bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The green alga Dictyosphaerium chlorelloides biomass and polysaccharides production determined using cultivation in crossed gradients of temperature and light
Authors: Kumar Dhanesh , Kvíderová Jana , Kaštánek Petr , Lukavský Jaromír 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe green microalga Dictyosphaerium chlorelloides was identified as promising microorganism for biotechnological production of exopolysaccharides (EPS). In stationary phase the culture suspension solidifies to thick gel, with very high viscosity and high content of EPS which may be interesting for many biotechnological applications. To develop cultivation protocol for maximum biomass/polysaccharide production, the optimum conditions for growth and polysaccharides production were determined in this study using the crossed gradient cultivation method. Temperature and irradiance requirements of Dictyosphaerium chlorelloides were evaluated by statistical analyses for growth rate/biomass, extracellular (EPS) and intracellular (IPS) polysaccharides contents in crossed gradients of temperature (4–45°C) and irradiance (2–18 W/m2, 9.1 – 82.3 μmol/(m2 s)). The maximum relative growth rate was observed at temperatures around 19.2°C and relatively low irradiances in range 2.6–11 W/m2 (11.9–50.3 μmol/(m2 s)). The maximum IPS production was observed at temperatures around 19.2°C and irradiance around 11 W/m2 (50.3 μmol/(m2 s)). The maximum production of EPS was observed at temperatures around 25.7°C and similar irradiances as IPS production. Due to temperature separation of growth and EPS production, development of cultivation protocol based controlled temperature manipulation is possible.
Analyzing the influence of microstructured surfaces on the lactic acid production of Lactobacillus delbrueckii lactis in a flow‐through cell system
Authors: Schlegel Christin , Chodorski Jonas , Huster Manuel , Davoudi Neda , Huttenlochner Katharina , Bohley Martin , Reichenbach Ingo , Buhl Sebastian , Breuninger Paul , Müller‐Renno Christine , Ziegler Christiane , Aurich Jan , Antonyuk Sergiy , Ulber Roland 
Published: May 2017

Microorganisms growing in biofilms might be possible biocatalysts for future biotechnological production processes. Attached to a surface and embedded in an extracellular polymeric matrix, they create their preferred environment and form robust cultures for continuous systems. With the objective of implementing highly efficient processes, productive biofilms need to be understood comprehensively. In this study, the influence of microstructured metallic surfaces on biofilm productivity was researched. To conduct this study, titanium and stainless steel sheets were polished, micromilled, as well as coated with particles. Subsequently, the metal sheets were exposed to the lactic acid producing Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. lactis under laminar and homogeneous flow conditions in a custom‐built flow cell. A proof‐of‐concept showed that biofilm formation in the system only occurred on the designated substratum. Following a 24‐h batch cultivation for primary biofilm development, the culture was continuously provided with glucose containing medium. As different experimental series have indicated, the process resulted to be stable for up to eleven days. Primary metabolite productivity averaged around 6–7 g/(L h). Interestingly, the productivity was shown to be affected neither by the type of metal, nor by the applied microstructures. Nevertheless, a higher dry biomass weight determined on micro‐milled substratum indicates a complementary differentiation of biofilm components in future experiments.
Advancing the quality of environmental microplastic research
Authors: Connors Kristin A. , Dyer Scott D. , Belanger Scott E. 
Published: May 2017

Abstract

Investigations into the environmental fate and effects of microplastics have been gaining momentum. Small, insoluble polymeric particles are implicated by scientists in a wide variety of studies that are used to suggest a potential for widespread impacts in freshwater and marine pelagic and sediment environments. An exponential growth in scientific publications and an increase in regulatory attention have occurred. However, despite these efforts, the environmental hazard of these particles is still unknown. To evaluate the hazard of microplastics within a risk assessment context, we need a way to evaluate the quality of experimental studies. We performed a thorough review of the quality and focus of environmental microplastic research, to understand the methodologies employed and how this may assist or distract from the ability of environmental risk assessors to evaluate microplastics. We provide guidance to improve the reliability and relevance of ecotoxicological studies for regulatory and broader environmental assessments. Nine areas of needed improvement are identified and discussed. Important data gaps and experimental limitations are highlighted. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:1697–1703. © 2017 SETAC
Essential‐oil inspired synthetic libraries: synthesis, spectral and gas‐chromatographic properties of new fenchyl esters
Authors: Blagojević Polina D. , Pešić Marko S. , Radulović Niko S. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractHerein, the design, synthesis, and gas‐chromatographic and spectral characterization of a library of endo‐ and exo‐fenchyl esters (formate, acetate, propanoate, butanoate, isobutanoate, pentanoate, isopentanoate, 2‐methylbutanoate, hexanoate, heptanoate, octanoate, nonanoate, tiglate, angelate, senecioate and benzoate; 32 compounds in total) were described. 1D‐ and 2D–NMR experiments combined with 1H iterative full spin analysis and GIAO (gauge invariant atomic orbitals) computation of NMR chemical shifts and coupling constants for DFT‐calculated minimum energy conformations enabled a complete 1H–NMR assignment of the higher‐order signals of the fenchyl‐core protons. Library members, derivatives of a well‐known monoterpenol of economical importance, often encountered in essential oils (EOs), might potentially represent new (up to now undiscovered), or be classified as rare, natural products. The data summarized in this work should facilitate future EO analyses, especially those studies dealing with minor constituents. The benefits of the usage of (untargeted) metabolome‐inspired synthetic libraries in the analysis of EOs were discussed.
Comparison of composition of volatile compounds in ten Salvia species isolated by different methods
Authors: Šulniūtė Vaida , Baranauskienė Renata , Ragažinskienė Ona , Venskutonis Petras Rimantas 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe composition of volatile compounds isolated from ten Salvia spp., namely S. amplexicaulis, S. austriaca, S. forsskaolei, S. glutinosa, S. nemorosa, S. officinalis, S. pratensis, S. sclarea, S. dumetorum and S. verticillata, by simultaneous distillation/extraction in a Likens‐Nickerson apparatus (L‐N) and supercritical fluid extraction with carbon dioxide (SFE‐CO2) is reported. S. officinalis and S. sclarea are the most thoroughly studied Salvia spp., whereas other selected in this study Salvia spp. remain underinvestigated; to the best of our knowledge, there are no available publications on the composition of volatiles in S. forsskaolei and S. dumetorum. It was demonstrated that S. officinalis accumulates the highest amount of volatiles compounds, followed by S. sclarea; while other studied species are poor sources of volatiles. Regarding extraction method, the amount of volatiles isolated from 1 kg of dried plant material by SFE‐CO2 was 1.4–5.9 times lower comparing to L‐N method, most likely due to the losses of volatiles with exhausting from the system CO2 after depressurizing extraction equipment. Taking into account these findings, further studies should be focused on improving the method of collection of volatiles in SFE‐CO2 process and on the determination of other, non‐volatile valuable compounds, which may be present in the lipophilic CO2 extracts of under‐investigated Salvia spp.
Effects of three‐dimensional virtual reality and traditional training methods on mental workload and training performance
Authors: Chao Chin‐Jung , Wu Sheng‐Yu , Yau Yi‐Jan , Feng Weng‐Yan , Tseng Feng‐Yi 
Published: May 2017

AbstractIndustries will implement effective training programs to improve training performance, and an ideal training performance occurs under proper mental workload (MWL). Virtual reality (VR) has recently been widely utilized in training; however, only a few studies have investigated its effects on MWL and training performance simultaneously. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of VR training and traditional training methods, such as technical manuals (TM) and multimedia films (MF), on training performance and MWL. The results of the performance measurement show that VR training is considered the best training method compared to TM and MF, particularly in the case of complex tasks. The results of physiological measurements (GSR [galvanic skin response], LF% [low frequency], and LF/HF [high frequency] ratio) show a significant difference between reading TM and using computer (MF and VR), wherein the latter has a lower MWL. However, no significant difference in subjective MWL assessment (NASA‐TLX [task load index]) and HF% measurement is found.
Successful treatment of pure red cell aplasia because of ABO major mismatched stem cell transplant
Authors: Sackett Katie , Cohn Claudia S. , Fahey‐Ahrndt Kayla , Smith Angela R. , Johnson Andrew D. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBackgroundPure red cell aplasia (PRCA) is a well‐documented potential side effect of ABO major mismatched allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplants. This side effect may be self‐limiting, but is sometimes treated using modalities such as steroids, antithymocyte globulin, donor lymphocyte infusions, rituximab, or plasma exchanges. Another well‐documented cause of pure red cell aplasia is a chronic parvovirus B19 infection, which may be seen in immunocompromised hosts. The treatment of this cause of PRCA includes removal of immunosuppression, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg), or rituximab; however, this condition may also be self‐limiting.Case ReportWe show a case of a patient with PRCA who had previously received an ABO major mismatched allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant, but also had an identified source of parvovirus B19 in his marrow post‐transplant.ResultsHe underwent several various treatments for his PRCA, including rituximab, bortezomib, and then plasma exchange. Anti‐A IgM and IgG titers were drawn throughout his treatment course, and fell from 512 (anti‐A IgM) and 1024 (anti‐A IgG) to 2 (anti‐A IgM) and 8 (anti‐A IgG). After his last plasma exchange procedure, the patient's hemoglobin and reticulocyte count rose from 6.6 g/dL and 12.5 × 109/L (respectively) at the onset of the PRCA diagnosis to 9.6 g/dL and 138.1 × 109/L after a series of 14 plasma exchanges.ConclusionThis demonstrates a case of PRCA caused by an ABO major mismatched allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant that was potentially complicated by a parvovirus infection, which was treated with multiple therapeutic interventions including a series of therapeutic plasma exchanges, rituximab, and bortezomib. Successful resolution of the patient's PRCA was achieved.
LncRNA‐RP11‐296A18.3/miR‐138/HIF1A Pathway Regulates the Proliferation ECM Synthesis of Human Nucleus Pulposus Cells (HNPCs)
Authors: Wang Xiaobin , Lv Guohua , Li Jing , Wang Bing , Zhang Qianshi , Lu Chang 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTDuring the process of Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD), nucleus pulposus apoptosis increases, extracellular matrix (ECM) alters and/or degrades, abnormal proliferation of cells forms cell clusters, and the expression of various inflammatory factors increases. Thus, regulation of human nucleus pulposus cell (HNPC) proliferation and ECM synthesis present promising strategies for IDD treatment. Accumulating evidence indicates that non‐coding RNAs are involved in various cellular processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and metastasis. High expression of long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) RP11‐296A18.3, as well as a low expression of miR‐138 during the IDD process has been reported; yet their functional roles in HNPC proliferation and ECM synthesis still remain unclear. MTT and BrdU assays showed that knockdown of RP11‐296A18.3 inhibited the proliferation of HNPC. The ECM marker, MMP‐13 and Collagen I expressions were also reduced. Bioinformatics target prediction, qPCR, and luciferase assays identified LncRNA‐RP11‐296A18.3 interacted with miR‐138. Moreover, RP11‐296A18.3 regulates HNPC proliferation and ECM synthesis through miR‐138. As the target gene of miR‐138, hypoxia‐inducible factor 1‐alpha (HIF1A) was closely associated with cell proliferation which was also regulated by RP11‐296A18.3 via miR‐138. Immunochemistry and qPCR results showed that miR‐138 expression was inversely correlated to RP11‐296A18.3 and HIF1A in IDD tissues, respectively; RP11‐296A18.3 was positively correlated to HIF1A. We revealed that RP11‐296A18.3 promote HIF1A expression through sponging miR‐138, thus to promote HNPC proliferation and ECM synthesis. Targeting RP11‐296A18.3 to rescue miR‐138 expression in HNPCs and IDD tissues presents a promising strategy for IDD improvement. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 4862–4871, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Aerobic co‐metabolism of 1,1,2,2‐tetrachloroethane by Rhodococcus aetherivorans TPA grown on propane: kinetic study and bioreactor configuration analysis
Authors: Cappelletti Martina , Pinelli Davide , Fedi Stefano , Zannoni Davide , Frascari Dario 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBACKGROUND1,1,2,2‐tetrachloroethane (TeCA) has been generally considered as non‐biodegradable under aerobic conditions, while its complete biodegradation was reported with microbial consortia growing anaerobically. This study describes TeCA aerobic co‐metabolic degradation by the propanotroph Rhodococcus aetherivorans strain TPA isolated from a TeCA‐degrading consortium.RESULTSR.
aetherivorans TPA was able to grow on aliphatic hydrocarbons from propane to pentane and on gaseous n‐alkane metabolic intermediates. The Michaelis–Menten model allowed a satisfactory fit of the TPA propane utilization rates under resting cell conditions, while the TeCA degradation rates were successfully interpolated with Andrew's inhibition model. A significant propane–TeCA mutual inhibition was observed, although the results did not allow distinguishing between competitive and non‐competitive inhibition. Among different bioreactor options for the on‐site bioremediation of TeCA‐contaminated groundwater, a single suspended‐cell continuous stirred‐tank reactor (CSTR) appeared to be the optimal one.CONCLUSIONSThis study provides for the first time the kinetic and microbiological characterization of a bacterial strain capable of degrading TeCA under aerobic conditions. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Aldol condensation of benzaldehyde and heptanal: a comparative study of laboratory and industrially prepared Mg–Al mixed oxides
Authors: Vrbková Eva , Tišler Zdeněk , Vyskočilová Eliška , Kadlec David , Červený Libor 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDSeveral layered double hydroxides (with Mg:Al ratio varying from 2:1 to 4:1) were prepared by a co‐precipitation method at constant pH value. The activity of laboratory prepared samples was compared with that of industrially prepared layered double hydroxides with the same Mg/Al ratio in aldol condensation of benzaldehyde with heptanal.RESULTSCharacterization of all solid catalysts was performed using different techniques (ICP‐MS, thermogravimetry, X‐ray diffraction, DRIFT spectroscopy, nitrogen physisorption method, scanning electron microscopy). Acido‐basic properties of prepared materials were investigated using ammonia (carbon dioxide, respectively) temperature programmed desorption. Heptanal conversion and selectivity to two main products, i.e. 2‐pentylcinnamylaldehyde (jasmine aldehyde) and 2‐pentylnon‐2‐enal, were monitored. All catalysts resulted in heptanal conversions higher than 95%.CONCLUSIONThe highest selectivity to jasmine aldehyde (66% at 70% heptanal conversion, 46% theoretical yield) was obtained using ESM 3:1 catalyst (100°C, heptanal:benzaldehyde = 1:2 molar, solvent‐free synthesis). © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
New efficient laccase immobilization strategy using ionic liquids for biocatalysis and microbial fuel cells applications
Authors: Haj Kacem Sihem , Galai Said , Pérez de los Ríos Antonia , Hernández Fernández Francisco José , Smaali Issam 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDLaccases belong to the family of blue multicopper oxidases, these enzymes are efficient in many applications, including in biofuel cells to produce electricity through chemical reactions. Several laccase immobilization methods have been elucidated, such as covalent link and entrapment.RESULTSThe present work describes how, for the first time, laccase was successfully immobilized by entrapment into polymer inclusion ionic liquid membranes (PILMs) based on ionic liquids and polyvinylchloride. The immobilization rate was very high in all cases (99.2 ± 0.6%), so that the enzyme entrapment strategy described can be considered as successful and one of the best methods for laccases immobilization that have been reported to date. The assayed membranes were evaluated as performing carrier for laccase by means of the ABTS oxidation. Four screened ionic liquids were used for the first time for this purpose: [OMIM][NTf2], [EMIM][NTf2], [Epy][NTf2] and [Chol][NTf2]. This work demonstrated the efficiency in terms of the activity rate and stability of the enzyme versus IL concentrations. The most suitable IL as regards activity [Chol][NTf2]. However, the reuse assays showed that the most stable PILM was the one constituted by 50% [Epy][NTf2]. For physical resistance and water insolubility, the [OMIM][NTf2] based PILM was selected for microbial fuel cell (MFC) application.CONCLUSIONThis is the first report describing this original entrapment strategy for laccase immobilization into PILM. The application of this laccase‐membrane in MFC showed high stability during almost one week of use and good efficiency in producing bio‐energy and removing COD from industrial wastewater. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
99mTc‐labeled NGR‐chlorambucil conjugate, 99mTc‐HYNIC‐CLB‐c(NGR) for targeted chemotherapy and molecular imaging
Authors: Vats Kusum , Satpati Drishty , Sharma Rohit , Kumar Chandan , Sarma Haladhar D. , Dash Ashutosh 
Published: May 2017

Targeted delivery of chemotherapeutic drug at the tumor site enhances the efficacy with minimum systemic exposure. Towards this, drugs conjugated with peptides having affinity towards a particular molecular target are recognized as affective agents for targeted chemotherapy. Thus, in the present study, tumor‐homing asparagine‐glycine‐arginine (NGR) peptide ligand was conjugated to DNA alkylating nitrogen mustard, chlorambucil (CLB). The peptide‐drug conjugate (PDC), CLB‐c(NGR), was radiolabeled with 99mTc‐HYNIC core to trace its pharmacokinetics and biodistribution pattern. In vitro cell‐binding studies of 99mTc‐HYNIC‐CLB‐c(NGR) were conducted in murine melanoma B16F10 cells. The cytotoxicity studies conducted by incubation of the peptide/drug/PDC with B16F10 cells demonstrated enhanced cytotoxic effect of PDC in comparison to either the peptide or the drug alone. In vivo biodistribution studies in C57BL6 mice bearing melanoma tumor showed maximum tumor uptake at 30 minutes pi (2.45 ± 0.28% ID/g), which reduced to 0.77 ± 0.1% ID /g at 3 hours pi. The radiotracer being hydrophilic cleared rapidly from the heart, lungs, liver, and muscle. The tumor‐to‐blood and tumor‐to‐muscle ratios improved with time. This study opens avenues for conjugation of other targeting peptides with the drug CLB for enhanced toxicity at the diseased site.
Identification of V‐type nerve agents in vapor samples using a field‐portable capillary gas chromatography/membrane‐interfaced electron ionization quadrupole mass spectrometry instrument with Tri‐Bed concentrator and fluoridating conversion tube
Authors: Ohrui Y. , Nagoya T. , Kurimata N. , Sodeyama M. , Seto Y. 
Published: May 2017

A field‐portable gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) system (Hapsite ER) was evaluated for the detection of nonvolatile V‐type nerve agents (VX and Russian VX (RVX)) in the vapor phase. The Hapsite ER system consists of a Tri‐Bed concentrator gas sampler, a nonpolar low thermal‐mass capillary GC column and a hydrophobic membrane‐interfaced electron ionization quadrupole mass spectrometer evacuated by a non‐evaporative getter pump. The GC–MS system was attached to a VX‐G fluoridating conversion tube containing silver nitrate and potassium fluoride. Sample vapors of VX and RVX were converted into O‐ethyl methylphosphonofluoridate (EtGB) and O‐isobutyl methylphosphonofluoridate (iBuGB), respectively. These fluoridated derivatives were detected within 10 min. No compounds were detected when the VX and RVX samples were analyzed without the conversion tube. A vapor sample of tabun (GA) was analyzed, in which GA and O‐ethyl N,N‐dimethylphosphoramidofluoridate were detected. The molar recovery percentages of EtGB and iBuGB from VX and RVX vapors varied from 0.3 to 17%, which was attributed to variations in the vaporization efficiency of the glass vapor container. The conversion efficiencies of the VX‐G conversion tube for VX and RVX to their phosphonate derivatives were estimated to be 40%. VX and RVX vapors were detected at concentrations as low as 0.3 mg m−3. Gasoline vapor was found to interfere with the analyses of VX and RVX. In the presence of 160 mg m−3 gasoline, the detection limits of VX and RVX vapor were increased to 20 mg m−3. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biological effects and osteoarthritic disease‐modifying activity of small molecule CM‐01
Authors: Sun Yubo , Roberts Andrea , Mauerhan David R. , Cox Michael , Hanley Edward N. 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTPhosphocitrate inhibits cartilage degeneration, however, the prospect of phosphocitrate as an oral disease modifying drug might be limited. The purpose of this study was to investigate the biological effects and disease‐modifying activity of a phosphocitrate “analog,” CM‐01 (Carolinas Molecule‐01), and test the hypothesis that CM‐01 is a disease modifying drug for osteoarthritis therapy. The effects of CM‐01 on calcium crystal‐induced expression of matrix metalloproteinase‐1 and interleukin‐1 beta, cell‐mediated calcification and production of proteoglycan by chondrocytes were examined in cell cultures. Disease‐modifying activity was examined using Hartley guinea pig model of posttraumatic osteoarthritis. Cartilage degeneration in untreated and CM‐01 treated guinea pigs was examined with Indian ink and Safranin‐O‐fast green. Levels of matrix metalloproteinase‐13, ADAM metallopeptidase with thrombospondin type 1 motif 5, chemokine (C‐C motif) ligand 5, and cyclooxygenase 2 were examined with immunostaining. CM‐01 inhibited crystal‐induced expression of matrix metalloproteinase‐1 and interleukin‐1β, reduced cell‐mediated calcification, and stimulated the production of proteoglycan by chondrocytes. In Hartley guinea pigs, CM‐01 not only reduced damages in articular surface but also reduced resorption of calcified zone cartilage. The reduction in cartilage degeneration was accompanied by decreased levels of matrix metalloproteinase‐13, ADAM metallopeptidase with thrombospondin type 1 motif 5, chemokine (C‐C motif) ligand 5 and cyclooxygenase 2. These findings confirmed that CM‐01 is a promising candidate to be tested as an oral drug for human OA therapy. CM‐01 exerted its disease‐modifying activity on osteoarthritis, in part, by inhibiting the production of matrix‐degrading enzymes and a molecular program resembling the endochondral pathway of ossification. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:309–317, 2018.