bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Monitoring of biofilms grown on differentially structured metallic surfaces using confocal laser scanning microscopy
Authors: Kleine Daniel , Chodorski Jonas , Mitra Sayani , Schlegel Christin , Huttenlochner Katharina , Müller‐Renno Christine , Mukherjee Joydeep , Ziegler Christiane , Ulber Roland 
Published: May 2019

AbstractImaging of biofilms on opaque surfaces is a challenge presented to researchers especially considering pathogenic bacteria, as those typically grow on living tissue, such as mucosa and bone. However, they can also grow on surfaces used in industrial applications such as food production, acting as a hindrance to the process. Thus, it is important to understand bacteria better in the environment they actually have relevance in. Stainless steel and titanium substrata were line structured and dotted surface topographies for titanium substrata were prepared to analyze their effects on biofilm formation of a constitutively green fluorescent protein (GFP)‐expressingEscherichia colistrain. The strain was batch cultivated in a custom built flow cell initially for 18 h, followed by continuous cultivation for 6 h. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) was used to determine the biofilm topography. Biofilm growth ofE. coliGFPmut2 was not affected by the type of metal substrate used; rather, attachment and growth were influenced by variable shapes of the microstructured titanium surfaces. In this work, biofilm cultivation in flow cells was coupled with the most widely used biofilm analytical technique (CLSM) to study the time course of growth of a GFP‐expressing biofilm on metallic surfaces without intermittent sampling or disturbing the natural development of the biofilm.
A conversation with Ian MacNeill
Authors: Jandhyala Venkata K. , Naumova Elena N. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractIan B. MacNeill, an outstanding statistician of our times, passed away on January 16, 2019. He left the legacy of fundamental contributions to change‐point and forecasting methodology, environmetrics, and health statistics. He was an integral part of building The International Environmetrics Society and its journal Environmetrics. He was a thoughtful visionary scientist and a caring mentor for students and faculty. We were fortunate to record the conversation with Ian when all three of us were participating in the 2016 annual meeting of the Statistical Society of Canada. At the meeting, a special session was organized to honor Ian MacNeill in celebration of his 85th birth year. This conversation took place between Ian MacNeill, Krishna Jandhyala, and Elena Naumova at the Four Points by Sheraton, Niagara Suites on June 1, 2016.
Mesoscale spatial variability of soil‐water content in an alpine meadow on the northern Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Zhu Xuchao , Shao Mingan , Liang Yin , Tian Zhiyuan , Wang Xin , Qu Lili 
Published: May 2019

AbstractSoil water is an important limiting factor for restoring alpine meadows on the northern Tibetan Plateau. Field studies of soil‐water content (SWC), however, are rare due to the harsh environment, especially in a mesoscale alpine‐meadow ecosystem. The objective of this study was to assess the spatial variability of SWC and the temporal variation of the spatial variability in a typical alpine meadow using a geostatistical approach. SWC was measured using a neutron probe to a depth of 50 cm at 113 locations on 22 sampling occasions in a 33.5‐hm2 alpine meadow during the 2015 and 2016 growing seasons. Mean SWC in the study plot for the two growing seasons was 18.7, 14.0, 13.9, 14.3, and 14.8% for depths of 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 cm, respectively, and SWC was significantly larger at 10 cm than at other depths. SWC was negatively correlated with its spatial variability, and the spatial variability was higher when SWC was lower. Thirty‐three sampling locations in this study plot met the requirement of accuracy of the central limit theorem. A Gaussian model was the best fit for SWC semivariance at depths of 10, 20, and 30 cm, and the spatial structural ratio was between 0.997 and 1, indicating a strong spatial dependence of SWC. The sill and range fluctuated temporally, and the nugget and spatial structural ratio did not generally vary with time. The sill was significantly positively correlated with SWC and was initially stable and then tend to increase with SWC. The nugget, range, and spatial structure ratio, however, were not correlated with SWC. These results contribute to our understanding of SWC spatial distribution and variation in alpine meadows and provide basic empirical SWC data for mesoscale model simulations, optimizing sampling strategies and managing meadows on the Tibetan Plateau.
U.S. economic uncertainty, EU business cycles, and the global financial crisis
Authors: Choudhry Taufiq , Hassan Syed S. , Shabi Sarosh 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThis paper investigates the impact of the U.S. economic uncertainty on the business cycles (changes in the industrial production) of 12 European Union (EU) countries before and during the global financial crisis. Empirical tests are conducted using the linear and non‐linear causality tests, impulse response function, and variance decomposition. Results show ample evidence of causality from the U.S. uncertainty to EU business cycles only when the crisis period is included in the analysis. Both the linear and non‐linear tests confirm the significance of U.S. uncertainty as a short‐term predictor of business cycles of the EU.
Debt and growth: Decomposing the cause and effect relationship
Authors: Swamy Vighneswara 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThis study provides a data‐rich analysis of the dynamics of government debt and economic growth for a longer period (1960–2009). It spans across different debt regimes and involves a worldwide sample of countries that is more representative than that of studies confined to advanced countries. This study observes a negative relationship between government debt and growth. The point estimates of the range of econometric specifications suggest that a 10‐percentage point increase in the debt‐to‐gross domestic product ratio is associated with 23 basis point reduction in average growth. The results establish the nonlinear relationship between debt and growth. Further, by employing panel vector autoregressions approach, this study decomposes the cause and effect relationship between debt and growth and offers an answer to the question—Does high debt lead to low growth or low growth leads to high debt? The results derived from the impulse–response functions and variance decomposition show the evidence of the long‐term effect of debt on economic growth. The results indicate that the effect is not uniform for all countries but depends mostly on the debt regimes and other important macroeconomic variables like inflation, trade openness, general government final consumption expenditure, and foreign direct investment.
Cutaneous metastasis of prostate carcinoma treated with electron radiotherapy
Authors: Arase Shigeki , Sanuki Naoko , Matsuura Hiroshi 
Published: May 2019

IntroductionProstate carcinoma is typically diagnosed and treated, and it rarely manifests as cutaneous metastases. We herein report electron radiotherapy for the treatment of cutaneous metastases causing cellulitis, with a durable clinical response achieved.Case presentationA 70‐year‐old male patient with scrotal cutaneous metastasis of prostate carcinoma was undergoing treatment with docetaxel chemotherapy due to recurring cellulitis originating from the scrotum, and his treatment was interrupted. We administered electron radiotherapy to the scrotal cutaneous metastasis lesions, as irradiation was difficult, and obtained a good clinical effect. Subsequently, he continued chemotherapy, and the scrotal lesions remained clear and dry with no recurring cellulitis for 1 year.ConclusionElectron radiotherapy is one of the safe and effective treatment options for controlling cutaneous metastasis of prostate carcinoma.
How To Build a Bone: PHOSPHO1, Biomineralization, and Beyond
Authors: Dillon Scott , Staines Katherine A , Millán José Luis , Farquharson Colin 
Published: May 2019

ABSTRACTSince its characterization two decades ago, the phosphatase PHOSPHO1 has been the subject of an increasing focus of research. This work has elucidated PHOSPHO1's central role in the biomineralization of bone and other hard tissues, but has also implicated the enzyme in other biological processes in health and disease. During mineralization PHOSPHO1 liberates inorganic phosphate (Pi) to be incorporated into the mineral phase through hydrolysis of its substrates phosphocholine (PCho) and phosphoethanolamine (PEA). Localization of PHOSPHO1 within matrix vesicles allows accumulation of Pi within a protected environment where mineral crystals may nucleate and subsequently invade the organic collagenous scaffold. Here, we examine the evidence for this process, first discussing the discovery and characterization of PHOSPHO1, before considering experimental evidence for its canonical role in matrix vesicle–mediated biomineralization. We also contemplate roles for PHOSPHO1 in disorders of dysregulated mineralization such as vascular calcification, along with emerging evidence of its activity in other systems including choline synthesis and homeostasis, and energy metabolism. © 2019 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
A method for improving the efficiency of DNA extraction from clotted blood samples
Authors: Mardan‐Nik Maryam , Saffar Soflaei Sara , Biabangard‐Zak Atefeh , Asghari Mahla , Saljoughian Sania , Tajbakhsh Amir , Meshkat Zahra , Ferns Gordon A. , Pasdar Alireza , Ghayour‐Mobarhan Majid 
Published: May 2019

BackgroundThe efficient and rapid extraction of high‐quality genomic DNA from clotted blood samples, which normally have a low yield and poor quality, is an important factor in genomic research. The objective of this study was to develop a simple and safe technique for dispersing the blood clots by the ball bearing metal shots. Normally, such clot samples may not have an acceptable yield by conventional DNA extraction methods. Also, in the present study, we have further investigated to improve salting‐out DNA extraction methods.MethodsInitially, 500 µL phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS) (1×) and two ball bearing metal shots were added to each tube of the clotted blood sample and then were gently rotated in an electric laboratory rotator for 1 hour at room temperature (18‐25°C). Genomic DNA was then extracted from samples using a modified salting‐out method and a modified QIAamp® DNA Blood Midi Kit and was compared with QIAamp® DNA Blood Midi Kit as a control. An assessment of the concentration and quality of the extracted DNA was performed using the UV‐visible spectrophotometer. The isolated DNA proved amenable to PCR amplification and gel electrophoresis.ResultsThe yield and purity of DNA obtained by these three methods were significantly different (P < 0.001), with a higher yield in the modified salting‐out method.ConclusionsOur proposed modified salting‐out method is simple and efficient for the isolation of DNA from old blood clot samples. It is both easy to use and is of low cost in routine laboratory tasks.
MiR‐423‐5p inhibition alleviates cardiomyocyte apoptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction caused by hypoxia/reoxygenation through activation of the wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway via targeting MYBL2
Authors: Zhu Xin , Lu Xiaolan 
Published: May 2019

AbstractMicroRNA (miR) plays an integral role in cardiovascular diseases. M‐iR‐423‐5p is aberrantly expressed in patients with myocardial infarction and heart failure. The aim of the present study was to study the roles and mechanisms of miR‐423‐5p in hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) mediated cardiomyocytes injury. H9C2 cells were transfected with negative control, miR‐423‐5p mimic, and inhibitor for 48 hr, followed by exposed to H/R condition. Cell apoptosis rate, caspase 3/7 activities, Bax and cleaved‐caspase 3 (c‐caspase 3) protein levels were assayed by flow cytometry, Caspase‐Glo 3/7 Assay kit, western blot analysis, respectively. Furthermore, the mitochondrial membrane potential, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and Drp1 expression were also investigated. Furthermore, the dual‐luciferase reporter assay was used to evaluate the relationship between miR‐423‐5p and Myb‐related protein B (MYBL2). The roles of miR‐423‐5p in wnt/β‐catenin were assessed by western blot analysis. The results revealed that H/R triggered miR‐423‐5p expression. Overexpression of miR‐423‐5p promoted cardiomyocyte apoptosis, enhanced the activities of caspase 3/7, upregulated the expression of Bax and c‐caspase 3. miR‐423‐5p upregulation caused the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and the reduction of ATP content, the augment of ROS production and Drp1 expression. However, the opposite trends were observed upon suppression of miR‐423‐5p. In addition, miR‐423‐5p could target the 3′ untranslated region of MYBL2. miR‐423‐5p depletion led to the activation of the wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway via targeting MYBL2. Knockdown of MYBL2 was obviously reversed the roles of miR‐423‐5p in apoptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction. Taken together, miR‐423‐5p suppression reduced H/R‐induced cardiomyocytes injury through activation of the wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway via targeting MYBL2 in cardiomyocytes.
Microbially induced corrosion in oilfield: microbial quantification and optimization of biocide application
Authors: Senthilmurugan Balasubramanian , Radhakrishnan Jayaprakash Sandhala , Poulsen Morten , Arana Victor Hugo , Al‐Qahtani Misfera , Jamsheer Abdullah Fadel 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDMicrobial corrosion is a serious challenge for the oil and gas industry worldwide, leading to huge economic losses and production issues. Successful mitigation of microbial corrosion requires a complete characterization of the microbial community present in the system. This paper deals with the extensive microbial analysis and study of performance of biocide formulations for different water types in an oilfield.RESULTSWater, solid and coupon samples were collected at various points in the production system and analyzed for total microbial numbers by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and microbial diversity using next‐generation sequencing (NGS). A high‐throughput multi‐well system was used to screen eight different biocide formulations at various dosage levels. A pipeline simulator reactor was developed and used to represent field conditions such as temperature, flow and shear rates. The tests showed that the dominant microbial species causing corrosion were sulfate‐reducing Desulfovibrio spp. in seawater and brackish water systems and acid‐producing fermentative Halanaerobium spp. in effluent water. The results showed that different biocide treatment strategies have to be adopted for treating different water types. Biocide formulations containing ADBAC and THPS + surfactant showed the most promising results for seawater, whereas biocide formulations of ADBAC and THPS + glutaraldehyde performed better for brackish and effluent waters.CONCLUSIONThe study has shown that molecular methods such as qPCR and NGS provide better and accurate evaluation of the microbial community in the field compared with conventional growth‐based methods, leading to optimized mitigation strategies. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Numerical and experimental assessment of a miniature bioreactor equipped with a mechanical agitator and non‐invasive biosensors
Authors: Li Chao , Tian Jiangtao , Wang Weifei , Peng Huadong , Zhang Ming , Hang Haifeng , Zhang Siliang , Xia Jian‐Ye 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDSufficient oxygen supply and stable process control are crucial for the successful screening and process optimization of aerobic microorganisms in small‐scale bioreactors. In this work, a miniature bioreactor (volume 80 mL) equipped with non‐invasive biosensors was developed and characterized.RESULTSTo enable proper mixing and high oxygen transfer rate, a mechanical agitator with large diameter (0.56 tank diameter) and submerged aeration were applied. The flow fields formed in the miniature bioreactor under a wide range of conditions (filling volume 30–70 mL, agitation speed 300–1100 rpm and aeration rate 0–4 vvm) were numerically analyzed by computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The miniature bioreactor performed with a suitable mixing time (<4 s) and a high oxygen transfer coefficient (kLa > 1000 h−1). It showed that engineering parameters including mass transfer, mixing and shear were more sensitive to agitation than either filling volume or aeration. Correlations for quantitative evaluation of the engineering parameters were established. The predicted oxygen transfer coefficient by CFD showed good agreement with both experimental and reported data. Furthermore, cultivations of Escherichia coli and Pichia pastoris in the mini bioreactor verified the excellent performance.CONCLUSIONThe developed miniature bioreactor will provide a reliable tool for screening and process optimization, and the presented correlations that predict the engineering parameters will make it convenient to achieve scale‐up. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Plasma methionine concentrations and incidence of hypermethioninemic encephalopathy during infancy in a large cohort of 36 patients with classical homocystinuria in the Republic of Ireland
Authors: Allen John , Power Bronwyn , Abedin Aida , Purcell Orla , Knerr Ina , Monavari Ahmad 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundClassical homocystinuria is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by profound cystathionine β‐synthase deficiency. Its biochemical hallmarks are high concentrations of plasma homocyst(e)ine and methionine. Clinical manifestations include lens dislocation, developmental delay, skeletal anomalies, or thromboembolism. Limited literature exists outlining the risk of encephalopathy associated with hypermethioninemia presenting in children with classical homocystinuria.AimTo assess the quality of metabolic control and plasma methionine concentrations in infancy in a cohort of 36 patients with classical homocystinuria in the Republic of Ireland.MethodsReview of biochemical and clinical data including neuroradiological results that are available for the first year of life in our patients diagnosed on newborn screening was performed with appropriate consent and ethical approval.Results and DiscussionMedian total homocyst(e)ine and methionine plasma concentrations were 78 and 55 μmol/L, respectively. Methionine concentrations were significantly higher in neonates as opposed to older children. The highest methionine level identified was 1329 μmol/L in a child who presented clinically with encephalopathy. Elevated homocyst(e)ine and methionine levels are associated with significant morbidities. Therefore, prevention of complications requires prompt recognition and treatment. Chronic and acute complications may be encountered in patients with classical homocystinuria and plasma methionine concentrations pose an additional risk factor.
Impact of Head‐Down Position on Cerebral Blood Flow in Healthy Subjects: An Arterial Spin‐Labeling MR Perfusion Study
Authors: Mejdoubi Mehdi , Pavilla Aude , Colombani Sylvie , Duvauferrier Régis , Cepeda Ibarra Yamilet , Seiller Ian 
Published: May 2019

BackgroundA head‐down (HD) position is used in some stroke centers to maintain cerebral perfusion (CP) in stroke patients.PurposeTo assess CP in healthy volunteers in the supine and HD (–15°) positions.Study TypeProspective.PopulationEighteen healthy subjects of 53 (±8) years old.Field Strength/Sequence1.5T / arterial spin‐labeling (ASL) in the supine position and after 4 minutes of HD position.AssessmentRegions of interest from reconstructed cerebral blood‐flow (CBF) maps: subcortical nuclear gray matter (accumbens, amygdala, caudate, hippocampus, pallidum, putamen, thalamus), cortical gray matter (cGM), and white matter (WM). We also monitored hemodynamic parameters.Statistical TestsShapiro–Wilk test, analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests, Student's t‐tests, and Pearson correlation analysis.ResultsCBF was higher in women compared to men, whatever the position (mean difference of 17% in supine, and 13% in HD position). From supine to HD position, CBF was decreased in all regions (mean decrease of –7%). Simultaneously, mean arterial pressure and systolic blood pressure increased (respectively P = 0.004 and P < 0.001).Data ConclusionThe CBF decrease, despite increased hemodynamic parameters, may indicate efficient cerebral autoregulation. Our results seem to reflect only early cerebral autoregulation stages but may open the way towards a more precise understanding of CP.Level of Evidence: 1Technical Efficacy Stage: 2 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;51:218–224.
CMOS rectifier design for RFID chip with high sensitivity at low input power to be combined with an ultrasmall antenna
Authors: Jantarachote Vasan , Tontisirin Sitt , Akkaraekthalin Prayoot , Negra Renato , Chalermwisutkul Suramate 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThis paper presents CMOS radio frequency (RF) rectifier circuit design for radio frequency identification (RFID) tag with integrated on‐chip antenna. The proposed design focuses on high sensitivity and high efficiency at low input power. The rectifier circuit was designed using Advanced Design System (ADS) software tool with the UMC130 process as a single‐ended rectifier structure in different topologies where sensitivity and efficiency enhancement techniques are applied. This work presents the performance of the proposed CMOS RF rectifier circuit in comparison with previously published works for 915 MHz and 5.8 GHz operating frequencies. For the 915 MHz band, the highest sensitivity of −19.8 dBm is provided by the adaptive threshold voltage compensation circuit with a power conversion efficiency of 9.843%. The 5.8 GHz band uses the adaptive threshold voltage compensation and dynamic bulk bias techniques providing the highest sensitivity of −16.8 dBm. Compared with other works in the literature, the proposed circuits offer greater sensitivity and can easily be matched with ultrasmall on‐chip antennas because of appropriate values of the input impedance.
Understanding dynamics of Rhizophagus irregularis ontogenesis in axenically developed coculture through basic and advanced microscopic techniques
Authors: Chaudhary Shikha , Gupta Priyanka , Srivastava Shivani , Adholeya Alok 
Published: May 2019

AbstractDetailed information on structural changes that occur during ontogenesis of Rhizophagus irregularis in axenically developed coculture is limited. Our study aims to investigate the series of events that occur during mycorrhizal ontogenesis under axenic condition through basic and advanced microscopic techniques followed by comparison among these to identify the suitable technique for rapid and detailed analysis of mycorrhizal structures. Three stages were identified in mycorrhizal ontogenesis from initiation (preinfection stage of hyphae; its branching, infection and appressoria formation; epidermal opening; and hyphal entry), progression (arbuscular development; hyphal coils and vesicles) to maturity (extraradical spores). Scanning electron microscopy was found to be an efficient tool for studying spatial three‐dimensional progression. Adding to the advantages of advanced microscopy, potential of autofluorescence to explore the stages of symbiosis nondestructively was also established. We also report imaging of ultrathin sections by bright field microscopy to provide finer details at subcellular interface. Owing to the merits of nondestructive sampling, ease of sample preparation, autofluorescence (no dye required), no use of toxic chemicals, rapid analysis and in depth characterization confocal laser scanning microscopy was identified as the most preferred technique. The method thus developed can be used for detailed structural inquisition of mycorrhizal symbiosis both in in planta and in an in vitro system.