bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fractionation of pulp and precipitated CaCO3–pulp composites: effects on sheet properties of selective CaCO3 precipitation onto fiber size fractions
Authors: Laukala Teija , Backfolk Kaj , Heiskanen Isto 
Published: May 2021

AbstractCaCO3-pulp composite was prepared via precipitation of calcium hydroxide in the presence of pulp. In order to investigate the precipitation selectivity and mechanism, the substrate pulps and the obtained composites were fractionated (R30, R100, R200, R400 and a sedimented fraction that passed the 400 mesh wire) using a Bauer-McNett unit. The main fractionation criterion was therefore fiber length. The pulp used was CTMP (chemithermomechanical pulp), yielding a precipitated calcium carbonate-chemithermomechanical pulp (PCC-CTMP) composite with a targeted PCC-to-CTMP ratio of 1:1. The PCC consisted primarily of nano-sized primary particles which formed aggregates and clusters on the fibers. When the fiber morphology, zeta potential and surface charge density of the fractions were determined, a correlation was found between the surface charge density of the CTMP and the ash content of the corresponding PCC-CTMP fractions. This supports the hypothesis that the precipitation on the CTMP fiber is driven by the charge interparticle interaction. The use of refined CTMP furnishes and fractionation of the PCC-CTMP furnishes demonstrates that PCC is preferably fixed on fines and fibrils since it appears at a higher content in the fines fractions. Fiber activation via fiber split, removal of primary wall and surface defibrillation enhanced the affinity of the PCC for the fibrils. The laboratory handsheets prepared from the material demonstrated the importance of controlling the substrate fiber properties for the mineral-fiber composite, e.g. via refining, as differences between the refining levels and fractions were found to lead to differences in both optical properties and bonding.Graphic abstract
Monitoring drought response and chlorophyll content in Quercus by consumer-grade, near-infrared (NIR) camera: a comparison with reflectance spectroscopy
Authors: Raddi Sabrina , Giannetti Francesca , Martini Sofia , Farinella Fabio , Chirici Gherardo , Tani Andrea , Maltoni Alberto , Mariotti Barbara 
Published: May 2021

AbstractA user-friendly and affordable broad-band digital Near Infrared (NIR) camera (Canon PowerShot S110 NIR) was compared with a narrow-band reflectance spectrometer (USB2000, Ocean Optics) at leaf scale for monitoring changes in response to drought of three ecologically contrasting Quercus species (Q. robur, Q. pubescens, and Q. ilex). We aimed to (a) compare vegetation indices (VIs; that is: NDVI, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index; GNDVI, Green NDVI and NIRv, near-infrared reflectance of vegetation) retrieved by NIR-camera and spectrometer in order to test the reliability of a simple, low-cost, and rapid setup for widespread field applications; (b) to assess if NIR-camera VIs might be used to quantify water stress in oak seedlings; and (c) to track changes in leaf chlorophyll content. The study was carried out during a water stress test on 1-year-old seedlings in a greenhouse. The camera detected plant status in response to drought with results highly comparable to the visible/NIR (VIS/NIR) spectrometer (by calibration and standard geometry). Consistency between VIs and morpho-physiological traits was higher in Q. robur, the most drought-sensitive among the three species. Chlorophyll content was estimated with a high goodness-of-fit by VIs or reflectance bands in the visible range. Overall, NDVI performed better than GNDVI and NIRv, and VIs performed better than single bands. Looking forward, NIR-camera VIs are adequate for the early monitoring of drought stress in oak seedlings (or small trees) in the post-planting phase or in nursery settings, thus offering a new, reliable alternative for when costs are crucial, such as in the context of restoration programs.
Buildings’ Energy Efficiency and the Probability of Mortgage Default: The Dutch Case
Authors: Billio Monica , Costola Michele , Pelizzon Loriana , Riedel Max 
Published: May 2021

AbstractWe investigate the relationship between building energy efficiency and the probability of mortgage default. To this end, we construct a novel panel data set by combining Dutch loan-level mortgage information with provisional building energy ratings provided by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency. Using the logit regression and the extended Cox model, we find that building energy efficiency is associated with a lower probability of mortgage default. There are three possible channels that might drive the results: (i) personal borrower characteristics captured by the choice of an energy-efficient building, (ii) improvements in building performance that could help to free-up the borrower’s disposable income, and (iii) improvements in dwelling value that lower the loan-to-value ratio. We address all three channels. In particular, we find that the default rate is lower for borrowers with less disposable income. The results hold for a battery of robustness checks. This suggests that the energy efficiency ratings complement borrowers’ credit information and that a lender using information from both sources can make superior lending decisions than a lender using only traditional credit information. These aspects are not only crucial for shaping future energy policy, but also have implications for the risk management of European financial institutions.
Does Financial Development Reduce the Poverty Gap?
Authors: de Haan Jakob , Pleninger Regina , Sturm Jan-Egbert 
Published: May 2021

AbstractFinancial development may affect poverty directly and indirectly through its impact on income inequality, economic growth, and financial instability. Previous studies do not consider all these channels simultaneously. To proxy financial development, we use the ratio of private credit to GDP or an IMF composite measure. Our preferred measure for poverty is the poverty gap, i.e. the shortfall from the poverty line. Our fixed effects estimation results for an unbalanced panel of 84 countries over the 1975–2014 period suggest that financial development does not have a direct effect on the poverty gap. However, as financial development leads to greater inequality, which, in turn, results in more poverty, financial development has an indirect effect on poverty through this transmission channel. Only if we use poverty lines of $3.20 or $5.50 (instead of $1.90 a day as in our baseline model) to define the poverty gap, we find that economic growth reduces poverty. This implies that in those cases the overall effect of financial development on poverty may be positive or negative, depending on which indirect effect, i.e. that of income inequality or growth, is stronger. Financial instability does not seem to affect the poverty gap. These results are consistent across various robustness checks.
Characterizing antibiotics in LCA—a review of current practices and proposed novel approaches for including resistance
Authors: Nyberg O. , Rico A. , Guinée J. B. , Henriksson P. J. G. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Purpose
With antibiotic resistance (ABR) portrayed as an increasing burden to human health, this study reviews how and to what extent toxicological impacts from antibiotic use are included in LCAs and supplement this with two novel approaches to include ABR, a consequence of antibiotic use, into the LCA framework.

Methods
We review available LCA studies that deal with toxicological aspects of antibiotics to evaluate how these impacts from antibiotics have been characterized. Then, we present two novel approaches for including ABR-related impacts in life cycle impact assessments (LCIAs). The first approach characterizes the potential for ABR enrichment in the environmental compartment as a mid-point indicator, based on minimum selective concentrations for pathogenic bacteria. The second approach attributes human health impacts as an endpoint indictor, using quantitative relationships between the use of antibiotics and human well-being.

Results and discussion
Our findings show that no LCA study to date have accounted for impacts related to ABR. In response, we show that our novel mid-point indicator approach could address this by allowing ABR impacts to be characterized for environmental compartments. We also establish cause-effect pathways between antibiotic use, ABR, and human well-being that generate results which are comparable with USEtox and most endpoint impact assessment approaches for human toxicology.

Conclusions
Our proposed methods show that currently overlooked impacts from ABR enrichment in the environment could be captured within the LCA framework as a robust characterization methodology built around the established impact model USEtox. Substantial amounts of currently unavailable data are, however, needed to calculate emissions of antibiotics into the environment, to develop minimum selective concentrations for non-pathogenic bacteria, and to quantify potential human health impacts from AB use.
Software-based planning of ultrasound and CT-guided percutaneous radiofrequency ablation in hepatic tumors
Authors: van Amerongen M. J. , Mariappan P. , Voglreiter P. , Flanagan R. , Jenniskens S. F. M. , Pollari M. , Kolesnik M. , Moche M. , Fütterer J. J. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Objectives
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) can be associated with local recurrences in the treatment of liver tumors. Data obtained at our center for an earlier multinational multicenter trial regarding an in-house developed simulation software were re-evaluated in order to analyze whether the software was able to predict local recurrences.

Methods
Twenty-seven RFA ablations for either primary or secondary hepatic tumors were included. Colorectal liver metastases were shown in 14 patients and hepatocellular carcinoma in 13 patients. Overlap of the simulated volume and the tumor volume was automatically generated and defined as positive predictive value (PPV) and additionally visually assessed. Local recurrence during follow-up was defined as gold standard. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated using the visual assessment and gold standard.

Results
Mean tumor size was 18 mm (95% CI 15–21 mm). Local recurrence occurred in 5 patients. The PPV of the simulation showed a mean of 0.89 (0.84–0.93 95% CI). After visual assessment, 9 incomplete ablations were observed, of which 4 true positives and 5 false positives for the detection of an incomplete ablation. The sensitivity and specificity were, respectively, 80% and 77% with a correct prediction in 78% of cases. No significant correlation was found between size of the tumor and PPV (Pearson Correlation 0.10; p = 0.62) or between PPV and recurrence rates (Pearson Correlation 0.28; p = 0.16).

Conclusions
The simulation software shows promise in estimating the completeness of liver RFA treatment and predicting local recurrence rates, but could not be performed real-time. Future improvements in the field of registration could improve results and provide a possibility for real-time implementation.
The first robotic transanal minimally invasive surgery in Ireland: a case-based review
Authors: Hannan Enda , Feeney Gerard , Ullah Mohammad Fahad , Amin Kamran , Coffey John Calvin , Peirce Colin 
Published: May 2021

AbstractTransanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) has gained worldwide acceptance as a means of local excision of early rectal cancers and benign rectal lesions. However, it is technically challenging due to the limitations of rigid laparoscopic instruments in the narrow rectal lumen. Robotic platforms offer improved ergonomics that are valuable in operative fields with limited space. Robotic TAMIS represents an exciting new development that may be more versatile than traditional TAMIS. In this review, we describe the first case of robotic TAMIS performed in our country and a review of current literature on the technique.
A review and perspective on the assessment, management and prevention of fragility fractures in patients with osteoporosis and chronic kidney disease
Authors: Hampson Geeta , Elder Grahame J. , Cohen-Solal Martine , Abrahamsen Bo 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis article aims to review the methods used for the assessment of fracture risk and the use of osteoporosis medications for fracture prevention in the population with CKD, and highlights the difficulties faced by clinicians in the management of these patients and the latest recommendations and guidelines. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and osteoporosis often co-exist in older adults, and they present a major healthcare challenge. CKD mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD) occurs as renal function declines and this syndrome affects most patients in CKD stages 4 and 5. The biochemical abnormalities of CKD-MBD, renal bone disease and risk factors associated with age-related bone loss and osteoporosis lead to a cumulative effect on fracture risk and mortality. There is a need for routine evaluation of fracture risk and fracture prevention in this population. Measurement of bone mineral density (BMD) and the use of the FRAX tool have predictive value for incident fractures in the general population and in CKD. This enables physicians to identify CKD patients most at risk of sustaining a fragility fracture and allows a more targeted approach to fracture prevention. Data analysis from the pivotal trials of therapeutic agents used in osteoporosis show that these drugs can be considered in mild and moderate CKD (stages 1–3 CKD). Off-label drug use in patients with CKD-MBD and more severe renal impairment (CKD stages 4 and 5) could offer significant benefits to sub-groups of patients when carefully tailored to each individual’s bone turnover and calcium and phosphate balance. However, this requires a selective approach and treatment decisions based on inference from pathophysiology while we await further trials. Guidelines advocate the correction and/or reduction of the biochemical abnormalities of CKD-MBD before initiation of treatment with osteoporosis drugs and close monitoring during treatment.
Long-Term Results of Hybrid Left Ventricular Reconstruction in the Treatment of Ischemic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Naar Jan , Skalský Ivo , Krűger Andreas , Málek Filip , Van Bladel Kevin , Annest Lon S. , Moučka Petr , Mráz Tomáš , Reddy Vivek Y. , Neužil Petr 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe evidence supporting surgical aneurysmectomy in ischemic heart failure is inconsistent. The aim of the study was to describe long-term effect of minimally invasive hybrid transcatheter and minithoracotomy left ventricular (LV) reconstruction in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy. Twenty-three subjects with transmural anterior wall scarring, LV ejection fraction 15–45%, and New York Heart Association class ≥ II were intervened using Revivent TC anchoring system. LV end-systolic volume index was reduced from 73.2 ± 27 ml at baseline to 51.5 ± 22 ml after 6 months (p < 0.001), 49.9 ± 20 ml after 2 years (p < 0.001), and 56.1 ± 16 ml after 5 years (p = 0.047). NYHA class improved significantly at 5 years compared to baseline. Six-min walk test distance increased at 2 years compared to the 6-month visit. Hybrid LV reconstruction using the anchoring system provides significant and durable LV volume reduction during 5-year follow-up in preselected patients with ischemic heart failure.
Graphical abstract
Zyklisches di-AMP — ein essenzielles Signalmolekül mit vielen Facetten
Authors: Stülke Jörg 
Published: May 2021

AbstractMany bacteria form the second messenger nucleotide cyclic di-AMP (c-di-AMP). This molecule is essential for many of the bacteria that produce it due to its central role in the control of potassium and osmolyte homeostasis. Moreover, under conditions of potassium starvation, a c-di-AMP target protein can trigger (p)ppGpp accumulation and thus a global reprogramming of cellular activities. Moreover, c-di-AMP formed by pathogens binds the human STING protein and triggers thus an immune response.
RNA-basierte Regulation der Genexpression: künstliche Genschalter
Authors: Finke Monika , Spöring Maike , Hartig Jörg S. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractRNA-based gene control mechanisms pose an elegant and straightforward way to switch on, off, or fine-tune transgene expression without the need for expressing regulatory proteins. A small molecule effector binds directly to a ligand-binding aptamer RNA structure and thereby modulates expression of an associated target gene. We established genetic switches based on regulation of self-cleaving ribozymes and polyadenylation that allow for control of transgene expression in bacteria, yeast, human cell lines and Caenorhabditis elegans in a robust and dose-dependent manner.
SARS-CoV-PLpro-Inhibitoren als mögliche Breitspektrum-Virostatika
Authors: Hammerschmidt Stefan Josef , Müller Patrick , Schirmeister Tanja 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe SARS-CoV-encoded papain-like cysteine protease (PLpro) plays crucial roles in viral replication and maturation processes. It is required to cleave the precursor polyproteins into functional proteins. Thus, it is considered to be a promising target for developing specific drugs. For rational optimization of hit compounds, information about the structure-activity relationship (SAR) is fundamental. Herein, we characterize isoindolines as a new class of PLpro inhibitors.
Gastrointestinal involvement in a patient with familial Mediterranean fever mimicking Crohn’s disease: a case report
Authors: Yokoyama Yoshihiro , Yamakawa Tsukasa , Ichimiya Tadashi , Kazama Tomoe , Hirayama Daisuke , Wagatsuma Kohei , Nakase Hiroshi 
Published: May 2021

AbstractFamilial Mediterranean fever (FMF) in gastrointestinal involvement has been considered rare, but resent reports suggest that FMF causes enterocolitis which is similar endoscopic findings to inflammatory bowel disease. The clinical characteristics and endoscopic findings of FMF with enterocolitis remain unclear. Here, we report a case of an FMF patient who had enterocolitis with stricture of the terminal ileum whose endoscopic and clinical features mimicked Crohn’s disease. A 23-year-old man who was diagnosed with FMF 10 years ago presented with abdominal pain and diarrhea. Colonoscopy showed terminal ileitis and aphthous colitis; however, these findings, including the histopathology, did not confirm Crohn’s disease. Therefore, we diagnosed FMF with enterocolitis and administered anti-interleukin-1β monoclonal antibody (canakinumab). The patient’s symptoms improved with treatment, but after 1 year, lower abdominal pain recurred. Colonoscopy revealed a stricture of the terminal ileum. Endoscopic balloon dilation relieved his symptoms. At present, he has been followed up without surgical treatment by endoscopic balloon dilation every 6 month. Clinicians should be aware that FMF accompanied with enterocolitis may resemble Crohn’s disease.
The Use of Social Media in Research on Gambling: a Systematic Review
Authors: James Richard J. E. , Bradley Alex 
Published: May 2021

AbstractPurpose of ReviewSocial media enables a range of possibilities in the way gamblers and gambling operators interact and content communicate with gambling. The purpose of this systematic review was to synthesise the extant literature to identify the ways in which social media has been investigated in the context of gambling.Recent FindingsA systematic review of the literature identified 41 papers that collected primary data pertinent to gambling and social media from multiple disciplines. These papers broadly fell into three themes: communication, community and calculation (of sentiment). Papers on communication focused on the content of gambling advertising on social media and the impact on people exposed to it. Studies of gambling communities studied the activity and structures of discussion groups on social media concerning recreational or problematic gambling. Papers on calculation collated social media data to assess sentiment and compared it against betting odds.SummaryThere is an emerging multidisciplinary literature that has looked at the use of social media in relation to gambling. There is preliminary evidence that the content and the reach of gambling advertising on social media is a source of concern, particularly for younger people. The themes discussed on gambling support forums appear to be common across communities, focusing on negative emotions, recovery, addictive products and financial support. Using social media to assess sentiment appears to be particularly effective at identifying potential upsets in sporting matches. Future suggestions for research are explored.
Practical Demonstration of a Hybrid Model for Optimising the Reliability, Risk, and Maintenance of Rolling Stock Subsystem
Authors: Appoh Frederick , Yunusa-Kaltungo Akilu , Sinha Jyoti Kumar , Kidd Moray 
Published: May 2021

AbstractRailway transport system (RTS) failures exert enormous strain on end-users and operators owing to in-service reliability failure. Despite the extensive research on improving the reliability of RTS, such as signalling, tracks, and infrastructure, few attempts have been made to develop an effective optimisation model for improving the reliability, and maintenance of rolling stock subsystems. In this paper, a new hybrid model that integrates reliability, risk, and maintenance techniques is proposed to facilitate engineering failure and asset management decision analysis. The upstream segment of the model consists of risk and reliability techniques for bottom-up and top-down failure analysis using failure mode effects and criticality analysis and fault tree analysis, respectively. The downstream segment consists of a (1) decision-making grid (DMG) for the appropriate allocation of maintenance strategies using a decision map and (2) group decision-making analysis for selecting appropriate improvement options for subsystems allocated to the worst region of the DMG map using the multi-criteria pairwise comparison features of the analytical hierarchy process. The hybrid model was illustrated through a case study for replacing an unreliable pneumatic brake unit (PBU) using operational data from a UK-based train operator where the frequency of failures and delay minutes exceeded the operator’s original target by 300% and 900%, respectively. The results indicate that the novel hybrid model can effectively analyse and identify a new PBU subsystem that meets the operator’s reliability, risk, and maintenance requirements.