bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploration of Staphylococcus nepalensis (KY024500) Biosurfactant towards Microbial Enhanced Oil Recovery
Authors: Kanakdande Amruta P. , Khobragade Chandrahasya N. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractOleochemicals have long been used as biolubricants, biopolymers, and biosurfactants; an effective alternative to petroleum‐based products. The present study explores the biosurfactant potential of a novel strain, isolated from rocks of earthquake‐prone area. On the basis of morphological, biochemical and 16S rRNA sequencing analysis, the isolate was identified as Staphylococcus nepalensis (KY024500). A biosurfactant yield 2.39, 1.39, and 0.9 g L−1 was obtained using glycerol, waste orange peel, and diesel as a sole carbon source, respectively. Based on oil recovery experimental findings through sand pack column, the obtained biosurfactant from waste orange peels as a sole carbon source was carried forward for further analysis. Thus, obtained biosurfactant from waste orange peels were subjected to solvent extraction and purified by column chromatography. The purified biosurfactant thus obtained was characterized with the help of fourier transform infrared (FTIR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), gas chromatography‐mass spectroscopy (GC–MS), and MALDI TOF MS/mass spectroscopy (MS) analysis. FTIR spectroscopic analysis revealed the presence of a carbonyl, amine, hydroxyl, and methyl as functional groups. The GC–MS analysis showed the presence of benzene dicarboxylic acid diethyl ester and pthalic acid as fatty acids while MALDI TOF MS/MS analysis shows lysin‐glycin as a hydrophilic dipeptide moiety. This study also demonstrates Microbial Enhanced Oil Recovery (MEOR) potential of the biosurfactant as more efficient than commercial ones. The biosurfactant obtained from waste orange peel as carbon source was able to facilitate a 20% higher recovery of diesel from sand pack recovery column.
Multiple trade‐offs between maximizing yield and minimizing greenhouse gas production in Chinese rice croplands
Authors: Wang Weiqi , Wang Chun , Sardans Jordi , Fang Yunying , Singh Bhupinder Pal , Wang Huaru , Huang Xiaoting , Zeng Congsheng , Tong Chuan , Peñuelas Josep 
Published: February 2020

AbstractGlobally, paddy fields are a major anthropogenic source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from agriculture. There is, however, limited understanding of relationships between GHG production with fertilizer management, rice varieties, and soil variables. This information is crucial for minimizing the climatic impacts of rice agriculture. Here, we examined the relationships between soil GHG production and management practices throughout China. The current doses of N‐fertilizer (73–272 kg ha−1) were negatively correlated with rice yield and with CO2 or CH4 production and positively correlated with N2O production, thus suggesting N‐overfertilization. Impacts on soil traits such as decreasing pH or the availabilities of other nutrients could be underlying these relationships. Rice yield was highest, and GHG production was lowest at sites using intermediate levels of P‐ and K‐fertilization. CO2 and CH4 production and emissions were positively related with soil water content. The yield was higher, and N2O productions were lower at the sites with japonica rice. Our results strongly suggest that current high doses of N‐fertilizers could be reduced to thus avoid the negative effects of excessive N input on GHG production without any immediate risk of rice production loss. Current intermediate doses of P‐ and K‐fertilization should be adopted across China to further improve rice production without the risk of GHG emissions. The use of different rice varieties and strategies of water management should be reexamined in relation to crop production and GHG mitigation.
The role of water masses in shaping the distribution of redox active compounds in the Eastern Tropical North Pacific oxygen deficient zone and influencing low oxygen concentrations in the eastern Pacific Ocean
Authors: Evans Natalya , Boles Elisabeth , Kwiecinski Jarek V. , Mullen Susan , Wolf Martin , Devol Allan H. , Moriyasu Rintaro , Nam SungHyun , Babbin Andrew R. , Moffett James W. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractOceanic oxygen deficient zones (ODZs) influence global biogeochemical cycles in a variety of ways, most notably by acting as a sink for fixed nitrogen (Codispoti et al. 2001). Optimum multiparameter analysis of data from two cruises in the Eastern Tropical North Pacific (ETNP) was implemented to develop a water mass analysis for the large ODZ in this region. This analysis reveals that the most pronounced oxygen deficient conditions are within the 13°C water (13CW) mass, which is distributed via subsurface mesoscale features such as eddies branching from the California Undercurrent. Nitrite accumulates within these eddies and slightly below the core of the 13CW. This water mass analysis also reveals that the 13CW and deeper Northern Equatorial Pacific Intermediate Water (NEPIW) act as the two Pacific Equatorial source waters to the California Current System. The Equatorial Subsurface Water and Subtropical Subsurface Water are synonymous with the 13CW and this study refers to this water mass as the 13CW based on its history. Since the 13CW has been found to dominate the most pronounced oxygen deficient conditions within the Eastern Tropical South Pacific ODZ and the Peru‐Chile Undercurrent, the 13CW and the NEPIW define boundaries for oxygen minimum conditions across the entire eastern Pacific Ocean.
Illuminating a Black Box of the Peer Review System: Demographics, Experiences, and Career Benefits of Associate Editors
Authors: Poulson‐Ellestad Kelsey , Hotaling Scott , Falkenberg Laura J. , Soranno Patricia 
Published: February 2020

AbstractEditors are often described as gatekeepers of scientific publishing, as they are responsible for maintaining journal standards, deciding what is published, and ultimately guiding discourse. Scientists who are journal editors gain career benefits, yet these are rarely described to early career researchers, much less how to prepare for such a role. Additionally, disparities at the editorial level could impact which scientists receive benefits of filling these roles. To better characterize the demographics and professional experiences of current associate editors, while also highlighting the benefits and potential challenges to this position, we conducted a survey of associate editors for the Association for the Sciences of Limnology & Oceanography society journals. Our results highlight potential demographic disparities present in the editorial pool, including that non‐native English speaking editors assume the role after obtaining more experience serving as a peer reviewer than native English speaking editors. Our results also highlight several rewards along with challenging components of being an editor. We hope our results can inform early career researchers on steps they can take to prepare themselves for editorial work, as well as provide strategies for scientific societies to minimize editorial board disparities.
All‐Optical Nanoscale Heating and Thermometry with Resonant Dielectric Nanoparticles for Controllable Drug Release in Living Cells
Authors: Zograf George P. , Timin Alexander S. , Muslimov Albert R. , Shishkin Ivan I. , Nominé Alexandre , Ghanbaja Jaafar , Ghosh Pintu , Li Qiang , Zyuzin Mikhail V. , Makarov Sergey V. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractAll‐dielectric nanophotonics becomes a versatile tool for various optical applications, including nanothermometry and optical heating. Its general concept includes excitation of Mie resonances in nonplasmonic nanoparticles. However, the potential of resonant dielectric nanoparticles in drug delivery applications still has not been fully realized. Here, optically resonant dielectric iron oxide nanoparticles (α‐Fe2O3 NPs) are employed for remote rupture of microcontainers used as a drug delivery platform. It is theoretically and experimentally demonstrated that α‐Fe2O3 NPs have several advantages in light‐to‐heat energy conversion comparing to previously used materials, such as noble metals and silicon, due to the broader spectral range of efficient optical heating, and in enhancement of thermally sensitive Raman signal. The α‐Fe2O3 NPs embedded into the wall of universal drug carriers, polymer capsules, are used to experimentally determine the local temperature of the capsule rupture upon laser irradiation (170 °C). As a proof of principle, the delivery and remote release of anticancer drug vincristine upon lowered laser irradiation (4.0× 104 W cm−2) using polymer capsules modified with the α‐Fe2O3 NPs is shown. The biological tests are performed on two primary cell types: i) carcinoma cells, as an example of malignant tumor, and ii) human stem cells, as a model of healthy cells.
Simple Fabrication of Multicomponent Heterogeneous Fibers for Cell Co‐Culture via Microfluidic Spinning
Authors: Yao Kun , Li Wei , Li Kaiyan , Wu Qirui , Gu Yarong , Zhao Lijuan , Zhang Yuan , Gao Xinghua 
Published: February 2020

AbstractMicrofluidic spinning, as a combination of wet spinning and microfluidic technology, has been used to develop microfibers with special structures to facilitate cell 3D culture/co‐culture and microtissue formation in vitro. In this study, a simple microchip‐based microfluidic spinning strategy is presented for the fabrication of multicomponent heterogeneous calcium alginate microfibers. The use of two kinds of microchip enables the one‐step preparation of multicomponent heterogeneous microfibers with various arrangement patterns, including the preparation of one‐, two‐, and three‐component microfibers by a two‐layer microchip and preparation of four component microfibers with different arrangement by a membrane‐sandwiched three‐layer microchip. The obtained microfibers could be used to encapsulate various kinds of cells, such as the human non‐small cell lung cancer cell NCI‐H1650, the human fetal lung fibroblast HFL1, the normal pulmonary bronchial epithelial cell 16HBE, and human umbilical vein endothelial cells. By adding chitosan to the medium to keep the fibers stable, 3D long‐term in vitro cell co‐culture has been carried out up to 21 days. This method is very simple and easy to operate, continuously produces spatially well‐defined heterogeneous microfibers, has important applications for composite functional biomaterials, and shows great potential in organs‐on‐a‐chip and biomimetic systems.
Random Branching of Polymer Chains with Schulz–Zimm Distribution. 2. Radius of Gyration and Maximum Span Length
Authors: Tobita Hidetaka 
Published: February 2020

AbstractMean‐square radius of gyration Rg2 and the maximum span length LMS of each polymer molecule are investigated for the random branching of primary chains that follow the Schulz–Zimm distribution, by using the Monte Carlo simulation method. It is found that the expected g‐ratio of Rg2 of the branched molecule to that of a linear molecule for a given number of branch points k does not change with the branching density. The expected g‐ratio becomes larger for the primary chains with broader distribution. An approximate formula for the relationship between g‐ratio and k that accounts for the distribution breadth is proposed. The relationship between the weight fraction of the maximum span chain LMS/(degree of polymerization) and k shows the analogous behavior with that for g‐ratio and k. The magnitude of Rg2 is proportional to LMS, with Rg2 = 0.18 LMS, irrespective of the breadth of the primary polymer chain length distribution.
A wide‐band rhombus monopole antenna array for millimeter wave applications
Authors: Ullah Hidayat , Tahir Farooq A. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThis article presents a simple antenna array for millimeter‐wave communications at 28 GHz. The proposed antenna array is 40 × 19.22 mm2 in size and operates in a measured 26.04 to 30.63 GHz frequency range. The antenna array elements are excited by a planar four‐way feed network, which has been designed and optimized for optimum performance. The single element of the proposed antenna array is a rhombic monopole surrounded by a series of vias, square parasitic patches were etched on the back side to enhance its impedance performance. The proposed antenna array has a peak gain of 11.24 dBi with radiation efficiency more than 85% in its entire operating band. Both single and its 4 × 1 array have been modeled, simulated, and fabricated using standard PCB process. Excellent agreement exists between the simulated and measured results. The antenna's simple design, compact size, and low fabrication cost, enables it to be deployed in millimeter‐wave communication systems.
Multi‐sequence MR image‐based synthetic CT generation using a generative adversarial network for head and neck MRI‐only radiotherapy
Authors: Qi Mengke , Li Yongbao , Wu Aiqian , Jia Qiyuan , Li Bin , Sun Wenzhao , Dai Zhenhui , Lu Xingyu , Zhou Linghong , Deng Xiaowu , Song Ting 
Published: February 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of different magnetic resonance (MR) sequences on the accuracy of deep learning‐based synthetic computed tomography (sCT) generation in the complex head and neck region.MethodsFour sequences of MR images (T1, T2, T1C, and T1DixonC‐water) were collected from 45 patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Seven conditional generative adversarial network (cGAN) models were trained with different sequences (single channel) and different combinations (multi‐channel) as inputs. To further verify the cGAN performance, we also used a U‐net network as a comparison. Mean absolute error, structural similarity index, peak signal‐to‐noise ratio, dice similarity coefficient, and dose distribution were evaluated between the actual CTs and sCTs generated from different models.ResultsThe results show that the cGAN model with multi‐channel (i.e., T1 + T2 + T1C + T1DixonC‐water) as input to predict sCT achieves higher accuracy than any single MR sequence model. The T1‐weighted MR model achieves better results than T2, T1C, and T1DixonC‐water models. The comparison between cGAN and U‐net shows that the sCTs predicted by cGAN retains additional image details are less blurred and more similar to the actual CT.ConclusionsConditional generative adversarial network with multiple MR sequences as model input shows the best accuracy. The T1‐weighted MR images provide sufficient image information and are suitable for sCT prediction in clinical scenarios with limited acquisition sequences or limited acquisition time.
A preliminary study on a multiresolution‐level inverse planning approach for Gamma Knife radiosurgery
Authors: Tian Zhen , Yang Xiaofeng , Giles Matt , Wang Tonghe , Gao Hao , Butker Elizabeth , Liu Tian , Kahn Shannon 
Published: February 2020

PurposeWith many plan variables to determine, manual forward planning for Gamma Knife (GK) radiosurgery is very challenging. Inverse planning eases GK planning by determining the variables via solving an optimization problem. However, due to the vast search space, most inverse planning algorithms, including the one provided in Leksell GammaPlan (LGP) treatment planning system, have to predetermine the isocenter locations using some geometric methods and then optimize the shot shapes and durations at these preselected isocenters. This sequential planning scheme does not necessarily lead to optimal isocenter locations and hence globally optimal plans. In this study, we proposed a multiresolution‐level (MRL) inverse planning approach, attempting to approach this large‐scale GK optimization problem via an iterative method.MethodsIn our MRL approach, several rounds of optimizations were performed with a progressively increased resolution used for isocenter candidates. At each round, an optimization problem was solved to optimize the beam‐on time for each collimator and sector at each isocenter candidate. The isocenters that obtained nonzero beam‐on times at the previous round and their neighbors on a finer resolution were used as new isocenter candidates for the next round of optimization. After plan optimization, shot sequencing was performed to group the optimized sectors to deliverable composite shots.ResultsWe have tested our MRL approach on six GK cases previously treated in our institution. For the five cases that have a single target, with similar target coverage obtained, our MRL inverse planning approach achieved better plan quality compared to manual forward planning and LGP inverse planning, with higher selectivity (0.73 ± 0.07 vs 0.72 ± 0.08 and 0.62 ± 0.10), lower gradient index (2.71 ± 0.25 vs 2.78 ± 0.24 and 3.00 ± 0.29), lower brainstem D0.1cc dose (6.10 ± 4.46 Gy vs 8.87 ± 4.82 Gy and 9.17 ± 3.80 Gy), and shorter total beam‐on time (62.1 ± 22.9 min vs 83.6 ± 28.2 min and 70.7 ± 16.7 min). For the case that have six targets, compared with manual planning and LGP inverse planning, our MRL approach achieved higher selectivity (0.68 vs 0.57 and 0.47) and lower gradient index (3.77 vs 4.51 and 5.11). The beam‐on time of our plan was slightly longer than manual planning and LGP inverse planning (206.4 min vs 204.7 min and 199.3 min). We have also performed sector duration optimization at the isocenters determined by manual planning or the LGP inverse planning, and the resulting plan qualities were found to be inferior to our MRL approach for all the six cases.ConclusionsThis preliminary study has demonstrated the efficacy and feasibility of our MRL inverse planning approach for GK radiosurgery.
A calculation method for the embedded depth of stabilizing piles in reinforced slopes
Authors: Yan Yuping , Xiao Shiguo 
Published: February 2020

SummaryEmbedded stabilizing piles are a significant optimization measure for traditional piles used to reinforce slopes or landslides. The determination of the embedded depth of the pile top is essential for engineering design. On the basis of the potential overtop‐sliding failure mechanism for a piled slope, the corresponding overall slip surface is assumed to consist of the upper part from the original slip surface of the landslide, and the lower part occurs in the local slide mass upslope of the piles. The imbalanced thrust force method is used to determine the thrust force of the upper slide mass, and a variational calculus method within the framework of limit equilibrium for the lower slide mass is provided to calculate its limit resistance. According to the equilibrium relationship between the thrust force and the limit resistance under a design factor of safety of the piled slope, a closed‐form solution to the piled‐slope stability is specifically derived. It can quantitatively exhibit the influences of some important factors, including the embedded depth on the factor of safety and the corresponding slip surface of the slope. The analysis results of some practical examples show that the factor of safety decreases nonlinearly as the embedded depth increases. The proposed method can be applied in practical engineering.
Do we have adequate data to construct a valid algorithm for management of synthetic midurethral sling complications? ICI‐RS 2019
Authors: Giarenis Ilias , Anding Ralf , Chermansky Christopher , Greenwell Tamsin , Cardozo Linda , Harding Christopher 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundSynthetic midurethral sling (MUS) procedures, purported for the last two decades as the gold standard surgical treatment for stress urinary incontinence, have been in creasingly scrutinized in recent years with regard to the rate and severity of complications.MethodsDuring the International Consultation on Incontinence Research Society meeting held in Bristol, UK, in 2019, a multidisciplinary panel held a think tank and discussed the contemporary evidence pertaining to the classification, investigation, and treatment of MUS complications.ResultsThe current classification system of mesh‐related complications was discussed, and shortcomings were identified. The lack of a standardized clinical pathway was noted, and the value of clinical investigations and surgical treatments was difficult to fully evaluate. The paucity of high‐level evidence was a common factor in all discussions, and the difficulties with setting up relevant randomized‐controlled trials were highlighted.ConclusionsThe outcome of the think‐tank discussions is summarized with a set of recommendations designed to stimulate future research.
Emotion regulation strategies predict weight loss during an inpatient obesity treatment for adolescents
Authors: Reinelt Tilman , Petermann Franz , Bauer Florian , Bauer Carl‐Peter 
Published: February 2020

SummaryObjectiveWeight loss during an inpatient obesity treatment is an important predictor of subsequent weight maintenance. However, psychological factors influencing weight loss are not well established. Psychological models suggest some importance of executive functioning and emotion regulation strategies. Therefore, this study investigated whether these factors predict weight loss during an inpatient obesity treatment and whether this effect holds after controlling for general personal and treatment characteristics.MethodA total of 158 adolescents with diagnosed obesity underwent inpatient obesity treatment at a German rehabilitation clinic. Psychological factors (executive functioning and emotion regulation) were measured at admission and used to predict BMI reduction after treatment completion.ResultsMore frequent use of reappraisal as an emotion regulation strategy, but not suppression or executive functioning, predicted weight loss at the end of the obesity treatment, even after controlling for age, gender, treatment duration, and BMI at admission.ConclusionFunctional emotion regulation strategies, like reappraisal, might offer an additional target for obesity treatment programmes, complementary to the more traditional components of psychoeducation, physical activity, and caloric restriction.
Evaluating the cost‐effectiveness of the Dyslexia Pilot Project: A multitiered system of supports for early literacy
Authors: Morrison Julie Q. , Hawkins Renee O. , Collins Tai A. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe Dyslexia Pilot Project provided funding to school districts to implement a multitiered system of support (MTSS) framework for the prevention, early identification, and early intervention of reading difficulties. This article describes the evaluation of the multiyear Dyslexia Pilot Project for students in kindergarten through Grade 2. The evaluation extended a conceptual model for evaluating the systems effects of an MTSS for reading by including a cost‐effectiveness analysis. The results indicate that mean rates of improvement on Dynamic Indicators for Basic Early Literacy Skills Next curriculum‐based measures for students in participating schools exceeded the expected rates of improvement based on benchmark norms. This reduction in risk precluded the need for more intensive, individualized, and costly interventions and specialized educational services. Implications of the findings and future directions are discussed.