bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Production, purification, and characterization of carboxymethyl cellulase from novel strain Bacillus megaterium
Authors: Shahid Zeeshan Hussain , Irfan Muhammad , Nadeem Muhammad , Syed Quratulain , Qazi Javed Iqbal 
Published: June 2016

In the present investigation a strain of Bacillus megaterium BM05 was evaluated for cellulase production in submerged fermentation using wheat straw as a substrate. Various nutritional and cultural parameters were optimized to obtain maximum production of carboxymethyl cellulase. The strain produced best titer of cellulase at initial medium pH of 5, inoculum size of 1% using 2% wheat straw with 0.8% NaCl in medium for 48 h of fermentation period. Further supplementation of CMC as an additional carbon source and yeast extract as nitrogen sources favored enzyme production. Organic acids found to be inhibitory effect on secretion of cellulase enzyme by B. megaterium BM05. The enzyme exhibited molecular weight of 53.55 kDa as revealed by SDS‐PAGE. The enzyme had optimum pH and temperature of 6.5°C and 50°C with stability range of 6.0–8.0 and 30°C–40°C for 140 min, respectively. The enzyme had half life of 38.9 min at 80°C. Metal profile of the enzyme indicated that K+ (125%) and Na+ (118%) were the activators while Pb+2 (15%) and Hg+2 (13%) were the inhibitors. The endoglucanase had Km and Vmax value of 1.73 and 0.95 U/mL using CMC‐Na as a substrate, respectively. Turnover number (Kcat) and catalytic efficiency (Kcat/Km) of purified enzyme was 1556.11 min and 1.3 × 106 M/s, respectively. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 35: 1741–1749, 2016
Effects of reduced oxygen environment on the reaction to fire of a poly(urethane‐isocyanurate) foam
Authors: Marquis Damien M. , Hermouet Fabien , Guillaume Éric 
Published: June 2016

SummaryThanks to their thermal insulation properties, rigid polyisocyanurate foams are commonly used in the modern built environment, as well as in transportation and industrial applications. However, the fire behaviour of this kind of foam remains one of the most limiting factors for their wider use as insulation material in some sectors. Indeed, this type of material is thermally and chemically reactive. The general scope of this study is to investigate the effects of a reduced oxygen atmosphere on the reaction to fire of flame‐retardant polyisocyanurate foam. This paper reports the results of an experimental campaign, which was performed using a controlled‐atmosphere cone calorimeter, coupled to a Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer. The dependence of the results on both oxygen concentration and irradiance level is presented and discussed. The chemical compositions of the identified gaseous products were qualified and quantified during both the decomposition and the combustion processes. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Experimentelle Bestimmung der Nichtlinearität von Spannungsgrenzbedingungen im Bereich geringer Spannungen
Authors: Bergholz Katharina , Herle Ivo 
Published: June 2016

AbstractFrühere Forschungen haben gezeigt, dass es sich bei den Scherparametern φ' und c' der Mohr‐Coulombschen Bruchbedingung nicht um Materialkonstanten, sondern um zustandsabhängige Kennwerte handelt. Folglich weist die Spannungsgrenzbedingung überkonsolidierter Böden eine Nichtlinearität auf, die sich im Bereich geringer Spannungen in einer mehr oder weniger starken Krümmung der Grenzumhüllenden zum Koordinatenursprung äußert. Mithilfe experimenteller Untersuchungen wurde die Entwicklung der effektiven Scherparameter als Funktion des mittleren Druckniveaus sowie der Vorbelastung analysiert. Dazu wurden Bodenproben eines schluffigen Tons auf unterschiedliche Überkonsolidierungsgrade und ‐spannungen vorbelastet und im Anschluss entlang verschiedener unkonventioneller Spannungspfade abgeschert, um auch in den Bereich sehr niedriger Spannungen vorzudringen, der mit konventionellen triaxialen Kompressionsversuchen schwer zu erkunden ist. Die Versuchsreihe hat belegt, dass insbesondere die vom Boden erfahrene Höchstspannung Einfluss auf den Grad der Nichtlinearität des Bruchkriteriums hat: je höher die Vorbelastung, desto ausgeprägter die Krümmung. Das Überkonsolidierungsverhältnis wirkt sich dahingegen deutlicher auf die Steifigkeit der Bodenreaktion aus, was indirekt für eine Abhängigkeit der volumetrischen Antwort vom Spannungspfad spricht.
Discoidin Receptor 2 Controls Bone Formation and Marrow Adipogenesis
Authors: Ge Chunxi , Wang Zhengyan , Zhao Guisheng , Li Binbin , Liao Jinhui , Sun Hanshi , Franceschi Renny T 
Published: June 2016

ABSTRACT

Cell–extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions play major roles in controlling progenitor cell fate and differentiation. The receptor tyrosine kinase, discoidin domain receptor 2 (DDR2), is an important mediator of interactions between cells and fibrillar collagens. DDR2 signals through both ERK1/2 and p38 MAP kinase, which stimulate osteoblast differentiation and bone formation. Here we show that DDR2 is critical for skeletal development and differentiation of marrow progenitor cells to osteoblasts while suppressing marrow adipogenesis. Smallie mice (Ddr2slie/slie), which contain a nonfunctional Ddr2 allele, have multiple skeletal defects. A progressive decrease in tibial trabecular bone volume/total volume (BV/TV) was observed when wild-type (WT), Ddr2wt/slie, and Ddr2slie/slie mice were compared. These changes were associated with reduced trabecular number (Tb.N) and trabecular thickness (Tb.Th) and increased trabecular spacing (Tb.Sp) in both males and females, but reduced cortical thickness only in Ddr2slie/slie females. Bone changes were attributed to decreased bone formation rather than increased osteoclast activity. Significantly, marrow fat and adipocyte-specific mRNA expression were significantly elevated in Ddr2slie/slie animals. Additional skeletal defects include widened calvarial sutures and reduced vertebral trabecular bone. To examine the role of DDR2 signaling in cell differentiation, bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) were grown under osteogenic and adipogenic conditions. Ddr2slie/slie cells exhibited defective osteoblast differentiation and accelerated adipogenesis. Changes in differentiation were related to activity of runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) and PPARγ, transcription factors that are both controlled by MAPK-dependent phosphorylation. Specifically, the defective osteoblast differentiation in calvarial cells from Ddr2slie/slie mice was associated with reduced ERK/MAP kinase and RUNX2-S319 phosphorylation and could be rescued with a constitutively active phosphomimetic RUNX2 mutant. Also, DDR2 was shown to increase RUNX2-S319 phosphorylation and transcriptional activity while also increasing PPARγ-S112 phosphorylation, but reducing its activity. DDR2 is, therefore, important for maintenance of osteoblast activity and suppression of marrow adipogenesis in vivo and these actions are related to changes in MAPK-dependent RUNX2 and PPARγ phosphorylation. © 2016 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Oxidized LDL‐Exposed Human Macrophages Display Increased MMP‐9 Expression and Secretion Mediated by Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress
Authors: Sanda Gabriela M. , Deleanu Mariana , Toma Laura , Stancu Camelia S. , Simionescu Maya , Sima Anca V. 
Published: June 2016

ABSTRACTOxidatively modified low‐density lipoproteins (oxLDL) alter the proper function of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), inducing ER stress (ERS), which consequently activates inflammatory pathways in macrophages. Matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) is the main protease acting on the degradation of the extracellular matrix and the ensuing destabilization of the atherosclerotic plaque. We aimed to investigate whether ERS induced by oxLDL or tunicamycin (TM) in human macrophages is associated with the stimulation of MMP‐9 expression and secretion. The results showed that oxLDL induced in THP‐1 macrophages: (i) increase of MMP‐9 gene expression and its pro‐form secretion, (ii) intracellular accumulation of 7‐ketocholesterol, (iii) ERS activation (increased eIF2α phosphorylation, XBP1 and CHOP mRNA levels, and Grp78 protein expression), and (iv) oxidative stress (increased levels of reactive oxygen species and NADPH oxidase activity). Incubation of macrophages with ERS inducer, TM determined the secretion of both pro‐ and active‐form of MMP‐9 and oxidative stress. Treatment of oxLDL or TM‐incubated cells with ERS inhibitor, sodium phenylbutyrate decreased MMP‐9 gene expression, secretion, and activity. The inhibitor of NADPH oxidase, apocynin, decreased XBP‐1 and CHOP mRNA levels, and MMP‐9 gene expression and secretion in oxLDL‐exposed cells. In conclusion, oxLDL stimulate MMP‐9 expression and secretion in human macrophages by mechanisms involving ERS. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 661–669, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pollen‐based reconstructions of Late Holocene climate on the southern slopes of the central Tianshan Mountains, Xinjiang,NWChina
Authors: Zhang Yun , Kong Zhaochen , Yang Zhenjing 
Published: June 2016

ABSTRACTTo quantitatively describe the Late Holocene palaeoclimatic history of the southern slopes of the Tianshan Mountains in Xinjiang, China, we collected 74 surface pollen samples (from −154 to 4285 m), together with 81 fossil samples from Swan Lake. Based on modern pollen assemblage and redundancy analysis (RDA) of surface pollen data, five pollen zones were divided (alpine cushion vegetation, alpine meadow, subalpine meadow steppe, montane desert, and typical desert zones). Modern pollen–climate transfer functions were developed to quantitatively reconstruct palaeoclimate of the area using the weighted averaging partial least squares regression method. Reconstructed mean annual precipitation and mean annual temperature results suggest that a dry/warm or humid/cold climate pattern prevailed over the past 4200 aBP. Notably, three cold and humid stages were detected at 4200–4000 cal. aBP, 3700–2000 cal. aBP, and 1170–930 cal. aBP. Moreover, a humid ‘Medieval Warm Period’ (MWP) occurred not only on the northern slopes but also on the southern slopes of the Tianshan Mountains. However, based on palaeo‐environmental records and on archaeological documents, it would appear that a dryMWPoccurred in southern parts of south Xinjiang, with this being different from theMWPon the Tianshan Mountains. Interactions between monsoon and the westerly airflows might account for this difference. The data will improve understanding of past atmospheric circulation systems in the different parts of Xinjiang and will help to predict the future climate in the world.
Dissolved and colloidal phosphorus fluxes in forest ecosystems—an almost blind spot in ecosystem research
Authors: Bol Roland , Julich Dorit , Brödlin Dominik , Siemens Jan , Kaiser Klaus , Dippold Michaela Anna , Spielvogel Sandra , Zilla Thomas , Mewes Daniela , von Blanckenburg Friedhelm , Puhlmann Heike , Holzmann Stefan , Weiler Markus , Amelung Wulf , Lang Friederike , Kuzyakov Yakov , Feger Karl‐Heinz , Gottselig Nina , Klumpp Erwin , Missong Anna , Winkelmann Carola , Uhlig David , Sohrt Jakob , von Wilpert Klaus , Wu Bei , Hagedorn Frank 
Published: June 2016

AbstractUnderstanding and quantification of phosphorus (P) fluxes are key requirements for predictions of future forest ecosystems changes as well as for transferring lessons learned from natural ecosystems to croplands and plantations. This review summarizes and evaluates the recent knowledge on mechanisms, magnitude, and relevance by which dissolved and colloidal inorganic and organic P forms can be translocated within or exported from forest ecosystems. Attention is paid to hydrological pathways of P losses at the soil profile and landscape scales, and the subsequent influence of P on aquatic ecosystems. New (unpublished) data from the German Priority Program 1685 “Ecosystem Nutrition: Forest Strategies for limited Phosphorus Resources” were added to provide up‐to‐date flux‐based information.Nitrogen (N) additions increase the release of water‐transportable P forms. Most P found in percolates and pore waters belongs to the so‐called dissolved organic P (DOP) fractions, rich in orthophosphate‐monoesters and also containing some orthophosphate‐diesters. Total solution P concentrations range from ca. 1 to 400 µg P L−1, with large variations among forest stands. Recent sophisticated analyses revealed that large portions of the DOP in forest stream water can comprise natural nanoparticles and fine colloids which under extreme conditions may account for 40–100% of the P losses. Their translocation within preferential flow passes may be rapid, mediated by storm events. The potential total P loss through leaching into subsoils and with streams was found to be less than 50 mg P m−2 a−1, suggesting effects on ecosystems at centennial to millennium scale. All current data are based on selected snapshots only. Quantitative measurements of P fluxes in temperate forest systems are nearly absent in the literature, probably due to main research focus on the C and N cycles. Therefore, we lack complete ecosystem‐based assessments of dissolved and colloidal P fluxes within and from temperate forest systems.
Patterning Surfaces on Azo‐Based Multilayer Films via Surface Wrinkling Combined with Visible Light Irradiation
Authors: Zong Chuanyong , Zhao Yan , Ji Haipeng , Xie Jixun , Han Xue , Wang Juanjuan , Cao Yanping , Lu Conghua , Li Hongfei , Jiang Shichun 
Published: June 2016

Here, a simple combined strategy of surface wrinkling with visible light irradiation to fabricate well tunable hierarchical surface patterns on azo‐containing multilayer films is reported. The key to tailor surface patterns is to introduce a photosensitive poly(disperse orange 3) intermediate layer into the film/substrate wrinkling system, in which the modulus decrease is induced by the reversible photoisomerization. The existence of a photoinert top layer prevents the photoisomerization‐induced stress release in the intermediate layer to some extent. Consequently, the as‐formed wrinkling patterns can be modulated over a large area by light irradiation. Interestingly, in the case of selective exposure, the wrinkle wavelength in the exposed region decreases, while the wrinkles in the unexposed region are evolved into highly oriented wrinkles with the orientation perpendicular to the exposed/unexposed boundary. Compared with traditional single layer‐based film/substrate systems, the multilayer system consisting of the photosensitive intermediate layer offers unprecedented advantages in the patterning controllability/universality. As demonstrated here, this simple and versatile strategy can be conveniently extended to functional multilayer systems for the creation of prescribed hierarchical surface patterns with optically tailored microstructures.
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Granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) is released by female mouse bladder urothelial cells and expressed by the urothelium as an early response to lipopolysaccharides (LPS)
Authors: Li Yan , Lu Ming , Alvarez‐Lugo Lery , Chen Gang , Chai Toby C. 
Published: June 2016

AimsWe studied in vitro and in vivo response of primary mouse bladder urothelial cells (mBUC) and bladder urothelium to lipopolysaccharides (LPS), focusing on granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) signaling.MethodsFemale C57BL/6 mBUC were exposed for 12 hr to differing concentrations of LPS (100 ng/ml to 10 µg/ml). mBUC were also exposed to a single dose of LPS (1 µg/ml) for 3, 6, 12 hr. Neutralizing GM‐CSF antibody (0.1 μg/ml) was used block GM‐CSF activity in vitro. In vivo experiments were performed, whereby, LPS (1 mg/ml) was instilled intravesically and left to dwell for 30 min followed by harvest of bladder urothelium 3 to 18 hr later. ELISA measured GM‐CSF. qPCR quantitated mRNA for GM‐CSF, vascular endothelial growth factor‐A (VEGF‐A), cyclooxygenase‐1 (COX‐1), cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2), and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF‐α). RT‐PCR was used to detect mRNA for GM‐CSF, GM‐CSFRα, and β in bladder tissues. Immunohistofluorescence and Western blots for GM‐CSFRα were performed on bladder tissues.ResultsLPS induced a dose‐dependent release of GM‐CSF by mBUC. Mouse bladder urothelium did not express GM‐CSF mRNA at baseline, but expressed GM‐CSF mRNA 3 hr after in vivo LPS exposure, with GM‐CSF mRNA expression disappearing 18 hr later. GM‐CSFRα expression was confirmed in bladder urothelium. GM‐CSF neutralizing antibody significantly diminished LPS‐induced increases of VEGF and COX‐2 mRNA expression.ConclusionsUrothelium and mBUC secreted GM‐CSF as an early response to LPS. GM‐CSF mediated downstream expression of VEGF and COX‐2. Urothelial GM‐CSF may function as a signaling mediator for both inflammation and pain transduction. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:1020–1025, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Co‐crystallization in ternary polyethylene blends: tie crystal formation and mechanical properties improvement
Authors: Eslamian Mohammadjavad , Bagheri Reza , Pircheraghi Gholamreza 
Published: June 2016

AbstractUnderstanding
the co‐crystallization behavior of ternary polyethylene (PE) blends is a challenging task. Herein, in addition to co‐crystallization behavior, the rheological and mechanical properties of melt compounded high density polyethylene (HDPE)/low density polyethylene (LDPE)/Zeigler − Natta linear low density polyethylene (ZN‐LLDPE) blends have been studied in detail. The HDPE content of the blends was kept constant at 40 wt% and the LDPE/ZN‐LLDPE ratio was varied from 0.5 to 2. Rheological measurements confirmed the melt miscibility of the entire blends. Study of the crystalline structure of the blends using DSC, wide angle X‐ray scattering, small angle X‐ray scattering and field emission SEM techniques revealed the formation of two distinct co‐crystals in the blends. Fine LDPE/ZN‐LLDPE co‐crystals, named tie crystals, dispersed within the amorphous gallery between the coarse HDPE/ZN‐LLDPE co‐crystals were characterized for the first time in this study. It is shown that the tie crystals strengthen the amorphous gallery and play a major role in the mechanical performance of the blend.© 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Assimilation of humidity and temperature observations retrieved from ground‐based microwave radiometers into a convective‐scale NWP model
Authors: Caumont Olivier , Cimini Domenico , Löhnert Ulrich , Alados‐Arboledas Lucas , Bleisch René , Buffa Franco , Ferrario Massimo Enrico , Haefele Alexander , Huet Thierry , Madonna Fabio , Pace Giandomenico 
Published: June 2016

Temperature and humidity retrievals from an international network of ground‐based microwave radiometers (MWRs) have been collected to assess the potential of their assimilation into a convective‐scale numerical weather prediction (NWP) system. Thirteen stations over a domain encompassing the western Mediterranean basin were considered for a time period of 41 days in autumn, when heavy precipitation events most often plague this area.Prior to their assimilation, MWR data were compared to very‐short‐term forecasts. Observation‐minus‐background statistics revealed some biases, but standard deviations were comparable to that obtained with radiosondes. The MWR data were then assimilated in a three‐dimensional variational data assimilation system through the use of a rapid update cycle. A first set of four different experiments were designed to assess the impact of the assimilation of temperature and humidity profiles, both separately and jointly. This assessment was done through the use of a comprehensive dataset of upper‐air and surface observations collected in the framework of the HyMeX programme.The results showed that the impact was generally very limited on all verified parameters, except for precipitation. The impact was found to be generally beneficial in terms of most verification metrics for about 18 h, especially for larger accumulations. Two additional data‐denial experiments showed that even more positive impact could be obtained when MWR data were assimilated without other redundant observations. The conclusion of the study points to possible ways of enhancing the impact of the assimilation of MWR data in convective‐scale NWP systems.
Disciplinary Literacy in English Language Arts: Exploring the Social and Problem‐Based Nature of Literary Reading and Reasoning
Authors: Rainey Emily C. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractDespite many calls for K–12 disciplinary literacy instruction—instruction that teaches students the specialized ways of reading, writing, and reasoning of the academic disciplines—there are questions about what disciplinary literacy instruction means for the prominent school domain of English language arts. This article investigates the disciplinary literacy practices and teaching approaches of 10 university‐based literary scholars who participated in semistructured interviews and verbal protocols with literary fiction. Findings point to the fundamentally social and problem‐based nature of academic work with literature and to a set of six shared literary literacy practices that scholars use in their work with literature. These findings were generated as part of a larger study that compared literacy practices and teaching approaches of 10 university‐based scholars and 12 high school English language arts teachers (Rainey, 2015).
CXCR4 Signaling Negatively Modulates the Bipotential State of Hemogenic Endothelial Cells Derived from Embryonic Stem Cells by Attenuating the Endothelial Potential
Authors: Ahmed Tanzir , Tsuji-Tamura Kiyomi , Ogawa Minetaro 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
Hemogenic endothelial cells (HECs) are considered to be the origin of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). HECs have been identified in differentiating mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) as VE-cadherin+ cells with both hematopoietic and endothelial potential in single cells. Although the bipotential state of HECs is a key to cell fate decision toward HSCs, the molecular basis of the regulation of the bipotential state has not been well understood. Here, we report that the CD41+ fraction of CD45- CD31+ VE-cadherin+ endothelial cells (ECs) from mouse ESCs encompasses an enriched HEC population. The CD41+ ECs expressed Runx1, Tal1, Etv2, and Sox17, and contained progenitors for both ECs and hematopoietic cells (HCs) at a high frequency. Clonal analyses of cell differentiation confirmed that one out of five HC progenitors in the CD41+ ECs possessed the bipotential state that led also to EC colony formation. A phenotypically identical cell population was found in mouse embryos, although the potential was more biased to hematopoietic fate with rare bipotential progenitors. ESC-derived bipotential HECs were further enriched in the CD41+ CXCR4+ subpopulation. Stimulation with CXCL12 during the generation of VE-cadherin+ CXCR4+ cells attenuated the EC colony-forming ability, thereby resulted in a decrease of bipotential progenitors in the CD41+ CXCR4+ subpopulation. Our results suggest that CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling negatively modulates the bipotential state of HECs independently of the hematopoietic fate. Identification of signaling molecules controlling the bipotential state is crucial to modulate the HEC differentiation and to induce HSCs from ESCs.