bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improving the accuracy of granular sludge and biofilm reactor simulations in Aquasim through artificial diffusion
Authors: Baeten Janis E. , van Loosdrecht Mark C.M. , Volcke Eveline I.P. 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTAquasim is public‐domain and user‐friendly software that is widely used for biofilm modeling. The program uses built‐in process unit blocks, such as biofilm and mixed compartments. In the literature, often several of these compartments are linked with artificial advective flows to represent a single physical well‐mixed system, such as a granular sludge reactor. This work shows that caution should be exercised with this popular approach because numerical errors occur when too high artificial advective flows are used. These errors could stay unnoticed if mass‐balances of the simulation results are not checked. A solution to this problem is proposed in this work. A new method based on diffusive links between compartments instead of advective links leads to more reliable and faster simulations and is much easier to implement. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2017;114: 2131–2136. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Periodic harvesting of microalgae from calcium alginate hydrogels for sustained high‐density production
Authors: Pierobon Scott C. , Riordon Jason , Nguyen Brian , Ooms Matthew D. , Sinton David 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTHigh‐density biomass production is currently only realized in biofilm‐based photobioreactors. Harvest yields of whole biofilms are self‐limited by daughter‐upon‐parent cell growth that hinders light and leads to respiratory biomass losses. In this work, we demonstrate a sustainable multi‐harvest approach for prolonged generation of high‐density biomass. Calcium‐alginate hydrogel cultures loaded with Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942 achieved production densities comparable to that of biofilms (109 cells/mL) and optimal total productivity in harvest periods of 2 or 3 days that allowed high‐density surface growth without self‐limiting cell buildup or surface death. Cross‐linking calcium concentration had a strong influence on surface growth and harvest yields, especially in the first harvests. Subsequent harvests achieved more uniform biomass yields and distributions, unaffected by bulk respiration or light penetration. Collectively, these results demonstrate the feasibility of sustained, high‐density biomass production by periodic harvesting within microalgal hydrogel cultures. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2017;114: 2023–2031. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Validation of the Parkinson Fatigue Scale in Chinese Parkinson's disease patients
Authors: Fu Rao , Cui Shi‐Shuang , Du Juan‐Juan , Huang Pei , He Ya‐Chao , Gao Chao , Luo Xiao‐Guang , Chen Sheng‐Di 
Published: May 2017

AbstractObjectiveFatigue is a common nonmotor symptom in Parkinson's disease (PD); however, the Parkinson's disease fatigue scale (PFS), which is designed to measure fatigue in PD, has not been validated in China. The aim of this study was to determine the validity and reliability of the Chinese version of the PFS in PD patients.MethodsA total of 115 PD patients were evaluated at baseline and after 7 days. Assessments included the PFS, the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), and scales assessing motor, cognition, depression, and anxiety. Acceptability was assessed in terms of the rate of missing data and floor and ceiling effects. Cronbach's alpha was calculated to determine internal consistency. Test–retest reliability was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Spearman's rank correlation coefficients were used to calculate convergent and divergent validity between PFS scores and scales assessing clinical characteristics.ResultsNo data were missing for the PFS. Compared with the original scoring method, the binary scoring method had relatively large floor effects (5.21% vs. 17.39%) and ceiling effects (0.90% vs. 4.31%). The internal consistency and test–retest reliability of the PFS were satisfactory (original scoring method: Cronbach's alpha = 0.97, ICC = 0.94; binary scoring method: Cronbach's alpha = 0.94, ICC = 0.94). The PFS score exhibited strong convergent validity with FSS score (correlation coefficient = 0.87). PFS score was weakly to moderately correlated with disease duration and with measures of disease stage, motor function, depression, and anxiety (range of correlation coefficients: 0.25–0.48). There was no significant correlation between PFS score and either onset age or MoCA score (range of correlation coefficients: −0.05 to 0.12).ConclusionThe Chinese version of the PFS is a valid measure for assessing fatigue in PD.
Substance P NK1 receptor in the rat corpus callosum during postnatal development
Authors: Barbaresi Paolo , Mensà Emanuela , Bastioli Guendalina , Amoroso Salvatore 
Published: May 2017

AbstractIntroductionThe expression of substance P (SP) receptor (neurokinin 1, NK1) was studied in the rat corpus callosum (cc) from postnatal day 0 (the first 24 hr from birth, P0) to P30.MethodsWe used immunocytochemistry to study the presence of intracallosal NK1‐immunopositive neurons (NK1IP‐n) during cc development.ResultsNK1IP‐n first appeared on P5. Their number increased significantly between P5 and P10, it remained almost constant between P10 and P15, then declined slightly until P30. The size of intracallosal NK1IP‐n increased constantly from P5 (102.3 μm2) to P30 (262.07 μm2). From P5 onward, their distribution pattern was adult‐like, that is, they were more numerous in the lateral and intermediate parts of the cc, and declined to few or none approaching the midline. At P5, intracallosal NK1IP‐n had a predominantly round cell bodies with primary dendrites of different thickness from which originated thinner secondary branches. Between P10 and P15, dendrites were longer and more thickly branched, and displayed several varicosities as well as short, thin appendages. Between P20 and P30, NK1IP‐n were qualitatively indistinguishable from those of adult animals and could be classified as bipolar (fusiform and rectangular), round–polygonal, and pyramidal (triangular–pyriform).ConclusionsNumber of NK1IP‐n increase between P5 and P10, then declines, but unlike other intracallosal neurons, NK1IP‐n make up a significant population in the adult cc. These findings suggest that NK1IP‐n may be involved in the myelination of callosal axons, could play an important role in their pathfinding. Since they are also found in adult rat cc, it is likely that their role changes during lifetime.
Designing a course and infrastructure for teaching software‐defined networking
Authors: Šuh Jelena , Bojović Živko , Despotović‐Zrakić Marijana , Bogdanović Zorica , Labus Aleksandra 
Published: May 2017

AbstractSoftware‐defined networking (SDN) is an emerging technology that allows efficient and flexible management of networking equipment through standard interfaces. In order to encourage the seamless adoption of this technology, a new approach for the education of network engineers should be established, shifting the focus from conventional vendor specific technologies toward the concepts of standardized network management. In this paper, we propose an approach for designing an SDN course where students are encouraged to learn how to design and manage software‐defined networks in general, rather than focusing on the specifics of one vendor in particular. In addition, deeper student involvement is achieved through the use of globally available Open APIs and open source software which are the backbone of the course. The approach was evaluated at the graduate studies at the Faculty of Organizational Sciences, University of Belgrade. The results indicate that the proposed approach can have a positive impact on the learning process, and in time hopefully serve as a stepping stone for the education of the new generation of network engineers.
Student career path recommendation in engineering stream based on three‐dimensional model
Authors: Verma Prabal , Sood Sandeep K. , Kalra Sheetal 
Published: May 2017

AbstractIn the current scenario, students remain in dilemma to choose right career path in their lives. Many students have chosen their career path without receiving proper guidance from suitable professionals or services. This can potentially cause mismatch among personality, interest, and skill of students. Relative to this context, this paper proposes a comprehensive student‐centric recommendation system based on research analytics framework for choosing best career path. More specifically, this system utilizes the multiple measurements from three‐dimensional model, that is, preference, fuzzy logic, and influence. By integrating these measurements with the relative weighted set generated using Analysis Hierarchical Process (AHP) decision system, a desire score of student related to each career oriented engineering stream is computed. The results of user based evaluation demonstrates that our proposed approach generates more satisfactory career based path recommendations as compared to other baseline methods.
A networking laboratory using an integrated mixture of physical equipment and simulators
Authors: Chan Ka C. , Haythorne Sean 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThis article presents the design and development of a networking laboratory that integrates a combination of physical networking equipment with the open source GNS3 network simulators for on‐campus, blended‐learning, and potentially online delivery of networking classes. This transformative work has resulted in a significant increase in laboratory capacity, thus reducing the need for repeating classes. The integrated platform offers students both hands‐on experience using real equipment, and the convenience of easy setup and reconfiguration using simulators. An example practical exercise in setting up an OSPF/BGP network is presented to illustrate the experimental design before and after the integration of GNS3 simulators. In summary, we describe the infrastructure, the integrated platform and systems, network design and experiment design; and the learning and teaching experiences of using GNS3 in classes.
Specificity Effects of Amino Acid Substitutions in Promiscuous Hydrolases: Context‐Dependence of Catalytic Residue Contributions to Local Fitness Landscapes in Nearby Sequence Space
Authors: Bayer Christopher D. , van Loo Bert , Hollfelder Florian 
Published: May 2017

AbstractCatalytic promiscuity can facilitate evolution of enzyme functions—a multifunctional catalyst may act as a springboard for efficient functional adaptation. We test the effect of single mutations on multiple activities in two groups of promiscuous AP superfamily members to probe this hypothesis. We quantify the effect of site‐saturating mutagenesis of an analogous, nucleophile‐flanking residue in two superfamily members: an arylsulfatase (AS) and a phosphonate monoester hydrolase (PMH). Statistical analysis suggests that no one physicochemical characteristic alone explains the mutational effects. Instead, these effects appear to be dominated by their structural context. Likewise, the effect of changing the catalytic nucleophile itself is not reaction‐type‐specific. Mapping of “fitness landscapes” of four activities onto the possible variation of a chosen sequence position revealed tremendous potential for respecialization of AP superfamily members through single‐point mutations, highlighting catalytic promiscuity as a powerful predictor of adaptive potential.
Aromatic Polyketide GTRI‐02 is a Previously Unidentified Product of theactGene Cluster inStreptomyces coelicolor A3(2)
Authors: Wu Changsheng , Ichinose Koji , Choi Young Hae , van Wezel Gilles P. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe biosynthesis of aromatic polyketides derived from type II polyketide synthases (PKSs) is complex, and it is not uncommon that highly similar gene clusters give rise to diverse structural architectures. Theactbiosynthetic gene cluster (BGC) of the model actinomyceteStreptomyces coelicolor A3(2) is an archetypal type II PKS. Here we show that theactBGC also specifies the aromatic polyketide GTRI‐02 (1) and propose a mechanism for the biogenesis of its 3,4‐dihydronaphthalen‐1(2H)‐one backbone. Polyketide 1was also produced byStreptomycessp. MBT76 after activation of theact‐likeqingene cluster by overexpression of the pathway‐specific activator. Mining of this strain also identified dehydroxy‐GTRI‐02 (2), which most likely originated from dehydration of1during the isolation process. This work shows that even extensively studied model gene clusters such asactofS. coelicolorcan still produce new chemistry, offering new perspectives for drug discovery.
Altered expression of eNOS, prostacyclin synthase, prostaglandin G/H synthase, and thromboxane synthase in porcine aortic endothelial cells after exposure to human serum—relevance to xenotransplantation
Authors: Chen Pengfei , Gao Hanchao , Lu Ying , Nie Huirong , Liu Zhaoming , Zhao Yu , Fan Nana , Zou Qingjian , Dai Yifan , Tang Aifa , Hara Hidetaka , Cai Zhiming , Cooper David K.C. , Lai Liangxue , Mou Lisha 
Published: May 2017

AbstractUnder normal conditions, the activity of platelets is stringently and precisely balanced between activation and quiescent state. This guarantees rapid hemostasis and avoids uncontrolled thrombosis. However, excessive platelet activation and resulting thrombotic microangiopathy are frequently observed in pig‐to‐primate xenotransplantation models. Endothelium‐derived inhibitory mechanisms play an important role in regulation of platelet activation. These mainly include nitric oxide (NO), prostacyclin PGI2, and adenosine, which are synthesized by endothelial NO synthases (eNOS), prostacyclin synthase, and CD39/CD73, respectively. We investigated whether endothelium‐derived regulatory mechanisms are affected in porcine aortic endothelial cells (PAECs) after exposure to human serum. In the present study, exposure of PAECs or porcine iliac arteries to human serum suppressed gene expression of eNOS and prostacyclin synthase, while induced gene expression of prostaglandin G/H synthase and thromboxane synthase. Simultaneously, exposure to human serum reduced NO and PGI2 production in PAEC culture supernatants. Thus, human serum altered the balance of endothelium‐derived inhibitory mechanisms in PAECs, which may indicate a regulatory mechanism of excessive platelet activation in pig‐to‐primate xenotransplantation.
Heart‐specific expression of laminopathic mutations in transgenic zebrafish
Authors: Verma Ajay D. , Parnaik Veena K. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractLamins are key determinants of nuclear organization and function in the metazoan nucleus. Mutations in human lamin A cause a spectrum of genetic diseases that affect cardiac muscle and skeletal muscle as well as other tissues. A few laminopathies have been modeled using the mouse. As zebrafish is a well established model for the study of cardiac development and disease, we have investigated the effects of heart‐specific lamin A mutations in transgenic zebrafish. We have developed transgenic lines of zebrafish expressing conserved lamin A mutations that cause cardiac dysfunction in humans. Expression of zlamin A mutations Q291P and M368K in the heart was driven by the zebrafish cardiac troponin T2 promoter. Homozygous mutant embryos displayed nuclear abnormalities in cardiomyocyte nuclei. Expression analysis showed the upregulation of genes involved in heart regeneration in transgenic mutant embryos and a cell proliferation marker was increased in adult heart tissue. At the physiological level, there was deviation of up to 20% from normal heart rate in transgenic embryos expressing mutant lamins. Adult homozygous zebrafish were fertile and did not show signs of early mortality. Our results suggest that transgenic zebrafish models of heart‐specific laminopathies show cardiac regeneration and moderate deviations in heart rate during embryonic development.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Ethylene/Methyl Acrylate Co‐Oligomerization: The Effect of a New Nonsymmetrical α‐Diimine with the 1,4‐Diazabutadiene Skeleton
Authors: Rosar Vera , Montini Tiziano , Balducci Gabriele , Zangrando Ennio , Fornasiero Paolo , Milani Barbara 
Published: May 2017

AbstractPdII complexes with a nonsymmetrical bis(aryl‐imino)diazabutadiene ligand (ArDAB) have been synthesized and characterized. The new ligand features one aryl ring substituted in the ortho positions with a methyl group and the other ring that bears a trifluoromethyl group on the meta positions, which leads to subtle steric and electronic differences at the two N donor atoms. This peculiar substitution makes the direct synthesis of the ligand unfeasible, and the relevant PdII complex, [Pd(CH3)Cl(ArDAB)], is obtained directly through a template reaction. The corresponding cationic complexes with either acetonitrile or DMSO were synthesized and characterized. The X‐ray crystal structure of a Pd complex with an α‐diimine and DMSO is reported. The monocationic complexes were tested as precatalysts in ethylene/methyl acrylate co‐oligomerization under mild reaction temperature and pressure conditions. A comparison of the catalytic behavior of the precatalysts with the corresponding nonsymmetrical aryl α‐diimines with an acenaphthene skeleton indicated that the active species with the new ligand is more productive and leads to the formation of ethylene oligomers and ethylene/methyl acrylate co‐oligomers.
Understanding the Role of Designed Solid Acid Sites in the Low‐Temperature Production of ϵ‐Caprolactam
Authors: Potter Matthew E. , Chapman Stephanie , O'Malley Alexander J. , Levy Alan , Carravetta Marina , Mezza Thomas M. , Parker Stewart F. , Raja Robert 
Published: May 2017

AbstractModern society is placing increasing demands on commodity chemicals, driven by the ever‐growing global population and the desire for improved standards of living. As the polymer industry grows, a sustainable route to ϵ‐caprolactam, the precursor to the recyclable nylon‐6 polymer, is becoming increasingly important. To this end, we have designed and characterized a recyclable SAPO catalyst using a range of characterization techniques, to achieve near quantitative yields of ϵ‐caprolactam from cyclohexanone oxime. The catalytic process operates under significantly less energetically demanding conditions than other widely practiced industrial processes.
Probing the Influence of SSZ‐13 Zeolite Pore Hierarchy in Methanol‐to‐Olefins Catalysis by Using Nanometer Accuracy by Stochastic Chemical Reactions Fluorescence Microscopy and Positron Emission Profiling
Authors: Zhu Xiaochun , Kosinov Nikolay , Kubarev Alexey V. , Bolshakov Alexey , Mezari Brahim , Valastyan Ivan , Hofmann Jan P. , Roeffaers Maarten B. J. , Sarkadi‐Pribóczki Eva , Hensen Emiel J. M. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractAn understanding of the role of the hierarchical pore architecture of SSZ‐13 zeolites on the catalytic performance in the methanol‐to‐olefins (MTO) reaction is crucial to guide the design of better catalysts. We investigated the influence of the space velocity on the performance of a microporous SSZ‐13 zeolite and several hierarchically structured SSZ‐13 zeolites. Single catalytic turnovers, as recorded by nanometer accuracy by using stochastic chemical reactions (NASCA) fluorescence microscopy verified that the hierarchical zeolites contain pores larger than the 0.38 nm apertures native to SSZ‐13 zeolite. The amount of fluorescent events correlated well with the additional pore volume available because of the hierarchical structuring of the zeolite. Positron emission tomography (PET) using 11C‐labeled methanol was used to map the 2 D spatial distribution of the deposits formed during the MTO reaction in the catalyst bed. We used PET imaging to demonstrate that hierarchical structuring not only improves the utilization of the available microporous cages of SSZ‐13 but also that the aromatic hydrocarbon pool species are involved in more turnovers before they condense into larger multiring structures that deactivate the catalyst.
Facile Assembly of 3D Porous Reduced Graphene Oxide/Ultrathin MnO2 Nanosheets‐S Aerogels as Efficient Polysulfide Adsorption Sites for High‐Performance Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Zhao Xiaojun , Wang Hui , Zhai Gaohong , Wang Gang 
Published: May 2017

AbstractRechargeable lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries are receiving much attention due to their high specific capacity, low cost, and environmental friendliness. Nonetheless, fast capacity decay and low specific capacity still limit their practical implementation. Herein, we report a facile strategy to overcome these challenges by the design and fabrication of 3D porous reduced graphene oxide/ultrathin MnO2 nanosheets‐S aerogel (rGM‐SA) composites for Li–S batteries. By a simple solvothermal reaction process, nanosized S atoms are homogeneously decorated into the 3D scaffold formed by reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and MnO2 nanosheets, which can form the homogeneous rGM‐SA composites. In this porous network architecture, rGO serves as an electron and ion transfer pathway, a physical adsorption site for polysulfides, and provides structural stability. The ultrathin MnO2 nanosheets provide strong binding sites for trapping polysulfide intermediates. The 3D porous rGO/MnO2 architecture enables rapid ion transport and buffers volume expansion of sulfur during discharge. The rGM‐SA composites can be directly used as lithium–sulfur battery cathodes without using binder and conductive additive. As a result of this multifunctional arrangement, the rGM‐SA composites exhibit high and stable‐specific capacities over 200 cycles and excellent high‐rate performances.
Non‐classical S‐Heteroacenes with o‐Quinoidal Conjugation and Open‐Shell Diradical Character
Authors: Shi Xueliang , Gopalakrishna Tullimilli Y. , Wang Qing , Chi Chunyan 
Published: May 2017

AbstractA series of non‐classical S‐heteroacenes were synthesized and exhibited intriguing physical properties and chemical reactivities that are very different from classical acenes. X‐ray crystallographic analyses revealed that all acenothiophene derivatives Ph‐AT‐1–Ph‐AT‐3 had an o‐quinoidal π‐conjugation with large bond‐length alternation, whereas the acenodithiophene derivative Ph‐ADT‐3 easily dimerized or reacted with oxygen to form a peroxy‐bridged dimer. The long acenothiophene Ph‐AT‐4 was also highly reactive. The origin of these unique properties was investigated carefully by both experiments and theoretical calculations. The high reactivity of the long non‐classical S‐heteroacenes can be explained by their intrinsic open‐shell diradical character as well as the o‐quinoidal conjugation.
Continuous Synthesis of Nanostructured Co3O4@SiO2 Core‐Shell Particles in a Laminar‐Flow Reactor
Authors: Straß Angela , Maier Roland , Güttel Robert 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe application of a microreactor system for the continuous synthesis of nanostructured Co3O4@SiO2 core‐shell particles was investigated and compared to the standard lab experiment in batch operation. TEM images reveal that the synthesis of nanostructured core‐shell particles in a laminar‐flow reactor is generally possible. However, the particle size distribution for both SiO2 and core‐shell particles synthesized continuously in a microreactor is broader, probably due to axial dispersion under laminar‐flow conditions.
Running the marathon of chronic myeloid leukemia with no shoes (or without the right shoes)!
Authors: Mauro Michael J. 
Published: May 2017

Optimal outcomes with chronic myeloid leukemia treatment may not be attainable for those without health insurance or with Medicaid. Running the marathon journey of chronic myeloid leukemia requires the key element of adequate health insurance, in addition to proper monitoring and decision making, for the best results and the potential for treatment‐free remission.See also pages 2561‐9.
Osteoclast inhibition in postmenopausal breast cancer: Is the evidence too strong to ignore?
Authors: Stopeck Alison T. 
Published: May 2017

Bone‐targeted agents should be considered for all postmenopausal women with high‐risk, early‐stage breast cancer. Targeting the microenvironment and normal host cells is a viable strategy for preventing cancer recurrences.See also pages 2444‐51.