bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In vitro inhibition potential of mono‐n‐octyl phthalate on Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Ra: Possibility of binding to mycobacterial PknB—An in silico approach
Authors: Rajiniraja Muniyan , Sivaramakrishna Akella , Sabareesh Varatharajan , Jayaraman Gurunathan 
Published: August 2018

AbstractFatty acids of specific chain lengths have been shown to inhibit the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In the present study, specific synthetic aromatic derivatives of n‐octyl esters were investigated for their property to inhibit the growth of M. tuberculosis H37Ra. Agar well diffusion assay indicated that the crude synthetic derivatives obtained by the esterification of phthalic acid (PA) and n‐octanol exhibited antimycobacterial activity. Further, the activity was authenticated with the Miroplate Alamar Blue Assay (MABA). Subsequently, the active component was purified by bioactivity guided chromatographic fractionation. The structure of the synthetic derivative was deduced by UV–Vis, FT‐IR, LC–MS, GC–mass spectrometry, and NMR spectroscopy. Molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulation (MDS) were performed with Autodock 4.0 and GROMACS 5.1.2 softwares, respectively. It was found that mono‐n‐octyl phthalate (MOP) exhibited antimycobacterial activity with a MIC of 20 μg/mL, and not by any other related compounds, including di‐n‐octyl phthalate, PA, phthalic anhydride, and n‐octanol. Binding of MOP with protein kinase B can participate in the binding cavity region, which was previously reported. Subsequently, we authenticate the stability with MDS. This is first report on the inhibition of M. tuberculosis growth by MOP.
Simulation and comparison of processes for biobutanol production from lignocellulose via ABE fermentation
Authors: Haigh Kathleen F. , Petersen Abdul M. , Gottumukkala Lalitha , Mandegari Mohsen , Naleli Karabo , Görgens Johann F. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractSix conceptual process scenarios for the production of biobutanol from lignocellulosic biomass through acetone‐butanol‐ethanol (ABE) fermentation, using reported data on process performances, were developed with ASPEN Plus® V8.2 software. The six scenarios covered three fermentation strategies, i.e. batch separate hydrolysis and fermentation (SHF), continuous SHF, and batch simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) integrated with gas stripping (GS). The two downstream processing options considered were double‐effect distillation (DD) and liquid‐liquid extraction and distillation (LLE&D). It was found that the SSF‐GS/DD scenario was the most energy efficient with a liquid fuel efficiency of 24% and an overall efficiency of 31%. This was also the scenario with the best economic outcome, with an internal rate of return (IRR) of 15% and net present value (NPV) of US$387 million. The SSF‐GS/DD scenario was compared to a similar molasses process, based on the product flow rates, and it was found that the molasses process was more energy efficient with a gross energy value (GEV) of 23 MJ kg1 butanol compared to −117 MJ kg1 butanol for the lignocellulosic process. In addition, the molasses‐based process was more profitable with an IRR of 36% compared to 21%. However, the energy requirements for the molasses process were supplied from fossil fuels, whereas for the lignocellulose processes a portion of the feedstock was diverted to provide process energy. Improved environmental performance is therefore associated with the lignocellulosic process. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Muscular Dystrophy Surveillance, Tracking, and Research Network pilot: Population‐based surveillance of major muscular dystrophies at four U.S. sites, 2007–2011
Authors: Do ThuyQuynh N. , Street Natalie , Donnelly Jennifer , Adams Melissa M. , Cunniff Christopher , Fox Deborah J. , Weinert Richard O. , Oleszek Joyce , Romitti Paul A. , Westfield Christina P. , Bolen Julie ,   on behalf of the Muscular Dystrophy Surveillance, Tracking, and Research Network (MD STARnet)
Published: August 2018

BackgroundFor 10 years, the Muscular Dystrophy Surveillance, Tracking, and Research Network (MD STARnet) conducted surveillance for Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy (DBMD). We piloted expanding surveillance to other MDs that vary in severity, onset, and sources of care.MethodsOur retrospective surveillance included individuals diagnosed with one of nine eligible MDs before or during the study period (January 2007–December 2011), one or more health encounters, and residence in one of four U.S. sites (Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, or western New York) at any time within the study period. We developed case definitions, surveillance protocols, and software applications for medical record abstraction, clinical review, and data pooling. Potential cases were identified by International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD‐9‐CM) codes 359.0, 359.1, and 359.21 and International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD‐10) codes G71.0 and G71.1. Descriptive statistics were compared by MD type. Percentage of MD cases identified by each ICD‐9‐CM code was calculated.ResultsOf 2,862 cases, 32.9% were myotonic, dystrophy 25.8% DBMD, 9.7% facioscapulohumeral MD, and 9.1% limb‐girdle MD. Most cases were male (63.6%), non‐Hispanic (59.8%), and White (80.2%). About, half of cases were genetically diagnosed in self (39.1%) or family (6.2%). About, half had a family history of MD (48.9%). The hereditary progressive MD code (359.1) was the most common code for identifying eligible cases. The myotonic code (359.21) identified 83.4% of eligible myotonic dystrophy cases (786/943).ConclusionsMD STARnet is the only multisite, population‐based active surveillance system available for MD in the United States. Continuing our expanded surveillance will contribute important epidemiologic and health outcome information about several MDs.
Glycan‐masking hemagglutinin antigens from stable CHO cell clones for H5N1 avian influenza vaccine development
Authors: Chen Ting‐Hsuan , Liu Wen‐Chun , Lin Chia‐Ying , Liu Chia‐Chyi , Jan Jia‐Tsrong , Spearman Maureen , Butler Michael , Wu Suh‐Chin 
Published: August 2018

AbstractRefocusing of B‐cell responses can be achieved by preserving the overall fold of the antigen structure but selectively mutating the undesired antigenic sites with additional N‐linked glycosylation motifs for glycan masking the vaccine antigen. We previously reported that glycan‐masking recombinant H5 hemagglutinin (rH5HA) antigens on residues 83, 127, and 138 (g127 + g138 or g83 + g127 + 138 rH5HA) elicited broader neutralizing antibodies and protection against heterologous clades/subclades of high pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 viruses. In this study, we engineered the stably expressing Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell clones for producing the glycan‐masking g127 + g138 and g83 + g127 + g138 rH5HA antigens. All of these glycan‐masking rH5HA antigens produced in stable CHO cell clones were found to be mostly oligomeric structures. Only the immunization with the glycan‐masking g127 + g138 but not g83 + g127 + g138 rH5HA antigens elicited more potent neutralizing antibody titers against four out of five heterologous clades/subclades of H5N1 viral strains. The increased neutralizing antibody titers against these heterologous viral strains were correlated with the increased amounts of stem‐binding antibodies, only the glycan‐masking g127 + g138 rH5HA antigens can translate into more protection against live viral challenges. The stable CHO cell line‐produced glycan‐masking g127 + g138 rH5HA can be used for H5N1 subunit vaccine development.
The effects of alternating tangential flow (ATF) residence time, hydrodynamic stress, and filtration flux on high‐density perfusion cell culture
Authors: Walther Jason , McLarty Jean , Johnson Timothy 
Published: August 2018

AbstractIn this study, we investigated the effects of alternating tangential flow (ATF) cell separation on high‐density perfusion cultures. We have developed methods to estimate theoretical residence times of cells in the ATF system and discovered that long residence times (above 75 s) correlate with decreased growth, metabolism, and productivity. We have calculated energy dissipation rates in the ATF transfer line and filter and empirically studied the impacts of increased exchange rates on cell culture, determining that increased hydrodynamic stress can lead to decreased cell size, lactate production, and specific productivity. Finally, we have conducted experiments to understand the relationship between filtration fluxes and ATF membrane fouling, finding that at fluxes above 60 L·m–2·day
–1, protein sieving coefficients see significant rates of decrease (greater than 1% per day). While most of these studies have been conducted with one cell line at one target viable cell density (40 million cells/ml), the general, directional knowledge arising from this study should be applicable to other conditions and programs, ultimately leading to more robust and well‐designed perfusion processes.
Computational fluid dynamic modeling of alternating tangential flow filtration for perfusion cell culture
Authors: Radoniqi Flaka , Zhang Hu , Bardliving Cameron L. , Shamlou Parviz , Coffman Jon 
Published: August 2018

AbstractAlternating tangential flow (ATF) filtration has been successfully adopted as a low shear cell separation device in many perfusion‐based processes. The reverse flow per cycle is used to minimize fouling compared with tangential flow filtration. Currently, modeling of the ATF system is based on empirically derived formulas, leading to oversimplification of model parameters. In this study, an experimentally validated porous computational fluid dynamic (CFD) model was used to predict localized fluid behavior and pressure profiles in the ATF membrane for both water and supernatant solutions. The results provided numerical evidence of Starling flow phenomena that has been theorized but not previously proven for the current operating parameters. Additionally, feed cross flow velocity was shown to significantly impact the localized flux distribution; higher feed cross flow rates lead to an increased localized permeate flux as well as irreversible and reversible fouling resistance. Further, the small average permeate flux values of 2 L·m−2·h−1traditionally used in perfusion bioreactor membranes lead to approximately 50% of the membrane length utilized for permeate flow during each pressure and exhaust phase, leading to a full membrane utilization during one ATF cycle. Our preliminary CFD results demonstrate that local flux and resistance distribution further elucidate the dynamics of ATF membrane fouling in a perfusion‐based system.
Genetik des Äußeren
Authors: Hoßfeld Uwe , Levit Georgy S. , Watts Elizabeth 
Published: August 2018

ZusammenfassungValentin Haecker gehört zu den Wegbereitern einer experimentellen und deskriptiven Biologie, Genetik und Entwicklungsphysiologie. In seiner 1918 aufgestellten „Entwicklungsgeschichtlichen Eigenschaftsanalyse“ (Phänogenetik) bemühte er sich, die Wurzeln der phänotypischen Darstellung in möglichst frühe Entwicklungsstadien zurückzuverfolgen. Seine Lehre verband wichtige biologische Disziplinen und Ergebnisse und gab Antworten auf die Beziehung von Phänotyp und Genotyp. Er erkannte auch, dass bei der Analyse von Genwirkungen, Morphologie, Physiologie, Embryologie und experimentelle Embryologie nur gemeinsam Erfolg bei der Interpretation der Ergebnisse haben würden.
Experimente mit Hefe (2)
Authors: Sommer Isabell 
Published: August 2018

ZusammenfassungDie sogenannte Jodprobe eignet sich hervorragend dazu, in einfachen Experimenten basierend auf einer Farbreaktion die Rolle des Enzyms „Amylase“ beim Aufgehen eines Hefeteiges, bei der Verdauung von Kohlehydraten bzw. beim Reinigen von Geschirr in der Spülmaschine anschaulich zu demonstrieren. Die vorgestellten Experimente können dazu genutzt werden, die Frage zu klären, welche Alltagssubstanzen in der Lage sind, Stärke abzubauen bzw. ob ein Lebensmittel stärkehaltig ist. Die zentrale Fragestellung der Experimente ist, wie Hefe trotz „Stärke‐Intoleranz“ den Brotteig aufgehen lässt.
Effect of quality control on the antiproliferative activity of the extract from Portulaca oleracea L. in Aspergillus flavus
Authors: Li Xiu‐Mei , Liu Jing , Pan Fang‐Fang , Yang Pei‐Long 
Published: August 2018

AbstractSimilarity evaluation of complicated chromatographic profiles is a potential protocol for the identification and quality control of herbal medicinal products to ensure their biological activity. In this work, a high‐performance liquid chromatography method was established for controlling the batch quality of the extract from Portulaca oleracea L. Using this method, the coefficients of correlation of the similarity of 10 batches extract of P. oleracea L. were ≥ 0.97. The 10 batch extracts from P. oleracea L. possessed stable antiproliferative activity in Aspergillus flavus. The antiproliferative activity stability is correlated with the stability quality of the of the extract from P. oleracea L. Therefore, the present study successfully set up a sensitive and efficient method which might be used to guarantee stable biological activity of the extract from P. oleracea L.
MRI in predicting conversion to multiple sclerosis within 1 year
Authors: Eran Ayelet , García Melissa , Malouf Robair , Bosak Noam , Wagner Raz , Ganelin‐Cohen Ester , Artsy Elinor , Shifrin Alla , Rozenberg Ayal 
Published: August 2018

AbstractObjectivesMost patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) present with a clinically isolated syndrome (CIS). We aimed to verify previously reported imaging and clinical findings, and to identify new MRI findings that might serve as prognostic factors for a second clinical episode or a change in the MRI scan during the first year following a CIS.Materials and MethodsWe identified from our medical records, 46 individuals who presented with an episode of CIS, which was followed clinically and with imaging studies. A neuroradiologist blinded to the clinical data reviewed the images and recorded the number of lesions, lesion location, and the largest longitudinal diameter of the lesion.ResultsOne year after the first MRI, 25 (54%) patients had progressed to MS. The clinical presentation of those who were and were not diagnosed with MS was predominantly motor or sensory deficit. Patients with lesions that were temporal, occipital, or perpendicular to the corpus callosum at the first episode were more likely to have recurrence. Individuals with a combination of more than 13 lesions, with maximal lesion length greater than 0.75 cm, and a lesion perpendicular to the corpus callosum, had a 19 times higher chance of conversion MS during the following year.ConclusionsAssessment of the number of lesions, lesion location, and maximal lesion size can predict the risk to develop another clinical episode or a new lesion/new enhancement in MRI during the year after CIS. For patients with a higher risk of recurrence, we recommend closer follow‐up.
Green absorptive capacity: A mediation‐moderation model of knowledge for innovation
Authors: Pacheco Larissa Marchiori , Alves Marlon Fernandes Rodrigues , Liboni Lara Bartocci 
Published: August 2018

AbstractSupported by the dynamic capabilities literature, this study examines the linkages between environmental factors, organizational factors and green innovation performance in light of the moderating effect of green absorptive capacity. Based on a sample of 78 firms in the electric power industry in Brazil, a mediation‐moderation model is proposed and tested using partial least squares structural equation modelling, which allows the analysis of both direct and indirect relationships. The results yielded general support for the study hypotheses, suggesting that (i) environmental factors have both a direct and indirect positive effect on green innovation performance, (ii) organizational factors fully mediate the effect of environmental factors on green innovation performance, and (iii) green absorptive capacity has a positive moderating impact on the mediation model. These findings provide empirical evidence of a better understanding of the antecedents of green innovation performance by highlighting the role of green absorptive capacity.
A holistic approach to understanding the acceptance of a community‐based renewable energy project: A pathway to sustainability for Tunisia's rural region
Authors: Mjahed Hammami Samiha , Chtourou Sahar , Al Moosa Heyam 
Published: August 2018

AbstractWhile there is an increased need to streamline the deployment of sustainable energy projects and high public advocacy for their implementation, projects of this type are often met with public opposition once proposed in a local context. Even although several attempts have been advanced to explain this attitude‐behaviour dissension, these explanations remain partial in how they cover the local opposition issue. There is, in fact, a dearth of research investigating in an integrative way the underlying motivations and/or obstacles for local acceptance. Based on a case study of wind energy using triangulation among a variety of different sources of data from the stakeholders involved, this study aims to uncover how the acceptance of sustainable projects emerges in community contexts. Findings reveal the barriers and motivational factors behind the acceptance of sustainable projects that managers must integrate in their business strategies in the hope of successfully initiating and sustaining behaviour‐change programmes.
Engineered E. coli Nissle 1917 for the reduction of vancomycin‐resistant Enterococcus in the intestinal tract
Authors: Geldart Kathryn G. , Kommineni Sushma , Forbes Madeline , Hayward Michael , Dunny Gary M. , Salzman Nita H. , Kaznessis Yiannis N. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractVancomycin‐resistant Enterococcus (VRE) poses a serious threat in hospitals where they densely colonize the intestinal tracts of patients. In vulnerable hosts, these pathogens may translocate to the bloodstream and become lethal. The ability to selectively reduce VRE in the intestinal tracts of patients could potentially prevent many of these translocation events and reduce the spread of the pathogen. Herein, we have engineered Escherichia. coli Nissle 1917 to produce and secrete three antimicrobial peptides, Enterocin A, Enterocin B, and Hiracin JM79, to specifically target and kill Enterococcus. These peptides exhibited potent activity against both Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus faecalis, the two most prominent species responsible for VRE infections. We first discuss the optimization of the system used to express and secrete the peptides. We then show that by simultaneously expressing these peptides, both E. faecium and E. faecalis were drastically inhibited. We then demonstrate a suppression of the development of resistance when supernatant from the E. coli producer strains was used to treat E. faecium. Finally, we tested the efficacy of the probiotic in a VRE colonization model in mice. These studies showed that administration of the engineered probiotic significantly reduced the levels of both E. faecium and E. faecalis in the feces of male Balb/cJ mice.
A virtual scanner for teaching fundamental magnetic resonance in biomedical engineering
Authors: Wilhjelm Jens E. , Duun‐Henriksen Jonas , Hanson Lars G. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractA virtual scanner for introductory teaching in magnetic resonance imaging in biomedical engineering is presented and evaluated in a randomized trial of ultra‐short and short‐term learning. The results show similar performance, but indicate higher motivation, when compared with a classical approach, when class duration was identical.
MiR‐486 promotes proliferation and suppresses apoptosis in myeloid cells by targeting Cebpa in vitro
Authors: Jiang Jingwei , Gao Qingmin , Gong Yiwei , Huang Lizhen , Lin Hao , Zhou Xinli , Liang Xiaohua , Guo Weijian 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe monocytic MDSC (M‐MDSC) is one of the major types of MDSCs, which play important roles in suppression of antitumor immunity. However, the mechanisms underlying how M‐MDSCs so heavily accumulate in patients with cancer are still poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to identify miRNAs that regulate the proliferation and differentiation of M‐MDSCs. Microarray analysis was performed to identify differentially expressed miRNAs between tumor‐induced M‐MDSCs (TM‐MDSCs) and their counterparts from tumor‐free mice. The miRNAs and their target genes that regulate the proliferation and differentiation of myeloid cells were predicted by bioinformatics analysis and validated by RT‐qPCR. Luciferase reporter assays were used to analyze the relationships between miRNAs and target genes. Overexpression of candidate miRNAs and target genes in myeloid cells was conducted to verify their functions in cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Our data showed that miR‐486 was overexpressed in TM‐MDSCs. Cebpa was predicted to be one of the target genes of miR‐486 that regulates the proliferation of myeloid cells. Expression of Cebpa was inversely correlated with miR‐486 in TM‐MDSCs, and we found that overexpression of miR‐486 suppressed the expression of Cebpa in both 293T cells determined by luciferase reporter assays and in myeloid cells determined by RT‐qPCR. Overexpression of miR‐486 promoted proliferation and suppressed apoptosis in myeloid cells, as opposed to overexpression of Cebpa, which promoted the opposing phenotype. Overexpression of either miR‐486 or Cebpa inhibited differentiation of myeloid cells. This study indicates that miR‐486 promotes proliferation and suppresses apoptosis in myeloid cells by targeting Cebpa in vitro, suggesting that miR‐486 and Cebpa might be involved in the expansion of TM‐MDSCs in tumor‐bearing mice.
NFATc1 is a tumor suppressor in hepatocellular carcinoma and induces tumor cell apoptosis by activating the FasL‐mediated extrinsic signaling pathway
Authors: Xu Sanrong , Shu Penghao , Zou Song , Shen Xiaofeng , Qu Yuanqian , Zhang Yong , Sun Kang , Zhang Jin 
Published: August 2018

AbstractNuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) is a family of transcription factors that have important functions in many tumors. However, the expression level and functional role of NFAT in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain unclear. In this study, we showed that NFATc1 expression was decreased in both HCC tissues and cell lines. Low expression of NFATc1 was correlated with larger tumor size, advanced tumor‐node‐metastasis (TNM) stage, high serum AFP level, and liver cirrhosis. Furthermore, patients with low NFATc1 expression exhibited poor prognosis. Ectopic expression of NFATc1 in HCC cells inhibited proliferation and colony formation, leading to G1 arrest and induction of apoptosis. In addition, we demonstrated that NFATc1 increased Fas ligand (FasL) expression by directly binding to its promoter and activated the extrinsic apoptotic pathway. NFATc1 and FasL expression patterns and their prognostic value for patients with HCC were also evaluated in TCGA Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma database. Knock‐down of FasL expression by siRNA in HCC cell lines abolished NFATc1's antiproliferative and pro‐apoptotic effects. In conclusion, NFATc1 is frequently inactivated in HCC and functions as a tumor suppressor in liver carcinogenesis. Ectopic expression of NFATc1 in HCC cells induces apoptosis by activating the FasL‐mediated extrinsic signaling pathway.