bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impacts of biofilms on the conversion of cellulose
Authors: Brethauer Simone , Shahab Robert L. , Studer Michael H. 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Lignocellulose is a widely available renewable carbon source and a promising feedstock for the production of various chemicals in biorefineries. However, its recalcitrant nature is a major hurdle that must be overcome to enable economic conversion processes. Deconstruction of lignocellulose is part of the global carbon cycle, and efficient microbial degradation systems have evolved that might serve as models to improve commercial conversion processes. Biofilms—matrix encased, spatially organized clusters of microbial cells and the predominating lifestyle in nature—have been recognized for their essential role in the degradation of cellulose in nature, e.g., in soils or in the digestive tracts of ruminant animals. Cellulolytic biofilms allow for a high concentration of enzymes at the boundary layer between the solid substrate and the liquid phase and the more complete capture of hydrolysis products directly at the hydrolysis site, which is energetically favorable. Furthermore, enhanced expression of genes for carbohydrate active enzymes as a response to the attachment on solid substrate has been demonstrated for cellulolytic aerobic fungi and anerobic bacteria. In natural multispecies biofilms, the vicinity of different microbial species allows the creation of efficient food webs and synergistic interactions thereby, e.g., avoiding the accumulation of inhibiting metabolites. In this review, these topics are discussed and attempts to realize the benefits of biofilms in targeted applications such as the consolidated bioprocessing of lignocellulose are highlighted.

Key Points

Multispecies biofilms enable efficient lignocellulose destruction in the biosphere.

Cellulose degradation by anaerobic bacteria often occurs by monolayered biofilms.

Fungal biofilms immobilize enzymes and substrates in an external digestion system.

Surface attached cultures typically show higher expression of cellulolytic enzymes.
Outcome of Permanent Vascular Access with Vein ≤ 2.2 mm in Diameter
Authors: Hussain Tahir , Farooqui Fareeha 
Published: April 2020

AbstractObjectiveEnd‐stage renal disease patients with vein diameter of ≤2.2 mm can undergo autogenous arteriovenous fistula (AVF) formation with the acceptable results.MethodsThis observational retrospective study of prospectively collected data analyzed end‐stage renal disease patients with a vein diameter of ≤ 2.2 mm, who underwent AVF formation at Shifa International Hospital Islamabad from January 2009 to December 2017. The fistulae were observed for immediate success and maturity at 3 months. The chi‐square test was used to determine the effect of vein diameter on final maturity. All data were analyzed using SPSS.ResultsThe total number of patients with vein diameter of ≤2.2 mm was 38, with a mean age of 46.76 ± 12.790 years. Vein diameters ranged from 1.6 to 2.2 mm. Immediate success was observed in 35 (92.1%) cases. Veins of 31 (81.6%) patients showing maturity at 3 months and were used for hemodialysis. The overall success rate for the small caliber veins was 82%.ConclusionAlthough end‐stage renal disease patients present late with very small diameter veins, these veins should still be accommodated for permanent vascular access, because their maturity rates are still acceptable, even though these are lower than those of patients with adequate sized veins.
The immobilisation and reactivity of Fe(CN)63−/4− in an intrinsically microporous polyamine (PIM-EA-TB)
Authors: Wang Lina , Malpass-Evans Richard , Carta Mariolino , McKeown Neil B. , Marken Frank 
Published: April 2020

AbstractProtonation of the molecularly rigid polymer of intrinsic microporosity PIM-EA-TB can be coupled to immobilisation of Fe(CN)63−/4− (as well as immobilisation of Prussian blue) into 1–2 nm diameter channels. The resulting films provide redox-active coatings on glassy carbon electrodes. Uptake, transport, and retention of Fe(CN)63−/4− in the microporous polymer are strongly pH dependent requiring protonation of the PIM-EA-TB (pKA ≈ 4). Both Fe(CN)64− and Fe(CN)63− can be immobilised, but Fe(CN)64− appears to bind tighter to the polymer backbone presumably via bridging protons. Loss of Fe(CN)63−/4− by leaching into the aqueous solution phase becomes significant only at pH > 9 and is likely to be associated with hydroxide anions directly entering the microporous structure to combine with protons. This and the interaction of Fe(CN)63−/4− and protons within the molecularly rigid PIM-EA-TB host are suggested to be responsible for retention and relatively slow leaching processes. Electrocatalysis with immobilised Fe(CN)63−/4− is demonstrated for the oxidation of ascorbic acid.
Model predictive scheduling of semi-cyclic discrete-event systems using switching max-plus linear models and dynamic graphs
Authors: van den Boom Ton J. J. , Muijsenberg Marenne van den , De Schutter Bart 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIn this paper we discuss scheduling of semi-cyclic discrete-event systems, for which the set of operations may vary over a limited set of possible sequences of operations. We introduce a unified modeling framework in which different types of semi-cyclic discrete-event systems can be described by switching max-plus linear (SMPL) models. We use a dynamic graph to visualize the evolution of an SMPL system over a certain period in a graphical way and to describe the order relations of the system events. We show that the dynamic graph can be used to analyse the structural properties of the system. In general the model predictive scheduling design problem for SMPL systems can be recast as a mixed integer linear programming (MILP) problem. In order to reduce the number of optimization parameters we introduce a novel reparametrization of the MILP problem. This may lead to a decrease in computational complexity.
NMR Shift and Relaxation and the Electronic Spin of Superconducting Cuprates
Authors: Avramovska Marija , Pavićević Danica , Haase Jürgen 
Published: April 2020

AbstractVery recently, by inspecting large sets of data across all families of superconducting cuprates, it became obvious that the prevailing nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) interpretation of cuprate properties is not adequate, as it does not account for the differences between the families, as well as common characteristics beyond simple temperature dependence. From the most abundant planar Cu shift data, one concludes readily on two electronic spin components with different doping and temperature dependencies. Their uniform response that causes NMR spin shifts consists of a doping-dependent component due to planar O, and another due to spin in the planar copper 3d(x2 − y2) orbital, where the latter points opposite the field direction. Planar Cu relaxation was found to be rather ubiquitous (except for La2−xSrxCuO4), and Fermi liquid-like, i.e., independent of doping and material, apart from the sudden drop at the superconducting transition temperature, Tc. Only the relaxation anisotropy is doping and material dependent. We showed previously that one can understand the shifts within a two-component scenario, but we failed with a model to account for the relaxation. Here, we suggest a slightly different shift scenario, still based on the two components, by introducing different hyperfine couplings, and, importantly, we are able to account for the Cu nuclear relaxation and its anisotropy for all materials, including also La2−xSrxCuO4. The results represent a solid framework for theory.
Archaeomagnetic investigations in Bolgar (Tatarstan)
Authors: Kosareva Lina R. , Kuzina Dilyara M. , Nurgaliev Danis K. , Sitdikov Airat G. , Luneva Olga V. , Khasanov Damir I. , Suttie Neil , Spassov Simo 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe objective of this study is to provide a well-dated point for a future palaeosecular variation (PSV) reference curve for western Russia. For this purpose archaeomagnetic and magnetic property analyses were carried out on a pottery kiln unearthed at the UNESCO World Heritage site of ancient Bolgar, having a rather precise age dating. The archaeological context provided an age between 1340 and 1360 C.E. The characteristic remanence vector was determined through alternating field demagnetisation and Thellier-Thellier palaeointensity experiments. Some innovations were introduced regarding palaeointensity. The check testing the equality of blocking and unblocking temperature was redefined. This allowed waiving the commonly used additional zero-field cooling steps during the Thellier-Thellier experiment. Another innovation concerns the calculation of archaeointensity at structure level. A Bayesian approach was introduced for averaging individual specimen archaeointensities using a prior probability distribution of unknown uncertainties. Next, an additional prior probability distribution was used to correct for cooling rate effects. This resulted in a lower uncertainty compared to common practice and in eluding time consuming cooling rate experiments. The complex magnetic mineralogy consists of maghaemite, multi-domain haematite and Al-substituted haematite. Some samples contained also some non-stoichiometric magnetite. The magnetic mineralogy was determined through hysteresis loops, backfield and remanence decay curves, measurements of the frequency dependence of magnetic susceptibility and through low temperature magnetisation curves. Accompanying high-temperature thermomagnetic analyses revealed an excellent thermo-chemical stability of the studied specimens. Directions obtained from alternating field demagnetisation and those extracted from archaeointensity experiments are congruent and have low uncertainties. The obtained archaeomagnetic results are fairly in agreement with global geomagnetic field models and contemporary PSV data of the wider area. The geomagnetic field vector obtained for ancient Bolgar is of high quality, deserving thus its inclusion in a future PSV reference curve for European Russia.
The Clavicle Continues to Grow during Adolescence and Early Adulthood
Authors: Hughes Jessica L. , Newton Peter O. , Bastrom Tracey , Fabricant Peter D. , Pennock Andrew T. 
Published: April 2020

Background As more adults undergo surgical fixation of clavicle fractures with improved outcomes, interest is renewed in managing clavicle fractures in adolescents. The medial clavicular physis does not fuse until 23 to 25 years of age, but studies report minimal clavicular growth during adolescence—studies that employed cross-sectional methodologies, which cannot not capture growth in patients over time. The assumption that clavicle length at each stage is uniform, as is the final overall length, may not be accurate if the age groups studied comprise various ethnicities, socioeconomic status, or height. Questions/Purposes We sought to quantify longitudinal clavicular growth on serial radiographs in adolescents and young adults. Our hypothesis was that substantial clavicular growth would be seen beyond the age of 12 years. Methods We conducted a longitudinal case series of non-syndromic patients in a single orthopedic clinic and analyzed serial radiographic images of the clavicles. For ethical reasons, only patients with non-neuromuscular scoliosis and kyphosis (in whom the existing standard of care includes serial thoracic radiographs) were considered for inclusion. Patients ages 10 to 25 years old were included in the study if three or more serial thoracic radiographs over a minimum 5 years were available that captured the entire length of at least one non-rotated clavicle. Three types of radiographs were included for analysis: digital low-dose-radiation stereoradiographic (EOS Imaging, Paris, France), non-EOS digital, and non-EOS printed. The overall longitudinal growth, yearly growth, and the yearly growth percentage were calculated for each clavicle. Results Fifty-seven patients (22 male and 35 female) met the inclusion criteria. In male patients, at ages 12 to 15 years, the clavicular growth was 4.9 mm/year, or 4%/year; at ages 16 to 19 years, growth was 3.2 mm/year, or 2.4%/year; and at ages 20 to 25 years, growth was 1.7 mm/year, or 1.1%/year. In female patients, at ages 12 to 15 years, growth was 4.7 mm/year, or 4%/year; at 16 to 19 years, growth was 2.2 mm/year, or 1.7%/year; and at ages 20 to 25 years, growth was 0.2 mm/year or 0.1%/year. We could not detect the age of terminal growth in either sex because growth was ongoing in most patients in the oldest group. Conclusion We found substantial clavicular growth potential after age 18 years, when growth is thought to be nearly finished, as well as remodeling potential even up to age 25 years. Further research is needed, but our findings suggest that strategies for managing clavicle fracture in adults may not be applied universally to adolescents and young adults.
The Role of CARD9 in Metabolic Diseases
Authors: Tian Cheng , Tuo Ya-li , Lu Yi , Xu Chuan-rui , Xiang Ming 
Published: April 2020

SummaryCaspase recruitment domain containing protein 9 (CARD9) is an adaptor protein that plays a critical role in pattern recognition receptors (PRRs)-mediated activation of NF-?B and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). This elicits initiation of the pro-inflammatory cytokines and leads to inflammatory responses, which has been recognized as a critical contributor to chronic inflammation. Current researches demonstrate that CARD9 is strongly associated with metabolic diseases, such as obesity, insulin resistance, atherosclerosis and so on. In this review, we summarize CARD9 signaling pathway and the role of CARD9 in metabolic diseases.
Polysubstituted Phenyl Glucosides Produced by the Fungus Metarrhizium anisopliae
Authors: Wang Wen-jing , Dai Chong , Wang Jian-ping , Zhu Hu-cheng , Chen Chun-mei , Zhang Yong-hui 
Published: April 2020

SummaryMetarhizosides A–G (1–7), seven new polysubstituted phenyl glucosides, were isolated from the extracts of solid rice medium of a marine-derived fungus Metarrhizium anisopliae. Compounds 1–7 all contain a polysubstituted phenyl group and the sugar unit is identified as 4′-O-methyl-β-D-glucopyranose. Their structures were elucidated by NMR spectroscopy and chemical method. These compounds were evaluated for anti-inflammatory activity by using LPS-stimulated murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cells and the cytotoxicities against four human cancer cell lines.
Kinetic Characterization of Tyrosinase-catalyzed Oxidation of Four Polyphenols
Authors: Liu Wan-yu , Zou Cong-ming , Hu Jian-hua , Xu Zi-jun , Si Lu-qin , Liu Jun-jun , Huang Jian-geng 
Published: April 2020

SummaryPhenolic compounds such as chlorogenic acid, cryptochlorogenic acid, neochlorogenic acid and caffeic acid are widely distributed in fruits, vegetables and traditional Chinese medicines with a wide range of biological activities. Tyrosinase plays a critical role in the food industry, but recent studies have proposed unexplored aspects of clinical application. Tyrosinase-catalyzed oxidation of four polyphenols as well as its underlying mechanism remains unclear. In the current work, we investigated the kinetic properties of tyrosinase-catalyzed oxidation of the four polyphenols of interest. To measure the unstable o-quinone products, an analytical method using 3-methyl-2-benzothiazolinone hydrazone (MBTH) was established. The optimal incubation time, buffer pH, temperature and enzyme concentration for the enzyme activity in the presence of each polyphenol of interest were investigated. Under the final optimized conditions, the kinetics and substrate specificity of four polyphenols were examined. Kinetic data showed that tyrosinase had the greatest substrate affnity to chlorogenic acid compared with its isomers and caffeic acid. The catalytic effciency with chlorogenic acid was 8- to 15-fold higher than that with the other 3 polyphenols. Molecular docking study demonstrated that the tight binding of chlorogenic acid at the peripheral site should be the major reason for the specifcity to chlorogenic acid. In light of this, the rational design of high-affnity inhibitors against tyrosinase may focus on the binding of both the Cu site and peripheral site. This study will supply a basis for the selection of phenolic acids in food industry and health care.
Erratum to: Protein Phosphatase 2A as a Drug Target in the Treatment of Cancer and Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Wei Hui , Zhang Hui-liang , Xie Jia-zhao , Meng Dong-li , Wang Xiao-chuan , Ke Dan , Zeng Ji , Liu Rong 
Published: April 2020

The article “Protein Phosphatase 2A as a Drug Target in the Treatment of Cancer and Alzheimer’s Disease”, written by Hui WEI, Hui-liang ZHANG, Jia-zhao XIE, Dong-li MENG, Xiao-chuan WANG, Dan KE, Ji ZENG, Rong LIU, was originally published electronically on the publisher’s internet portal on 13 March 2020 without open access. With the author(s)’ decision to opt for Open Choice the copyright of the article changed to © The Author(s) 2020 and the article is forthwith distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license, and indicate if changes were made.The original article has been corrected.Corresponding authors: Dan KE, E-mail: kedan@hust.edu.cn; Ji ZENG, E-mail: whzjmicro@163.com
Career Adaptability and Vocational Identity of Commercial Apprentices in the German Dual System
Authors: Kirchknopf Sebastian 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe construct of career adaptability has recently gained importance in research on vocational development and has led to a variety of theoretical and empirical approaches. Alongside with vocational identity it has been theorised as the crucial meta-competency of modern career construction. Due to its roots in adolescent career development, career adaptability is not limited to the vocational adjustments of working adults, but is also highly relevant for the pre-occupational orientation processes of adolescents initially developing a vocational identity. Despite the recent increase in empirical research on career adaptability, the field of vocational education has been largely neglected so far. Therefore, a quantitative survey among nearlyN = 400 commercial apprentices within the German dual system of VET has been conducted. This study focuses on the replication of the Career Adapt-Abilities Scale (CAAS) among commercial apprentices within the German dual system, and its discrimination against alternative operationalisations of career adaptability. Furthermore, the relationship between career adaptability and vocational identity (operationalised as occupational and organisational identification) was explored. Results showed that the four-dimensional structure of career adaptability covered by the CAAS could be largely replicated in the dual system. In addition, it was found that the CAAS can in part be separated from alternative operationalisations. Finally, the results confirmed career adaptability positively predicts both foci of identification in a cognitive and affective manner. This indicates that career adaptability can be seen as a beneficial factor for vocational education and training as it fosters the vocational ties of apprentices in terms of their identity.
How Physical Presence Overrides Emotional (Coping) Effects in HRI: Testing the Transfer of Emotions and Emotional Coping in Interaction with a Humanoid Social Robot
Authors: Spekman Marloes L. C. , Konijn Elly A. , Hoorn Johan F. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe increasing pressure on healthcare systems calls for innovative solutions, such as social robots. However, healthcare situations often are highly emotional while little is known about how people’s prior emotional state may affect the perception and acceptance of such robots. Following appraisal theories of emotion, the appraisal of coping potential related to one’s emotions was found to be important in acting as mediator between emotional state and perceptions of a robot (Spekman et al. in Comput Hum Behav 85:308–318, 2018.10.1016/j.chb.2018.03.043; in Belief in emotional coping ability affects what you see in a robot, not the emotions as such, Dissertation, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, 2018), though this has not yet been tested in relation toactualemotional coping nor in anactualencounter with a robot. Hence, the current study focused on how actual emotional coping influences subsequent robot perceptions in two experiments. In Study 1 (N = 101) and Study 2 (N = 110) participants encountered a real humanoid robot after a manipulation to induce various emotions and coping potential. Manipulations in both studies were effective, yet the results in Study 1 were potentially confounded by a novelty effect of participants’ first encounter with a real robot that talked to them. Therefore, in Study 2, participants interacted briefly with the robot before the actual experiment. Results showed an interaction effect of prior emotions and (manipulated) coping potential on robot perceptions, but not the effects expected based on previous studies. An actual interaction with a robot thus seems to provoke different reactions to the robot, thereby overruling any emotional effects. These findings are discussed in light of the healthcare context in which these social robots might be deployed.
Coordinating maintenance windows and train traffic: a case study
Authors: Lidén Tomas 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThis paper concerns a case study for optimal planning and coordination of railway maintenance windows and train traffic. The purpose is to validate a previously presented optimization model on a demanding real-life problem instance and to obtain results that apply in similar planning situations. A mixed integer linear programming model is used for a 913 km long, single-track railway line through the northern part of Sweden, with traffic consisting of 82 trains per day, most of which are freight trains. Cyclic 1-day schedules are produced, which show that 2 h long maintenance windows can be scheduled with small adjustments of the train traffic. The sensitivity for cost changes is studied, which shows that the train costs must increase by more than 30% in order to change the structure of the window solutions. Resource efficient window schedules are obtained by assigning maintenance teams to all windows while respecting crew work and rest time restrictions. A comparison with manually constructed plans from the Swedish Transport Administration indicates that larger window volumes can be scheduled at a lower cost and with solution structures which are deemed reasonable and useful as guidance for constructing the real window patterns. Finally, we estimate that using an integrated planning approach (where maintenance and trains are jointly planned) instead of a sequential approach (where a train timetable has precedence over the maintenance windows), will give maintenance cost savings of 11–17%, without incurring any large cost increases for the train traffic. The paper also presents a method for achieving cyclic schedules without any period-deciding variables, and discusses the consequences of the aggregated capacity usage model that has been adopted.