nano‐ or quantum‐size effects of nanostructured biomaterials. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2013.
High yield isolation of BMP‐2 from bone and in vivo activity of a combination of BMP‐2/TGF‐β1
Authors: Sibiya Sibusiso J. , Olivier Eugene I. , Duneas Nicolaas
Published: August 2012

A high‐yield purification procedure for protein fractions derived from porcine bone matrix extracts is described, which has a high abundance of bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP‐2). Naturally derived pBMP‐2, ∼5 μg per kilogram of porcine bone matrix, was isolated by using a 300 kDa membrane before chromatographic processing on heparin affinity media. The elution of pBMP‐2 and transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) revealed morphogen peaks that were unresolved on Prosep® medium, but resolved on hydroxyapatite medium. Antagonism was observed in animal studies when the two proteins were combined in specific doses. The TGF‐β1 fraction alone was not active in the rodent heterotopic in vivo bioassay, confirming previously obtained results. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 101A: 641–646, 2013.
Human Wharton's Jelly stem cell conditioned medium and cell‐free lysate inhibit human osteosarcoma and mammary carcinoma cell growth in vitro and in xenograft mice
Authors: Gauthaman Kalamegam , Fong Chui‐Yee , Arularasu Suganya , Subramanian Arjunan , Biswas Arijit , Choolani Mahesh , Bongso Ariff
Published: August 2012

Human Wharton's jelly stem cells (hWJSCs) were shown to inhibit the growth of human mammary carcinomas. It is not known whether cell‐free secretions or lysates of hWJSCs do the same on different cancers. They may be less controversial than cells to regulatory bodies for clinical application. We examined the influence of hWJSC conditioned medium (hWJSC‐CM) and cell‐free lysate (hWJSC‐CL) on two osteosarcoma cell lines (MG‐63, SKES‐1) in vitro and on human mammary carcinomas in immunodeficient mice. When exposed to hWJSC‐CL, increased vacuolations in MG‐63 and increased membrane fragmentation in SKES‐1 cells were observed, with greater cell death in SKES‐1. Exposure of SKES‐1 and MG‐63 cells to hWJSC‐CL showed significant decreases in cell proliferation of 46.48 ± 6.66% and 24.32 ± 5.67% respectively compared to controls. MG‐63 and SKES‐1 cells were annexin V‐FITC positive and SKES‐1 TUNEL positive following treatment with hWJSC‐CM and hWJSC‐CL. MG‐63 cells were positive and SKES‐1 cells negative for anti‐BECLIN‐1 and anti‐LC3B following treatment with hWJSC‐CM and hWJSC‐CL. RT‐PCR showed that the pro‐apoptotic BAX gene and the autophagy‐related ATG‐5 and BECLIN‐1 genes were up‐regulated while the anti‐apoptotic BCL2 and SURVIVIN genes were down‐regulated in MG‐63 and SKES‐1 cells treated with hWJSC‐CM and hWJSC‐CL. Injections of hWJSCs and hWJSC‐CM into mammary carcinomas in immunodeficient mice resulted in decreased tumor sizes and weights of 24.86 ± 6.05% to 37.03 ± 5.91% and 47.14 ± 7.36% to 55.09 ± 5.87% respectively at 6 weeks compared to controls. hWJSC‐CM and hWJSC‐CL inhibit mammary carcinoma and osteosarcoma cells via apoptosis and autophagy. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 366–377, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Glutamate‐ammonia ligase and reduction of G0 population in PANC‐1 cells
Authors: Choi Jong‐Ho , Lim Key‐Hwan , Park Eunmi , Kim Ji‐Young , Choi Young‐Kil , Baek Kwang‐Hyun
Published: August 2012

In our previous study, we screened and isolated genes that were up‐regulated after partial pancreatectomy using transcriptomic analysis and glutamate‐ammonia ligase (GLUL) was selected for further study based on its effect on differentiation and proliferation. In the immunohistochemical analysis, GLUL was highly up‐regulated in the acinar cells and the ductal cells in the pancreas damaged through partial pancreatectomy. Overexpression of GLUL enhanced the proliferation of PANC‐1 cells and INS‐1 cells. GLUL overexpression shifted the major population of PANC‐1 cells from the G0/G1 phase to G2/M phase. In the double thymidine blocking analysis, similar cycle duration was observed between mock cells and GLUL‐overexpressing cells while GLUL‐overexpressing cells were partially resistant to thymidine blocking. In the FACS analysis of cells stained with Pyronin Y and Hoechst 33342, GLUL‐overexpressing cells showed lower population of cells in the G0‐quiescent phase than mock cells (5–12%). In addition, GLUL‐overexpressing cells had high activation levels of AKT, ERK1/2, JNK, PCNA, c‐FOS, and P70S6K in PANC‐1 cells. Taken together, these results suggest that GLUL contributes to pancreatic regeneration. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 303–313, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
FOXO3a/p27kip1 expression and essential role after acute spinal cord injury in adult rat
Authors: Zhang Shuangwei , Huan Weipeng , Wei Haixiang , Shi Jinlong , Fan Jinpeng , Zhao Jian , Shen Aiguo , Teng Honglin
Published: August 2012

FOXO3a (Forkhead Class box O3a), as an important direct target of the phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K)/protein B (Akt) pathway, which regulates the cell survival and the cell‐cycle progression. Recent reports showed that FOXO3a could inhibit cell‐cycle progression at the G1/S transition by controlling transcription of the cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor p27kip1, which is also a key regulator of the mammalian neurogenesis. To elucidate the expression and role of FOXO3a in nervous system lesion and repair, we performed an acute spinal cord contusion injury (SCI) model in adult rats, which showed a temporal–spatial expression pattern of FOXO3a. Temporally, FOXO3a protein level significantly reduced day 3 after injury, and following FOXO3a down‐regulation, p27kip1 protein and mRNA levels were also decreased after injury. Spatially, decreased levels of FOXO3a and p27kip1 were predominant in astrocytes, which were regenerating axons and largely proliferated after injury. Furthermore in vitro, Western blot analysis, RT‐PCR, and immunofluorescence staining analysis demonstrated the relationship between FOXO3a and p27kip1 in primary astrocytes. FOXO3a modulated the cell cycle by transcriptional regulation of p27kip1 in astrocytes. Administration of the PI3K pharmacological inhibitor LY294002 abrogated this effect by regulating FOXO3a and p27kip1 expression and subcellular localization. These results suggest that decreased levels of FOXO3a and p27kip1 in spinal cord are involved in axonal regeneration and the proliferation of glial cells after SCI. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 354–365, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Control strategy of pH, dissolved oxygen concentration and stirring speed for enhancing β‐poly (malic acid) production by Aureobasidium pullulans ipe‐1
Authors: Cao Weifeng , Qi Benkun , Zhao Juan , Qiao Changsheng , Su Yi , Wan Yinhua
Published: August 2012

BACKGROUND: β‐poly(malic acid) (PMLA) can be used as a pro‐drug or for a drug‐delivery system. Effects of pH, dissolved oxygen concentration (DO) and stirring speed were investigated to improve PMLA production by A. pullulans ipe‐1.

RESULTS: The strain produced a high PMLA concentration when pH and DO remained at about 6.0 and above 70%, respectively, and the yeast‐like cells were the main PMLA producers. To further promote PMLA production, the cultivation could be divided into three phases. In phase I, cell growth was accelerated by maintaining high DO (>70%) with a constant stirring speed of 800 rpm. In phase II, PMLA production was increased by controlling DO at 70% using the automatically controlled stirring speed. In phase III, PMLA production on per gram of glucose (Yp/s) was enhanced by keeping DO at 70%, and using a low stirring speed to decrease cell growth. Compared with batch cultures, a higher PMLA yield was obtained with this strategy, i.e. PMLA production and Yp/s increased by 15% and 18%, respectively.

CONCLUSION: Control strategies for pH, DO and stirring speed provide a good reference for process development and optimization of PMLA production. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Removal of triclosan by conductive‐diamond electrolysis and sonoelectrolysis
Authors: Martín de Vidales María J. , Sáez Cristina , Cañizares Pablo , Rodrigo Manuel A.
Published: August 2012

BACKGROUND: Removal of triclosan by conductive‐diamond electrochemical oxidation (CDEO) and sonoelectrochemical oxidation (CDSEO), either in methanol/water or methanol solutions is studied in the range of concentration 0.1 to 100 mg dm−3. Effects of current density and of electrolyte on the process efficiency are assessed.

RESULTS: Concentration of triclosan can be removed below the detection limit of HPLC. In methanol/water solutions, there are two stages: a rapid decrease in the concentration and a less efficient process in which the rate is slower. In methanol solutions, experimental results clearly fit first‐order kinetics. Mediated oxidation plays a significant role. Electrolyses in sulphate media are more efficient than in chloride media and the second low‐rate stage in methanol/water solution appears for higher triclosan removal. The main intermediates are catechol, chlorohydroquinone, 4‐chlorocatechol, acetic acid and dichloroacetic acid. They were only detected during the electrolysis of highly concentrated solution, suggesting a very energetic oxidation.

CONCLUSIONS: CDEO and CDSEO are very efficient for the removal of triclosan. CDSEO improves mass‐transfer processes and gives a more efficient removal at lower concentrations. The removal of methanol is improved significantly, in spite of its concentration being well over the limiting value for mass transport control. The reaction sequence for triclosan mineralization is consistent with literature reports. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Beet molasses based exponential feeding strategy for thermostable glucose isomerase production by recombinant Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3)
Authors: Angardi Vahideh , Çalık Pınar
Published: August 2012

BACKGROUND: The effects of pretreated beet molasses based feeding strategies on thermostable glucose isomerase (GI) production by recombinant Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) pLysS were investigated.

RESULTS: The thermostable GI encoding gene of Thermus thermophilus (xylA) was recombined with pRSETA vector, and the pRSETA::xylA obtained was transferred into E.coli BL21 (DE3) pLysS and used for GI production. The highest soluble GI activity was obtained at t = 30 h, as A = 16 400 U L−1 (20.6 U mg−1 protein) under molasses based fed‐batch operation, with a specific growth rate µ = 0.1 h−1 (M‐0.1); on the other hand, the highest cell concentration was obtained at µ = 0.15 h−1 operation as 9.6 g L−1 at t = 32 h. The highest oxygen uptake was 4.57 mol m−3 s−1 at M‐0.1 operation.

CONCLUSIONS: Molasses based fed‐batch operations were more successful in terms of cell concentration and thermostable enzyme production due to the existence of a natural sugar inducer, galactose, in the molasses composition. This study demonstrates the significance of proper feeding strategy development for over‐production of enzymes by recombinant E. coli strains. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Removal of nutrients from hydroponic greenhouse effluent by alkali precipitation and algae cultivation method
Authors: Saxena Priyanka , Bassi Amarjeet
Published: August 2012

BACKGROUND: Hydroponic greenhouse effluent has high concentrations of total phosphorus (30–100 mg PO4‐P L−1) and nitrates (200–300 mg NO3‐N L−1). Current technologies for effluent treatment have limitations of performance and high maintenance costs. The goals of this study were to investigate strategies which combine alkali treatment and microalgae cultivation for removal of nutrients from hydroponic greenhouse effluent.

RESULTS: Treatment with strong alkali was found to effectively remove 97% of total phophorous especially in the form of phosphate, without affecting the nitrate ion concentration in the greenhouse effluent. After alkali treatment, marine algae Dunaliella salina (UTEX 1644) cultivation on treated hydroponic effluent (pH 7.5) showed > 80% decrease in nitrate content in the effluent within 4 days of cultivation. In the same period, the carotene content of the micro‐algal system was in the range 0.5 ± 0.02 µg mg−1 (dry cell weight) which was 1.5 times higher than in the control.

CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that combination of a conventional alkali precipitation method with a microalgae treatment system is a highly efficient approach for the removal of excess nutrients from hydroponic greenhouse effluent in a short treatment time. The microalgae can provide a source of value in the form of carotene. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Color Doppler ultrasound‐guided transducer compression of post biopsy bleeding of kidney transplants
Authors: Brabrand Knut , Midtvedt Karsten , Günther Anne , Marthinsen Pål Bache , Berstad Audun Elnaes
Published: August 2012

Background.

Color Doppler ultrasound (CDUS) has a potential of early detection of post biopsy bleeding. We describe CDUS guidance in planning, acquisition, and, in the case of bleeding, compression of the needle tract in biopsy procedures of kidney transplants.

Methods.

Eighty‐three kidney transplant biopsy procedures performed on clinical indication were performed in 71 adult patients, 25 women, mean age 51 years, using CDUS and 18‐G biopsy needles. Bleeding needle tracts were compressed using CDUS guidance.

Results.

CDUS immediately detected blood leakage and facilitated compression of the bleeding needle tract in 34 (41%) of the 83 procedures, including 53 (25%) of 215 needle passes. In 34 bleeding procedures, the mean duration of the longest bleeding time after a needle pass was 124 seconds (median, 20 seconds; range, 3–1440 seconds). In 12 of these procedures (35%), the bleeding time was 30 seconds or more. In six procedures (18%), a bleeding of 120 seconds or more was observed. Complications included seven small hematomas. Five hematomas developed in procedures where the longest duration CD bleeding was 120 seconds or more.

Conclusions.

CDUS detects bleeding and facilitates direct transducer compression of the needle tract in a substantial portion of biopsy procedures of kidney transplants. Only minor hematomas occurred.
© 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 2013
Phylogenetic relationship of seven Dendrolimus (lepidoptera: Lasiocampidae) species based on the ultrastructure of male moths' antennae and antennal sensilla
Authors: Tan Qiong , Yan Xiong‐Fei , Wen Jun‐Bao , LI ZHEN‐YU
Published: August 2012

The morphology and ultrastructure of the antennae and antennal sensilla of seven male Dendrolimus species and a male Trabala vishnou gigantina (Yang) (Lepidoptera: Lasiocampidae) were examined by light microscope and scanning electron microscope. Six morphological types of antennal sensilla were identified: Sensilla trichodea, Sensilla chaetica, Sensilla styloconica, Sensilla coeloconica, Böhm bristles, and foot‐like sensilla. Six of the Dendrolimus moths and Trabala vishnou gigantina Yang share the same antennal sensilla type, as do various geographic populations of the same species. The exception, Dendrolimus spectabilis Butler, has foot‐like sensilla. However, the antennal sensilla subtypes were significantly different among species and/or populations. There were no remarkable differences in the width of the scape, pedicel, subflagellum, and the side‐branches between the eight male species studied. However, we observed significant differences in the number of flagellomere and the length of scape, pedicel, subflagellums, and side‐branches. The length and basal diameter of various types of antennal sensilla did not vary significantly among Dendrolimus moths. Beyond that, there were no differences among populations of the same kind of species. Hierarchical cluster analysis found two clusters: the first contained D. punctata punctata (Walker), D. punctata wenshanensis (Tsai et Liu), D. tabulaeformis (Tsai et Liu), and D. spectabilis and D. superans (Butler), and the second contained D. grisea (Moore) and D. kikuchii kikuchii (Matsumura). Trabala vishnou gigantina was placed separately from the two clusters. We conclude that D. punctata wenshanensis,D. tabulaeformis, and D. spectabilis are geographic subspecies of D. punctata punctata. Microsc. Res. Tech. 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Postoperative effect of radiofrequency treatments on the rabbit dermal collagen fibrillary matrix
Authors: Kwak Hyung‐Woo , Choi Samjin , Cheong Youjin , Burm Jin Sik , Jin Kyung‐Hyun , Park Hun‐Kuk , Shin Jae‐Ho
Published: August 2012

This study quantitatively examined the short and mid‐long term effects of radiofrequency (RF) treatment on the normal dermal collagen fibrils of live rabbits. Effects were evaluated by histology and scanning probe microscopy analysis of dermal tissues treated using three RF energy levels (10, 20, and 30 W) and either a single‐ or multiple‐pass procedure. Progressive changes in the morphology of rabbit dermal collagen fibrils were investigated over a 30‐day post‐treatment period. All RF‐treated groups, except for the low‐energy group (10 W), displayed more prominent inflammatory responses compared to the control. This inflammatory response was more prominent a day after treatment. Dermal tissues 30‐days after RF treatment exhibited prominent myofibroblast activity associated with collagen contractile activity during wound healing in addition to chronic inflammation. A decrease in the morphology of dermal collagen fibrils after RF treatment continued until seven days postoperatively. The collagen fibril diameter increased to near baseline at 30 days postoperatively. Low‐energy and multi‐pass treatments resulted in greater collagen fibril contraction and recovery at the nanostructural level at 30 days postoperatively than did a single high‐energy treatment. Microsc. Res. Tech. 76:219–224, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Long‐Term Survival of Anoxia Despite Rapid ATP Decline in Embryos of the Annual KillifishAustrofundulus limnaeus
Authors: Podrabsky Jason E. , Menze Michael A. , Hand Steven C.
Published: August 2012

Embryos of the annual killifishAustrofundulus limnaeuscan survive for months in the complete absence of oxygen. Survival of anoxia is associated with entry into a state of metabolic dormancy known as diapause. However, extreme tolerance of anoxia is retained for several days of post‐diapause development. Rates of heat dissipation in diapause II and 4 days post‐diapause II embryos were measured under aerobic conditions and during the transition into anoxia. Phosphorylated adenylate compounds were quantified in embryos during entry into anoxia and after 12 hr of aerobic recovery. Rates of heat dissipation were not affected by exposure to anoxia in diapause II embryos, while post‐diapause II embryos experienced a profound decrease in heat dissipation. ATP decreased substantially in both developmental stages upon exposure to anoxia, and all indicators of cellular energetic status indicated energetic stress, at least based on the mammalian paradigm. The rate of decline in ATP is the most acute reported for any vertebrate. The mechanisms responsible for cellular survival despite a clear dysregulation between energy production and energy consumption remain to be identified. Necrotic and apoptotic cell death in response to hypoxia contribute to poor survival during many diseases and pathological conditions in mammals. Understanding the mechanisms that are in place to prevent maladaptive cell death in embryos ofA. limnaeusmay greatly improve treatment strategies in diseases that involve hypoxia and reperfusion injuries.J. Exp. Zool. 317A:524–532, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Feeding Underground: Kinematics of Feeding in Caecilians
Authors: Herrel Anthony , Measey G. John
Published: August 2012

Caecilians are limbless amphibians that have evolved distinct cranial and postcranial specializations associated with a burrowing lifestyle. Observations on feeding behavior are rare and restricted to above‐ground feeding in laboratory conditions. Here we report data on feeding in tunnels using both external video and X‐ray recordings of caecilians feeding on invertebrate prey. Our data show feeding kinematics similar to those previously reported, including the pronounced neck bending observed during above‐ground feeding. Our data illustrate, however, that caecilians may be much faster than previously suspected, with lunge speeds of up to 7 cm sec−1. Although gape cycles are often slow (0.67 ± 0.29 sec), rapid jaw closure is observed during prey capture, with cycle times and jaw movement velocities similar to those observed in other terrestrial tetrapods. Finally, our data suggest that gape angles may be large (64.8 ± 18°) and that gape profiles are variable, often lacking distinct slow and fast opening and closing phases. These data illustrate the importance of recording naturalistic feeding behavior and shed light on how these animals are capable of capturing and processing prey in constrained underground environments. Additional data on species with divergent cranial morphologies would be needed to better understand the co‐evolution between feeding, burrowing, and cranial design in caecilians.J. Exp. Zool. 317A:533–539, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bidirectional Sex Change Induced by Sex Steroid Implantation in the Hermaphrodite Fish, Pseudolabrus sieboldi
Authors: Ohta Kohei , Sakai Mami , Sundaray Jittendra Kumar , Kitano Takeshi , Takeda Tatsusuke , Yamaguchi Akihiko , Matsuyama Michiya
Published: August 2012

Sex steroids have been suggested to be involved in gonadal sex change in hermaphrodite fish. Aromatase, the enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of androgens into estrogens, is a principal enzyme regulating gonadal sex. However, the detailed functions of each steroid hormone remain to be evaluated. Recent studies have demonstrated that estradiol‐17β (E2) is synthesized via estrone (E1) in some hermaphrodite species. On the other hand, 11‐ketotestosterone (11KT) is produced in the testis via testosterone (T). In this study, we hypothesized that E1 and T are also involved in the sex change as precursors for E2 and 11KT, respectively. We implanted females of the wrasse, Pseudolabrus sieboldi, with T and 11KT, and males with E1 and E2, by use of sustained‐release capsules. In females, testicular tissues and body color change were observed after androgen administration, in which 11KT was more effective than T. In contrast, after estrogen administration, the gonads of males contained oocytes. In females, the administration of T and 11KT resulted in reduced serum E2 levels. Conversely, serum 11KT levels decreased in the E1‐ and E2‐treated males. Thus, we successfully induced bidirectional sex change in the gonad by estrogen and androgen administration in vivo. Moreover, this study raises the possibility that E1 and T are involved in the sex change as precursors for E2 and 11KT, respectively. J. Exp. Zool. 317A:552–560, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
ANIMAL TALES: OBSERVATIONS OF THE EMOTIONS IN AMERICAN EXPERIMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY, 1890–1940
Authors: ROSE ANNE C.
Published: August 2012

In nineteenth‐century science, the emotions played a crucial role in explaining the social behavior of animals and human beings. Beginning in the 1890s, however, the first American psychologists, resolutely parsimonious in method, dismissed affective experience as intellectually imprecise. Yet in practice, feelings continued to influence at least one research setting: animal experiments. Laboratory reports, although focused on learning, became a repository of informal observations about the animals’ temperaments and moods. When American psychologists began to reexamine the emotions between the world wars, they drew on this empirical legacy in animal studies. They also devised a conceptual approach to emotion consistent with their expectation of experimental precision.
IN SEARCH OF THE KINGDOM: THE SOCIAL GOSPEL, SETTLEMENT SOCIOLOGY, AND THE SCIENCE OF REFORM IN AMERICA'S PROGRESSIVE ERA
Authors: WILLIAMS JOYCE E. , MACLEAN VICKY M.
Published: August 2012

This critical narrative history examines the development of sociology in the United States during what has come to be labeled as the Progressive Era, roughly the years from the 1890s to World War I. Despite the label, this era was defined as much by social problems associated with industrialization, urbanization, and immigration as by the growth of its cities and the wealth of its capitalists. We explore the roots of American sociology in the transition of protestant theology from Calvinism to its reformation in the social gospel, the simultaneous development of settlement houses, and the “creation” of sociology as the science of reform.
Association of IL28B genotype and viral response of hepatitis C virus genotype 2 to interferon plus ribavirin combination therapy
Authors: Akuta Norio , Suzuki Fumitaka , Seko Yuya , Kawamura Yusuke , Sezaki Hitomi , Suzuki Yoshiyuki , Hosaka Tetsuya , Kobayashi Masahiro , Kobayashi Mariko , Saitoh Satoshi , Arase Yasuji , Ikeda Kenji , Kumada Hiromitsu
Published: August 2012

The impacts of IL28B genotype to treatment response of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 2 are still not clear. A total of 381 consecutive Japanese patients infected with HCV genotype 2, who could complete combination therapy with interferon (IFN) plus ribavirin for 24 weeks, were evaluated to investigate pretreatment predictors. Patients, who could not achieve sustained virological response at the first course of 24‐week IFN plus ribavirin, were recruited into the study protocol of total 48‐week IFN plus ribavirin. In 24‐week regimen, rates of sustained virological response and rapid virological response were 82% and 50%, respectively. There were no significant differences in rates of sustained virological response and rapid virological response, according to IL28B genotype. Multivariate analysis identified younger age, higher level of albumin, absence of past history of IFN, and lower level of viremia as significant determinants of sustained virological response. As significant or marginal significant determinants of non‐sustained virological response regardless of rapid virological response, multivariate analysis identified IL28B rs8099917 genotype TG + GG and lower level of albumin. In 48‐week regimen to 10 patients of non‐sustained virological response at the first course of 24‐week regimen, sustained virological response rates were 70%. All of six patients, with IL28B TT and relapse at the first course of 24‐week regimen, could achieve sustained virological response, but two patients with IL28B TG could not achieve sustained virological response. In conclusion, the present results suggest that IL28B genotype might partly affect viral response of HCV genotype 2 to combination therapy. J. Med. Virol. 84:1593–1599, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.