bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Leachate recirculation effects on solid‐state anaerobic digestion of Pennisetum hybrid and microbial community analysis
Authors: Xing Tao , Kong Xiaoying , Dong Pengyu , Zhen Feng , Sun Yongming 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDA leach‐bed reactor (LBR) with leachate recirculation is a suitable technology for lignocellulosic biomass anaerobic digestion. In this study, the effect of percolate reflux strategies (continuous recirculation and intermittent recirculation) on methane production from Pennisetum hybrid, a type of energy crop, was investigated using a two‐layered LBR.RESULTSCompared to a solid‐state anaerobic digestion batch test, LBRs with percolate recirculation provide a stable process with a short lag phase by avoiding inhibition of volatile fatty acid accumulation and inoculation effect. The results also indicated that continuous reflux led to a lower accumulative methane yield (56.20 L kg−1 VS) compared to intermittent reflux (78.50 L kg−1 VS), resulting from washing effect and poorer distribution on the lower layer. According to microbial analysis, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria and Synergistetes were the most predominant bacterial phyla in each LBR test sample and aceticlastic methanogen (at least >55%) plays a predominant role for methane production in all samples.CONCLUSIONSThe results indicate that leachate recirculation could provide stable conditions for methane yield; however, two‐layer reactor designs which cannot guarantee the desired distribution in the lower layer result in a low methane yield. Suitable design of LBRs to maintain a well‐distributed reflux leachate should be further investigated. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Selective Agonists of Nuclear Retinoic Acid Receptor Gamma Inhibit Growth of HCS‐2/8 Chondrosarcoma Cells
Authors: Shield William P. , Cellini Ashley , Tian Hongying , Wilson Kim , Dan Yang , Abzug Joshua M. , Garcia Sonia , Moritani Norifumi , Alferiev Ivan , Chorny Michael , Takigawa Masaharu , Ng Vincent Y. , Iwamoto Masahiro , Enomoto‐Iwamoto Motomi 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACTChondrosarcoma is the second most common primary bone sarcoma. Treatment of chondrosarcoma is limited to surgery due to radiation and chemotherapy resistance of this cancer. An ideal treatment for chondrosarcoma would be a well‐tolerated, minimally invasive local or systemic treatment modality to halt or slow tumor growth prior to resection of local, unresectable local, or metastatic disease. Palovarotene, an agonist of nuclear retinoic acid receptor γ (RARγ) has shown therapeutic action for treatment of heterotopic ossification and osteochondroma without serious adverse effects in animal models. We hypothesized that selective agonists of RARγ would have an inhibitory effect on chondrosarcoma. All human chondrosarcoma specimens expressed RARγ as determined by immunohistochemical staining. The ΗCS‐2/8 chondrosarcoma cell line, established from low‐grade human chondrosarcoma, was used to examine the actions of RARγ agonists. In ΗCS2/8 pellet cultures, RARγ agonist treatment reduced the mass size and significantly decreased total glycosaminoglycan, protein amounts, and gene expression levels of cartilage matrix molecules when compared with control groups. Systemic treatment with RARγ agonists significantly inhibited the growth of ΗCS‐2/8 cell transplants in vivo. Furthermore, local injection of RARγ agonist‐loaded poly‐lactic acid nanoparticles induced regression of the mass size of the transplants. Histologic analysis demonstrated that RARγ agonist treatment inhibited cell proliferation activity and stimulated encapsulation of the tumor. These findings indicate that RARγ agonists, including palovarotene, may have an anti‐tumor effect on low‐grade chondrosarcomas. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 38:1045‐1051, 2020
E‐Learning Training to Improve Pediatric Parenteral Nutrition Practice: A Pilot Study in Two University Hospitals
Authors: Petit Laetitia‐Marie , Le Pape Pauline , Delestras Stephanie , Nguyen Christina , Marchand Valerie , Belli Dominique , Bonnabry Pascal , Bajwa Nadia , Fonzo‐Christe Caroline 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundEducation and training may improve the prescription of pediatric parenteral nutrition. The aim was to evaluate the impact of an e‐learning method on parenteral nutrition prescription skills among pediatric residents in 2 pediatric hospitals.MethodsA randomized double‐blind control study was conducted over a 9‐month period among pediatric residents in HOSP1, Geneva, Switzerland, where physicians prescribe parenteral nutrition directly, and in HOSP2, Montreal, Canada, where physicians prescribe only occasionally because clinical pharmacists are devoted to this activity. The intervention consisted of an e‐learning session about key issues of parenteral nutrition. Physician parenteral nutrition knowledge was evaluated with a standardized questionnaire based on clinical cases before and after the e‐learning in the intervention groups; in the control groups, only the 2 tests were conducted. In HOSP1, participants also underwent iterative tests every 2 months to measure the retention of knowledge.ResultsSixty‐five physicians participated. Initial knowledge scores were higher in HOSP1 (pretest scores 180 ± 29 vs 133 ± 24, p < 0.001). Overall, there was no significant difference in the impact of the e‐learning intervention between the control and e‐learning groups (p > 0.05). A significant knowledge improvement was observed in HOSP2 in the e‐learning group (p = 0.033). Iterative tests in HOSP1 showed persistence of knowledge without significant differences between the groups. E‐learning satisfaction among the participants was outstanding (100%).ConclusionE‐learning seems to be an effective method for teaching parenteral nutrition among pediatric residents and fellows at the beginning of the training. High satisfaction with this teaching method was observed in this study.
Characterization and discrimination of microbial community and co‐occurrence patterns in fresh and strong flavor style flue‐cured tobacco leaves
Authors: Zhang Qianying , Geng Zongze , Li Dongliang , Ding Zhongyang 
Published: December 2019

AbstractFermentation, also known as aging, is vital for enhancing the quality of flue‐cured tobacco leaves (FTLs). Aged FTLs demonstrate high‐quality sensory characteristics, while unaged FTLs do not. Microbes play important roles in the FTL fermentation process. However, the eukaryotic microbial community diversity is poorly understood, as are microbial associations within FTLs. We aimed to characterize and compare the microbiota associated with two important categories, fresh and strong flavor style FTLs, and to reveal correlations between the microbial taxa within them. Based on 16S and 18S rRNA Illumina MiSeq sequencing, the community richness and diversity of prokaryotes were almost as high as that of eukaryotes. The dominant microbes of FTLs belonged to seven genera, including Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Methylobacterium, Acinetobacter, Sphingomonas, Neophaeosphaeria, and Cladosporium, of the Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Ascomycota phyla. According to partial least square discriminant analysis (PLS‐DA), Xanthomonas, Franconibacter, Massilia, Quadrisphaera, Staphylococcus, Cladosporium, Lodderomyces, Symmetrospora, Golovinomyces, and Dioszegia were significantly positively correlated with fresh flavor style FTLs, while Xenophilus, Fusarium, unclassified Ustilaginaceae, Tilletiopsis, Cryphonectria, Colletotrichum, and Cyanodermella were significantly positively correlated with strong flavor style FTLs. Network analysis identified seven hubs, Aureimonas, Kocuria, Massilia, Brachybacterium, Clostridium, Dietzia, and Vishniacozyma, that may play important roles in FTL ecosystem stability, which may be destroyed by Myrmecridium. FTL microbiota was found to be correlated with flavor style. Species present in lower numbers than the dominant microbes might be used as microbial markers to discriminate different flavor style samples and to stabilize FTL microbial communities. This research advances our understanding of FTL microbiota and describes a means of discriminating between fresh and strong flavor FTLs based on their respective stable microbiota.
Expert insights: The potential role of the gut microbiome‐bile acid‐brain axis in the development and progression of Alzheimer's disease and hepatic encephalopathy
Authors: Jia Wei , Rajani Cynthia , Kaddurah‐Daouk Rima , Li Houkai 
Published: December 2019

AbstractRecent epidemiological and molecular studies have linked the disruption of cholesterol homeostasis to increased risk for developing Alzheimer's disease (AD). Emerging evidence also suggests that brain cholesterol accumulation contributes to the progression of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) via bile acid (BA)‐mediated effects on the farnesoid X receptor. In this perspective paper, we reviewed several recently published studies that suggested a role for the gut microbiota transformation of BAs as a factor in AD and HE development/progression. We hypothesize that in addition to cholesterol elimination pathways, alteration of the gut microbiota and subsequent changes in both the serum and brain BA profiles are mechanistically involved in the development of both AD and HE, and thus, are a potential target for the prevention and treatment of the two diseases. Our understanding of the microbiome‐BAs‐brain axis in central nervous system disease is still evolving, and critical questions regarding the emerging links among central, peripheral, and intestinal metabolic failures contributing to brain health and disease during aging have yet to be addressed.
An image regression motion prediction technique for MRI‐guided radiotherapy evaluated in single‐plane cine imaging
Authors: Ginn John S. , Ruan Dan , Low Daniel A. , Lamb James M. 
Published: December 2019

PurposeTo develop and evaluate a novel motion prediction method for magnetic resonance image (MRI)‐guided radiotherapy applications. This method, which we deem “image regression,” predicts future tissue motion based on a weighted combination of previously observed motion states. Motion predictions are derived from a sliding window of recent motion states which are defined by a temporal sequence of images. A key advantage of this method compared to other motion prediction methods is that its computational complexity scales weekly with the number of spatial points predicted. Applications of gating latency reduction and improvement in deformable registration‐based target tracking are demonstrated.MethodsThe image regression (IR) motion prediction method was developed and evaluated using 26.9 h of real‐time imaging acquired from eight healthy volunteers and 13 patients using a 0.35 T MRI‐guided radiotherapy system. Motion predictions were performed 0.25–0.33 s into the future using a weighted sum of previously observed motion states with image similarity‐derived weights. The set of previously observed motion states were continuously updated to incorporate the changes in breathing patterns. The accuracy of the predicted radiotherapy gating decision, beam‐on positive predictive value (PPV), and predicted vs ground‐truth target centroid position errors are reported. The IR technique was compared against no prediction, linear extrapolation, and an established autoregressive linear prediction algorithm. The usage of IR to initialize the deformable registration and enhance the target tracking was demonstrated in the healthy volunteer studies. Deformable registration with IR initialization was compared to the initialization performed by current clinical software: no initialization, previous image registration initialization and linear motion extrapolation initialization.ResultsThe average IR‐predicted radiation beam gating decision accuracy was 95.8%, with a PPV of 95.7%, and median and 95th percentile centroid position errors of 0.63 and 2.08 mm, respectively. Compared to the autoregressive linear prediction method, gating accuracy was 1.15% greater, PPV was 1.61% greater, and median and 95th percentile centroid distances were 0.21 and 0.23 mm smaller. The IR‐initialized registration on average converged within 0.50 mm of the ground‐truth position in fewer than 10 iterations whereas the next best initialization method required more than 25 iterations.ConclusionsImage regression motion prediction has the potential to reduce the gating latencies and improve the speed and accuracy of deformable registration‐based target tracking in MRI‐guided radiotherapy.
Technical Note: Performance comparison of ultra‐high‐resolution scan modes of two clinical computed tomography systems
Authors: Kawashima Hiroki , Ichikawa Katsuhiro , Takata Tadanori , Nagata Hiroji , Hoshika Minori , Akagi Noriaki 
Published: December 2019

PurposeTwo ultra‐high‐resolution (UHR) computed tomography (CT) scanners are clinically available. One is achieved by a CT system with a 0.25 mm × 160 row detector (Detector‐UHR), whereas the other is with a 0.6 mm × 32 row detector with in‐plane comb filtering in a dual source CT (Comb‐UHR). We compared radiation dose efficiencies of the two UHR modes to that of a routine scan mode (RS), using physical image quality measures for an assumed condition of abdominal CT angiography (CTA).MethodsA wire phantom, a 300‐mm cylindrical water bath phantom, and a microdisk phantom were used for measuring the modulation transfer function (MTF), noise power spectrum (NPS), and slice sensitivity profiles (SSP), respectively, at CTDIvol of 20 mGy. Images with minimal slice thicknesses were reconstructed by filtered back projection methods. System performance functions (SPF2) based on the prewhitening theorem were calculated by dividing MTF2 by NPS measurements. The ideal observer's detectability index (d'2) was also estimated for a task corresponding to a 1‐mm diameter vessel. Furthermore, a bar‐pattern phantom placed in a water phantom resembling an adult abdomen was scanned, and the visibility of the bars was observed.ResultsSystem performance function (SPF2) results showed that Comb‐UHR has a 70% dose efficiency compared to RS and provides better than twofold SPF2 compared to Detector‐UHR. The d'2 values of Detector‐UHR, Comb‐UHR, and RS were 6.5, 14.7, and 16.0, respectively. Although the bar‐pattern phantom images were consistent with the SPF results, bar widths < 1.0 mm for Detector‐UHR and < 0.75 mm for Comb‐UHR and RS were not resolved.ConclusionsThough both the UHR modes exhibited system performances extending to 2.6 cycles/mm, they appeared not to be advantageous compared to RS in the conditions applicable to abdominal CTA, because of their insufficient dose efficiencies.
MRIgRT head and neck anthropomorphic QA phantom: Design, development, reproducibility, and feasibility study
Authors: Steinmann A. , Alvarez P. , Lee H. , Court L. , Stafford R. , Sawakuchi G. , Wen Z. , Fuller C. D. , Followill D. 
Published: December 2019

PurposeThe purpose of this paper was to design, manufacture, and evaluate a tissue equivalent, dual magnetic resonance/computed tomography (MR/CT) visible anthropomorphic head and neck (H&N) phantom. This phantom was specially designed as an end‐to‐end quality assurance (QA) tool for MR imaging guided radiotherapy (MRIgRT) systems participating in NCI‐sponsored clinical trials.MethodThe MRIgRT H&N phantom was constructed using a water‐fillable acrylic shell and a custom insert that mimics an organ at risk (OAR) and target structures. The insert consists of a primary and secondary planning target volume (PTV) manufactured of a synthetic Clear Ballistic gel, an acrylic OAR and surrounding tissue fabricated using melted Superflab. Radiochromic EBT3 film and thermoluminescent detectors (TLDs) were used to measure the dose distribution and absolute dose, respectively. The phantom was evaluated by conducting an end‐to‐end test that included: imaging on a GE Lightspeed CT simulator, planning on Monaco treatment planning software (TPS), verifying treatment setup with MR, and irradiating on Elekta's 1.5 T Unity MR linac system. The phantom was irradiated three times using the same plan to determine reproducibility. Three institutions, equipped with either ViewRay MRIdian 60Co or ViewRay MRIdian Linac, were used to conduct a feasibility study by performing independent end‐to‐end studies. Thermoluminescent detectors were evaluated in both reproducibility and feasibility studies by comparing ratios of measured TLD to reported TPS calculated values. Radiochromic film was used to compare measured planar dose distributions to expected TPS distributions. Film was evaluated by using an in‐house gamma analysis software to measure the discrepancies between film and TPS.ResultsThe MRIgRT H&N phantom on the Unity system resulted in reproducible TLD doses (SD < 1.5%). The measured TLD to calculated dose ratios for the Unity system ranged from 0.94 to 0.98. The Viewray dose result comparisons had a larger range (0.95–1.03) but these depended on the TPS dose calculations from each site. Using a 7%/4 mm gamma analysis, Viewray institutions had average axial and sagittal passing rates of 97.3% and 96.2% and the Unity system had average passing rates of 97.8% and 89.7%, respectively. All of the results were within the Imaging and Radiation Oncology Core in Houston (IROC‐Houston) standard credentialing criteria of 7% on TLDs, and >85% of pixels passing gamma analysis using 7%/4 mm on films.ConclusionsAn MRIgRT H&N phantom that is tissue equivalent and visible on both CT and MR was developed. The results from initial reproducibility and feasibility testing of the MRIgRT H&N phantom using the tested MGIgRT systems suggests the phantom's potential utility as a credentialing tool for NCI‐clinical trials.
The Behavior and Mind Health (BeMIND) study: Methods, design and baseline sample characteristics of a cohort study among adolescents and young adults
Authors: Beesdo‐Baum Katja , Voss Catharina , Venz John , Hoyer Jana , Berwanger Johanna , Kische Hanna , Ollmann Theresa Magdalena , Pieper Lars 
Published: December 2019

AbstractObjectivesThe Behavior and Mind Health (BeMIND) study is a population‐based cohort study of adolescents and young adults from Dresden, Germany. The aim is to investigate psychological and behavioral factors linked to a range of mental disorders and health behaviors and their interaction with social‐environmental and genetic/biologic factors.MethodsA random sample of 14–21 year olds was drawn from the population registry in 2015. The baseline investigation was completed 11/2015–12/2016 (N = 1,180). Assessments include standardized diagnostic interview, cognitive‐affective tasks, questionnaires, biosamples, and ecologic momentary assessment in real life with combined actigraphic/geographic monitoring. In the family study component, parents completed similar assessments and provided information on child's early development.ResultsThe participation rate (minimum response proportion) was 21.7%; the cooperation rate was 43.4%. Acceptance and completion of study components were high. General health data indicate that more than 80% reported no or only mild impairment due to mental or somatic health problems in the past year; about 20% ever sought treatment for mental health problems or chronic somatic illnesses, respectively.ConclusionsData from BeMIND baseline and follow‐up investigations will provide novel insights into contributors to health and disease as adolescents grow into adulthood.
The Alcohol Dependence Scale and DSM‐5 alcohol use disorder: Severity ratings correspond insufficiently in older patients
Authors: Mejldal Anna , Andersen Kjeld , Bilberg Randi , Braun Barbara , Bogenschutz Michael , Bühringer Gerhard , Nielsen Anette Søgaard , Silke Behrendt 
Published: December 2019

AbstractObjectivesTo investigate the psychometric properties of the frequently used Alcohol Dependence Scale (ADS) in older adults and the associations between ADS scores and alcohol use and DSM‐5 AUD symptom counts.MethodsUsing baseline data from an international multicenter RCT on outpatient AUD treatment for adults aged 60+ with DSM‐5 alcohol use disorder (AUD; n = 529), we computed Cronbach's alpha (α) and applied confirmatory (CFA) and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to determine the underlying factor structure. A structural equation model (SEM) explored the interrelationship of latent ADS factors with alcohol use and number of DSM‐5 criteria endorsed.ResultsInternal consistency of the ADS (α = 0.81) was good. EFA revealed a three‐factor structure. Factor 1 (“Severe withdrawal symptoms”) consisted of severe psychoperceptual and psychophysical consequences of excessive drinking, Factor 2 (“Loss of control”) consisted of acute physical reactions of intoxication, and Factor 3 (“Obsessive–compulsive drinking”) described habitual drinking. The SEM suggested that only Factor 3 had large effects on DSM‐5 symptom score and drinking behavior.ConclusionLowering the ADS threshold or focusing on ADS items from Factor 3 may be more suitable measures of severity of alcohol dependence in treatment‐seeking older adults as ADS scores are low and not closely related to DSM‐5 AUD.
Recent advances in computational 31P NMR: Part 2. Spin–spin coupling constants
Authors: Krivdin Leonid B. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThis is the second part of two closely related reviews dealing with the computation of 31P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) parameters in a wide range of phosphorous containing compounds. The first part of this review concentrated primarily on the computation of 31P NMR chemical shifts, whereas the second part concerns the calculation of spin–spin coupling constants involving phosphorus nucleus, focusing primarily on their stereochemical dependencies and stereodynamic behavior in particular classes of organophosphorus compounds. This review is dedicated to the Full Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences Professor Boris A. Trofimov in view of his invaluable contribution to the field of synthesis, NMR, and computation studies of organophosphorus compounds.
A branch‐and‐cut algorithm for a bipartite graph construction problem in digital communication systems
Authors: Kabakulak Banu , Taşkin Z. Caner , Pusane Ali E. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractWe study a bipartite graph (BG) construction problem that arises in digital communication systems. In a digital communication system, information is sent from one place to another over a noisy communication channel using binary symbols (bits). The original information is encoded by adding redundant bits, which are then used to detect and correct errors that may have been introduced during transmission. Harmful structures, such as small cycles, severely deteriorate the error correction capability of a BG. We introduce an integer programming formulation to generate a BG for a given smallest cycle length. We propose a branch‐and‐cut algorithm for its solution and investigate the structural properties of the problem to derive valid inequalities and variable fixing rules. We also introduce heuristics to obtain feasible solutions for the problem. The computational experiments show that our algorithm can generate BGs without small cycles in an acceptable amount of time for practically relevant dimensions.