bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Blockchain for supply chain performance and logistics management
Authors: Yang Juanjuan , Ma Xiuming , Crespo Rubén González , Martínez Oscar Sanjuán 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe trend of digitalization uses modern relationship models across global supply chain (SC) management. The main objective of this article is to identify SC current problems with the help of the knowledge sharing aspect using blockchain technology. This article addresses selected problems for managing modern SCs with a view to shared knowledge based on information management, effects of product and service on the quality of information, effects of consumer demands occurrences on information flow, outsourcing and globalization, and emerging threats to SCs by concerned parties. These problems are classified as concerns of confidentiality and trust, which are unable to share information among SC stakeholders due to a lack of data standards. To address these problems, a hybridized probabilistic performance and logistics framework (HPP‐LF) has been developed that defines the validity of blockchain to help companies throughout the design and deployment of potential blockchain solutions to address the information sharing issues between SC stakeholders. The proposed HPP‐LF results are compared with the existing PMOS, MIP, UTAUT, and ILOG techniques. The experimental result shows that the proposed method has better performance when compared with other existing systems.
Separating Empty and Full Recombinant Adeno‐Associated Virus Particles Using Isocratic Anion Exchange Chromatography
Authors: Dickerson Ryan , Argento Christopher , Pieracci John , Bakhshayeshi Meisam 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe development of recombinant adeno‐associated virus (rAAV) gene therapies is becoming an increasing priority in the biotherapeutic landscape. One of the challenges associated with the production of rAAV is the formation of empty AAV particles that do not contain a therapeutic gene. The concerns about the impact of empty particles on clinical safety and rAAV‐mediated gene expression have necessitated the development of purification processes to remove these species. The development of a robust and scalable purification process to separate empty and full AAV particles at large scale remains a challenge. In this study, a novel anion exchange chromatography process based on isocratic wash and elution steps to enrich full rAAV2 particles is presented. An operating design space is identified to ensure the robustness of the process. The isocratic chromatography provides several advantages over the traditional shallow linear gradient elution, including lower buffer consumption, smaller intermediate pool volumes, and more robust manufacturing.
Transforming data to information: A parallel hybrid model for real‐time state estimation in lignocellulosic ethanol fermentation
Authors: Cabaneros Lopez Pau , Udugama Isuru A. , Thomsen Sune T. , Roslander Christian , Junicke Helena , Iglesias Miguel M. , Gernaey Krist V. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractOperating lignocellulosic fermentation processes to produce fuels and chemicals is challenging due to the inherent complexity and variability of the fermentation media. Real‐time monitoring is necessary to compensate for these challenges, but the traditional process monitoring methods fail to deliver actionable information that can be used to implement advanced control strategies. In this study, a hybrid‐modeling approach is presented to monitor cellulose‐to‐ethanol (EtOH) fermentations in real‐time. The hybrid approach uses a continuous‐discrete extended Kalman filter to reconciliate the predictions of a data‐driven model and a kinetic model and to estimate the concentration of glucose (Glu), xylose (Xyl), and EtOH. The data‐driven model is based on partial least squares (PLS) regression and predicts in real‐time the concentration of Glu, Xyl, and EtOH from spectra collected with attenuated total reflectance mid‐infrared spectroscopy. The estimations made by the hybrid approach, the data‐driven models and the internal model were compared in two validation experiments showing that the hybrid model significantly outperformed the PLS and improved the predictions of the internal model. Furthermore, the hybrid model delivered consistent estimates even when disturbances in the measurements occurred, demonstrating the robustness of the method. The consistency of the proposed hybrid model opens the doors towards the implementation of advanced feedback control schemes.
Targeted Protein Degradation as a Promising Tool for Epigenetic Upregulation of Fetal Hemoglobin
Authors: J. Verheul Thijs C. , Trinh Van Tuan , Vázquez Olalla , Philipsen Sjaak 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe level of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) is an important disease modifier for β‐thalassemia and sickle cell disease patients. Indeed, genetic tinkering with the HbF repression machinery has demonstrated great potential for disease mitigation. Such genetic treatments are costly and the high incidence of β‐hemoglobinopathies in low‐income countries, therefore, calls for the development of affordable, off‐the‐shelf, oral treatments. The use of PROTAC (PRoteolysis TArgeting Chimeras) technology to influence the epigenetic mechanisms involved in HbF suppression may provide a solution. In this minireview, we briefly explain the HbF repression network highlighting the epigenetic factors that could be targeted for degradation by PROTACs. We hope that this review will inspire clinicians, molecular and chemical biologists to collaborate and contribute to this fascinating field, which should ultimately deliver drugs that reactivate HbF expression with high specificity and low toxicity.
Patient and diagnostic intervals of survivors of sarcoma: Results from the SURVSARC study
Authors: Soomers Vicky L. M. N. , Husson Olga , Desar Ingrid M. E. , van de Sande Michiel A. J. , de Haan Jacco J. , Verhoef Cornelis , Vriens Ingeborg J. H. , van Houdt Winan J. , van de Poll‐Franse Lonneke , van der Graaf Winette T. A. 
Published: October 2020

BackgroundPatients diagnosed with sarcoma are hypothesized to experience a prolonged route to a cancer diagnosis. This route, the total interval, can be divided into a patient interval (the time from the appearance of symptoms to physician consultation) and diagnostic interval (time from the first consultation to diagnosis). In the current study, the authors investigated these intervals among survivors of sarcoma and identified factors associated with prolonged intervals.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted among adult patients with sarcoma 2 to 10 years after diagnosis. Patients completed a questionnaire regarding their total interval, which was linked to clinical data from the Netherlands Cancer Registry. Descriptive statistics were used to describe intervals. Based on Dutch clinical guidelines, a diagnostic interval ≥1 month was considered to be prolonged and an interval ≥3 months was considered as very long. Multivariable regression analyses investigated associations between patient and tumor characteristics and interval length.ResultsA total of 1099 participants were included (response rate, 58%); approximately 60% reported a patient interval ≥1 month and 36% reported a patient interval ≥3 months. Risk factors for a very long patient interval were sarcoma of the skin or pelvis, liposarcoma, or rhabdomyosarcoma. Stage III disease was associated with a shorter patient interval. The diagnostic interval length was ≥1 month in 55% of patients and ≥3 months in 28% of patients. Risk factors for a very long diagnostic interval were female sex, age <70 years, or having a synovial sarcoma or chordoma.ConclusionsThe patient and diagnostic interval lengths were prolonged in a substantial percentage of this sarcoma survivorship population. Factors found to be associated with the length of the patient interval or the diagnostic interval differed. Creating awareness among (especially young) patients to consult a physician and awareness among physicians to consider a sarcoma diagnosis will contribute to optimization of the total interval.
Immunosuppression and cardiovascular dysfunction in patients with severe versus mild coronavirus disease 2019: a case series
Authors: Bao Hejing , Li Gang , Fang Yinhua , Lai Qin , Bao Hehong , Zheng Yu , Hu Yanjun 
Published: October 2020

AbstractObjectivesAs coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) continues to spread globally, we aimed to describe and compare changes in the immune and cardiovascular systems of patients with mild versus severe COVID‐19 at different time points during the course of disease.MethodsOne hundred and one patients diagnosed with COVID‐19 who underwent serial peripheral blood collection and chest computed tomography (CT) imaging were enrolled in this study and grouped by the severity of their illness. Changes in the immune and cardiovascular systems were analysed and compared between groups.ResultsThe study included 43 women and 58 men, with a median age of 45 years (interquartile range [IQR], 16–71). We identified spleen shrinkage in 27.7% of study patients. Ratios of spleen volume to patient (skin) volume were compared, with evidence that severe patients had more splenic shrinkage than mild patients. Lymphopenia was observed in 65.3% of patients, and 27.3% of patients had persistently low levels of lymphocytes after discharge. Tachycardia occurred mainly during the first 2 days of hospitalisation, with increases in creatine kinase–myocardial band levels in 10 (9.9%) patients and arrhythmias in 16 (15.8%) patients.ConclusionsIn addition to pulmonary manifestations, our study demonstrated that other organ systems can also be affected during COVID‐19 infection, with evidence of immunosuppression and cardiovascular dysfunction, which may contribute to increased mortality rates in critically ill COVID‐19 patients.
The distribution of climbing chalk on climbed boulders and its impact on rock‐dwelling fern and moss species
Authors: Hepenstrick Daniel , Bergamini Ariel , Holderegger Rolf 
Published: October 2020

AbstractRock climbing is popular, and the number of climbers rises worldwide. Numerous studies on the impact of climbing on rock‐dwelling plants have reported negative effects, which were mainly attributed to mechanical disturbances such as trampling and removal of soil and vegetation. However, climbers also use climbing chalk (magnesium carbonate hydroxide) whose potential chemical effects on rock‐dwelling species have not been assessed so far. Climbing chalk is expected to alter the pH and nutrient conditions on rocks, which may affect rock‐dwelling organisms. We elucidated two fundamental aspects of climbing chalk. (a) Its distribution along nonoverhanging climbing routes was measured on regularly spaced raster points on gneiss boulders used for bouldering (ropeless climbing at low height). These measurements revealed elevated climbing chalk levels even on 65% of sampling points without any visual traces of climbing chalk. (b) The impact of climbing chalk on rock‐dwelling plants was assessed with four fern and four moss species in an experimental setup in a climate chamber. The experiment showed significant negative, though varied effects of elevated climbing chalk concentrations on the germination and survival of both ferns and mosses. The study thus suggests that along climbing routes, elevated climbing chalk concentration can occur even were no chalk traces are visible and that climbing chalk can have negative impacts on rock‐dwelling organisms.
Predation risk alters life history strategies in an oceanic copepod
Authors: Kvile Kristina Øie , Altin Dag , Thommesen Lotte , Titelman Josefin 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe ubiquitous oceanic copepod Calanus finmarchicus is the major link between primary producers and important fish stocks in the North Atlantic Ocean and adjacent seas. Despite over a century of research on growth and development of this key species, the effect of predation risk on these processes remains elusive. We tested how food level and chemical cues from a fish predator influence growth and development of C. finmarchicus, using a predator naïve laboratory population. Copepods reached adult stage earlier both in response to high food and to predator cues in our experiment. High food also increased growth and lipid accumulation. In contrast, perceived predation risk triggered reduced size and lipid fullness, indicating a decoupling of growth and development rates. Our results demonstrate that chemical predator cues can influence life history strategies in C. finmarchicus, and suggest that present and future patterns in oceanic zooplankton size and population dynamics may also reflect differences in predation risk.
Human DNA extraction from highly degraded skeletal remains: How to find a suitable method?
Authors: Vinueza‐Espinosa Diana C. , Santos Cristina , Martínez‐Labarga Cristina , Malgosa Assumpció 
Published: October 2020

AbstractRetrieving DNA from highly degraded human skeletal remains is still a challenge due to low concentration and fragmentation, which makes it difficult to extract and purify. Recent works showed that silica‐based methods allow better DNA recovery and this fact may be attributed to the type of bones and the quality of the preserved tissue. However, more systematic studies are needed to evaluate the efficiency of the different silica‐based extraction methods considering the type of bones. The main goal of the present study is to establish the best extraction method and the type of bone that can maximize the recovery of PCR‐amplifiable DNA and the subsequent retrieval of mitochondrial and nuclear genetic information. Five individuals were selected from an archaeological site located in Catalonia–Spain dating from 5th to 11th centuries AD. For each individual, five samples from different skeletal regions were collected: petrous bone, pulp cavity and cementum of tooth, and rib and limb bones. Four extraction methods were tested, three silica‐based (silica in‐suspension, HE column and XS plasma column) and the classical method based on phenol–chloroform. Silica in‐suspension method from petrous bone and pulp cavity showed the best results. However, the remains preservation will ultimately be the key to the molecular result success.
Deep neural network based anomaly detection in Internet of Things network traffic tracking for the applications of future smart cities
Authors: Reddy Dukka KarunKumar , Behera Himansu Sekhar , Nayak Janmenjoy , Vijayakumar Pandi , Naik Bighnaraj , Singh Pradeep Kumar 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAn anomaly exposure system's foremost objective is to categorize the behavior of the system into normal and untruthful actions. To estimate the possible incidents, the administrators of smart cities have to apply anomaly detection engines to avert data from being jeopardized by errors or attacks. This article aims to propose a novel deep learning‐based framework with a dense random neural network approach for distinguishing and classifying anomaly from normal behaviors based on the type of attack in the Internet of Things. Machine learning algorithms have the improbability to explore the performance, compared with deep learning models. Distinctively, the examination of deep learning neural network architectures achieved enhanced computation performance and deliver desired results for categorical attacks. This article focuses on the complete study of experimentation performance and evaluations on deep learning neural network architecture for the recognition of seven categorical attacks found in the Distributed Smart Space Orchestration System traffic traces data set. The empirical results of the simulation model report that deep neural network architecture performs well through noticeable improvement in most of the categorical attack.
Locally produced personal protective equipment can offer hospital staff protection against Covid‐19 if combined with surgical masks and rigorous personal protective equipment cleaning routine
Authors: Pieterse Pieternella , Dickson Claire , Ndyetabula Lilian , Hardeman Megan , Scanlan Patricia 
Published: October 2020

AbstractLocally made, washable and reusable personal protective equipment (PPE), used in combination with N95 masks that were reused safely, has proven to be a viable alternative to disposable gowns and caps for hospital staff in low‐ and middle‐income countries. Muhimbili University Hospital's children's cancer ward in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, developed locally made PPE and created rigorous cleaning and disinfecting protocols, when the daily use of imported, disposable materials were not an option. These items continue to protect staff, children and parents. The novel PPE approach was able to prevent staff from becoming infected during the pandemic despite the fact that several parents, and subsequently their children, became infected with Covid‐19 during cancer treatment at the facility.
Socio‐economic inequality in maternal health care utilization in Sub‐Saharan Africa: Evidence from Togo
Authors: Atake Esso–Hanam 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIntroductionDespite improvements in health care in Togo, the maternal mortality rate remains high, and regional antenatal care and facility‐based deliveries are limited. The aim of this study is to measure socioe‐conomic inequality in maternal health care (MHC) utilization during pregnancy and delivery.MethodThe data were obtained from the last two rounds of the 1998 and 2013 Togo Demographic and Health Survey. Concentration index, concentration curve and logistic regression were used to measure and examine socio‐economic inequality in antenatal care and facility‐based deliveries.ResultsThe concentration indices for antenatal visits and facility‐based deliveries were 0.142 and 0.246 in 1998 and 0.129 and 0.159 in 2013, indicating inequality bias towards the rich in both. Household wealth status and women's education were the most significant contributors to inequality in antenatal visits and facility‐based deliveries. In 2013, household economic status contributed approximately 75.66% of the inequality in facility‐based deliveries, while mothers' education significantly contributed approximately 18.22% to the inequality in antennal visits. Additionally, universal health coverage should be considered as one of the main vehicles for reducing inequalities in the use of MHCs.ConclusionThe results suggest that inequality in MHC utilization during pregnancy and delivery may be effectively reduced by improving the relevant strategies, in particular, those targeted at reducing poverty and illiteracy. School curricula need to be comprehensively addressed for ensuring essential sexual and reproductive education. Our results suggest that the use of MHC can be increased by broadening health insurance to include exemptions for poor and rural households.
Assessment on estimations of currency basket weights—With coefficient correction for common factor dominance
Authors: Wang Ping , Wang Peijie 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThis paper proposes an approach to correcting parameter misrepresentation under the dominance of a common factor, a customarily overlooked phenomenon. Meanwhile, it provides a general solution to a specific regression bias, namely coefficient correction for common factor dominance in econometrics, which is commonly encountered in the research on currency interactions and co‐movements and beyond. The RMB basket weights are then scrutinized exhaustively, going through all stages of the evolving RMB regime and reforms. Correct and sensible currency basket weights are derived accordingly. It has been found that only the introduction of the central parity regime in 2015 has changed the RMB exchange rate patterns notably. The RMB market behavior and patterns virtually did not change during the prior reforms that had widened the band of daily fluctuation in the RMB exchange rate against the US dollar from 0.3% through to 2%, given the band's unique link to the US dollar.
Therapeutic potential of α,β‐thujone through metabolic reprogramming and caspase‐dependent apoptosis in ovarian cancer cells
Authors: Lee Jin‐Young , Park Hahyun , Lim Whasun , Song Gwonhwa 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe therapeutic potential of α,β‐thujone, a functional compound found in many medicinal plants of the Cupressaceae, Asteraceae, and Lamiaceae families, has been demonstrated, including in inflammation and cancers. However, its pharmacological functions and mechanisms of action in ovarian cancer remain unclear. We investigated the anticancer properties of α,β‐thujone in ES2 and OV90 human ovarian cancer cells and its effect on sensitization to cisplatin. α,β‐thujone inhibited cancer cell proliferation and induced cell death through caspase‐dependent intrinsic apoptotic pathways. Moreover, α,β‐thujone‐mediated endoplasmic reticulum stress was associated with the loss of mitochondrial functions and altered metabolic landscape of ovarian cancer cells. α,β‐Thujone attenuated blood vessel formation in transgenic zebrafish, implying it has significant antiangiogenic potential. In addition, α,β‐thujone sensitized ovarian cancer cells to cisplatin, causing synergistic pharmacological effects. Collectively, our results suggest that α,β‐thujone has therapeutic potential in human ovarian cancer and functions via regulating multiple intracellular stress‐associated metabolic reprogramming and caspase‐dependent apoptotic pathways.
MOF‐derived nickel−cobalt bimetal oxide nanostructures as a cooperative catalyst for the reduction of 4‐nitrophenol
Authors: Khan Aslam , Wei Dandi , Wang Zhuan , Su Xintai , Wang Jide , Alam Sultan , Wang Lu , Wu Ronglan , Maloletnev Anatoly S , Yang Chao 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBACKGROUND4‐Nitrophenol, as a representative hazardous contaminant, may pose potential risks to the environment in the process of production, storage, and use. Catalytic hydrogenation reduction offers a promising route to the removal of 4‐nitrophenol by its transformation into the less toxic and biodegradable 4‐aminophenol. In this work, nickel−cobalt bimetal oxide nanostructures were fabricated by the thermal decomposition of metal organic frameworks and cooperatively utilized for the catalytic reduction of 4‐nitrophenol.RESULTSThe as‐fabricated oxide catalysts were characterized and analyzed with several physicochemical measurements, including X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, thermogravimetry, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, nitrogen adsorption, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The catalytic reduction of 4‐nitrophenol was conducted in the presence of the as‐prepared oxide nanostructures with varying Ni/Co ratios to evaluate their catalytic activity. The optimal catalyst (Ni–Co–O) delivered the activity parameter of k’app = 12.0 min−1 mg−1, which was higher than either NiO (2.4 min−1 mg−1) or Co3O4 (3.6 min−1 mg−1). Moreover, the induction time of the 4‐nitrophenol reduction was significantly reduced by using the bimetal oxide catalyst. Based on the surface and electrochemistry analyses, the enhancement of catalytic activity for the Ni–Co bimetal oxide nanostructures was discussed.CONCLUSIONThe above results indicated that the cooperation of nickel with cobalt into bimetal oxide nanostructures exhibited an enhanced catalytic activity, which not only promoted the conversion rate of 4‐nitrophenol, but also shortened the reduction induction period.