bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Individual and Synergistic Effects of Metronidazole, Amoxicillin, and Ciprofloxacin on Methane Fermentation with Sewage Sludge
Authors: Rusanowska Paulina , Harnisz Monika , Zieliński Marcin , Dębowski Marcin , Korzeniewska Ewa , Kisielewska Marta , Amenda Ewa 
Published: December 2019

AbstractMethane fermentation is widely used to dispose of sewage sludge at wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), due to production of renewable energy in the form of biogas. Antibiotics present in wastewater may accumulate in a sewage sludge. The aim of the present study is to investigate the impact of three antibiotics from different classes in three different doses on methane production from sewage sludge. For this purpose, metronidazole (MET), amoxicillin (AMO), and ciprofloxacin (CIP) are individually added to anaerobic reactors with sewage sludge collected from municipal WWTP. The antibiotics’ highest concentration (1024 mg kg−1 of AMO; 512 mg kg−1 of MET and CIP) lowers methane production and methane content in biogas. MET exerts the most marked effect and lowers methane production to 36.8 ± 3.7 mL CH4 kg−1 volatile solids. Tested antibiotics probably inhibit methanogenic archaea, which results in volatile fatty acids (VFAs) accumulation. Addition of MET results in accumulation of many kinds of VFAs with the highest concentration of acetic acid (17.52 ± 1.85 g L−1). The addition of of AMO results in accumulation of butyric acid only (253.00 ± 15.89 g L−1). However, addition of CIP results in accumulation of mainly acetic acid (7.58 ± 0.82 g L−1) and isovaleric acid (2.01 ± 0.41 g L−1). Next, synergistic effect of these antibiotics in a low concentration of 16 mg kg−1 of AMO, 8 mg kg−1 of MET, and 2 mg kg−1 of CIP is measured in semi‐continuous conditions and causes inbibition of methane production and accumulation of VFAs.
Thiourea and Guanidine Compounds and Their Iridium Complexes in Drug‐Resistant Cancer Cell Lines: Structure‐Activity Relationships and Direct Luminescent Imaging
Authors: Thomas Samuel J. , Balónová Barbora , Cinatl Jindrich , Wass Mark N. , Serpell Christopher J. , Blight Barry A. , Michaelis Martin 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThiourea and guanidine units are found in nature, medicine, and materials. Their continued exploration in applications as diverse as cancer therapy, sensors, and electronics means that their toxicity is an important consideration. Iridium complexes present new opportunities for drug development and imaging in terms of structure and photoactivity. We have systematically synthesised a set of thiourea and guanidine compounds and iridium complexes thereof, and elucidated structure–activity relationships for cellular toxicity in three ovarian cancer cell lines and their cisplatin‐resistant sub‐lines. We have been able to use the intrinsic luminescence of iridium complexes to visualise the effect of both structure alteration and cellular resistance mechanisms. These findings provide starting points for the development of new drugs and consideration of safety issues for novel thiourea‐, guanidine‐, and iridium‐based materials.
Crellastatin A, a PARP‐1 Inhibitor Discovered by Complementary Proteomic Approaches
Authors: Morretta Elva , Tosco Alessandra , Festa Carmen , Mozzicafreddo Matteo , Monti Maria C. , Casapullo Agostino 
Published: December 2019

AbstractCrellastatin A, a cytotoxic sulfated bis‐steroid isolated from the Vanuatu Island marine sponge Crella sp., was selected as an interesting probe for a comprehensive proteomic analysis directed at the characterization of its protein interactors. Given its peculiar structural features, A was submitted to a mass spectrometry‐based drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS) assay combined with (targeted‐limited proteolysis‐multiple reaction monitoring (t‐LiP MRM), rather than a classical affinity purification strategy. Poly‐ADP‐ribose‐polymerase‐1 (PARP‐1) emerged as the main crellastatin A cellular partner. This result was confirmed by both biochemical and in silico analyses. Further in vitro biological assays highlighted an interesting crellastatin A inhibitory activity on PARP‐1.
Machine learning applied to whole‐blood RNA‐sequencing data uncovers distinct subsets of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Figgett William A , Monaghan Katherine , Ng Milica , Alhamdoosh Monther , Maraskovsky Eugene , Wilson Nicholas J , Hoi Alberta Y , Morand Eric F , Mackay Fabienne 
Published: December 2019

AbstractObjectivesSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a heterogeneous autoimmune disease that is difficult to treat. There is currently no optimal stratification of patients with SLE, and thus, responses to available treatments are unpredictable. Here, we developed a new stratification scheme for patients with SLE, based on the computational analysis of patients’ whole‐blood transcriptomes.MethodsWe applied machine learning approaches to RNA‐sequencing (RNA‐seq) data sets to stratify patients with SLE into four distinct clusters based on their gene expression profiles. A meta‐analysis on three recently published whole‐blood RNA‐seq data sets was carried out, and an additional similar data set of 30 patients with SLE and 29 healthy donors was incorporated in this study; a total of 161 patients with SLE and 57 healthy donors were analysed.ResultsExamination of SLE clusters, as opposed to unstratified SLE patients, revealed underappreciated differences in the pattern of expression of disease‐related genes relative to clinical presentation. Moreover, gene signatures correlated with flare activity were successfully identified.ConclusionGiven that SLE disease heterogeneity is a key challenge hindering the design of optimal clinical trials and the adequate management of patients, our approach opens a new possible avenue addressing this limitation via a greater understanding of SLE heterogeneity in humans. Stratification of patients based on gene expression signatures may be a valuable strategy allowing the identification of separate molecular mechanisms underpinning disease in SLE. Further, this approach may have a use in understanding the variability in responsiveness to therapeutics, thereby improving the design of clinical trials and advancing personalised therapy.
Analyse von vertikal belasteten Porenbeton‐Wänden
Authors: Drobiec Łukasz 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe paper describes the results of testing six autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) walls on a natural scale. The walls were made of 18 cm wide blocks and thin layer joints. Reinforced and non‐reinforced walls were tested. Basalt grids and typical steel reinforcement (truss type) were used as reinforcements. The load was applied by a reinforced concrete rim beam. In the first part of the tests, the impact of the opening (window) on stress distribution and the load capacity of the wall was analysed. In the second part of the tests, the unequally loaded connection zone of perpendicular walls was analysed. The results were used to draw practical conclusions on rules of additional reinforcement of zones surrounding openings and connection zones of perpendicular walls.
Neue Recyclingbaustoffe aus Porenbetonbruch: In Werktrockenmörteln für Mauerwerk, in Mauersteinen und in leichten Schaumsteinen
Authors: Hlawatsch Frank , Aycil Hakan , Kropp Jörg 
Published: December 2019

AbstractIn cooperation of Bremen Institute for Materials Testing (MPA Bremen), a Department of Leibniz Institute for Materials Engineering IWT, Bremen University of Applied Sciences and the Research Association RWB Bremen building products for masonry structures were developed on the basis of AAC rubble from C&D wastes. Granulates from processed AAC rubble were introduced as aggregates in dry premixed masonry mortars, in masonry blocks and lightweight building blocks and elements to replace completely natural aggregates. These recycling products exhibit beneficial technical properties, at the same time large volumes of AAC wastes may be re‐used.On the basis of the achieved R&D‐results from laboratory experiments, trial batches of dry premixed mortar and masonry blocks were produced in the building materials industry on their available industrial equipment, minor adjustments in the mix composition were necessary. After a sufficient amount of dry premixed mortar and masonry blocks were produced, the recycling products were used to erect indoor masonry walls in a building project in Bremen.
Osteoarthritis and type 2 diabetes: From pathogenetic factors to therapeutic intervention
Authors: Cannata Francesca , Vadalà Gianluca , Ambrosio Luca , Napoli Nicola , Papalia Rocco , Denaro Vincenzo , Pozzilli Paolo 
Published: December 2019

SummaryOver the last decades, osteoarthritis (OA) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) prevalence increased due to the global ageing population and the pandemic obesity. They currently affect a substantial part of the Western world population and are characterized by enhancing the risk of disability and reduction of quality of life. OA is a multifactorial condition whose development derives from the interaction between individual and environmental factors: The best known primarily include age, female gender, genetic determinants, articular biomechanics, and obesity (OB). Given the high prevalence of OA and T2D and their association with OB and inflammation, several studies have been conducted to investigate the causative role of biological characteristics proper to T2D on the development of OA. This review aims to analyse the relationship between of OA and T2D, in order to explain the pathophysiological drivers of the degenerative process and to delineate possible targets to which appropriate treatments may be addressed in the near future.
Large‐scale and local climatic controls on large herbivore productivity: implications for adaptive rangeland management
Authors: Raynor Edward J. , Derner Justin D. , Hoover David L. , Parton William J. , Augustine David J. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractRangeland ecosystems worldwide are characterized by a high degree of uncertainty in precipitation, both within and across years. Such uncertainty creates challenges for livestock managers seeking to match herbivore numbers with forage availability to prevent vegetation degradation and optimize livestock production. Here, we assess variation in annual large herbivore production (LHP, kg/ha) across multiple herbivore densities over a 78‐yr period (1940–2018) in a semiarid rangeland ecosystem (shortgrass steppe of eastern Colorado, USA) that has experienced several phase changes in global‐level sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies, as measured by the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) and the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO). We examined the influence of prevailing PDO phase, magnitude of late winter (February–April) ENSO, prior growing‐season precipitation (prior April to prior September) and precipitation during the six months (prior October to current April) preceding the growing season on LHP. All of these are known prior to the start of the growing season in the shortgrass steppe and could potentially be used by livestock managers to adjust herbivore densities. Annual LHP was greater during warm PDO irrespective of herbivore density, while variance in LHP increased by 69% (moderate density) and 91% (high density) under cold‐phase compared to warm‐phase PDO. No differences in LHP attributed to PDO phase were observed with low herbivore density. ENSO effects on LHP, specifically La Niña, were more pronounced during cold‐phase PDO years. High herbivore density increased LHP at a greater rate than at moderate and low densities with increasing fall and winter precipitation. Differential gain, a weighted measure of LHP under higher relative to lower herbivore densities, was sensitive to prevailing PDO phase, ENSO magnitude, and precipitation amounts from the prior growing season and current fall–winter season. Temporal hierarchical approaches using PDO, ENSO, and local‐scale precipitation can enhance decision‐making for flexible herbivore densities. Herbivore densities could be increased above recommended levels with lowered risk of negative returns for managers during warm‐phase PDO to result in greater LHP and less variability. Conversely, during cold‐phase PDO, managers should be cognizant of the additional influences of ENSO and prior fall–winter precipitation, which can help predict when to reduce herbivore densities and minimize risk of forage shortages.
Synthesis of Trimethylolpropane Esters by Base‐Catalyzed Transesterification
Authors: Nie Jieyu , Shen Jianheng , Shim Youn Young , Tse Timothy J. , Reaney Martin J. T. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractTrimethylolpropane (TMP) esters are synthesized from fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) and TMP to produce a fluid with properties suitable for use as a lubricant base oil, exhibiting good stability, and low‐temperature performances. In this study, triacylglyceride (TAG) molecules are modified to produce FAME and then linked to TMP. Initially, vegetable oil is transesterified with excess methanol, and potassium hydroxide to produce crude FAME. The FAMEs are then refined and further transesterified with TMP and heating, under vacuum, using potassium carbonate catalyst. The conversion of TMP is successfully achieved by adding an excess of FAME to a reaction mixture of base and polyol in the second step. All reactions are monitored and confirmed using 1H‐NMR. The reactions proceed quickly as an efficient production of FAME and TMP to TMP triesters is successfully achieved by adding an excess of FAME slowly to a mixture of TMP and catalyst.Practical Applications: The major objective is to develop and optimize a reverse addition reaction method for TMP‐based biolubricant production. The highly enriched TMP biolubricant is prepared by reverse phase chromatography and these biolubricant products are characterized for oxidative stability index and low‐temperature performance. The optimum conditions are applied to different vegetable oils.
β‐Methylumbelliferone Surface Modification and Permeability Investigations at PENTEL™ Graphite Electrodes
Authors: Warren Susan , Seddon Brian , Pilkington Ruth , Crossely Alison , Holdway Philip , Dempsey Eithne 
Published: December 2019

AbstractElectrochemical and micro‐imaging analysis of a commercial graphite‐composite material is presented following electro‐oxidation with β‐methylumbelliferone. Charge‐transfer surface modification was observed for the graphite electrode, presumed to have arisen from adsorbed interfacial umbelliferone moieties. The molecular permeability of the new surface towards a range of similar, yet size‐variable (23 Å3–136 Å3) molecular redox probes is discussed. Red‐shift fluorescence in confocal microscopy offers further support for the presence of a surface‐bound umbelliferone layer. An SEM‐platinum profiling technique was used as an imaging tool to map the umbelliferone surface and size‐distribution of electro‐active sites.
A novel targeted plugging and fracture‐adaptable gel used as a diverting agent in fracturing
Authors: Zhang Yuyuan , Wen Qingzhi , Zhang Dongxiao 
Published: December 2019

AbstractDiverting agents that could plug a targeted location and fill different shapes of fractures have attracted an increasing attention in the field of fracturing. In this study, a series of novel diverting agents were prepared by mixing aldehyde sodium alginate (ASA) and amino gelatin (AG) through a Schiff base reaction to form a primary network, polylactic acid (PLA) fibers were added to produce a 3D network, and Ca2+was mixed in as an ionic cross‐linking agent to strengthen the cross‐linking points. It was found that gelation time, swelling behavior, and mechanical performance could be controlled by varying the content of aldehyde groups and amino groups. Gelation time could be controlled in 1‐10 minutes. Plugging behavior and degradation tests demonstrated that the hydrogel could suit fractures with various shapes and plug effectively under high temperatures and pressures, and it could eventually become acidic fluid to help clean the wellbore. This novel ASA/AG/PLA hydrogel constitutes a promising environmentally friendly diverting agent in the application of diversion fracturing.
NADEEM: Neighbor node approaching distinct energy‐efficient mates for reliable data delivery in underwater WSNs
Authors: Javaid Nadeem 
Published: December 2019

AbstractIn this research work, we propose three schemes: neighbor node approaching distinct energy‐efficient mates (NADEEM), fallback approach NADEEM (FA‐NADEEM), and transmission adjustment NADEEM (TA‐NADEEM). In NADEEM, immutable forwarder node selection is avoided with the help of three distinct selection parameters. Void hole is avoided using a fallback recovery mechanism to deliver data successfully at the destination. The transmission range is dynamically adjusted to resume greedy forwarding among the network nodes. The neighbor node is only eligible to become forwarder when it is not a void node. Additionally, linear programming–based feasible regions are computed for an optimal energy dissipation and network throughput improvement. Extensive simulations are conducted for three parameters: energy, packet delivery ratio (PDR), and fraction of void nodes. Further, an analysis is performed by varying transmission range and data rate for energy consumption and fraction of void node. The results clearly depict that our proposed schemes outperform the baseline scheme (GEDAR) in terms of energy consumption and fraction of void nodes.
Build and Improve Business Processes for Evaluation Consulting
Authors: Burd Michelle B. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThis chapter considers some business processes that evaluation consultants may integrate into their practices to increase success. An opportunistic sample of consultants was interviewed to understand the business processes they employed and what data if any, they gathered to assess and to inform adjustments in them. This chapter discusses processes that surfaced in the interviews, including the technology the consultants use to monitor projects, the templates they develop for automation, and the procedures they use to organize teams and projects. The chapter also demonstrates how consultants can use business process management to take a holistic view, analyze and reflect on data, and decide on plans for improvement. An example illustrates the process mapping to study business processes. Two other examples illustrate how evaluation consultants transform business processes. One addresses a need to improve efficiency; the other is about strategic planning customized to the frameworks of evaluative thinking and complexity thinking. By developing and transforming processes, evaluation consultants can apply an evaluative lens to their business and make plans to increase success.
Succeeding as an Independent Evaluation Consultant: Requisite Skills and Attributes
Authors: Germuth Amy A. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractIndependent evaluation consulting offers autonomy, lifelong learning, and gratifying work. It is lucrative, and the market is growing. So why are not all evaluators independent consultants? Evaluation requires one set of skills; independent consulting another. Evaluators conduct evaluations; independent evaluation consultants also operate a business, solicit work, and market their brand. To be successful, they must tolerate the greater risk, manage the increased stress, and balance the heightened work–life demands of being independent. This chapter presents some of the key skills and attributes required to be a successful independent evaluation consultant. Distinctions between the skills needed to conduct research and those required to be a successful consultant are delineated and the attributes of successful consultants are explored. Research findings are interspersed with anecdotes from successful evaluation consultants throughout. Thoughts from three evaluation consultants representing different geographic areas, ethnic and racial backgrounds, and experiences are also highlighted. Though not for everyone, with the right skills and personal attributes, independent evaluation consulting is a viable career path.
Further Thoughts on the Genetic Argument for Handaxes
Authors: McNabb John 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe Acheulean handaxe has always been considered a social phenomenon. Corbey et al.35provide a major challenge to this argument, arguing quite rightly, that it has never been independently established that handaxe temporal depth is a product of intergenerational social learning. They take a number of assumptions integral to the social argument and suggest, using parsimony, that a genetic explanation is equally as plausible for each of them. Complex structures, in hierarchically nested routines of action, can be built in the natural world by organisms following predetermined genetic sequences of actions triggered by external circumstances. However, there are some important points that the genetic argument dismisses that demonstrate an unequivocal social origin for the Acheulean handaxe. This article identifies those points and restores them to the debate. Parsimony affirms a social basis for handaxes and does not require a theoretical genetic predisposition.
From cryptic to colorful: Evolutionary decoupling of larval and adult color in butterflies
Authors: Medina Iliana , Vega-Trejo Regina , Wallenius Thomas , Symonds Matthew R. E. , Stuart-Fox Devi 
Published: December 2019

AbstractMany animals undergo complete metamorphosis, where larval forms change abruptly in adulthood. Color change during ontogeny is common, but there is little understanding of evolutionary patterns in these changes. Here, we use data on larval and adult color for 246 butterfly species (61% of all species in Australia) to test whether the evolution of color is coupled between life stages. We show that adults are more variable in color across species than caterpillars and that male adult color has lower phylogenetic signal. These results suggest that sexual selection is driving color diversity in male adult butterflies at a broad scale. Moreover, color similarities between species at the larval stage do not predict color similarities at the adult stage, indicating that color evolution is decoupled between young and adult forms. Most species transition from cryptic coloration as caterpillars to conspicuous coloration as adults, but even species with conspicuous caterpillars change to different conspicuous colors as adults. The use of high-contrast coloration is correlated with body size in caterpillars but not adults. Taken together, our results suggest a change in the relative importance of different selective pressures at different life stages, resulting in the evolutionary decoupling of coloration through ontogeny.