bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Isolation and molecular characterization of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic degrading fungal isolates
Authors: Ali Muhammad Ishtiaq , Ahmed Safia , Robson Geoff , Javed Imran , Ali Naeem , Atiq Naima , Hameed Abdul 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe recalcitrant nature of polyvinyl chloride creates serious environmental concerns during manufacturing and waste disposal. The present study was aimed to isolate and screen different soil fungi having potential to biodegrade PVC films. After 10 months of soil burial experiment, it was observed that a number of fungal strains were flourishing on PVC films. On morphological as well as on 18rRNA gene sequence and phylogenetic basis they were identified as Phanerochaete chrysosporium PV1, Lentinus tigrinus PV2, Aspergillus niger PV3, and Aspergillus sydowii PV4. The biodegradation ability of these fungal isolates was further checked in shake flask experiments by taking thin films of PVC (C source) in mineral salt medium. A significant change in color and surface deterioration of PVC films was confirmed through visual observation and Scanning electron microscopy. During shake flask experiments, P. chrysosporium PV1 produced maximum biomass of about 2.57 mg ml−1 followed by A. niger PV3. P. chrysosporium PV1 showed significant reduction (178,292 Da−1) in Molecular weight of the PVC film than control (200,000 Da−1) by gel permeation chromatography. Furthermore more Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance also revealed structural changes in the PVC. It was concluded that isolated fungal strains have significant potential for biodegradation of PVC plastics.
Isolation and characterization of siderophore producing antagonistic rhizobacteria against Rhizoctonia solani
Authors: Solanki Manoj Kumar , Singh Rajesh Kumar , Srivastava Supriya , Kumar Sudheer , Kashyap Prem Lal , Srivastava Alok K. , Arora Dilip K. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractPlant protection through siderophore producing rhizobacteria (SPR) has emerged as a sustainable approach for crop health management. In present study, 220 bacteria isolated from tomato rhizosphere were screened for in vitro antagonistic activity against Rhizoctonia solani AG‐4. Nine potent antagonistic strains viz., Alcaligenes sp. (MUN1, MB21, and MPF37), Enterobacter sp. (MPM1), Pseudomonas sp. (M10A and MB65), P. aeruginosa (MPF14 and MB123) and P. fluorescens (MPF47) were identified on the basis of physiological characters and 16S rDNA sequencing. These strains were able to produce hydrolytic enzymes, hydrogen cyanide, indole acetic acid, although, only few strains were able to solubilize phosphate. Two strains (MB123 and MPF47) showed significant disease reduction in glasshouse conditions were further evaluated under field conditions using three different application methods. Application of P. fluorescens (MPF47) in nursery as soil mix + seedling root treatments prior to transplantation resulted in significant disease reduction compared to control. Total chlorophyll and available iron were significantly higher in the MPF47 treated plants in contrast to infected control. In conclusion, siderophore producing bacteria MPF47 have strong biocontrol abilities and its application as soil mix + seedling root treatments provided strong shield to plant roots against R. solani and could be used for effective bio‐management of pathogen.
Differential antibacterial properties of the MurA inhibitors terreic acid and fosfomycin
Authors: Olesen Sanne H. , Ingles Donna J. , Yang Yan , Schönbrunn Ernst 
Published: May 2013

AbstractTerreic acid is a metabolite with antibiotic properties produced by the fungus Aspergillus terreus, but its cellular target remains unknown. We recently reported that terreic acid inactivates the bacterial cell wall biosynthetic enzyme MurA in vitro by covalent reaction with residue Cys115 in a similar manner as the MurA‐specific antibiotic fosfomycin. To address if terreic acid also targets MurA in vivo, we conducted antibacterial studies using selected E. coli strains in parallel with fosfomycin. While overexpression of MurA conferred resistance to fosfomycin, it did not protect cells treated with terreic acid. Furthermore, flow cytometry revealed that the antibiotic action of terreic acid appears to be primarily bacteriostatic, as opposed to the bactericidal action observed for fosfomycin. Combined, the data suggest that MurA is not the molecular target of terreic acid and that the antibiotic activity of terreic acid proceeds through a different mechanism of action. The methodology applied here provides a reliable and convenient tool to rapidly assess the potential of newly discovered in vitro inhibitors to target residue Cys115 of MurA in the cell.
Compensation phenomena found in Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans after starvation stress
Authors: Tu Bowen , Li Juan , Guo Yueshuai , Guo Xuejiang , Lu Xiancai , Han Xiaodong 
Published: May 2013

AbstractAcidithiobacillus ferrooxidans showed the compensate growth and oxidation after re‐feeding with sufficient ferrous materials after starvation. Compensatory phenomena were first detected in chemoautotrophic organisms. Starvation stress of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans was achieved via culturing in low concentrations of iron. During compensation, growth and ferrous oxidation took place faster than in controls. In addition, some genes related to ferrous oxidation (such as rus) and carbon assimilation (cbbR, csoS3) were expressed in different patterns in the low energy environments. Their expression patterns can account for this increased growth and oxidation. Other groups of genes (cspAB, feoAB, fur) were suppressed in response to starvation stress. The presence of pyrite and joint cold stress can render compensation nearly undetectable. This may be why the compensation phenomena observed under these conditions was not the same as that observed under single starvation stress conditions. Gene expression reflected a possible mechanism of tolerance to starvation in Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans, which would allow the organism to adapt and survive in ferrous‐limited environments.
Manure fertilization alters the population of ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria rather than ammonia‐oxidizing archaea in a paddy soil
Authors: Wang Yu , Zhu Guibing , Song Liyan , Wang Shanyun , Yin Chengqing 
Published: May 2013

AbstractManure fertilizers are widely used in agriculture and highly impacted the soil microbial communities such as ammonia oxidizers. However, the knowledge on the communities of archaeal versus bacterial ammonia oxidizers in paddy soil affected by manure fertilization remains largely unknown, especially for a long‐term influence. In present work, the impact of manure fertilization on the population of ammonia oxidizers, related potential nitrification rates (PNRs) and the key factors manipulating the impact were investigated through studying two composite soil cores (long‐term fed with manure fertilization versus undisturbed). Moreover, soil incubated with NH4+ for 5 weeks was designed to verify the field research. The results showed that the copy numbers of bacterial amoA gene in the manure fed soil were significant higher than those in the unfed soil (p < 0.05), suggesting a clear stimulating effect of long‐term manure fertilization on the population of ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria (AOB). The detected PNRs in the manure fed soil core (14–218 nmol L−1 N g−1 h−1) were significant higher than those in the unfed soil core (5–72 nmol L−1 N g−1 h−1; p < 0.05). Highly correlations between the PNRs and the bacterial amoA gene copies rather than archaeal amoA gene were observed, indicating strong nitrification capacity related to bacterial ammonia oxidizers. The NH4+‐N significantly correlated to the abundance of AOB (p < 0.01) and explained 96.1% of the environmental variation, showing the NH4+‐N was the main factor impacting the population of AOB. The incubation experiment demonstrated a clear increase of the bacterial amoA gene abundance (2.0 × 106 to 8.4 × 106 g−1 d.w.s. and 1.6 × 104 to 4.8 × 105 g−1 d.w.s.) in both soil but not for the archaeal amoA gene, in agreement with the field observation. Overall, our results suggested that manure fertilization promoted the population size of bacterial ammonia oxidizers rather than their archaeal counterparts whether in long‐term or short‐term usage and the NH4+‐N was the key impact factor.
Aspergillus alliaceus, a new potential biological control of the root parasitic weed Orobanche
Authors: Aybeke Mehmet , Şen Burhan , Ökten Suzan 
Published: May 2013

AbstractDuring extensive surveys in fields heavily infested by broomrape in the Trakya Region‐Turkey, a different new fungus, Aspergillus alliaceus, was isolated from the infected broomrape. It is aimed to investigate whether or not it is really a pathogen for Orobanche. The fungi was exposed to a greenhouse environment in order to assess its pathogenicity and virulence against Orobanche cernua. In addition, infection tests on Orobanche seeds were also performed under laboratory conditions. The fungus was subjected using two different methods, exposure to a liquid culture with conidial solution and a sclerotial solid culture with fungal mycelia. Cytological studies were carried out at light, TEM and SEM levels. The results show that the sclerotial solid culture with fungal mycelia quickly caused necrosis and was more effective than the other type. It also greatly diminished attachments, tubercles, and caused the emergence of shoots and an increase in the total shoot number of Orobanche. In addition, both when the fungi was exposed to both soil and used to contaminate sunflower seeds, its pathogenicity was more effective. Consequently, it was determined that A. alliaceus was an effective potential biological control of broomrape throughout its life cycle from dormant seed to mature plant.
Probability analysis of monthly rainfall on seasonal monsoon in Pakistan
Authors: Ahmad Ishfaq , Mahmood Iram , Malik Imran Riaz , Arshad Irshad Ahmad , ul Haq Ehtasham , Iqbal Zahid 
Published: May 2013

AbstractPakistan experiences the southwest monsoon normally from July to September every year. In this paper, we analyse the effect of monthly rainfall for the months of July, August and September on overall seasonal monsoon for the period of 1960–2006 across 37 different meteorological stations of Pakistan. The statistical results are based on the notion of conditional probability. We find conditional probabilities of seasonal monsoon to be in excess, deficient and normal when the monthly rainfall of July, August and September is considered to be in excess and deficient. When rainfall in the months of July and August is in excess the seasonal monsoon behaviour is also likely to be in excess and probabilities of seasonal monsoon to be deficient are zero for most of the meteorological stations. Similarly, when rainfall in the months of July and August is considered to be deficient the seasonal monsoon behaviour is also likely to be deficient and probabilities of seasonal monsoon to be in excess are zero for most of the meteorological stations. © 2013 Royal Meteorological Society
Trauma and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Among Transition‐Age Youth With Serious Mental Health Conditions
Authors: Frounfelker Rochelle , Klodnick Vanessa Vorhies , Mueser Kim T. , Todd Sara 
Published: May 2013

There is little information on trauma, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and associated risk factors in transition‐age youth with mental health conditions. This study aimed at understanding the correlates and predictors of PTSD in 84 transition‐age youth, between 16 and 21 years old, residing in supported community housing. Chi‐square analyses and t tests were used to compare youth with a diagnosis of PTSD to those without a PTSD diagnosis. Stepwise logistic regression analyses were performed to identify unique predictors of PTSD. Of the 84 individuals, 79 (94%) reported a history of trauma, of whom 30 (36%) had PTSD. Sexual abuse was significantly associated with a PTSD diagnosis (r = .47) and the only unique predictor of PTSD (Cox r2 = .20). Transition‐age youth in supported community housing had higher rates of trauma exposure and PTSD than the general adolescent population, suggesting the need for routine assessment and treatment of PTSD in this population.
Enrichment of linear hexahedral finite elements using rotations of a virtual space fiber
Authors: Ayad Rezak , Zouari Wajdi , Meftah Kamel , Zineb Tarak Ben , Benjeddou Ayech 
Published: May 2013

SUMMARYThe present paper deals with the enrichment of 3D low‐order finite elements. The used concept is based on the idea that a 3D virtual fiber, after a spatial rotation, introduces an enhancement of the strain field tensor approximation. A consistent stiffness matrix is obtained, allowing a better approximation of the actual solution compared with that resulting from low‐order finite elements. Implemented for two eight‐node hexahedral elements, the performance of the space fiber rotation concept is assessed by running some classical beam, plate, and shell benchmarks, and the obtained results are compared especially with those given by linear eight‐node and quadratic 20‐node hexahedral elements. In particular, it is shown that the developed elements accuracy is significantly superior to that of the classical eight‐node hexahedral element and close to that of the classical 20‐node hexahedral element. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A two‐level variational multiscale method for incompressible flows based on two local Gauss integrations
Authors: Li Ying , Mei Liquan , Li Yueqiu , Zhao Ke 
Published: May 2013

AbstractIn this article, a two‐level variational multiscale method for incompressible flows based on two local Gauss integrations is presented. We solve the Navier–Stokes problem on a coarse mesh using finite element variational multiscale method based on two local Gauss integrations, then seek a fine grid solution by solving a linearized problem on a fine grid. In computation, we use the two local Gauss integrations to replace the projection operator without adding any variables. Stability analysis is performed, and error estimates of the method are derived. Finally, a series of numerical experiments are also given, which confirm the theoretical analysis and demonstrate the efficiency of the new method. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2013
A uniformly optimal‐order estimate for finite volume method for advection‐diffusion equations
Authors: Ren Yongqiang , Cheng Aijie , Wang Hong 
Published: May 2013

AbstractWe prove an optimal‐order error estimate in a weighted energy norm for finite volume method for two‐dimensional time‐dependent advection–diffusion equations on a uniform space‐time partition of the domain. The generic constants in the estimates depend only on certain norms of the true solution but not on the scaling parameter. These estimates, combined with a priori stability estimates of the governing partial differential equations with full regularity, yield a uniform estimate of the finite volume method, in which the generic constants depend only on the Sobolev norms of the initial and right side data but not on the scaling parameter. We use the interpolation of spaces and stability estimates to derive a uniform estimate for problems with minimal or intermediate regularity, where the convergence rates are proportional to certain Besov norms of the initial and right‐hand side data. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 30: 17‐43, 2014
Fetal aneuploidy detection by maternal plasma DNA sequencing: a technology assessment
Authors: Walsh Judith M. E. , Goldberg James D. 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTThe American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists currently recommends that all pregnant women be offered screening for chromosomal abnormalities, regardless of maternal age. Traditional screening tests have detection rates ranging from 85% to 90% and false‐positive rates of 3% to 5%. A woman with an abnormal noninvasive test is offered a diagnostic test, but diagnostic tests are associated with a risk of pregnancy loss. Recently, analysis of cell‐free fetal DNA (cffDNA) in maternal blood has been shown to have potential for the accurate detection of some of the common fetal autosomal aneuploidies. As part of a technology assessment for the California Technology Assessment Forum, we critically reviewed the evidence for the use of cffDNA as a prenatal screening test. We evaluated the evidence for its use as either a ‘primary’ or an ‘advanced’ screening test and for its use in screening for three different trisomies: 21, 18, and 13. We evaluated whether the use of cffDNA met established technology assessment criteria and established conclusions about evidence‐based use of this new technology. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of annealing on the hierarchical crystalline structures and mechanical properties of injection‐molded bars of high‐density polyethylene
Authors: Wang Long , Zhang Quan‐Ping , Wang Jia‐Hui , Yang Bin , Yang Ming‐Bo , Feng Jian‐Ming 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe effect of annealing on the microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of high‐density polyethylene parts molded via gas‐assisted injection molding was investigated using scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, two‐dimensional wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction and tensile testing. The results indicated that a variety of annealing temperatures could induce considerable variations in the hierarchical structures, crystallinity, lamellar thickness and yield stress of the molded bars. According to these results, the annealing temperatures could be divided into three regions. In the low‐temperature region of annealing at 80 °C, the spatial variation of the superstructure developed along the thickness direction and mechanical properties of the annealed sample were mainly unchanged and similar to those of the original specimen. At 100 and 120 °C, the intermediate temperature region of annealing, the thickness of the crystals, degree of orientation and yield stress of annealed samples were greatly improved. Finally, at 127 °C, the degree of orientation decreased and yield stress slightly improved, an indication of the high‐temperature annealing region being characterized by increasing melting/recrystallization and causing relaxation of oriented molecular chains. A model is proposed to interpret the mechanism of the annealing treatment of the samples at various temperatures. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Recent advances in the preparation of functionalized polysulfones
Authors: Dizman Cemil , Tasdelen Mehmet Atilla , Yagci Yusuf 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThis review summarizes the studies related to chemical functionalization of polysulfones used in many different applications such as membranes with special functions, nanocomposites, biofilm formation, fuel cells etc. reported in recent years from the literature since 2000. Various strategies have been applied for the functionalization of polysulfones. One strategy is to add desired functionality into starting monomers in the solution containing the main components of commercial polysulfones, the aromatic dihalide sulfone and bisphenol monomers, or to functionalize the related monomers before the condensation. Another approach is to form difunctional polysulfone oligomers. Then, functional groups can be utilized to react with monomers or other polymers to obtain functional polymers or block copolymers. The most applied method is post‐modification of commercially available polysulfones by incorporation of functional groups to their aromatic groups and their use in the formation of graft polymers or polysulfone‐based networks. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Comparative proteomics and correlated signaling network of kidney in ApoE deficient mouse
Authors: Lv Xiaoyan , Ai Jianzhong , Li Mi , Wang Honglian , Chen Tielin , Fang Yin , Liu Yunhong , Zhou Puhui , Chen Mianzhi , Tan Ruizhi , Liu Yuhang , Yang Yang , Zhou Qin 
Published: May 2013

PurposeApolipoprotein E knockout (apoE−/−) mouse is one of the most popular models for cardiovascular research, especially in the study of atherosclerosis. Naturally, large amount of studies try to uncover the role of apoE in atherosclerosis, and indeed apoE plays an important role in this pathogenesis. Kidney is an organ that contains lots of capillaries and also largely expresses apoE. Moreover, a protective role of apoE in kidney as an autocrine regulator has been demonstrated previously, however, the underlying mechanism is largely unknown.Experimental designIn this study, comparative proteomics is for the first time used to identify the differential proteins in kidneys of apoE−/− and wild type mice, respectively, and we try to reveal the signaling network of apoE in mice kidney using bioinformatics analysis.ResultsOur findings show that approximately 80 proteins are significantly differentially expressed in kidneys of apoE−/− and wild type mice, and the signaling network correlated to apoE is successfully established by employing bioinformatics assay.Conclusions and clinical relevanceTaken together, we originally identify the proteins with differential expression and propose an apoE correlated molecular network in mice kidney. These findings further provide evidence of the role of apoE in mice kidney and a brand new perspective in the protection and treatment of kidney disease.
Targeted glycoprotein enrichment and identification in stromal cell secretomes using azido sugar metabolic labeling
Authors: Roper Stephen M. , Zemskova Marina , Neely Benjamin A. , Martin Arch , Gao Peng , Jones E. Ellen , Kraft Andrew S. , Drake Richard R. 
Published: May 2013

PurposeEffectively identifying the proteins present in the cellular secretome is complicated due to the presence of cellular protein leakage and serum protein supplements in culture media. A metabolic labeling and click chemistry capture method is described that facilitates the detection of lower abundance glycoproteins in the secretome, even in the presence of serum.Experimental designTwo stromal cell lines were incubated with tetraacetylated sugar‐azide analogs for 48 h in serum‐free and low‐serum conditions. Sugar‐azide labeled glycoproteins were covalently linked to alkyne‐beads, followed by on‐bead trypsin digestion and MS/MS. The resulting glycoproteins were compared between media conditions, cell lines, and azide‐sugar labels.ResultsAlkyne‐bead capture of sugar‐azide modified glycoproteins in stromal cell culture media significantly improved the detection of lower abundance secreted glycoproteins compared to standard serum‐free secretome preparations. Over 100 secreted glycoproteins were detected in each stromal cell line and significantly enriched relative to a standard secretome preparation.Conclusion and clinical relevanceSugar‐azide metabolic labeling is an effective way to enrich for secreted glycoproteins present in cell line secretomes, even in culture media supplemented with serum. The method has utility for identifying secreted stromal proteins associated with cancer progression and the epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition.