bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microbial heterogeneity affects bioprocess robustness: Dynamic single‐cell analysis contributes to understanding of microbial populations
Authors: Delvigne Frank , Goffin Philippe 
Published: October 2013

AbstractHeterogeneity or segregation of microbial populations has been the subject of much research, but the real impact of this phenomenon on bioprocesses remains poorly understood. The main reason for this lack of knowledge is the difficulty in monitoring microbial population heterogeneity under dynamic process conditions. The main concepts resulting in microbial population heterogeneity in the context of bioprocesses have been summarized by two distinct hypotheses. The first involves the individual history of microbial cells or the “path“ followed during their residence time inside the process equipment. The second hypothesis involves a coordinated response by the microbial population as a bet‐hedging strategy, in order to cope with process‐related stresses. The respective contribution of each hypothesis to microbial heterogeneity in bioprocesses is still unclear. This illustrates the fact that, although microbial phenotypic heterogeneity has been thoroughly investigated at a fundamental level, the implications of this phenomenon in the context of microbial bioprocesses are still subject to debate. At this time, automated flow cytometry is the best technique for investigating microbial heterogeneity under process conditions. However, dedicated software and relevant biomarkers are needed for the proper integration of flow cytometry as a bioprocess control tool.
Lipid bilayer arrays: Cyclically formed and measured
Authors: Lu Bin , Kocharyan Gayane , Schmidt Jacob J. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractArtificial lipid bilayers have many uses. They are well established for scientific studies of reconstituted ion channels, used to host engineered pore proteins for sensing, and can potentially be applied in DNA sequencing. Droplet bilayers have significant technological potential for enabling many of these applications due to their compatibility with automation and array platforms. To further develop this potential, we have simplified the formation and electrical measurement of droplet bilayers using an apparatus that only requires fluid dispensation. We achieved simultaneous bilayer formation and measurement over a 32‐element array with ∼80% yield and no operator input following fluid addition. Cycling these arrays resulted in the formation and measurement of 96 out of 120 possible bilayers in 80 minutes, a sustainable rate that could significantly increase with automation and greater parallelization. This turn‐key, high‐yield approach to making artificial lipid bilayers requires no training, making the capability of creating and measuring lipid bilayers and ion channels accessible to a much wider audience. In addition, this approach is low‐cost, parallelizable, and automatable, allowing high‐throughput studies of ion channels and pore proteins in lipid bilayers for sensing or screening applications.
Screening for cardiac HERG potassium channel interacting proteins using the yeast two‐hybrid technique
Authors: Ma Qingyan , Yu Hong , Lin Jijin , Sun Yifan , Shen Xinyuan , Ren Li 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe human ERG protein (HERG or Kv11.1) encoded by the human ether‐a‐go‐go‐related gene (herg) is the pore‐forming subunit of the cardiac delayed rectifier potassium current (IKr) responsible for action potential (AP) repolarization. Mutations in HERG lead to long‐QT syndrome, a major cause of arrhythmias. Protein–protein interactions are fundamental for ion channel trafficking, membrane localization, and functional modulation. To identify proteins involved in the regulation of the HERG channel, we conducted a yeast two‐hybrid screen of a human heart cDNA library using the C‐terminus or N‐terminus of HERG as bait. Fifteen proteins were identified as HERG amino terminal (HERG‐NT)‐interacting proteins, including Caveolin‐1 (a membrane scaffold protein with multiple interacting partners, including G‐proteins, kinases and NOS), the zinc finger protein, FHL2 and PTPN12 (a non‐receptor tyrosine phosphatase). Eight HERG carboxylic terminal (HERG‐CT)‐interacting proteins were also identified, including the NF‐κB‐interacting protein myotrophin, We have identified multiple potential interacting proteins that may regulate cardiac IKr through cytoskeletal interactions, G‐protein modulation, phosphorylation and downstream second messenger and transcription cascades. These findings provide further insight into dynamic modulation of HERG under physiological conditions and arrhythmogenesis.
Characteristics of human adipose mesenchymal stem cells isolated from healthy and cancer affected people and their interactions with human breast cancer cell line MCF‐7 in vitro
Authors: Trivanović Drenka , Nikolić Srdjan , Krstić Jelena , Jauković Aleksandra , Mojsilović Slavko , Ilić Vesna , Okić‐Djordjević Ivana , Santibanez Juan Francisco , Jovčić Gordana , Bugarski Diana 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAdipose tissue is an attractive source of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) with potential applications in reconstructive plastic surgery and regenerative medicine. The aim of this study was to characterise human adipose tissue MSCs (ASCs) derived from healthy individuals and cancer patients and to compare their interactions with tumour cells. ASCs were isolated from adipose tissue of healthy donors, breast cancer‐adjacent adipose tissue of breast cancer patients and tumour‐adjacent adipose tissue of non‐breast cancer patients. Their proliferation, differentiation, immunophenotype and gene expression were assessed and effects on the proliferation of human breast cancer cell line MCF‐7 compared. ASCs from all sources exhibited similar morphology, proliferative and differentiation potential, showing the characteristic pattern of mesenchymal surface markers expression (CD90, CD105, CD44H, CD73) and the lack of HLA‐DR and hematopoietic markers (CD11a, CD33, CD45, Glycophorin‐CD235a), but uneven expression of CD34. ASCs also shared a common positive gene expression of HLA‐DR, HLA‐A, IL‐6, TGF‐β and HIF‐1, but were negative for HLA‐G, while the expression levels of Cox‐2 and IDO‐1 varied. All ASCs significantly stimulated the proliferation of MCF‐7 tumour cells in direct mixed co‐cultures and transwell system, although their conditioned media displayed antiproliferative activity. Data obtained showed that ASCs with similar characteristics are easily isolated from various donors and sites of origin, although ASCs could both suppress and favour tumour cells growth, emphasising the importance of cellular context within the microenvironment and pointing to the significance of safety studies to exclude any potential clinical risk of their application in regenerative medicine.
QM/MM Molecular Modeling and Marcus Theory in the Molecular Design of Electrodes for Enzymatic Fuel Cells
Authors: Vazquez‐Duhalt Rafael , Aguila Sergio A. , Arrocha Andrés A. , Ayala Marcela 
Published: October 2013

AbstractNew and environmentally friendly technologies are needed for the fabrication of small devices able to produce electricity for biomedical and electronic applications. Enzymatic fuel cells are promising devices for micropower sources operating under mild conditions. The electron transfer (ET) between the redox‐active site of the protein and the electrode surface is a key issue that should be considered in the design of enzymatic fuel cells. The rational molecular design and the optimization of direct ET is still a challenging goal in the bioelectrochemical field. This review discusses the use of Marcus theory and hybrid quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) modeling techniques to describe and predict the intramolecular ET between enzymes and electrode surfaces for the design of more efficient enzymatic electrodes and enzymatic fuel cells.
Soot Cake Oxidation on a Diesel Particulate Filter: Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy Observation and Thermogravimetric Analysis
Authors: Kameya Yuki , Lee Kyeong O. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe oxidation behavior of soot cake on the porous wall of a diesel particulate filter (DPF) was investigated. As a new experimental approach to observe the soot cake during its oxidation, an environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM) was utilized. The dynamic deformation process of the soot cake was revealed, and the contact conditions between the soot cake and the DPF wall, which is important in catalytic soot oxidation, were examined. In addition, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was performed and the specific reaction rate was determined. The effect of gas diffusion into the soot cake on the overall oxidation reaction rate was demonstrated. The soot cake oxidation behavior was discussed based on the ESEM observation and TGA results.
EOQ Model: The Case in Which the Placing of Orders Is Rewarded
Authors: Marimon Frederic , Llach Josep 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe first models of optimization of inventory management costs have undergone few changes since they were developed at the beginning of the last century. It is only with the passage of time that new scenarios have appeared with the introduction of new systems of production, and consequently of new strategies in the logistics chain. In this article, we analyze and propose a revision of the basic inventory model of economic order quantity first defined by Harris in 1913 for a scenario in which the owner of the stock receives a bonus or reward each time he replenishes his stock. This situation arises when the supplier receives a benefit (which he then shares with the customer) when managing his stock replenishment. An array of nested models is shown to illustrate this scenario, from which the constraints of previous scenarios have been removed. The model provides insights into the negotiation of batch size between supplier and buyer in a win‐win environment in the specific situation in which the supplier gives a bonus to the buyer at each stock replenishment. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Selective extraction of Hf(IV) over Zr(IV) from aqueous H2SO4 solutions by solvent extraction with acidic organophosphorous based extractants
Authors: Banda Raju , Min Soo Hwan , Lee Man Seung 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe present paper describes the selective extraction of Hf(IV) over Zr(IV) using two acidic extractants (D2EHPA and Cyanex 272) and its mixture with LIX 63 from sulphate medium. To achieve this, extractant and H2SO4 concentrations were varied and results obtained.RESULTSSelective extraction of Hf(IV) over Zr(IV) was possible using D2EHPA/or Cyanex 272 at 2 mol L‐1 and higher H2SO4 solutions. For all investigated experimental conditions, D2EHPA exhibited greater efficiency than Cyanex 272 for the extraction of Hf(IV). Compared with either D2EHPA or Cyanex 272 alone, binary extractant mixtures (D2EHPA+LIX 63, Cyanex 272+LIX 63) did not show much selectivity towards the extraction of Hf(IV) over Zr(IV). Extraction with D2EHPA at 4 mol L‐1 H2SO4 solution led to a separation factor around 30 between Hf(IV) and Zr(IV).CONCLUSIONSHf(IV) was selectively extracted over Zr(IV) in the investigated systems, with a good separation factor. Results indicated the possibility of separating the metal ions by selective extraction of Hf(IV). The selective extraction of Hf(IV) is important and advantages in separation give the potential for application in nuclear science and technology. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Quantification of human lung structure and physiology using hyperpolarized 129Xe
Authors: Chang Yulin V. , Quirk James D. , Ruset Iulian C. , Atkinson Jeffrey J. , Hersman F. William , Woods Jason C. 
Published: October 2013

PurposeTo present in vivo, human validation of a previously proposed method to measure key pulmonary parameters related to lung microstructure and physiology. Some parameters, such as blood–air barrier thickness, cannot be measured readily by any other noninvasive modality.MethodsHealthy volunteers (n = 12) were studied in 1.5T and 3T whole body human scanners using hyperpolarized xenon. Xenon uptake by lung parenchyma and blood was measured using a chemical shift saturation recovery sequence. Both dissolved‐xenon peaks at 197 ppm and 217–218 ppm were fitted against a model of xenon exchange (MOXE) as functions of exchange time. Parameters related to lung function and structure can be obtained by fitting to this model.ResultsThe following results were obtained from xenon uptake (averaged over all healthy volunteers): surface‐area‐to‐volume ratio = 210 ± 50 cm−1; total septal wall thickness = 9.2 ± 6.5 μm; blood‐air barrier thickness = 1.0 ± 0.3 μm; hematocrit = 27 ± 4%; pulmonary capillary blood transit time = 1.3 ± 0.3 s, in good agreement with literature values from invasive experiments. More detailed fitting results are listed in the text.ConclusionThe initial in vivo human results demonstrate that our proposed methods can be used to noninvasively determine lung physiology by simultaneous quantification of a few important pulmonary parameters. This method is highly promising to become a versatile screening method for lung diseases. Magn Reson Med 71:339–344, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Genetic Counselor's Guide to Using Next‐Generation Sequencing in Clinical Practice
Authors: Facio Flavia M. , Lee Kristy , O'Daniel Julianne M. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAdvances in next‐generation sequencing (NGS) and rapid reductions in cost have increased the use of such technologies in research and clinical practice. However, many barriers exist to translating NGS for routine clinical use, including issues related to the interpretation of results, and the potential to find results that are secondary or incidental to the specific application of NGS. Nonetheless, NGS has become sufficiently affordable to be offered by several clinical laboratories, and increasingly it is becoming an attractive and viable option for clinicians and patients. This article reviews current NGS technologies, highlighting the information genetic counselors need to know to make informed‐decisions about utilizing NGS in the clinic, and underscoring the impact of this new testing modality on the practice of genetic counseling.
Application of metal triflate catalysts for the trans‐esterification of Jatropha curcas L. oil with methanol and higher alcohols
Authors: Daniel Louis , Rasrendra Carolus B. , Kloekhorst Arjan , Broekhuis Antonius A. , Manurung Robert , Heeres Hero J. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThis paper describes an experimental study on the application of metal triflate salts for the (trans‐) esterification of fatty esters (triolein, methyl oleate, methyl linoleate), fatty acid (oleic acid), as well as Jatropha curcas L. oil with methanol and higher alcohols (ethanol, n‐propanol, iso‐propanol, iso‐butanol, tert‐butanol). The effect of the metal type (scandium, bismuth, aluminium, lanthanum, copper, zinc) and process conditions on reaction performance were evaluated. Highest conversions were obtained with Al(OTf)3. Reaction of triolein with methanol gave 99 mol% conversion at 165 °C for 1 h and the main product was the methyl ester. In addition, partial methoxylation of the carbon–carbon double bonds in the fatty acid chains was observed, though their fraction in the mixture was less than 20 mol%. The trans‐esterification reaction was also successfully performed using higher alcohols, giving >95 % conversions for ethanol, n‐propanol, iso‐propanol and iso‐butanol, whereas tert‐butanol was not reactive. For the reaction of oleic acid with methanol, quantitative esterification, partial methoxylation of the carbon–carbon double bonds and the formation of small amounts of a lactone was observed. The methodology using Al(OTf)3 was successfully performed on the trans‐esterification reaction of JO (FFA content of 2.1 wt%) with various alcohols. Key properties (viscosity, pour point and cloud points) of the (branched) Jatropha esters were determined. The best cold‐flow properties were obtained for the iso‐propyl esters of JO, with cloud point and pour point of −3 and −24 °C, respectively.
Diagnostic Accuracy Studies in Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Review and Descriptive Analysis of Published Evidence
Authors: Pape Theresa L.‐B. , High Walter M. , St. Andre Justin , Evans Charlesnika , Smith Bridget , Shandera‐Ochsner Anne L. , Wingo Jana , Moallem Isabelle , Baldassarre Megan , Babcock‐Parziale Judi 
Published: October 2013

ObjectivesTo synthesize evidence and report findings from a systematic search and descriptive analysis of peer‐reviewed published evidence of the accuracy of tests used for diagnosing mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). The article also summarizes points of concurrence and divergence regarding case definitions of mTBI identified during the review.TypeSystematic review and descriptive analysis of published evidence.Literature SurveyA search of PubMed, PsychInfo, and the Cochrane Library for peer‐reviewed publications between 1990 and July 6, 2011, identified 1218 abstracts; 277 articles were identified for full review, and 13 articles met the criteria for evaluation.MethodologyManuscript inclusion criteria were (1) reported sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp), or reported data were sufficient to compute Se and Sp; (2) >1 participant in the study; (3) at least 80% of the study cohort was ≥18 years of age; and (4) written in English. Articles describing clinical practice guidelines, opinions, theories, or clinical protocols were excluded. Seven investigators independently evaluated each article according to the Standards for Reporting of Diagnostic Accuracy (STARD) criteria.SynthesisFindings indicate that all 13 studies involved civilian noncombat populations. In 7 studies, authors examined acute mTBI, and in 4 studies, historical remote mTBI was examined. In the 13 studies, Se ranged from 13%‐92% and Sp ranged from 72%‐99%, but confidence in these findings is problematic because the STARD review indicates opportunities for bias in each study.ConclusionsFindings indicate that no well‐defined definition or clinical diagnostic criteria exist for mTBI and that diagnostic accuracy is currently insufficient for discriminating between mTBI and co‐occurring mental health conditions for acute and historic mTBI. Findings highlight the need for research examining the diagnostic accuracy for acute and historic mTBI.
On the highest non-breaking wave in a group: fully nonlinear water wave breathers versus weakly nonlinear theory
Authors: Slunyaev Alexey V. , Shrira Victor I. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractIn nature, water waves usually propagate in groups and the open question about the characteristics of the highest possible wave in a group is of significant theoretical and practical interest. We examine the problem of the highest non-breaking wave in a wave group by direct numerical simulations of the exact Euler equations. The main aim of the study is twofold: (i) to describe the highest wave in a group in fully nonlinear setting and find its dependence on parameters; (ii) to examine correspondence between the exact breather solutions of weakly nonlinear analytic theory based on the integrable nonlinear Schrödinger (NLS) equation and their strongly nonlinear analogues. In contrast to weakly nonlinear models the very notion of the highest wave is ill-defined: the maximal crest elevation, the maximal trough-to-crest height and the deepest trough all occur at close but different moments; correspondingly, we have to speak about distinctively different extreme waves. In the simulations small initial perturbation of a uniform wave train were prescribed in a way ensuring that the initial perturbation excites a single breather-type modulation. The ensuing growth results in higher wave magnitudes and takes longer time to develop compared with the NLS theory. The maxima of crest elevation noticeably exceed their weakly nonlinear analogues. The wave with the highest crest differs significantly from the unmodulated wave: the local wavelength contracts considerably, the crest becomes noticeably higher; the vicinity of the crest of such an extreme wave is close to that of the limiting Stokes periodic wave. Thus, the shape of the maximal crest wave is almost universal, i.e. it practically does not depend on the way the wave group evolved, or even whether there was initially more than one group. The evolution of a single NLS breather has been shown to have a qualitatively similar but quantitatively quite different analogue in the fully nonlinear setting. The one-to-one mapping of the NLS breather solutions onto fully nonlinear ones has been constructed. The fully nonlinear breathers are found to be robust, which provides grounds for applying the results for developing short-term deterministic forecasting of rogue waves.
Effects of foliar-applied nitrogen fertilizer on oilseed rape (Brassica napus)
Authors: WHITE C. A. , ROQUES S. E. , BERRY P. M. 
Published: October 2013

SUMMARYThe aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects on yield, oil concentration and nitrogen (N) uptake efficiency of N fertilizer applied to the foliage of oilseed rape during and soon after flowering. Four field experiments were conducted in the UK during the 2008/09 and 2009/10 seasons which investigated six rates of soil-applied N (ammonium nitrate) ranging from 0 to 280 or 320 kg N/ha with each treatment followed by 0 or 40 kg/ha of foliar N applied as a solution of urea at the end of flowering. Each experiment also investigated five rates of foliar N ranging from 0 to 120 kg N/ha applied at the end of flowering and five timings of foliar N (40 kg N/ha) from mid-flowering to 2 weeks after the end of flowering.Foliar N at 40 kg N/ha applied at the end of flowering significantly increased the seed yield in three of the four experiments. The seed yield increase across all four experiments was 0·25 t/ha (range of 0–0·41 t/ha). In two experiments, the increase in seed yield in response to foliar N occurred irrespective of whether it followed sub-optimal or super-optimal rates of soil-applied N; in one experiment there was a greater response at sub-optimal soil-applied N rates. The foliar N treatment reduced the seed oil concentration by 11 g/kg and increased seed protein concentration by 11 g/kg. Similar yield responses were observed for foliar N applications between mid-flowering and 2 weeks after the end of flowering. The efficiency with which foliar N was taken up into the plant varied between 0 and 100% with an average uptake efficiency across the four experiments of 61%.
Nuclear Powers' Disarmament Obligation under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty: Interactions between Soft Law and Hard Law
Authors: PIETROBON ALESSANDRA 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) will not be effective until all the 44 states listed in its Annex 2 ratify it. A special link has been established between the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and the CTBT. The disarmament obligation set by Article VI of the NPT, which has not yet been complied with, remains highly controversial. The relevant subsequent practice of the states parties to the NPT shows that the ratification of the CTBT is to be considered the first of the practical steps towards compliance with Article VI. However, as the practical steps do not set any legally binding norms, there is no legal obligation to ratify the CTBT, not even for the 44 states listed in Annex 2 whose ratification is essential. The paper deals with the position of nuclear powers party to the NPT that have not yet ratified the CTBT (most prominently the US and China) and demonstrates that these states should at least provide detailed motivation for their conduct. Otherwise, other states parties to the NPT could consider them as not complying in good faith with Article VI of the NPT and invoke theinadimplenti non est ademplendumrule to justify breaches of their own obligations under the same treaty.