bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Electrophoresis on a polyester thread coupled with an end‐channel pencil electrode detector
Authors: Kimani Martin K. , Mwangi John , Goluch Edgar D. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractWe present the design and characterization of a low cost, thread‐based electrophoretic device with integrated electrochemical detection. The device has an end‐channel pencil graphite electrode placement system for performing electrochemical detection on the thread electrophoresis platform with direct sample pipetting onto the thread. We also established the use of methylene blue and neutral red as a pair of reference migration markers for separation techniques coupled with electrochemical detection, as they have different colors for visual analysis and are both electroactive. Importantly, neutral red was also found to migrate at a similar rate to the EOF, indicating that it can be used as a visual identifier of EOF. The utility of our system was demonstrated by electrophoretic separation and electrochemical detection of physiologically relevant concentrations of pyocyanin in a solution containing multiple electroactive compounds. Pyocyanin is a biomarker for the detection of pathogenic Pseudomonas aeruginosa and has a redox potential that is similar to that of methylene blue. The system was able to effectively resolve methylene blue, neutral red, and pyocyanin in less than 7 min of electrophoretic separation. The theoretical limit of detection for pyocyanin was determined to be 559 nM. The electrophoretic mobilities of methylene blue (0.0236 ± 0.0007 mm2/V·s), neutral red (0.0149 ± 0.0007 mm2/V·s), and pyocyanin (0.0107 ± 0.0003 mm2/V·s) were also determined.
Analysis of the circulating myeloid‐derived suppressor cells during androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer
Authors: Kohada Yuki , Kaiho Yasuhiro , Takeda Kazuya , Kuromoto Akito , Ito Jun , Teishima Jun , Nakamura Yasuhiro , Kaifu Tomonori , Nakamura Akira , Sato Makoto 
Published: August 2021

IntroductionThe present study showed the involvement of immunosuppressive myeloid‐derived suppressor cells during the disease progression in a 69‐year‐old man with a prostate cancer.Case presentationThe patient with metastatic PC (cT4N1M1ab) was initially treated with primary androgen deprivation therapy for 5 months and then chemotherapy with docetaxel, but he expired at the 8th month. In order to investigate whether myeloid‐derived suppressor cells are implicated in the cancer exacerbation during androgen deprivation therapy, we assessed the long‐term changes in peripheral blood myeloid‐derived suppressor cell fractions by using flow cytometry. While prostate‐specific antigen levels decreased after androgen deprivation therapy, the population of each myeloid‐derived suppressor cell subsets increased during disease deterioration.ConclusionIncrease in myeloid‐derived suppressor cells populations was correlated with prostate cancer progression.
Process design, evaluation and control for separation of 2,2,3,3‐tetrafluoro‐1‐propanol and water by extractive distillation using ionic liquid 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium acetate
Authors: Wei Feng , Diao Baotao , Gao Jun , Xu Dongmei , Zhang Lianzheng , Ma Yixin , Wang Yinglong 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBACKGROUND2,2,3,3‐tetrafluoro‐1‐propanol (TFP) is a good solvent that is applied in the electronic industry. To recover TFP from its aqueous solution, conventional distillation cannot be adopted because TFP and water can form a minimum azeotrope.RESULTSIn this work, extractive distillation is applied to separate the azeotropic mixture of TFP and water using 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium acetate ([EMIM][Ac]) as an entrainer. Based on the analysis of residual curve map, three processes are designed to separate the mixture. Extractive distillation processes (EDP) I and II consist of an extractive column and two flashes, and EDP III consists of an extractive column, a flash, and a stripper. For evaluating the three processes, total annual cost (TAC), CO2 emissions and global energy consumption (GEC) are considered into the objective function.CONCLUSIONThe simulated results show that EDP III with an extractive column, a flash, and a stripper can provide better economic and environmental benefits. Water can be obtained from the extractive column with a molar purity of 99.7%. TFP can be separated from the top of the flash and stripper with a molar purity of 99.7%. Furthermore, the control structure with two‐point temperature for EDP III is explored and it shows good responses for the disturbances of feed flow rate and composition.
In situ generated silver nanoparticles embedded in polyethersulfone nanostructured membranes (Ag/PES) for antimicrobial decontamination of water
Authors: Patala Rapelang , Nyoni Hlengilizwe , Mamba Bhekie B , Liu Dan , Gui Jianzhou , Kuvarega Alex T 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe general performance of polymeric membranes is hindered by the build‐up of microbial foulants both on the surface and inside the pores. This justifies the inclusion of antimicrobial agents within the membranes in order to circumvent the biofouling process. A nonsolvent‐induced phase separation process was used to fabricate the membranes following the in situ reduction of silver (Ag) in the polymer dope solution. Fourier transform infrared, atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and drop shape analyzer were used to study different properties of the membranes.RESULTSBased on the results of AFM and contact angle measurements, the inclusion of Ag nanoparticles (NPs) improved the membrane hydrophilicity. The disk diffusion method was applied to study the antimicrobial properties of the membranes. The fabricated Ag/ polyethersulfone (PES) membranes showed antimicrobial activity against representatives of both Gram‐positive and ‐negative bacteria, and this was confirmed by the zones of inhibition (11 mm for Escherichia coli; 13 mm for Bacillus cereus). From this a general proposed antimicrobial mechanism via the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was provided.CONCLUSIONThe fabricated Ag/PES membranes can perform a dual function of complete microbial inactivation and ultrafiltration of polluted water to provide better quality water with reduced membrane fouling. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
CO hydrogenation reaction on Fe–Co–Mn nanocatalyst: impact of support and process conditions on performance and structure
Authors: Arsalanfar Maryam , Abdouss Majid , Zamani Yahya , Marandi Sajad Zeinolabedini , Mahmoudi Jafar 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe hydrothermal method was used in order to prepare Fe–Co–Mn nanocatalysts. The prepared specimens were evaluated for the CO hydrogenation reaction. The impact of different kinds of supports such as Al2O3, SiO2, ZSM5, TiO2, MgO, ZSM5–Al2O3, ZSM5–TiO2, Al2O3–TiO2, Al2O3–SiO2, SiO2–ZSM5 and Al2O3–MgO on the behavior and structural characteristics of the Fe–Co–Mn ternary nanocatalysts was investigated. Evaluation of these various supported samples was performed under the same process conditions. Al2O3‐supported sample showed better performance for light olefin production chosen as an optimum sample. Furthermore, the influence of a change of support type on the rate of surface reactions was studied. The impact of operating parameters was also investigated, with the conditions of T = 623 K, P = 2 bar and H2/CO = 2 determined as the optimum reaction conditions. Catalyst characteristics were defined using a variety of methods. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Photocatalytic oxidation of simulated and real hazardous medical wastewater: decolorization, mineralization and toxicity evaluation
Authors: Tsoumachidou Sophia , Berberidou Chrysanthi , Kitsiou Vasiliki , Poulios Ioannis 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDLiquid hazardous medical wastes (LHMW) originating from health‐care laboratory services present a global environmental hazard as most sustainable wastewater treatment technologies fail to address this particularly demanding issue. In this study, heterogeneous and homogeneous photocatalytic oxidation of simulated and real LHMW has been performed at bench scale, investigating their potential to decompose and detoxify such effluents.RESULTSA simulated LHMW of 0.4 g L−1 DOC0 was photocatalytically treated in the presence of TiO2 P25. The addition of H2O2 was necessary to achieve mineralization, while the optimal concentration of P25 for this purpose was 1.0 g L−1. In the case of photo‐Fenton, under optimal conditions (0.056 g L−1 Fe3+, 3 g L−1 H2O2, UV‐A, pH 3.0) complete mineralization was accomplished in 600 min of illumination, while phytotoxicity was eliminated or significantly reduced, depending on the employed plant species. Photocatalytic processing of real LHMW (400 mg L−1 DOC0, 1.0 g L−1 TiO2 P25, 2.5 g L−1 H2O2, UV‐A or 0.056 g L−1 Fe3+, 3.0 g L−1 H2O2, UV‐A, pH 3.0) led to mineralization rates ranging from 55.5% to 95% after 900 min. Variations in ecotoxicity followed the mineralization profile for most samples. Partial mineralization failed to reduce toxicity in most samples, suggesting the generation of toxic intermediates; however, when mineralization exceeded 85%, ecotoxicity was in most cases efficiently removed.CONCLUSIONLaboratory LHMW are highly recalcitrant both in terms of mineralization and detoxification. However, photocatalytic oxidation may serve as an efficient processing tool, providing alternative or complementary solutions to this highly challenging issue. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Enumerative problems for arborescences and monotone paths on polytope graphs
Authors: Athanasiadis Christos A. , De Loera Jesús A. , Zhang Zhenyang 
Published: August 2021

AbstractEvery generic linear functional on a convex polytope induces an orientation on the graph of . From the resulting directed graph one can define a notion of ‐arborescence and ‐monotone path on , as well as a natural graph structure on the vertex set of ‐monotone paths. These concepts are important in geometric combinatorics and optimization. This paper bounds the number of ‐arborescences, the number of ‐monotone paths, and the diameter of the graph of ‐monotone paths for polytopes in terms of their dimension and number of vertices or facets.
Necessity of posttreatment surveillance for low‐grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasms
Authors: Gupta Aakash R. , Brajcich Brian C. , Yang Anthony D. , Bentrem David J. , Merkow Ryan P. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesLow‐grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasms (LAMNs) are generally treated by surgical resection, but posttreatment surveillance protocols are not well‐established. The objectives of this study were to characterize posttreatment surveillance and determine the risk of recurrence following surgical resection of LAMN.MethodsPatients who underwent surgical resection of localized LAMNs in an 11‐hospital regional healthcare system from 2000 to 2019 were identified. Posttreatment surveillance regimens were characterized, and rates of disease recurrence were evaluated.ResultsA total of 114 patients with LAMNs were identified. T‐category was pTis for 92 patients (80.7%), pT3 for 7 (6.1%), pT4a for 14 (12.3%), and pT4b for 1 (0.9%). Two patients (1.8%) had a positive resection margin. Posttreatment surveillance was performed for 39 (34.2%) patients and consisted of office visits for 32 (82%) patients, computerized tomography imaging for 30 (77%), magnetic resonance imaging for 5 (13%), colonoscopy for 15 (38%), and serum tumor marker measurement for 12 (31%). After a mean follow‐up duration of 4.7 years, no patients experienced tumor recurrence.ConclusionsPosttreatment surveillance is common among patients with LAMNs. However, no patients experienced tumor recurrence, regardless of T‐category or margin status, suggesting that routine surveillance following surgical resection of LAMN may be unnecessary.
Farmlands degradation with conventional agricultural practices and human health risk assessment: A case‐study of Punjab Province, Pakistan
Authors: Nawab Javed , Din Zia Ud , Faisal Shah , Khan Sardar , Ali Abid , Rahman Ziaur , Alam Mehboob , Khan Amir Zeb , Khan Muhammad Amjad , Khan Khalid , Khan Attaullah 
Published: August 2021

AbstractFarmlands contamination with heavy metals (HMs) can be considered a global issue especially in developing countries. The current study investigates the various pollution indices, potential ecological risk index (PERI) and human health risk caused by HMs in selected regions of Punjab Province, Pakistan. Farmlands soil samples were collected, acid‐extracted, and analyzed using ICP‐MS (Agilent 7500c) for selected HMs. All the HMs were found within permissible limits set by worldwide regulatory authorities except Cd, which exceeded its limit in 68% farmland soils of the study area. The CF values for Cd showed high (CF ≥ 6) degree of contamination to considerable level of contamination (3 ≤ CF ≤ 6). The CD values indicated from low (CD ≤ 6) to moderate (6 ≤ CD ≤ 12) level of contamination. The indices for all HMs were unpolluted except for Cd (moderately polluted 1≤ Igeo ≤ 2). For Cd the EF values were extremely severe (EF ≥ 50) in the farmland soils of two regions (Lahore and Faisalabad), while moderately severe (5 ≤ EF ≤ 10) in one region (Multan). The PERI values were moderate (150 ≤ RI ≤ 300) in the same two regions and low (RI ≤ 150) in other localities. The HQ and HI values for adults and children were less than one and observed in order of ingestion > dermal > inhalation. Furthermore, the RI values were observed higher than 1.0 × 10−4 for Cd (Lahore and Faisalabad regions) and Cr (Multan and Faisalabad regions) in children working in farmlands and likely exposed to high cancer risk. This study helps to fill the knowledge gap existing about conventional agricultural practices responsible for farmlands degradation and associated health risk. In the past, no one has conducted such a comprehensive research work to identify farmlands degradation factors. Furthermore, the minimization of pollutants must be the top priority of the regulatory authorities and state to reduce contaminant inputs and immobilization in soil through implementation of environmental protection laws and regulations.
A dual‐primal finite element tearing and interconnecting method for nonlinear variational inequalities utilizing linear local problems
Authors: Lee Chang‐Ock , Park Jongho 
Published: August 2021

AbstractWe propose a novel dual‐primal finite element tearing and interconnecting method for nonlinear variational inequalities. The proposed method is based on a particular Fenchel–Rockafellar dual formulation of the target problem, which yields linear local problems despite the nonlinearity of the target problem. Since local problems are linear, each iteration of the proposed method can be done very efficiently compared with usual nonlinear domain decomposition methods. We prove that the proposed method is linearly convergent with the rate while the convergence rate of relevant existing methods is , where r is proportional to the condition number of the dual operator. The spectrum of the dual operator is analyzed for the cases of two representative variational inequalities in structural mechanics: the obstacle problem and the contact problem. Numerical experiments are conducted in order to support our theoretical results.
The Minkowski overlap and the energy‐conserving contact model for discrete element modeling of convex nonspherical particles
Authors: Feng Y. T. , Tan Yuanqiang 
Published: August 2021

AbstractA unified contact overlap, termed the Minkowski overlap, between any two shapes is proposed in this article. This overlap is based on the concept of the Minkowski difference of two shapes, and particularly on the equivalence between the contact state of the two shapes and the location of the origin relative to their Minkowski difference. The Minkowski contact features of a contact, including the overlap, normal direction, and contact points, are also defined for convex shapes. In particular, an important property of the Minkowski overlap is introduced which lays the solid theoretical foundation for proposing a Minkowski overlap based energy‐conserving contact model in the current work. The energy‐conserving property for cases where the contact normal direction and point may be subject to discrete changes is also rigorously proved. For convex particles, the computational procedures combining both GJK and EPA algorithms are outlined, and uniqueness and ambiguity issues associated with some special cases are clarified and resolved. The elastic energy conservation of the proposed contact model for convex shapes in elastic impact is further verified using two numerical examples, and two more examples involving more convex particles with different sizes and shapes are also conducted to demonstrate the robustness and applicability of the proposed Minkowski overlap contact model and the computational procedures.
Study to Compare Capsule and Liquid Formulations of Enzalutamide After Single-Dose Administration Under Fasting Conditions in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Cordes Lisa M. , Schmidt Keith T. , Peer Cody J. , Chau Cindy H. , Redmond Erica , Francis Deneise , Karzai Fatima , Madan Ravi A. , Figg William D. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Lessons Learned

Background
Enzalutamide is an established standard-of-care treatment for advanced prostate cancer with a commercially available formulation that may be inconvenient for some patients. We proposed a study to evaluate the bioequivalence of a liquid formulation to provide an alternative method of administration.

Methods
This was a single-dose, randomized, open-label, two-way crossover pilot bioequivalence study to compare two oral formulations of enzalutamide: four enzalutamide 40 mg liquid-filled soft-gelatin capsules (commercially available) administered whole versus enzalutamide 160 mg liquid (extracted from capsules) administered via oral syringe. To assess bioequivalence, patients were randomized to receive a single dose of one formulation, then cross over to receive the alternative formulation following a 42-day washout period; serial plasma samples were collected over the course of 24 hours, followed by collections at 3, 8, and 42 days after the dose for both formulations. Bioequivalence of the formulations was assessed via comparisons of area under the plasma concentration–time curve (AUC) calculations per U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidance. The study also assessed the safety and tolerability of the formulations.

Results
The study failed to meet proposed accrual, with only one patient enrolled, thus limiting the bioequivalence evaluation. Based on the data from a single patient, the drug exposure (measured by AUC) of enzalutamide and N-desmethyl enzalutamide (primary active metabolite) for the liquid formulation was 112% and 117%, respectively, compared with the capsule formulation. Although both formulations appeared well tolerated with no adverse events reported, the tolerability assessment questionnaire revealed an unpleasant taste of the liquid formulation.

Conclusion
Preliminary evidence suggests a similar pharmacokinetic profile when administering liquid extracted from enzalutamide soft-gelatin capsules compared with intact capsules in patients with prostate cancer.
Reindeer husbandry in peril?—How extractive industries exert multiple pressures on an Arctic pastoral ecosystem
Authors: Fohringer Christian , Rosqvist Gunhild , Inga Niila , Singh Navinder J. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Environmental changes and their consequences on biodiversity are known to have far‐reaching effects on the resilience of animal populations and associated livelihoods around the world. To counteract negative demographic and economic effects on pastoralism, knowledge about the historical and current status of the environment is essential.

In this study, we show how extractive industries, especially large‐scale mining, induced a cascade of land conversions which are affecting animal populations and pastoralists’ adaptive responses in northern Sweden. We examine social–ecological vulnerability in Arctic reindeer husbandry by integrating herders’ knowledge, population statistics for semi‐domesticated reindeer Rangifer t. tarandus, public data on socio‐economic variables and geospatial tools.

We determine that approximately 34% of Laevas reindeer herding community's grazing grounds are functionally unavailable to reindeer at present due to the accumulation of multiple competing land use pressures. Reindeer numbers currently only remain stable due to increased management efforts. Moreover, we identified current hotspots of high cumulative impact and mineral exploration as the spatially dominating land use factor in this area.

Our approach and results provide new insights for scientifically robust cumulative impact assessments of anthropogenic stressors by creating a baseline of current developments via a combination of reindeer herder's knowledge with historical data of trends and extents of human activity over the last century.
An in silico scientific basis for LL‐37 as a therapeutic for Covid‐19
Authors: Lokhande Kiran Bharat , Banerjee Tanushree , Swamy Kakumani Venkateswara , Ghosh Payel , Deshpande Manisha 
Published: August 2021

AbstractA multi‐pronged approach with help in all forms possible is essential to completely overcome the Covid‐19 pandemic. There is a requirement to research as many new and different types of approaches as possible to cater to the entire world population, complementing the vaccines with promising results. The need is also because SARS‐CoV‐2 has several unknown or variable facets which get revealed from time to time. In this work, in silico scientific findings are presented, which are indicative of the potential for the use of the LL‐37 human anti‐microbial peptide as a therapeutic against SARS‐CoV‐2. This indication is based on the high structural similarity of LL‐37 to the N‐terminal helix, with which the virus interacts, of the receptor for SARS‐CoV‐2, Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2. Moreover, there is positive prediction of binding of LL‐37 to the receptor‐binding domain of SARS‐CoV‐2; this is the first study to have described this interaction. In silico data on the safety of LL‐37 are also reported. As Vitamin D is known to upregulate the expression of LL‐37, the vitamin is a candidate preventive molecule. This work provides the possible basis for an inverse correlation between Vitamin D levels in the body and the severity of or susceptibility to Covid‐19, as widely reported in literature. With the scientific link put forth herein, Vitamin D could be used at an effective, medically prescribed, safe dose as a preventive. The information in this report would be valuable in bolstering the worldwide efforts to eliminate the pandemic as early as possible.
Assessment of the CASP14 assembly predictions
Authors: Ozden Burcu , Kryshtafovych Andriy , Karaca Ezgi 
Published: August 2021

AbstractIn CASP14, 39 research groups submitted more than 2500 3D models on 22 protein complexes. In general, the community performed well in predicting the fold of the assemblies (for 80% of the targets), although it faced significant challenges in reproducing the native contacts. This is especially the case for the complexes without whole‐assembly templates. The leading predictor, BAKER‐experimental, used a methodology combining classical techniques (template‐based modeling, protein docking) with deep learning‐based contact predictions and a fold‐and‐dock approach. The Venclovas team achieved the runner‐up position with template‐based modeling and docking. By analyzing the target interfaces, we showed that the complexes with depleted charged contacts or dominating hydrophobic interactions were the most challenging ones to predict. We also demonstrated that if AlphaFold2 predictions were at hand, the interface prediction challenge could be alleviated for most of the targets. All in all, it is evident that new approaches are needed for the accurate prediction of assemblies, which undoubtedly will expand on the significant improvements in the tertiary structure prediction field.