bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Determine the quality of human embryonic stem colonies with laser light scattering patterns
Authors: Chen Chi-Shuo , Biasca Matthew , Le Catherine , Chen Eric Y-T , Hirleman E Daniel , Chin Wei-Chun 
Published: January 2013

Abstract

Background
With the prompt developments of regenerative medicine, the potential clinical applications of human embryonic stem cells have attracted intense attention. However, the labor-intensive and complex manual cell selection processes required during embryonic stem cell culturing have seriously limited large-scale production and broad applications. Thus, availability of a label-free, non-invasive platform to replace the current cumbersome manual selection has become a critical need.

Results
A non-invasive, label-free, and time-efficient optical platform for determining the quality of human embryonic stem cell colonies was developed by analyzing the scattering signals from those stem cell colonies. Additionally, confocal microscopy revealed that the cell colony morphology and surface structures were correlated with the resulting characteristic light scattering patterns. Standard immunostaining assay (Oct-4) was also utilized to validate the quality-determination from this light scattering protocol. The platform developed here can therefore provide identification accuracy of up to 87% for colony determination.

Conclusions
Our study here demonstrated that light scattering patterns can serve as a feasible alternative approach to replace conventional manual selection for human embryonic stem cell cultures.
Absence of IL-1β positively affects neurological outcome, lesion development and axonal plasticity after spinal cord injury
Authors: Boato Francesco , Rosenberger Karen , Nelissen Sofie , Geboes Lies , Peters Eva M , Nitsch Robert , Hendrix Sven 
Published: January 2013

AbstractPrecise crosstalk between the nervous and immune systems is important for neuroprotection and axon plasticity after injury. Recently, we demonstrated that IL-1β acts as a potent inducer of neurite outgrowth from organotypic brain slicesin vitro, suggesting a potential function of IL-1β in axonal plasticity. Here, we have investigated the effects of IL-1β on axon plasticity during glial scar formation and on functional recovery in a mouse model of spinal cord compression injury (SCI). We used an IL-1β deficiency model (IL-1βKO mice) and administered recombinant IL-1β. In contrast to our hypothesis, the histological analysis revealed a significantly increased lesion width and a reduced number of corticospinal tract fibers caudal to the lesion center after local application of recombinant IL-1β. Consistently, the treatment significantly worsened the neurological outcome after SCI in mice compared with PBS controls. In contrast, the absence of IL-1β in IL-1βKO mice significantly improved recovery from SCI compared with wildtype mice. Histological analysis revealed a smaller lesion size, reduced lesion width and greatly decreased astrogliosis in the white matter, while the number of corticospinal tract fibers increased significantly 5 mm caudal to the lesion in IL-1βKO mice relative to controls. Our study for the first time characterizes the detrimental effects of IL-1β not only on lesion development (in terms of size and glia activation), but also on the plasticity of central nervous system axons after injury.
Treatment needs, diagnoses and use of services for acutely admitted psychiatric patients in northwest Russia and northern Norway
Authors: Sørgaard Knut W , Rezvy Grigory , Bugdanov Anatoly , Sørlie Tore , Bratlid Trond 
Published: January 2013

Abstract

Background
We compared demography, diagnoses and clinical needs in acutely admitted psychiatric hospital patients in northwest Russia and northern Norway.

Method
All acutely admitted psychiatric patients in 1 psychiatric hospital in north-west Russia and 2 in northern Norway were in a three months period assessed with HoNOS and a Norwegian form developed to study acute psychiatric services (MAP). Data from a total of 841 patients were analysed (377 Norwegian, 464 Russian) with univariate and multivariate statistics.

Results
Russian patients were more often males who had paid work. 2/3 were diagnosed with alcohol and organic disorders, and 70% reported problems related to sleep. Depression was widespread, as were problems associated with occupation. Many more Norwegian patients were on various forms of social security and lived in community supported homes. They had a clinical profile of affective disorders, use of drugs, suicidality and problems with activities involved of daily life. Slightly more Norwegian patients were involuntary admitted.

Conclusion
Acutely admitted psychiatric patients in North West Russia and Northern Norwegian showed different clinical profiles: alcohol, depression and organic disorders characterised Russian patients, affective disorders, suicidality and use of drugs characterised the Norwegians. Whereas Norwegian patients are mainly referred from GPs the Russians come via 1.line psychiatric services (“dispensaries”). Average length of stay for Russian patients was 2.5 times longer than that of the Norwegian.
Simultaneous saccharification and co-fermentation for bioethanol production using corncobs at lab, PDU and demo scales
Authors: Koppram Rakesh , Nielsen Fredrik , Albers Eva , Lambert Annika , Wännström Sune , Welin Lars , Zacchi Guido , Olsson Lisbeth 
Published: January 2013

Abstract

Background
While simultaneous saccharification and co-fermentation (SSCF) is considered to be a promising process for bioconversion of lignocellulosic materials to ethanol, there are still relatively little demo-plant data and operating experiences reported in the literature. In the current work, we designed a SSCF process and scaled up from lab to demo scale reaching 4% (w/v) ethanol using xylose rich corncobs.

Results
Seven different recombinant xylose utilizing Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains were evaluated for their fermentation performance in hydrolysates of steam pretreated corncobs. Two strains, RHD-15 and KE6-12 with highest ethanol yield and lowest xylitol yield, respectively were further screened in SSCF using the whole slurry from pretreatment. Similar ethanol yields were reached with both strains, however, KE6-12 was chosen as the preferred strain since it produced 26% lower xylitol from consumed xylose compared to RHD-15. Model SSCF experiments with glucose or hydrolysate feed in combination with prefermentation resulted in 79% of xylose consumption and more than 75% of the theoretical ethanol yield on available glucose and xylose in lab and PDU scales. The results suggest that for an efficient xylose conversion to ethanol controlled release of glucose from enzymatic hydrolysis and low levels of glucose concentration must be maintained throughout the SSCF. Fed-batch SSCF in PDU with addition of enzymes at three different time points facilitated controlled release of glucose and hence co-consumption of glucose and xylose was observed yielding 76% of the theoretical ethanol yield on available glucose and xylose at 7.9% water insoluble solids (WIS). With a fed-batch SSCF in combination with prefermentation and a feed of substrate and enzymes 47 and 40 g l-1 of ethanol corresponding to 68% and 58% of the theoretical ethanol yield on available glucose and xylose were produced at 10.5% WIS in PDU and demo scale, respectively. The strain KE6-12 was able to completely consume xylose within 76 h during the fermentation of hydrolysate in a 10 m3 demo scale bioreactor.

Conclusions
The potential of SSCF is improved in combination with prefermentation and a feed of substrate and enzymes. It was possible to successfully reproduce the fed-batch SSCF at demo scale producing 4% (w/v) ethanol which is the minimum economical requirement for efficient lignocellulosic bioethanol production process.
Bona fide colour: DNA prediction of human eye and hair colour from ancient and contemporary skeletal remains
Authors: Draus-Barini Jolanta , Walsh Susan , Pośpiech Ewelina , Kupiec Tomasz , Głąb Henryk , Branicki Wojciech , Kayser Manfred 
Published: January 2013

Abstract

Background
DNA analysis of ancient skeletal remains is invaluable in evolutionary biology for exploring the history of species, including humans. Contemporary human bones and teeth, however, are relevant in forensic DNA analyses that deal with the identification of perpetrators, missing persons, disaster victims or family relationships. They may also provide useful information towards unravelling controversies that surround famous historical individuals. Retrieving information about a deceased person’s externally visible characteristics can be informative in both types of DNA analyses. Recently, we demonstrated that human eye and hair colour can be reliably predicted from DNA using the HIrisPlex system. Here we test the feasibility of the novel HIrisPlex system at establishing eye and hair colour of deceased individuals from skeletal remains of various post-mortem time ranges and storage conditions.

Methods
Twenty-one teeth between 1 and approximately 800 years of age and 5 contemporary bones were subjected to DNA extraction using standard organic protocol followed by analysis using the HIrisPlex system.

Results
Twenty-three out of 26 bone DNA extracts yielded the full 24 SNP HIrisPlex profile, therefore successfully allowing model-based eye and hair colour prediction. HIrisPlex analysis of a tooth from the Polish general Władysław Sikorski (1881 to 1943) revealed blue eye colour and blond hair colour, which was positively verified from reliable documentation. The partial profiles collected in the remaining three cases (two contemporary samples and a 14th century sample) were sufficient for eye colour prediction.

Conclusions
Overall, we demonstrate that the HIrisPlex system is suitable, sufficiently sensitive and robust to successfully predict eye and hair colour from ancient and contemporary skeletal remains. Our findings, therefore, highlight the HIrisPlex system as a promising tool in future routine forensic casework involving skeletal remains, including ancient DNA studies, for the prediction of eye and hair colour of deceased individuals.
Vitamin D and Mortality: A Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Trummer Olivia , Pilz Stefan , Hoffmann Michael M , Winkelmann Bernhard R , Boehm Bernhard O , März Winfried , Pieber Thomas R , Obermayer-Pietsch Barbara , Renner Wilfried 
Published: January 2013

BACKGROUND
Decreased circulating 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25-OH-vitamin D) concentrations have been associated with mortality rates, but it is unclear whether this association is causal. We performed a Mendelian randomization study and analyzed whether 3 common single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with 25-OH-vitamin D concentrations are causal for mortality rates.

METHODS
Genotypes of SNPs in the group-specific component gene (GC, rs2282679), 7-dehydrocholesterol reductase gene (DHCR7, rs12785878), and cytochrome P450 IIR-1 gene (CYP2R1, rs10741657) were determined in a prospective cohort study of 3316 male and female participants [mean age 62.6 (10.6) years] scheduled for coronary angiography between 1997 and 2000. 25-OH-vitamin D concentrations were determined by RIA. The main outcome measures were all-cause deaths, cardiovascular deaths, and noncardiovascular deaths.

RESULTS
In a linear regression model adjusting for month of blood sampling, age, and sex, vitamin D concentrations were predicted by GC genotype (P &lt; 0.001), CYP2R1 genotype (P = 0.068), and DHCR7 genotype (P &lt; 0.001), with a coefficient of determination (r2) of 0.175. During a median follow-up time of 9.9 years, 955 persons (30.0%) died, including 619 deaths from cardiovascular causes. In a multivariate Cox regression adjusted for classical risk factors, GC, CYP2R1, and DHCR7 genotypes were not associated with all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, or noncardiovascular mortality.

CONCLUSIONS
Genetic variants associated with 25-OH-vitamin D concentrations do not predict mortality. This suggests that low 25-OH-vitamin D concentrations are associated with, but unlikely to be causal for, higher mortality rates.
Improvement of kraft pulp bleaching by treatments with laccase, urea, and refining
Authors: Du Xueyu , Martín Maria E. Eugenio , Li Jiebing 
Published: January 2013

Abstract
Unbleached Eucalyptus kraft pulps were treated by three methods and the bleaching effects have been evaluated. The treatments were performed by a laccase-mediator system (LMS), refining (R), and urea (U) alone and in combination of these methods. The bleached pulps were characterized in terms of κ number, hexenuronic acid content, brightness, and viscosity. In addition, the lignin-carbohydrate complexes (LCCs) were fractionated and characterized with regard to the fractionation yield, lignin content, and carbohydrate composition. Moreover, the 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectra were recorded and the thioacidolysis-gas chromatography and thioacidolysis-size exclusion chromatography analyses were performed. The LMS treatment resulted mainly in a slightly better delignification as manifested by a κ number (K no.) reduction of 0.8 units. The effects of the U treatment included delignification (1.4 κ units), hexenuronic acid removal (3 μmol g-1), and improved pulp brightness (3.4 ISO units). The R treatment darkened the pulp (3 ISO units), whereas the bleaching of the R-pulp by subsequent LMS or U treatment enhanced the brightness (0.5 unit more) or delignification (0.3 unit more). The residual lignin in the pulp samples was present mainly as xylan-lignin. The Klason lignin content from the xylan-lignin fraction decreased as the degree of delignification increased. The pulp darkening followed by the R treatment was interpreted as the result of the formation of condensed lignin structures, but these condensed lignins were substantially removed by the subsequent LMS or U treatment.
Thermomechanical pulping of novel Brazilian Eucalyptus hybrids
Authors: dos Santos Muguet Marcelo Coelho , Ruuttunen Kyösti , Jääskeläinen Anna-Stiina , Colodette Jorge Luiz , Vuorinen Tapani 
Published: January 2013

Abstract
The importance of Eucalyptus wood as a sustainable resource is well established. Mechanical pulp production is an energy-intensive process, and methods for decreasing energy demand are needed. In the present article, the structure of Eucalyptus hybrids and the produced pulps from the hybrids were assessed in terms of energy consumption, technical properties, and fiber morphology. The defibration and fiber development were investigated by traditional thermomechanical pulping in laboratory scale. There was no clear difference in the extent of defibration and fibrillation among the hybrids, with the exception of one hybrid (U2xGL1). Guaiacyl lignin contents of more than 7.2% had a minor influence on energy consumption, and this finding is different from the results of previous studies on chemimechanical pulping processes. However, a low amount of guaiacyl lignin (6.1% based on wood) decreased the energy demand. This assessment is of major importance concerning the energy-saving defibration during thermomechanical pulping production.
Dexamethasone decreases the spermidine and spermine concentrations and polyamine oxidase activity in rat thymus
Authors: Bjelaković Gordana , Pavlovic Dusica , Kocic Gordana , Stojanović Ivana , Jevtović-Stoimenov Tatjana , Nikolić Jelenka , Sokolovic Dusan , Basic Jelena 
Published: January 2013

Abstract

Background: Glucocorticoids (GCs) exert a wide range of anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, and antineoplastic activities. The aim of our investigation was to elucidate the effect of dexamethasone, a synthetic GC, on polyamine metabolism in the rat thymus.

Methods: Male albino Wistar rats, weighing 180–230 g, were divided into two groups: control and experimental. The experimental group received dexamethasone intraperitoneally for 3 days, in a daily dose of 4 mg/animal. The last dose of the hormone was applied on the 3rd day, 1 h before killing. The control group received 0.9% NaCl instead of the hormone. The animals were killed by decapitation. The thymus was removed quickly and rinsed with ice-cold saline. Polyamines were extracted using butanol. The amount of polyamines was investigated by electrophoresis. For the estimation of polyamine oxidase (PAO) activity, 10% water homogenate was prepared.

Results: Our results suggested that dexamethasone supplementation of experimental animals for 3 days significantly decreased the spermine (Sp) and spermidine (Spd) levels in rat thymus tissue (Sp Control, 362.56±25.33 nmol/g wet weight; Sp Exp. Group, 313.01±21.16 nmol/g wet weight; Spd Control, 673.81±30.95 nmol/g wet weight; Spd Exp. Group, 410.21±17.26 nmol/g wet weight). PAO activity significantly decreased under hormone influence in comparison with the control group (PAO Control, 0.449±0.121 U/mg prot.; PAO Exp. Group, 0.312±0.096 U/mg prot.).

Conclusions: The decrease in polyamine amounts in the rat thymus is not due to the change in PAO activity.
Structural and magnetic characterization of spark plasma sintered Fe-50Co alloys
Authors: Mani Mahesh Kumar , Viola Giuseppe , Reece Mike J , Hall Jeremy P , Evans Sam L 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACTFe-50 wt% Co alloy powders with average particle size of 10 μm were compacted by spark plasma sintering (SPS) at 700, 800, 900 and 950oC by applying 40, 80, 100 MPa uniaxial pressures for 2, 5, 10 minutes. The densities of the samples were found to increase with temperature from 700 to 900oC for constant sintering pressure and time and to decrease for the material sintered at 950oC. The effects of sintering time on density were more significant in samples sintered at 700oC and 800oC than those densified at 900oC. The consequences of small increases in mechanical pressure during sintering on density values were significant for samples sintered at 700oC. The coercivity (Hc) of the compacts decreased significantly with increasing sintering temperature, and with increasing dwell time at sintering temperatures lower than 700oC. The sample sintered at 950oC, which contains the largest grains among the prepared samples and porous microstructure, exhibited the minimum coercivity. Unlike Hc, the remanence (Br) and saturation induction (Bsat) values were more strongly affected by the specimen density than by grain size. Br and Bsat values were found to vary linearly with sintering temperature and pressure owing to increasing density. An increase in soaking time at 800 and 900 oC, although enabling higher density, exhibited contradicting effects on Bsat values. The SPS parameters to obtain maximum density and optimum magnetic properties for Fe-50% Co alloy were found to be 900oC, 80 MPa and 2-5 minutes.
In-situ Incorporation of Lithium and Nitrogen into CVD Diamond Thin Films
Authors: Othman M. Zamir , May Paul W. , Fox Neil A. 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACTExperiments were performed to incorporate Li and N simultaneously into the diamond lattice during hot-filament chemical vapour deposition in an attempt to produce n-type semiconducting diamond with useful electronic characteristics. Microcrystalline diamond films were grown using a mixture of methane/ammonia/hydrogen gases with tantalum as the filament. The Li was added by placing crystals of lithium nitride (Li3N) on the substrate and allowing them to melt and then slowly diffuse into the film. SIMS depth profiles showed that this process produced high levels of Li and N (0.05% - 0.5%) situated in the same region within the diamond film. The crystallinity and morphology of diamond crystals produced were confirmed using laser Raman spectrometry and scanning electron microscopy.
Role of Thermal Vacancies on Temperature Dependence of Lattice Parameter and Elastic Moduli in B2-type FeAl
Authors: Zhao Mi , Yoshimi Kyosuke , Maruyama Kouichi , Yubuta Kunio 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACTTemperature dependence of the lattice parameter and elastic moduli in Fe-40 and -43Al (at.%) was investigated by high temperature X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and the Electro-Magnetic Acoustic Resonance (EMAR) method. The thermal vacancy concentration was estimated from the activation enthalpy and entropy data of vacancy formation previously reported for FeAl. It was found that both the lattice parameter and the elastic moduli of FeAl have a linear relationship with temperature even in the temperature range where thermal vacancy concentration rapidly increases (above 400 °C), thus suggesting that newly generated thermal vacancies at elevated temperature do not make significant influence on the lattice parameter and the elastic properties of B2-type FeAl.
Electrical Characterization of Vacuum Deposited and Solution Processed DH4T Thin Film Transistors
Authors: Muck Tobias , Leufgen Michael , Lebib Amira , Borzenko Tanja , Geurts Jean , Schmidt Georg , Molenkamp Laurens W. , Wagner Veit , Gomes Henrique L. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractWe present organic field-effect transistors with dihexylquaterthiophene (DH4T) as active material, a derivative of the oligothiophene á-4T with two hexyl chains as end groups. This substitution makes this molecule suitable not only for vacuum sublimation but also for solution processing which enables cheaper production. Additionally, the layer ordering is improved. We compare vacuum deposited and solution processed OFETs based on DH4T. The former ones show nearly ideal I-V characteristics. The latter ones show deviations from ideal behavior and lower currents. Furthermore, temperature dependent measurements of drain-source current in vacuum deposited DH4T-OFETs shows an unusual variation of the OFET apparent mobility. These apparent changes in mobility are caused by a threshold voltage shift, which becomes pronounced at around 290 K
Paradoxalité de « l'enfermement » d'adolescents et de jeunes adultes meurtriers : entre destructivité et créativité
Authors: Morhain Yves 
Published: January 2013

Résumé L’actualité de la délinquance qui se signale par l’agression contre l’autre, le semblable, souvent brutale, voire par l’explosion destructrice immédiate, relève de l’archaïque qui renvoie à l’existence subjective du sujet. Les approches judiciaires proposent des formes de rééducation sociale et de prévention, centrées sur l’acte transgressif, désorganisateur et non sur son potentiel refondateur, avec pour conséquence l’« enfermement » de ces adolescents et jeunes adultes difficiles, reproduisant à l’intérieur des murs de la prison une stigmatisation des fauteurs de troubles. Dans ce qui se révèle une impasse, l’« enfermement » peut opérer et induire la dynamique d’un passage, en instaurant des dispositifs de médiation thérapeutiques qui engagent l’adolescent violent à un travail de ré-élaboration psychique et de relance de sa dynamique subjective, ouvrant l’accès à des satisfactions pulsionnelles constructives, créatives et non pas lieu de décharge pour ces adolescents. Ces espaces de transformation pouvant donner lieu à symbolisation et replacer ces jeunes dans un réseau d’intersubjectivité, dans une communauté d’échanges qui leur permette de se tourner vers un espace de possibilités.
L'adolescence et la justice des mineurs à l'épreuve du néolibéralisme
Authors: Hamon Hervé 
Published: January 2013

Résumé Cet article se propose d’examiner les mesures « néolibérales » qui ont conduit ces derniers temps à une forte inflexion de la Justice des mineurs, et en particulier à une négation des processus d’évolution des adolescents et du travail d’accompagnement.