bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Miscanthus for biogas production: Influence of harvest date and ensiling on digestibility and methane hectare yield
Authors: Mangold Anja , Lewandowski Iris , Hartung Jens , Kiesel Andreas 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe 8,000 biogas plants currently in operation in Germany are mainly fed with biomass from annual crops. However, feedstock from perennial crops such as miscanthus is expected to be more environmentally benign. If miscanthus is to be used in greater amounts as a substrate for anaerobic digestion, storage will become a relevant topic, as a continuous supply of biomass throughout the year is necessary. The objective of this study was to identify the miscanthus harvest time that best balances the simultaneous achievement of high silage quality, high digestibility and high methane hectare yields. For this purpose, biomass from four miscanthus genotypes with varying senescence characteristics was harvested on three different dates in autumn 2017. Part of the biomass was ensiled, and the methane yield of both ensiled and non‐ensiled biomass was analysed in a biogas batch test to assess the effect of ensiling on the methane hectare yield and digestion velocity. The ensiled biomass was found to have an up to 7% higher substrate‐specific methane yield and also showed a higher digestion velocity than the non‐ensiled biomass. The silage quality was best when miscanthus was harvested in mid‐October, due to highest lactic acid content (average: 3.0% of DM) and lowest pH (average: 4.39) compared to the harvests in mid‐September and beginning of October. Mass losses during ensiling (as high as 7.6% of fresh matter for the M. sinensis genotype Sin55) were compensated for by a higher substrate‐specific methane yield (up to 353 Nml CH4 (g oDM)−1) in ensiled miscanthus. This resulted in non‐significantly different methane hectare yields for non‐ensiled (average: 4.635 Nm3 CH4/ha) and ensiled miscanthus biomass (4.803 Nm3 CH4/ha). A comparison of the four genotypes suggests that Miscanthus x giganteus is the most suitable genotype for ensiling as it had the best silage quality.
High‐risk behaviours, and their associations with mental health, adherence to antiretroviral therapy and HIV parameters, in HIV‐positive men who have sex with men
Authors: Pool ERM , Winston A , Bagkeris E , Vera JH , Mallon PWG , Sachikonye M , Post FA , Pozniak A , Boffito M , Anderson J , Williams I , Johnson M , Burgess L , Sabin CA ,   the Pharmacokinetic and Clinical Observations in People over Fifty (POPPY) study team
Published: December 2018

ObjectivesTo investigate the patterns and frequency of multiple risk behaviours (alcohol, drugs, smoking, higher risk sexual activity) among men who have sex with men (MSM) living with HIV.MethodsCross sectional study.Results147 out of 819 HIV‐positive MSM exhibited a high‐risk phenotype (defined as >3 of smoking, excess alcohol, sexually transmitted infection and recent recreational drug use). This phenotype was associated with younger age, depressive symptoms and <90% adherence in multivariable logistic regression.ConclusionIn a cohort of MSM, a small, but significant proportion exhibited multiple concurrent risk behaviours.
Life satisfaction in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: Looking beyond proxy reports
Authors: Barfield Patricia A. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractProblemA common clinical approach to children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is to view them through an adult‐proxy report of problems. There is little evidence on how children with ADHD evaluate their life satisfaction, how their evaluations compare with unaffected children, or how their perspectives might inform clinical practice.MethodsA parallel convergent mixed‐methods design was used to interview 20 children (aged, 7–11 years) with ADHD. This report presents the children's responses to the 40‐item Multidimensional Student Life Satisfaction Scale. Parents/guardians (
N = 20) provided contextual data consisting of demographics, ADHD‐related items, and health literacy.FindingsTotal life satisfaction (M = 3.08, SD = 0.35) fell within the 95% CI [2.91, 3.25] of comparative data. Overall subscale ratings (high to low) included: friends (M = 3.24, SD = 0.60), living environment (M = 3.14, SD = 0.51), family (M = 3.08, SD = 0.51), school (M = 3.0, SD = 0.65), and self (M = 2.93, SD = 0.60). Positive and negative associations are reported.ConclusionsIncluding a measure of life satisfaction adds a child‐centered approach to understanding children with ADHD beyond an adult‐proxy report of problems that is contextually and clinically relevant.
Thermodynamic properties of barley hydration process and its thermostability
Authors: Borsato Viviani M. , Jorge Luiz M. M. , Mathias Alvaro L. , Jorge Regina M. M. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBarley is a winter cereal grain used mainly in brewing malt production and is ranked among the top five cereal grains produced in the world. The objective of this study was to evaluate isothermal hydration at different temperatures (30, 35, 40 °C) and obtain the thermodynamic properties, as well as characterize the thermostability of the Scarlet cultivar and evaluate the starch gelatinization temperature.The micrography showed that hydration causes gradual peeling and swelling of the starch granules, compatible with a heterogeneous hydration of different anatomical structures. The moisture absorption rate increased with the temperature. The kinetics of the grain hydration was simulated using the models of Peleg and Omoto–Jorge. The Peleg model was more suitable for predicting the kinetics, and the data distribution revealed three distinct phases. Thermal degradation of barley revealed three peaks: loss of moisture, nonoxidative degradation, and oxidative degradation. Starch gelatinization occurred at 62 °C.Practical applicationsThe evaluation of hydration kinetics demonstrates that an increase in temperature improves the rate of mass transfer in the grain. This practice can be applied in the industry to optimize the process. The micrograph confirms that changes occur in the barley during hydration. Mathematical models allow for verification of how better to predict the process so that it may be generalized to enable the simulation of industrial conditions. The thermodynamic parameters obtained by process modeling provide information concerning the affinity between water and the grain, the spontaneity of reaction, the degree of disorder, and the energy required for the process; this data is useful for modeling, design, and optimization of the industrial process. The thermostability evaluation provides relevant information for choosing temperatures that may be used in industrial practices, as well as for changes in physical state (i.e., whether or not gelatinization is favorable for the process).
Botulinum toxin type A for the treatment and prevention of hypertrophic scars and keloids: Updated review
Authors: Kasyanju Carrero Lorna Martin , Ma Wei‐wei , Liu Hou‐fang , Yin Xu‐feng , Zhou Bing‐rong 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBotulinum Toxin Type A is a potent neurotoxin that is produced by a gram‐positive bacteria clostridium botulinum. Its utilization in the treatment of various medical condition has expanded over the years in both medical and esthetic uses. It is being preferred by most physicians due to its efficacy and lack of side effects. It can be used as monotherapy or combined therapy. The aim of this review study was to show the role and mechanism of action of Botulinum toxin type A in the treatment and prevention of hypertrophic scars and keloids. The clear mechanisms underlying hypertrophic scars and keloids are still not clearly understood; however, the mechanism of action of Botulinum toxin type A has been shown to include action on wound tension, action on collagen, and action on fibroblasts. Different randomized controlled trials, double‐blind, and placebo‐controlled studies have been conducted to investigate its use in treatment and prevention of hypertrophic scars and keloids, and it still is one of the active areas of research in Dermatology and related fields. Method: In March 2018, we performed a literature search in PubMed for clinical studies, clinical trials, case reports, controlled trials, randomized controlled trials, and systemic reviews. The search terms we used were “BOTULINUM TOXIN” AND “HYPERTROPHIC SCARS” OR “KELOIDS” (from 1980). The search resulted in 1000 articles, out of these 35 articles met our inclusion exclusion criteria. Our inclusion criteria included relevant original articles relevant, critical systemic reviews, and crucial referenced articles, exclusion criteria included duplicates and articles not published in English language. We have reviewed these papers to show the role and mechanism of action of Botulinum toxin type A in the treatment and prevention of hypertrophic scars and keloids.
Cautious Risk Takers: Investor Preferences and Demand for Active Management
Authors: POLKOVNICHENKO VALERY , WEI KELSEY D. , ZHAO FENG 
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACTDespite their mediocre mean performance, actively managed mutual funds are distinct from passive funds in their return distributions. Active value funds better hedge downside risk, while active growth funds better capture upside potential. Since such performance features may appeal to investors with tail‐overweighting preferences, we show that preferences for downside protection and upside potential estimated from the empirical pricing kernel can help explain active fund flows in the value and growth categories, respectively. This effect of investor risk preferences varies significantly with funds' downside‐hedging and upside‐capturing ability, with levels of active management, and across retirement and retail funds.
Portfolio Manager Compensation in the U.S. Mutual Fund Industry
Authors: MA LINLIN , TANG YUEHUA , GÓMEZ JUAN‐PEDRO 
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACTWe study compensation contracts of individual portfolio managers using hand‐collected data of over 4,500 U.S. mutual funds. Variations in the compensation structures are broadly consistent with an optimal contracting equilibrium. The likelihood of explicit performance‐based incentives is positively correlated with the intensity of agency conflicts, as proxied by the advisor's clientele dispersion, its affiliations in the financial industry, and its ownership structure. Investor sophistication and the threat of dismissal in outsourced funds serve as substitutes for explicit performance‐based incentives. Finally, we find little evidence of differences in future performance associated with any particular compensation arrangement.
Canker on culm of Bambusa multiplex (Lour.) Raeusch. ex Schult. caused by Fusariumincarnatum (Roberge) Sacc.
Authors: Huang Lin , Yang Ji‐Yun , Zhu Ya‐Nan , Zhu Li‐Hua , Zhang Yue‐Feng , Ye Jian‐Ren , Li De‐Wei 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBambusa multiplex has been broadly cultivated in China and has significant economical, ecological and ornamental importance. A canker on the culm of B. multiplex was first time discovered in 2015 in Shanghai, China. In this study, the fungal isolate XSZ‐1 isolated from the infected tissues was determined to be a pathogen of canker on the culm of B. multiplex by fulfilling Koch's postulates. The fungal pathogen was identified as Fusarium incarnatum based on the morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analyses with the sequences of ITS, TEF‐1α and RPB2. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a canker on the culm of B. multiplex caused by F. incarnatum worldwide.
Enhancing the oral bioavailability of baicalein via Solutol® HS15 and Poloxamer 188 mixed micelles system
Authors: Shen Hongxue , Liu Yi , Zhang Huanhuan , Ding Pinggang , Zhang Lan , Zhang Liefeng , Ju Jianming 
Published: December 2018

Abstract

Objectives
To increase the solubility of baicalein (BAI) by preparing BAI-micelles (BAI-M) with Solutol HS15 (HS15) and Poloxamer 188 (F68), thereby improving its oral bioavailability.

Methods
Baicalein micelles were prepared with HS15 and F68 by thin-film dispersion method and optimized by central composite design (CCD) approach. Physicochemical, in vitro release, Caco-2 cell transport and pharmacokinetic studies of BAI-M were performed.

Key findings
The optimal formulation showed spherical shape by characterization of the transmission electron microscope with average small size (23.14 ± 1.46 nm) and high entrapment efficiency (92.78±0.98%) and drug loading (6.45±1.54%). The in vitro release study of BAI-M showed a significantly sustained release pattern compared with free BAI. Caco-2 cell transport study demonstrated that high permeability of BAI was achieved after loading it into micelles. Meanwhile, pharmacokinetics study of BAI-M showed a 3.02-fold increase in relative oral bioavailability compared with free BAI.

Conclusions
Based on our findings, we concluded that HS15 can be used as a carrier in this drug delivery system that includes F68, and BAI-M has great potential in improving solubility and oral bioavailability.
MiR‐16‐5p is frequently down‐regulated in astrocytic gliomas and modulates glioma cell proliferation, apoptosis and response to cytotoxic therapy
Authors: Krell A. , Wolter M. , Stojcheva N. , Hertler C. , Liesenberg F. , Zapatka M. , Weller M. , Malzkorn B. , Reifenberger G. 
Published: December 2018

AimsAberrant expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) is frequent in various cancers including gliomas. We aimed to characterize the role of miR‐16‐5p as a candidate tumour suppressor miRNA in gliomas.MethodsReal‐time PCR‐based approaches were used for miRNA and mRNA expression profiling of glioma and non‐neoplastic brain tissues as well as glioma cell lines. Protein levels were determined by Western blotting. In vitro analyses were performed following overexpression of miR‐16‐5p, trichostatin A (TSA) treatment, and siRNA‐mediated knock‐down of HDAC3 in glioma cells. Effects of miR‐16‐5p on glioma cell viability, apoptosis and response to irradiation and temozolomide (TMZ) were assessed.ResultsExpression of miR‐16‐5p was reduced relative to control brain tissue in isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH)‐mutant astrocytomas of World Health Organization (WHO) grades II, III and IV, and a subset of IDH‐wildtype glioblastomas WHO grade IV. MiR‐16‐5p expression was lower in IDH‐mutant than in IDH‐wildtype gliomas, and down‐regulated in IDH‐wildtype glioma lines. MiR‐16‐5p overexpression reduced expression of important cell cycle and apoptosis regulators in glioma cells, including CDK6, CDC25A, CCND3, CCNE1, WEE1, CHEK1, BCL2 and MCL1. In line, CDK6, WEE1, CHEK1, BCL2 and MCL1 transcript levels were increased in WHO grade III or IV gliomas. TSA treatment and HDAC3 knockdown in glioma cells induced miR‐16‐5p up‐regulation and reduced expression of its targets. Moreover, miR‐16‐5p overexpression inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis in various glioma cell lines and increased sensitivity of A172 glioma cells to irradiation and TMZ.ConclusionReduced expression of miR‐16‐5p contributes to glioma cell proliferation, survival and resistance to cytotoxic therapy.
A comparison of the EU regulatory approach to directed mutagenesis with that of other jurisdictions, consequences for international trade and potential steps forward
Authors: Eriksson Dennis , Kershen Drew , Nepomuceno Alexandre , Pogson Barry J. , Prieto Humberto , Purnhagen Kai , Smyth Stuart , Wesseler Justus , Whelan Agustina 
Published: December 2018

SummaryA special regulatory regime applies to products of recombinant nucleic acid modifications. A ruling from the European Court of Justice has interpreted this regulatory regime in a way that it also applies to emerging mutagenesis techniques. Elsewhere regulatory progress is also ongoing. In 2015, Argentina launched a regulatory framework, followed by Chile in 2017 and recently Brazil and Colombia. In March 2018, the USDA announced that it will not regulate genome‐edited plants differently if they could have also been developed through traditional breeding. Canada has an altogether different approach with their Plants with Novel Traits regulations. Australia is currently reviewing its Gene Technology Act. This article illustrates the deviation of the European Union's (EU's) approach from the one of most of the other countries studied here. Whereas the EU does not implement a case‐by‐case approach, this approach is taken by several other jurisdictions. Also, the EU court ruling adheres to a process‐based approach while most other countries have a stronger emphasis on the regulation of the resulting product. It is concluded that, unless a functioning identity preservation system for products of directed mutagenesis can be established, the deviation results in a risk of asynchronous approvals and disruptions in international trade.
Endocytosis acts as transport pathway in wood
Authors: Słupianek Aleksandra , Kasprowicz‐Maluśki Anna , Myśkow Elżbieta , Turzańska Magdalena , Sokołowska Katarzyna 
Published: December 2018

Summary

In trees, dead and living cells of secondary xylem (wood) function collectively, rendering cell‐to‐cell communication challenging. Water and solutes are transported over long distances from the roots to the above‐ground organs via vessels, the main component of wood, and then radially over short distances to the neighboring cells. This enables proper functioning of trees and integrates whole‐plant activity.

In this study, tracer loading, immunolocalization experiments and inhibitor assays were used to decipher the mechanisms enabling transport in wood of Acer pseudoplatanus (maple), Fraxinus excelsior (ash) and Populus tremula × tremuloides (poplar) trees.

We show that tracer uptake from dead water‐conducting vessels, elements of the apoplasm, to living vessel‐associated cells (VACs) of the xylem parenchyma of the symplasm system proceeds via the endocytic pathway, including clathrin‐mediated and clathrin‐independent processes.

These findings enhance our understanding of the transport pathways in complex wood tissue, providing experimental evidence of the involvement of VACs and endocytosis in radial uptake from vessels.
Unchanged QRS morphology with atrial pacing in a case of WPW syndrome: What is the mechanism?
Authors: Tutuianu Cristina , Saghy Laszlo , Pap Robert 
Published: December 2018

AbstractWe present the case of a 55‐year‐old female who presented for a short episode of palpitation and an electrocardiogram consistent with Wolff‐Parkinson‐White syndrome. She underwent an electrophysiological study showing that during incremental atrial pacing and extrastimulation the stimulus to QRS and QRS morphology stayed constant while the His to ventricular (HV) interval shortened. What can be the explanation for the constant QRS morphology, despite shortening HV during atrial pacing?
Conduction recovery following pacemaker implantation after transcatheter aortic valve replacement
Authors: Kaplan Rachel M. , Yadlapati Ajay , Cantey Eric P. , Passman Rod S. , Gajjar Mark , Knight Bradley P. , Sweis Ranya , Ricciardi Mark J. , Pham Duc T. , Churyla Andrei , Malaisrie S. Chris , Davidson Charles J. , Flaherty James D. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBackgroundTranscatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is increasingly used to treat severe aortic stenosis. A frequent complication of TAVR is high‐grade or complete atrioventricular (AV) block requiring a permanent pacemaker (PPM). There are little data on the long‐term dependency on pacing after TAVR. The objective of this study was to determine the proportion of patients receiving a PPM for high‐grade or complete AV block after TAVR who remain dependent on the PPM in follow‐up and to determine any risk factors for, particularly the effect of postballoon dilation (PBD) on, pacemaker dependency.MethodsOf 594 consecutive patients without prior PPM undergoing TAVR (81.9% balloon‐expandable, 18.1% self‐expandable valve), 67 (13.1%) received a PPM after TAVR. PPM dependency was defined as AV block with a ventricular escape rate of ≤ 40 beats/min. Patient and procedural characteristics were examined according to PPM dependency status.ResultsOf the 67 patients who received a PPM within 10 days after TAVR, 27/67 (40.3%) were dependent at first follow‐up and only 9/41 (21.9%) at 1 year. PPM dependency was more common after a self‐expanding valve (76.9% vs 31.5%, P < 0.01), in those who underwent PBD (66.7% vs 24.4%, P < 0.01), and in patients in persistent complete AV block at PPM implantation (62.5% vs 7.4%, P < 0.01).ConclusionsFewer than half of patients who receive a new PPM following TAVR are pacemaker dependent at early follow‐up (< 30 days). The use of self‐expanding valves and PBD are associated with a markedly increased risk of PPM dependency.
Transverse melanonychia in a child receiving chemotherapy
Authors: Stephens Michael , Rubin Adam I. , Castelo‐Soccio Leslie 
Published: December 2018

AbstractTransverse melanonychia is a rare finding often secondary to chemotherapy, orally ingested medications, or other iatrogenic interventions. A 19‐month‐old boy with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis treated with biweekly etoposide and dexamethasone developed transverse bands of pigment in all toenail and fingernail units consistent with transverse melanonychia. We review the literature for reported cases of transverse melanonychia and summarize suspected etiologies.
Liver transplantation: New treatment for mucopolysaccharidosis type VI in rats
Authors: Toyama Sumika , Migita Ohsuke , Fujino Masayuki , Kunieda Tetsuo , Kosuga Motomichi , Fukuhara Yasuyuki , Nagahara Yukitoshi , Li Xiao‐Kang , Okuyama Torayuki 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBackgroundMucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) VI is a rare, autosomal recessive congenital metabolic disorder caused by deficient activity of the lysosomal metabolic enzyme, N‐acetylgalactosamine 4‐sulfatase. Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) is the current treatment for MPS VI, although it involves limited compliance to the therapy and high cost. The aim of this study was to develop a new method of treatment by conducting an orthotopic liver transplantation (LTx) using an animal model of human MPS VI, and to evaluate and examine its effectiveness for treating MPS VI.MethodsLTx was carried out from normal unaffected to affected MPS VI rats (MPR), which were then killed after LTx, and tissues from the heart, spleen, and knee joint, as well as serum, collected for biological and morphologic evaluation.ResultsLiver‐transplanted (LTx) MPR had the same level of N‐acetylgalactosamine 4‐sulfatase activity in the liver and lungs as normal unaffected MPR, and the urinary secretion of mucopolysaccharides/glycosaminoglycan (GAG) in LTx MPR was significantly decreased. Furthermore, on histopathology, the spleens of LTx MPR showed elimination of vacuole cells. In the knee joints, growth plates became thinner, and on radiography the facial and cranial bones of LTx MPR were morphologically normal.ConclusionsLTx from normal to affected MPR was effective for symptoms of MPS and accumulation of GAG, suggesting that LTx could be a promising alternative approach for MPS VI.