bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plateletpheresis efficiency and mathematical correction of software‐derived platelet yield prediction: A linear regression and ROC modeling approach
Authors: Jaime‐Pérez José Carlos , Jiménez‐Castillo Raúl Alberto , Vázquez‐Hernández Karina Elizabeth , Salazar‐Riojas Rosario , Méndez‐Ramírez Nereida , Gómez‐Almaguer David 
Published: November 2016

AbstractBackgroundAdvances in automated cell separators have improved the efficiency of plateletpheresis and the possibility of obtaining double products (DP). We assessed cell processor accuracy of predicted platelet (PLT) yields with the goal of a better prediction of DP collections.Study design and methodsThis retrospective proof‐of‐concept study included 302 plateletpheresis procedures performed on a Trima Accel v6.0 at the apheresis unit of a hematology department. Donor variables, software predicted yield and actual PLT yield were statistically evaluated. Software prediction was optimized by linear regression analysis and its optimal cut‐off to obtain a DP assessed by receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) modeling.ResultsThree hundred and two plateletpheresis procedures were performed; in 271 (89.7%) occasions, donors were men and in 31 (10.3%) women. Pre‐donation PLT count had the best direct correlation with actual PLT yield (r = 0.486. P < .001). Means of software machine‐derived values differed significantly from actual PLT yield, 4.72 × 1011 vs.6.12 × 1011, respectively, (P < .001). The following equation was developed to adjust these values: actual PLT yield= 0.221 + (1.254 × theoretical platelet yield). ROC curve model showed an optimal apheresis device software prediction cut‐off of 4.65 × 1011 to obtain a DP, with a sensitivity of 82.2%, specificity of 93.3%, and an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.909.ConclusionTrima Accel v6.0 software consistently underestimated PLT yields. Simple correction derived from linear regression analysis accurately corrected this underestimation and ROC analysis identified a precise cut‐off to reliably predict a DP.
Biosynthesis of graphene‐metal nanocomposites using plant extract and their biological activities
Authors: Wen Jing , Salunke Bipinchandra K , Kim Beom Soo 
Published: November 2016

AbstractBACKGROUNDRecently, numerous studies have utilized graphene/nanoparticle hybrid materials in bioapplications such as biosensing, bioimaging, photothermal therapies, delivery of drugs and genes, and stem cell and tissue engineering applications. In this study, we demonstrate a new, simple, low cost, environmentally safe process for the biosynthesis of graphene/silver (GN/Ag) and graphene/gold (GN/Au) nanocomposites usingXanthium strumariumplant extract.RESULTSAfter synthesis of Ag or Au nanoparticles by treatment of an aqueous solution ofAgNO3orHAuCl4withXanthium strumariumplant extract, graphite was added to the synthesized nanoparticle solution and sonicated in the ultrasonication bath. The synthesized nanocomposites were characterized byUV‐visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy.GN/Ag andGN/Au nanocomposites showed higher antimicrobial activity and higher peroxidase‐like activity, respectively, than individual nanoparticles, graphene alone, or reaction product without plant extract.CONCLUSIONThe present results show thatGN/Ag andGN/Au nanocomposites can be ecofriendly synthesized usingXanthium strumariumleaf extract. The graphene/metal nanocomposites produced may be less‐toxic, biocompatible, and useful for bioapplications. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Influence of brewing conditions on taste components in Fuding white tea infusions
Authors: Zhang Haihua , Li Yulin , Lv Yangjun , Jiang Yulan , Pan Junxian , Duan Yuwei , Zhu Yuejin , Zhang Shikang 
Published: November 2016

AbstractBACKGROUNDWhite tea has received increasing attention of late as a result of its sweet taste and health benefits. During the brewing of white tea, many factors may affect the nutritional and sensory quality of the resulting infusions. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of various infusion conditions on the taste components of Fuding white tea, including infusion time, ratio of tea and water, number of brewing steps, and temperature.RESULTSBrewing conditions had a strong effect on the taste compound profile and sensory characteristics. The catechin, caffeine, theanine and free amino acid contents generally increased with increasing infusion time and temperature. Conditions comprising an infusion time of 7 min, a brewing temperature of 100 °C, a tea and water ratio of 1:30 or 1:40, and a second brewing step, respectively, were shown to obtain the highest contents of most compounds. Regarding tea sensory evaluation, conditions comprising an infusion time of 3 min, a brewing temperature of 100 °C, a tea and water ratio of 1:50, and a first brewing step, resulted in the highest sensory score for comprehensive behavior of color, aroma and taste.CONCLUSIONThe results of the present study reveal differences in the contents of various taste compounds, including catechins, caffeine, theanine and free amino acids, with respect to different brewing conditions, and sensory scores also varied with brewing conditions. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Prognostic dilemmas and genetic counseling for prenatally detected fragile X gene expansions
Authors: Finucane Brenda , Lincoln Sharyn , Bailey Lindsay , Martin Christa Lese 
Published: November 2016

AbstractWith widespread adoption of fragile X carrier screening in pregnant women, the number of expectant couples receiving news of an unanticipated Fragile X Mental Retardation 1 (FMR1) gene expansion has increased. The most common abnormal result from maternal FMR1 testing involves an intermediate allele, also known as a gray zone result, which requires genetic counseling but poses minimal risk for an adverse developmental outcome. By contrast, the finding of a maternal FMR1 premutation or full mutation during pregnancy has important implications for the woman herself, her unborn child, and her extended family. These multiple levels of impact, in addition to the complex inheritance pattern and variable expressivity of fragile X‐associated disorders, cause significant stress for newly identified expectant couples and pose unique challenges for genetic counselors in the prenatal setting. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Facile synthesis, characterization and material properties of a novel poly(vinyl cinnamate)/ nickel oxide nanocomposite
Authors: Ramesan Manammel Thankappan , Nidhisha Vallil , Jayakrishnan Panniyamvelli 
Published: November 2016

AbstractA poly(vinyl cinnamate) (PVCin) composite was synthesized by a simple one step in situ polymerization of vinyl cinnamate with nickel oxide (NiO) nanoparticles. The structural, morphological and thermal properties of the nanocomposite were characterized using Fourier transform (FT)‐Raman, FT infrared (FTIR) and UV spectroscopies, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), differential scanning calorimetry and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM) measurements. FT‐Raman, FTIR and UV spectroscopy results revealed the characteristic absorption and shifts of peaks of the polymer matrix, the shifts being attributed to the interaction of NiO nanoparticles with the polymer chains. The structural and morphological analysis using XRD, HRTEM and FESEM showed the uniform arrangement of nanoparticles within the polymer chains. VSM showed the ferromagnetic nature of the composite with an increasing saturation of magnetism. The glass transition temperature (Tg) of the composite was higher than that of pure PVCin and Tg of the composite increased with increasing nanoparticle content. The electrical resistivity of the nanocomposite was studied from AC and DC conductivity measurements. AC and dielectric properties were markedly enhanced in the whole range of frequency due to the presence of NiO nanoparticles. DC conductivity of the nanocomposite was much higher than that of PVCin and the conductivity of the nanocomposite increased with increasing content of NiO nanoparticles. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Crossing boundaries: the importance of cellular membranes in industrial biotechnology
Authors: Jezierska Sylwia , Van Bogaert Inge N A 
Published: November 2016

Abstract
How small molecules cross cellular membranes is an often overlooked issue in an industrial microbiology and biotechnology context. This is to a large extent governed by the technical difficulties to study these transport systems or by the lack of knowledge on suitable efflux pumps. This review emphasizes the importance of microbial cellular membranes in industrial biotechnology by highlighting successful strategies of membrane engineering towards more resistant and hence better performing microorganisms, as well as transporter and other engineering strategies for increased efflux of primary and secondary metabolites. Furthermore, the benefits and limitations of eukaryotic subcellular compartmentalization are discussed, as well as the biotechnological potential of membrane vesicles.
Biomanufacturing: history and perspective
Authors: Zhang Yi-Heng Percival , Sun Jibin , Ma Yanhe 
Published: November 2016

AbstractBiomanufacturing is a type of manufacturing that utilizes biological systems (e.g., living microorganisms, resting cells, animal cells, plant cells, tissues, enzymes, or in vitro synthetic (enzymatic) systems) to produce commercially important biomolecules for use in the agricultural, food, material, energy, and pharmaceutical industries. History of biomanufacturing could be classified into the three revolutions in terms of respective product types (mainly), production platforms, and research technologies. Biomanufacturing 1.0 focuses on the production of primary metabolites (e.g., butanol, acetone, ethanol, citric acid) by using mono-culture fermentation; biomanufacturing 2.0 focuses on the production of secondary metabolites (e.g., penicillin, streptomycin) by using a dedicated mutant and aerobic submerged liquid fermentation; and biomanufacturing 3.0 focuses on the production of large-size biomolecules—proteins and enzymes (e.g., erythropoietin, insulin, growth hormone, amylase, DNA polymerase) by using recombinant DNA technology and advanced cell culture. Biomanufacturing 4.0 could focus on new products, for example, human tissues or cells made by regenerative medicine, artificial starch made by in vitro synthetic biosystems, isobutanol fermented by metabolic engineering, and synthetic biology-driven microorganisms, as well as exiting products produced by far better approaches. Biomanufacturing 4.0 would help address some of the most important challenges of humankind, such as food security, energy security and sustainability, water crisis, climate change, health issues, and conflict related to the energy, food, and water nexus.
A Novel Propolis Wax‐Based Organogel: Effect of Oil Type on Its Formation, Crystal Structure and Thermal Properties
Authors: Fayaz Goly , Goli Sayed Amir Hossein , Kadivar Mahdi 
Published: November 2016

AbstractIn this work, the potential application of propolis wax (PW) as a novel organogelator was investigated in different oils (canola, sesame, sunflower and flaxseed oil). PW at 2% (w/w) concentration produced a thick organogel at 5, 10 and 15 °C, with needle‐like crystals, suggesting that PW is a relatively efficient structuring agent for organogel formation. The oil binding capacity of the organogel with canola oil was lower than that of the other organogels, and the gelling time of flaxseed organogel with lower oil viscosity was shorter. The X‐ray diffraction measurements of the crystals showed β′‐form crystals, with no influence of oil type. In FTIR results, no chemical intermolecular interactions that were observed indicated physical bonds in the organogel network. DSC analysis was carried out to obtain greater insight into the thermal behavior of PW organogels. No significant differences were observed. The textural properties of PW organogels were stable over 30 days of storage. Flaxseed oil organogel had the greatest firmness and stickiness. These results showed the effect of oil viscosity on PW gel behavior.
Cosmetic lengthening: What are the limits?
Authors: Guerreschi F. , Tsibidakis H. 
Published: November 2016

Objectives In the last decades, limb lengthening has not been limited to the treatment of patients with dwarfism and deformities resulting from congenital anomalies, trauma, tumor and infections, but, has also been used for aesthetic reasons. Cosmetic lengthening by the Ilizarov method with circular external fixation has been applied to individuals with constitutional short stature who wish to be taller. Materials and methods From January 1985 to December 2010, the medical records of 63 patients with constitutional short stature (36 M, 27F; 126 legs) who underwent cosmetic bilateral leg lengthening using a hybrid advanced fixator according to the Ilizarov method, were reviewed, retrospectively. The mean age was 24.8 years, while the mean preoperative height was 152.6 cm. Paley's criteria were used to evaluate problems, obstacles, and complications from the time of surgery until 1 year after frame's removal. Result The mean lengthening achieved in all patients was 7.2 cm (range: 5–11 cm), with a mean duration of treatment of 9 months and 15 days (range: 7–18 months). The mean follow-up time was 6.14 years (range 1–10). Conclusion The cosmetic leg lengthening was helpful to all patients, improving their social capabilities and self-confidence. All patients considered their stature as normal and they reported satisfaction and gratification with important changes in their professional and personal life. Cosmetic leg lengthening may raise some ethical objections and for that reason patients should be well informed about all the risks and complications related to this type of surgery.
Compensation or Reinforcement? The Stratification of Parental Responses to Children’s Early Ability
Authors: Grätz Michael , Torche Florencia 
Published: November 2016

AbstractTheory and empirical evidence suggest that parents allocate their investments unequally among their children, thus inducing within-family inequality. We investigate whether parents reinforce or compensate for initial ability differences between their children as well as whether these parental responses vary by family socioeconomic status (SES). Using the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Birth Cohort (ECLS-B) and a twin fixed-effects approach to address unobserved heterogeneity, we find that parental responses to early ability differences between their children do vary by family SES. Contrary to prior findings, we find that advantaged parents provide more cognitive stimulation to higher-ability children, and lower-class parents do not respond to ability differences. No analogous stratification in parental responses to birth weight is found, suggesting that parents’ responses vary across domains of child endowments. The reinforcing responses to early ability by high-SES parents do not, however, led to increases in ability differences among children because parental responses have little effect on children’s later cognitive performance in this twin sample.
Renaut Corpuscles or Peripheral Nerve Infarcts? A Historical Overview
Authors: Kazamel Mohamed , Boes Christopher J. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractRenaut corpuscles are cylindrical hyaline structures that arise from the peripheral nerve perineurium and project into the endoneurium. Despite their earlier accurate description in the French and German literature, Kernohan and Woltman (1938) reported very similar structures as “nerve infarcts” in a case series of vasculitic neuropathy. Krücke (1955) deserves credit for discovering this error and further explaining how peripheral nerves react differently (from brain parenchyma) to ischemia. We tried to elucidate the reason why Kernohan and Woltman, and others, made this scientific error by describing the historical evolution of our understanding of the structure and function of Renaut corpuscles.
Deformation and orientation statistics of neutrally buoyant sub-Kolmogorov ellipsoidal droplets in turbulent Taylor–Couette flow
Authors: Spandan Vamsi , Lohse Detlef , Verzicco Roberto 
Published: November 2016

The influence of the underlying flow topology on the shape and size of sub-Kolmogorov droplets dispersed in a turbulent flow is of considerable interest in many industrial and scientific applications. In this work we study the deformation and orientation statistics of sub-Kolmogorov droplets dispersed into a turbulent Taylor–Couette flow. Along with direct numerical simulations (DNS) of the carrier phase and Lagrangian tracking of the dispersed droplets, we solve a phenomenological equation proposed by Maffettone and Minale (J. Non-Newtonian Fluid Mech., vol. 78, 1998, pp. 227–241) to track the shape evolution and orientation of approximately $10^{5}$ ellipsoidal droplets. By varying the capillary number $Ca$ and viscosity ratio $\hat{\unicode[STIX]{x1D707}}$ of the droplets we find that they deform more with increasing capillary number $Ca$ and this effect is more pronounced in the boundary layer regions. This indicates that along with an expected capillary number effect there is also a strong correlation between spatial position and degree of deformation of the droplet. Regardless of the capillary number $Ca$, the major axis of the ellipsoids tends to align with the streamwise direction and the extensional strain rate eigendirection in the boundary layer region while the distribution is highly isotropic in the bulk due to the strong mixing provided by the large-scale vortical structures. When the viscosity ratio between the droplet and the carrier fluid is increased we find that there is no preferential stretched axis which is due to the increased influence of rotation over stretching and relaxation. Droplets in high viscosity ratio systems are thus less deformed and oblate (disk-like) as compared to highly deformed prolate (cigar-like) droplets in low viscosity ratio systems.
Whole-genome fetal and maternal DNA methylation analysis using MeDIP-NGS for the identification of differentially methylated regions
Authors: KERAVNOU ANNA , IOANNIDES MARIOS , TSANGARAS KYRIAKOS , LOIZIDES CHARALAMBOS , HADJIDANIEL MICHAEL D. , PAPAGEORGIOU ELISAVET A. , KYRIAKOU SKEVI , ANTONIOU PAVLOS , MINA PETROS , ACHILLEOS ACHILLEAS , NEOFYTOU MARIA , KYPRI ELENA , SISMANI CAROLINA , KOUMBARIS GEORGE , PATSALIS PHILIPPOS C. 
Published: November 2016

SummaryDNA methylation is an epigenetic marker that has been shown to vary significantly across different tissues. Taking advantage of the methylation differences between placenta-derived cell-free DNA and maternal blood, several groups employed different approaches for the discovery of fetal-specific biomarkers. The aim of this study was to analyse whole-genome fetal and maternal methylomes in order to identify and confirm the presence of differentially methylated regions (DMRs). We have initially utilized methylated DNA immunoprecipitation (MeDIP) and next-generation sequencing (NGS) to identify genome-wide DMRs between chorionic villus sampling (CVS) and female non-pregnant plasma (PL) and peripheral blood (WBF) samples. Next, using specific criteria, 331 fetal-specific DMRs were selected and confirmed in eight CVS, eight WBF and eight PL samples by combining MeDIP and in-solution targeted enrichment followed by NGS. Results showed higher enrichment in CVS samples as compared to both WBF and PL samples, confirming the distinct methylation levels between fetal and maternal DNA for the selected DMRs. We have successfully implemented a novel approach for the discovery and confirmation of a significant number of fetal-specific DMRs by combining for the first time MeDIP and in-solution targeted enrichment followed by NGS. The implementation of this double-enrichment approach is highly efficient and enables the detailed analysis of multiple DMRs by targeted NGS. Also, this is, to our knowledge, the first reported application of MeDIP on plasma samples, which leverages the implementation of our enrichment methodology in the detection of fetal abnormalities in maternal plasma.
Applying International Standards in Enforcing the Right to Personal Liberty in Cameroon: Challenges and Prospects
Authors: Enonchong Laura-Stella 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThis article examines the problematic enforcement of the right to personal liberty in Cameroon. It offers a critical review of that right by assessing its compatibility with international standards endorsed by article 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and article 6 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. It finds that, although a small number of provisions are not sufficiently robust to protect that right adequately, for the most part the Cameroonian provisions reflect international standards. In the light of that assessment, the article seeks to identify the impediments to the effective enforcement of the right and to recommend the most effective and feasible mechanisms for developing a robust enforcement framework for the protection and promotion of the right to personal liberty in Cameroon.
Childhood trauma is associated with increased brain responses to emotionally negative as compared with positive faces in patients with psychotic disorders
Authors: Aas M. , Kauppi K. , Brandt C. L. , Tesli M. , Kaufmann T. , Steen N. E. , Agartz I. , Westlye L. T. , Andreassen O. A. , Melle I. 
Published: November 2016

BackgroundChildhood trauma increases risk of a range of mental disorders including psychosis. Whereas the mechanisms are unclear, previous evidence has implicated atypical processing of emotions among the core cognitive models, in particular suggesting altered attentional allocation towards negative stimuli and increased negativity bias. Here, we tested the association between childhood trauma and brain activation during emotional face processing in patients diagnosed with psychosis continuum disorders. In particular, we tested if childhood trauma was associated with the differentiation in brain responses between negative and positive face stimuli. We also tested if trauma was associated with emotional ratings of negative and positive faces.MethodWe included 101 patients with a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) schizophrenia spectrum or bipolar spectrum diagnosis. History of childhood trauma was obtained using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire. Brain activation was measured with functional magnetic resonance imaging during presentation of faces with negative or positive emotional expressions. After the scanner session, patients performed emotional ratings of the same faces.ResultsHigher levels of total childhood trauma were associated with stronger differentiation in brain responses to negative compared with positive faces in clusters comprising the right angular gyrus, supramarginal gyrus, middle temporal gyrus and the lateral occipital cortex (Cohen's d = 0.72–0.77). In patients with schizophrenia, childhood trauma was associated with reporting negative faces as more negative, and positive faces as less positive (Cohen's d > 0.8).ConclusionsAlong with the observed negativity bias in the assessment of emotional valence of faces, our data suggest stronger differentiation in brain responses between negative and positive faces with higher levels of trauma.