bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intensification and optimization of the characteristics of polyacrylonitrile nanofiltration membranes with improved performance through experimental design and statistical analysis
Authors: Hosseini Seyed Saeid , Khodakarami Amir Hossein , Nxumalo Edward Ndumiso 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe present study aims to employ experimental design and statistical analysis in order to investigate in detail the effect of various prominent parameters on the characteristics and performance of polyacrylonitrile nanofiltration membranes for the treatment of electroplating wastewaters targeting Ni, Cr, and Zn ions. Incorporation of TiO2 into the membrane matrix was effective in improving pure water flux (PWF) by ~16%. Also, PWF and Ni rejection of membranes escalated to 118.55 L m−2 h−1 and 90.79%, respectively upon addition of 1.5 wt% citric acid to the dope. Variation in coagulation bath temperature from 25°C to 45°C led to the formation of membranes having higher porosity with enhanced PWF by about 25% at the expense of only 5% reduction in Ni rejection. Parameters were optimized by analysis of variance (ANOVA). In contrast to the effect of feed concentration, an increase in feed pressure and pH enhanced permeate flux and total ion rejection. Similarly, permeate flux increased at higher operational temperatures without change in total rejection. A mathematical model was developed by applying ANOVA and the best combination of operating parameters was obtained by optimization.
Deletion of beta‐fructofuranosidase (invertase) genes is associated with sucrose content in Date Palm fruit
Authors: Malek Joel A. , Mathew Sweety , Mathew Lisa S. , Younuskunju Shameem , Mohamoud Yasmin A. , Suhre Karsten 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe fruit of date palm trees are an important part of the diet for a large portion of the Middle East and North Africa. The fruit is consumed both fresh and dry and can be stored dry for extended periods of time. Date fruits vary significantly across hundreds of cultivars identified in the main regions of cultivation. Most dried date fruit are low in sucrose but high in glucose and fructose. However, high sucrose content is a distinctive feature of some date fruit and affects flavor as well as texture and water retention. To identify the genes controlling high sucrose content, we analyzed date fruit metabolomics for association with genotype data from 120 date fruits. We found significant association of dried date sucrose content and a genomic region that contains 3 tandem copies of the beta‐fructofuranosidase (invertase) gene in the reference Khalas genome, a low‐sucrose fruit. High‐sucrose cultivars including the popular Deglet Noor had a homozygous deletion of two of the 3 copies of the invertase gene. We show the deletion allele is derived when compared to the ancestral allele that retains all copies of the gene in 3 other species of Phoenix. The fact that 2 of the 3 tandem invertase copies are associated with dry fruit sucrose content will assist in better understanding the distinct roles of multiple date palm invertases in plant physiology. Identification of the recessive alleles associated with end‐point sucrose content in date fruit may be used in selective breeding in the future.
Accuracy of volume and pressure delivery by mechanical ventilators in use in neonatal intensive care units: A quality control study
Authors: Ottaviani Valeria , Veneroni Chiara , Dell'Orto Valentina , Lavizzari Anna , Ventura Maria Luisa , Tossici Marta , Maroszynska Iwona , Mosca Fabio , Tagliabue Paolo , De Luca Daniele , Dellacà Raffaele L. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractObjectiveDespite technical specifications of neonatal mechanical ventilators (MVs) guarantee clinically irrelevant discrepancies between the set and the delivered values of ventilation parameters, previous studies reported large deviations. Most studies characterized performances of a given model/brand by studying a single device, disregarding possible intramodel differences, and leaving the accuracy of the ventilation parameters effectively delivered in clinical settings unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the real‐life accuracy of pressure and volume parameters delivered by neonatal ventilators ready to be used on patients in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).Study DesignIn vitro study.Subjects SelectionNeonatal ventilators (n = 33 of 8 different models) available in four European NICUs.MethodologyThe MVs were connected to a test lung (resistance = 50 cmH2O*s/L, compliance = 0.35 mL/cmH2O) provided with pressure and flow sensors. MVs were tested over two different ventilation modes randomly: (a) pressure controlled (PC) with a peak inspiratory pressure (PIP) of 22 cmH2O, and (b) PC with volume targeted ventilation (VTV) with a tidal volume (VT) of 6 mL. In all tests, positive end‐expiratory pressure (PEEP) was set to 6 cmH2O, respiratory rate to 45 breaths/min, inspiratory time to 0.33 seconds, and oxygen fraction to 0.3.ResultsDuring PC the median (min‐max) values delivered were: PEEP = 5.84(4.95‐6.48) cmH2O, PIP = 21.63(20.04‐22.62) cmH2O. During VTV, VT was 5.94(4.63‐8.01) mL. VT was considerably variable, ranging from −22% to +33% of the set and displayed values. Differences in accuracy among devices of the same model were comparable to those found among different models.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that loss of accuracy in ventilation variables is likely related to daily use of the devices rather than weakness in the design or manufacturing process, urging the improvement of maintenance and quality control procedures to preserve the performances of neonatal MVs during their entire lifespan.
The ‘good life’ of Polish migrants in Britain: Daily behaviours and subjective well‐being of migrants, stayers and the British
Authors: Jarosz Ewa , Gugushvili Alexi 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe situation of Polish migrants in Britain has mostly been analysed from the labour market perspective. More recently, research has also addressed the topic of migrants' social connections, identity and integration. However, little is known about their everyday lifestyle practices, in particular the nonmarket behaviours, such as socialising or consumption. These behaviours are constitutive for migrants' ‘homemaking’ in Britain and may impact their mobility decisions. Using a pooled data set of two nationally representative time‐use surveys (Polish and British), this study analysed how much time migrants allocated on a daily basis to selected nonmarket activities and compared it to time‐use patterns of the British and of Poles living in Poland. Regarding behaviours, Polish migrants were more similar to the British than to Poles in Poland. However, they spent least time socialising and showed very low participation rates in civic and community activities. They also seemed to derive less satisfaction from social life than either stayers or the British.
Superconducting Interfaces between Weyl Semimetal and Normal Metal
Authors: Zhu Wenliang , Wang Yiyan , Li Jing , Huang Yifei , Dong Qingxin , Hou Xingyuan , Zhao Lingxiao , Zhang Shuai , Yang Huaixin , Ren Zhian , Shan Lei , Chen Genfu 
Published: May 2020

AbstractInterfaces between materials with different crystal structures and electronic properties offer an approach for creating and controlling novel quantum states of matter, in which inversion symmetry breaking and other effects at the boundaries may introduce additional electronic states. Here the observation of superconductivity at ≈3 K at the interface of the Weyl semimetal TaAs and the normal metal Ag is reported, as evidenced by soft‐point‐contact spectroscopy and the standard four‐probe resistance measurements. This is different from the previous reports on interface superconductivity based on the materials that are known to be superconducting in bulk; here both TaAs and Ag are not superconducting even via chemical doping or application of high pressure. The topologically nontrivial band structure of TaAs is considered to play a crucial role in this system and an unconventional Cooper pairing would be expected. This finding opens up a new route for the realization and study of the possible topological superconductivity.
Palladium Nanoparticles Incorporated Thiazoline Functionalized Periodic Mesoporous Organosilica: Efficient Catalyst for Selective Hydrogenation & Csp2−Csp2 Bond Formation Reactions
Authors: Sudharsan Murugesan , Subramanian Saravanan , Amali Arlin Jose , Suresh Devarajan 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThiazoline functionalized periodic mesoporous organosilica (TPMO) supported palladium nanoparticles (Pd‐TPMO) were fabricated through a co‐condensation approach and successive incorporation of palladium nanoparticles using a double‐solvent technique. The TPMO and Pd‐TPMO were characterized through 29Si MAS NMR, FTIR, SAXS, XPS, FESEM, TEM and N2 adsorption‐desorption, which revealed the morphological and physicochemical properties of the materials. The catalytic performance of Pd‐TPMO was evaluated for hydrogenation of industrially important compounds and Csp2−Csp2 bond‐formation reactions. The Pd‐TPMO mediated catalytic reactions were found to be effective in producing the corresponding products with excellent yields and selectivity. The size and stability of palladium nanoparticles within the confined organosilica framework promotes excellent activity and recyclability of the catalyst without a significant loss in the yields for hydrogenation and Csp2−Csp2 bond‐formation reactions.
High‐Throughput Synthesis and Screening of Functional Coacervates Using Microfluidics
Authors: Beneyton Thomas , Love Celina , Girault Mathias , Tang T.‐Y. Dora , Baret Jean‐Christophe 
Published: May 2020

AbstractTo understand how membrane‐free subcompartmentalization can modulate biochemical reactions by coupled spatial enzyme localization with substrate and product partitioning, we use microfluidic strategies to synthesize, stabilize and characterize micron‐sized functional coacervates in water−oil emulsions. Our methodologies have allowed for the first time to quantitatively characterize partition coefficients of a broad range of different molecules with different coacervate chemistries and to measure reaction rates of individual subcompartments and their surrounding aqueous environment at the single coacervate level. Our results show that sub‐compartmentalisation increases the overall rates of reactions. This bottom‐up synthetic strategy for the production of synthetic organelles offers a physical model for membrane‐free compartmentalization in biology and provides insights into the role of sub‐compartmentalisation in regulating out‐of‐equilibrium behaviours in biological systems.
The shifting position of homeowners in flood resilience: From recipients to key‐stakeholders
Authors: Snel Karin A. W. , Witte Patrick A. , Hartmann Thomas , Geertman Stan C. M. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe academic debate on flood risk governance is paying increased attention to the shifting position of homeowners. Homeowners are increasingly expected to adapt their homes to protect against possible floods. Although an overall agreement seems to exist on the involvement of homeowners in flood risk governance, the academic literature is dispersed in its argumentation on why homeowners should be involved. Therefore, this article provides a coherent overview of the transition from flood protection to flood risk management, and subsequently of the arguments that unfold regarding the shifting position of homeowners within this debate. This overview, based on a systematic review of the academic literature, helps to shed light on the changing role of homeowners in flood risk governance and contributes to categorizing the arguments used in current academic reasoning on homeowner involvement in flood risk governance. We use a conceptual distinction between macro‐level and micro‐level arguments, and between individual and collective efforts to structure our results. This conceptual overview illustrates the potential gap in convincing homeowners of the urgency to take action, because the connection between the macro‐level arguments (i.e., climate change and responsibility) and the micro‐level arguments (i.e., minimizing flood damage on privately owned properties) is generally not made. We, therefore, suggest that a stronger coherence in the argumentation would contribute to increase homeowner awareness of their changing responsibilities, which might bring about a future shift toward a new phase in flood risk governance, in which the responsibilities of homeowners are more explicitly acknowledged and integrated into climate adaptation strategies.This article is categorized under:
Engineering Water > Planning Water
Human Water > Water Governance
3.0 T MRI IVIM-DWI for predicting the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemoradiation for locally advanced rectal cancer
Authors: Hu Hongbo , Jiang Huijie , Wang Song , Jiang Hao , Zhao Sheng , Pan Wenbin 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to determine the diagnostic performance of intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) on assessing response to neoadjuvant chemoradiation (nCRT) in patients with Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer (LARC).

Methods
50 patients with rectal cancer who underwent magnetic resonance (MR) imaging before and after nCRT, the values of pre-nCRT and post-nCRT IVIM-DWI parameters apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), diffusion coefficient (D), false diffusion coefficient (D*), and perfusion fraction (f), together with the percentage changes (∆% parametric value) induced by nCRT were calculated. According to the patient's response to nCRT, the patients were divided into pathological complete response (pCR) and non-pCR groups, Good Response (GR) group and Poor Response (PR) group, and the above values were compared between different groups. Univariate and multiple logistic regression analysis were done to investigate the relation between different parameters and patient nCRT. Draw ROC curve according to sensitivity and specificity, and compare its diagnostic efficacy.

Results
There were no significant differences in the baseline data of 50 patients. After nCRT, the ADC and D values for LARC increased significantly (all p < 0.05). The pCR group (n = 9) had higher preD*, pref, postD*, ∆%ADC and ∆%D values than the non-pCR group (n = 41) (all p < 0.05). The GR group (n = 17) exhibited higher post D, ∆%ADC and ∆%D values than the PR group (n = 33) (all p < 0.05). From the results of Logistic regression analysis found that ∆%ADC and ∆%D were significantly correlated with patients' response to nCRT. Based on ROC analysis, ∆%D had a higher area under the curve value than ∆%ADC (p = 0.009) in discriminating the pCR from non-pCR groups.

Conclusions
IVIM-DWI technology may be helpful in identifying the pCR and GR patients to nCRT for LARC.
Inflammatory Risk Factors for Early Recurrence of Non‐Small Cell Lung Cancer Within One Year Following Curative Resection
Authors: Kobayashi Satoru , Karube Yoko , Matsumura Yuji , Nishihira Morimichi , Inoue Takashi , Araki Osamu , Maeda Sumiko , Chida Masayuki 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundSeveral inflammation‐based scoring systems and nutritional indicators have been shown to have relevance to survival of patients with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).The present study examined preoperative and pathological factors in patients who underwent curative resection for non‐small cell lung cancer, with the aim to elucidate risk factors for early recurrence within 1 year of surgery.MethodsPatients with NSCLC who underwent surgery from January 2009 to December 2014 were retrospectively investigated. Routine laboratory measurements including carcinoembryonic antigen were performed before surgery, and pathological information was collected after surgery. Patients with recurrence within 1 year after surgery were considered as early recurrence group (ERG), those with recurrence after 1 year were as late recurrence group (LRG), and those without recurrence were as no recurrence group (NRG).ResultsMultivariate analysis between ERG and LRG revealed Glasgow prognostic score (GPS) and CRP‐to‐albumin ratio (CAR) as independent risk factors for early recurrence. Multivariate analysis between ERG and LRG + NRG confirmed CAR, vascular invasion, and pathological stage as risk factors for early recurrence.ConclusionThese findings indicated that CAR and GPS were confirmed to be risk factors for early recurrence, in addition to pathological factors.
Pathogen-host interaction mediated by vesicle-based secretion in schistosomes
Authors: Bischofsberger Miriam , Winkelmann Franziska , Rabes Anne , Reisinger Emil C. , Sombetzki Martina 
Published: May 2020

AbstractAs part of the parasite’s excretory/secretory system, extracellular vesicles (EVs) represent a potent communication tool of schistosomes with their human host to strike the balance between their own survival in a hostile immunological environment and a minimal damage to the host tissue. Their cargo consists of functional proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids that facilitate biological processes like migration, nutrient acquisition, or reproduction. The most important impact of the vesicle-mediated communication, however, is the promotion of the parasite survival via mimicking host protein function and directly or indirectly modulating the immune response of the host. Overcoming this shield of immunological adaption in the schistosome-host relation is the aim of current research activities in this field and crucial for the development of a reliable anti-schistosomal therapy. Not least because of their prospective use in clinical applications, research on EVs is now a rapidly expanding field. We herein focus on the current state of knowledge of vesicle-based communication of schistosomes and discussing the role of EVs in facilitating biological processes and immune modulatory properties of EVs considering the different life stages of the parasite.
Functional diversity of chironomid communities in subarctic lakes across gradients in temperature and catchment characteristics
Authors: Belle Simon , Goedkoop Willem 
Published: May 2020

AbstractNorthern ecosystems are experiencing rapid and large-scale changes driven by accelerated warming, which have profound effects on the terrestrial and freshwater biodiversity. A comprehensive understanding of the distribution of aquatic biodiversity of subarctic ecosystems is therefore needed to better predict future trajectories of their unique biodiversity. In this study, we examined the functional diversity of chironomid communities in subarctic lakes across a 1000 m-elevation gradient, reflecting gradual changes in temperature and landscape characteristics. Using fuzzy correspondence analyses, we investigated spatial variability in trait composition of chironomid communities from 100 lakes in northern Sweden, and tested the hypotheses that (1) climate directly and indirectly shapes chironomid trait composition across the studied gradient, and (2) that generalist taxa with smaller body size and broader food preferences are more able to persist in cold environments. Our results showed that complex interplays between direct (e.g. temperature) and indirect climate processes (e.g. elevation-driven changes in vegetation/habitats) affect the functional diversity of chironomid communities. Specifically, traits such as larval size, food preference and feeding habits were well separated along the gradient, and this pattern revealed that low elevation lakes with forested catchments tended to have more sediment-feeding taxa and larger larvae than those above the tree line. As expected, food resource availability in lakes is strongly linked to vegetation composition/cover, and traits related to resource exploitation in chironomid communities are therefore well constrained by landscape characteristics. Furthermore, our findings suggested that short life cycles could facilitate the development of viable population in northern and high-elevation lakes where the short ice-free period is a limiting factor, thus contradicting patterns showing smaller organisms in warmer environments reported for other invertebrates. As a consequence of climate warming, the highest elevation lakes in subarctic landscapes will likely lose their typical cold-adapted chironomid taxa along with their functional attributes leading to potential impacts on the food web structure and the overall functioning of northern lake ecosystems.
Activation of β1 integrins and caveolin-1 by TF/FVIIa promotes IGF-1R signaling and cell survival
Authors: Åberg Mikael , Edén Desirée , Siegbahn Agneta 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe tissue factor/coagulation factor VIIa (TF/FVIIa) complex induces transactivation of the IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R) in a number of different cell types. The mechanism is largely unknown. The transactivation leads to protection from apoptosis and nuclear translocation of the IGF-1R. The aim of this study was to clarify the signaling pathway between TF and IGF-1R after FVIIa treatment with PC3 and DU145 prostate or MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells as model systems. Protein interactions, levels, and phosphorylations were assessed by proximity ligation assay or flow cytometry in intact cells and by western blot on cell lysates. The transactivation of the IGF-1R was found dependent on TF/FVIIa-induced activation of β1-integrins. A series of experiments led to the conclusion that the caveolae protein caveolin-1 prevented IGF-1R activation in resting cells via its scaffolding domain. TF/FVIIa/β1-integrins terminated this inhibition by activation of Src family kinases and subsequent phosphorylation of caveolin-1 on tyrosine 14. This phosphorylation was not seen after treatment with PAR1 or PAR2 agonists. Consequently, the protective effect of FVIIa against apoptosis induced by the death receptor agonist TRAIL and the de novo synthesis of cyclin D1 induced by nuclear IGF-1R accumulation were both significantly reduced by down-regulation of β1-integrins or overexpression of the caveolin-1 scaffolding domain. In conclusion, we present a plausible mechanism for the interplay between TF and IGF-1R involving FVIIa, β1-integrins, Src family proteins, and caveolin-1. Our results increase the knowledge of diseases associated with TF and IGF-1R overexpression in general but specifically of TF-mediated signaling with focus on cell survival.