Engineering Microbial Consortia for Bioconversion of Multisubstrate Biomass Streams to Biofuels

Production of biofuels from nonfood biomass has emerged as a sustainable option to address the problems associated with growing enery demand for transportation, heating, and industrial processes, in the context of diminishing petroleum reserves and global climate change. Biomass resources such as lignocellulose-rich biomass and microalgae, despite being abundant pose several challenges for efficient bioconversion to biofuels. Major challenges that must be addressed are the chemical complexity of the biomass and the associated feedstock variability. In this chapter, the role of microbial consortium-based biocatalysis strategies that are being developed to address these issues are reviewed and discussed. Microbial coculture biocatalysts are systems that are engineered to specialize in the conversion of a general class of substrates present in the biomass hydrolysates into biofuel intermediates, providing the capability of adapting to the variable composition of the feedstock. The techniques being developed to understand the interactions between the members of the bioconversion consortia and the corresponding population dynamics of the engineered cocultures are also discussed

Proximal interruption of the pulmonary artery: Transcatheter embolization for emergent management of massive hemoptysis

AbstractTranscatheter embolization is the first-line treatment for massive hemoptysis and recurrent intractable hemoptysis. Proximal interruption of the pulmonary artery is a rare congenital anomaly characterized by hypertrophy and neovasculsarity of bronchial and nonbronchial aortopulmonary collaterals; hemoptysis complicates a minority of cases. We present a case of unilateral proximal interruption of the left pulmonary artery associated with a right-sided aorta, presenting in adulthood with hemoptysis. The patient was managed emergently with bronchial, intercostal, and inferior phrenic artery embolization

Establishing a Data Science for Good Ecosystem: The Case of ATLytiCS

Data science for social good (DSSG) initiatives have been championed as worthy mechanisms for transformative change and social impact. However, researchers have not fully explored the systems by which actors coordinate, access data, determine goals and communicate opportunities for change. We contribute to the information systems ecosystems and the nonprofit volunteering literatures by exploring the ways in which data science volunteers leverage their talents to address social impact goals. We use Atlanta Analytics for Community Service (ATLytiCS), an organization that aids nonprofits and government agencies, as a case study. ATLytiCS represents a rare example of a nonprofit organization (NPO) managed and run by highly-skilled volunteer data scientists within a regionally networked system of actors and institutions. Based on findings from this case, we build a DSSG ecosystem framework to describe and distinguish DSSG ecosystems from related data and entrepreneurial ecosystems

Cancer Stem Cells in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Accumulating evidence suggests that self-renewal and differentiation capabilities reside only in a subpopulation of tumor cells, termed cancer stem cells (CSCs), whereas the remaining tumor cell population lacks the ability to initiate tumor development or support continued tumor growth. In head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), as with other malignancies, cancer stem cells have been increasingly shown to have an integral role in tumor initiation, disease progression, metastasis and treatment resistance. In this paper we summarize the current knowledge of the role of CSCs in HNSCC and discuss the therapeutic implications and future directions of this field

Mechanical Seals

Discussion GroupMechanical seals are the most common method of sealing industrial centrifugal pumps and other rotary equipment. Although the basic concepts of a seal is simple, successfully using seals requires an understanding of the selection and operational requirements which can be unique for a specific application. In this discussion group, we will cover many of these considerations along with other application experiences from end users and seal OEMs. The discussion group will actively solicit topics from the attendees so the discussions will address real-world problems and challenges faced by the group. Typical topics covered in this discussion group include: Changes in upcoming API 682 4th edition Air testing of seals in pumps prior to installation Challenges with low temperatures sealing Effective leakage containment of single seals Strengths and weaknesses in Plan 53A, 53B, and 53C piping plans Considerations when sealing abrasive slurries How to apply dual pressurized gas seals Mechanical seals for multiphase applications Advances in seal face materials Process for handling problem pump and seal applications Definition of mean time between failure and industry best practices How and when to use split seal

Mechanical Seals

Discussion Grou

Günther Tulip inferior vena cava filter retrieval using a bidirectional loop-snare technique

Many advanced techniques have been reported in the literature for difficult Günther Tulip filter removal. This report describes a bidirectional loop-snare technique in the setting of a fibrin scar formation around the filter leg anchors. The bidirectional loop-snare technique allows for maximal axial tension and alignment for stripping fibrin scar from the filter legs, a commonly encountered complication of prolonged dwell times