bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Physicochemical properties and lead ion adsorption of biochar prepared from Turkish gall residue at different pyrolysis temperatures
Authors: Zhou Xiao‐ying , Xie Fang , Jiang Min , KE‐ao Li , Tian Shu‐ge 
Published: December 2020

AbstractHow to correctly and scientifically dispose of medicine residue on the basis of protecting the environment is an urgent problem to be solved due to the continuous generation of a large amount of waste medicine residue. In this paper, the application of waste medicine residue (large volume produced each year) as a precursor in producing a biochar that could adsorb Pb ion was reported. Biochar is a stable, aromatic, porous substance that is rich in carbon and prepared through pyrolysis of waste biomass under anaerobic conditions. In this study, medicine residue was used as raw material, and high‐temperature sintering furnace was used to prepare medicine slag biochar at different temperatures of 200°C, 300°C, 400°C, 500°C, and 600°C. The resulting biochar was characterized by elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), specific surface area analysis, field emission‐scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and Raman spectroscopy (RS). Experimental results showed that with the increase in pyrolysis temperature, the biochar structure was destroyed. The yield decreased as the temperature gradually decreased from 81.69% to 33.90%. With the increase in temperature, the pH, the ash, and the fixed carbon gradually increased, whereas the number of surface functional groups decreased. The quasi second order kinetic equation can better fit the kinetic characteristics of adsorbing Pb ion by biochar. In general, this study provides a valuable method for recycling medicine residue.
Long‐term effects of sewage sludge–derived biochar on the accumulation and availability of trace elements in a tropical soil
Authors: Chagas Jhon Kenedy Moura , Figueiredo Cícero Célio de , Silva Juscimar da , Shah Kalpit , Paz‐Ferreiro Jorge 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThermal treatment by pyrolysis has been proposed as a sustainable alternative to enable the agricultural use of sewage sludge. The solid product obtained via pyrolysis of sewage sludge is called sewage sludge biochar and presents several advantages for its use as a fertilizer or soil conditioner. However, there are concerns about the accumulation and dynamics of trace elements in soil amended with sewage sludge biochar over the years. This study examined the effect of sewage sludge biochar, under field conditions for 5 yr, on the accumulation and availability of trace elements in a tropical soil. For this, 15 t ha–1 of sewage sludge biochar produced at 300 and 500 °C were applied in the first two growing seasons. Application was interrupted from the third to the fifth seasons to assess the residual effect of sewage sludge biochar in the soil. The total and available trace element concentrations were determined. The total contents of trace elements showed the following variation in the soil over the 5 yr (mg kg–1): Cd (16.8–20.0), Co (19.5–21.5), Cr (98.2–125.7), Cu (8.1–17.1), Mn (62.9–85.7), Ni (20.3–35.0), Pb (27.0–52.4), and Zn (20.3–35.8). There was no change in the availability of Cd, Cr, Ni, and Pb over the years. Additionally, a residual effect of the sewage sludge biochar was the increase in availability of trace elements that are considered essential (Cu, Mn, and Zn) and beneficial elements (Co) for plants. Therefore, in relation to contamination by trace elements, the pyrolysis of sewage sludge of domestic origin proved to be an adequate strategy to enable the safe use of this residue in tropical agriculture.
Contrasting El Niño impacts on East Asian summer monsoon precipitation between its developing and decaying stages
Authors: Wen Na , Hao Yongsheng 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe different impacts of El Niño on the East Asian summer precipitation (EASP) between its developing and decaying stages are investigated in observations. The EASP responses are almost opposite between the two stages, with an anomalous wet (dry) in Southeast China and an anomalous dry (wet) in North China in the developing (decaying) summer. In the developing summer, El Niño influence on EASP is through its direct impact of the sea surface temperature (SST) anomaly in the tropical Pacific, which induces heating perturbations that excite an upper‐level zonally propagating wave train in mid‐latitude and a lower‐level meridional wave train along the East Asian coast. In contrast, in the decaying summer, El Niño affects EASP through the El Niño‐generated SST anomalies outside the equatorial Pacific, which are combined to produce an uplift of geopotential height around the upper‐level tropics and a lower‐level Pacific‐Japan (PJ) wave train.
The effects of 3D culture on the expansion and maintenance of nucleus pulposus progenitor cell multipotency
Authors: Guerrero Julien , Häckel Sonja , Croft Andreas S. , Albers Christoph E. , Gantenbein Benjamin 
Published: December 2020

AbstractIntroductionLow back pain (LBP) is a global health concern. Increasing evidence implicates intervertebral disk (IVD) degeneration as a major contributor. In this respect, tissue‐specific progenitors may play a crucial role in tissue regeneration, as these cells are perfectly adapted to their niche. Recently, a novel progenitor cell population was described in the nucleus pulposus (NP) that is positive for Tie2 marker. These cells have self‐renewal capacity and in vitro multipotency potential. However, extremely low numbers of the NP progenitors limit the feasibility of cell therapy strategies.ObjectiveHere, we studied the influence of the culture method and of the microenvironment on the proliferation rate and the differentiation potential of human NP progenitors in vitro.MethodCells were obtained from human NP tissue from trauma patients. Briefly, the NP tissue cells were cultured in two‐dimensional (2D) (monolayer) or three‐dimensional (3D) (alginate beads) conditions. After 1 week, cells from 2D or 3D culture were expanded on fibronectin‐coated flasks. Subsequently, expanded NP cells were then characterized by cytometry and tri‐lineage differentiation, which was analyzed by qPCR and histology. Moreover, experiments using Tie2+ and Tie2− NP cells were also performed.ResultsThe present study aims to demonstrate that 3D expansion of NP cells better preserves the Tie2+ cell populations and increases the chondrogenic and osteogenic differentiation potential compared to 2D expansion. Moreover, the cell sorting experiments reveal that only Tie2+ cells were able to maintain the pluripotent gene expression if cultured in 3D within alginate beads. Therefore, our results highly suggest that the maintenance of the cell's multipotency is mainly, but not exclusively, due to the higher presence of Tie2+ cells due to 3D culture.ConclusionThis project not only might have a scientific impact by evaluating the influence of a two‐step expansion protocol on the functionality of NP progenitors, but it could also lead to an innovative clinical approach.
Microchip electrophoresis assay for calmodulin binding proteins
Authors: Samarasinghe Thushara N. , Zeng Yong , Johnson Carey K. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe calcium signaling protein calmodulin regulates numerous intracellular processes. We introduce a sensitive microchip assay to separate and detect calmodulin binding proteins. The assay utilizes an optimized microchip electrophoresis protein separation platform with laser‐induced fluorescence detection. Fluorescence‐labeled calmodulin modified with a photoreactive diazirine crosslinker allows selective detection of calmodulin binding proteins. We demonstrate successful in‐vitro crosslinking of calmodulin with two calmodulin binding proteins, calcineurin, and nitric oxide synthase. We compare the efficacy of commonly applied electrophoretic separation modes: microchip capillary zone electrophoresis, microchip micellar electrokinetic chromatography/gel electrophoresis, and nanoparticle colloidal arrays. Out of the methods tested, polydymethylsiloxane/glass chips with microchip zone electrophoresis gave the poorest separation, whereas sieving methods in which electro‐osmotic flow was suppressed gave the best separation of photoproducts of calmodulin conjugated with calmodulin binding proteins.
Simultaneous determination of the herbicide bixlozone and its metabolites in plant and animal samples by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Li Congdi , Chen Zenglong , Qin Dongmei , Liu Rong , Li Li , Li Wei , He Yujian , Yuan Longfei 
Published: December 2020

AbstractTracing the herbicide bixlozone and its metabolites in food is necessary to assess their risks to human health. In the study, a rapid and effective analytical method using the quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe method for the simultaneous determination of bixlozone and its metabolites (2,4‐dichlorobenzoic acid, 3‐hydroxy‐propanamide‐bixlozone, and 5′‐hydroxy‐bixlozone) in plant and animal samples (tomato, cucumber, apple, wheat flour, meat, milk, and egg) was developed based on ultra high performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. The method was validated based on the linearity (R2 > 0.99), sensitivity (limit of quantification = 0.01 mg/kg), recovery (70.2–115.1%), and precision (intraday 1.2–17.6%, interday 0.3–16.0%). Detection was achieved within 6.0 min. The method is reliable for the determination of four target compounds in all seven matrices. The satisfactory validation criteria and successful application show that the proposed methodology is suitable for the detection of four target compounds in real matrices.
Tree species have a greater influence on species composition of the herb layer than soil texture on a forested post‐mining area
Authors: Rawlik Mateusz , Kasprowicz Marek , Jagodziński Andrzej M. , Kaźmierowski Cezary , Łukowiak Remigiusz , Grzebisz Witold 
Published: December 2020

AbstractTrees are promoters of forest ecosystems and tree species differ in their manners of shaping the habitat conditions on reclaimed areas. We compared effects of pure forest stands ofAlnus glutinosa,Betula pendula, andPinus sylvestris(age 20–31 years) planted on sandy, loamy sand, sandy loam, and loam soils, on chemical properties of the soil and vascular plants species composition of the herb layer. Studied properties were assessed in pairs of plots located less than 50 m apart, that differed in species composition of the canopy but were characterized by similar abiotic conditions. Forest stands ofA. glutinosawere distinguished by a higher SOC content in soil (2.3% vs. 1.4% underB. pendulaandP. sylvestris), higher contribution of species typical for fertile forest edges (11.4 species vs. 5.9 species on average underB. pendulaandP. sylvestris) and lower number of species of the family Fabaceae (1.5 species vs. 5.2 species on average underB. pendulaandP. sylvestris). Effects ofP. sylvestrisstands depended on soil texture. On soils with more than 15% of silt and clay, generally, no effects were observed. However, on sandy soils (more than 85% of sand) we reported lower soil reaction (pH 6.3 in aqueous solution vs. 7.3 underB. pendula) and smaller number of plant species (17 vs. 28 on average underB. pendula). Our results showed that the tree species used for afforestation significantly influenced the characteristics of the forest ecosystems, even more than abiotic conditions.
The minimum effective dose of abobotulinum toxin A injection for allergic rhinitis: A dose‐escalation randomized controlled trial
Authors: Piromchai Patorn , Pornumnouy Worakit , Saeseow Patchareeporn , Chainansamit Seksun 
Published: December 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo find the lowest effective injection dose of abobotulinum toxin A (Dysport) for allergic rhinitis.Study DesignDose‐escalation randomized controlled trial.MethodsWe included all patients aged 18 years or older who had persistent allergic rhinitis and positive allergy skin prick test. The patients were randomly allocated to receive 40, 30, or 20 U of abobotulinum toxin A by injection at the inferior turbinate. We followed up on patients for 12 weeks to evaluate nasal symptoms, ocular symptoms, minimum nasal cross‐sectional area as measured using acoustic rhinometry, and complications.ResultsSeventeen patients were included in this study, with 7 receiving 20 U of abobotulinum toxin A and 5 each receiving 30 U and 40 U. Abobotulinum toxin A significantly improved nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, sneezing, and loss of smell at 40 U (P < .05) and nasal congestion, sneezing, and loss of smell at 30 U (P < .05). However, at a dose of 20 U, only nasal congestion and loss of smell improved (P < .05). Nasal patency had also significantly improved two weeks after treatment at doses of 40 and 30 U (P < .05). Complications included epistaxis (11.8%) and nasal dryness (23.5%).ConclusionAbobotulinum toxin A at a dose of at least 30 U effectively reduced most nasal symptoms.Level of Evidence2.Trial registrationClinicaltrials.in.th/ TCTR20200526014.
Effect of spheroidized microstructure on the impact toughness and electrochemical performance of a high‐carbon steel
Authors: Bairagi Darothi , Munukuti Venkataramana , Bhuyan Pallabi , Saha Rajib , Mandal Sumantra 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe influence of cementite spheroidization on the impact toughness and electrochemical properties of a high‐carbon steel has been thoroughly investigated in this study. Heavy warm rolling, followed by 2 h of annealing, has resulted in near‐complete spheroidization, leading to a microstructure consisting of nano‐cementite globules dispersed in the ultrafine‐grained ferritic matrix. The Charpy impact test exhibited superior impact toughness with increased spheroidization. It is validated by the presence of abundant dimples in the fractographs of spheroidized specimens, in contrast to the as‐received one that experienced a brittle failure due to its lamellar pearlitic structure. Potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) carried out in a 3.5% NaCl solution revealed that the corrosion resistance of the alloy gets improved with the increase in the degree of spheroidization. This is attributed to the lower susceptibility of the spheroidized specimen to microgalvanic corrosion owing to the minimum area of contact between nano‐spheroidized cementite and ferrite, as elucidated with the help of EIS results aided by equivalent electrical circuit model.
A Carbodiimide Coupling Approach for PEGylating GelMA and Further Tuning GelMA Composite Properties
Authors: Comeau Patricia , Willett Thomas 
Published: December 2020

AbstractTo date the low mechanical strength and high swelling rate of gelatin‐based products have limited their use toward many tissue engineering targets. Here a new approach to tuning methacrylated gelatin (GelMA) properties involving the carbodiimide coupling of polyethylene glycol (PEG) to the GelMA molecule is investigated. PEGylation improves the capacity of the solution to flow and reduces hydrogel swelling, while in composite form with nano‐hydroxyapatite (nHA) particles there is no impact on swelling. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) reveals that PEGylation likely restores some of the triple helical nature of gelatin to the GelMA and increases steric hindrance. Furthermore, triethyleneglycol dimethacrylate inclusion in GelMA‐PEG composites is able to address the loss in dynamic stiffness reported as a result of PEGylation. Altogether PEGylated GelMA shows evidence of reduced interaction with water compared to control GelMA, whether alone or in composite form. By tuning this interaction and reducing the volume of water necessary to solvate GelMA, the potential to use GelMA composites for a variety of tissue engineering applications is greatly improved.
Role of Dietary Micronutrients on Gut Microbial Dysbiosis and Modulation in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Kundra Palni , Rachmühl Carole , Lacroix Christophe , Geirnaert Annelies 
Published: December 2020

AbstractIn patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), dietary micronutrient intake is low and deficiencies are common. Besides the host, also the gut microbiota require micronutrients and low levels may disturb its functioning. Multi‐omics studies indeed detected shifts in micronutrient‐dependent microbial pathways in IBD. It is however not clear whether micronutrients may alleviate inflammation directly, by modulating the immune system, or also indirectly, by modulating the structure and function of the gut microbiota. The latter seems of particular interest, since the gut microbiota is one of the future therapeutic targets in IBD.A review of the most recent available literature on relevant micronutrients in context of IBD and gut microbiota was conducted. An overview per relevant micronutrient on its role on gut bacterial growth, metabolism and host–microbe interactions during gut inflammation is provided.Dietary micronutrients have potential to be part of future personalized microbiome‐targeted therapies in IBD, considering both the micronutrient status of the host and the gut microbiota. However, cohort studies together with integrated multi‐scale studies are needed to understand the mechanisms of micronutrient–microbiome–host interactions in IBD and to evaluate efficacy and safety of dietary micronutrient treatment strategies.
Carbohydrate Intake and Hyperlipidemia among Population with High‐Carbohydrate Diets: The Health Examinees Gem Study
Authors: Shin Woo‐Kyoung , Shin Sangah , Lee Jong‐koo , Kang Daehee , Lee Jung Eun 
Published: December 2020

ScopeThe association between carbohydrate intake from low‐, medium‐, and high‐glycemic index (GI) foods and hyperlipidemia among population with a high‐carbohydrate diet is examined.Methods and resultsA total of 93,870 participants of the Health Examinees Study (HEXA) are included in this cross‐sectional study. The odds ratio (ORs) and 95% confidence interval (CIs) are estimated using the logistic regression model. The mean (interquartile range) of % energy from carbohydrate intake is 72.05 (67.73–77.18)% per day. Increasing intake of carbohydrate replacing fat is associated with increasing prevalence of high triglyceride (TG) and low HDL‐cholesterol, with stronger association for high‐GI carbohydrates than low‐ or med‐GI carbohydrates. ORs (95% CIs) comparing the highest with the lowest quintiles of high‐GI carbohydrates are 1.27 (1.09, 1.48) among men and 1.51 (1.31, 1.74) among women for high TG; and 1.50 (1.24, 1.82) among men and 1.73 (1.54, 1.93) among women for low‐HDL‐cholesterol. High‐GI carbohydrate intake replacing fat is inversely associated with the prevalence of high LDL‐ and total cholesterol. More pronounced associations in body mass index (BMI) <25 kg m−2 than higher BMI are found.ConclusionsIncreasing low‐quality carbohydrate intake is associated with increasing prevalence of high TGs and low HDL‐cholesterol.
The bumpy road to achieve reliability of clinical profile characteristics in psychosis and related disorders
Authors: Berendsen Steven , van Tricht Mirjam J. , Tedja Amy , Burger Thijs J. , de Koning Mariken B. , de Haan Lieuwe 
Published: December 2020

AbstractObjectivesProfile characteristics are factors that are relevant for diagnosis, prognosis or treatment. The present study aims to develop a set of clinically relevant profile characteristics. Moreover, our goal is to determine the inter‐rater reliability (IRR) of the selected profile characteristics.MethodsPotential profile characteristics were determined by literature review. Assessment of IRR was done by comparing scores on profile characteristics determined by two researchers. We conducted three subsequent studies: (1) assessment of pre‐training IRR, (2) IRR following implementation of an instruction manual, (3) IRR after optimizing scoring methods. IRR was measured with the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC).ResultsIRR scores of profile characteristic Illegal activities were high across the three studies (ICC ≥ 0.75). Following training procedures in study 2 and 3, reliability estimates remained low to moderate (ICC < 0.75) for the profile characteristics Support of relatives, Aggression recent and lifetime, substance use and insight recent. IRR scores of the other eight profile characteristics varied from low, moderate to high across studies.ConclusionIRR scores of profile characteristics were highly variable, and mostly inadequate in all three studies. Consequently, further research should focus on specification of severity scores of profile characteristics, optimizing scoring methods and re‐evaluation of IRR.
Ensuring both velocity and spatial responses robust to field inhomogeneities for velocity‐selective arterial spin labeling through dynamic phase‐cycling
Authors: Liu Dapeng , Li Wenbo , Xu Feng , Zhu Dan , Shin Taehoon , Qin Qin 
Published: December 2020

PurposeTo evaluate both velocity and spatial responses of velocity‐selective arterial spin labeling (VS‐ASL), using velocity‐insensitive and velocity‐compensated waveforms for control modules, as well as a novel dynamic phase‐cycling approach, at different B0/ field inhomogeneities.MethodsIn the presence of imperfect refocusing, the mechanism of phase‐cycling the refocusing pulses through four dynamics was first theoretically analyzed with the conventional velocity‐selective saturation (VSS) pulse train. Numerical simulations were then deployed to compare the performance of the Fourier‐transform based velocity‐selective inversion (FT‐VSI) with these three different schemes in terms of both velocity and spatial responses under various B0/ conditions. Phantom and human brain scans were performed to evaluate the three methods at scales of 0.8, 1.0, and 1.2.ResultsThe simulations of FT‐VSI showed that, under nonuniform B0/ conditions, the scheme with velocity‐insensitive control was susceptible to DC bias of the static spins as systematic error, while the scheme with velocity‐compensated control had deteriorated velocity‐selective labeling profiles and, thus, reduced labeling efficiency. Through numerical simulation, phantom scans, and brain perfusion measurements, the dynamic phase‐cycling method demonstrated considerable improvements over these issues.ConclusionThe proposed dynamic phase‐cycling approach was demonstrated for the velocity‐selective label and control modules with both velocity and spatial responses robust to a wide range of B0 and field inhomogeneities.
Generating large scale‐free networks with the Chung–Lu random graph model
Authors: Fasino Dario , Tonetto Arianna , Tudisco Francesco 
Published: December 2020

AbstractRandom graph models are a recurring tool‐of‐the‐trade for studying network structural properties and benchmarking community detection and other network algorithms. Moreover, they serve as test‐bed generators for studying diffusion and routing processes on networks. In this paper, we illustrate how to generate large random graphs having a power‐law degree distribution using the Chung–Lu model. In particular, we are concerned with the fulfillment of a fundamental hypothesis that must be placed on the model parameters, without which the generated graphs lose all the theoretical properties of the model, notably, the controllability of the expected node degrees and the absence of correlations between the degrees of two nodes joined by an edge. We provide explicit formulas for the model parameters to generate random graphs that have several desirable properties, including a power‐law degree distribution with any exponent larger than 2, a prescribed asymptotic behavior of the largest and average expected degrees, and the presence of a giant component.