bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Strain improvement of newly isolated Lactobacillus acidophilus MS1 for enhanced bacteriocin production
Authors: Salman Mahwish , Bukhari Shazia Anwer , Shahid Muhammad , Sahar Tanzila , Naheed Shazia 
Published: September 2017

Abstract

Background
Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are considered as GRAS (generally recognized as safe) and being used extensively as bio-preservatives. Bacteriocins, the metabolites of LAB, belong to a diverse family of naturally synthesized antimicrobial peptides.

Objective
Strain improvement for enhanced bacteriocin production by physical and chemical mutagenesis.

Methods
The bacterial strain was identified by 16S rDNA sequence analysis and improved by ultraviolet and ethidium bromide mutation. The resultant bacteriocin was biochemically characterized, purified and analyzed for mass determination.

Results
Among mutants of identified Lactobacillus acidophilus MS1, the UV6 (ultraviolet mutant) revealed 3400 AU bacteriocin activity with 42% survival rate and EB5 (ethidium bromide mutant) exhibited 4020 AU with 28% survival rate. Bacteriocin of 6.5 kDa was purified by cation exchange and gel exclusion chromatography. It was found to be thermally stable at 100°C for 30 min and maintained the stability up to 121°C. The activity was monitored in a wide range of pH (4–9).

Conclusion
Being resistant to several biochemical parameters, the bacteriocins have an effective incorporation in food, forage and pharmacy. There is a need to engage more efforts to explore novel bacteriocins and multifarious applications.
Attenuation of Infrared Radiation When Passing Through a Water Curtain
Authors: Balner Dalibor , Barčová Karla , Dostál Michal 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
This article focuses on the interaction of infrared (IR) radiation with water droplets. The main objective of the article is the production of water mist in order of evaluation the reduction in intensity of IR radiation. In the experiments described in this paper, a set of five different nozzles was used with various spray characteristics. The respective nozzles were gradually located between the IR radiation source and a detector and the attenuation of IR radiation was assessed. The reduction in IR radiation intensity was determined and IR radiation transmittance was calculated for the respective tested nozzles.
Experimental Verification of the Mechanical Resistance of Forensic Marking by Means Synthetic DNA
Authors: Ščurek Radomir , Hütter Marek , Los Ondřej 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
This article deals with experimental verification of resistance of forensic identification marks (microdots in combination with artificial DNA) to property. It is considered mechanical abrasion from potential offender to remove or damage readability of marking and following identification. The aim of this work is to test the hypothesis that forensic marking can be completely removed by the process of mechanical abrasion without causing damages to a protected object. To fulfill this purpose it was designed and built a test equipment, where experiments were carried out to confirm or refute the above mentioned hypothesis.
Use of a Laser Scanning System for Professional Preparation and Scene Assessment of Fire Rescue Units
Authors: Marek Zdeněk , Nejtková Miroslava 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
The paper presents results of a study focused on usability of a 3D laser scanning system by fire rescue units during emergencies, respectively during preparations for inspection and tactical exercises. The first part of the study focuses on an applicability of a 3D scanner in relation to an accurate evaluation of a fire scene through digitization and creation of virtual walk-through of the fire scene. The second part deals with detailed documentation of access road to the place of intervention, including a simulation of the fire vehicle arrival.
Stochastic Methods in Risk Analysis
Authors: Osadská Vladimíra 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
In this paper, we review basic stochastic methods which can be used to extend state-of-the-art deterministic analytical methods for risk analysis. We can conclude that the standard deterministic analytical methods highly depend on the practical experience and knowledge of the evaluator and therefore, the stochastic methods should be introduced. The new risk analysis methods should consider the uncertainties in input values. We present how large is the impact on the results of the analysis solving practical example of FMECA with uncertainties modelled using Monte Carlo sampling.
Phenotypic Diversities of Four Populations of Clarias Gariepinus (Siluriformes, Clariidae) Obtained from Ogun and Ondo State Waterbodies in South-Western Nigeria
Authors: Ola-Oladimeji F. A. , Oso J. A. , Oladimeji T. E. , Idowu E. O. , Adeleke K. , Urihe F. O. 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
The study determined the variation in the morphological and meristic features among four populations of Clarias gariepinus Burchell, 1822 obtained from Owena Dam and River Oluwa in Ondo State and Rivers Omo and Ogbere in Ogun State, both in Nigeria. A total of ninety five (95) and one hundred and twenty (120) fish specimens collected from Ondo and Ogun states respectively were measured using standard procedures and the results were analysed using Analysis of variance and multivariate analyses. The results obtained from the ANOVA and Principal Component Analyses of Clarias gariepinus from the four populations revealed heterogeneity for most of their characters. Therefore, the morphological differences between the wild African catfish found in Ondo and Ogun state populations could be linked to genetic differences or environmental factors or a combination of both factors. Hence, this study concluded that the populations are different which could imply high genetic diversity if molecular marker techniques are employed in further studies.
Linear Transect Surveys of Abundance and Density of Cetaceans in The Area Near the Dzharylgach Island in the North-Western Black Sea
Authors: Gladilina E. V. , Vishnyakova K. A. , Neprokin O. O. , Ivanchikova Yu. F. , Derkacheva T. A. , Kryukova A. A. , Savenko O. V. , Gol’din P. E. 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
The first assessment of cetacean density and abundance by linear transect survey was conducted in 2016 and 2017 in the shallowest coastal area of the Ukrainian sector of the north-western Black Sea, in the Dzharylgach Gulf and the northern Karkinit Gulf, total area up to 259 km2. Three cetacean species were found present in the area in summer, and the harbour porpoise was the most abundant species with the abundance of at least a few hundred animals (estimated as 175 individuals in the Dzharylgach Gulf), whereas the common dolphins (59) and bottlenose dolphins (31) were present in lesser numbers. Common and bottlenose dolphins showed the clearest patterns of habitat preferences, being restricted respectively to the Dzharylgach and the northern Karkinit Gulf; an unusual trait is the preference of the shallowest habitat by common dolphins. Recorded density of harbour porpoises in the Dzharylgach Gulf is among the highest in the whole Black Sea. Thus, the studied area may be an important summer habitat for cetaceans.
Invasive Land Snail Oxychilus Translucidus (Stylommatophora, Zonitidae) in the Catacombs of Odesa (Ukraine)
Authors: Kovtun O. A. , Vargovitsh R. S. , Son M. O. , Balashov I. A. 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
A finding of the subterranean population of the Caucasian invasive snail on the depth of 30 m below Odesa in Southern Ukraine is discussed.
Organic-inorganic hybrid materials from divalent metal cations and expanded N,N′-donor linkers
Authors: Zahedi Mansoureh , Shaabani Behrouz , Englert Ulli , van Leusen Jan 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
The rod-shaped linker (E,E)-N,N′-(3,3′-dimethyl-4,4′-biphenyldiyl)bis[1-(3-pyridinyl)methanimine] (L) is exploited for the first time in the synthesis of extended structures. Four new coordination polymers of composition {[ZnL(OAc)2]·EtOH}n (1), {[CdL(OAc)2]·MeOH}n (2), {[Cu2L(OAc)4]·CH2Cl2}n (3) and [MnL(N3)2]n (4) have been structurally characterized. The metal cations and the anionic ancillary ligands play pivotal roles for the topology of these compounds. In the crystalline reaction products of Zn(II), Cd(II) and Cu(II) acetate with the organic linker, the acetate anions connects two neighboring cations to dinuclear [M2(OAc)4] subunits. These secondary building units are further crosslinked by the N,N′-donor ligand, either perpendicular to the acetato bridges, leading to a ladder-like ribbon for 1 and 2, or in the direction of the metal···metal separation, resulting in a simple chain in the case of 3. Instead of dinuclear secondary building units, a different topology results from reaction of the N,N′ linker with Mn(ClO4)2 in the presence of azide anions: 1,3 bridging by the N3
− groups leads to infinite chains. These are crosslinked by L in perpendicular direction, and the layer structure 4 is obtained. Natural bond orbital (NBO) analyses revealed information on the basis of orbital interactions about the coordination environments of the metal ions. Thermogravimetric measurements indicate the highest thermal stability for 2. Strong antiferromagnetic coupling within the dinuclear subunits of 3 is observed as a consequence of superexchange via the acetato bridges.
The Homotopy Perturbation Method for Accurate Orbits of the Planets in the Solar System: The Elliptical Kepler Equation
Authors: Alshaery Aisha 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
Accurate trajectories for the orbits of the planets in our solar system depends on obtaining an accurate solution for the elliptical Kepler equation. This equation is solved in this article using the homotopy perturbation method. Several properties of the periodicity of the obtained approximate solutions are introduced through some lemmas. Numerically, our calculations demonstrated the applicability of the obtained approximate solutions for all the planets in the solar system and also in the whole domain of eccentricity and mean anomaly. In the whole domain of the mean anomaly, 0≤M≤2π, and by using the different approximate solutions, the residuals were less than 4×10−17 for e∈[0, 0.06], 4×10−9 for e∈[0.06, 0.25], 3×10−8 for e∈[0.25, 0.40], 3×10−7 for e∈[0.40, 0.50], and 10−6 for e∈[0.50, 1.0]. Also, the approximate solutions were compared with the Bessel–Fourier series solution in the literature. In addition, the approximate homotopy solutions for the eccentric anomaly are used to show the convergence and periodicity of the approximate radial distances of Mercury and Pluto for three and five periods, respectively, as confirmation for some given lemmas. It has also been shown that the present analysis can be successfully applied to the orbit of Halley’s comet with a significant eccentricity.
Antiproliferative activity of synthesized some new benzimidazole carboxamidines against MCF-7 breast carcinoma cells
Authors: Karaaslan Cigdem , Bakar Filiz , Goker Hakan 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
Breast cancer is the most endemic cause of cancer among women in both developed and developing countries. Benzimidazole derivatives exemplify one of the chemical classes that show strong cytotoxic activity especially against breast cancer cells (MCF-7). Aromatic amidine derivatives are known as a group of DNA interactive compounds that bind minor groove of the genome, especially A-T base pairs, and show significant in vitro and in vivo toxicity toward cancer cells. In light of these studies, some new mono/dicationic amidino benzimidazole derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for cytotoxic activity on cultured MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Some of these compounds have strongly inhibited MCF-7 cell viability in a dose-dependent manner compared with clinically used reference compounds, imatinib mesylate and docetaxel. Among them, 4-[(5(6)-bromo-1H-benzimidazole-2-yl)amino]benzene-1-carboxamidine (30) showed the best inhibitory activity with IC50 value of 4.6 nM.
Liquid-Metal Embrittlement Cracking in a Nickel-Based WeldOverlayed Boiler Tube
Authors: French Stephen M. 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
During a major overhaul at a supercritical boiler, a new alcove panel was installed in the front wall (Corner #3) that subsequently developed a leak on the cold side of the tube following restart. The tube in question is a 1¼ chromium and ½ molybdenum steel with a spiral weld overlay applied to the outside diameter (OD) surface of alloy 622. The leak was discovered on the cold-side of the tube after approximately 24 hours of operation, in an area where the tube’s surface appears to have been ground smooth. The failure is due to copper-induced liquid metal embrittlement, the result of a repair weld made to fill a local excavation of unknown origin. Traditionally, copper that is pulled into boiler tube welds comes from copper corrosion products transported into the boiler and deposited on the inner surface of the tube. However, copper is not present in the feedwater train in this unit. This particular tube was newly installed and the copper originated at the OD surface. The source of copper was investigated but could not be identified. Speculation is copper contamination from non-documented damage to the tube incurred during removal of a lifting lug. The removal was improperly weld-repaired with arcing from a Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) torch tip that transferred copper to the weld metal prior to solidification.
GD1a Overcomes Inhibition of Myelination by Fibronectin via Activation of Protein Kinase A: Implications for Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Qin Jing , Sikkema Arend H. , van der Bij Kristine , de Jonge Jenny C. , Klappe Karin , Nies Vera , Jonker Johan W. , Kok Jan Willem , Hoekstra Dick , Baron Wia 
Published: September 2017

Remyelination failure by oligodendrocytes contributes to the functional impairment that characterizes the demyelinating disease multiple sclerosis (MS). Since incomplete remyelination will irreversibly damage axonal connections, treatments effectively promoting remyelination are pivotal in halting disease progression. Our previous findings suggest that fibronectin aggregates, as an environmental factor, contribute to remyelination failure by perturbing oligodendrocyte progenitor cell (OPC) maturation. Here, we aim at elucidating whether exogenously added gangliosides (i.e., cell surface lipids with a potential to modulate signaling pathways) could counteract fibronectin-mediated inhibition of OPC maturation. Exclusive exposure of rat oligodendrocytes to GD1a, but not other gangliosides, overcomes aggregated fibronectin-induced inhibition of myelin membrane formation,in vitro, and OPC differentiation in fibronectin aggregate containing cuprizone-induced demyelinated lesions in male mice. GD1a exerts its effect on OPCs by inducing their proliferation and, at a late stage, by modulating OPC maturation. Kinase activity profiling revealed that GD1a activated a protein kinase A (PKA)-dependent signaling pathway and increased phosphorylation of the transcription factor cAMP response element-binding protein. Consistently, the effect of GD1a in restoring myelin membrane formation in the presence of fibronectin aggregates was abolished by the PKA inhibitor H89, whereas the effect of GD1a was mimicked by the PKA activator dibutyryl-cAMP. Together, GD1a overcomes the inhibiting effect of aggregated fibronectin on OPC maturation by activating a PKA-dependent signaling pathway. Given the persistent presence of fibronectin aggregates in MS lesions, ganglioside GD1a might act as a potential novel therapeutic tool to selectively modulate the detrimental signaling environment that precludes remyelination.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTAs an environmental factor, aggregates of the extracellular matrix protein fibronectin perturb the maturation of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs), thereby impeding remyelination, in the demyelinating disease multiple sclerosis (MS). Here we demonstrate that exogenous addition of ganglioside GD1a overcomes the inhibiting effect of aggregated fibronectin on OPC maturation, bothin vitroandin vivo, by activating a PKA-dependent signaling pathway. We propose that targeted delivery of GD1a to MS lesions may act as a potential novel molecular tool to boost maturation of resident OPCs to overcome remyelination failure and halt disease progression.
Activity-Dependent Dysfunction in Visual and Olfactory Sensory Systems in Mouse Models of Down Syndrome
Authors: William Christopher M. , Saqran Lubna , Stern Matthew A. , Chiang Charles L. , Herrick Scott P. , Rangwala Aziz , Albers Mark W. , Frosch Matthew P. , Hyman Bradley T. 
Published: September 2017

Activity-dependent synaptic plasticity plays a critical role in the refinement of circuitry during postnatal development and may be disrupted in conditions that cause intellectual disability, such as Down syndrome (DS). To test this hypothesis, visual cortical plasticity was assessed in Ts65Dn mice that harbor a chromosomal duplication syntenic to human chromosome 21q. We find that Ts65Dn mice demonstrate a defect in ocular dominance plasticity (ODP) following monocular deprivation. This phenotype is similar to that of transgenic mice that express amyloid precursor protein (APP), which is duplicated in DS and in Ts65DN mice; however, normalizingAPPgene copy number in Ts65Dn mice fails to rescue plasticity. Ts1Rhr mice harbor a duplication of the telomeric third of the Ts65Dn-duplicated sequence and demonstrate the same ODP defect, suggesting a gene or genes sufficient to drive the phenotype are located in that smaller duplication. In addition, we find that Ts65Dn mice demonstrate an abnormality in olfactory system connectivity, a defect in the refinement of connections to second-order neurons in the olfactory bulb. Ts1Rhr mice do not demonstrate a defect in glomerular refinement, suggesting that distinct genes or sets of genes underlie visual and olfactory system phenotypes. Importantly, these data suggest that developmental plasticity and connectivity are impaired in sensory systems in DS model mice, that such defects may contribute to functional impairment in DS, and that these phenotypes, present in male and female mice, provide novel means for examining the genetic and molecular bases for neurodevelopmental impairment in model micein vivo.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTOur understanding of the basis for intellectual impairment in Down syndrome is hindered by the large number of genes duplicated in Trisomy 21 and a lack of understanding of the effect of disease pathology on the function of neural circuitsin vivo. This work describes early postnatal developmental abnormalities in visual and olfactory sensory systems in Down syndrome model mice, which provide insight into defects in the function of neural circuitsin vivoand provide an approach for exploring the genetic and molecular basis for impairment in the disease. In addition, these findings raise the possibility that basic dysfunction in primary sensory circuitry may illustrate mechanisms important for global learning and cognitive impairment in Down syndrome patients.
Astrocyte-Mediated Neuronal Synchronization Properties Revealed by False Gliotransmitter Release
Authors: Pirttimaki Tiina M. , Sims Robert E. , Saunders Gregory , Antonio Serena A. , Codadu Neela Krushna , Parri H. Rheinallt 
Published: September 2017

Astrocytes spontaneously release glutamate (Glut) as a gliotransmitter (GT), resulting in the generation of extrasynaptic NMDAR-mediated slow inward currents (SICs) in neighboring neurons, which can increase local neuronal excitability. However, there is a deficit in our knowledge of the factors that control spontaneous astrocyte GT release and the extent of its influence. We found that, in rat brain slices, increasing the supply of the physiological transmitter Glut increased the frequency and signaling charge of SICs over an extended period. This phenomenon was replicated by exogenous preexposure to the amino acid D-aspartate (D-Asp). Using D-Asp as a “false” GT, we determined the extent of local neuron excitation by GT release in ventrobasal thalamus, CA1 hippocampus, and somatosensory cortex. By analyzing synchronized neuronal NMDAR-mediated excitation, we found that the properties of the excitation were conserved in different brain areas. In the three areas, astrocyte-derived GT release synchronized groups of neurons at distances of >;200 μm. Individual neurons participated in more than one synchronized population, indicating that individual neurons can be excited by more than one astrocyte and that individual astrocytes may determine a neuron's synchronized network. The results confirm that astrocytes can act as excitatory nodes that can influence neurons over a significant range in a number of brain regions. Our findings further suggest that chronic elevation of ambient Glut levels can lead to increased GT Glut release, which may be relevant in some pathological states.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTAstrocytes spontaneously release glutamate (Glut) and other gliotransmitters (GTs) that can modify neuronal activity. Exposing brain slices to Glut and D-aspartate (D-Asp) before recording resulted in an increase in frequency of GT-mediated astrocyte–neuron signaling. Using D-Asp, it was possible to investigate the effects of specific GT release at neuronal NMDARs. Calcium imaging showed synchronized activity in groups of neurons in cortex, hippocampus, and thalamus. The size of these populations was similar in all areas and some neurons were involved in more than one synchronous group. The findings show that GT release is supply dependent and that the properties of the signaling and activated networks are largely conserved between different brain areas.
Inzidenz und Letalität häufiger neonataler Erkrankungen beim Fohlen während der ersten 10 Tage post natum in einer Veterinärklinik
Authors: Graßl Martin , Ulrich Tina , Wehrend Axel 
Published: September 2017

ZusammenfassungZiel der Studie war, durch Auswertung von Patientendaten die Häufigkeit und Letalität von Fohlenerkrankungen in den ersten 10 Tagen nach der Geburt darzustellen. Material und Methode: Über einen Zeitraum von 6 Jahren wurden die Patientendaten von 393 Fohlen ausgewertet, die innerhalb der ersten 10 Tage post natum in einer Klinik vorgestellt wurden. Ermittelt wurden Art und Anzahl der Erkrankungen, das Geschlecht der betroffenen Fohlen und die Letalitätsrate. Ergebnisse: Unter den insgesamt 28 Krankheitsbildern waren Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS), Mekoniumobstipation und Bronchopneumonie am häufigsten diagnostiziert worden. Die Letalität für SIRS lag bei 41,8 %, für Mekoniumobstipation bei 29,7 % und für Bronchopneumonie bei 37,9 %. Der durchschnittliche Todeszeitpunkt betrug bei SIRS 4,2 ± 2,9 Tage, bei Mekoniumobstipation 4,6 ± 3,2 Tage und bei Bronchopneumonie 5,2 ± 3,5 Tage post natum. Schlussfolgerung und klinische Relevanz: Anhand der Datenerhebung kann die Häufigkeit und damit die Bedeutung einzelner Krankheitsbilder abgeleitet werden. Die Angaben zur Letalität helfen, Aussagen zur Prognose der häufigsten neonatalen Fohlenerkrankungen nach Erstuntersuchung zu treffen.
Cutaneous alternariosis in an immunocompromised dog successfully treated with cold plasma and cessation of immunosuppressive medication
Authors: Dengler Berrett , Klinger Christoph , Bettenay Sonya , Rickerts Volker , Mueller Ralf , Classen Janine 
Published: September 2017

SummaryA cutaneous infection with Alternaria spp. was diagnosed in a 2-yearold male intact Irish setter dog, presenting with multifocal papules, plaques and ulcerations involving all four distal limbs, shoulder blades, scrotum, pinnae and nasal mucous membranes. The dog had been treated for inflammatory bowel disease and lymphangiectasia with immunosuppressive doses of cyclosporine and prednisolone for approximately 3 months. The diagnosis was based on clinical signs, the demonstration of fungal elements within skin biopsies, deep fungal culture and fungal PCR from a formalin-fixed tissue specimen. Complete clinical remission was achieved by tapering and cessation of the immunosuppressive medication, treatment with cold atmospheric-pressure plasma (CAPP) and topical enilconazole within 8 weeks.