bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Recycling of spent oil bleaching earth as source of glycerol for the anaerobic production of acetone, butanol, and ethanol with Clostridium diolis and lipolytic Clostridium lundense
Authors: Tippkötter Nils , Wollny Steffen , Suck Kirstin , Sohling Ulrich , Ruf Friedrich , Ulber Roland 
Published: December 2013

A major part of edible oil is subjected to bleaching procedures, primarily with minerals applied as adsorbers. Their recycling is currently done either by regaining the oil via organic solvent extraction or by using the spent bleaching earth (SBE) as additive for animal feed, etc. As a new method, the reutilization of the by‐product SBE for the microbiologic formation of acetone, butanol, and ethanol (ABE) is presented as proof‐of‐concept. The SBE was taken from a palm oil cleaning process. The recycling concept is based on the application of lipolytic clostridia strains. Due to considerably long fermentation times, co‐fermentation with Candida rugosa and enzymatic hydrolyses of the bound oil with a subsequent clostridia fermentation are shown as alternative routes. Anaerobic fermentations under comparison of different clostridia strains were performed with glycerol media, enzymatically hydrolyzed palm oil and SBE. Solutes, side product compositions and productivities were quantified via HPLC. A successful production of ABE solutes from SBE has been done with a yield of 0.15 g butanol per gram of bound glycerol. Thus, the biotechnological recycling of the waste stream is possible in principle. Inhibition of the substrate suspension has been observed. A chromatographic ion‐exchange of substrates increased the biomass concentration.
Targeting endothelial junctional adhesion molecule‐A/ EPAC/ Rap‐1 axis as a novel strategy to increase stem cell engraftment in dystrophic muscles
Authors: Giannotta Monica , Benedetti Sara , Tedesco Francesco Saverio , Corada Monica , Trani Marianna , D'Antuono Rocco , Millet Queensta , Orsenigo Fabrizio , Gálvez Beatriz G , Cossu Giulio , Dejana Elisabetta 
Published: December 2013

AbstractMuscular dystrophies are severe genetic diseases for which no efficacious therapies exist. Experimental clinical treatments include intra‐arterial administration of vessel‐associated stem cells, called mesoangioblasts (MABs). However, one of the limitations of this approach is the relatively low number of cells that engraft the diseased tissue, due, at least in part, to the sub‐optimal efficiency of extravasation, whose mechanisms for MAB are unknown. Leukocytes emigrate into the inflamed tissues by crossing endothelial cell‐to‐cell junctions and junctional proteins direct and control leukocyte diapedesis. Here, we identify the endothelial junctional protein JAM‐A as a key regulator of MAB extravasation. We show that JAM‐A gene inactivation and JAM‐A blocking antibodies strongly enhance MAB engraftment in dystrophic muscle. In the absence of JAM‐A, the exchange factors EPAC‐1 and 2 are down‐regulated, which prevents the activation of the small GTPase Rap‐1. As a consequence, junction tightening is reduced, allowing MAB diapedesis. Notably, pharmacological inhibition of Rap‐1 increases MAB engraftment in dystrophic muscle, which results into a significant improvement of muscle function offering a novel strategy for stem cell‐based therapies.
Advanced Metallization Concepts for p‐type Silicon Metal‐Wrap‐Through (MWT) Solar Cells
Authors: Hendrichs Max , Thaidigsmann Benjamin , Lohmüller Elmar , Nold Sebastian , Clement Florian , Biro Daniel , Rech Bernd , Preu Ralf 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThe development of cost‐effective and highly efficient solar cells is a primary goal of current research activities. In this work we investigate two different metallization concepts based on screen‐printing technology that are aimed at achieving increased cell conversion efficiency of p‐type silicon metal‐wrap‐through (MWT) solar cell structures. The first approach is the reduction of the pad area of the external rear n‐type contacts. Furthermore a multilayer metallization concept is presented that allows for the decoupling of the rear external n‐type contact and the p‐type silicon base. In this context new pastes for via metallization are investigated—namely low‐temperature silver–polymer pastes. The second approach is the optimization of the metallization layout of MWT solar cells to minimize cost of ownership. Therefore the number of contact rows, the finger width, and the number of n‐type contact pads per contact row are varied methodically by using analytical simulations. The results are compared with experimental data. Both approaches show a potential for a further conversion efficiency increase of p‐type silicon MWT solar cells.
Regularized Rare Variant Enrichment Analysis for Case‐Control Exome Sequencing Data
Authors: Larson Nicholas B. , Schaid Daniel J. 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTRare variants have recently garnered an immense amount of attention in genetic association analysis. However, unlike methods traditionally used for single marker analysis in GWAS, rare variant analysis often requires some method of aggregation, since single marker approaches are poorly powered for typical sequencing study sample sizes. Advancements in sequencing technologies have rendered next‐generation sequencing platforms a realistic alternative to traditional genotyping arrays. Exome sequencing in particular not only provides base‐level resolution of genetic coding regions, but also a natural paradigm for aggregation via genes and exons. Here, we propose the use of penalized regression in combination with variant aggregation measures to identify rare variant enrichment in exome sequencing data. In contrast to marginal gene‐level testing, we simultaneously evaluate the effects of rare variants in multiple genes, focusing on gene‐based least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and exon‐based sparse group LASSO models. By using gene membership as a grouping variable, the sparse group LASSO can be used as a gene‐centric analysis of rare variants while also providing a penalized approach toward identifying specific regions of interest. We apply extensive simulations to evaluate the performance of these approaches with respect to specificity and sensitivity, comparing these results to multiple competing marginal testing methods. Finally, we discuss our findings and outline future research.
Meeting the Challenges of Effective International HRM: Analysis of the Antecedents of Global Mindset
Authors: Story Joana S. P. , Barbuto John E. , Luthans Fred , Bovaird James A. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThe full force of globalization has hit today's organizations, and it is clear that there are many cultural and human problems. International human resource management (IHRM) is being asked to better understand and develop multinational organizational leaders to meet the challenges. A prominent solution that is receiving increased attention is the construct of global mindset, which has growing rhetoric but little research support. To help fill this need, after first theoretically framing global mindset as made up of one's cultural intelligence and global business orientation, this study identifies and empirically tests some theory‐driven antecedents. Utilizing a diverse sample (N = 136) of global leaders of a well‐known multinational, we found that personal, psychological, and role complexity antecedents were related to the participants' level of global mindset. The practical implications of these findings for effective international human resource management conclude the article. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
HR Professional Role Tensions: Perceptions and Responses of the Top Management Team
Authors: Sheehan Cathy , De Cieri Helen , Greenwood Michelle , Van Buren Harry J. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThe aims of the research are to explore evidence of professional human resource management (HRM) role tensions, the factors that affect HRM role tension, and to consider the impact on management perceptions when role tensions exist. Using a qualitative approach, 25 interviews were conducted in Australia with senior HRM personnel, top management team (TMT) executives, and a management consultant. Findings reveal that the failure of the HRM profession to attract people with a business focus increases HRM role tensions. Respondents report that tensions were reduced when aspects of the HRM role were devolved or outsourced, there was an acceptance of a changed psychological contract, and clearer attempts were made to communicate an agreed‐upon strategic focus for HRM. HRM role bias led to a reduced willingness among TMT members to respect, and communicate with, HRM professionals. The implications of the negative outcomes of HR role tensions are discussed with reference to the power of the HRM function. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Identification and Occupational Stress: A Stress‐Buffering Perspective
Authors: Newton Cameron , Teo Stephen 
Published: December 2013

AbstractOccupational stress research has consistently demonstrated many negative effects of work stressors on employee adjustment (i.e., job‐related attitudes and health). Considerable literature also describes potential moderators of this relationship. While research has revealed that different workplace identifications can have significant positive effects on employee adjustment, it has neglected to investigate their potential stress‐buffering effects. Based on identity theories, it was predicted that stress‐buffering effects of different types of identifications (distal versus proximal) would be revealed when the identification type and employee adjustment outcome type (distal versus proximal) were congruent. Predictions were tested with an employee sample from five human service nonprofit organizations (N= 337). Hierarchical multiple regression analyses revealed that main and moderated effects relating to identification supported the notion that occupational stress would be reduced when there was congruence of distal and proximal identifications and distal and proximal outcome types. However, stress‐buffering effects were also found for high identifiers and low identifiers that were not in line with hypotheses posing questions for the definitions of distal and proximal identifications. Findings are discussed in terms of theoretical and practical implications. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Population pharmacokinetics of paracetamol across the human age‐range from (pre)term neonates, infants, children to adults
Authors: Wang Chenguang , Allegaert Karel , Tibboel Dick , Danhof Meindert , van der Marel Caroline D. , Mathot Ron A.A. , Knibbe Catherijne A.J. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractIn order to characterize the variation in pharmacokinetics of paracetamol across the human age span, we performed a population pharmacokinetic analysis from preterm neonates to adults with specific focus on clearance. Concentration‐time data obtained in 220 neonates (post‐natal age 1–76 days, gestational age 27–42 weeks), infants (0.11–1.33 yrs), children (2–7 yrs) and adults (19–34 yrs) were analyzed using NONMEM 7.2. In the covariate analysis, linear functions, power functions, and a power function with a bodyweight‐dependent exponent were tested. Between preterm neonates and adults, linear bodyweight functions were identified for Q2, Q3, V1, V2, and V3, while for CL a power function with a bodyweight‐dependent exponent k was identified (CLi = CLp × (BW/70)k). The exponent k was found to decrease in a sigmoidal manner with bodyweight from 1.2 to 0.75, with half the decrease in exponent reached at 12.2 kg. No other covariates such as age were identified. A pharmacokinetic model for paracetamol characterizing changes in pharmacokinetic parameters across the pediatric age‐range was developed. Clearance was found to change in a nonlinear manner with bodyweight. Based on the final model, dosing guidelines are proposed from preterm neonates to adolescents resulting in similar exposure across all age ranges.
Aquatic‐to‐terrestrial habitat shift reduces energy expenditure in newts
Authors: Kristín Peter , Gvoždík Lumír 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTMany organisms seasonally modify their standard metabolic rates (SMR). However, the diversity of cues triggering the acclimatization response remains little understood. We examined the influence of experimentally induced aquatic‐to‐terrestrial habitat shift on the thermal sensitivity of SMR in newts. Standard metabolic rates increased with temperature (13–23°C), although consistently lower in terrestrial than aquatic individuals. Motor activity during respirometry trials decreased with temperature at similar rates in both groups. We conclude that in newts, a habitat shift might represent an important modulator of the seasonal acclimatization response in SMR. Lowered SMR suggests the potential to reduce newt maintenance costs and depletion of caloric reserves during the activity‐limited period on land.J. Exp. Zool. 321A: 183–188, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Tree‐ring δ18O evidence for the drought history of eastern Tianshan Mountains, northwest China since 1700 AD
Authors: Xu Guobao , Liu Xiaohong , Qin Dahe , Chen Tuo , Wang Wenzhi , Wu Guoju , Sun Weizhen , An Wenling , Zeng Xiaomin 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTWe developed an annual tree‐ring δ18O chronology from Larix sibirica in the eastern Tianshan Mountains of northwestern China. Climatic response revealed that tree‐ring δ18O was significantly positively correlated with the mean and maximum July–August temperatures, whereas the July precipitation and relative humidity were significantly negatively correlated with tree‐ring δ18O. The self‐calibrating Palmer drought severity index (sc_PDSI) in July–August was significantly correlated with the tree‐ring δ18O, which reflects the comprehensive effects of the three parameters on tree‐ring δ18O fractionation. We established a robust reconstruction of July–August sc_PDSI that accounted for 38.4% of the total variance of sc_PDSI from 1959 to 2008. The sc_PDSI reconstruction yields new insights on past drought that were not previously realized in other PDSI reconstructions (e.g. Monsoon Asia Drought Atlas) from the region. The reconstruction revealed several wet and dry periods but no trend towards a wetter climate in the eastern Tianshan Mountains during the last two decades. It also detected synergistic effects of the North Atlantic Oscillation and the El Niño‐Southern Oscillation on regional moisture conditions as a result of teleconnections between tropical oceans and mid‐latitude circulation patterns.
Dexamethasone inhibits inflammation and cartilage damage in a new model of post‐traumatic osteoarthritis
Authors: Huebner Kyla D. , Shrive Nigel G. , Frank Cyril B. 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTCorticosteroids are used in musculoskeletal diseases, and offer patient relief. Injections of corticosteroids are recommended for management of osteoarthritis (OA). Current data have shown the role of corticosteroids in ameliorating pain. We hypothesized that repeated intra‐articular injections of high dose dexamethasone would protect the cartilage from damage in a post‐traumatic model of OA. Eighteen female New Zealand White rabbits were used. Twelve underwent surgery to induce OA; six of them received intra‐articular injections of dexamethasone every 3 days for 3 weeks. The other six rabbits served as operated controls. Six additional rabbits served as non‐operated controls. All animals were euthanized 3 weeks post‐surgery. Knees were assessed grossly. Cartilage, synovium, and fat pad were assessed histologically. Synovium and fat pad were analyzed with qPCR and Western blots. Surgical controls had cartilage damage which was supressed with dexamethasone. Dexamethasone significantly decreased synovial expression of interleukin‐1β and collagen I, and a trend to decrease synovial matrix metalloproteinase3 expression. There were also significantly lower levels of interleukin‐1β protein with dexamethasone treatment. Dexamethasone significantly decreased fat pad expression of matrix metalloproteinase13, basic fibroblast growth factor, and interleukin8, and a trend to decrease matrix metalloproteinase3 and transforming growth factorβ expression. Dexamethasone decreased joint inflammation and joint tissue degradation and was chondroprotective in this unique model of PTOA. © 2013 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 32:566–572, 2014.
Local vanadium release from a calcium sulfate carrier accelerates fracture healing
Authors: Paglia David N. , Wey Aaron , Hreha Jeremy , Park Andrew G. , Cunningham Catherine , Uko Linda , Benevenia Joseph , O'Connor J. Patrick , Lin Sheldon S. 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTThis study evaluated the efficacy of using calcium sulfate (CaSO4) as a carrier for intramedullary delivery of an organic vanadium salt, vanadyl acetylacetonate (VAC) after femoral fracture. VAC can act as an insulin‐mimetic and can be used to accelerate fracture healing in rats. A heterogenous mixture of VAC and CaSO4 was delivered to the fracture site of BB Wistar rats, and mechanical testing, histomorphometry, micro‐computed tomography (micro‐CT) were performed to measure healing. At 4 weeks after fracture, maximum torque to failure, effective shear modulus, and effective shear stress were all significantly higher (p < 0.05) in rats treated with 0.25 mg/kg VAC–CaSO4 as compared to carrier control rats. Histomorphometry found a 71% increase in percent cartilage matrix (p < 0.05) and a 64% decrease in percent mineralized tissue (p < 0.05) at 2 weeks after fracture in rats treated with 0.25 mg/kg of VAC–CaSO4. Micro‐CT analyses at 4 weeks found a more organized callus structure and higher trending maximum connected z‐ray. fraction for VAC–CaSO4 groups. Evaluation of radiographs and serial histological sections at 12 weeks did not show any evidence of ectopic bone formation. As compared to previous studies, CaSO4 was an effective carrier for reducing the dose of VAC required to accelerate femoral fracture healing in rats. © 2013 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 32:727–734, 2014.
The Measurement of the Rate Parameters for the Reactions i‐C3H and n‐C3H + HI → C3H8 + I• over the Temperature Range 293–623 K: Implications for the Standard Heat of Formation of the Propyl Radicals
Authors: Leplat Nicolas , Rossi Michel J. 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTAn investigation of the absolute rate constants of the metathesis reactions i‐C3H + HI → C3H8 + I• (1) and n‐C3H + HI → C3H8 + I• (2) was performed using a newly developed apparatus. The obtained Arrhenius expressions are k1 = 1.94 (±0.42) × 10−11 exp(−6.190 (±0.855)/RT) and k2 = 6.49 (±1.86) × 10−11 exp(−11.084 (±0.913)/RT) (R = 8.314 J K−1 mol−1) over the temperature range 293–623 K (A in cm3 molec−1 s−1, Ea in kJ mol−1). Two Knudsen reactors of different geometry coupled to single‐photon (VUV) photoionization mass spectrometry (SPIMS) were successively used. The two propyl isomers were generated externally to and upstream of the reactor and led to thermalized i‐ and n‐C3H free radicals. A minor correction to k2 for the wall loss of n‐C3H (kw) was applied throughout the temperature range, whereas no significant wall loss of i‐C3H could be measured. The obtained results are based on the disappearance of propyl radicals with increasing amounts of HI. Thermochemical parameters of propyl free radicals resulting from the present kinetic measurements are discussed and point toward a slightly lower value for the standard heat of formation of Δf(i‐C3H) compared to the currently accepted value, whereas no significant adjustment for n‐C3H seems to be necessary. The recommended values are Δf(i‐C3H) = 86.6 ± 2.1 kJ mol−1 and Δf(n‐C3H) = 101.1 ± 2.1 kJ mol−1 resulting from a third law evaluation using (i‐C3H) = 289.9 and (n‐C3H) = 290.3 J K−1 mol−1, both values being very close to the values measured by W. Tsang, namely 88 ± 2 and 100 ± 2 kJ mol−1, respectively.
Effects of seminal plasma and the presence of a conceptus on regulation of lymphocyte‐cytokine network in porcine endometrium
Authors: Jalali Beenu Moza , Kitewska Anna , Wasielak Marta , Bodek Gabriel , Bogacki Marek 
Published: December 2013

SUMMARYInfusion of seminal plasma in the uterus is known to elicit an instant inflammatory response in the porcine uterus, but whether or not it prepares a uterine immunological response to the presence of conceptuses is not well understood. Seminal plasma induced long‐term modulatory effects and conceptus‐induced immune changes in leukocyte populations were measured by flow cytometry and mRNAs for various cytokines by quantitative reverse‐transcriptase PCR in porcine endometrium collected on Days 6 and 13 from cycling and pregnant animals or from animals given seminal plasma infusions. Seminal plasma infusion induced long‐term modulatory effects, resulting in significantly more endometrial FoxP3‐positive T‐regulatory and T‐helper cells 6 days after infusion as compared to cycling and pregnant animals. The number of T‐cytotoxic and T‐null cells did not change between the studied groups. The early molecular effects of seminal plasma were not observed at 13‐days post‐infusion, although animals on Day 13 of pregnancy did show significantly more T‐cells (of any type investigated). Seminal plasma also showed a delayed effect on cytokine expression, specifically exhibiting a significant increase in interleukin 10 (IL10) and a decrease in granulocyte macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GMCSF) gene expression on Day 13 as compared to Day 6 of cycling or pregnant gilts. The results indicate a delayed regulatory effect of seminal plasma on immune responses in the porcine uterus, which are similar to immune changes generated by implanting conceptuses. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Retrospective on the development of aequorin and aequorin‐based imaging to visualize changes in intracellular free [Ca2+]
Authors: Webb Sarah E. , Karplus Eric , Miller Andrew L. 
Published: December 2013

SUMMARYIn this review, we take a retrospective look at the discovery and utilization of the Ca2+‐sensitive bioluminescent protein complex, aequorin. We do consider the contribution it has made to our understanding of the natural phenomenon of bioluminescence, but it is in the application of extracted and purified aequorin as a reporter of Ca2+ dynamics in living cells, which is arguably its major contribution to biological and biomedical science. Following its extraction, purification, and subsequent availability in the mid‐1960s, aequorin became the intracellular reporter of choice until it was replaced in the late 1970s by easier‐to‐use fluorescence‐based reporters. From the mid‐1980s onwards, however, aequorin‐based Ca2+ imaging underwent a renaissance following the cloning of the aequorin gene and the emergence of routine techniques to target and express it exogenously in plant and animal systems. The development of aequorin as a tool continues as spectral varieties are being developed that allow simultaneous imaging of Ca2+ dynamics in different cellular organelles and microdomains. We predict that further developments in the use of aequorin, as well as other bioluminescent proteins, will continue, especially in the areas of regenerative medicine and whole organism imaging. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 82: 563–586, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.