Machine learning in bioprocess development: from promise to practice

Fostered by novel analytical techniques, digitalization, and automation, modern bioprocess development provides large amounts of heterogeneous experimental data, containing valuable process information. In this context, data-driven methods like machine learning (ML) approaches have great potential to rationally explore large design spaces while exploiting experimental facilities most efficiently. Herein we demonstrate how ML methods have been applied so far in bioprocess development, especially in strain engineering and selection, bioprocess optimization, scale-up, monitoring, and control of bioprocesses. For each topic, we will highlight successful application cases, current challenges, and point out domains that can potentially benefit from technology transfer and further progress in the field of ML.     

Instructional design framework for the sex and gender-specific health multimedia case-based learning modules

The goal of the Sex and Gender Specific Health (SGSH) curriculum at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) is to advance the understanding of sex/gender differences, increase the awareness of gender-specific health issues, and improve the knowledge of sex and gender evidence-based medicine. The purpose of this paper is to explain the development and theoretical rationale for an important aspect of the curriculum: the SGSH Multimedia Case-Based Learning Modules (MCBLMs). The MCBLMs are designed to be used throughout the TTUHSC curriculum as a stand-alone or a supplementary instructional resource. The MCBLMs provide students with authentic learning opportunities that integrate the learning of SGSH with more traditional clinical knowledge and skills. The MCBLMs are specifically designed to enhance students’ clinical reasoning and decision-making skills by portraying realistic clinical scenarios. In this way, students are able to practice effective SGSH as competent health-care professionals.     

Rational design for multifunctional non-liposomal lipid-based nanocarriers for cancer management: theory to practice

Nanomedicines have gained more and more attention in cancer therapy thanks to their ability to enhance the tumour accumulation and the intracellular uptake of drugs while reducing their inactivation and toxicity. In parallel, nanocarriers have been successfully employed as diagnostic tools increasing imaging resolution holding great promises both in preclinical research and in clinical settings. Lipid-based nanocarriers are a class of biocompatible and biodegradable vehicles that provide advanced delivery of therapeutic and imaging agents, improving pharmacokinetic profile and safety. One of most promising engineering challenges is the design of innovative and versatile multifunctional targeted nanotechnologies for cancer treatment and diagnosis. This review aims to highlight rational approaches to design multifunctional non liposomal lipid-based nanocarriers providing an update of literature in this field.     

Growth kinetics for shelf-life prediction: Theory and practice

Summary Predictive microbiology can be used to determine and predict the shelf-life of perishable foods under commercial distribution conditions based on microbial growth kinetics. This paper presents general microbial growth kinetics with the Monod model and the Gompertz function. Additional models are given to describe effects of food composition (e. g.a _w) and environmental conditions (e.g. temperature, gas atmosphere) as well as their interaction on the growth kinetic parameters (lag time and specific growth rate). These models can be used to predict the time to reach a critical level under any constant conditions within the range tested. A combination of microbial kinetics with an engineering accumulation approach can be used to predict the final microbial level in a food, or the loss of shelf-life, for any known time-temperature sequence, if there is no history effect or the history effect is negligible. A time-temperature indicator, could be used for predicting the remaining shelf-life of perishable foods under any distribution condition based on microbial growth kinetics.Mention of brand or firm names does not constitute an endorsement by the US Department of Agriculture over others of a similar nature not mentioned.     

Rooting of microcuttings: Theory and practice

Summary Poor adventitious root formation is a major obstacle in micropropagation and in conventional propagation. This paper reviews recent progress in the understanding of adventitious root formation as a developmental process focusing on the role of plant hormones and on the effect of rooting conditions on plant performance. Since the discovery of the rhizogenic effect of auxin ca. 70 yr ago, no new broadly applicable rooting treatments have been developed. Recent research, though, may lead to new rooting procedures. Application of wounding-related compounds may be effective in difficult-to-root crops. Furthermore, by adapting conditions during the propagation phase, microcuttings with an enhanced capability to root may be produced. These conditions include elongation of stems (by etiolation or double-layer culture) and repeated subculture (rejuvenation; i.e. transition from adult to juvenile). Data are presented that show that during tissue culture maturation (transition from juvenile to adult) also occurs. The conditions during the in vitro rooting treatment may have a tremendous effect on performance after transfer ex vitro. In particular, accumulation of ethylene during in vitro rooting may have a devastating effect. Addition of stress-protecting compounds during propagation or rooting in vitro may enhance the performance ex vitro. Based on a presentation at the Plant Symposium ‘Rooting of Micropropagated Plants’ at the 2001 Congress of In Vitro Biology held at St. Louis, MO, June 16–20, 2001.     

Strategic collection planning: Theory and practice

Strategic collection planning is a relatively new concept for zoos. Until recently, personal preference, availability, and competition determined which species or subspecies were acquired. In the last few years, however, there have been attempts to employ systematic criteria for taxon selection that better serve conservation objectives. Planning currently occurs at three levels: global, regional, and institutional. The current planning process is reviewed and recommendations are made for ways the process might be improved. An efficient, economical, and effective collection planning process is critical if modern, professionally managed zoological institutions are to make a significant impact on wildlife and ecosystem conservation. Rather than selecting taxa solely on the possibility of a future reintroduction, serious consideration should be given to the ability of a species or subspecies to contribute to more immediate conservation goals, including public education, fund raising to support field conservation, and scientific research. Because resources are limited, perhaps zoos should focus their long-term breeding programs primarily on flagship species—that is, those that have the potential to excite public attention and help to protect habitat and other taxa—rather than on a broad array of species that are currently endangered. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Amenity and ecological management: A framework for policy and practice

Amenity is a term that has re‐emerged within both public policy and environmental management organisations in response to an increasing emphasis on the human benefits derived from ecosystems. However, practical implementation of amenity management has been difficult due to a lack of definitional clarity within operational and academic literature. This article discusses the need for definitional clarity and understanding of the component elements of amenity that are integral to ecological management and reviews the literature on the perceptions and definitions of amenity in varied contexts. This study argues that positive perceptions of amenity benefits of a place are influenced by both physical elements such as sight, sound and smell and social elements such as age, education and cultural values. These elements should be considered by management agencies in a structured manner in order for the full potential of amenity to be realised. We present a conceptual framework to provide definitional clarity to the concept of amenity and highlight the interactions among its constituent elements. For the management of human‐dominated landscapes, considering the relationship between amenity and biodiversity may improve the integration of ecological and social goals.     

Teaching bioethics to future health professionals: a case-based clinical model

In summary, I believe that ethics teaching based on actual cases, presented in a small-group format led by a clinician and an ethicist, offers the best prospect for achieving these goals. The physician serves as a role model and ensures that information and options are medically accurate. The ethicist helps to identify morally relevant features, can articulate ethical principles, and direct students to the appropriate literature. This method does not guarantee that the behavior of future health professionals will always be humane or ethically sound. But it is likely to get future health professionals to think about what they are doing when they encounter cases that resemble those discussed in teaching conferences devoted to clinical ethics.     

动物学野外实习管理模式探讨

动物学野外实习是生命科学各专业教学计划的重要组成部分。在总结二十多年来野外实习经验的基础上,参考国内外一些做法,提出动物学野外实习的管理模式,包括实习的学时及安排,实习时间、地点的选择,实习组织形式及其职能,实习纪律和要求,实习中的安全防护,实习动员和总结六个方面。     

Electrical measurements in epithelial tissues: Theory and practice

The transport of ions from one side to the other of the continuous sheet of cells that constitutes an epithelium is most easily explored with the chambered preparation, in which the tissue is maintained between two bathing solutions of known composition. The chamber design must allow for the biological requirements of the tissue (such as oxygenation) as well as permit the electrical and/or chemical measurements desired. Methods for measuring electrical potential difference, short circuit current and tissue resistance are discussed, and consideration is given to the meaning of the numbers obtained in relation to the experimental procedure.     

Effective use of course management systems to enhance student learning: Experimental Biology 2007

Course management systems are software packages that support teaching and learning by providing web-based tools, services, and resources. Electronic course management can facilitate course organization, teaching delivery, communication, collaboration, and assessment. This article reports on a symposium on the use of course management systems, presented by the Teaching of Physiology Section of the American Physiological Society, at the Experimental Biology Meeting of 2007.     

Implications for educational practice of the science of learning and development

Abstract

This article draws out the implications for school and classroom practices of an emerging consensus about the science of learning and development, outlined in a recent synthesis of the research. Situating the review in a developmental systems framework, we synthesize evidence from the learning sciences and several branches of educational research regarding well-vetted strategies that support the kinds of relationships and learning opportunities needed to promote children’s well-being, healthy development, and transferable learning. In addition, we review research regarding practices that can help educators respond to individual variability, address adversity, and support resilience, such that schools can enable all children to find positive pathways to adulthood.