bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigation of cell line specific responses to pH inhomogeneity and consequences for process design
Authors: Paul Katrin , Hartmann Thomas , Posch Christoph , Behrens Dirk , Herwig Christoph 
Published: July 2020

AbstractWith increasing bioreactor volumes, the mixing time of the reactor increases as well, which creates an inhomogeneous environment for the cells. This can result in impaired process performance in large‐scale production reactors. Particularly the addition of base through the reactor headspace can be problematic, since it creates an area, where cells are repeatedly exposed to an increased pH. The aim of this study is to simulate this large‐scale phenomenon at lab‐scale and investigate its impact. Two different cell lines were exposed to pH amplitudes of a maximal magnitude of 0.05 units (pH of 6.95). Both cell lines showed similar responses, like decreased viable cell counts, but unaffected lactate levels. However, cell line B showed an initially increased specific productivity in response to the introduced amplitudes, whereas cell line A showed a consistently lower specific productivity. Furthermore, the time point at which base addition is started influences the impact, which pH amplitudes have on process performance. When pH control was started earlier in the process, maximal viable cell counts decreased and the lactate metabolic shift was less pronounced. These results show that the potential negative impact of pH amplitudes can be minimized by strategic process design.
Dynamic response analysis of nonlinear secondary oscillators to idealised seismic pulses
Authors: Kasinos Stavros , Lombardo Mariateresa , Makris Nicos , Palmeri Alessandro 
Published: July 2020

SummaryThe paper deals with the seismic response analysis of nonlinear secondary oscillators. Bilinear, sliding and rocking single‐degree‐of‐freedom dynamic systems are analysed as representative of a wide spectrum of secondary structures and nonstructural components. In the first stage, the equations governing their full dynamic interaction with linear multi‐degree‐of‐freedom primary structures are formulated, and then conveniently simplified using primary‐secondary two‐degree‐of‐freedom systems and dimensionless coefficients. In the second stage, the cascade approximation is applied, whereby the feedback action of the secondary oscillator on the primary structure is neglected. Owing to the piecewise linearity of the secondary systems being considered, efficient semi‐analytical and step‐by‐step numerical solutions are presented. The semi‐analytical solutions allow the direct evaluation of the seismic response under pulse‐type ground excitations and are also used to validate step‐by‐step numerical schemes, which in turn can be used for general‐type seismic excitations. In the third stage, a set of decoupling criteria are proposed for the pulse‐type base excitations, identifying the conditions under which a cascade analysis is admissible from an engineering standpoint. Finally, the influence and relative dependencies between the input parameters of the ground motion and the primary‐secondary assembly are quantified on the response of the secondary systems through nonlinear floor response spectra, and general trends are identified and discussed.
The long non‐coding RNA HLNC1 potentiates hepatocellular carcinoma progression via interaction with USP49
Authors: Qian Xinye , Li Shitong , Yang Zhoujing , Zhang Jun 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents a serious malignancy worldwide especially in China. Our transcriptome analysis identifies a novel long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) termed HLNC1. However, the function of HLNC1 in HCC remains to be determined.MethodsNovel lncRNAs were screened using lncRNA profiling. Relative expression was quantified by qRT‐PCR. In vitro experiments such as migration and viability assays were performed. In vivo implantation experiments were conducted to investigate tumorigenic functions. RNA‐RNA interaction assay was performed to determine USP49 as HLNC1 binding partner.ResultsWe found that HLNC1 was markedly upregulated in HCC samples and cell lines. HLNC1 could promote viability and migration of HCC cells. Meanwhile, we could also observe an oncogenic effect of HLNC1 in vivo. By RNA‐RNA interaction assay, we unraveled USP49 transcript as the HLNC1 binding partner. HLNC1‐USP49 interaction dramatically destabilized USP49. Heat‐shock factor 1 (HSF1) was shown to directly induce HLNC1 expression. The therapeutic potential of targeting HLNC1 was investigated using antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs). The ASO construct which significantly depleted HLNC1 expression could strongly attenuate xenograft tumor growth.ConclusionsOur data suggested that HLNC1 may advance HCC progression and act as a potential target for intervention.
A Study of a Novel Synergy Definition for Ternary CB/CNT Composites Suggesting a Representative Model for CB and CNT
Authors: Yang Guanda , Schubert Dirk W. , Nilsson Fritjof , Qu Muchao , Redel Michael 
Published: July 2020

AbstractFor polymer composites containing two types of conductive fillers, the electrical conductivity can be predicted with a ternary mixing equation. However, a slight deviation from the foreseen trend is recently observed for ternary polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) nanocomposites containing carbon nanotubes (CNT) and carbon black (CB). In this study, the reason for the deviation is examined. Representative composite geometries are generated with Monte‐Carlo technique and the composite conductivity is calculated with Finite Element Modeling (FEM) Traditional FEM strategies would give results resembling the ternary mixing equation, but when the CB particles are modeled as solid spheres whereas the CNT are modeled as solid cylinders surrounded by soft, conductive shells, the composite conductivity gained the same shape as observed experimentally. One possible interpretation is that a small geometrical rearrangement of the CNT fibers has a larger impact on the composite conductivity than a corresponding movement of the spherical CB particles. As a consequence, the CNT/CB/PMMA nanocomposite exhibits a special kind of synergy (“synergism”), caused by the grape‐shaped morphology. These findings can be utilized in the future development and optimization of conductive polymer nanocomposites.
Direct analysis of surface chemicals using vibrating sharp‐edge spray ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Ranganathan Nandhini , Lozier Austin M. , Rawson Michael C. , Johnson Matthew B. , Li Peng 
Published: July 2020

RationaleDirect analysis of chemicals on a surface using mass spectrometry (MS) is of great importance in forensics, food and drug safety, environmental monitoring, and defense. Solvent extraction–based surface analysis offers a convenient way of controlling the desorption conditions and applying internal standards. To date, it mainly relies on a separate electrospray process to nebulize and ionize the solvents. Here, we report a simple and stand‐alone ionization system for the solvent extraction–based surface analysis without the need for high voltage, based on vibrating sharp‐edge spray ionization (VSSI).MethodsWe modified the original VSSI device and developed a stand‐alone, integrated surface sampling, and ionization system for MS analysis. By incorporating a micropipette‐based solvent dispenser with the VSSI device, the new system performs solvent extraction and ionization, and still maintains a small footprint.ResultsWe demonstrated a four order‐of‐magnitude linear response for glucose spotted on a glass surface with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.1 pg/mm2. We further characterized the performance of this method with a series of compounds and demonstrated a similar LOD to literature values obtained by desorption electrospray ionization. Finally, we applied this method to quantitatively measure the concentration of a pesticide ametryn on spinach surfaces. We demonstrated good linearity (R2 = 0.99) for ametryn with surface densities in the range of 8–800 pg/mm2 and an LOD of 9 pg/mm2.ConclusionsWe have demonstrated a simple, effective, direct ambient‐ionization method that is highly sensitive to molecules on a wide range of surfaces. The flexibility, small footprint, low cost, and voltage‐free nature of this method make it an attractive technique for direct surface sample analysis using MS.
Graphene Oxide as a Metal‐free Carbocatalyst for Direct Amide Synthesis from Carboxylic Acid and Amine Under Solvent‐Free Reaction Condition
Authors: Patel Khushbu P. , Gayakwad Eknath M. , Shankarling Ganapati S. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractHerein, a highly efficient, metal‐free, carbocatalyst, graphene oxide (GO) has been screened for the direct amidation of carboxylic acids with amines. The present catalytic system accessed a broad range of substrates to afford amides in excellent yields. A plausible reaction mechanism involving H‐bonding with the reactants is described. Furthermore, the GO can be recycled and reused up to five cycles without substantial loss in catalytic activity.
Synthesis of Size‐Controllable Lignin‐Based Nanosperes and Its Application in Electrical Double Layer Capacitors
Authors: Zhang Yang , Zhu Youyu , Jiao Miaolun , Zhang Jie , Chen Mingming , Wang Chengyang 
Published: July 2020

AbstractAs one of the most popular biomass materials, lignin is mainly used for incineration for providing heat. However, the large amount of CO2 emission results in serious environmental pollutions. To avoid the environmental issues, the transformation of lignin into high value‐added products has attracted increasing attention. In this study, a simple strategy is introduced to prepare lignin‐based nanospheres in acetone/water binary solution and the mechanisms related to the particle formation and particle size‐control are studied. By adjusting the ratio of solvent (acetone/water =55%‐95%) and the initial concentration of lignin (0.25%‐2.5%), the particle size of lignin microspheres ranges from 100 nm to 4 μm. After activation, the lignin microspheres with high specific surface area (2566 m2 g−1) and suitable pore size distribution are applied in electrical double layer capacitors (EDLCs). Among all the prepared samples, the activated lignin microspheres in nanoscale exhibit the best electrochemical performance in EDLCs. It displays a high gravimetric specific capacitance of 147 and 150 F g−1 at the current density of 0.05 A g−1, and maintains 117 and 108 F g−1 even at the higher current density of 10 A g−1 in 1 M TEABF4/PC electrolyte and [EMIM]BF4 ionic liquid, respectively. Therefore, the activated lignin‐based nanospheres can realize the high value‐added utilization of lignin, and have great prospects in the field of energy storage.
Utility of Taking Additional Margins When Performing Breast‐Conserving Surgery with Intraoperative Radiation Therapy for Early Breast Cancer
Authors: Broman Kristy Kummerow , Joya Luis , Sun Weihong , Zhou Jun‐min , Fridley Brooke , Javedan Khosrow , Diaz Roberto , Laronga Christine 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIntroductionIntraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) is an alternative to external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) after lumpectomy, in which radiation is delivered before the final margin analysis. Practices vary regarding excision of close or positive margins pre‐ and post‐IORT.Materials and methodsIn a retrospective cohort of women with hormone receptor‐positive, clinically node‐negative breast cancer undergoing lumpectomy with IORT and selective EBRT at our institution from 2011 to 2015, we compared the impact of pre‐ and post‐IORT margin excisions on in‐breast tumor recurrence. Additional pre‐IORT margins were taken at surgical team discretion. Re‐excisions post‐IORT were performed for positive/close margins. We describe rate of invasive or in situ malignancy in additional pre‐IORT and post‐IORT re‐excised specimens and compare IBTR using Chi‐squared tests.ResultsThere were 195 cases in 193 women (2 bilateral breast cancer). Pre‐IORT, ≥1 additional margin was obtained in 139 (71%). The final margin on the initial lumpectomy was positive in 13 (9%) and ≤2 mm in 72 (52%). Additional pre‐IORT margins contained in situ/invasive cancer in 16 (12%). Thirty‐one patients (16%) underwent post‐IORT re‐excision and nine (29%) contained invasive/in situ malignancy. Twenty‐three (12%) received EBRT. In 45.6‐month mean follow‐up, 13 had IBTR (7%) with no difference by additional pre‐IORT margin excision (5 vs. 11%, p = 0.150), post‐IORT margin re‐excision (10 vs. 6%, p = 0.464), or EBRT (0 vs. 8%, p = 0.172). Adjuvant endocrine therapy was associated with lower IBTR (4 vs. 17%, p = 0.003).ConclusionsTaking additional pre‐IORT margins and re‐excising close/positive margins post‐IORT improved margin clearance rates but had an unclear effect on IBTR. Adjuvant endocrine therapy significantly reduced IBTR.
Does Archaeology Stink? Detecting Smell in the Past Using Headspace Sampling Techniques
Authors: Malik Rose 
Published: July 2020

AbstractSmell is a language, communicative and interpretive. Firmly embedded in the physical, social, emotional, and semantic context, odor emanates as existential expression that is integral and idiosyncratic to human culture, behaviors, and practices. Advances in scientific techniques allows for odor to be used as primary source evidence. Focusing on a ground-breaking technique, headspace sampling provides direct access to ancient odor molecules for analysis. This paper explores how empirical information permits entry into previously unexplored sensorial sociocultural avenues that enable deeper, richer models of archaeological interpretation.
Police Legitimacy and the Norm to Cooperate: Using a Mixed Effects Location-Scale Model to Estimate the Strength of Social Norms at a Small Spatial Scale
Authors: Jackson Jonathan , Brunton-Smith Ian , Bradford Ben , Oliveira Thiago R. , Pósch Krisztián , Sturgis Patrick 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Objectives
Test whether cooperation with the police can be modelled as a place-based norm that varies in strength from one neighborhood to the next. Estimate whether perceived police legitimacy predicts an individual’s willingness to cooperate in weak-norm neighborhoods, but not in strong-norm neighborhoods where most people are either willing or unwilling to cooperate, irrespective of their perceptions of police legitimacy.

Methods
A survey of 1057 individuals in 98 relatively high-crime English neighborhoods defined at a small spatial scale measured (a) willingness to cooperate using a hypothetical crime vignette and (b) legitimacy using indicators of normative alignment between police and citizen values. A mixed-effects, location-scale model estimated the cluster-level mean and cluster-level variance of willingness to cooperate as a neighborhood-level latent variable. A cross-level interaction tested whether legitimacy predicts individual-level willingness to cooperate only in neighborhoods where the norm is weak.

Results
Willingness to cooperate clustered strongly by neighborhood. There were neighborhoods with (1) high mean and low variance, (2) high mean and high variance, (3) (relatively) low mean and low variance, and (4) (relatively) low mean and high variance. Legitimacy was only a positive predictor of cooperation in neighborhoods that had a (relatively) low mean and high variance. There was little variance left to explain in neighborhoods where the norm was strong.

Conclusions
Findings support a boundary condition of procedural justice theory: namely, that cooperation can be modelled as a place-based norm that varies in strength from neighborhood to neighborhood and that legitimacy only predicts an individual’s willingness to cooperate in neighborhoods where the norm is relatively weak.
Necessary and Sufficient Conditions for Robust Minimal Solutions in Uncertain Vector Optimization
Authors: Studniarski Marcin , Michalak Anna , Stasiak Aleksandra 
Published: July 2020

AbstractWe introduce a new notion of a vector-based robust minimal solution for a vector-valued uncertain optimization problem, which is defined by means of some open cone. We present necessary and sufficient conditions for this kind of solution, which are stated in terms of some directional derivatives of vector-valued functions. To prove these results, we apply the methods of set-valued analysis. We also study relations between our definition and three other known optimality concepts. Finally, for the case of scalar optimization, we present two general algorithm models for computing vector-based robust minimal solutions.
Mental Well-being Among Workers: A Cross-national Analysis of Job Insecurity Impact on the Workforce
Authors: Russo Concetta , Terraneo Marco 
Published: July 2020

AbstractDrawing on 2011 and 2016European Quality of Life Surveydata from eight European countries, this paper considers the importance of subjective indicators of employment conditions in impacting mental well-being. Among employment conditions, job insecurity has been discussed as having a negative impact on mental well-being by enhancing the worker’s sense of unpredictability. The idea of losing one’s job brings with it the fear of an uncertain or unclear future and the sense of lack of agency—i.e. feeling powerless with respect to the risk of becoming unemployed. Thus, we investigate two dimensions of job insecurity, namely ‘cognitive job insecurity’ and ‘labour market insecurity’. Our dependent variable is mental health well-being, measured using the 5-item World Health Organization Well-Being Index (WHO-5), which is a self-reported health scale validated by several studies and internationally adopted for measuring psychological well-being. We apply a fixed-effects model and use a set of individual control variables to obtain parameter estimates. Moreover, to control for country-level heterogeneity, two macro-level variables are considered: the type of welfare regime and employment protection. The novelty of this research lies in disentangling the concept of precariousness from the dichotomy of open-ended/non-open-ended contract and in including in the analysis subjective categories such as self-perceived job insecurity. The findings of our study suggest that self-perceived job insecurity is negatively related to mental well-being for both permanent and temporary workers, making this stressor an important feature in predicting the emergence of psychological distress (i.e. feelings of anxiety or depression) among the workforce.
Exploring the Structure–Activity Relationship on Platinum Nanoparticles
Authors: Braunwarth Laura , Jung Christoph , Jacob Timo 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe design of active and stable Pt-based nanoscale electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) plays the central role in ameliorating the efficiency of proton exchange membrane fuel-cells towards future energy applications. On that front, theoretical studies have contributed significantly to this research area by gaining deeper insights and understanding of the ongoing processes. In this work, we present an approach capable of characterizing differently-shaped platinum nanoparticles undergoing thermally- and adsorbate-induced restructuring of the surface. Further, by performing ReaxFF-Grand Canonical Molecular Dynamics simulations we explored the water formation on these roughened (“realistic”) nanoparticles in a H2/O2environment. Taking into consideration the coverage of oxygen-containing intermediates and occurring surface roughening the nanoparticles’ activities were explored. Hereby, we succeeded in locally resolving the water formation on the nanoparticles’ surfaces, allowing an allocation of the active sites for H2O production. We observed that exposed, low-coordinated sites as well as pit-shaped sites originating from roughening of vertices and edges are most active towards H2O formation.
Treatment of COVID-19 Pneumonia: the Case for Placenta-derived Cell Therapy
Authors: Berishvili Ekaterine , Kaiser Laurent , Cohen Marie , Berney Thierry , Scholz Hanne , Floisand Yngvar , Mattsson Jonas 
Published: July 2020

AbstractNearly 500’000 fatalities due to COVID-19 have been reported globally and the death toll is still rising. Most deaths are due to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), as a result of an excessive immune response and a cytokine storm elicited by severe SARS-CoV-2 lung infection, rather than by a direct cytopathic effect of the virus. In the most severe forms of the disease therapies should aim primarily at dampening the uncontrolled inflammatory/immune response responsible for most fatalities. Pharmacological agents - antiviral and anti-inflammatory molecules - have not been able so far to achieve compelling results for the control of severe COVID-19 pneumonia. Cells derived from the placenta and/or fetal membranes, in particular amniotic epithelial cells (AEC) and decidual stromal cells (DSC), have established, well-characterized, potent anti-inflammatory and immune-modulatory properties that make them attractive candidates for a cell-based therapy of COVID19 pneumonia. Placenta-derived cells are easy to procure from a perennial source and pose minimal ethical issues for their utilization. In view of the existing clinical evidence for the innocuousness and efficiency of systemic administration of DSCs or AECs in similar conditions, we advocate for the initiation of clinical trials using this strategy in the treatment of severe COVID-19 disease.
Xylem Functional Traits as Indicators of Health in Mediterranean Forests
Authors: Borghetti Marco , Gentilesca Tiziana , Colangelo Michele , Ripullone Francesco , Rita Angelo 
Published: July 2020

AbstractPurpose of ReviewWe conducted a literature survey and meta-analysis to assess, in Mediterranean forests impacted by drought, the role of xylem functional traits as indicators of tree health, and their potential to adjust over a range of climatic conditions to support tree performance and survival. We aimed also to depict the geographic variability of xylem functional traits among Mediterranean forest trees as a tool for regional scale-oriented vulnerability assessment.Recent FindingsAssociations were investigated among xylem functional traits, hydraulic safety, and whole plant drought resistance for tree species in Mediterranean-type climates. Variable data were available from a number of study cases of Mediterranean forest communities impacted by intense drought, wherein tree growth and xylem functional traits were investigated along with tree decline and dieback episodes. Variable data were available from a number of studies that analyzed xylem trait adjustments to climatic conditions at different temporal scales.SummaryWe observed differing growth patterns and xylem conduit area responses in healthy and unhealthy trees and we sketched hydraulic strategies that may fit observed patterns. Overall, a clear role of xylem conduit size as stand-alone tree health indicator did not emerge. We showed that xylem traits may adjust along different temporal scales and may support the performance and health of Mediterranean tree species over a range of climatic conditions. We outlined substantial geographic variability in xylem traits across the Mediterranean region, suggesting patchy responses to increasing drought. Knowledge gaps and needed lines of research are highlighted.