bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Supporting role of lignin in immobilization of yeast on sugarcane bagasse for continuous pectinase production
Authors: Ejaz Uroosa , Sohail Muhammad 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDLignocellulosic wastes are pretreated prior to their utilization in fermentation processes. Such pretreatment also alters the topological features of the substrates, and therefore the suitability of pretreated waste as immobilization matrix for microbial cells needs investigation.RESULTSIn this study, the effect of chemical pretreatment of sugarcane bagasse (SB) for its subsequent utilization as a matrix to immobilize a pectinolytic yeast, Geotrichum candidum AA15, was evaluated using cell retention, concentration of immobilized cells, immobilization efficiency, scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy of the substrate and pectinase titers obtained after recycling. The results revealed that untreated SB is more efficient for immobilization with higher values of cell retention and pectinase productivity (99.78%) retained for up to six production cycles. It was deduced that removal of lignin by pretreatment negatively influenced the ability of SB to support cell adhesion, as lignin acts as a sealing agent that provides strength to the substrate.CONCLUSIONSThe strategy of utilizing SB as immobilization matrix was found effective at the laboratory scale as it improved pectinase production and may be investigated further for large‐scale and cost‐effective production. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
How to measure the tourism vocation of a territory? Proposal for a composite index
Authors: Casado‐Montilla Jairo , Pulido‐Fernández Juan Ignacio 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe rapid evolution of the tourism industry has sparked interest among researchers and tourism managers, keen to know which aspects determine whether a territory will become a tourism destination or not. Currently, there is still no clear consensus about the best procedure for doing this. Hence, this paper proposes a composite index resulting from a system of indicators capable of determining the tourism vocation of a territory. Six medium‐sized inland towns in Andalusia (Spain) are analysed, which have, a priori, different degrees of tourism development. The findings show that it is possible to measure the tourism vocation of a territory.
Living standard and Chinese tourism participation
Authors: Bernini Cristina , Fang Ruizhe 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe paper analyses how the bettering in the living standard affects Chinese households' decision‐making process regarding tourism. The first novelty of this study relays on the role that living standard, proxy by happiness, Internet use and social connection spending, has on the tourism participation and how it impacts tourism expenditures. We estimate hurdle models and calculate income elasticity with respect to living condition; this is the second main novelty of this study. Empirical results show that living standard is associated with likelihood of participating in tourism and is an essential determinant for tourism consumption behaviour. Some recommendations are finally proposed.
Interpolyelectrolyte complexes as effective structure‐forming agents for Chernozem soil
Authors: Panova Irina G. , Demidov Valeriy V. , Shulga Pavel S. , Ilyasov Leonid O. , Butilkina Marina А. , Yaroslavov Alexander A. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractChernozems or mollisols/black soils are 'reference soils' with a high content of organic matter, which ensures a high level of crop yield. In the article, we describe the structural characteristics of a typical medium‐thick Chernozem taken from Kursk region and their improvement via treatment by a 1 wt% aqueous solution/suspension of interpolyelectrolyte complex (IPEC), a product of electrostatic interaction between anionic potassium humates and cationic poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride). The native Chernozem and polymer‐treated chernozem were characterized by laser diffraction, dry and wet sieving methods, transmission electron microscopy, soil washoff in a hydraulic erosion tray, gravimetry, visual control, and vegetation miniaturization in Petri dishes with the following main conclusions: (a) Deposition of a positively charged IPEC over the Chernozem sample led to an increase in a total amount of agronomically valuable 0.25–1 mm aggregates up to 28% in comparison with a 3% content of aggregates in the native Chernozem. (b) An average diameter of the air‐dry aggregates, treated by a cationic IPEC, was of 5.5 mm (cf. with 2.5 mm for the untreated). (c) An average diameter of the IPEC‐treated water‐resistant aggregates was of 2.1 mm (cf. with 0.5 for the untreated). (d) The Chernozem pretreated by the cationic IPEC showed a minimum removal of soil during several cycles of rewatering/drying. (e) All IPEC formulations, stimulated the growth of plants. The results are of interest for preparing low‐toxic polymer formulations capable of effective stabilizing fertile Chernozem soils.
Understanding the role of policy frameworks in developing land degradation in stakeholders perception from a post‐conflict perspective in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Kapović Solomun Marijana , Ferreira Carla S. S. , Barger Nichole N. , Tošić Radislav , Eremija Saša 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) is a developing country facing extensive land degradation. BiH exists as a decentralized state, where all land (e.g., agricultural and forest soils) and water resources are under exclusive jurisdiction of two entities and one district, rather than state‐level legislation. Complex land‐related administration occurs between entities that function independently from each other. The lack of coordination among entities frequently leads to political conflicts over land and limited data exchange which may further exacerbate current land degradation. This article investigates (a) stakeholders' perception of land degradation under complex institutional and policy structures; and (b) the current state of land degradation, with a focus on soil erosion as one important indicator of land degradation across the region. As a consequence of the Civil War that took place in BiH between 1992 and 1995, limited data on soil erosion and land status present additional challenges to those seeking to avoid, reduce, and reverse land degradation. Stakeholders reported that the existence of a policy framework as important to addressing land degradation, but not sufficient if implementation is weak. Decision makers reported that the existing policy frameworks are satisfactory, which was in contrast to other stakeholders. Reliable data are crucial for land degradation assessments and development of strategies and policy frameworks, but also better knowledge and awareness of stakeholder perceptions would foster their implementation. In summary, complex institutional structures underpin the weak communication and cooperation among institutions and stakeholders, which presents significant challenges for sustainable land management in post‐conflict societies.
Ultrafast Epoxy‐Anhydride Photopolyaddition Reaction
Authors: Kavalli Tuba , Wolf Romain , Lalevée Jacques 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe conventional epoxy/anhydride reaction is quite slow (more than one hour to reach full conversion at room temperature (RT)) and usually requires thermal treatment at rather high temperature. Ideally, the reaction should be triggered by light for on demand systems i.e. very fast polymerizations (in few seconds) can be carried out in mild conditions (at RT with low energy consumption using cheap and safe light emitting diode (LED) light). In this work, a new approach is proposed with an ultrafast epoxy/anhydride photopolyaddition reaction that can be triggered by near‐UV/visible light. Therefore, a photoinitiating system is developed to cure epoxides in presence of anhydrides as hardeners without any external heat and in a short time scale i.e. few seconds upon light vs. hours at RT without light. Excellent polymerization performances can be observed upon LED@405nm irradiation with full epoxy function conversion. The polymerization kinetics are followed both by real‐time FTIR and real‐time photorheology experiments. As example of the high performance of this new photoactivated epoxy/anhydride process, the curing of epoxy/glass fibre composites is presented. Remarkably, an excellent depth of cure can be obtained in only 20 seconds of irradiation with a LED@405 nm.
Interpenetrating Network of Alginate–Human Adipose Extracellular Matrix Hydrogel for Islet Cells Encapsulation
Authors: Wang Jun Kit , Cheam Nicole Mein Ji , Irvine Scott Alexander , Tan Nguan Soon , Venkatraman Subbu , Tay Chor Yong 
Published: August 2020

AbstractTransplantation of microencapsulated islet cells holds great potential for the treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus. However, its clinical translation is hampered by the peri‐transplantation loss of islet viability and functionality in the microcapsules. In this work, a novel islet cells biomimetic microencapsulant material that is based on the interpenetrating networks of alginate and extracellular matrix (ECM) hydrogel composite (AEC) is presented. The ECM component is derived from human lipoaspirate. In situ encapsulation of pancreatic β islet cells (MIN6 β‐cells) can be achieved via ionotropic gelation of the alginate matrix and thermal‐induced gelation of the pepsin‐solubilized ECM pre‐gel. Due to the enhanced cell–matrix interaction, islets encapsulated within the AEC microcapsules (≈640 µm) display sevenfold increase in cell growth over 1 week of culture and characteristic glucose‐stimulated insulin response in vitro. The results show that the AEC microcapsule is a potent platform to bioaugment the performance of islet cells.
Ring‐Opening Metathesis Polymerization of endo‐ and exo‐Norbornene Lactones
Authors: Miyasako Narumi , Matsuoka Shin‐ichi , Suzuki Masato 
Published: August 2020

AbstractNew ester‐functionalized bicyclic aliphatic polymers are synthesized through the ring‐opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) of endo‐ and exo‐norbornene lactones (endo‐NBL and exo‐NBL) and their oxa‐norbornene analogue (exo‐oxa‐NBL) followed by hydrogenation. The polymerizability between endo‐ and exo‐NBLs, and the thermal properties between the six types of polymers before and after hydrogenation are compared and discussed. The ROMP of all three monomers proceeded in a living fashion under optimized conditions, which is confirmed by chain extension experiments. Endo‐NBL shows a much lower homo‐ and copolymerizability than exo‐NBL probably owing to six‐membered chelation to the Ru center and steric hindrance in the ruthenacyclobutane intermediate. Stereo‐block and stereo‐gradient copolymers of poly(endo‐NBL) and poly(exo‐NBL) are also synthesized. The hydrogenation catalyzed by RuHCl(CO)(PPh3)3 in the mixed solvents of o‐xylene and N,N‐dimethyl acetamide (DMAc) results in more than 95% conversion. The obtained hydrogenated polymers, H‐poly(endo‐NBL) and H‐poly(exo‐NBL), are amorphous, soluble in chlorinated aliphatic solvents, and thermally stable until 400 °C without a weight loss. Their glass transition temperatures are 163 and 131 °C, respectively; the values are appropriate in terms of both thermal stability and processing deformation for the application of transparent resin materials.
GBA Variants in Parkinson's Disease: Clinical, Metabolomic, and Multimodal Neuroimaging Phenotypes
Authors: Greuel Andrea , Trezzi Jean‐Pierre , Glaab Enrico , Ruppert Marina C. , Maier Franziska , Jäger Christian , Hodak Zdenka , Lohmann Katja , Ma Yilong , Eidelberg David , Timmermann Lars , Hiller Karsten , Tittgemeyer Marc , Drzezga Alexander , Diederich Nico , Eggers Carsten 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundAlterations in the GBA gene (NM_000157.3) are the most important genetic risk factor for Parkinson's disease (PD). Biallelic GBA mutations cause the lysosomal storage disorder Gaucher's disease. The GBA variants p.E365K and p.T408M are associated with PD but not with Gaucher's disease. The pathophysiological role of these variants needs to be further explored.ObjectiveThis study analyzed clinical, neuropsychological, metabolic, and neuroimaging phenotypes of patients with PD carrying the GBA variants p.E365K and p.T408M.MethodsGBA was sequenced in 56 patients with mid‐stage PD. Carriers of GBA variants were compared with noncarriers regarding clinical history and symptoms, neuropsychological features, metabolomics, and multimodal neuroimaging. Blood plasma gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry, 6‐[18F]fluoro‐L‐Dopa positron emission tomography (PET), [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose PET, and resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging were performed.ResultsSequence analysis detected 13 heterozygous GBA variant carriers (7 with p.E365K, 6 with p.T408M). One patient carried a GBA mutation (p.N409S) and was excluded. Clinical history and symptoms were not significantly different between groups. Global cognitive performance was lower in variant carriers. Metabolomic group differences were suggestive of more severe PD‐related alterations in carriers versus noncarriers. Both PET scans showed signs of a more advanced disease; [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose PET and functional magnetic resonance imaging showed similarities with Lewy body dementia and PD dementia in carriers.ConclusionsThis is the first study to comprehensively assess (neuro‐)biological phenotypes of GBA variants in PD. Metabolomics and neuroimaging detected more significant group differences than clinical and behavioral evaluation. These alterations could be promising to monitor effects of disease‐modifying treatments targeting glucocerebrosidase metabolism. © 2020 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Postural Tachycardia Syndrome: Nutrition Implications
Authors: Ganesh Ravindra , Bonnes Sara L. R. , DiBaise John K. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractPostural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a syndrome characterized by elevated heart rate without hypotension and most commonly occurs in young females (generally <35 years of age). The prevalence of POTS is on the rise, but the etiology is still under investigation, and there appear to be multiple potential physiologic causes. The majority of these patients experience a multitude of gastrointestinal (GI) and systemic symptoms and conditions that may contribute to functional debility and poor quality of life. Although symptoms generally improve with age, they can still lead to significant issues meeting nutrition and hydration needs. This paper summarizes the understood potential pathophysiology of POTS, associated GI and nutrition issues, general treatment of POTS, and strategies to assess and meet the unique nutrition and hydration needs of these patients.
Enteral Nutrition in Pediatric Short‐Bowel Syndrome
Authors: Channabasappa Nandini , Girouard Sara , Nguyen Van , Piper Hannah 
Published: August 2020

AbstractPediatric intestinal failure (IF) is the critical reduction of intestinal mass or function below the amount necessary for normal growth in children. Short‐bowel syndrome (SBS) is the most common cause of IF in infants and children and is caused by intestinal resection. Enteral autonomy and freedom from parenteral nutrition is the mainstay of nutrition management in SBS. The goal is to achieve intestinal adaptation while maintaining proper growth and development. Treatment is variable, and there remains a paucity of evidence to draw well‐informed conclusions for the care of individuals in this complex population. Physiological principles of enteral nutrition and practical recommendations for advancing the diet of patients with pediatric SBS are presented. Emerging trends in nutrition management, such as the growing interest in blending diets and the impact on SBS, are reviewed. Finally, the influence of the microbiome on enteral tolerance and small bowel bacterial overgrowth are considered.
Retracted: Stability analysis of blocky structure system using discontinuity layout optimization
Authors: Jia Cangqin , Huang Qiwu , Wang Guihe 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe collapse mechanism identification and limit load calculation of block composite structures are essential tasks in practical engineering. In this work, the discontinuity layout optimization (DLO) is utilized to simulate a stable blocky system structure under static and pseudostatic loading by considering soil–structure interaction effects. The program refers to the discretization of the system under consideration by utilizing the potential slip lines to connect nodes. Then, linear programming is applied to identify the critical layout. The DLO procedure is extended to mimic rotations in the approximate simulation of rotational and translational failures along boundaries, thus simulating the mechanism on the rotating block. The simulated failure mechanism and collapse load are consistent with the experimental observations and numerical modeling results. Furthermore, the procedure is applied to two potential practical applications: the stability analysis of a jointed rock slope and concrete masonry retaining wall. The results show that the DLO is a simple but scientific method for identifying the mechanism of the critical failure of blocky structures.
Multiphysics model reduction of symmetric vibro‐acoustic formulation with a priori error estimation criteria
Authors: Kim Soo Min , Chae Soo‐Won , Kim Jin‐Gyun 
Published: August 2020

SummaryA new multiphysics mode synthesis (MMS) is presented for the construction of reduced‐order models of acoustic fluid‐structure interaction systems. The present acoustic‐structure interaction model is symmetric and consists of the fluid pressure p, the fluid displacement potential φ, and the structural displacement u. In carrying out MMS, the structure is first reduced, which is then applied to the coupling terms in the acoustic (p, φ)‐equations. The fluid parts (p, φ) are then reduced while preserving the coupling effects, resulting in improved accuracy. A combination of a priori modal contribution indicator and cumulative error estimator are derived from the moment matching approach that provides rational criteria for how many structural and fluid modes need to be retained for the construction of reduced models. An iterative MMS algorithm is then proposed by combining the modal indicators and error estimators. The performance of the proposed MMS method is illustrated via numerical examples.
Differences in brain structure and function in children with the FTO obesity‐risk allele
Authors: Lugo‐Candelas Claudia , Pang Yajing , Lee Seonjoo , Cha Jiook , Hong Susie , Ranzenhofer Lisa , Korn Rachel , Davis Haley , McInerny Hailey , Schebendach Janet , Chung Wendy K. , Leibel Rudolph L. , Walsh B. Timothy , Posner Jonathan , Rosenbaum Michael , Mayer Laurel 
Published: August 2020

SummaryObjectiveNoncoding alleles of the fat mass and obesity‐associated (FTO) gene have been associated with obesity risk, yet the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Risk allele carriers show alterations in brain structure and function, but previous studies have not disassociated the effects of genotype from those of body mass index (BMI).MethodsDifferences in brain structure and function were examined in children without obesity grouped by their number of copies (0,1,2) of the FTO obesity‐risk single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs1421085. One hundred five 5‐ to 10‐year‐olds (5th–95th percentile body fat) were eligible to participate. Usable scans were obtained from 93 participants (15 CC [homozygous risk], 31 CT [heterozygous] and 47 TT [homozygous low risk]).ResultsHomozygous C allele carriers (CCs) showed greater grey matter volume in the cerebellum and temporal fusiform gyrus. CCs also demonstrated increased bilateral cerebellar white matter fibre density and increased resting‐state functional connectivity between the bilateral cerebellum and regions in the frontotemporal cortices.ConclusionsThis is the first study to examine brain structure and function related to FTO alleles in young children not yet manifesting obesity. This study lends support to the notion that the cerebellum may be involved in FTO‐related risk for obesity, yet replication and further longitudinal study are required.
Real‐world effectiveness of pembrolizumab in previously treated non‐small cell lung cancer: A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Murteira Rodrigo , Borges Fábio Cardoso , Mendes Gonçalo Pinto , Ramos Catarina , Ramos Adriana , Soares Patrícia , Furtado Cláudia , Miranda Ana , da Costa Filipa Alves ,   The RON Network
Published: August 2020

AbstractPurposeImmunotherapy is promising for lung cancer treatment, although at significant financial impact. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and the efficacy‐effectiveness gap of pembrolizumab in previously treated non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).MethodsA population‐based ambispective cohort study was conducted. Cases of interest were identified through the National Cancer Registry database and additional data sources. Patients aged ≥18 years, diagnosed with NSCLC and exposed to pembrolizumab, between 23 June 2016 and 31 October 2018, as second or later lines of treatment for advanced disease were included. Patients were followed‐up until death or cut‐off date (30 April 2019). Primary outcome was overall survival (OS). Secondary outcomes were progression‐free survival (PFS), event‐free survival (EFS), and adverse events (AEs) leading to treatment discontinuation. The efficacy‐effectiveness gap was evaluated comparing results with clinical trial data.ResultsA total of 181 patients were included. Median age was 63 years (range 33‐94); 74.6% were male. Median treatment duration was 5.6 months (interquartile range: 1.4‐10.4) and, at cut‐off date, treatment had been discontinued in 141 patients, mainly due to disease progression. Median OS was 13.0 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 9.3‐15.9) and 1‐year OS was 53.1% (95% CI 45.2%‐60.3%). Median PFS was 5.6 months (95% CI 4.6‐7.2), median EFS was 4.7 months (95% CI 3.2‐6.0), and treatment was discontinued due to AE in 8.3% of cases (n = 15). The efficacy‐effectiveness gap seems to favor pembrolizumab use in clinical practice.ConclusionReal‐world data suggest the performance of pembrolizumab to reflect the clinical trial outcomes in previously treated NSCLC.