bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Life cycle assessment of emerging technologies: A review
Authors: Moni Sheikh Moniruzzaman , Mahmud Roksana , High Karen , Carbajales‐Dale Michael 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIn recent literature, prospective application of life cycle assessment (LCA) at low technology readiness levels (TRL) has gained immense interest for its potential to enable development of emerging technologies with improved environmental performances. However, limited data, uncertain functionality, scale up issues and uncertainties make it very challenging for the standard LCA guidelines to evaluate emerging technologies and requires methodological advances in the current LCA framework. In this paper, we review published literature to identify major methodological challenges and key research efforts to resolve these issues with a focus on recent developments in five major areas: cross‐study comparability, data availability and quality, scale‐up issues, uncertainty and uncertainty communication, and assessment time. We also provide a number of recommendations for future research to support the evaluation of emerging technologies at low technology readiness levels: (a) the development of a consistent framework and reporting methods for LCA of emerging technologies; (b) the integration of other tools with LCA, such as multicriteria decision analysis, risk analysis, technoeconomic analysis; and (c) the development of a data repository for emerging materials, processes, and technologies.
Study of SU‐8 photoresist cross‐linking process by atomic force acoustic microscopy
Authors: ZHAO Y. , LIU Y. , WANG Z. , WANG L. , LI L. , HOU F. , SONG Z. , WENG Z. 
Published: November 2019

SummaryIn this paper, a method is presented to detect the different phases of epoxy cross‐linking process and the subsurface structures of SU‐8 thin films by atomic force acoustic microscopy (AFAM). The AFAM imaging of SU‐8 thin films was investigated under different exposure and bake conditions. Optimized conditions were obtained for the cross‐linking of SU‐8 thin film at the exposure does of eight laser pulses with the laser fluence 10 mJ cm–2 per pulse and the post exposure bake (PEB) time at 90 s. The subsurface structures of undeveloped SU‐8 thin films were visible in the AFAM images. This method provides an effective and low‐cost way for the determination of different phases of epoxy cross‐linking process in nanostructured compounds, for the non‐destructive testing of subsurface defects, and for the evaluation of the quality of patterned structures.
Microglial Hv1 proton channels promote white matter injuries after chronic hypoperfusion in mice
Authors: Yu Ying , Luo Xiang , Li Chunyu , Ding Fengfei , Wang Minghuan , Xie Minjie , Yu Zhiyuan , Ransom Bruce R. , Wang Wei 
Published: November 2019

AbstractMicroglia are critical in damage/repair processes during ischemic white matter injury (WMI). Voltage‐gated proton channel (Hv1) is expressed in microglia and contributes to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase complex‐dependent production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Recent findings have shown that Hv1 is involved in regulating luminal pH of M1‐polarized microglial phagosomes and inhibits endocytosis in microglia. We previously reported that Hv1 facilitated production of ROS and pro‐inflammatory cytokines in microglia and enhanced damage to oligodendrocyte progenitor cells from oxygen and glucose deprivation. To investigate the role of Hv1 in hypoperfusion‐induced WMI, we employed mice that were genetically devoid of Hv1 (Hv1‐/‐), as well as a model of subcortical vascular dementia via bilateral common carotid artery stenosis. Integrity of myelin was assessed using immunofluorescent staining and transmission electron microscopy, while cognitive impairment was assessed using an eight‐arm radial maze test. Hv1 deficiency was found to attenuate bilateral common carotid artery stenosis‐induced disruption of white matter integrity and impairment of working memory. Immunofluorescent staining and western blotting were used to assay changes in oligodendrocytes, OPCs, and microglial polarization. Compared with that in wild‐type (WT) mice, Hv1‐/‐ mice exhibited reduced ROS generation, decreased pro‐inflammatory cytokines production, and an M2‐dominant rather than M1‐dominant microglial polarization. Furthermore, Hv1‐/‐ mice exhibited enhanced OPC proliferation and differentiation into oligodendrocytes. Results of mouse‐derived microglia‐OPC co‐cultures suggested that PI3K/Akt signaling was involved in Hv1‐deficiency‐induced M2‐type microglial polarization and concomitant OPC differentiation. These results suggest that microglial Hv1 is a promising therapeutic target for reducing ischemic WMI and cognitive impairment.
Sexual differences in the foraging ecology of 19th century beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) from the Canadian High Arctic
Authors: Szpak Paul , Julien Marie‐Hélène , Royle Thomas C. A. , Savelle James M. , Yang Dongya Y. , Richards Michael P. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractMarine mammals often exhibit significant sexual segregation in their diet and habitat use but these differences have not been studied systematically in historic or ancient populations due to the difficulties associated with determining the sex of skeletal elements based on gross morphology. Using a combined ancient DNA and stable isotope approach, we document a sexual difference in the foraging ecology of late 19th century beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) from the Canadian High Arctic. Using two PCR assays that coamplify fragments of the Y‐linked SRY and X‐linked ZFX genes, we assigned reproducible sex identities to 35 beluga specimens. This provided a basis for investigating sex‐specific differences in foraging ecology using stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analyses of bone collagen. These isotopic data demonstrate that although both males and females primarily consumed Arctic cod, males utilized a wider range of prey than females, feeding on high trophic level benthic prey (sculpins) to a greater extent. Because bone collagen integrates prey isotopic compositions over the course of several years these sex‐based differences in beluga bone collagen isotopic compositions reflect long‐term and sustained sexual differences in foraging.
The fungal subtilase AsES elicits a PTI‐like defence response in Arabidopsis thaliana plants independently of its enzymatic activity
Authors: Caro María del Pilar , Holton Nicholas , Conti Gabriela , Venturuzzi Andrea Laura , Martínez‐Zamora Martin Gustavo , Zipfel Cyril , Asurmendi Sebastian , Díaz‐Ricci Juan Carlos 
Published: November 2019

SummaryAcremonium strictum elicitor subtilisin (AsES) is a 34‐kDa serine‐protease secreted by the strawberry fungal pathogen A. strictum. On AsES perception, a set of defence reactions is induced, both locally and systemically, in a wide variety of plant species and against pathogens of alternative lifestyles. However, it is not clear whether AsES proteolytic activity is required for triggering a defence response or if the protein itself acts as an elicitor. To investigate the necessity of the protease activity to activate the defence response, AsES coding sequences of the wild‐type gene and a mutant on the active site (S226A) were cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. Our data show that pretreatment of Arabidopsis plants with inactive proteins, i.e. inhibited with phenylmethylsulphonyl fluoride (PMSF) and mutant, resulted in an increased systemic resistance to Botrytis cinerea and expression of defence‐related genes in a temporal manner that mimics the effect already reported for the native AsES protein. The data presented in this study indicate that the defence‐eliciting property exhibited by AsES is not associated with its proteolytic activity. Moreover, the enhanced expression of some immune marker genes, seedling growth inhibition and the involvement of the co‐receptor BAK1 observed in plants treated with AsES suggests that AsES is being recognized as a pathogen‐associated molecular pattern by a leucine‐rich repeat receptor. The understanding of the mechanism of action of AsES will contribute to the development of new breeding strategies to confer durable resistance in plants.
Risk factors and mortality in invasive Rasamsonia spp. infection: Analysis of cases in the FungiScope® registry and from the literature
Authors: Stemler Jannik , Salmanton‐García Jon , Seidel Danila , Alexander Barbara D. , Bertz Hartmut , Hoenigl Martin , Herbrecht Raoul , Meintker Lisa , Meißner Arne , Mellinghoff Sibylle C. , Sal Ertan , Zarrouk Marouan , Koehler Philipp , Cornely Oliver A. 
Published: November 2019

SummaryBackgroundThe new Rasamsonia spp. complex can develop invasive infection in immunosuppression or chronic pulmonary disease. It has potential to be misidentified as other genera due to morphological similarities. Nowadays, there is a gap of knowledge on this fungi.ObjectivesTo provide knowledge base of risk factors and therapeutic decisions in invasive Rasamsonia spp. complex infection.Patients/MethodsCases of invasive infection due to Rasamsonia spp. (formerly Geosmithia/Penicillium spp.) from FungiScope® registry and all reported cases from a literature were included.ResultsWe identified 23 invasive infections due to Rasamsonia spp., six (26.1%) in the FungiScope® registry. Main risk factors were chronic granulomatous disease (n = 12, 52.2%), immunosuppressive treatment (n = 10, 43.5%), haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (n = 7, 30.4%), graft‐versus‐host disease and major surgery (n = 4, 17.4%, each). Predominantly affected organs were the lungs (n = 21, 91.3%), disease disseminated in seven cases (30.4%). Fungal misidentification occurred in 47.8% (n = 11), and sequencing was used in 69.6% of the patients (n = 16) to diagnose. Breakthrough infection occurred in 13 patients (56.5%). All patients received antifungal treatment, mostly posaconazole (n = 11), caspofungin (n = 10) or voriconazole (n = 9). Combination therapy was administered in 13 patients (56.5%). Susceptibility testing showed high minimum inhibitory concentrations for azoles and amphotericin B, but not for echinocandins. No preferable treatment influencing favourable outcome was identified. Overall mortality was 39% (n = 9).ConclusionRasamsonia spp. are emerging fungi causing life‐threatening infections, especially in immunocompromised and critically ill patients. Mortality is high. Treatment is challenging and clinicians dealing with this patient population should become aware of this infection constituting a medical emergency.
Multiplex CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated metabolic engineering increases soya bean isoflavone content and resistance to soya bean mosaic virus
Authors: Zhang Peipei , Du Hongyang , Wang Jiao , Pu Yixiang , Yang Changyun , Yan Rujuan , Yang Hui , Cheng Hao , Yu Deyue 
Published: November 2019

SummaryIsoflavonoids, which include a variety of secondary metabolites, are derived from the phenylpropanoid pathway and are distributed predominantly in leguminous plants. These compounds play a critical role in plant–environment interactions and are beneficial to human health. Isoflavone synthase (IFS) is a key enzyme in isoflavonoid synthesis and shares a common substrate with flavanone‐3‐hydroxylase (F3H) and flavone synthase II (FNS II). In this study, CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated multiplex gene‐editing technology was employed to simultaneously target GmF3H1, GmF3H2 and GmFNSII‐1 in soya bean hairy roots and plants. Various mutation types and frequencies were observed in hairy roots. Higher mutation efficiencies were found in the T0 transgenic plants, with a triple gene mutation efficiency of 44.44%, and these results of targeted mutagenesis were stably inherited in the progeny. Metabolomic analysis of T0 triple‐mutants leaves revealed significant improvement in isoflavone content. Compared with the wild type, the T3 generation homozygous triple mutants had approximately twice the leaf isoflavone content, and the soya bean mosaic virus (SMV) coat protein content was significantly reduced by one‐third after infection with strain SC7, suggesting that increased isoflavone content enhanced the leaf resistance to SMV. The isoflavone content in the seeds of T2 triple mutants was also significantly increased. This study provides not only materials for the improvement of soya bean isoflavone content and resistance to SMV but also a simple system to generate multiplex mutations in soya bean, which may be beneficial for further breeding and metabolic engineering.
The Yin and Yang of PDT and PTT
Authors: Wilson Brian C. , Weersink Robert A. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIn Chinese philosophy, yin and yang ("dark‐bright," "negative‐positive") describe how seemingly opposite or contrary forces may actually be complementary, interconnected and interdependent. This paper provides this perspective on photodynamic and photothermal therapies, with a focus on the treatment of solid tumors. The relative strengths and weaknesses of each modality, both current and emerging, are considered with respect to the underlying biophysics, the required technologies, the biological effects, their translation into clinical practice and the realized or potential clinical outcomes. For each specific clinical application, one or the other modality may be clearly preferred, or both are effectively equivalent in terms of the various scientific/technological/practical/clinical trade‐offs involved. Alternatively, a combination may the best approach. Such combined approaches may be facilitated by the use of multifunctional nanoparticles. It is important to understand the many factors that go into the selection of the optimal approach and the objective of this paper is to provide guidance on this.
A Bayesian Hierarchical Model for Related Densities by using Pólya Trees
Authors: Christensen Jonathan , Ma Li 
Published: November 2019

SummaryBayesian hierarchical models are used to share information between related samples and to obtain more accurate estimates of sample level parameters, common structure and variation between samples. When the parameter of interest is the distribution or density of a continuous variable, a hierarchical model for continuous distributions is required. Various such models have been described in the literature using extensions of the Dirichlet process and related processes, typically as a distribution on the parameters of a mixing kernel. We propose a new hierarchical model based on the Pólya tree, which enables direct modelling of densities and enjoys some computational advantages over the Dirichlet process. The Pólya tree also enables more flexible modelling of the variation between samples, providing more informed shrinkage and permitting posterior inference on the dispersion function, which quantifies the variation between sample densities. We also show how the model can be extended to cluster samples in situations where the observed samples are believed to have been drawn from several latent populations.
The effect of education and telephone follow‐up intervention based on the Roy Adaptation Model after myocardial infarction: randomised controlled trial
Authors: Turan Kavradim Selma , Canli Özer Zeynep 
Published: November 2019

BackgroundPatients’ lifestyle changes after myocardial infarction reduce the risk of infarction. Nursing interventions are important for the initiation and maintenance of lifestyle adaptation.AimThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of education and telephone follow‐up intervention based on the Roy Adaptation Model for improving myocardial infarction patients’ self‐efficacy, quality of life and lifestyle adaptation.MethodIn this parallel, randomised controlled trial, patients were randomly allocated to a control group or an intervention group (n = 33/group). The control group received routine care, while the intervention group received routine care plus a telephone follow‐up intervention, which consisted of a predischarge education programme and three telephone follow‐up sessions. Data were collected before discharge, in the 12th week after discharge between April 2016 and August 2017. All outcomes were assessed at baseline and at 12 weeks, and included quality of life, coping adaptation process, self‐efficacy and lifestyle changes. The CONSORT checklist was used in the study.ResultsIn the 12th week after discharge, patients in the intervention group had significant improvements in self‐efficacy, quality of life and coping adaptation process compared with the control group. The intervention group also had more adaptation lifestyle changes concerning patients nutrition and physical activity in the 12‐week follow‐up.ConclusionThis study demonstrated that education and telephone follow‐up intervention based on Roy Adaptation Model was had positive and significant results after 12 weeks compared with usual care. The findings of this study are important for supporting nursing practice and health professionals who care for individuals with myocardial infarction to develop nursing care.
From Conflict to Bridges: Towards Constructive Use of Conflict Frames in the Control of Bovine Tuberculosis
Authors: Keenan Caroline , Saunders Clare , Price Stephan , Hinchliffe Stephen , McDonald Robbie A. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractControl of bovine tuberculosis in cattle (bTB) in England and Wales is characterised by conversational and policy impasses, particularly in relation to badger culling. We created four online discussion groups comprising of badger cull supporters, cull‐opponents, aligned antagonists (mixing supporters and opponents affiliated with farming or an environmental/conservation group) and non‐aligned antagonists (mixing supporters and opponents who were not affiliated with a particular group). We held five different discussions with each grouping over the course of a week. We aimed to identify frames held by the opposing groupings within the bTB control controversy, which could either contribute to conflict and impasse, or alternatively could provide a potential conversational bridge between those who differed. Our analysis identified elements of the framings of the bTB control problem, which, particularly in the mixed groupings, lead to deadlock. We also identified some aspects of the framings which allowed those who differed to communicate together more effectively. We argue that these more transformative frames can be used to bridge conflict.
Elementary content specialization: Perspectives on perils and promise
Authors: Brobst Joseph A. , Markworth Kimberly A. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractWe conducted a multi‐year study of specialization in elementary mathematics and/or science, using data drawn from a local sample of teachers and a nationwide sample of principals. Using the theory of planned behavior, we compare and contrast teacher and principal views and decision‐making processes related to elementary content specialization (ECS). Survey data indicate that specialist models were conceived as a way to better meet students' academic needs while relieving some of the rigorous demands placed on elementary teachers in the context of new content standards. In contrast, self‐contained classrooms were retained in elementary schools largely due to beliefs that these traditional structures provide the best social and emotional stability for students. After presentation of survey findings, we use three local case studies to present ECS at different stages of maturity (from newly enacted to well‐established), with corresponding discussion of benefits, challenges, and lessons learned. Our case study data indicate that, while newly adopted ECS models tended to face the most challenges, there may still be critical model‐specific concerns at play even when specialization has been ongoing for decades. Our findings have implications for teachers and principals, as well as researchers and professional development providers.
A dual‐center evaluation of platelet culture vials to detect the presence of microorganisms in platelets
Authors: Denys Gerald , Tulpule Anagha , Roth Jessica , Warns Patty , Collins Tiffany , Mindel Susan 
Published: November 2019

BACKGROUNDMicroorganism contamination of platelets results in a high risk of transfusion‐related sepsis. Here, the ability of culture vials (BD BACTEC Platelet Aerobic/F and Platelet Anaerobic/F vials, Becton, Dickinson and Company) to detect microorganisms in leukoreduced apheresis platelets (LRAPs) and leukoreduced whole blood platelet concentrates (LRWBPCs) was assessed.METHODSLRAPs or LRWBPCs were inoculated into Aerobic/F and Anaerobic/F vials and placed in a blood culturing system (BD BACTEC FX System, Becton, Dickinson and Company) for growth/monitoring over 7 days to detect preexisting contamination during false‐positive testing. Subsequently, platelets were seeded with microorganisms at approximately 10 CFU/mL or approximately 1 CFU/mL to simulate contamination. Aerobic/F and Anaerobic/F vials were inoculated with platelets (sets of 12). Microorganism growth was detected in the BACTEC FX instrument over 7 days. Overall, 2925 vials were tested.RESULTSOf the 1905 vials included in the microorganism detection phase, 63 (3.3%) Aerobic/F and 16 (0.8%) Anaerobic/F vials were both BACTEC FX and subculture negative. From the remaining 1827 vials, two (0.1%) Anaerobic/F vials were false positive; no false positives were observed in Aerobic/F vials, and no false negatives occurred in either vial type. Of the remaining 1825 vials (99.9%), 955 Aerobic/F and 870 Anaerobic/F vials were true positives. The mean‐time‐to‐detection range was 8.5 to 77 hours. All true‐positive Aerobic/F and Anaerobic/F vials showed 100% agreement with subculture for positive identification of seeded microorganisms.CONCLUSIONAerobic/F and Anaerobic/F vials facilitate contamination detection in LRAPs and LRWBPCs down to approximately 1 CFU/mL. These results support the use of Aerobic/F and Anaerobic/F vials for quality control testing of platelets before transfusion.
A modified CD34+ hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell isolation strategy from cryopreserved human umbilical cord blood
Authors: Mata Marcia F. , Hernandez Diana , Rologi Evangelia , Grandolfo Davide , Hassan Enas , Hua Peng , Kallmeier Robert , Hirani Swatisha , Heuts Frank , Tittrea Vickram , Choo Yen , Baradez Marc‐Olivier , Watt Suzanne M. , Tarunina Marina 
Published: November 2019

BACKGROUNDUmbilical cord blood (UCB) is a source of hematopoietic stem cells for transplantation, offering an alternative for patients unable to find a matched adult donor. UCB is also a versatile source of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (hCD34 + HSPCs) for research into hematologic diseases, in vitro expansion, ex vivo gene therapy, and adoptive immunotherapy. For these studies, there is a need to isolate hCD34 + HSPCs from cryopreserved units, and protocols developed for isolation from fresh cord blood are unsuitable.STUDY DESIGNThis study describes a modified method for isolating hCD34 + HSPCs from cryopreserved UCB. It uses the Plasmatherm system for thawing, followed by CD34 microbead magnetic‐activated cell sorting isolation with a cell separation kit (Whole Blood Columns, Miltenyi Biotec). hCD34 + HSPC phenotypes and functionality were assessed in vitro and hematologic reconstitution determined in vivo in immunodeficient mice.RESULTSTotal nucleated cell recovery after thawing and washing was 44.7 ± 11.7%. Recovery of hCD34 + HSPCs after application of thawed cells to Whole Blood Columns was 77.5 ± 22.6%. When assessed in two independent laboratories, the hCD34+ cell purities were 71.7 ± 10.7% and 87.8 ± 2.4%. Transplantation of the enriched hCD34 + HSPCs into NSG mice revealed the presence of repopulating hematopoietic stem cells (estimated frequency of 0.07%) and multilineage engraftment.CONCLUSIONThis provides a simplified protocol for isolating high‐purity human CD34 + HSPCs from banked UCB adaptable to current Good Manufacturing Practice. This protocol reduces the number of steps and associated risks and thus total production costs. Importantly, the isolated CD34 + HSPCs possess in vivo repopulating activity in immunodeficient mice, making them a suitable starting population for ex vivo culture and gene editing.