bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improving the physical, mechanical and energetic properties of Quercus spp. wood pellets by adding pine sawdust
Authors: Núñez-Retana Víctor Daniel , Rosales-Serna Rigoberto , Prieto-Ruíz José Ángel , Wehenkel Christian , Carrillo-Parra Artemio 
Published: August 2020

Background
Biomass usage for energy purposes has emerged in response to global energy demands and environmental problems. The large amounts of by-products generated during logging are rarely utilized. In addition, some species (e.g., Quercus spp.) are considered less valuable and are left in the cutting areas. Production of pellets from this alternative source of biomass may be possible for power generation. Although the pellets may be of lower quality than other types of wood pellets, because of their physical and technological properties, the addition of different raw materials may improve the characteristics of the oak pellets.

Methods
Sawdust from the oak species Quercus sideroxyla, Q. rugosa, Q. laeta and Q. conzattii was mixed with sawdust from the pine Pinus durangensis in different ratios of oak to pine (100:0, 80:20, 60:40, 40:60 and 20:80). Physical and mechanical properties of the pellets were determined, and calorific value tests were carried out. For each variable, Kolmogorov–Smirnov normality and Kruskal–Wallis tests were performed and Pearson’s correlation coefficients were determined (considering a significance level of p < 0.05).

Results
The moisture content and fixed carbon content differed significantly (p < 0.05) between the groups of pellets (i.e., pellets made with different sawdust mixtures). The moisture content of all pellets was less than 10%. However, volatile matter and ash content did not differ significantly between groups (p ≥ 0.05). The ash content was less than 0.7% in all mixtures. The addition of P. durangensis sawdust to the mixtures improved the bulk density of the pellets by 18%. Significant differences (p < 0.05) in particle density were observed between species, mixtures and for the species × mixture interaction. The particle density was highest in the 80:20 and 60:40 mixtures, with values ranging from 1,245 to 1,349 kg m−3. Bulk density and particle density of the pellets were positively correlated with the amount of P. durangensis sawdust included. The mechanical hardness and impact resistance index (IRI) differed significantly (p < 0.05) between groups. The addition of pine sawdust decreased the mechanical hardness of the pellets, up to 24%. The IRI was highest (138) in the Q. sideroxyla pellets (100:0). The mechanical hardness and IRI of the pellets were negatively correlated with the amount of P. durangensis sawdust added. The bulk density of the pellets was negatively correlated with mechanical hardness and IRI. The calorific value of mixtures and the species × mixture interaction differed significantly between groups. Finally, the mean calorific value was highest (19.8 MJ kg−1) in the 20:80 mixture. The calorific value was positively related to the addition of P. durangensis sawdust.
Abscisic Acid Regulates Fleshy Fruit Ripening and Stress Resistance
Authors: Yuan Bing , Li Qian , Leng Ping 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAbscisic acid (ABA) is an essential endogenous messenger during plant development and in stress responses. Recently, the role of ABA in both climacteric and nonclimacteric fruit ripening regulation was revealed. However, the genetic, molecular and physiological mechanisms of ABA in fruit ripening regulation is still not completely understood. ABA is involved in a wide range of fruit development processes, including fruit ripening onset, ripening process and fruit quality trait. In addition, ABA plays a significant role in responses to abiotic stress and the promotion of water efficiency in fruit. The biological effect of ABA depends on its concentration and signal transduction. This article summarises the latest discoveries of the roles of ABA in fruit development and ripening as well as in responses to abiotic stress.
Disassembling Silicene from Native Substrate and Transferring onto an Arbitrary Target Substrate
Authors: Martella Christian , Faraone Gabriele , Alam Muhammad Hasibul , Taneja Deepyanti , Tao Li , Scavia Guido , Bonera Emiliano , Grazianetti Carlo , Akinwande Deji , Molle Alessandro 
Published: August 2020

AbstractHere, two novel approaches for disassembling epitaxial silicene from the native substrate and transferring onto arbitrary target substrates are presented. From the processing perspective, the two methodologies open up a new route for handling silicene, and in general any epitaxial Xene, in view of establishing reliable process flows for the development of a Xene‐based nanotechnology. Integration of silicene in a back‐gated controlled device architecture is demonstrated and the built up of unique multi‐stack heterostructures between silicene, but potentially every Xene, and other technological relevant materials, like transparent conductive oxides and transition metal dichalcogenides is shown.
Refining and Sulfurization of Oil from Black Soldier Fly and Its Application as Biodegradable Lubricant Additive
Authors: Xiong Jing , Mao Jinjiao , Wang Tielin , Feng Weiliang , Wang Weiguo , Yang Chao , Miao Xinfeng , Wang Cunwen 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBlack soldier fly (BSF, Hermetia illucens), a high lipid containing insect, is considered as a promising candidate for bioconversion of restaurant waste in China. The fresh oil extracted from BSF larvae were refined by degumming, alkaline neutralization, and absorption decolorization. The gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis showed that 12:0, 16:0, 18:1, and 18:2 were the main fatty acids, which accounted for more than 80% of the refined BSF oil. Odorless sulfurized BSF oil was synthesized, and the tribological behaviors of the sulfurized BSF oil as a biodegradable additive in base oil 150 N and pure poly‐alpha‐olefin PAO4 were evaluated in comparison with the commonly used sulfurized lard by means of four‐ball friction and wear testers. The formation of CS bond in the vulcanized oil molecules was confirmed by FTIR analysis. Sulfurized BSF oil showed superior load‐carrying capacity and friction‐reducing ability compared with sulfurized lard.
Weighted Bayesian bootstrap for scalable posterior distributions
Authors: Newton Michael A. , Polson Nicholas G. , Xu Jianeng 
Published: August 2020

AbstractWe introduce and develop a weighted Bayesian bootstrap (WBB) for machine learning and statistics. WBB provides uncertainty quantification by sampling from a high dimensional posterior distribution. WBB is computationally fast and scalable using only off‐the‐shelf optimization software. First‐order asymptotic analysis provides a theoretical justification under suitable regularity conditions on the statistical model. We illustrate the proposed methodology in regularized regression, trend filtering and deep learning and conclude with directions for future research.
Climate oscillation and the invasion of alien species influence the oceanic distribution of seabirds
Authors: Perez‐Correa Julian , Carr Peter , Meeuwig Jessica J. , Koldewey Heather J. , Letessier Tom B. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractSpatial and temporal distribution of seabird transiting and foraging at sea is an important consideration for marine conservation planning. Using at‐sea observations of seabirds (n = 317), collected during the breeding season from 2012 to 2016, we built boosted regression tree (BRT) models to identify relationships between numerically dominant seabird species (red‐footed booby, brown noddy, white tern, and wedge‐tailed shearwater), geomorphology, oceanographic variability, and climate oscillation in the Chagos Archipelago. We documented positive relationships between red‐footed booby and wedge‐tailed shearwater abundance with the strength in the Indian Ocean Dipole, as represented by the Dipole Mode Index (6.7% and 23.7% contribution, respectively). The abundance of red‐footed boobies, brown noddies, and white terns declined abruptly with greater distance to island (17.6%, 34.1%, and 41.1% contribution, respectively). We further quantified the effects of proximity to rat‐free and rat‐invaded islands on seabird distribution at sea and identified breaking point distribution thresholds. We detected areas of increased abundance at sea and habitat use‐age under a scenario where rats are eradicated from invaded nearby islands and recolonized by seabirds. Following rat eradication, abundance at sea of red‐footed booby, brown noddy, and white terns increased by 14%, 17%, and 3%, respectively, with no important increase detected for shearwaters. Our results have implication for seabird conservation and island restoration. Climate oscillations may cause shifts in seabird distribution, possibly through changes in regional productivity and prey distribution. Invasive species eradications and subsequent island recolonization can lead to greater access for seabirds to areas at sea, due to increased foraging or transiting through, potentially leading to distribution gains and increased competition. Our approach predicting distribution after successful eradications enables anticipatory threat mitigation in these areas, minimizing competition between colonies and thereby maximizing the risk of success and the conservation impact of eradication programs.
Climate‐induced distribution dynamics of Plebeia flavocincta, a stingless bee from Brazilian tropical dry forests
Authors: Maia Ulysses Madureira , Miranda Leonardo de Sousa , Carvalho Airton Torres , Imperatriz‐Fonseca Vera Lucia , de Oliveira Guilherme Corrêa , Giannini Tereza Cristina 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAimThe objective of this study is to estimate the current potential geographic distribution of Plebeia flavocincta and to evaluate the influence of climate on the dynamics of suitable habitat availability in the past and in the future.LocationNortheast region of Brazil and dry forest areas.MethodsThe habitat suitability modeling was based on two algorithms, two global circulation models, and six different scenarios. We used this tool to estimate the areas of occurrence in the past (Last Interglacial and Last Glacial Maximum), in the present, and in the future (years 2050 and 2070).ResultsAccording to the models, P. flavocincta had great dynamics in the availability of suitable habitats with periods of retraction and expansion of these areas in the past. Our results suggest that this taxon may benefit in terms of climate suitability gain in Northeast Brazil in the future. In addition, we identified high‐altitude areas and the eastern coast as climatically stable.ConclusionThe information provided can be used by decision makers to support actions toward protecting and sustainably managing this taxon. Protection measures for this taxon are particularly important because this insect contributes to the local flora and, although our results indicate that the climate may favor this taxon, other factors can negatively affect it, such as high levels of habitat loss due to anthropogenic activities.
Effects of APOE e4‐allele and mental work demands on cognitive decline in old age: Results from the German Study on Ageing, Cognition, and Dementia in Primary Care Patients (AgeCoDe)
Authors: Rodriguez Francisca S. , Roehr Susanne , Pabst Alexander , Kleineidam Luca , Fuchs Angela , Wiese Birgitt , Lühmann Dagmar , Brettschneider Christian , Wolfsgruber Steffen , Pentzek Michael , van den Bussche Hendrik , König Hans‐Helmut , Weyerer Siegfried , Werle Jochen , Bickel Horst , Weeg Dagmar , Maier Wolfgang , Scherer Martin , Wagner Michael , Riedel‐Heller Steffi G. 
Published: August 2020

ObjectivesPrevious studies have observed protective effects of high mental demands at work on cognitive functioning and dementia risk. However, it is unclear what types of demands drive this effect and whether this effect is subject to a person's genetic risk. We investigated to what extent eight different types of mental demands at work together with the APOE e4 allele, a major risk gene for late‐onset Alzheimer's disease, affect cognitive functioning in late life.Methods/DesignThe population‐based German Study on Ageing, Cognition, and Dementia in Primary Care Patients (AgeCoDe, n = 2 154) followed cognitively healthy individuals aged 75 years and older in seven assessment waves. Cognitive functioning was assessed via the mini‐mental status examination.ResultsMixed‐effects modeling (adjusted for education, gender, marital status, stroke, depression, and diabetes) indicated that participants who had an occupational history of working in jobs with high compared to low demands in “Language & Knowledge”, “Pattern detection”, “Information processing”, and “Service” had a slower cognitive decline. APOE e4‐allele carriers had an accelerated cognitive decline, but this decline was significantly smaller if they had a medium compared to a low level of demands in contrast to non‐carriers.ConclusionsOur longitudinal observations suggest that cognitive decline could be slowed by an intellectually enriched lifestyle even in risk gene carriers. Fostering intellectual engagement throughout the life‐course could be a key prevention initiative to promote better cognitive health in old age.
Immunoglobulin kappa deleting element rearrangements are candidate targets for minimal residual disease evaluation in mantle cell lymphoma
Authors: Della Starza Irene , De Novi Lucia Anna , Cavalli Marzia , Novelli Noemi , Soscia Roberta , Genuardi Elisa , Mantoan Barbara , Drandi Daniela , Ferrante Martina , Monitillo Luigia , Barbero Daniela , Ciabatti Elena , Grassi Susanna , Bomben Riccardo , Degan Massimo , Gattei Valter , Galimberti Sara , Di Rocco Alice , Martelli Maurizio , Cortelazzo Sergio , Guarini Anna , Foà Robin , Ladetto Marco , Ferrero Simone , Del Giudice Ilaria ,   Fondazione Italiana Linfomi (FIL) MRD Network
Published: August 2020

AbstractMinimal residual disease (MRD) assessment is of high clinical relevance in patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). In mature B‐cell malignancies, the presence of somatic hypermutations (SHM) in Variable‐Diversity‐Joining Heavy chain (VDJH) rearrangements leads to frequent mismatches between primers, probes, and the target, thus impairing tumor cells quantification. Alternative targets, such as immunoglobulin kappa‐deleting‐element (IGK‐Kde) rearrangements, might be suitable for MRD detection. We aimed at evaluating the applicability of IGK‐Kde rearrangements for MRD quantification in MCL patients by real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RQ‐PCR)/digital‐droplet‐PCR (ddPCR). IGK screening was performed on bone marrow samples from two cohorts: the first from Turin (22 patients enrolled in the FIL‐MCL0208 trial, NCT02354313) and the second from Rome (15 patients). IGK‐Kde rearrangements were found in 76% (28/37) of cases, representing the sole molecular marker in 73% (8/11) of IGH‐BCL1/IGH negative cases. MRD RQ‐PCR monitoring was possible in 57% (16/28) of cases, showing a 100% concordance with the conventional targets. However, the frequent background amplification affected the sensitivity of the assay, that was lower in MCL compared to acute lymphoblastic leukemia and in line with multiple myeloma published results. ddPCR had a good concordance with RQ‐PCR and it might help to identify false positive/negative results. From a clinical perspective, we suggest that IGK‐Kde can be a candidate target for MRD monitoring and deserves a validation of its predictive value in prospective MCL series.
Cutaneous viral infections associated with ultraviolet radiation exposure
Authors: Zhao Yayi , Amorrortu Rossybelle P. , Fenske Neil A. , Cherpelis Basil , Messina Jane L. , Sondak Vernon K. , Giuliano Anna R. , Schell Michael J. , Waterboer Tim , Pawlita Michael , McKay‐Chopin Sandrine , Gheit Tarik , Tommasino Massimo , Rollison Dana E. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe complex interplay between ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and cutaneous viral infections in the context of cancer etiology is challenging to unravel, given the limited information on the independent association between UVR and cutaneous viral infections. Using multiple biomarkers of infection with 24 types of cutaneous human papillomavirus (HPV) and 4 types of polyomaviruses (HPyV), we investigated cross‐sectional associations with recent UVR exposure, using skin pigmentation measured by spectrophotometer. Age‐ and sex‐adjusted associations between UVR and viral seropositivity, viral DNA present in eyebrow hairs (EBH) and skin swabs (SSW) were estimated using logistic regression. Beta‐HPV seropositivity was associated with viral DNA positivity in EBH (OR = 1.40, 95% CI = 1.05‐1.88) and SSW (OR = 1.86, 95% CI = 1.25‐2.74). Similar associations were observed for Merkel cell polyomavirus. Participants in the highest tertile of UVR exposure were more likely to be seropositive for beta‐HPV (OR = 1.81, 95% CI = 1.16‐2.38), and have beta‐HPV DNA in EBH (OR = 1.57, 95% CI = 1.06‐2.33) and SSW (OR = 2.22, 95% CI = 1.25‐3.96), compared to participants with the lowest tertile of UVR exposure. UVR exposure was positively associated with three different markers of beta‐HPV infection. Therefore, future studies of HPV associated KC development should address more directly the role of HPV and UVR exposure as potential co‐carcinogens.
Thoracoscopy vs thoracotomy for the management of metastatic osteosarcoma: A Pediatric Surgical Oncology Research Collaborative Study
Authors: Lautz Timothy B. , Farooqui Zishaan , Jenkins Todd , Heaton Todd E. , Doski John J. , Cooke‐Barber Jo , Murphy Andrew J. , Davidoff Andrew M. , Mansfield Sara A. , Kim Eugene S. , Zuber Samuel , Goodhue Catherine , Vasudevan Sanjeev A. , LaQuaglia Michael P. , Piche Nelson , Le‐Nguyen Annie , Aldrink Jennifer H. , Malek Marcus M. , Siow Vei Shaun , Glick Richard D. , Rich Barrie S. , Meyers Rebecka L. , Short Scott S. , Butter Andreana , Baertschiger Reto M. , Fialkowski Elizabeth A. , Dasgupta Roshni 
Published: August 2020

AbstractComplete surgical resection of pulmonary metastatic disease in patients with osteosarcoma is crucial to long‐term survival. Open thoracotomy allows palpation of nodules not identified on imaging but the impact on survival is unknown. The objective of this study was to compare overall survival (OS) and pulmonary disease‐free survival (DFS) in children who underwent thoracotomy vs thoracoscopic surgery for pulmonary metastasectomy. A multi‐institutional collaborative group retrospectively reviewed 202 pediatric patients with osteosarcoma who underwent pulmonary metastasectomy by thoracotomy (n = 154) or thoracoscopy (n = 48). Results were analyzed by Kaplan‐Meier survival estimates and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression models. With median follow‐up of 45 months, 135 (67.5%) patients had a pulmonary relapse and 95 (47%) patients were deceased. Kaplan‐Meier analysis showed no significant difference in 5‐year pulmonary DFS (25% vs 38%; P = .18) or OS (49% vs 42%, P = .37) between the surgical approaches of thoracotomy and thoracoscopy. In Cox regression analysis controlling for other factors impacting outcome, there was a significantly increased risk of mortality (HR 2.11; P = .027; 95% CI 1.09‐4.09) but not pulmonary recurrence (HR 0.96; P = .90; 95% CI 0.52‐1.79) with a thoracoscopic approach. However, in the subset analysis limited to patients with oligometastatic disease, thoracoscopy had no increased risk of mortality (HR 1.16; P = .62; 0.64‐2.11). In conclusion, patients with metastatic osteosarcoma and limited pulmonary disease burden demonstrate comparable outcomes after thoracotomy and thoracoscopy for metastasectomy. While significant selection bias in these surgical cohorts limits the generalizability of the conclusions, clinical equipoise for a randomized clinical trial in patients with oligometastatic disease is supported.
Intrauterine infusion of platelet‐rich plasma is a treatment method for patients with intrauterine adhesions after hysteroscopy
Authors: Peng Jintao , Li Manchao , Zeng Haitao , Zeng Zhi , Huang Jiana , Liang Xiaoyan 
Published: August 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of an intrauterine infusion of platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) in patients with intrauterine adhesions (IUAs).MethodsA retrospective study was conducted from April 2018 to December 2019 to compare the efficacy of intrauterine infusion of PRP with balloon for patients with IUAs. All patients had moderate or severe IUAs, including 28 patients with intrauterine infusion of PRP (group A), 22 patients with intrauterine balloon (group B), and 20 patients with both intrauterine infusion of PRP and balloon in the first operative hysteroscopy. American Fertility Society (AFS) score and rates of chemical pregnancy were compared.ResultsThe AFS score decreased with an average of 5.18 ± 3.93, 4.91 ± 4.39, and 5.15 ± 3.17 comparing the third hysteroscopy with the first operative hysteroscopy in group A, group B, and group C, respectively. No significant differences were found among these groups (P=0.734). The rates of chemical pregnancy were 40.0% in group A, 38.9% in group B, and 33.3% in group C without significant differences (P=0.944).ConclusionThere were no significant differences between intrauterine infusion of PRP and balloon. PRP is a treatment method for IUAs.
Prevalence of use of highly concentrated oxytocin or “pepper injection” in labor among clinicians undergoing emergency obstetric training in Sierra Leone
Authors: Forna Fatu , Titulaer Patricia , Sesay Santigie , Conteh Sulaiman , Muoghalu Stanley , Kanu Pity , Moses Francis , Kenneh Sartie , Kayita Janet 
Published: August 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the awareness, prevalence of use, and knowledge of risks of pepper injection (PI), an injection of highly concentrated oxytocin used to augment or induce labor, among clinicians.MethodsAn anonymous pre‐ and post‐workshop evaluation conducted among 227 clinicians participating in emergency obstetric and newborn care training in Sierra Leone from June to October 2018.ResultsOverall, 225 participants completed the surveys. Of these, 198 (88.0%) of clinicians reported awareness of PI, and 123 (54.7%) self‐reported prior use, which was highest among midwives (94/129; 72.9%). Before EmONC training, 82 (36.4%) clinicians reported that they were likely to use PI; this decreased to 39 (17.3%) after training (P<0.05). The mean number of participants correctly identifying risks of PI increased from 149 (66.2%) to 204 (90.7%) after training (P<0.05).ConclusionThere was widespread awareness of PI use among clinicians, and prevalent self‐reported prior use among midwives. Risk awareness improved after EmONC training, and the proportion of clinicians reporting likelihood of future use decreased. Improper use of oxytocin may be a major contributor to maternal and newborn morbidity and mortality in Sierra Leone. Initiatives to educate clinicians and to regulate and stop the practice are needed.