LLukas22/scidocs huggingface dataset:
Power generation using fast pyrolysis liquids from biomass

Power production from biomass derived pyrolysis liquids has been under development for the past few years. If technically successful, it would make decentralized bio-energy production possible. Several technologies and system components have been developed by academia, R&D organizations, and industrial companies in many countries. Much experience has been gained and many useful results published. The present work aims at reviewing the most significant experience in power generation from biomass liquids produced by fast pyrolysis processes. Power plant technologies addressed are diesel engines, gas turbines, and natural gas/steam power plants. Main results are reviewed and R&D needs identified for each technology. The analysis shows that even for the most promising solutions long-term demonstration has not yet been achieved. Pyrolysis liquid use in gas see front matter r 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. .rser.2005.07.008 ns: ASTM, American Society for Testing Materials; BMEP, brake mean effective pressure; BTDC, ad centre; BTG, Biomass Technology Group, The Netherlands; CANMET, The Canada Center for Energy Technology; CEM, continuous emission monitoring; CC, combustion chamber; Dyglyme, l dimethyl ether; EPDM, ethylene propylene diene; EtOH, ethanol; FLOX, Flameless OXidation; ber; GT, gas turbine; HFO, heavy fuel oil; HVF, hot vapour filtration; IGT, ignition quality test; e (aviation fuel); LFO, light fuel oil; LHV, lower heating value; MGT, micro gas turbine; MIT, s Institute of Technology; NREL, National Renewable Energy Laboratory; NG, natural gas; PDU, opment unit; PGS, power generation system; PL, pyrolysis oil, pyrolysis liquid, bio-oil, bio fuel oil, bio C, programmable logic controllers; RTP, Ensyn Rapid Thermal Process, Canada; SMD, sauter er; TIT, turbine inlet temperature; VTT, Technical Research Centre of Finland. nding author. Tel.: +390554796436; fax: +39 0554796342. dress: d.chiaramonti@ing.unifi.it (D. Chiaramonti). ARTICLE IN PRESS D. Chiaramonti et al. / Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews ] (]]]]) ]]]–]]] 2 turbine plants and in co-firing mode in large power stations are technically most advanced. Recent work with diesel engines also appears quite promising. r 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Cancer as a channelopathy: ion channels and pumps in tumor development and progression

Increasing evidence suggests that ion channels and pumps not only regulate membrane potential, ion homeostasis, and electric signaling in excitable cells but also play important roles in cell proliferation, migration, apoptosis and differentiation. Consistent with a role in cell signaling, channel proteins and ion pumps can form macromolecular complexes with growth factors, and cell adhesion and other signaling molecules. And while cancer is still not being cataloged as a channelopathy, as the non-traditional roles of ion pumps and channels are being recognized, it is increasingly being suggested that ion channels and ion pumps contribute to cancer progression. Cancer cell migration requires the regulation of adhesion complexes between migrating cells and surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Cell movement along solid surfaces requires a sequence of cell protrusions and retractions that mainly depend on regulation of the actin cytoskeleton along with contribution of microtubules and molecular motor proteins such as mysoin. This process is triggered and modulated by a combination of environmental signals, which are sensed and integrated by membrane receptors, including integrins and cadherins. Membrane receptors transduce these signals into downstream signaling pathways, often involving the Rho GTPase protein family. These pathways regulate the cytoskeletal rearrangements necessary for proper timing of adhesion, contraction and detachment of cells in order to find their way through extracellular spaces. Migration and adhesion involve continuous modulation of cell motility, shape and volume, in which ion channels and pumps play major roles. Research on cancer cells suggests that certain ion channels may be involved in aberrant tumor growth and channel inhibitors often lead to growth arrest. This review will describe recent research into the role of ion pumps and ion channels in cell migration and adhesion, and how they may contribute to tumor development.
Night-time dehazing by fusion

We introduce an effective technique to enhance night-time hazy scenes. Our technique builds on multi-scale fusion approach that use several inputs derived from the original image. Inspired by the dark-channel [1] we estimate night-time haze computing the airlight component on image patch and not on the entire image. We do this since under night-time conditions, the lighting generally arises from multiple artificial sources, and is thus intrinsically non-uniform. Selecting the size of the patches is non-trivial, since small patches are desirable to achieve fine spatial adaptation to the atmospheric light, this might also induce poor light estimates and reduced chance of capturing hazy pixels. For this reason, we deploy multiple patch sizes, each generating one input to a multiscale fusion process. Moreover, to reduce the glowing effect and emphasize the finest details, we derive a third input. For each input, a set of weight maps are derived so as to assign higher weights to regions of high contrast, high saliency and small saturation. Finally the derived inputs and the normalized weight maps are blended in a multi-scale fashion using a Laplacian pyramid decomposition. The experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach compared with recent techniques both in terms of computational efficiency and quality of the outputs.
The Effect of Different Resistance Training Load Schemes on Strength and Body Composition in Trained Men

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of moderate-load (10 RM) and low-load (20 RM) resistance training schemes on maximal strength and body composition. Sixteen resistance-trained men were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups: a moderate-load group (n = 8) or a low-load group (n = 8). The resistance training schemes consisted of 8 exercises performed 4 times per week for 6 weeks. In order to equate the number of repetitions performed by each group, the moderate load group performed 6 sets of 10 RM, while the low load group performed 3 sets of 20 RM. Between-group differences were evaluated using a 2-way ANOVA and independent t-tests. There was no difference in the weekly total load lifted (sets × reps × kg) between the 2 groups. Both groups equally improved maximal strength and measures of body composition after 6 weeks of resistance training, with no significant between-group differences detected. In conclusion, both moderate-load and low-load resistance training schemes, similar for the total load lifted, induced a similar improvement in maximal strength and body composition in resistance-trained men.
Unintended polar metabolite profiling of carotenoid-biofortified transgenic rice reveals substantial equivalence to its non-transgenic counterpart

Substantial equivalence is a critical concept for biosafety assessment of genetically modified (GM) crops. To investigate substantial equivalence among carotenoid-biofortified GM rice and five conventional rice cultivars having common white (three) and red (two) grain colors, profiles of 52 polar metabolites were analyzed using gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The results were compared to evaluate the differences among GM and non-GM rice cultivars using principal components analysis. The GM rice is more comparable to its non-transgenic counterpart rice variety according to the closer co-separation than for other cultivars tested. This suggests that profiling of unintended polar metabolites could be a useful tool to reveal substantial equivalence of GM rice.
Patient and surgeon ranking of the severity of symptoms associated with fecal incontinence: the fecal incontinence severity index.

PURPOSE
The purpose of this research was to develop and evaluate a severity rating score for fecal incontinence, the Fecal Incontinence Severity Index.


METHODS
The Fecal Incontinence Severity Index is based on a type x frequency matrix. The matrix includes four types of leakage commonly found in the fecal incontinent population: gas, mucus, and liquid and solid stool and five frequencies: one to three times per month, once per week, twice per week, once per day, and twice per day. The Fecal Incontinence Severity Index was developed using both colon and rectal surgeons and patient input for the specification of the weighting scores.


RESULTS
Surgeons and patients had very similar weightings for each of the type x frequency combinations; significant differences occurred for only 3 of the 20 different weights. The Fecal Incontinence Severity Index score of a group of patients with fecal incontinence (N = 118) demonstrated significant correlations with three of the four scales found in a fecal incontinence quality-of-life scale.


CONCLUSIONS
Evaluation of the Fecal Incontinence Severity Index indicates that the index is a tool that can be used to assess severity of fecal incontinence. Overall, patient and surgeon ratings of severity are similar, with minor differences associated with the accidental loss of solid stool.
Importance of rate control or rate regulation for improving exercise capacity and quality of life in patients with permanent atrial fibrillation and normal left ventricular function: a randomised controlled study.

OBJECTIVE
To determine the importance of rhythm regulation or rate control in patients with permanent atrial fibrillation (AF) and normal left ventricular function.


PATIENTS AND INTERVENTIONS
Thirty six patients with a mixed fast and slow ventricular response rate to their AF were randomised to either His bundle ablation (HBA) and VVIR pacemaker (HBA group) or VVI pacemaker and atrioventricular modifying drugs (Med group). Outcomes assessed at one, three, six, and 12 months included exercise duration and quality of life.


RESULTS
Exercise duration significantly improved from baseline in both groups. There was no difference in outcome between the groups (Med +40% v HBA +20%, p = NS). The heart rate profile on exercise was similarly slowed in both groups compared to baseline. Quality of life significantly improved in both treatment arms for the modified Karolinska questionnaire (KQ) (Med +50% v HBA +50%, p = NS) and the Nottingham health profile (NHP) (Med +40% v HBA +20%, p = NS). However, for the individual symptom scores of each questionnaire more were improved in the Med group (KQ-Med 6 improved v HBA 4, NHP-Med 3 v HBA 1). Left ventricular function was equally preserved by both treatments during follow up.


CONCLUSION
In these patients control of ventricular response rate with either HBA + VVIR pacemaker or atrioventricular modifying drugs + VVI pacemaker will lead to a significant improvement in exercise duration and quality of life. Rhythm regulation by HBA did not confer additional benefit, suggesting rate control alone is necessary for the successful symptomatic treatment of these patients in permanent AF.
A Multilevel Analysis of Neighborhood Context and Youth Alcohol and Drug Problems

Various sources of data were used to examine hypothesized relations among neighborhood variables and youth alcohol and drug problems. Family members (N = 1186) were from 55 neighborhoods: 57% female, 41% African American, and 59% White. Data were clustered by neighborhood and analyzed within a multilevel design. At the neighborhood level, the study examined relations among poverty, stores selling alcohol, neighborhood social cohesion, neighborhood problems with youth alcohol and drug use, and drug and alcohol arrests. At the individual level, gender, ethnicity, adult versus child status, neighborhood social cohesion, and neighborhood problems were examined. Results indicated that more stores sold alcohol in higher poverty neighborhoods, which was associated with less social cohesion. Lower social cohesion was related to greater perceived neighborhood problems with youth alcohol and drug use, which was positively related to neighborhood youth drug and alcohol arrests. The study showed significant variation across neighborhoods and demonstrates the utility of combining different sources of neighborhood data to examine relations of interest.
Prefrontal Cortex Corticotropin-Releasing Factor Receptor 1 Conveys Acute Stress-Induced Executive Dysfunction

BACKGROUND
The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) subserves complex cognition and is impaired by stress. Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), through CRF receptor 1 (CRFR1), constitutes a key element of the stress response. However, its contribution to the effects of stress in the mPFC remains unclear.


METHODS
Mice were exposed to acute social defeat stress and subsequently to either the temporal order memory (n = 11-12) or reversal learning (n = 9-11) behavioral test. Changes in mPFC Crhr1 messenger RNA levels were measured in acutely stressed mice (n = 12). Crhr1loxP/loxP mice received either intra-mPFC adeno-associated virus-Cre or empty microinjections (n = 17-20) and then were submitted to acute stress and later to the behavioral tests. Co-immunoprecipitation was used to detect activation of the protein kinase A (PKA) signaling pathway in the mPFC of acutely stressed mice (n = 8) or intra-mPFC CRF injected mice (n = 7). Finally, mice received intra-mPFC CRF (n = 11) and/or Rp-isomer cyclic adenosine 3',5' monophosphorothioate (Rp-cAMPS) (n = 12) microinjections and underwent behavioral testing.


RESULTS
We report acute stress-induced effects on mPFC-mediated cognition, identify CRF-CRFR1-containing microcircuits within the mPFC, and demonstrate stress-induced changes in Crhr1 messenger RNA expression. Importantly, intra-mPFC CRFR1 deletion abolishes acute stress-induced executive dysfunction, whereas intra-mPFC CRF mimics acute stress-induced mPFC dysfunction. Acute stress and intra-mPFC CRF activate the PKA signaling pathway in the mPFC, leading to cyclic AMP response element binding protein phosphorylation in intra-mPFC CRFR1-expressing neurons. Finally, PKA blockade reverses the intra-mPFC CRF-induced executive dysfunction.


CONCLUSIONS
Taken together, these results unravel a molecular mechanism linking acute stress to executive dysfunction via CRFR1. This will aid in the development of novel therapeutic targets for stress-induced cognitive dysfunction.
Does seasonal level of serum 25-OH vitamin D correlate with the activity of Crohn's disease?

BACKGROUND AND AIM
Vitamin D has immune modulating effects and normal to high levels might be correlated with less severe Crohn's disease (CD). We aimed to review seasonal vitamin D levels in CD patients in correlation with disease activity.


METHODS
CD patients were identified from an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) database and given two questionnaires enquiring about vitamin D supplementation, sun exposure, sunblock application and symptoms to complete the CDAI. Participants were examined and serum 25-OH vitamin D [25(OH)D] levels and haematocrit were determined in winter (06/2011-09/2011) and summer (12/2011-03/2012). Patients taking vitamin D supplements or with extensive small bowel resection were excluded.


RESULTS
32 patients (19 women, mean age 39 plus or minus 16 years, range 18-73 years), from Dunedin, New Zealand (45 degrees 52' S, 170 degrees 30' E) consented to participate in the study. Of these, three took vitamin D supplements and were excluded. In winter 76% of the participants had serum 25(OH)D levels classified as deficient (<50 nmol/L) and all of them had insufficient 25(OH)D levels (<75 nmol/L). In summer, serum 25(OH)D levels were deficient only in 10% but insufficient in 55% of the participants. Mean serum 25(OH)D level was 35.9 nmol/L (norm 50-150nmol/L) in winter (range 5-67, SD 17.5) and 69.6 nmol/L in summer (range 13-119, SD 19.0) (p<0.0005). There was no significant difference in the seasonal levels of serum 25(OH)D between male and female participants (p=0.601). Mean CDAI score was 103.9 in winter (range -10-262, SD 76.9) and 90.2 in summer (range -13-331, SD 84.0) (p=0.365). A mixed-effects regression analysis showed no statistically significant correlation between seasonal levels of serum 25(OH)D and CDAI (p=0.612) among our study participants.


CONCLUSION
Suboptimal levels of serum 25(OH)D were found in the majority of our study participants particularly in winter and they would benefit from supplementation. Our study showed no statistically significant correlation between seasonal serum 25(OH)D levels and CD activity. Given the limitations of the study, the role of 25(OH)D as a predictor of disease activity could not be clearly concluded.
Citizens and institutions as information prosumers. The case study of italian municipalities on Twitter

The aim of this paper is to address changes in public communication following the advent of Internet social networking tools and the emerging web 2.0 technologies which are providing new ways of sharing information and knowledge. In particular public administrations are called upon to reinvent the governance of public affairs and to update the means for interacting with their communities. The paper develops an analysis of the distribution, diffusion and performance of the official profiles on Twitter adopted by the Italian municipalities (comuni) up to November 2013. It aims to identify the patterns of spatial distribution and the drivers of the diffusion of Twitter profiles; the performance of the profiles through an aggregated index, called the Twitter performance index (Twiperindex), which evaluates the profiles’ activity with reference to the gravitational areas of the municipalities in order to enable comparisons of the activity of municipalities with different demographic sizes and functional roles. The results show that only a small portion of innovative municipalities have adopted Twitter to enhance e-participation and e-governance and that the drivers of the diffusion seem to be related either to past experiences and existing conditions (i.e. civic networks, digital infrastructures) developed over time or to strong local community awareness. The better performances are achieved mainly This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Non commercial Works 3.0 License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/ or send a letter to Creative Commons, 543 Howard Street, 5 Floor, San Francisco, California, 94105, USA. DOI: 10.2902/1725-0463.2015.10.art1 International Journal of Spatial Data Infrastructures Research, 2015, Vol.10, 1-26 2 by small and medium-sized municipalities. Of course, the phenomenon is very new and fluid, therefore this analysis should be considered as a first step in ongoing research which aims to grasp the dynamics of these new means of public communication.
Pre-hospital 12 lead ECG to triage ST elevation myocardial infarction and long term improvements in door to balloon times: The first 1000 patients from the MonAMI project.

BACKGROUND
Pre-hospital ECG is one strategy to improve door to balloon times (D2BT), however its long term effectiveness to sustain reductions in D2BT has not been evaluated.


METHODS
From 2007 to 2011 we conducted a prospective interventional study involving 1000 patients undergoing primary PCI (PPCI) at a single tertiary referral institution to determine the long term impact of pre-hospital 12 lead ECG on D2BT.


RESULTS
The median D2BT of patients (n=414) who underwent PPCI following field 12-lead ECG was 54 min [IQR: 37-71 min] compared to the median time of a contemporary group (n=586) undergoing PPCI during the same period but not presenting via field triage of 100 min [74-134] (p<0.001). The proportion of patients who achieved a D2BT of ≤90 min in the pre-hospital ECG group was greater than that in the contemporary group (90% vs 42%, p<0.001). A comparison of the first 250 patients compared to subsequent 250 patient blocks showed no change in D2BT.


CONCLUSIONS
Introduction of pre-hospital ECG in the triage of STEMI resulted in a sustained reduction in D2BT.
Zizyphus lotus L. (Desf.) modulates antioxidant activity and human T-cell proliferation

BACKGROUND
Zizyphus lotus L. (Desf.) also known as Jujube, is a deciduous shrub which belongs to Rhamnaceae family. This plant is used in Algerian traditional medicine for its anti-diabetic, sedative, analgesic, anti-inflammatory and hypoglycaemic activities. In the present study, we determined the concentrations of different vitamins (vitamin A, C and E) and fatty acids in root, stem, leaves, fruit pulp and seed of Zizyphus lotus L. (Desf.) and assessed the effects of their aqueous extracts on antioxidant status and human T-cell proliferation.


METHODS
Aqueous filtrates from different parts, i.e, root, leaf, stem, fruit pulp and seed, of Zizyphus lotus L. (Desf.) were prepared. Vitamin C levels were determined by precipitating with 10% trichloroacetic acid and vitamin A and E were assessed by HPLC. Lipid composition of these extracts was determined by gas-liquid chromatography. Anti-oxidant capacity was evaluated by using anti-radical resistance kit [Kit Radicaux Libres (KRL@; Kirial International SA, Couternon, France)]. T-cell blastogenesis was assessed by the incorporation of 3H-thymidine. IL-2 gene expression was evaluated by RT-qPCR.


RESULTS
Our results show that fruit pulp contained higher vitamin A and C contents than other parts of the plant. Furthermore, the fruit pulp was the richest source of linoleic acid (18:2n-6), a precursor of n-6 fatty acids. Fruit seeds possessed higher vitamin C levels than leaves, roots and stem. The leaves were the richest source of vitamin E and linolenic acid (18:3n-3), a precursor of n-3 fatty acids. The antioxidant capacity of the different extracts, measured by KRL@ test, was as follows: pulp < seed < leaf < root < stem. As far as T-cell proliferation is concerned, we observed that the different extracts of Zizyphus lotus L. (Desf.) exerted immunosuppressive effects.


CONCLUSION
Seed extracts exerted the most potent immunosuppressive effects on T cell proliferation and IL-2 mRNA expression. The results of the present study are discussed in the light of their use to modulate the immune-mediated diseases.