bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Methoxy‐Substituted Hydroxychalcone Reduces Biofilm Production, Adhesion and Surface Motility of Acinetobacter baumannii by Inhibiting ompA Gene Expression
Authors: Ušjak Dušan , Dinić Miroslav , Novović Katarina , Ivković Branka , Filipović Nenad , Stevanović Magdalena , Milenković Marina T. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAn increasing lack of available therapeutic options against Acinetobacter baumannii urged researchers to seek alternative ways to fight this extremely resistant nosocomial pathogen. Targeting its virulence appears to be a promising strategy, as it offers considerably reduced selection of resistant mutants. In this study, we tested antibiofilm potential of four synthetic chalcone derivatives against A. baumannii. Compound that showed the greatest activity was selected for further evaluation of its antivirulence properties. Real‐time PCR was used to evaluate mRNA expression of biofilm‐associated virulence factor genes (ompA, bap, abaI) in treated A. baumannii strains. Also, we examined virulence properties related to the expression of these genes, such as fibronectin‐ and collagen‐mediated adhesion, surface motility, and quorum‐sensing activity. The results revealed that the expression of all tested genes is downregulated together with the reduction of adhesion and motility. The conclusion is that 2′‐hydroxy‐2‐methoxychalcone exhibits antivirulence activity against A. baumannii by inhibiting the expression of ompA and bap genes, which is reflected in reduced biofilm formation, adhesion, and surface motility.
Survey of antibiotics residues in DDGS from 14 different states by LCMS
Authors: Olendorff Samantha A. , Chmielewska Karolina , Tucker Kevin R. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesAntibiotics are used in the corn‐based ethanol production to control the proliferation of bacteria during fermentation of starch to ethanol. Dried distiller's grains with solubles (DDGS) is a by‐product of corn‐based fermentation that can effectively be used as feed for cattle, swine, chicken, and other livestock. High amounts of antibiotic residues in the feed may lead to antibiotic resistant bacteria.FindingsAntibiotics were extracted from DDGS samples by liquid‐liquid extraction, purified by solid phase extraction, and quantified by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry in multiple reaction monitoring mode to quantify five antibiotics: penicillin G, erythromycin, tylosin, virginiamycin M1, and virginiamycin S1. DDGS was collected and analyzed quarterly over the course of ten months to obtain a representation of DDGS produced in various parts of the United States in different seasons.ConclusionsPenicillin G was detected in a single sample. Tylosin was detected in 28%, erythromycin in 45%, virginiamycin M1 in 53%, and virginiamycin S1 in 83% of the total samples.Significance and NoveltyLargest study to date to quantify antibiotics in DDGS (33 ethanol plants in 14 states).
Transition‐Metal Carbides as Hydrogen Evolution Reduction Electrocatalysts: Synthetic Methods and Optimization Strategies
Authors: Zhang Han , Yang Xiaohui , Zhang Huijuan , Ma Jinling , Huang Zhengyong , Li Jian , Wang Yu 
Published: November 2020

AbstractWith the strengths of zero carbon emission and high gravimetric energy density, hydrogen energy is recognized as a primary choice for future energy supply. Electrochemical water splitting provides a promising strategy for effective and sustainable hydrogen production through renewable electricity, and one of the immediate challenges toward its large‐scale application is the availability of low‐cost and efficient electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Given the enormous efforts in the exploration of potential transition‐metal carbide (TMC) electrocatalysts, this review aims to summarize the recent advances in synthetic methods and optimization strategies of TMC electrocatalysts. Additionally, the perspectives for the development of novel efficient TMC‐based catalysts are also proposed.
Synthesis of magnetic core@dual shell Fe3O4@SiO2@WO3 nanocatalysts for olefin double bond oxidative cleavage
Authors: Gandon Arnaud , Nguyen Chinh‐Chien , Kaliaguine Serge , Do Trong‐On 
Published: November 2020

AbstractHerein, we report a new and efficient method for preparing Fe3O4@SiO2@WO3 core@dual shell nanocatalysts featuring enhanced catalytic activity for the oxidative cleavage of the oleic acid double bond and fast magnetic separation. Various characterization techniques including EDS, XPS, SEM, and advanced elemental HRTEM mapping were used to characterize this type of magnetic core@dual shell nanocatalysts. The obtained core@shell structure is composed of a central magnetite core with a strong response to external fields, an interlayer of SiO2, and an outer layer of WO3 nanocrystals. This core@shell nanocatalyst exhibited higher catalytic activity than reported tungsten based heterogenous catalysts for the oxidative cleavage of the oleic acid double bond. The presence of the SiO2 interlayer prevents any deterioration of the catalytic efficiency of the WO3 nanocrystal shell as well as the chemical and thermal stability of the Fe3O4 core. This nanocatalyst can be easily recycled by applying an external magnetic field while maintaining its catalytic activity during at least three cycles of use.
Discolouration of contaminated water with textile dye through a combined coagulation/flocculation and membrane separation process with different natural coagulants extracted from Moringa oleifera Lam. seeds
Authors: Paixão Rebecca M. , Reck Isabela M. , da Silva Luiz H. B. R. , Baptista Aline T. A. , Bergamasco Rosângela , Vieira Marcelo F. , Vieira Angélica M. S. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe removal of reactive black 5 (RB5) dye present in aqueous solution was studied by applying individual coagulation/flocculation (CF) and microfiltration (MF) processes as well as the combination of both processes (CF‐MF). In the CF process, three natural coagulants produced from Moringa oleifera Lam. seeds (MOS) were used: saline extract (ES) and the purified protein fractions of albumin (ALB) and globulin (GLO). In the MF process, a commercial polyethersulfone (PES) membrane was used. It was noticed that without the combination of both processes, the obtained RB5 removal was only 20.38% for ALB, 52.38% for GLO, and 12.50% for ES. However, when the CF process was combined with a microfiltration process, it was possible to achieve a higher textile dye removal, due to the formation of aggregates in the CF process larger than the pores of the microfiltration membrane. Especially with the ALB coagulant, the combined CF‐MF process achieved a removal greater than 95%. The results demonstrate the potential use of the purified proteins fractions of Moringa oleifera Lam. coagulant in combination with microfiltration process for water treatment.
The effect of torrefaction on the thermo‐kinetics of thermally processed black pine
Authors: Dhaundiyal Alok , Bercesi Gabor , Bacskai Istvan 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThis paper investigates the kinetic behaviour of thermal decomposition of pre‐treated pine needles. The model‐free methods of Flynn‐Wall‐Ozawa (FWO), Kissinger‐Akahira‐Sunose (KAS), and Kissinger, are used to determine the kinetic parameters of the processed pine needles. For a comparative analysis, the kinetic characteristic of the pre‐treated pine needles is equated to the thermal decomposition of the raw pine needles. For torrefaction of the raw substrate, some changes related to the design have been made to the furnace. The raw material has been thermally pre‐treated at a temperature of 523 K for 5 minutes. The volumetric rate of nitrogen during the torrefaction process is 42 L · min−1, while the purge flow rate of nitrogen gas is 0.2 L · min−1 for the thermogravimetric analysis. The temperature range for the thermal degradation of the torrefied pine needles is 308 K‐873 K. The activation energies determined by the FWO and the KAS methods are 157.08 kJ · mol−1 and 160.54 kJ · mol−1, respectively, whereas it is 137 kJ · mol−1 by the Kissinger method. The activation energy computed by the FWO and the KAS schemes for the raw material is found to be 1.3% less than that of the processed pine needles. The aromaticity of the thermally processed pine needles is increased by 13.61%. Thermal immunity or stability due to the increasing fraction of lignin causes the activation energy and frequency factor of the pre‐treated pine needles to slightly elevate. The redistribution of the pyrolysis stages has been observed for the torrefied pine needle sample, the temperature scale at a constant heating rate increases slightly by 0.34% during the char formation.
Multi‐manifold NIRS modelling via stacked contractive auto‐encoders
Authors: Zhang Jin , Luan Xiaoli , Liu Fei 
Published: November 2020

AbstractConsidering different operation statuses of industrial processes, a multi‐manifold learning method that incorporates multi‐manifold assumption into near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) modelling is proposed in this paper. Due to the nonlinearity, high dimension and high sensitivity problems of spectral data, the stacked contractive auto‐encoder (SCAE) is introduced to extract the multi‐manifold information from the spectral data. Then, in order to detect and evaluate the current operation status from the extracted manifold information, a heuristic criterion that compares reconstruction errors of the SCAE is proposed to evaluate the positional relation between the data point and sub‐manifold surface. By this means, ordinary least squares models are used to make appropriate predictions based on the low‐dimensional space derived from the SCAE. Finally, the NIRS data of the desalination and dehydration of crude oil are investigated to demonstrate the effectiveness and the practical application of the proposed method.
Effect of suspension conductivity and fines concentration on coarse particle settling in oil sands tailings
Authors: MacIver Michael R. , Hamza Hassan , Pawlik Marek 
Published: November 2020

AbstractSedimentation of coarse particles in mature fine oil sands tailings (OST) was studied by varying the fines concentration and aqueous phase conductivity to determine under which conditions the coarser particles will settle and when they will not. An OST sample was desalinated, separated into finer and coarser fractions, then recombined for settling tests. The isolated finer fraction was predominately phyllosilicate clays (>87 wt%) while the coarser fraction was mostly quartz (<77 wt%). From optical backscattering (OBS) height scan measurements, complete sedimentation of the coarse particles was observed at low conductivity values and fines concentrations, but a sufficient increase in suspension conductivity or fines concentration caused a reduction in coarse particle settlement. Samples with lower fines concentration, 0.5 wt% and 2.4 wt%, exhibited coarse settlement over a wider range of conductivity values; whereas samples with higher fines concentration, 5.9 wt% and 8.2 wt%, exhibited decreased sedimentation even at low suspension conductivity values. At similar conductivity values and fines concentrations, increased sedimentation of pure quartz was observed compared to the coarse OST particles. This difference in settling behaviour was partially attributed to the presence of residual organics on the surface of the OST coarse particles. In addition to typical metallurgical assay methods (x‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy), a synchrotron‐source computed tomography scan of the untreated OST sample was obtained to visualize the distribution of the fine, coarse, and fluid phases within the sample.
Quantification of lipid bodies in monocytes from patients with periodontitis
Authors: Naiff Priscilla F. , Kuckelhaus Selma A. S. , Corazza Danilo , Leite Luciana M. , Couto Shirley , deOliveira Mariangela S. , Santiago Luander M. , Silva Larissa F. , Oliveira Laudimar A. , Grisi Daniela C. , Carneiro Valeria M. A. , Guimarães Maria do C. M. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractObjectivesFor the first time in the history of periodontics, the production of lipid bodies by monocytes was assessed from blood of patients with periodontitis in comparison to systemically healthy individuals. The purpose of this study was to compare the lipid body frequency within monocytes between healthy patients and those with periodontal disease.Materials and MethodsA total of 30 participants (11 males and 19 females), were divided between orally healthy control subjects (C,n= 16) and periodontitis subjects (P,n= 14), in a cross‐sectional study. Both groups were systemically healthy. The following clinical periodontal parameters were assessed: probing depth, clinical attachment level, visible plaque index and gingival bleeding on probing index. Blood samples were collected to obtain monocytes containing lipid bodies, which were analyzed by light microscopy.ResultsThe periodontitis group demonstrated a higher corpuscular index than the control group (nonopsonizedp= .0296 or opsonizedp= .0459; Mann–Whitney). The frequency of monocyte cells containing lipid bodies (basalp= .0147, opsonizedp= .0084 or nonopsonized,p= .026; Mann–Whitney) was also higher compared to those observed in healthy individuals.ConclusionsThe data suggest that periodontitis may contribute to a higher production of lipid bodies. It was also hypothesized that a major production of lipid bodies by monocytes in severe periodontitis, compared to orally healthy subjects, could interfere with the innate immune response or represents a higher reservoir of cholesterol esters within macrophages and a major risk to systemic implications, such as atherosclerosis.
Corporate social responsibility and sustainability issues of small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises
Authors: Belas Jaroslav , Çera Gentjan , Dvorský Jan , Čepel Martin 
Published: November 2020

AbstractCorporate social responsibility (CSR) presents a valuable tool of a better management of enterprises for the benefit of the whole society. Small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) have been facing this challenge for a shorter time than large enterprises. The aim of the article is to evaluate the impact of the CSR indicators on the sustainability of SMEs in Central European (CE) countries. Factors of the sustainability of SMEs are innovative ways to win new markets and retain existing customers, the innovation of our products and services, and lower probability of SMEs' bankruptcy. Linear regression analysis was applied to verify causal relationships. The sample size was constructed of 1,585 SMEs on basis of the questionnaire's answers. The results show that the knowledge of the CSR concept and its assertion in business is the most important CSR indicator with a positive impact on each factor of SMEs' sustainability.
Design and control aspect of segmented proportional integral‐repetitive controller parameter optimization of the three‐phase boost power factor correction rectifier
Authors: Ali Muhammad Saqib , Wang Lei , Chen Guozhu 
Published: November 2020

SummaryThis paper presented a modeling and control aspect with an offline‐based parameter optimization algorithm for effectively tuning the controller parameters of the three‐phase boost power factor correction (PFC) rectifier system. While analyzing the shortcomings of the traditional PI control with complex control transfer functions from small‐signal models and investigating the limitations of PI control on harmonic suppression from the internal model principle, a simplified form of control transfer functions based on the small‐signal model has been proposed with segmented control action. Consequently, the methodology has the advantages of both simplified control strategies and segmented PI‐repetitive control so as to achieve the performance of high‐power factor and to reduce total harmonic distortion in a broad range of load conditions. However, the segmented PI‐repetitive control contains many control parameters. Thus, the solution and optimization for tuning the controller parameters based on heuristic offline optimization technique have been used to speed up the design of control system parameters. The validity and feasibility of the proposed design and optimization are verified using a 5‐kW three‐phase PFC rectifier with digital signal processor (DSP) TMS320F28335 prototype hardware. The results were then compared with those of traditional controller designs, which show the improvements and effectiveness of rectifier performance after adopting the proposed design and optimization technique.
Geographical pattern of genetic diversity in Capsella bursa‐pastoris (Brassicaceae)—A global perspective
Authors: Wesse Christina , Welk Erik , Hurka Herbert , Neuffer Barbara 
Published: November 2020

AbstractWe analyzed the global genetic variation pattern of Capsella bursa‐pastoris (Brassicaceae) as expressed in allozymic (within‐locus) diversity and isozymic (between‐locus) diversity. Results are based on a global sampling of more than 20,000 C. bursa‐pastoris individuals randomly taken from 1,469 natural provenances in the native and introduced range, covering a broad spectrum of the species’ geographic distribution. We evaluated data for population genetic parameters and F‐statistics, and Mantel tests and AMOVA were performed. Geographical distribution patterns of alleles and multilocus genotypes are shown in maps and tables. Genetic diversity of introduced populations is only moderately reduced in comparison with native populations. Global population structure was analyzed with structure, and the obtained cluster affiliation was tested independently with classification approaches and macroclimatic data using species distribution modeling. Analyses revealed two main clusters: one distributed predominantly in warm arid to semiarid climate regions and the other predominantly in more temperate humid to semihumid climate regions. We observed admixture between the two lineages predominantly in regions with intermediate humidity in both the native and non‐native ranges. The genetically derived clusters are strongly supported in macroclimatic data space. The worldwide distribution patterns of genetic variation in the range of C. bursa‐pastoris can be explained by intensive intra‐ and intercontinental migration, but environmental filtering due to climate preadaption seems also involved. Multiple independent introductions of genotypes from different source regions are obvious. “Endemic” genotypes might be the outcome of admixture or of de novo mutation. We conclude that today's successfully established Capsella genotypes were preadapted and found matching niche conditions in the colonized range parts.
A resurrection study reveals limited evolution of phenology in response to recent climate change across the geographic range of the scarlet monkeyflower
Authors: Vtipil Emma E. , Sheth Seema Nayan 
Published: November 2020

AbstractPremise of the studyAs global climate change alters drought regimes, rapid evolution of traits that facilitate adaptation to drought can rescue populations in decline. The evolution of phenological advancement can allow plant populations to escape drought, but evolutionary responses in phenology can vary across a species' range due to differences in drought intensity and standing genetic variation.MethodsMimulus cardinalis, a perennial herb spanning a broad climatic gradient, recently experienced a period of record drought. Here, we used a resurrection study comparing flowering time and stem height at first flower of pre‐drought ancestors and post‐drought descendants from northern‐edge, central, and southern‐edge populations in a common environment to examine the evolution of drought escape across the latitudinal range.Key resultsContrary to the hypothesis of the evolution of advanced phenology in response to recent drought, flowering time did not advance between ancestors and descendants in any population, though storage condition and maternal effects could have impacted these results. Stem height was positively correlated with flowering time, such that plants that flowered earlier were shorter at first flower. This correlation could constrain the evolution of earlier flowering time if selection favors flowering early at a large size.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that rapid evolution of phenology will not rescue these populations from recent climate change. Future work is needed to examine the potential for the evolution of alternative drought strategies and phenotypic plasticity to buffer M. cardinalis populations from changing climate.
The role of the gut microbiota and microbial metabolites in neuroinflammation
Authors: Haase Stefanie , Wilck Nicola , Haghikia Aiden , Gold Ralf , Mueller Dominik N. , Linker Ralf A. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractRecent literature indicates a potential importance of the gut microbiota for immune‐mediated diseases. For instance, decreased diversity of commensals or an outgrowth of some bacterial strains, referred to as gut dysbiosis, was recently linked to hypertension, colitis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis (MS). Studies in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) as pivotal animal model of MS revealed a potential importance of microbial metabolites, including short‐chain fatty acids or tryptophan metabolites. Both metabolites may influence the disease by modulation of the immune system, mainly by inducing Treg. These studies prompted researchers to investigate the contribution of the gut microbiota and microbial metabolites in the pathogenesis of MS. This review summarizes recent findings on the gut microbiota in MS patients and discusses the potential mechanisms how microbial metabolites may affect neuroinflammation. Many of these studies have been performed in the EAE model and were later reversely translated to humans. We also give a short summary on dietary high‐salt effects on microbiota components and discuss the potential relevance of high‐salt as a risk factor in MS.
Functional and metabolic dichotomy of murine γδ T cell subsets in cancer immunity
Authors: Lopes Noëlla , Silva‐Santos Bruno 
Published: November 2020

Abstractγδ T cells can display a plethora of immune functions, but recent studies have highlighted their importance, in multiple disease models, as sources of the pro‐inflammatory cytokines, IL‐17A (IL‐17), and IFN‐γ. These are produced by distinct murine effector γδ T cell subsets that diverge during thymic γδ T cell development. Among the multiple roles these subsets play in peripheral tissues, a striking dichotomy has emerged at tumor sites: whereas IFN‐γ+ γδ T cells inhibit tumor cell growth, IL‐17+ γδ T cells promote tumor progression and metastasis formation. In this review, we discuss the main lines of evidence, mostly from preclinical studies in mouse models, for this functional dichotomy in cancer immunity. We further highlight very recent advances in our understanding how metabolic sources and pathways can impact on the balance between IFN‐γ+ and IL‐17+ γδ T cells in the tumor microenvironment, which opens a new exciting avenue to explore toward the application of γδ T cells in cancer immunotherapy.
‘We have a choice’: Identity construction and the rhetorical enactment of resistance in the ‘two peers rebel’ condition of Stanley Milgram's obedience experiment
Authors: Gibson Stephen 
Published: November 2020

AbstractRecent re‐evaluations of Milgram's obedience experiments have drawn attention to the role of social identity and group processes. Milgram himself was concerned to explore processes of group influence by varying the collective dynamics of his experimental scenario in several conditions. The present study seeks to explore archived audio recordings from one of Milgram's group experiments—the ‘two peers rebel’ condition—from a perspective informed by discursive and rhetorical psychology. The findings show that collectivity was an active concern for speakers in the sessions, with contestation over the relevant group boundaries, and the appropriate course of group action. It is suggested that explanations of behaviour in Milgram's experiments that emphasise intergroup dynamics would benefit from attention to the ebbing and flowing of solidarity in the experimental sessions.