bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improving energy efficiency of Bacillus velezensis broth microfiltration in tubular ceramic membrane by air sparging and turbulence promoter
Authors: Jokić Aleksandar , Pajčin Ivana , Grahovac Jovana , Lukić Nataša , Dodić Jelena , Rončević Zorana , Šereš Zita 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDPopularity of biocontrol has increased due to the growing environmental concerns and the demand for organic products. It is considered as a sustainable practice for efficient agricultural production. Microbial biopesticides offer environment‐friendly biotechnological alternative to chemical control of plant diseases and pests. Due to its advantages in cell separation cross‐flow microfiltration has emerged as a powerful alternative to the conventional separation methods. However, the flux enhancement remains to be addressed. This study has estimated the use of flux improvement techniques for biomass harvesting by microfiltration using tubular ceramic membranes. Investigated methods for flux enhancement were turbulence promoter, i.e. Kenics static mixer, two‐phase flow (air sparging) and the combination of these two methods.RESULTSSignificant flux improvement coincides with a reduction in specific energy consumption, while at the same time Bacillus velezensis cells have retained viability and antibacterial activity. The highest values of flux and corresponding improvement, compared to the microfiltration without enhancement techniques, are obtained in the case of combining Kenics static mixer and two‐phase flow (133.4 L m−2 h−1 and 502%). Flux improvement for air sparging was 134%, for turbulence promoter alone flux increase was 434%.CONCLUSIONThe methods proposed herein have achieved effective flux enhancement for cell harvesting. The obtained results also suggest encouraging basis to promote large‐scale economical production of biomass for biocontrol application. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Significance of switching of the nucleos(t)ide analog used to treat Japanese patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection from entecavir to tenofovir alafenamide fumarate
Authors: Uchida Yoshihito , Nakao Masamitsu , Tsuji Shohei , Uemura Hayato , Kouyama Jun‐ichi , Naiki Kayoko , Motoya Daisuke , Sugawara Kayoko , Nakayama Nobuaki , Imai Yukinori , Tomiya Tomoaki , Mochida Satoshi 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe significance of switching of the nucleos(t)ide analog used to treat patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) from entecavir (ETV) to tenofovir alafenamide fumarate (TAF) is uncertain. The subjects of this study were 159 patients with HBV who received treatment with ETV followed by TAF. Among these patients, serial changes in the HBV marker levels were monitored in 92 patients in whom the serum HBsAg levels were ≥100 IU/mL during the 48‐week period immediately before and after the switching. A questionnaire survey for medication compliance was performed in 127 patients. The serum HBsAg levels (log IU/mL) decreased by 0.041 during the ETV treatment period and by 0.068 during the TAF administration period. The degree of reduction was higher during the TAF administration period than during the ETV administration period in patients without cirrhosis (P = .030), patients with genotype B HBV (P = .014), and patients with undetectable serum HBcrAg (P = .038). Multivariate analysis revealed the HBV genotype (B vs C; odds ratio, 3.400; P = .025) and serum aspartate aminotransferase level (every 1+; 1.111; P = .015) at the time of switching as factors influencing the treatment efficacy. Thirty‐six patients (28%) responded that the number of days that they forgot to take the drug decreased after the drug switching, and 77 patients (61%) reported feeling satisfied with the drug switching. Switching of the nucleos(t)ide analog used from ETV to TAF may be useful in the treatment of patients with HBV infection, as it is associated with both a decrease in the serum HBsAg level and improvement of the medication compliance.
Climate as a group level phenomenon: Theoretical assumptions and methodological considerations
Authors: Luria Gil 
Published: November 2019

SummaryClimate is a group‐level phenomenon that should be measured and studied at the group level. The group level has theoretical and methodological advantages over the individual level. In this paper, I theoretically review the assumptions in measuring climate at the individual and group levels and demonstrate that the group‐level assumptions are more adequate for climate research because of their influences in exposure to events, interpretation of events, and preservation of perceptions. Methodologically, I discuss advantages in group‐level climate measurement accuracy that are based on multiple evaluators of climate and I suggest group aggregation is an organizational form of “wisdom of the crowds.” Finally, I point to three topics that remain to be investigated to understand climate at the group level better. The first is use of variability measures to compensate for information that is lost in aggregation. The second is challenging the assumption that formal organizational structure defines the group boundaries. I suggest that other levels of analysis apply to group‐level climate measurement and demonstrate the use of informal, more natural groups as an additional level. Third, I point to recently developed statistical procedures that can aid the study of climate perception emergence over time.
The impact of planning and communication on unplanned costs in surgical episodes of care: Implications for reducing waste in hospital operating rooms
Authors: Dreyfus David , Nair Anand , Rosales Claudia 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThis ethnographic study of more than 90 surgeries (referred to as episodes of care) identifies the antecedents to operating room (OR) supply waste. The study specifically considers the role of planning instances and communication patterns among members of the surgery team on supply waste within the OR. We operationalize planning instances in terms of the number of changes to the physician preference card (PPC), the key document that is used to plan items needed for surgery. Communication patterns among members of the surgery team are captured by measuring the density of communication among the OR team members during an episode of care. The unplanned costs during an episode of care are used as a measure of OR supply waste. Hundreds of hours were spent observing episodes of care and tracking supplies. A combination of participant‐observation, survey, and secondary data were analyzed to extract theoretical and practical insights. The results show that planning instances have a curvilinear relationship with unplanned costs. In particular, as the number of changes to the PPC increases, unplanned costs first increase and then decrease. Higher density of the OR team's communication network is associated with lower unplanned costs. This study has significant theoretical and managerial implications that we discuss and offer directions for future research.
A Generalized Theoretical Model for the Relationship Between Critical Micelle Concentrations, Pressure, and Temperature for Surfactants
Authors: Thiruvengadam Sudharsan , Murphy Matthew , Tan Jei Shian , Miller Karol 
Published: November 2019

AbstractDirectional solvent extraction (DSE) has been gaining interest as a water treatment technology in recent years. DSE utilizes the process of micellization for the purposes of species separation between water and complex chemical systems. In this article, we develop a conformal geometric algebra‐based formulation that models surfactants, their solubilities, and critical micelle concentration (CMC), with relation to temperature and pressure. Molecules are represented as spatially distributed networks embedded in
R4,1 space, and the mathematical characterizations of these molecules are shown to be effective in modelling CMC as a function of temperature and pressure. One of the contributions of this work is the utilization of this formulation to develop a governing expression, in the form of a three‐dimensional relationship, between CMC, pressure, and temperature for a general surfactant. In prior works, the CMC–temperature plane and CMC–pressure plane expressions have been extensively documented for sodium alkyl sulfates. In this work, we extend the formulation to model the CMC of decanoic acid, sodium octyl sulfate, sodium decyl sulfate, sodium dodecyl sulfate, and sodium tetradecyl sulfate. Using this theoretical model, a relationship between CMC and the directional solubility of water in a surfactant is determined. Directional solubility is related to temperature and pressure, and on this basis, we devise a directional solubility–pressure–temperature expression for an arbitrary surfactant to improve the state of the art for DSE. From this expression, we propose a novel isothermal DSE process for water treatment.
Photoelectrochemical Bisphenol S Sensor Based on ZnO‐Nanoroads Modified by Molecularly Imprinted Polypyrrole
Authors: Viter Roman , Kunene Kwanele , Genys Povilas , Jevdokimovs Daniels , Erts Donats , Sutka Andris , Bisetty Krishna , Viksna Arturs , Ramanaviciene Almira , Ramanavicius Arunas 
Published: November 2019

AbstractMolecularly imprinted polymers are important tools for the design of sensors and other molecular recognition based analytical systems. In this paper the development of a photoelectrochemical sensor for selective bisphenol determination is reported. The sensor is based on a glass/ZnO/MIP‐Ppy structure consisting of glass modified by a ZnO layer (glass/ZnO), which is functionalized by molecularly imprinted conducting polymer polypyrrole (MIP‐Ppy). The sensitivity of the sensor to bisphenol is in the range of 0.7–12.5 µm. Selectivity tests to other bisphenolic compounds are performed. Some aspects of a photoinduced response mechanism in glass/ZnO/MIP‐Ppy nanostructures are predicted and discussed.
Investigation of Bimetallic Nickel Catalysts in Catalyst‐Transfer Polymerization of π‐Conjugated Polymers
Authors: Buenaflor Jeffrey , Sommerville Parker , Qian Hang , Luscombe Christine 
Published: November 2019

AbstractA comparative study involving bimetallic nickel catalysts designed from disubstituted N,N,N′,N′‐tetra(diphenylphosphanylmethyl)benzene diamine bridging ligands is reported. Catalyst behavior is explored in the Kumada catalyst‐transfer polymerization (KCTP) using poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) as the model system. The success of a controlled polymerization is monitored by analyzing monomer conversion, degree of polymerization, end‐group identity, and molecular weight distribution. The characterization of P3HT obtained from KCTP initiated with the bimetallic catalysts shows chain‐growth behavior; however, the presence of Br/Br end‐groups and broader molecular weight distribution reveals a reduced controlled polymerization compared to the commonly employed Ni(dppp)Cl2. The observed increase in intermolecular chain transfer and termination processes in KCTP initiation with the bimetallic catalysts can be attributed to a weaker Ni(0)‐π‐aryl complex interaction, which is caused by increased steric crowding of the coordination sphere.
Tunable and Magnetic Thiol–ene Micropillar Arrays
Authors: Al‐Azawi Anas , Cenev Zoran , Tupasela Topi , Peng Bo , Ikkala Olli , Zhou Quan , Jokinen Ville , Franssila Sami , Ras Robin H. A. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractTunable and responsive surfaces offer routes to multiple functionalities ranging from superhydrophobic surfaces to controlled adhesion. Inspired by cilia structure in the respiratory pathway, magnetically responsive periodic arrays of flexible and magnetic thiol–ene micropillars are fabricated. Omnidirectional collective bending of the pillar array in magnetic field is shown. Local non‐contact actuation of a single pillar is achieved using an electromagnetic needle to probe the responsiveness and the elastic properties of the pillars by comparing the effect of thiol–ene crosslinking density to pillar bending. The suitable thiol–ene components for flexible and stiff magnetic micropillars and the workable range of thiol‐to‐allyl ratio are identified. The wettability of the magnetic pillars can be tailored by chemical and topography modification of the pillar surface. Low‐surface‐energy self‐assembled monolayers are grafted by UV‐assisted surface activation, which is also used for surface topography modification by covalent bonding of micro‐ and nanoparticles to the pillar surface. The modified thiol–ene micopillars are resistant to capillarity‐driven collapse and they exhibit low contact angle hysteresis, allowing water droplet motion driven by repeated bending and recovery of the magnetic pillars in an external magnetic field. Transport of polyethylene microspheres is also demonstrated.
Experimental evolution for niche breadth in bacteriophage T4 highlights the importance of structural genes
Authors: Pham Jenny Y. , Ogbunugafor C. Brandon , Nguyen Ba Alex N. , Hartl Daniel L. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractEcologists have long studied the evolution of niche breadth, including how variability in environments can drive the evolution of specialism and generalism. This concept is of particular interest in viruses, where niche breadth evolution may explain viral disease emergence, or underlie the potential for therapeutic measures like phage therapy. Despite the significance and potential applications of virus–host interactions, the genetic determinants of niche breadth evolution remain underexplored in many bacteriophages. In this study, we present the results of an evolution experiment with a model bacteriophage system, Escherichia virus T4, in several host environments: exposure to Escherichia coli C, exposure to E. coli K‐12, and exposure to both E. coli C and E. coli K‐12. This experimental framework allowed us to investigate the phenotypic and molecular manifestations of niche breadth evolution. First, we show that selection on different hosts led to measurable changes in phage productivity in all experimental populations. Second, whole—genome sequencing of experimental populations revealed signatures of selection. Finally, clear and consistent patterns emerged across the host environments, especially the presence of new mutations in phage structural genes—genes encoding proteins that provide morphological and biophysical integrity to a virus. A comparison of mutations found across functional gene categories revealed that structural genes acquired significantly more mutations than other categories. Our findings suggest that structural genes are central determinants in bacteriophage niche breadth.
mPRα mediates P4/Org OD02‐0 to improve the sensitivity of lung adenocarcinoma to EGFR‐TKIs via the EGFR‐SRC‐ERK1/2 pathway
Authors: Lu Xiaoxiao , Guan Anqi , Chen Xi , Xiao Jian , Xie Mingxuan , Yang Baishuang , He Shuya , You Shaojin , Li Wei , Chen Qiong 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe discovery of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations has made EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR‐TKIs) a milestone in the treatment for advanced non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, patients lacking EGFR mutations are not sensitive to EGFR‐TKI treatment and the emergence of secondary resistance poses new challenges for the targeted therapy of lung cancer. In this study, we identified that the expression of membrane progesterone receptor α (mPRα) was associated with EGFR mutations in lung adenocarcinoma patients and subsequently affected the efficacy of EGFR‐TKIs. Progesterone (P4) or its derivative Org OD02‐0 (Org), which is mediated by mPRα, increases the function of EGFR‐TKIs to suppress the proliferation, migration, and invasion of lung adenocarcinoma cells in vitro and in vivo. In addition, the mPRα pathway triggers delayed resistance to EGFR‐TKIs. Mechanistic investigations demonstrated that the mPRα pathway can crosstalk with the EGFR pathway by activating nongenomic effects to inhibit the EGFR‐SRC‐ERK1/2 pathway, thereby promoting antitumorigenic effects. In conclusion, our data describe an essential role for mPRα in improving sensitivity to EGFR‐TKIs, thus rationalizing its potential as a therapeutic target for lung adenocarcinomas.
Spastic paraplegia as the predominant phenotype in a cohort of Chinese patients with adrenoleukodystrophy
Authors: Luo Wen‐Jiao , Wei Qiao , Dong Hai‐Lin , Yan Yang‐Tian , Chen Mei‐Jiao , Li Hong‐Fu 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundX‐linked adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) is one of the most common peroxisomal disorders characterized by abnormal accumulation of very long‐chain fatty acids (VLCFA) in plasma and tissues and caused by mutations within ABCD1. Clinically, ALD present with various phenotypes, ranging from asymptomatic type to rapidly progressive childhood cerebral form. However, no remarkable abnormality in cerebral white matter usually makes it difficult to distinguish adult ALD from hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP).MethodsWe analyzed the features of seven Chinese ALD patients who had a primary phenotype of spastic paraplegia. Sequencing was performed in the probands and their familial members. Detailed clinical, VLCFAs test, hormone test, magnetic resonance imaging, and electromyogram are presented.ResultsWe reported seven ALD patients from a Chinese cohort of 142 HSP patients. Genetic investigations revealed five known ABCD1 mutations (c.346G>C, c.521A>G, c.829G>T, c.1415_1416delAG, and c.1849C>T) and two novel mutations (c.454C>G, c.1452_1482del). Further auxiliary testing revealed that they had higher VLCFA and/or adrenal insufficiency.ConclusionsOur findings expand the mutation spectrum of ABCD1 and indicate that ALD represent a significant portion (4.9%, 7/142) of the spastic paraplegia entities. ALD should be considered in male patients with spastic paraplegia, even if there was no positive family history.
A Paradigm Shift in Autonomous Cars (and More) at Vehicle Displays
Authors: Werner Ken 
Published: November 2019

AbstractOrganized by SID's Metro‐Detroit Chapter, the Annual Symposium on Vehicle Displays and Interfaces has become a top display conference in North America, second only to Display Week. Here, we highlight significant developments from this year's event held September 24 to 25 in Livonia, Michigan.
At‐line LC‐QTOF‐MS micro‐fractionation of Derris scandens (Roxb.) Benth, coupled to radioassay for the early identification of PDE5A1 inhibitors
Authors: Bhandari Samjhana , Nuengchamnong Nitra , Chaichamnong Nattiya , Seasong Tongchai , Ingkaninan Kornkanok , Temkitthawon Prapapan 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIntroductionChromatographic techniques coupled with bioassays are popularly used for the detection of bioactive compounds in natural products. In this study phytochemicals responsible for showing Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitory activity in Derris scandens were studied using at‐line method.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to develop an at‐line liquid chromatography quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (LC‐QTOF‐MS) micro‐fractionation method for rapid separation and identification of PDE5A1 inhibitors in 95% ethanolic extract of D. scandens.MethodologyInitially, the correlation between LC‐MS and PDE5A1 inhibitory activity was studied using three concentrations of 1:1 mixture of sildenafil and derrisisoflavone A; PDE5A1 inhibitors. The mixture was separated by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) column and the eluent was split into two flows in the ratio of 1:9. The major part was collected in a 96‐well plate, in each well consecutively every 30 s. The minor part was fed into an electrospray ionisation (ESI)‐QTOF‐MS system. After subsequent solvent removal, the collected micro‐fractions were subjected to radioassay to determine PDE5A1 inhibition.ResultsThe result showed, PDE5A1 inhibitory activities of the micro‐fractions were observed in a dose response manner and found to be in agreement with an off‐line study. Similarly, 95% ethanolic extract of D. scandens was subjected to the at‐line LC‐QTOF‐MS micro‐fractionation developed, resulting in separation and tentative identification of 25 compounds with PDE5A1 inhibitory activity. Most of the compounds contained prenylated isoflavone skeleton. Additionally, the active micro‐fractions also showed selectivity on PDE5A1 over PDE6 and PDE1B.ConclusionOur results demonstrated that the at‐line coupled LC‐QTOF‐MS micro‐fractionation with PDE5A1 inhibitory assay is a valuable tool for identifying PDE5A1 inhibitors from complex extracts.
Therapeutic recombinant protein production in plants: Challenges and opportunities
Authors: Burnett Matthew J. B. , Burnett Angela C. 
Published: November 2019

Societal Impact StatementTherapeutic protein production in plants is an area of great potential for increasing and improving the production of proteins for the treatment or prevention of disease in humans and other animals. There are a number of key benefits of this technique for scientists and society, as well as regulatory challenges that need to be overcome by policymakers. Increased public understanding of the costs and benefits of therapeutic protein production in plants will be instrumental in increasing the acceptance, and thus the medical and veterinary impact, of this approach.SummaryTherapeutic recombinant proteins are a powerful tool for combating many diseases which have previously been hard to treat. The most utilized expression systems are Chinese Hamster Ovary cells and Escherichia coli, but all available expression systems have strengths and weaknesses regarding development time, cost, protein size, yield, growth conditions, posttranslational modifications and regulatory approval. The plant industry is well established and growing and harvesting crops is easy and affordable using current infrastructure. Growth conditions are generally simple: sunlight, water, and the addition of cheap, available fertilizers. There are multiple options for plant expression systems, including species, genetic constructs and protein targeting, each best suited to a particular type of therapeutic protein production. Transient expression systems provide a mechanism to rapidly transfect plants and produce therapeutic protein in a matter of weeks, rather than the months it can take for many competing expression systems, while proteins targeted to cereal seeds can be harvested, stored and potentially purified much more easily than in competing systems. Current challenges for plant expression systems include a lack of regulatory approval, environmental containment concerns and nonhuman glycosylation, which may limit the scope of the type of therapeutic proteins that can be manufactured in plants. The specific strengths of plant expression systems could facilitate the production of certain therapeutic proteins quickly and cheaply in the near future.