bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Screening and Characterisation of Keratin-Degrading Bacillus sp. from Feather Waste
Authors: Dada M. T. , Wakil S. M. 
Published: March 2019

Aim: This study focuses on the screening and characterisation of keratin-degrading Bacillus species from feather waste.
Methods: Nine bacteria were isolated from feather waste obtained from a poultry layout at Egbeda local government secretariat, Ibadan, Nigeria. These bacteria were grown in basal medium with feather as primary source of carbon, nitrogen, sulfur and energy. Feather degrading bacteria were screened for both proteolytic activity and keratin degradation on skimmed milk agar and keratin azure medium respectively. They were also screened for their ability to degrade other keratin substrates such as hair and nail.
Results: Three of the isolates with higher feather degradation levels also showed high proteolytic activity and release of azure dye. They were selected and identified phenotypically and genotypically using 16S rRNA sequencing as Bacillus licheniformis-K51, Bacillus subtilis-K50 and Bacillus sp.-K53. The bacteria were capable of degrading other keratin-containing substrates such as nail and hair. Bacillus subtilis-K50 and Bacillus licheniformis-K51 showed significant difference (P) in degradation among the three different keratin sources used yielding higher degradation with feather as keratin source with respective optical densities of 0.07 and 0.11 followed by hair and least in nails with optical densities of 0.05 and 0.07 respectively. Highest degradation of all the three keratin substrates was observed in Bacillus licheniformis-K51.
Conclusion: The three isolated bacteria possess the ability to degrade keratin and utilize feather as keratin substrate. As a result, these can be considered as potential candidates for degradation and utilization of feather keratin.
In vitro Study of Antagonistic Capability of Trichoderma harzianum against Aspergillus niger Isolated from Rotten White Yam (Dioscorea rotundata) Tubers
Authors: Gwa V. I. , Nwankiti A. O. , Ekefan E. J. 
Published: March 2019

In vitro antagonistic study using dual culture technique was carried out at Advanced Plant Pathology Laboratory, Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria to assess the potential capability of Trichoderma harzianum as a biocontrol agent against Aspergillus niger isolated from rotten yam tubers. The test antagonist (T. harzianum) was introduced at three different times (same time with pathogen, two days before the inoculation of the pathogen and two days after the inoculation of the pathogen). The plates were incubated for 192 hours and measurements of mycelial radial growths were recorded at intervals of 24 hours beginning from the third day. The results of in vitro interactions between T. harzianum and A. niger revealed that T. harzianum was able to significantly (P ≤ 0.05) inhibit the growth of A. niger at the three different times of introduction of T. harzianum and this increased with the time of incubation. T. harzianum grew faster than A. niger and produced inhibition zones which completely stopped the growth of A. niger. Mean percentage growth inhibition was found to be highest (77.79%) when T. harzianum was introduced 2 days before inoculation of A. niger followed by introduction of T. harzianum same with A. niger (45.96%). The least percentage growth inhibition (28.47%) was recorded when T. harzianum was introduced 2 days after inoculation of A. niger. In all cases, T. harzianum was observed to be effective at checking the growth of A. niger in vitro and therefore showed the capability for the biological control of the pathogen. It is therefore recommended that for effective in-vitro control of A. niger, T. harzianum should be introduced 2 days before the arrival of A. niger.
Prevalence and Antibiotic Resistance Profile of Pseudomonas aeruginosa from Hospital Sinks in South Western Nigeria
Authors: Oluranti Olayinka Oluyemi , Ubanagu Chiamaka Ifeoma , Oluwasemowo Olukunle Oluwapamilerin , Akinola Omowunmi Temidayo , Nejo Yewande Tolulope , Motayo Babatunde Olanrewaju 
Published: March 2019

Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) has been identified as a major pathogen in man, causing both opportunistic and nosocomial infections. Pseudomonas is a ubiquitous organism often isolated from various surfaces, which have the ability to form biofilms, making it a unique organism of medical importance.
Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of P. aeruginosa isolated from hospital sinks and their antibiotic resistance profile.
Methods: Swab samples were collected from hospital sinks in five health care institutions and inoculated unto Nutrient agar and sub cultured on cetrimide agar. Isolated P. aeruginosa were subjected to antibiotic susceptibility testing using CSLI guidelines.
Results: Prevalence of Pseudomonas species isolated from the hospitals’ sinks was 56%. High level resistance was recorded against amoxicillin/clavunalate, ampicillin and ceftriaxone. Resistance profile of the isolates clustered into two main clades clade A and clade B, with clade A isolates recording a higher MARI score.
Conclusion: Isolation of multi-resistant P. aeruginosa from hospital sinks calls for improved hospital infection control practices. We advocate for inclusion of environmental surveillance, particularly of opportunistic pathogens in our hospitals.
Role of Immunohistochemistry in Diagnosis of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: The Use of Ck19, CD56, P63 and CD117
Authors: Abdel-Aziz Azza , Abdallah Dina 
Published: March 2019

Objective: Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most frequent histologic type of all thyroid malignancies. The presence of characteristic nuclear changes focally in a thyroid lesion may cause diagnostic dilemma. Immunohistochemistry may be helpful in the diagnosis of PTC yet not conclusive. The aim of this study is to test the applicability immunohistochemical markers; CK19, P63, CD56 and CD117 in distinguishing PTC from other follicular thyroid.
Methods: Fifty nine cases of unequivocal diagnosis were selected to be rolled in our study; 24 papillary carcinoma cases and 35 cases representing other follicular throid lesions. Immunohistological studies include CK19, P63, CD56 and CD117. Subsequent statistical analysis of immunohistochemical data in relation to diagnosis was performed.
Results: The diagnosis of PTC was significantly associated with Strong diffuse Ck19 expression, P63 expression and negative CD56 in relation to studied non PTC follicular thyroid lesions. On the other hand, CD117 was negative in most of the studied thyroid lesions with no significant difference between PTC and other lesions. CK19 was the most sensitive marker (91.2%) and P63 was the most specific one (87.5%), with better specificity in combining markers. Expression of CK19 and lost CD56 provided 97.1% sensitivity and 91.2% diagnostic accuracy in differentiating PTC from other studied lesions.
Conclusions: Immunohistochemical markers, Ck19, P63 and CD56 are helpful in diagnosis of PTC and their combination can further improve diagnostic accuracy. CD117 is of no value in the diagnosis of studied cases.
Chemical Composition and Nutritive Value during Grain Development of Three Varieties of Maize
Authors: Sekunola Ajakaye Adeola , Olumide Ajewole Tolulope , Samuel Ayesa Abayomi , Omolade Olu Faith , Christopher Oni Ayodeji 
Published: March 2019

Two improved varieties of maize (OBA SUPER II and SWAN) and one local variety were grown in the University of Ado Ekiti during the early cropping season of year 2016 to study the changes in their chemical and nutritional quality as the maize kernel develops.
The chemical composition of the three varieties shows a decrease in carbohydrate content and an increase in protein and fat content as the kernel matures while the concentration of Ash and fibre in the three varieties varies and does not follow a consistent pattern as the kernel matures.
The most abundant mineral elements are phosphorus, calcium, magnesium and zinc. Maize grains are low in trace elements.
Evaluation of Antimicrobial Efficacy of Three Combinations of Different Antibiotics against Microorganisms in Gingival Abscess – An in Situ Study
Authors: Pravin Viral Maru , Katge Farhin , Poojari Manohar , Shetty Shilpa K. 
Published: March 2019

Background: It is important to maintain primary dentition in the dental arch to facilitate the development of permanent teeth, in spite of teeth with infected root canals. Antimicrobial agents have been used, but, even a broad spectrum antibiotic could not eradicate all the bacteria from the periapical lesions. An in situ study was carried out with the aim to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of combinations antibiotics against microorganisms in a gingival abscess or primary tooth root canals.
Methodology: Thirty children with gingival abscess secondary to pulp infection or infected primary tooth root canals were randomly selected for the study. Swabs of gingival abscess microbial content were used for development of bacteria in suitable media containing three combinations of antibiotics, under aerobic and anaerobic incubation. Ciprofloxacin, Minocycline were used with metronidazole, ornidazole, tinidazole antibiotics to form three different combinations. The antimicrobial efficacy was measured in terms of the diameter of the zone of inhibition around the antibiotic discs.
Results: The three combinations of antibiotics exhibit equivalent efficacy for aerobic as well as anaerobic bacteria, and the difference in efficacy between them was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). There was no difference in pair-wise significance between the groups.
Conclusion: In view of the equivalent antibacterial activity of the three classes, towards the two types of bacteria, a group containing ornidazole was found to be superior with more favorable side effect profile compared to metronidazole.
Ionic Liquids
Authors: Kar Mega , Matuszek Karolina , MacFarlane Douglas R. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractAn overview of the field of ionic liquids is presented, including the nomenclature and types of ionic liquids. Their synthesis and purification methods are described, along with typical characterisation procedures and general physico‐chemical properties. The various applications of ionic liquids are also summarised including in batteries, in green chemistry as low vapour pressure solvents, in medicinal chemistry and in protein stabilisation.
Multiphase Reactors for Cell Culture Technology
Authors: Pangarkar Vishwas Govind 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
This chapter presents a discussion on the major types of multiphase reactors that can be used for cell culture technology. It starts with a brief treatment of cell culture technology, biopharmaceuticals and basic aspects of animal cell culture. Different modes of operation of bioreactors are then presented and three relevant types of reactors and their advantages and drawbacks are discussed.
A detailed discussion on stirred tank reactor (STR), which is particularly suitable for cell culture technology, focuses on hydrodynamic and mass transfer aspects, and on procedures for predicting the design parameters such as the gas hold up, and gas–liquid and cell‐liquid mass transfer coefficients. Finally, gaps in the existing literature and recommendations for future work are pointed out.
Spatial organization of the transcriptional regulatory network of Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Sun Dong‐Qing , Tian Liu , Ma Bin‐Guang 
Published: March 2019

A transcriptional regulatory network (TRN) is a complex network composed of all of the regulatory interactions between transcription factors and the corresponding target genes. Recently, three‐dimensional (3D) genomic studies have shown that the 3D structure of the genome may influence the regulation of gene transcription, which provides us with a novel perspective. In the present study, we constructed the TRN of the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and placed it in the context of a 3D genome model. We analyzed the spatial organization of the yeast TRN on four levels: global features, central nodes, hierarchical structure and network motifs. The results obtained suggest that the TRN of S. cerevisiae presents an optimized structure in space to adapt to functional requirements.
Differences of Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia Virus Loads among Organs of Dead and Surviving Olive Flounder Infected by Intramuscular Injection and Immersion Challenge
Authors: Kim Soo-Jin , Kim Wi-Sik , Oh Myung-Joo 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
Viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV) is an important viral pathogen in the culture of Olive Flounder Paralichthys olivaceus. Based on cumulative mortality, the virulence of VHSV was found to be highly different depending on challenge routes and exposure doses (using tissue culture infectious dose with 50% endpoint [TCID50]). Olive Flounder were injected with VHSV at 102.5, 104.5, 106.5, and 108.5 TCID50/100 μL/fish. A second group of fish was immersed at 103.5, 105.5, and 107.5 TCID50/mL at 10°C for 1 h in this study. The cumulative mortality was observed at 15 d postinfection. Immersion challenge at 103.5 TCID50/mL caused no mortality, while intramuscular injection challenge resulted in high levels of mortality with all VHSV exposure doses. Overall, Olive Flounder was susceptible to VHSV, with cumulative mortality of 90% or 100% in fish intramuscularly injected with high or low doses of VHSV. The cumulative mortality was 40% and 70% at 105.5 and 107.5 TCID50/mL, respectively, in the immersion challenge group. The VHSV titration and copy numbers were estimated by TCID50 and quantitative reverse transcription PCR methods. From dead Olive Flounder, VHSV titration was consistently detected in all tested organs, ranging from 105 to 109 TCID50/mL. The VHSV titration was under the detection limit from surviving Olive Flounder, but the VHSV N gene was detected.
Photothermal Bimorph Actuators with In‐Built Cooler for Light Mills, Frequency Switches, and Soft Robots
Authors: Li Jingjing , Zhang Rui , Mou Linlin , Jung de Andrade Monica , Hu Xiaoyu , Yu Kaiqing , Sun Jinkun , Jia Tianjiao , Dou Yuanyuan , Chen Hong , Fang Shaoli , Qian Dong , Liu Zunfeng 
Published: March 2019

AbstractPhotothermal bimorph actuators are widely used for smart devices, which are generally operated in a room temperature environment, therefore a low temperature difference for actuation without deteriorating the performance is preferred. The strategy for the actuator is assembling a broadband‐light absorption layer for volume expansion and an additional water evaporation layer for cooling and volume shrinkage on a passive layer. The response time and temperature‐change‐normalized bending speed under NIR, white, and blue light illumination are at the same level of high performance, fast photothermal actuators based on polymer or polymer composites. The classical beam theory and finite element simulations are also conducted to understand the actuation mechanism of the actuator. A new type of light mill is designed based on a wing‐flapping mechanism and a light‐modulated frequency switch. A fast‐walking robot (with a speed of 26 mm s−1) and a fast‐and‐strong mechanical gripper with a large weight‐lifting ratio (≈2142), respectively, are also demonstrated.
Boron Nitride Aerogels with Super‐Flexibility Ranging from Liquid Nitrogen Temperature to 1000 °C
Authors: Li Guangyong , Zhu Mengya , Gong Wenbin , Du Ran , Eychmüller Alexander , Li Taotao , Lv Weibang , Zhang Xuetong 
Published: March 2019

AbstractAerogels with extraordinary mechanical properties attract a lot of interest for their wide spread applications. However, the required flexibility is yet to be satisfied, especially under extreme conditions. Herein, a boron nitride nanoribbon aerogel with excellent temperature‐invariant super‐flexibility is developed by high temperature amination of a melamine diborate precursor formed by hydrogen bonding assembly. The unique structure of the aerogel provides it with outstanding compressing/bending/twisting elasticity, cutting resistance, and recoverable properties. Furthermore, the excellent mechanical super‐flexibility is maintained over a wide temperature range, from liquid nitrogen temperature (−196 °C) to higher than 1000 °C, which extends their possible applications to harsh environments.
Photocontrollable Chiral Switching and Selection in Self‐Assembled Plasmonic Nanostructure
Authors: Zhao Wenjing , Zhang Weixuan , Wang Rong‐Yao , Ji Yinglu , Wu Xiaochun , Zhang Xiangdong 
Published: March 2019

AbstractReversible photocontrol of dynamic chirality in self‐assembly systems is of great importance in exploitations of artificial nanomachines for scientific and industrious applications. Here, a new strategy is proposed for achieving optically chiral controls based on photoswitchable plasmonic nanostructures. Chiral plasmonic nanoassemblies that are responsive to optomechanical perturbations exerted by circular polarized light (CPL) in the visible (vis)/near infrared (NIR) region are designed. The reversible photoswitching between opposite chiral states is verified by circular dichroism (CD) spectral signals. Theoretical simulations reveal the key role of optical torques in driving this chiral switching. By regulating light polarization or tuning light frequency to excite different plasmonic modes of the nanostructures, such an optomechanically driven chiral switching can enable a directed mirror‐symmetry breaking and selective chiral amplification in nanoassemblies. This plasmon‐based photoswitching nanosystem can operate at the optical transparent window, showing particular advantages over most of the molecular photoswitches for applications in living systems.
3D Printing of Multifunctional Hydrogels
Authors: Chen Zhe , Zhao Donghao , Liu Binhong , Nian Guodong , Li Xiaokeng , Yin Jun , Qu Shaoxing , Yang Wei 
Published: March 2019

Abstract3D printing technology has been widely explored for the rapid design and fabrication of hydrogels, as required by complicated soft structures and devices. Here, a new 3D printing method is presented based on the rheology modifier of Carbomer for direct ink writing of various functional hydrogels. Carbomer is shown to be highly efficient in providing ideal rheological behaviors for multifunctional hydrogel inks, including double network hydrogels, magnetic hydrogels, temperature‐sensitive hydrogels, and biogels, with a low dosage (at least 0.5% w/v) recorded. Besides the excellent printing performance, mechanical behaviors, and biocompatibility, the 3D printed multifunctional hydrogels enable various soft devices, including loadable webs, soft robots, 4D printed leaves, and hydrogel Petri dishes. Moreover, with its unprecedented capability, the Carbomer‐based 3D printing method opens new avenues for bioprinting manufacturing and integrated hydrogel devices.
Unifying Energetic Disorder from Charge Transport and Band Bending in Organic Semiconductors
Authors: Karki Akchheta , Wetzelaer Gert‐Jan A. H. , Reddy Gollapalli Narayana Manjunatha , Nádaždy Vojtech , Seifrid Martin , Schauer Franz , Bazan Guillermo C. , Chmelka Bradley F. , Blom Paul W. M. , Nguyen Thuc‐Quyen 
Published: March 2019

AbstractCharacterizing the density of states (DOS) width accurately is critical in understanding the charge‐transport properties of organic semiconducting materials as broader DOS distributions lead to an inferior transport. From a morphological standpoint, the relative densities of ordered and disordered regions are known to affect charge‐transport properties in films; however, a comparison between molecular structures showing quantifiable ordered and disordered regions at an atomic level and its impact on DOS widths and charge‐transport properties has yet to be made. In this work, for the first time, the DOS distribution widths of two model conjugated polymer systems are characterized using three different techniques. A quantitative correlation between energetic disorder from band‐bending measurements and charge transport is established, providing direct experimental evidence that charge‐carrier mobility in disordered materials is compromised due to the relaxation of carriers into the tail states of the DOS. Distinction and quantification of ordered and disordered regions of thin films at an atomic level is achieved using solid‐state NMR spectroscopy. An ability to compare solid‐state film morphologies of organic semiconducting polymers to energetic disorder, and in turn charge transport, can provide useful guidelines for applications of organic conjugated polymers in pertinent devices.
Self‐Limiting Assembly Approaches for Nanoadditive Manufacturing of Electronic Thin Films and Devices
Authors: Wang Zhao , Kang Yu , Zhao Sanchuan , Zhu Jian 
Published: March 2019

AbstractMost electronics consist of functional thin films with tens of nanometer thicknesses. It is usually challenging to control the growth of these thin films using conventional solution‐based approaches. Nanoadditive manufacturing, a method to deposit electronically desired molecules, polymers, or nanomaterials in a layer‐by‐layer (LbL) fashion, has emerged as a promising technique for the precise control of film growth and device fabrication. Here, basic principles of nanoadditive manufacturing approaches with self‐limiting characteristics are summarized with a particular focus on Langmuir–Blodgett assembly and LbL assembly. Additively manufactured electronic thin films with properties of conductors, semiconductors, and dielectrics are reviewed, followed by a discussion of their application in various electronics, such as field‐effect transistors, sensors, memory devices, photodetectors, light‐emitting diodes, and electrochromic devices. Finally, challenges and future developments of these approaches are proposed. The resulting analysis reveals promising opportunities of nanoadditive manufacturing for the solution‐based fabrication of electronic devices.
Biomaterials to Mimic and Heal Connective Tissues
Authors: Freedman Benjamin R. , Mooney David J. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractConnective tissue is one of the four major types of animal tissue and plays essential roles throughout the human body. Genetic factors, aging, and trauma all contribute to connective tissue dysfunction and motivate the need for strategies to promote healing and regeneration. The goal here is to link a fundamental understanding of connective tissues and their multiscale properties to better inform the design and translation of novel biomaterials to promote their regeneration. Major clinical problems in adipose tissue, cartilage, dermis, and tendon are discussed that inspire the need to replace native connective tissue with biomaterials. Then, multiscale structure–function relationships in native soft connective tissues that may be used to guide material design are detailed. Several biomaterials strategies to improve healing of these tissues that incorporate biologics and are biologic‐free are reviewed. Finally, important guidance documents and standards (ASTM, FDA, and EMA) that are important to consider for translating new biomaterials into clinical practice are highligted.