bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microrheological study of ternary surfactant‐biosurfactant mixtures
Authors: Xu L. , Amin S. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractObjectiveThe main objective of this paper is to understand the rheological impact of rhamnolipids biosurfactant (mono/dirhamnolipids mixture, CCB) on a common personal care mixed surfactants system: anionic sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) and zwitterionic cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB). The ternary biosurfactant/surfactants mixtures were evaluated at three different formulation conditions. The experimental results can provide a formulation guideline when applying rhamnolipids in cosmetics and personal care products.MethodsTraditional mechanical rheometer was used to measure bulk viscosity and lower frequency rheological behaviour of ternary surfactant mixtures. Diffusing wave spectroscopy (DWS) was utilized to access rheological responses at high frequency regime. Structural parameters such as contour length, entanglement length and persistence length of wormlike micelles in the anionic/zwitterionic/biosurfactant mixtures can be extracted from the rheological data gathered by DWS.ResultsMaxwellian type response was present in SLES/CAPB/CCB system which indicated the formation of wormlike micelle. Contour length of wormlike micelle formed by SLES/CAPB reduced from 445.8 to 88.37 nm with only 2 wt% addition of CCB. In the same system, viscosity decreased and shorter relaxation time were observed. Addition of sodium chloride built the viscosity of SLES/CAPB/CCB to an extent by screening charges between surfactant head groups. Highest viscosity of SLES/CAPB/CCB (10 wt%, 2wt% and 4wt% respectfully) was observed when sodium chloride concentration was at 4 wt%. In the same SLES/CAPB/CCB system, pH impacted the system's rheological response significantly. Due to the zwitterionic nature of CAPB, it became more cationic at lower pH while rhamnolipids became more nonionic. SLES still maintained its anionic nature at low pH and this promoted the interaction between CAPB and SLES. At lower pH, overall loss and storage modulus exhibited higher values while longer relaxation times were observed. Increase in micelles contour length under lower pH conditions were shown by the DWS data.ConclusionThis preliminary rheological and microstructure study of the complex biosurfactant/surfactants ternary systems revealed the effect of formulation conditions on the mixtures rheological responses.
Cytogenetics and associated mutation profile in patients with acute monocytic leukemia
Authors: Xing Shanshan , Wang Biao , Gao Yu , Li Mengjie , Wang Tong , Sun Yiwu , Shen Yimin , Chao Hongying 
Published: May 2019

AbstractIntroductionCytogenetics and molecular testings for disease classifying and prognosis estimation are becoming routine in clinical practice. However, the molecular characteristics of acute monocytic leukemia (AML‐M5) remain unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between karyotypes and gene mutations, especially in AML‐M5 patients with 11q23/KMT2A (MLL) rearrangement and normal karyotype.MethodsA total of 126 de novo AML‐M5 patients were screened for mutations in the 51 genes known or suspected to have a role in myeloid malignancies or in monocytic differentiation using next‐generation sequencing (NGS). Chromosome karyotype analysis was performed by R‐banding method and further confirmed either by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and/or by multiple reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (multiple RT‐PCR).ResultsOf the 126 patients, one or more mutations were detected in 83.3% patients. FLT3‐ITD and NRAS had the highest mutation frequency, followed by NPM1, DNMT3A, TET2, KRAS, and RUNX1. We also identified a significant difference in mutational spectrums between KMT2A‐rearranged (KMT2Ar) patients and normal karyotype (NK) patients, as reflected in the average number of gene mutations per patient (1.66 vs 2.46), and in the frequencies of commonly mutated genes (FLT3‐ITD: 6% vs 43.5%; NPM1: 0% vs 43.5%; RUNX1: 2.0% vs 15.2%; DNMT3A: 4% vs 26.1%; KRAS: 24.0% vs 4.35%). Patients harboring ≥3 mutations showed much lower complete remission rate than that with double mutations (P = 0.043) in high‐risk group.ConclusionThere was a significantly different mutation profile between KMT2Ar‐patients and NK patients. Our research provided new insight into the molecular characteristics of AML‐M5.
Erythrocyte indices in a large cohort of β‐thalassemia carrier: Implication for population screening in an area with high prevalence and heterogeneity of thalassemia
Authors: Singha Kritsada , Taweenan Wachiraporn , Fucharoen Goonnapa , Fucharoen Supan 
Published: May 2019

AbstractIntroductionMost β‐thalassemia carriers have hypochromic microcytosis with mean corpuscular volume (MCV) < 80 fL and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) < 27 pg. These can be variable due to β‐thalassemia mutations, genetic interaction between thalassemic genes, and blood cell counters. We have examined whether these indices are effective in screening of β‐thalassemia in Thailand where thalassemia is prevalence and heterogeneous.MethodsRetrospective data were reviewed on 11 443 Thai subjects encountered from August 2014 to August 2017. Subjects with heterozygous β‐thalassemia based on Hb and DNA analyses were recruited along with MCV and MCH values and analyzed.ResultsAmong the 11 443 subjects reviewed, 1425 were β‐thalassemia carriers. Data were available on 1214 subjects for MCV and 965 subjects for MCH. DNA analysis identified 20 different β0‐thalassemia mutations in 874 (72.0%) cases and 6 β+‐thalassemia mutations in 340 (28.0%) subjects. Of these 1214 carriers, 26 (2.1%) had MCV ≥ 80 fL; 6 (23.1%) carried β0‐thalassemia, and the remaining 20 (76.9%) had β+‐thalassemia. In contrast for those having MCH values, only 4 of 965 (0.4%) had MCH ≥ 27 pg. DNA analysis identified both β0‐thalassemia and β+‐thalassemia mutations.ConclusionsUsing MCV alone for the screening of β‐thalassemia may pose a significant number of false negative although three‐quarter of them are carriers of mild β+‐thalassemia. MCH with approximately five times more sensitive is a better screening marker. Using a combined MCV and MCH is highly recommended, especially in an area with high prevalence and heterogeneity of thalassemia like Thailand.
Unknowability and Incarnation: Creation and Christology as Philosophy of Science in the Work of Nicholas Cusanus
Authors: Alfsvåg Knut 
Published: May 2019

AbstractNicholas Cusanus contributed to the development of modern science through a philosophy of unknowability, according to which the fact that the world makes sense is interpreted as a gift from the Creator, and the fact that it makes sense for the human is seen as an implication of the human being created in God's image. As placed on the crossroads between the eternal and the finite, the human is thus confronted with the challenge of discerning the manifestations of the infinite in the finite. This challenge was realized by Christ, who is thus epistemologically relevant as a demonstration of the possibility of adequate human knowledge through the coincidence of the human difference from and union with God.
Quantifying factors influencing American lobster (Homarus americanus) predation on the invasive green crab (Carcinus maenas) in Newfoundland, Canada
Authors: Rayner Gemma , Bird Tomas J. , McGaw Iain J. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe European green crab (Carcinus maenas) is a newly invasive species in Newfoundland, where it has likely been present for ≤15 years. The green crab has been found in stomach contents of American lobster (Homarus americanus) in New England and Nova Scotia, Canada, but predation on this species has not yet been quantified in Newfoundland. We conducted feeding experiments to determine whether lobsters from Newfoundland were as likely as those from Nova Scotia (which have coexisted with green crabs for >60 years) to recognize and prey upon this new species. We also performed experiments to determine whether green crabs reach a size refuge from predation and whether factors including starvation, availability of alternate food sources, or habitat complexity would influence the probability of lobster attacking or feeding on green crabs. In our trials, lobster origin had no significant effect on crab predation; lobsters, irrespective of origin, were more likely to consume small (<40 mm carapace width [CW]) and medium (40–65 mm CW) crabs than larger (>65 mm CW) ones. Nevertheless, even small lobsters (73–76 mm carapace length, 300 g) were able to kill and consume the largest green crabs (78 mm CW, 100 g). Green crabs were less likely to be attacked or eaten when an alternative food source was present, suggesting that the lobsters were preying on the crabs, rather than simply killing them in a dispute over territory. The addition of a shelter provided a refuge for the green crabs; however, the crabs were only able to avoid being injured or eaten if this shelter was structurally complex. The green crab is slowly spreading westward around the island of Newfoundland, and so its long‐term effects, interactions with other organisms, and contribution to the diet of Newfoundland lobsters remain to be seen.
Historical hybrid zone movement: More pervasive than appreciated
Authors: Wielstra Ben 
Published: May 2019

AbstractHybrid zones are established where two divergent populations meet and interbreed, but experience some reproductive isolation. If one population expands its range at the expense of the other, their hybrid zone moves. While hybrid zone movement is generally considered to be uncommon and insignificant, recent studies challenge this idea. The commonality of contemporary hybrid zone movement—with shifts in hybrid zones tracked over years to decennia—cannot be disputed, given the many examples available. Cases of historical hybrid zone movement—covering centuries or millennia of mobility—are accumulating, with movement having been inferred from five lines of evidence: (1) range shifts documented in the fossil/pollen record; (2) distribution dynamics derived from species distribution modelling; (3) enclaves of a displaced population persisting inside the range of an expanding one; (4) a peak of linkage disequilibrium at the leading edge of a moving hybrid zone; and (5) genome‐wide genetic traces of a displaced population, left behind in an expanding one. While most of these lines of evidence are not straightforward to interpret and/or broadly applicable, the latter—a genomic footprint of hybrid zone movement—promises to be particularly suitable to determine whether a hybrid zone has been on the move since its inception. I argue that historical hybrid zone movement is likely to be prevalent and deserves wider acknowledgement in historical biogeography.
PIWIL1 suppresses circadian rhythms through GSK3β‐induced phosphorylation and degradation of CLOCK and BMAL1 in cancer cells
Authors: Tan Hao , Zhu Yingchuan , Zheng Xulei , Lu Yilu , Tao Dachang , Liu Yunqiang , Ma Yongxin 
Published: May 2019

AbstractCircadian rhythms are maintained by series of circadian clock proteins, and post‐translation modifications of clock proteins significantly contribute to regulating circadian clock. However, the underlying upstream mechanism of circadian genes that are responsible for circadian rhythms in cancer cells remains unknown. PIWIL1 participates in many physiological processes and current discoveries have shown that PIWIL1 is involved in tumorigenesis in various cancers. Here we report that PIWIL1 can suppress circadian rhythms in cancer cells. Mechanistically, by promoting SRC interacting with PI3K, PIWIL1 can activate PI3K‐AKT signalling pathway to phosphorylate and inactivate GSK3β, repressing GSK3β‐induced phosphorylation and ubiquitination of CLOCK and BMAL1. Simultaneously, together with CLOCK/BMAL1 complex, PIWIL1 can bind with E‐BOX region to suppress transcriptional activities of clock‐controlled genes promoters. Collectively, our findings first demonstrate that PIWIL1 negatively regulates circadian rhythms via two pathways, providing molecular connection between dysfunction of circadian rhythms and tumorigenesis.
A retrospective analysis omalizumab treatment patterns in patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria: a real‐world study in Belgium
Authors: Lapeere H. , Baeck M. , Stockman A. , Sabato V. , Grosber M. , Moutschen M. , Lambert J. , Vandebuerie L. , de Montjoye L. , Rabijns H. , Allewaert K. , Schrijvers R. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundChronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is characterized by the repeated occurrence of persistent hives and/or angioedema for ≥6 weeks, without specific external stimuli. H1‐antihistamines have long been the standard of care of CSU, but many patients remain uncontrolled even at 4× the approved dose. Add‐on therapy with omalizumab has proven effective in clinical trials, but little is known about omalizumab treatment in Belgium.ObjectiveTo collect real‐world clinical data on omalizumab treatment in adults with CSU in Belgium.MethodsThis was an observational, retrospective chart review of adults with CSU, who initiated omalizumab treatment between August 2014 and December 2016 (maximum 28 months follow‐up).ResultsIn total, 235 patients were included (median time from symptom onset to diagnosis, 5.4 months; median time from diagnosis to commencing omalizumab, 6.7 months). Treatments used before/after commencing omalizumab did not always adhere to guidelines; many patients (26.4%/11.1%) received first‐generation H1‐antihistamines, while 20.4% used omalizumab monotherapy after initiating treatment. The mean interval between omalizumab administrations was 4.8 (SD 1.7) weeks; 67.8% of patients had ≥1 interval prolongation and/or shortening. Mean baseline 7‐day Urticaria Activity Score (UAS7) was 32.0 (SD 6.05); this improved to 12.6 (SD 11.2) after 1 month of omalizumab. About 67.2% of patients reached UAS7 ≤ 6 (well controlled) during the study. A total of 87 patients stopped omalizumab and never restarted before the end of the observation period; the most prevalent reason was remission of symptoms (49.4% of patients), followed by lack of effect (12.6%), lost to follow‐up (6.9%) and adverse events (3.4%). Headache was the most common adverse event (n = 8/82). No anaphylaxis was reported.ConclusionsThis study revealed that patients initiated on omalizumab in Belgium had severe CSU at baseline, and showed substantial improvements after 1 month of treatment. Greater adherence to the prescription of guideline‐recommended medications is needed for the treatment of CSU.
Colorimetric assay for the in vitro evaluation of Saprolegnia biofilm inhibitors
Authors: Ali Shimaa E. , Songe Mwansa M. , Skaar Ida 
Published: May 2019

AbstractA quantitative and reproducible 96‐well microtiter method that is easily adaptable for the screening of Saprolegnia biofilm inhibitors is described. As opposed to other methods previously developed for the screening of Saprolegnia inhibitors on spore germination or mycelial growth, this technique is of particular significance as it investigates potential inhibitors against surface‐attached mycelial mats of Saprolegnia spp. (biofilm). In this study, we have investigated the effects of propionic acid (PPA) on reducing the viability of induced Saprolegnia biofilms using colorimetric MTS assay based on the reduction of tetrazolium salts. Viability of Saprolegnia hyphae in treated biofilms was reduced significantly following treatment with different PPA concentrations. The effect was enhanced after combining each of the tested PPA concentrations with 500 mg/L of boric acid (BA). However, the percentage of non‐viable hyphae was still higher in 200 mg L–1 bronopol‐treated biofilms (positive control) following 6‐ and 12‐hr exposure. Similar results were observed using other recently described fluorescence‐based assays for viability.
Intelligent modeling and detailed analysis of drying, hydration, thermal, and spectral characteristics for convective drying of chicken breast slices
Authors: Kumar Deepak , Tarafdar Ayon , Kumar Yogesh , Badgujar Prarabdh C. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractChicken breast slices were convectively dried at three different temperatures (60, 70, and 80°C). Drying characteristics were analyzed and the predictive capabilities of artificial neural network (ANN) and semiempirical models were exploited. Low complexity ANN model with 10 hidden layer neurons was developed which provided improved results over eight tested semiempirical models. Influence of drying temperature on water activity, rehydration, shrinkage, color, thermal, and spectroscopic properties of the dried product was investigated. Samples dried at 70°C displayed lower moisture content (7.13% w.b.), water activity (aw = 0.45) and color change; while, exhibiting better rehydration potential. Effect of pH on hydration showed that alkaline pH (12.0) facilitated the hydration rate in the samples. Shrinkage in dried samples varied within 20–40% and increased with increase in drying temperature. Thermograms of the dried samples revealed a shift in glass transition temperature from 93° to 140° with an increase in drying temperature, indicating a change in protein structure, which was later confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.Practical ApplicationData on drying, thermal, and hydration characteristics for chicken slices generated in this study could aid the meat industry in developing faster and more convenient processes. Moreover, the low complexity model engineered in this study will facilitate the development of robust control systems for industrial applications. Salient findings of the study such as: (a) optimum time and temperature combination (i.e., 70°C/5 hr) for drying of chicken breast slices; (b) increased rehydration rate with increase in pH from 3.0 to 12.0; and (c) thermal and spectral characteristics have been reported for dried chicken slices which provides vital information on drying process for improvement in the end product obtained.
Automatic surface area and volume prediction on ellipsoidal ham using deep learning
Authors: Liong Sze‐Teng , Gan Yee‐Siang , Huang Yen‐Chang 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThis article presents novel methods to predict the surface area and volume of ham through a camera. By doing so, conventional methods of obtaining volume through measuring weight can be neglected, as they are not very economically effective. Both the surface area and volume are obtained in the following two ways: manually and automatically. The former is assumed as the true or exact measurement and the latter is done through a computer vision technique together with some geometrical analysis that includes mathematically‐derived functions. For the automatic implementation, most of the existing approaches extract the features of the food material based on handcrafted features and to the best of our knowledge, this is the first attempt to estimate the surface area and volume of ham with deep learning features. We address the estimation task with a Mask Region‐based CNN (Mask R‐CNN) approach, which will perform the ham detection and semantic segmentation from a video. The experimental results demonstrate that the algorithm proposed is robust and promising as surface area and volume estimation are obtained from two angles of the ellipsoidal ham (i.e., horizontal and vertical positions). Specifically, when the ham is measured from a vertical angle, the overall accuracy achieved is up to 95% whereas from the horizontal angle, accuracy is around 80%.Practical Application
Predict the surface area and volume of the ham through a 2D camera.
Robustness on automatic object segmentation for high accuracy measurement of object's volume by adopting deep learning algorithms.
Real‐time detection of saponin content during the fermentation process of Tremella aurantialba using a homemade artificial olfaction system
Authors: Dai Chunxia , Huang Xingyi , Huang Daming , Lv Riqin , Sun Jun , Zhang Zhicai , Aheto Joshua H. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractSaponin is one of the most important products of Tremella aurantialba fermentation. The purpose of this research is to develop a portable artificial visualization system for convenient and nondestructive monitoring the saponin content during the fermentation process of T. aurantialba in real time. This system consisted of a colorimetric sensor array (CSA) and image acquisition program. Support vector machine regression (SVR) model was utilized to establish the quantitative model for predicting saponin content. Principal component analysis was applied to reduce the input dimension of SVR model and predigest model complexity. The reaction time was optimized with the predicted results as the main concern. The results indicated good performance in the correlation between reference measurement and CSA predicted when the reaction time was 2 min. Additionally, genetic algorithm was used to select colorimetric sensors that resulted in the best‐fitted for models. The determination coefficient (Rp) was 0.8829 and the root‐mean‐square error of prediction was 1.7783 mg/mL in the testing set. The results validated that the designed system is feasible to quantify saponin content, and it could serve as a useful technology for quality control of submerged fermentation of T. aurantialba.Practical applicationsThe fermentation process is susceptive and even small changes can result in unacceptable final product quality. However, the classical analysis methods need off‐line extraction techniques and complex preparation of the sample and lengthy analysis time, which cannot satisfy the demand of in‐situ and rapid test. This study developed a portable artificial visualization system for convenient and rapid detection during the submerged fermentation of Tremella aurantialba, and tested its reliability and accuracy. The results obtained from this research sufficiently showed that the developed system has broad application prospects in the real‐time detection of the fermentation process.