bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of dissolved oxygen and loading rate on NH3 oxidation and N2 production mechanisms in activated sludge treatment of sewage
Authors: Zhang Xueyu , Li Shida , Zheng Shaokui , Duan Shoupeng 
Published: June 2020

SummaryMicroaerobic activated sludge (MAS) is a one‐stage process operated at 0.5–1.0 mg l−1 dissolved oxygen (DO) aiming at simultaneous nitrification and denitrification. We used molecular techniques and a comprehensive nitrogen (N)‐transformation activity test to investigate the dominant NH3‐oxidizing and N2‐producing mechanism as well as the dominant ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria (AOB) species in sludge samples individually collected from an MAS system and a conventional anoxic/oxic (A/O) system; both systems were operated at a normal loading rate (i.e. 1.0 kg chemical oxygen demand (COD) m−3 day−1 and 0.1 kg NH4+‐N m−3 day−1) in our previous studies. The DO levels in both systems (aerobic: conventional A/O system; microaerobic: MAS system) did not affect the dominant NH3‐oxidizing mechanism or the dominant AOB species. This study further demonstrated the feasibility of a higher loading rate (i.e. 2.30 kg COD m−3 day−1 and 0.34 kg NH4+‐N m−3 day−1) with the MAS process during sewage treatment, which achieved a 40% reduction in aeration energy consumption than that obtained in the conventional A/O system. The increase in loading rates in the MAS system did not affect the dominant NH3‐oxidizing mechanism but did impact the dominant AOB species. Besides, N2 was predominantly produced by microaerobic denitrification in the MAS system at the two loading rates.
Platform Capitalism’s Hidden Abode: Producing Data Assets in the Gig Economy
Authors: van Doorn Niels , Badger Adam 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIn this article, we argue that the governance of gig work under conditions of financialised platform capitalism is characterised by a process that we call “dual value production”: the monetary value produced by the service provided is augmented by the use and speculative value of the data produced before, during, and after service provision. App‐governed gig workers hence function as pivotal conduits in software systems that produce digital data as a particular asset class. We reflect on the production of data assets and the unequal distribution of opportunities for their valorisation, after which we survey a number of strategies seeking data‐centric worker empowerment. These strategies, we argue, are crucial attempts to push back against platform capitalism’s domination, bankrolled by what we term “meta‐platforms”. Ultimately, it is the massive wealth and synergetic capacities of meta‐platforms that constitute the most formidable obstacle to worker power and social justice in increasingly data‐driven societies.
Claims for compensation from women with cervical cancer in Norway—A retrospective, descriptive study of a 12‐year period
Authors: Ravlo Merethe , Lieng Marit , Khan Bukholm Ida Rashida , Haase Moen Mette , Vanky Eszter 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIntroductionIn Norway, all patient‐reported claims for compensation are evaluated by The Norwegian System of Patient Injury Compensation (NPE). The number of claims from women with cervical cancer is rising, and the approval rate is high. Our aim was to study claims for compensation from women with cervical cancer to identify the type of failures, when, during the time‐course of treatment, the medical failures occurred, and the consequences of the failures.Material and methodsA retrospective, descriptive study of claims for compensation to NPE from cervical cancer patients during a 12‐year period, from 2007 through 2018. We used anonymized medical expert statements and summaries of NPE cases.ResultsIn all, 161 women claimed compensation for alleged medical failure related to cervical cancer. Compensation was approved for 100 (62%) women. Mean age at the time of alleged failure was 37.5 years (SD ±9.9). The main reasons why women sought medical attention were routine cervical screening (56%), or vaginal bleeding or discharge (30%). In approved cases, incorrect evaluation of cytology and histology was the cause of most failures (72%). Mean delay of cervical cancer diagnosis for approved cases was 28 months (SD ±22). Treatment not in accordance with guidelines was the cause of failure in 2% of the cases, and failure during follow up was the cause of failure in 12%. Consequences of the failures were as follows: worsening of cancer prognosis (89%), treatment‐induced adverse effects, such as loss of fertility (43%) and/or loss of ovarian function in premenopausal women (50%), and permanent injury after chemo‐radiation (27%). Seven women (7%) died, most probably as a consequence of the failure.ConclusionsThe main cause of medical failure in women with cervical cancer was incorrect pathological diagnosis. The main consequences of failures were worsening of cancer prognosis and treatment‐induced adverse effects. Increased focus on the quality of pathological examinations, and better routines in all parts of the cervical examinations might improve patient safety for women in risk of cervical cancer.
‘Aching to be a boy’: A preliminary analysis of gender assignment of intersex persons in India in a culture of son preference
Authors: Das Arpita 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIntersexuality, particularly in the global South, remains an under‐researched field of study. In my in‐progress doctoral research project, I explore the cultural, social, and medical discourses that influence how key stakeholders such as healthcare providers make decisions about the sex and gender assignment of the intersex child in India. In this paper I interrogate some of these ideas around gender assignment of intersex people in India, paying particular attention to the context of son preference. I am interested in exploring how decisions of gender assignment by medical professionals are guided by ideas of son preference. Focusing on four qualitative, semi‐structured, in‐depth interviews across two cities with medical doctors from different specializations, this paper is a preliminary attempt to examine some of the factors that guide medical professionals in making decisions about gender assignment of intersex children and explore the dynamics of the decision‐making process. Specifically, I explore the factors that inform doctors’ decision‐making and locate these decision‐making processes within the broader socio‐cultural context of India.
Effectiveness of a self‐regulation intervention for weight loss: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Frie Kerstin , Hartmann‐Boyce Jamie , Jebb Susan A. , Aveyard Paul 
Published: June 2020

ObjectivesTo evaluate effectiveness and acceptability of a novel intervention, based on self‐regulation theory, for weight loss.DesignA two‐arm parallel group design was employed.MethodsAdult participants with a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 and the aim to lose weight were recruited and randomized to either a control or intervention group. Both groups were asked to weigh themselves daily for eight weeks. The intervention group was encouraged to use a weight tracking app, and complete daily and weekly questionnaires to prompt action planning, reflection, and evaluation of actions. Participants chose daily actions from a menu of 53 behaviours. The primary outcome was weight change after 8 weeks, assessed using linear mixed effects models. At follow‐up, 20 intervention group participants were interviewed regarding their experiences in the trial.Results100 participants were recruited, and 98% were followed up at 8 weeks. Mean weight loss was −4.18 kg (SD = 3.84) in the intervention compared to −1.01 kg (SD = 2.67) in the control group; the adjusted difference was −3.20 kg (95% CI −4.49, −1.92). Participants rated the intervention’s usefulness as 8.25 (SD = 2.04) on a scale from 1 to 10. Adherence was a significant independent predictor of weight loss success (−1.54 kg per one SD, 95% CI −2.16, −0.93), but not a mediator of the intervention effect. Participants reported that the intervention enabled them to experiment with and identify effective weight loss actions.ConclusionsGuiding participants through the self‐regulation process was feasible, acceptable to participants, and led to significantly greater short‐term weight loss than unguided self‐weighing.
Explaining Employment Effects in Multipolar Value Chains: A Cross‐National Study on Soft Drinks and Dairy Manufacturing in Europe
Authors: Pulignano Valeria , Hammer Nikolaus , Doerflinger Nadja 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe article develops an integrated framework that employs a dynamic perspective on interlinked levels of value chain governance in order to explain employment in value chains. It compares two multipolar chains in food and beverage manufacturing, in two different producer and consumer markets, Belgium and Germany. Analysis reveals that varied value capture dynamics in the food and beverage industries underpin distinct employment effects at specific inter‐firm nodes, as well as between labour and product markets. This reveals institutional and product variation explaining firms’ value capture trajectories. However, it also illustrates a concomitant transnational trend of deteriorating working conditions, stemming from overall chain governance.
Discovery of novel N‐aryl pyrrothine derivatives as bacterial RNA polymerase inhibitors
Authors: Huang Mo‐Han , Kong Bo , Meng Jie‐Yun , Lv Yu‐Bin , Peng Yan‐Fen , Chen Yi‐Ping , Tan Xiang‐Duan 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBacterial RNA polymerase (RNAP) is a validated drug target for broad‐spectrum antibiotics, and its “switch region” is considered as the promising binding site for novel antibiotics. Based on the core scaffold of dithiolopyrrolone, a series of N‐aryl pyrrothine derivatives was designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their antibacterial activity. Compounds generally displayed more active against Gram‐positive bacteria, but less against Gram‐negative bacteria. Among them, compound 6e exhibited moderate antibacterial activity against clinical isolates of rifampin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus with minimum inhibition concentration value of 1–2 μg/ml and inhibited Escherichia coli RNAP with IC50 value of 12.0 ± 0.9 μM. In addition, compound 6e showed certain degree of cytotoxicity against HepG2 and LO2 cells. Furthermore, molecular docking studies suggested that compound 6e might interact with the switch region of bacterial RNAP in a similar conformation to myxopyronin A. Together, the N‐aryl pyrrothine scaffold is a promising lead for discovery of antibacterial drugs acting against bacterial RNAP.
Gambogenic acid suppresses bladder cancer cells growth and metastasis by regulating NF‐κB signaling
Authors: Zhou Shiming , Zhao Nan , Wang Jialei 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundGambogenic acid (GNA) is one of the main active components of Gamboge, and its anticancer role has been reported in some cancers. The study was to investigate the inhibitory effects of GNA on the proliferation and metastasis of bladder cancer (BC) cells and its potential regulatory mechanisms.Materials and MethodsBC cell lines (BIU‐87 cells, T24 cells, and J82 cells) were treated with different doses of GNA for different time, and then the effects of GNA on BC cell were examined in vitro using CCK‐8 assay, apoptosis assays, and Transwell tests. NF‐κB signaling activity was detected by the NF‐κB p65 luciferase reporter assay. Western blot was used to detect the expressions of cIAP2, XIAP, Survivin, and p65.ResultsGNA inhibited the viability of BC cells in vitro in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner and facilitated apoptosis of BC cells. Moreover, GNA could remarkably impede the migration and invasion abilities of BC cells. In terms of mechanism, GNA administration reduced the activity of NF‐κB signaling and down‐regulated the expressions of p65, survivin, XIAP, and cIAP2.ConclusionGNA blocks the growth and metastasis of BC cells via inhibiting the NF‐κB signal transduction pathway.
Making Sense of Scientific Simulation Ensembles With Semantic Interaction
Authors: Dahshan M. , Polys N. F. , Jayne R. S. , Pollyea R. M. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIn the study of complex physical systems, scientists use simulations to study the effects of different models and parameters. Seeking to understand the influence and relationships among multiple dimensions, they typically run many simulations and vary the initial conditions in what are known as ‘ensembles’. Ensembles are then a number of runs that are each multi‐dimensional and multi‐variate. In order to understand the connections between simulation parameters and patterns in the output data, we have been developing an approach to the visual analysis of scientific data that merges human expertise and intuition with machine learning and statistics. Our approach is manifested in a new visualization tool, GLEE (Graphically‐Linked Ensemble Explorer), that allows scientists to explore, search, filter and make sense of their ensembles. GLEE uses visualization and semantic interaction (SI) techniques to enable scientists to find similarities and differences between runs, find correlation(s) between different parameters and explore relations and correlations across and between different runs and parameters. Our approach supports scientists in selecting interesting subsets of runs in order to investigate and summarize the factors and statistics that show variations and consistencies across different runs. In this paper, we evaluate our tool with experts to understand its strengths and weaknesses for optimization and inverse problems.
Functions of lactate in the brain of rat with intracerebral hemorrhage evaluated with MRI/MRS and in vitro approaches
Authors: Liu Yue , Yang Shusheng , Cai Erli , Lin Li , Zeng Peng , Nie Binbin , Xu Fuqiang , Tian Qing , Wang Jie 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIntroductionLactate accumulation in the brain is caused by the anaerobic metabolism induced by ischemic damages, which always accompanies intracerebral hemorrhages (ICH). Our former findings showed that microglia's movement was always directly toward hemorrhagic center with the highest lactate concentration, and penumbra area has the largest density of compactly arrayed microglia. However, the relationship between microglia and lactate concentration has not been well documented.MethodsCerebral hemorrhage model was successfully achieved by injecting collagenase VII (causing stabile localized bleeding) in CPu (striatum) of SD rats. Emodin was used as a potential therapeutic for ICH. The function of the lactate was examined with in vitro culture studies. Then, the effect of lactate on the proliferation, cell survival, migration, and phagocytosis property of microglia was investigated by in vitro culture studies.ResultsLactate accumulation was observed with in vivo MRS method, and its concentration was monitored during the recovery of ICH and treatment of emodin. Lactate concentration significantly increased in the core and penumbra regions of hemorrhagic foci, and it decreased after the treatment of emodin. The in vitro culture study was verified that lactate was beneficial for the proliferation, cell survival, migration, and phagocytosis property of the microglia.ConclusionResults from in vitro verification study, investigations from the recovery of ICH, and treatment of emodin verify that lactate plays an important role during the recovery of ICH. This could provide a novel therapeutic approach for ICH.
Documenting change with the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure for children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Kang Mani , Smith Emma , Goldsmith Charles H , Switzer Lauren , Rosenbaum Peter , Wright Frances Virginia , Fehlings Darcy 
Published: June 2020

AimTo assess the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure's (COPM) ability to document change over 3 years in children with cerebral palsy (CP).MethodThis was a prospective study with ambulatory children with CP, aged 2 to 6 years. Caregivers set one to three COPM goals which were rescored annually over 3 years. A ceiling effect for performance goals was operationalized as a score of 8. A Wald χ2 generalized estimating equations model adjusted for age, sex, and Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level, evaluated change over time.ResultsIn total, 124 children (47 [37.9%] females, 77 [62.1%] males; mean age 3y 11mo [SD 1y 1mo]; GMFCS level I [n=78, 62.9%], II [n=21, 16.9%], and III [n=25, 20.2%]) were set 345 COPM goals at baseline. By Year 3, 106 participants (85.5%) rescored 287 of the goals (83.2%). Performance scores increased between baseline mean (SD) 2.93 (0.56), Year 1 5.98 (0.58) with 34.8% at ceiling; Year 2 6.74 (0.60) 48.3% at ceiling; and Year 3 7.37 (0.60) 59.6% at ceiling (Wald χ2 [3]=607.18, p<0.001). Satisfaction scores increased between baseline 4.42 (0.59), Year 1 6.82 (0.60) with 48% at ceiling; Year 2 7.53 (0.60) with 62.2% at ceiling (Wald χ2 [3]=208.48, p<0.001); with no significant increase by Year 3 7.82 (0.62) with 66.9% at ceiling.InterpretationCOPM performance scores increased steadily over 3 years. By Year 2, a ceiling effect was seen in about half of the goals. The COPM may have utility to measure change over 3 years; periodic resetting of the descriptors of goal success are required to minimize ceiling.
Ultra rapid lispro improves postprandial glucose control compared with lispro in patients with type 1 diabetes: Results from the 26‐week PRONTO‐T1D study
Authors: Klaff Leslie , Cao Dachuang , Dellva Mary Anne , Tobian Janet , Miura Junnosuke , Dahl Dominik , Lucas Jean , Bue‐Valleskey Juliana 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAimsTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of ultra rapid lispro (URLi) versus lispro in adults with type 1 diabetes in a 26‐week, treat‐to‐target, phase 3 trial.Materials and methodsAfter an 8‐week lead‐in to optimize basal insulin glargine or degludec, patients were randomized to double‐blind mealtime URLi (n = 451) or lispro (n = 442), or open‐label post‐meal URLi (n = 329). The primary endpoint was change from baseline glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) to 26 weeks (non‐inferiority margin 0.4%), with multiplicity‐adjusted objectives for postprandial glucose (PPG) excursions after a meal test.ResultsBoth mealtime and post‐meal URLi demonstrated non‐inferiority to lispro for HbA1c: estimated treatment difference (ETD) for mealtime URLi −0.08% [95% confidence interval (CI) −0.16, 0.00] and for post‐meal URLi +0.13% (95% CI 0.04, 0.22), with a significantly higher endpoint HbA1c for post‐meal URLi versus lispro (P = 0.003). Mealtime URLi was superior to lispro in reducing 1‐ and 2‐hour PPG excursions during the meal test: ETD −1.55 mmol/L (95% CI −1.96, −1.14) at 1 hour and − 1.73 mmol/L (95% CI −2.28, −1.18) at 2 hours (both P < 0.001). The rate and incidence of severe, documented and postprandial hypoglycaemia (<3.0 mmol/L) was similar between treatments, but mealtime URLi demonstrated a 37% lower rate in the period >4 hours after meals (P = 0.013). Injection site reactions were reported by 2.9% of patients on mealtime URLi, 2.4% on post‐meal URLi, and 0.2% on lispro. Overall, the incidence of treatment‐emergent adverse events was similar between treatments.ConclusionsThe results showed that URLi provided good glycaemic control, with non‐inferiority to lispro confirmed for both mealtime and post‐meal URLi, while superior PPG control was demonstrated with mealtime dosing.
Insulin clearance as the major player in the hyperinsulinaemia of black African men without diabetes
Authors: Ladwa Meera , Bello Oluwatoyosi , Hakim Olah , Shojaee‐Moradie Fariba , Boselli Linda , Charles‐Edwards Geoff , Stadler Marietta , Peacock Janet L. , Umpleby Anne Margot , Amiel Stephanie A. , Bonadonna Riccardo C. , Goff Louise M. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAimTo investigate relationships between insulin clearance, insulin secretion, hepatic fat accumulation and insulin sensitivity in black African (BA) and white European (WE) men.MethodsTwenty‐three BA and twenty‐three WE men with normal glucose tolerance, matched for age and body mass index, underwent a hyperglycaemic clamp to measure insulin secretion and clearance, hyperinsulinaemic‐euglycaemic clamp with stable glucose isotope infusion to measure whole‐body and hepatic‐specific insulin sensitivity, and magnetic resonance imaging to quantify intrahepatic lipid (IHL).ResultsBA men had higher glucose‐stimulated peripheral insulin levels (48.1 [35.5, 65.2] × 103 vs. 29.9 [23.3, 38.4] × 103 pmol L−1 × min, P = .017) and lower endogeneous insulin clearance (771.6 [227.8] vs. 1381 [534.3] mL m−2 body surface area min −1, P < .001) compared with WE men. There were no ethnic differences in beta‐cell insulin secretion or beta‐cell responsivity to glucose, even after adjustment for prevailing insulin sensitivity. In WE men, endogenous insulin clearance was correlated with whole‐body insulin sensitivity (r = 0.691, P = .001) and inversely correlated with IHL (r = −0.674, P = .001). These associations were not found in BA men.ConclusionsWhile normally glucose‐tolerant BA men have similar insulin secretory responses to their WE counterparts, they have markedly lower insulin clearance, which does not appear to be explained by either insulin resistance or hepatic fat accumulation. Low insulin clearance may be the primary mechanism of hyperinsulinaemia in populations of African origin.
Projecting future habitat quality of three midwestern reservoir fishes under warming conditions
Authors: Budnik Richard R. , Conroy Joseph D. , Zweifel Richard D. , Ludsin Stuart A. , Marschall Elizabeth A. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractRising temperatures caused by climate change are likely to affect cool‐water and warm‐water fishes differently. Yet, forecasts of anticipated temperature effects on fishes of different thermal guilds are lacking, especially in freshwater ecosystems. Towards this end, we used spatially explicit, growth rate potential (GRP) models to project changes in seasonal habitat quality for a warm‐water piscivore (largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides), a cool‐water piscivore (walleye Sander vitreus) and a hybrid piscivore (saugeye S. vitreus × S. canadensis) in two Midwestern reservoirs. We assessed habitat quality for two periods (early and middle 21st century) under two realistic greenhouse gas emission scenarios (a mid‐century emissions peak and a rapid continuous increase in emissions). Largemouth bass were projected to experience enhanced or slightly reduced habitat during all seasons, and throughout the mid‐21st century. By contrast, walleye habitat was projected to decline with anticipated warming, except during the spring in the smaller of our two study reservoirs and during the fall in the larger of our two study reservoirs. Saugeye habitat was projected to either increase modestly or decline slightly during the spring and fall and declines in habitat quality and quantity that were smaller than those for walleye were identified during summer. Collectively, our findings indicate that climate warming will differentially alter habitat suitability for reservoir piscivores, favouring warm‐water species over cool‐water species. We expect these changes in habitat quality to impact the dynamics of reservoir fish populations to varying degrees necessitating the consideration of climate when making future management decisions.