bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biotechnological application and taxonomical distribution of plant growth promoting actinobacteria
Authors: Hamedi Javad , Mohammadipanah Fatemeh 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Plant growth promoting (PGP) bacteria are involved in various interactions known to affect plant fitness and soil quality, thereby increasing the productivity of agriculture and stability of soil. Although the potential of actinobacteria in antibiotic production is well-investigated, their capacity to enhance plant growth is not fully surveyed. Due to the following justifications, PGP actinobacteria (PGPA) can be considered as a more promising taxonomical group of PGP bacteria: (1) high numbers of actinobacteria per gram of soil and their filamentous nature, (2) genome dedicated to the secondary metabolite production (~5 to 10 %) is distinctively more than that of other bacteria and (3) number of plant growth promoter genera reported from actinobacteria is 1.3 times higher than that of other bacteria. Mechanisms by which PGPA contribute to the plant growth by association are: (a) enhancing nutrients availability, (b) regulation of plant metabolism, (c) decreasing environmental stress, (d) control of phytopathogens and (e) improvement of soil texture. Taxonomical and chemical diversity of PGPA and their biotechnological application along with their associated challenges are summarized in this paper.
Metabolic engineering of strains: from industrial-scale to lab-scale chemical production
Authors: Sun Jie , Alper Hal S 
Published: November 2014

AbstractA plethora of successful metabolic engineering case studies have been published over the past several decades. Here, we highlight a collection of microbially produced chemicals using a historical framework, starting with titers ranging from industrial scale (more than 50 g/L), to medium-scale (5–50 g/L), and lab-scale (0–5 g/L). Although engineered Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae emerge as prominent hosts in the literature as a result of well-developed genetic engineering tools, several novel native-producing strains are gaining attention. This review catalogs the current progress of metabolic engineering towards production of compounds such as acids, alcohols, amino acids, natural organic compounds, and others.
An integrated biotechnology platform for developing sustainable chemical processes
Authors: Barton Nelson R , Burgard Anthony P , Burk Mark J , Crater Jason S , Osterhout Robin E , Pharkya Priti , Steer Brian A , Sun Jun , Trawick John D , Van Dien Stephen J , Yang Tae Hoon , Yim Harry 
Published: November 2014

AbstractGenomatica has established an integrated computational/experimental metabolic engineering platform to design, create, and optimize novel high performance organisms and bioprocesses. Here we present our platform and its use to develop E. coli strains for production of the industrial chemical 1,4-butanediol (BDO) from sugars. A series of examples are given to demonstrate how a rational approach to strain engineering, including carefully designed diagnostic experiments, provided critical insights about pathway bottlenecks, byproducts, expression balancing, and commercial robustness, leading to a superior BDO production strain and process.
Congruence‐Incongruence Patterns in Alpha‐1 Antitrypsin Deficiency Couples’ Genetic Determinist Beliefs and Perceived Control over Genes: Implications for Clinical and Public Health Genomic Communication
Authors: Parrott Roxanne L. , Smith Rachel A. , Hong Soo Jung , Worthington Amber 
Published: November 2014

AbstractGenomics makes possible the isolation of multiple genes as co‐factors that increase, but do not determine, risk for many adult‐onset medical conditions, including alpha‐1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD). Those diagnosed with an adult‐onset medical condition, such as AATD, are often married and make decisions about testing and care as a couple. We examined genetic essentialist and threat beliefs, focusing on beliefs about the genetic contribution to disease susceptibility and severity, as well as perceptions of control related to genes and health for married couples (N =59), in which one spouse has been tested for genetic mutations associated with AATD. The intraclass correlation for spouses’ beliefs about genetic essentialism was strong and statistically significant, but the associations for their other beliefs were not. Incongruence between AATD participants and their spouses regarding genes’ influence on disease severity directly related to incongruent perceptions of control and genetic contribution to disease susceptibility. Results revealed an inverse relationship to AATD participants’ perceptions of behavioral control and a direct relationship to their beliefs about genes’ influence on disease severity. This suggests a pattern of incongruence in which AATD participants have low levels of perceived control over genes’ influence on health and high levels of perceived genetic influence on disease severity compared to spouses. With public health communication efforts lagging behind the science of genomics, insights regarding the congruence or incongruence associated with married couples’ beliefs about genes’ influence on disease afford pathways to guide clinical and public health communication about genomics.
Effects of hydrography on the distribution of bacteria and virus in Cochin estuary, India
Authors: Parvathi Ammini , Jasna V. , Jina S. , Jayalakshmy K. V. , Lallu K. R. , Madhu N. V. , Muraleedharan K. R. , Naveen Kumar K. R. , Balachandran K. K. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThe viral dynamics have rarely been investigated in estuarine environments of India. The present study brings out a first hand information on the distribution of virus and bacteria in an eutrophic estuary (Cochin, India). Thirteen stations were selected for monthly monitoring of bacterial abundance (BA), total viable bacterial count (TVC), viral abundance (VA), chlorophyll a (Chl a) and other water quality parameters (temperature, salinity, pH, dissolved oxygen and inorganic nutrients such as NO3–N, NH4–N, PO4–P and SiO4–Si) for 1 year. There was significant variations in the VA [0.59–4.48 × 107viral like particles (VLPs) mL−1] and BA (0.49–8.12 × 106 cells mL−1) in the estuary. The variation in the viral to bacterial ratio (3–22) indicated marked seasonality. Statistical analysis showed bacteria as a major factor controlling the distribution of viruses (60 % variability) in Cochin estuary (CE). The viruses also showed positive correlations with Chl a, pH and salinity. The distribution of virus followed a distinct pattern of three different zones in the estuary controlled by salinity in zone I, Chl a in zone II and salinity, Chl a in zone III. The zonal distribution suggests that the factors that control the viral‐host systems vary in different areas due to the complex hydrography of the estuary and environmental changes are very sensitive to the viral population in CE.
Quantitative Ultrashort Echo Time Magnetic Resonance Imaging Evaluation of Postoperative Menisci: A Pilot Study
Authors: Sneag Darryl B. , Shah Parina , Koff Matthew F. , Lim Wei Y. , Rodeo Scott A. , Potter Hollis G. 
Published: November 2014

Background Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) visualization of meniscal signal is particularly challenging as the highly organized ultrastructure of meniscal fibrocartilage yields very short T2 values (∼6 ms) and a paucity of signal intensity during conventional image acquisition. Question/Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of imaging postoperative menisci using an experimental, quantitative ultrashort echo time (UTE) MRI pulse sequence. This sequence acquires short echo images (echo time (TE) ∼0.3 ms) to produce multi-echo images for quantitative T2* calculations that provide an objective measure of collagen organization. Patients and Methods MRI scans of the knee were acquired at 6- and 12-month intervals on a clinical 3.0 T scanner following meniscal surgery in eight patients (ages 13–41), four of whom underwent repair and the other four partial meniscectomy. Conventional MRI sequences were qualitatively evaluated for meniscal morphology and signal and correlated with quantitative UTE results. Results A wide range of mean T2* values for both postsurgical groups was measured, and these values changed for each patient between the 6- and 12-month intervals. In many instances, the UTE sequence demonstrated quantitative differences between the two time intervals that were not detected with conventional sequences. Conclusions This pilot study presents preliminary, observational data to be used as a baseline for future studies. Although the T2* values did not reveal a trend in either group or correlate with expected signal changes on conventional MRI, we speculate that the UTE sequence may detect ultrastructural alterations in meniscal composition that are otherwise not perceived with routine fast spin echo (FSE) sequences.
Cr(VI) Generation During Flaring of CO-Rich Off-Gas from Closed Ferrochromium Submerged Arc Furnaces
Authors: du Preez S. P. , Beukes J. P. , van Zyl P. G. 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Ferrochromium (FeCr) is the only source of new Cr units used in stainless steel production, which is a vital modern day alloy, making FeCr equally important. Small amounts of Cr(VI) are unintentionally formed during several FeCr production steps. One such production step is the flaring of CO-rich off-gas from closed submerged arc furnaces (SAF), for which Cr(VI) formation is currently not quantified. In this study, the influence of flaring temperature, size of the particles passing through the flare, and retention time within the flame were investigated by simulating the process on laboratory scale with a vertical tube furnace. Multiple linear regression (MLR) analysis was conducted on the overall dataset obtained, which indicated that retention time had the greatest impact on pct Cr(VI) conversion, followed by particle size and temperature. The MLR analysis also yielded an optimum mathematical solution, which could be used to determine the overall impact of these parameters on pct Cr(VI) conversion. This equation was used to determine realistic and unrealistic worst-case scenario pct Cr(VI) conversions for actual FeCr SAFs, which yielded 2.7 × 10−2 and 3.5 × 10−1 pct, respectively. These values are significantly lower than the current unsubstantiated pct Cr(VI) conversion used in environmental impact assessments for FeCr smelters, i.e., 0.8 to 1 pct.
The acetabulum in Perthes’ disease: A prospective study of 123 children
Authors: Huhnstock S. , Svenningsen S. , Pripp A. H. , Terjesen T. , Wiig O. 
Published: November 2014

Purpose We assessed the radiographic changes of the acetabulum during the course of Perthes’ disease and investigated whether they were associated with femoral head sphericity 5 years after diagnosis. Methods We studied 123 children with unilateral Perthes’ disease, femoral head necrosis more than 50 % and age at diagnosis 6 years or older. Pelvic radiographs were taken at onset, 1 year and 5 years after diagnosis. Sharp's angle, acetabular depth-to-width ratio (ADR) and lateral acetabular inclination were measured. Results Compared to the unaffected hips, the Perthes’ hips developed significantly higher Sharp's angles ( p < 0.001) and a higher proportion with an upward-sloping lateral acetabular margin (Perthes’ hips: 49 %, unaffected hips 1 %). The mean ADR values were significantly lower on the affected side at all stages ( p < 0.001). ADR values at diagnosis were associated with a more spherical femoral head at the 5-year follow-up [odds ratio (OR) 1.012, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.002–1.022, p = 0.016]. None of the other acetabular parameters were significantly associated with the femoral head shape 5 years after diagnosis. Conclusion The acetabulum developed an increasingly dysplastic shape in the course of Perthes’ disease. Early dysplastic changes of the acetabulum were not associated with a poor radiological outcome 5 years after diagnosis. Routine measurement and monitoring of acetabular changes in plain radiographs were of little prognostic value and can, therefore, hardly be recommended in clinical practice.
Subtalar extra-articular screw arthroereisis (SESA) for the treatment of flexible flatfoot in children
Authors: De Pellegrin Maurizio , Moharamzadeh Désirée , Strobl Walter Michael , Biedermann Rainer , Tschauner Christian , Wirth Thomas 
Published: November 2014

Purpose The aim of this study was to describe a subtalar extra-articular screw arthroereisis (SESA) technique for the correction of flexible flatfoot (FFF) in children and report the outcome. Methods From 1990 to 2012, data were collected on 485 patients who underwent SESA at the San Raffaele Hospital. The average age of the patient cohort was 11.5 ± 1.81 years (range 5.0–17.9 years; median 11.5 years). Inclusion criteria were FFF and marked flexible hindfoot valgus, and the exclusion criterion was rigid flatfoot. SESA was performed in 732 cases of FFF—bilaterally in 247 patients and monolaterally in 238 patients. Results The values of the pre- and post-SESA weight-bearing X-ray angles were 146° ± 7° and 129° ± 5°, respectively, for the Costa-Bartani angle, 43° ± 8° and 25° ± 6°, respectively, for the talar inclination angle and 11° ± 6° and 14° ± 5°, respectively, for calcaneal pitch ( p <0.001). All data were analysed statistically with Student's t test. Data on 398 patients were ultimately available for analysis. In 93.7 % of cases the results were good in terms of improved clinical aspects and X-ray measurement, absence of complications, normal foot function 3 months post-SESA and no requirement for further surgery. The complication rate was 6.3 % and included ankle joint effusion, painful contracture of peroneal muscles and fourth metatarsal bone stress fractures. A sample of 76 patients (121 feet) were evaluated after screw removal, which occurred on average 2.9 years after SESA. The angle measurements of this sample showed no statistically significant modification. Conclusion Based on our >20 years of experience, we believe that SESA is an optimal technique for the correction of FFF as it is simple and can be performed rapidly, and the corrective effect results from the screw's mechanical and proprioceptive effect. The indication for surgery must be accurate. We suggest that the patient be at least 10 years of age in order that all of the foot's growth potential can be utilized and to allow for spontaneous resolution and thereby avoid the possibility of over-treatment.
Fibrous dysplasia of the proximal femur: Surgical management options and outcomes
Authors: Kushare Indranil V. , Colo Dino , Bakhshi Hooman , Dormans John P. 
Published: November 2014

Purpose The management of proximal femoral deformity in fibrous dysplasia (FD) is a challenge to the orthopaedic surgeon. The purpose of this study was to analyze the various presentations of FD of proximal femur and the results of the various treatment modalities for the same. Methods This is a retrospective cohort study of 23 patients (24 femora) with FD who underwent surgery for the proximal femur. The study sample included 14 males, nine females. Ten patients had a monostotic disease, eight patients had polyostotic disease, and five patients had McCune-Albright syndrome. Results Group 1: shepherd crook deformity—included five patients who underwent femoral neck osteotomy. Four patients had intramedullary (IM) nailing with neck cross-pinning and all patients showed union. One patient was stabilized with external fixation, which failed. Group 2: nine patients (ten femora) presented with frank pathological fracture. Nine underwent fixation with IM nailing, one with locking plate and screws. Three patients had to undergo more than one procedure and all fractures showed good union. Group 3: nine patients who presented with bone cyst and pain. All patients underwent biopsy; four of them had curettage with bone graft. Conclusion Shepherd crook deformity can be treated by a well-planned osteotomy and fixation with intramedullary implants with neck cross-pinning. Frank pathological fractures fixation with an intramedullary nail has excellent results even if not accompanied by resolution of the fibrodysplastic lesion. More than one procedure may be required. External fixation is not an optimal choice for fixation of femoral osteotomies in FD.
AKT Pathway Affects Bone Regeneration in Nonunion Treated with Umbilical Cord-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Qu Zhiguo , Guo Shengnan , Fang Guojun , Cui Zhenghong , Liu Ying 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
We have previously grafted human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) with blood plasma to treat rat tibia nonunion. To further examine the biological characteristics of this process, we applied an established hUC-MSCs-treated rat nonunion model with the addition of an inhibitor of AKT. SD rats (80) were randomly divided into four groups: a fracture group (positive control); a nonunion group (negative control); a hUC-MSCs grafting with blood plasma group; and a hUC-MSCs grafting with blood plasma & AKT blocker group. The animals were sacrificed under deep anesthesia at 4 and 8 weeks post fracture for analysis. The fracture line became less defined at 4 weeks and disappeared at 8 weeks postoperatively in both the hUC-MSCs grafting with blood plasma and grafting with blood plasma & the AKT blocker, which is similar to the fracture group. Histological immunofluorescence studies showed that the numbers of hUC-MSCs in the calluses were significantly higher in the hUC-MSCs grafting with blood plasma than those in group with the AKT blocker. More bone morphogenetic protein 2 and bone sialoprotein expression and less osteoprotegerin and bone gla protein expression were observed in the AKT blocker group compared to the hUC-MSCs grafting with blood plasma. AKT gene expression in the AKT blocker group was decreased 50 % compared to the hUC-MSCs with plasma group and decreased 70 % compared to the fracture group, while the elastic modulus was decreased. In summary, our work demonstrates that AKT may play a role in modulating osteogenesis induced by hUC-MSCs.
85°E Ridge, India – Constraints on its Development and Architecture
Authors: Choudhuri Mainak , NemÈok Michal , Stuart Charlie , Welker Chelsea , Sinha Sudipta Tapan , Bird Dale 
Published: November 2014

Abstract:
The 85°E Ridge is a buried aseismic ridge running parallel to the 85°E meridian in the Bay of Bengal, India. Its origin has been a subject of debate, with opinions ranging from an abandoned spreading centre to a hotspot track. The present study follows the hotspot hypothesis and incorporates gravity, magnetic and seismic data to identify the nature and interpret the origin of the 85°E Ridge. It differs from earlier studies in the integration of deep seismic lines and gravity inversion to identify crustal architecture below the 85°E Ridge. Seismic interpretation along with gravity inversion has been used to determine the crustal structure below the ridge, while sediment thickness maps have been used to infer the uplift during the ridge emplacement. Seismic interpretations together with isostatic residual gravity anomaly map have been used to associate large negative anomalies with hotspot related magmatism. The negative anomaly increases with increasing volcanic load, indicating the presence of a crustal root and magmatic underplating. Typical flexural moat and arch, indicative of hotspot volcanism, is also observed in the seismic profiles. Gravity inversion modeling indicates an “onion-shell” like structure within the volcanic load, inferring the presence of less dense outer layers with a heavier core within the complex. Sediment thickness maps show the presence of dynamic uplift of more than 2000 milliseconds from early Cretaceous onwards. The study concludes that the 85°E Ridge is a result of hotspot volcanism, and proposes a plausible model for the origin of the structure.
Analysis of Electrical Resistivity Data in Resolving the Saline and Fresh Water Aquifers in West Coast Maharashtra
Authors: Gupta Gautam , Maiti Saumen , Erram Vinit C. 
Published: November 2014

Abstract:
Electrical resistivity methods are widely used for identification of groundwater potential zones and in delineating the lateral and vertical distribution of sub-surface. This method can also characterize the ingress of sea water into inlands thereby getting mixed up with fresh water bodies. The present studies are an attempt to delineate the saline water and fresh water intrusion in parts of Kudal-Vengurla and surrounding coastal region of western Maharashtra. A total of 30 vertical electrical soundings were carried out in a near grid pattern using the Schlumberger configuration. The contour maps for Dar-Zarrouk parameters viz. the transverse resistance (T), longitudinal conductance (S), transverse resistivity (ρt) and longitudinal resistivity (ρl) were computed to generate the resistivity regime of saline and fresh water bearing formations. The results illustrate that the Dar-Zarrouk parameters provide a constructive solution in delineating the saline and fresh water aquifers, particularly when the resistivity data interpretation encounters constraints due to intermixing of saline water aquifers, fresh water aquifers etc. The pseudo cross-sections of resistivity data over five profiles in the study region show the flow of saline water from the coastal side, partly controlled by the lineaments.
Role of Weathering of Ferromagnesian Minerals and Surface Water Irrigation in Evolving and Modifying Chemistry of Groundwater in Palakkad District, Kerala, with Special Reference to its Fluoride Content
Authors: Kukillaya J. P. , Narayanan T. 
Published: November 2014

Abstract:
The chemical characteristics of groundwater in parts of Palakkad district, Kerala show the role of slow weathering of rocks rich in ferromagnesian minerals in increasing the residual alkalinity of water, and promoting calcium carbonate precipitation and dissolution of fluoride from minerals like biotite and hornblende. Alkaline clayey soils having high cation exchange capacity have a significant role in the process. Leaching of fluoride from soil and weathered rock in the vadose zone appears to be a major cause for high fluoride in groundwater. No relation is seen between fluoride contents in rocks and soils, and in groundwater, while the degree of weathering is a probable controlling factor. The study indicates that, while alkaline pH promotes dissolution of F-, a further linear increase in pH is not required for more increase in dissolution of F-. Similarly, the correlation of F- with HCO3- /Ca2+ ratio may be a more reliable indicator than the correlation of F- with Ca2+. Surface water irrigation has influenced groundwater quality in a large tract. Dug well and bore well waters belong to the same chemical type indicating connectivity between the two aquifers. There is evidence for influent flow from streams into the fractured rock aquifer in some areas. The study was conducted between November 2009 and May 2011.