bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microbial community in packed bed bioreactor involved in nitrate remediation from low level radioactive waste
Authors: Mishra Madhusmita , Jain Savita , Thakur Ashoke Ranjan , RayChaudhuri Shaon 
Published: May 2013

AbstractNitrate is the second largest contaminant of agriculture soil after pesticides. It also is a major pollutant from nuclear and metallurgical operations. Conventional methods for nitrate removal suffers from high cost and complexity leaving bioremediation as a viable alternative strategy. A pilot plant of 2.5 m3/day capacity has been functioning since 2005 based on microbial consortia treating actual effluent from nuclear power plant having pH of 7–8.5 (optimum) with N:C ratio of 1:1.7. The maximum biodegradable nitrate concentration of 3000 ppm could be reduced to below permissible limit (44.2 ppm) within 24 h in presence of sodium acetate as carbon source. Culture independent analysis (16S rDNA based) revealed clones having closest identity with uncultured bacterium, Pseudomonas stutzeri and Azoarcus sp. The existence of dissimilatory pathway of nitrate reduction in the community DNA is indicated by presence of nirS and nirK gene. Though the microbial mass was developed using municipal sewage, absence of Mycobacterium sp was confirmed using PCR. The understanding of the molecular identification of the consortium would help in developing the preservation strategy of the microbial mass for replication and perpetuation of the system.
Characterization of a virulent bacteriophage LK1 specific for Citrobacter freundii isolated from sewage water
Authors: Chaudhry Waqas Nasir , Haq Irshad Ul , Andleeb Saadia , Qadri Ishtiaq 
Published: May 2013

AbstractCitrobacter freundii is a worldwide emerging nosocomial pathogen with escalating incidence of multidrug resistance. Citrobacter freundii exists in natural environment, especially in health care settings and is difficult to eradicate. Phage therapy is considered as an alternative way of controlling bacterial infections and contaminations. In this study, we have described isolation and characterization of a virulent bacteriophage LK1 capable of specifically infecting Citrobacter freundii. A virulent bacteriophage LK1, specific for Citrobacter freundii was isolated from sewage water sample. TEM showed that phage Lk1 has an icosahedral head 70 nm in diameter and short tail of 17 nm, and can be classified as a member of the Podoviridae family. Restriction analysis indicated that phage LK1 was a dsDNA virus with an approximate genome size of 20–23 kb. Proteomic pattern generated by SDS PAGE using purified LK1 phage particles, revealed three major and six minor protein bands with molecular weight ranging from 25 to 80 kDa. Adsorption rate of LK1 relative to the host bacterium was also determined which showed significant improvement in adsorption with the addition of CaCl2. In a single step growth experiment, LK1 exhibited a latent period of 24 min and burst size of 801 particle/cell. Moreover, pH and thermal stability of phage LK1 demonstrated a pH range of 5.0–6.0 and phage viability decreased to 0% at 65 °C. When LK1 was used to infect six other clinically isolated pathogenic strains, it showed relatively narrow host range. LK1 was capable of eliciting efficient lysis of Citrobacter freundii, revealing its potential as a non‐toxic sanitizer for controlling Citrobacter freundii infection and contamination in both hospital and other public environments.
Mariner‐based transposon mutagenesis for Bacteroides species
Authors: Ichimura Minoru , Uchida Keiko , Nakayama‐Imaohji Haruyuki , Hirakawa Hideki , Tada Tomoyo , Morita Hidetoshi , Yasutomo Koji , Okazaki Katsuichiro , Kuwahara Tomomi 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBacteroides is one of the most predominant groups of human gut microbiota. Recent metagenomic analyses and studies on gnotobiotic mice demonstrated the tight association of Bacteroides with epithelial function, the gut immune system and systemic metabolism in the host. The mariner family transposon shows relatively low target site specificity and has hosts ranging from prokaryotes to eukaryotes. Thereby, random mutagenesis using the mariner family transposon is expected to identify key molecules for human‐Bacteroides symbiosis. In this study, we constructed the plasmid pMI07 to deliver the gene cassette (ermF/ITR), which harbors the erythromycin resistant marker (ermF) and the inverted repeat sequences (ITRs) recognized by Himar1 transposase, to Bacteroides via electrotransformation. pMI07 successfully delivered ermF/ITR to the Bacteroides genomes and generated thousands of insertion mutants/μg of pMI07 in B. thetaiotaomicron, B. fragilis, B. ovatus, and also, although to a lesser extent, B. vulgatus. Analyses of the ermF/ITR insertion sites in B. thetaiotaomicron and B. vulgatus revealed that the cassette targeted the dinucleotide TA and integrated into the genomes in an unbiased manner. The data reported here will provide useful information for transposon mutagenesis in Bacteroides species, which will enable identification of the genes responsible for their unique phenotypes.
Antifungal attributes of siderophore produced by the Pseudomonas aeruginosa JAS‐25
Authors: Sulochana Mudgulkar Bhimsen , Jayachandra Sharanappa Yaradoddi , Kumar Subhash Katti Anil , Dayanand Agsar 
Published: May 2013

AbstractSiderophores produced by Pseudomonas sp. play a vital role in controlling several plant diseases. Public concern about chemical pesticides has fostered an interest to seek alternative control strategies. Production of siderophore by Pseudomonas aeruginosa JAS‐25 in King B medium was estimated at 400 nm and was partially purified by gel filtration chromatography using Sephadex G 25. Antifungal activity and inhibition of spore germination was studied against the phytopathogens like Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceri, Fusarium udum, and Aspergillus niger by well plate assay and microphotographic method. Zone of inhibition of 3.0 cm was observed for F. udum and A. niger, proving it as potential biocontrol agent against phytopathogens. Partial 16S rRNA sequence analysis showed that the isolate JAS‐25 exhibited 99% homology with P. aeruginosa and could be of novel species and the sequence of the strain was deposited in Genbank with the accession number JX104229.
Kinetics of heavy metal inhibition of 1,2‐dichloroethane biodegradation in co‐contaminated water
Authors: Arjoon Ashmita , Olaniran Ademola Olufolahan , Pillay Balakrishna 
Published: May 2013

AbstractSites co‐contaminated with heavy metals and 1,2‐DCA may pose a greater challenge for bioremediation, as the heavy metals could inhibit the activities of microbes involved in biodegradation. Therefore, this study was undertaken to quantitatively assess the effects of heavy metals (arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and lead) on 1,2‐DCA biodegradation in co‐contaminated water. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and concentrations of the heavy metals that caused half‐life doubling (HLDs) of 1,2‐DCA as well as the degradation rate coefficient (k1) and half‐life (t½) of 1,2‐DCA were measured and used to predict the toxicity of the heavy metals in the water microcosms. An increase in heavy metal concentration resulted in a progressive increase in the t½ and relative t½ and a decrease in k1. The MICs and HLDs of the heavy metals were found to vary, depending on the heavy metals type. In addition, the presence of heavy metals was shown to inhibit 1,2‐DCA biodegradation in a dose‐dependent manner, with the following order of decreasing inhibitory effect: Hg2+ > As3+ > Cd2+ > Pb2+. Findings from this study have significant implications for the development of bioremediation strategies for effective degradation of 1,2‐DCA and other related compounds in wastewater co‐contaminated with heavy metals.
Rhamnolipid biosurfactant against Fusarium sacchari—the causal organism of pokkah boeng disease of sugarcane
Authors: Goswami Debahuti , Handique Pratap Jyoti , Deka Suresh 
Published: May 2013

AbstractPokkah boeng disease on sugarcane caused by the fungus Fusarium sacchari results considerable damage to the crop leading to top rot, the most serious and advanced stage of pokkah boeng, where the growing point is killed and the entire top of the plant dies. In the present study, the effect of rhamnolipid biosurfactant as an antifungal agent against F. sacchari to control pokkah boeng disease was investigated. On the basis of surface tension reduction, 12 bacterial isolates were selected as potent biosurfactant producers and eight of them showed antagonistic effect against F. sacchari. Among the eight, the isolate DS9 was found as the effective inhibitor of the fungus in vitro which was further evaluated using its biosurfactant present in whole culture, cell‐free culture supernatant and crude biosurfactant at various concentrations. Reductions of fungal growths were found more with crude biosurfactant. By sequencing 16S rRNA, DS9 was identified as P. aeruginosa and the produced biosurfactant was characterized as rhamnolipid by Liquid Chromatography‐Mass Spectrometry (LC‐MS) analysis. The rhamnolipid biosurfactant inhibits phytopathogenic fungi F. sacchari and therefore seems to be a good biocontrol agent to control pokkah boeng disease of sugarcane.
Essential role of calcium in the infection process of broad‐spectrum methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteriophage
Authors: Chhibber Sanjay , Kaur Tarsem , Kaur Sandeep 
Published: May 2013

AbstractPhage therapy presents an alternative therapeutic option in treating infections caused by methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains not responding to antibiotic therapy. However, it is essential to study the role of external factors that may influence the yield and potency of phage preparations intended for use in various in vitro and in vivo studies. The present study focuses on the effects of calcium in the entire infection process of a broad‐spectrum lytic bacteriophage: MR‐10. The presence of calcium increased the adsorption rate of the phage and also participated in the process of penetration of the phage genome into the host cytoplasm. A final concentration of 5 mM of calcium ions supplemented in soft agar during the phage titration process significantly increased the phage titer. Hence, incorporation of such divalent cations during the isolation of lytic phages active against MRSA strains and during the preparation of high‐titer active phage preparations would definitely increase the isolation frequency and the final phage yield. This will contribute towards more effective phage preparations for use in treatments against MRSA infections.
L'harmonisation de la Notion D'originalite en Droit D'auteur
Authors: Berthold Nicolas 
Published: May 2013

AbstractS'il est un concept qui peut être qualifié de fondamental en droit d'auteur, c'est sans nul doute celui d'originalité. Si une œuvre est dénuée d'originalité, elle ne fera l'objet d'aucune protection par le droit d'auteur. Or, cette notion n'a jamais été définie de manière générale par le législateur européen, de sorte que la jurisprudence et la doctrine se sont divisées quant à l'interprétation à lui donner. Finalement, la Cour de Justice de l'Union Européenne (CJUE) s'est saisie du problème pour donner à cette notion une définition conforme à la conception subjective traditionnelle. Si cette définition eut normalement dû sonner le glas des interprétations divergentes, il est malheureusement apparu qu'en Belgique, postérieurement à cette décision de la Cour de Justice, la plus haute juridiction nationale a rendu une décision qui prend le contrepied de cette définition.
Protection of Industrial Design in the United States and in the EU: Different Concepts or Different Labels?
Authors: Schickl Lena 
Published: May 2013

AbstractIndustrial designs matter. It is undisputed that design is crucial for the success of a product. That is why companies are using intellectual property laws in an effort to protect their industrial design. This article will describe how intellectual property laws can protect design and compare the design protection regime in the United States and the EU. The comparison will show that design protection is significantly different in the United States and the EU. Within the EU, further harmonization is needed in order to provide for a strong coherent design protection. The paper will point out that the ubiquitous requirement of non‐functionality outside the realm of utility patent law in the United States is no longer appropriate in a world where the most successful designs purposefully combine functional and aesthetic elements.
A Relook at Sui Generis Software Protection Through the Prism of Multi—Licensing
Authors: Vasudeva Vikrant Narayan 
Published: May 2013

AbstractDebate has been raging since the 1960s regarding intellectual property and software protection, primarily focusing on its accommodation within existing traditional intellectual property structures or sui generis approaches. Eventually, software protection was accommodated within a range of intellectual property rights, contract law and technological measures. However, several occurrences in the past three decades highlight developing fissures in the mode of software protection; certain other developments highlight increasing acceptance and ease in implementing sui generis protection. Correspondingly, the open source software licensing structure has emerged with a novel and extremely successful adaptation of intellectual property law. It has led to emergence of the multi‐licensing scheme, where software is licensed under two or more licensing structures—one of which is open source and the other “proprietary.” The multi‐licensing scheme reveals several similarities to various sui generis software protection proposals. Perhaps this is an indication of and validation that the industry has evolved to such an extent that there is a need to rethink the mode of software protection. Based on this premise, this article attempts to develop a proposal for a sui generis Model Software Law.
Diagnosis of laryngotracheal stenosis from routine pulmonary physiology using the expiratory disproportion index
Authors: Nouraei S. A. Reza , Nouraei S. Mahmoud , Patel Anil , Murphy Kevin , Giussani Dino A. , Koury Elias F. , Brown James M. , George P. Jeremy , Cummins Andrew C. , Sandhu Guri S. 
Published: May 2013

Objective/HypothesisThe study's objective was to determine the utility of expiratory disproportion index (EDI), the ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) to peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) (EDI = FEV1[L]/PEFR[L/s] × 100), in differentiating between laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS) and other respiratory diagnoses. LTS is an uncommon complication of mechanical ventilation or vasculitis or a manifestation of airway compression or malignancy. It frequently masquerades as asthma and evades timely diagnosis, causing prolonged morbidity and airway‐related mortality.Study DesignObservational study.MethodsWe compared spirometry results of 9,357 healthy subjects and nonstenosis pulmonary patients with 217 cases of LTS. Bootstrap analysis, receiver‐operating characteristic (ROC) statistics, and Pearson correlation were used to assess the diagnostic utility of the EDI and its correlation with stenosis severity.ResultsMean EDI values were 36 ± 7 in nonstenosis cases, 76 ± 17 in benign stenoses, and 69 ± 23 in tracheal cancer (P < .0001). A significant correlation existed between anatomic stenosis severity and EDI (P < .0001; R = 0.61). Area under the ROC curve was 0.98, and at a threshold of >50, EDI had a sensitivity of 95.9% and a specificity of 94.2% in differentiating between stenosis and nonstenosis cases.ConclusionsEDI can reliably diagnose LTS using routine lung function data. Its simplicity and clinical utility, first recognized by Duncan Empey, are underpinned by a unique physiology whereby PEFR, being determined by total tracheobronchial tree resistance, falls disproportionately compared with FEV1, which is determined within small intrathoracic airways. EDI provides valuable information about the presence and extent of LTS particularly in nonspecialist clinical settings and its routine inclusion within standard lung function reports could prevent the prolonged morbidity and mortality that currently result from missed and delayed diagnoses.Level of Evidence3b. Laryngoscope, 123:3099–3104, 2013
The role of plasma Epstein‐Barr virus DNA in the management of recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Chan Jimmy Yu Wai , Wong Stanley Thian‐Sze 
Published: May 2013

Objectives/HypothesisTo study the role of plasma Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) DNA in patients with recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) after previous chemoradiation.Study DesignProspective.MethodsSixty patients with recurrent NPC were recruited, and their plasma EBV DNA was checked preoperatively, 1 week postoperatively, and 6 months thereafter. In a pilot group of 30 patients, further testing was performed at 60 minutes after tumor resection. The plasma EBV DNA level was correlated with tumor T classification, resection margin status, and subsequent relapse.ResultsThe mean preoperative plasma EBV DNA reflected the tumor load (T1: 48 copies/mL, T2: 316 copies/mL, T3: 890 copies/mL, P = .03). It was significantly higher in patients with positive margins at the time of surgery (722 vs. 126 copies/mL, P = .02) and in those with subsequent systemic metastasis (668 vs. 92 copies/mL, P = .01). However, it failed to predict local recurrence after surgery. Postoperative plasma EBV DNA was undetectable in all patients with positive resection margins. Serial measurements were able to identify 87.5% of local recurrences and 100% of distance metastases.ConclusionsIn patients with recurrent NPC requiring salvage nasopharyngectomy, preoperative plasma EBV DNA identifies patients at high‐risk of subsequent distant failure after surgery. Serial measurements of plasma EBV DNA after surgery, especially for those with high preoperative levels, is crucial to allow early detection of local of distant failure. Laryngoscope, 124:126–130, 2014
Effect‐site concentration of remifentanil to prevent cough after laryngomicrosurgery
Authors: Chang Chul Ho , Lee Jong Wha , Choi Jong Rim , Shim Yon Hee 
Published: May 2013

Objectives/HypothesisThe aim of this study was to discover the optimal effect‐site concentration of remifentanil for cough prevention that does not delay awakening or cause respiratory depression during emergence from anesthesia with propofol and remifentanil in laryngomicrosurgery patients.Study DesignProspective, randomized, controlled trial.MethodsOne hundred five patients were randomly assigned to maintain an effect‐site concentration (Ce) of remifentanil at a predetermined value of 1 (R1), 1.5 (R1.5), and 2 (R2) ng/mL during emergence. The incidence and grade (0, no coughing; 1, single cough; 2, more than one episode of nonsustained coughing; 3, sustained and repetitive coughing with head lift) of cough, emergence time, blood pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), spontaneous respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) were recorded during emergence and recovery.ResultsThe total number of patients with coughing during emergence was lower in groups R1.5 and R2 than in group R1. The cough grade during tracheal extubation was lower in groups R1.5 and R2 than in group R1. In group R2, emergence time was longer and postanesthesia care unit score was lower than in groups R1 and R1.5. Also in group R2, transient hypoventilation and PONV were more frequent compared to group R1. There were no differences in MAP and HR among the three groups during emergence and recovery.ConclusionsMaintenance of remifentanil at Ce 1.5 and 2 ng/mL suppressed coughing without serious adverse events during emergence from anesthesia with propofol and remifentanil in patients undergoing laryngomicrosurgery.Level of Evidence1b Laryngoscope, 123:3105–3109, 2013
Effective embryoid body formation from induced pluripotent stem cells for regeneration of respiratory epithelium
Authors: Otsuki Koshi , Imaizumi Mitsuyoshi , Nomoto Yukio , Nomoto Mika , Wada Ikuo , Miyake Masao , Omori Koichi 
Published: May 2013

Objectives/HypothesisWe have previously demonstrated the potential use of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells for regeneration of respiratory epithelium by culturing embryoid bodies (EBs). The aim of the present study was to determine the most effective conditions for EB formation from iPS cells for regeneration of respiratory epithelium.Study DesignExperimental study.MethodsiPS cells cultured on a gelatin‐coated dish were seeded on low‐attachment plates for generating EBs. Under several conditions including the air–liquid interface (ALI) method, with varying cell numbers and suspension times, EBs were transferred to a gelatin‐coated dish supplemented with growth factors. The shape, size, aggregation, and adhesion of EBs for iPS cell differentiation were evaluated, and the cultured tissue was histologically examined.ResultsEBs appropriate for differentiation were observed using 1,000 cells after 5 days of suspension culture. Respiratory epithelium‐like tissue was histologically observed. The ciliary epithelium was confirmed immunohistologically.ConclusionsBased on the varying suspension times and cell numbers with the ALI method, this study presented effective conditions for EB formation from iPS cells for regeneration of respiratory epithelium.Level of EvidenceNA. Laryngoscope, 124:E8–E14, 2014
A four‐noded quadrilateral element for composite laminated plates/shells using the refined zigzag theory
Authors: Eijo A. , Oñate E. , Oller S. 
Published: May 2013

SUMMARYA new bilinear four‐noded quadrilateral element (called quadrilateral linear refined zigzag) for the analysis of composite laminated and sandwich plates/shells based on the refined zigzag theory is presented. The element has seven kinematic variables per node. Shear locking is avoided by introducing an assumed linear shear strain field. The performance of the element is studied in several examples where the reference solution is the 3D finite element analysis using 20‐noded hexahedral elements. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Depressive symptoms after treatment in hepatocellular carcinoma survivors: prevalence, determinants, and impact on health‐related quality of life
Authors: Mikoshiba Naoko , Miyashita Mitsunori , Sakai Tomoko , Tateishi Ryosuke , Koike Kazuhiko 
Published: May 2013

AbstractObjectiveThe purposes of this study were to investigate the prevalence and determinants of depressive symptoms among hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) survivors and to evaluate the impact of depressive symptoms on health‐related quality of life (HRQOL).MethodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted on 128 consecutive patients attending an outpatient clinic in Japan 1 year or more after curative treatment. To assess depressive symptoms and HRQOL, the participants were asked to complete the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depressive Symptoms Scale, the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ‐C30, and EORTC QLQ‐HCC18, respectively. Multiple logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with depressive symptoms. EORTC QLQ‐C30 and EORTC QLQ‐HCC18 scores were compared between participants with and without depressive symptoms.ResultsThe prevalence of depressive symptoms among the HCC survivors was 28.3%. The multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the determinants of depressive symptoms included poor Karnofsky performance status (odds ratio [OR] = 4.59, 95% CI = 1.03–20.55, p = 0.04), poor liver function (OR = 3.22, 95% CI = 1.11–10.0, p = 0.03), living alone (OR = 6.87, 95% CI = 2.53–18.63, p = 0.0002), and unemployment (OR = 5.18, 95% CI = 1.73–15.54, p = 0.003). Survivors with depressive symptoms had poorer HRQOL in almost all domains compared with survivors with no depressive symptoms.ConclusionsThis study suggests that after treatment, many HCC survivors experience depressive symptoms that are strongly associated with poorer HRQOL. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.