bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biological oxidation of choline‐based ionic liquids in sequencing batch reactors
Authors: Mena Ismael F , Diaz Elena , Rodriguez Juan J , Mohedano Angel F 
Published: January 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDIonic liquids (ILs) are salts consisting of an organic cation and an organic or inorganic anion that are potential use for organic synthesis, biomass conversion, gas absorption, polymerization, metal extraction and lubrication. We examined the biodegradability of choline chloride (CholineCl), choline acetate (CholineAc) and choline bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (CholineNTf2) in a sequencing batch reactor (SBR) to assess the influence of the IL anion.RESULTSFollowing acclimation, activated sludge exhibited good activity, and high COD (80–90%) and TOC removal (75–85%) with initial concentrations of CholineCl and CholineAc over the range 0.25–15 mmol L–1. However, increased concentrations of CholineNTf2 in the reactor feed had an inhibitory effect on the sludge. An analysis of the reaction effluent revealed the presence of the main intermediates of choline degradation: ethanol, and methyl‐, dimethyl‐ and trimethylamine. The initial and final microbial communities of the sludge were characterized by pyrosequencing analysis, and the latter was found to consist mainly of Alfa‐, Beta‐ and Gamma‐proteobacteria.CONCLUSIONCholine‐based ionic liquids can be efficiently removed in SBRs. Complete choline degradation (0.25–15 mmol L–1) was accomplished at a variable depletion rate depending on the particular IL anion (chloride, acetate or NTf2). © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Doppler ultrasonography criteria of superior mesenteric artery stenosis
Authors: Biri Suzan , Biri İsmail , Gultekin Yucel , Yurdakul Mehmet , Ozdemir Mustafa , Tola Muharrem 
Published: January 2019

AbstractPurposeThe techniques mostly used for the diagnosis of superior mesenteric artery (SMA) stenosis are computed tomography angiography (CTA), and magnetic resonance angiography. We aimed to evaluate color‐coded Doppler Ultrasonography (CDUS) for the detection of SMA stenoses and to determine Doppler criteria.MethodsWe identified retrospectively 65 patients with CTA images of SMA stenosis and examined them with CDUS for the Doppler measurement of SMA peak systolic flow velocity (PSV), end‐diastolic velocity (EDV), and mesenterico‐aortic ratio (MAR). Results were analyzed with receiver‐operating characteristic curve analysis.ResultsThe optimal threshold values for determining 50%‐69% SMA stenoses were PSV >280 cm/s, EDV >45 cm/s, and MAR >3.6. For identifying 70%‐99% SMA stenoses, they were PSV >395 cm/s, EDV >74 cm/s, and MAR >3.6.ConclusionCDUS is a convenient method with high accuracy for identifying SMA stenosis. PSV yielded better results than EDV and MAR.
Changes in Carcinogenic Heterocyclic Amines during in vitro Digestion
Authors: Kim Hyeong Sang , Hur Sun Jin 
Published: January 2019

The high amounts of heterocyclic amines (HCAs) in overcooked foods are known carcinogens. However, the quantitative changes in carcinogenic substances, such as HCAs, caused by human digestion, have not been studied. This study was performed to evaluate the effects of digestive enzymes and the enterobacteria, Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Lactobacillus casei (L. casei), on the quantitative changes in four HCAs: 2‐amino‐3,4,8‐trimethylimidazo[4,5‐f]quinoxaline (4,8‐DiMeIQx), 2‐amino‐3,7,8‐trimethylimidazo[4,5‐f]quinoxaline (7,8‐DiMeIQx), 2‐amino‐3‐methylimidazo[4,5‐f]quinoline (IQ), and 2‐amino‐3,8‐dimethylimidazo[4,5‐f]quinoxaline (MeIQx). Digestive enzymes gradually reduced the amount of four HCAs during in vitro experiments (p < 0.05). The concentration of all HCAs rapidly decreased after digestion in the mouth and stomach. L. casei dramatically reduced the amount of HCAs during in vitro digestion (p < 0.05). From the results of this study, we hypothesize that the amount of HCAs in overcooked food could be decreased, and their risk could be reduced during human digestion by digestive enzymes and enterobacteria.
Design and comparative analysis of conventional and metamaterial‐based textile antennas for wearable applications
Authors: Ali Usman , Ullah Sadiq , Shafi Muhammad , Shah Syed A.A. , Shah Izaz A. , Flint James A. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractIn this paper, four different models of a 2.4 GHz flexible microstrip patch wearable antenna are designed and analyzed. The basic geometry of the radiating element of the antennas is a rectangular patch and is backed by conventional, mushroom‐type, slotted, and spiral electromagnetic band gap (EBG) ground planes. A 3‐mm‐thick wash cotton textile is used as a substrate material in the design of the antennas as well as EBG surfaces. An electro‐textile (Zelt) is used as a conductive material for the proposed antennas. The performance of these antennas is analyzed in terms of return loss, gain, bandwidth efficiency, and specific absorption rate (SAR) using Computer Simulation Technology Microwave Studio (CST MWS). The designed antennas are further investigated for on and off body conditions under normal and bent states. The experimental results show that the antennas radiate with an adequate gain (5.72‐7.3 dB), bandwidth (65.43‐103.1 MHz), and efficiency (55.51%‐74.04%), depending on the type of the ground plane used. The antenna backed by the mushroom‐type EBG gives the smallest value of SAR (1.79 W/kg < 2 W/kg), which makes it a suitable candidate for body worn applications in the unlicensed industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) band.
Experimental Design for Optimizing the Cleaning of Starch Adhering to Stainless‐Steel Surfaces Using Nonionic Surfactants and Silica Microparticles
Authors: Herrera‐Márquez Otilia , Vicaria José M. , Jurado‐Alameda Encarnación 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThe statistical design of experiments has been used to assess the detergency of starch adhering to stainless steel considering three factors: pH, flow rate, and concentration of silica particles in the cleaning solution. The cleaning tests were carried out in a continuous‐flow device that simulates the behavior of a Cleaning‐In‐Place washing system. Different statistical designs were used to evaluate the detergency of cleaning solutions in the absence of surfactants and with two nonionic surfactants, i.e., an ethoxylated alcohol, and an alkylpolyglucoside (APG). Expressions were developed to simulate detergency levels as a function of the variables assayed, determining the optimal detergency of each cleaning solution studied. The results indicate that the variable most influential on detergency was pH. Cleaning solutions with high alkalinity are required to achieve a significant cleaning efficiency. On the other hand, the silica‐particle concentration did not influence the detergency results using cleaning solutions without surfactants. Nevertheless, the addition of either the ethoxylated alcohol or the APG to the cleaning solution with silica particles has a significant effect on detergency: it diminished with the ethoxylated alcohol and increased with the APG. Maximum detergency was found at the highest level of pH, particle concentration, and flow rate when the APG was added to the cleaning solution.
Use of a Doppler‐Based Pulsatility Index to Evaluate Cerebral Hemodynamics in Neurocritical Patients After Hemicraniectomy
Authors: Gao Yu‐zhi , Li Qiang , Wu Chun‐shuang , Liu Shao‐yun , Zhang Mao 
Published: January 2019

ObjectivesAs a noninvasive method for evaluation of cerebral hemodynamics, the correct interpretation of transcranial Doppler or transcranial imaging (TCI) data remains a major challenge. We explored how to interpret the pulsatility index (PI) derived via TCI during evaluations of cerebral hemodynamics in posthemicraniectomy patients.MethodsWe included patients who underwent invasive arterial pressure and intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring and simultaneous TCI examinations after hemicraniectomy. We classified the PI of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) into ipsilateral (craniectomy side) and contralateral (opposite side) and analyzed both data sets. The statistical analysis was performed by the Bland‐Altman approach, by calculating intraclass correlation coefficients and Spearman correlations, and by drawing receiver operating characteristic curves. Pulsatility index probability charts were created for ICPs exceeding 20, 25, and 30 mm Hg and cerebral perfusion pressures (CPPs) lower than 70, 60, and 50 mm Hg; we thus explored defined ICP and CPP values.ResultsThe ipsilateral and contralateral MCA PI data differed. Only the ipsilateral MCA PI showed a weak correlation with ICP (r = 0.378; P < .001). The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed limited diagnostic utility of bilateral MCA PIs for ICP and CPP assessments. An extremely elevated MCA PI indicated that patients were at high risk of a dangerous ICP elevation or CPP reduction. However, MCA PI values within the normal range did not effectively rule out an ICP of 20 mm Hg or higher but effectively eliminated a CPP lower than 50 mm Hg.ConclusionsIn posthemicraniectomy patients, the Doppler‐based MCA PI value was ineffectively for quantitative ICP and CPP evaluations but a useful index for assessment of cerebral hemodynamics in terms of the probability of an ICP elevation or a CPP reduction.
Patient‐defined duration of benefit from juvederm (hyaluronic acid) used in injection laryngoplasty
Authors: Bertroche J. Tyler , Radder Megan , Kallogjeri Dorina , Paniello Randal C. , Bradley Joseph P. 
Published: January 2019

Objectives/HypothesisInjection laryngoplasty has become valuable in treating laryngologic disorders including vocal cord atrophy, paralysis, and paresis. Although materials such as carboxymethylcellulose and calcium hydroxylapatite are Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved, they are not without limitations. Juvederm (hyaluronic acid) is an alternative treatment that is not FDA approved. Although studies have examined Juvederm's longevity in cutaneous injections, there are limited data examining durability of Juvederm used in laryngoplasty. We aimed to determine the longevity and effectiveness of Juvederm used in injection laryngoplasty.Study DesignRetrospective cohort study.MethodsSubjects who underwent injection laryngoplasty using Juvederm were reviewed. Longevity was defined as the time between injection and the date that a patient first noted subjective deterioration of their voice. All subjects were subsequently followed using videostroboscopy to evaluate for Juvederm resorption. Longevity was analyzed using a Kaplan‐Meier survival model, and effectiveness of laryngoplasty was determined using the Voice‐Related Quality of Life index scores and analyzed using a Wilcoxon signed ranks test.ResultsFifty‐nine subjects met inclusion criteria and underwent Juvederm injection laryngoplasty. Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis revealed a mean longevity of 10.6 months (95% confidence interval: 9.1‐12.0 months). Wilcoxon signed ranks analysis of the pre‐ and postinjection Voice Related Quality of Life (VRQOL) scores revealed improvement, with a mean preinjection VRQOL of 49.2 (standard deviation [SD] = 25.8) and mean postinjection VRQOL of 68.2 (SD = 27.5) (P < .001).ConclusionsInjection laryngoplasty using Juvederm is an effective treatment for vocal cord atrophy, paralysis, and paresis. Knowledge of the patient‐defined duration of benefit following laryngoplasty using Juvederm plays an important role in counseling patients as well as in the planning of future interventions.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 129:2744–2747, 2019
Long‐term optimization of crop yield while concurrently improving soil quality
Authors: Pan Junxiao , Zhang Ling , He Xiaoming , Chen Xinping , Cui Zhenling 
Published: January 2019

AbstractSustainably feeding the growing human population requires improvements in both soil quality and nitrogen (N) management. However, in response to N fertilizer addition, whether soil quality will be optimized at N application rates that maximize yields is rarely explored from a long‐term perspective. We conducted a 9‐year field experiment to examine agronomic and soil quality indices in a wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)/maize (Zea mays L.) double cropping system. Optimal nitrogen rates (ONR) were determined by in‐season soil NO3−‐N testing. Other treatments included control plots, 50–70% ONR, 130–150% ONR, and local farmers' N practices (FNP). The ONR increased grain yield by 10.5% in comparison with the 50–70% ONR treatment and achieved yields comparable to the 130–150% ONR treatment. The ONR treatment reduced the applied N fertilization rate by 38.5% in comparison with FNP levels but without any yield losses. After N fertilization for 9 years, soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks, C sequestration rates, and soil microbial biomass C were the highest with the ONR treatment. Relative to the control, the ONR treatment significantly increased the weight diameter of soil water‐stable aggregates, reduced the richness and diversity of fungi, and reduced the richness of bacteria in comparison with the FNP treatment. Furthermore, the soil microbial community structure had a significant relationship with the SOC, organic C input, and soil inorganic N content, which was ascribed to the driving of N management strategy. These results highlight the importance of the optimization of N management to produce high grain with less N fertilizer input in agricultural systems while concurrently promoting soil quality and providing benefits to the microbial community.
Resolvin E1 Improves Mitochondrial Function in Human Alveolar Epithelial Cells during Severe Inflammation
Authors: Mayer Konstantin , Sommer Natascha , Hache Karl , Hecker Andreas , Reiche Sylvia , Schneck Emmanuel , Weissmann Norbert , Seeger Werner , Hecker Matthias 
Published: January 2019

AbstractSevere inflammatory disorders such as sepsis are a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Mitochondrial dysfunction is regarded as a key feature involved in inflammation pathogenesis. In the present study, we investigated the impact of the omega‐3 fatty acid‐derived lipid mediator Resolvin E1 (RvE1) on mitochondrial function in experimental pulmonary inflammation. RvE1 was found to exert anti‐inflammatory properties in human alveolar epithelial cells during severe inflammation. RvE1 is capable of restoring inflammation‐induced mitochondrial dysfunction and the impaired imbalance of mitochondrial fission and fusion. Experimental inhibition of mitochondrial fission with Mdivi‐1 in our model is associated with a significantly reduced inflammatory response and improved mitochondrial function. These findings suggest a novel functional mechanism for the beneficial effects of RvE1 in experimental pulmonary inflammatory reactions.
Liver Transplantation in France
Authors: Durand François , Antoine Corinne , Soubrane Olivier 
Published: January 2019

In France, the main indications for liver transplantation are hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and alcoholic cirrhosis. The number of candidates for decompensated hepatitis C virus–related cirrhosis has markedly decreased since the advent of direct‐acting antiviral agents. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis represents a lower proportion of candidates as compared with the United States. The main source of donors is donation after brain death, but the program of transplantation using donation after circulatory death is growing with excellent results. The deceased donation rate was 28.8 per million people in 2017, which has increased over the last few years. Adult‐to‐adult living donor liver transplantation has been almost completely abandoned. Donors are allocated on a national basis, and there is no longer local or regional priority. In patients with decompensated cirrhosis, prioritization is based on the Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score. The distance between the donor and the recipient is taken into account according to an original gravity model. In patients with HCC, prioritization depends on the alfa‐fetoprotein (AFP) score, the MELD score, and waiting time. Only patients with HCC tumor‐node‐metastasis ≥2 and AFP score ≤2 are eligible for the HCC score. A list of MELD exceptions, consisting of uncommon complications where mortality risk is not adequately predicted by the MELD score and conditions other than cirrhosis, has been established. MELD exceptions must be individually validated by a college of experts mandated by the French Regulatory Agency of Transplantation (Agence de la Biomédecine). The most common MELD exception is refractory ascites with a low MELD score. A major challenge is to reduce the rate of refusal of donation through information campaigns.
Preparation of C/C‐SiC Composites from All‐Cellulose Precursors
Authors: Schneck Tanja K. , Müller Alexandra , Hermanutz Frank , Buchmeiser Michael R. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractAll‐cellulose composites (ACCs) are manufactured from high‐performance cellulose fibers and a cellulose‐containing ionic liquid (IL) as matrix‐forming dope via wet‐winding processes, using different concentrations of cellulose in the IL. ACCs are carbonized at 1650 °C and then infiltrated with liquid silicon. Application of a carbonization aid (ammonium dihydrogenphosphate, ADHP) substantially improves the carbon yield after carbonization but also results in the depletion of the mechanical properties of the final carbon/carbon silicon carbide (C/C‐SiC) material. The microstructure of the porous carbon/carbon preforms strongly depends on both the concentration of cellulose in the IL and the concentration of ADHP. A C/C‐SiC composite manufactured from 6 wt% cellulose in the matrix‐forming dope, in the absence of ADHP, has a maximum flexural strength of 60 MPa. New C/C‐SiC composites with different shapes including Z‐profiles and tubes are successfully manufactured from pre‐shaped ACC precursors. These composites keep their shape during carbonization and the final siliconization process step.
Unraveling the Correlation between Structures of Carbon Nanospheres Derived from Polymeric Spheres and Their Electrochemical Performance to Achieve High‐Rate Supercapacitors
Authors: Xu Fei , Qiu Yuqian , Jiang Guangshen , Ding Baichuan , Li Jingyuan , Liu Qianhui , Wu Jianping , Xu Xiaosa , Wang Hongqiang , Liang Yeru 
Published: January 2019

AbstractUnderstanding correlation between the nanostructure of porous carbons and their ion transport behavior is critical for achieving high‐performance supercapacitors. Herein, the relationship between size and shell thickness of carbon nanospheres (CNSs) and capacitive electrochemical performance is clarified. Structural uniform CNSs with controlled diameters, prepared via template‐free interfacial copolymerization, are emerging as an ideal platform for investigating the ion transport behavior. It is found that ionic transport is significantly enhanced while the introduction of hollow cores with thinner shell, by virtue of the hollow nanopore‐accelerated mass transport to reduce ion diffusion length. The proof‐of‐concept supercapacitors, constituted of carbons with diameter and shell thickness of 91 and 28 nm, respectively, can maintain highest capacitance retention ratio of 86% at a high sweep rate of 300 mVs−1, also far outperforming the commercial activated carbon in terms of capacitance, rate capability, and surface efficiency, promising a brilliant application.
Time stability of delta‐radiomics features and the impact on patient analysis in longitudinal CT images
Authors: Plautz Tia E. , Zheng Cheng , Noid George , Li X. Allen 
Published: January 2019

PurposeThis study first aims to show that the values of texture features extracted from phantoms are stable over clinical timescales. Second, that changes in patients’ feature values over the course of radiation therapy (RT) are treatment induced and statistically significant.MethodsThe CT datasets of a 3D printed anatomically informed texture phantom containing liver and low‐contrast modules, and the homogeneous module of the Catphan 500‐Series phantom, were acquired once per week over the course of a 6‐week period, to simulate the timescale of conventional RT duration. A Definition AS Open CT scanner on rails (Siemens) and our institution’s standard abdominal protocol were used. In each phantom module, 8 regions of interest (20 cm) were selected and 50 texture features were extracted from each module over the longitudinal dataset. The time stability of each feature was evaluated. The expected variation over the treatment timescale was quantified for each texture (module). Subsequently, the pancreas heads of 10 patients who underwent RT for adenocarcinoma of the pancreas head with a pathologic response of at least “moderate" (grade 2), were contoured on the daily CTs acquired using the same scanner. The pancreas heads were contoured on one image per week. Mean CT number, skewness, kurtosis, and coarseness were extracted from these data. The phantom modules were shown to be accurate representations of these features in the pancreas data. The change in the feature value between fractions 2 and 26 was compared with the phantom data in order to identify significant changes in feature value.ResultsOf the 50 features examined in all 3 phantom modules, 47 were found to have zero time‐trend when a fit assuming homogeneous variance was used. When a fit allowing for heterogeneous variance was used, 49 features were found to have zero time‐trend. Features were stable and repeatable within a feature‐specific confidence interval over the 6‐week period of acquisition in all three phantom modules. Changes in feature value between fractions 2 and 26 were highly patient specific. Mean CT number was found to decrease significantly in 7 of 10 patients and increase significantly in one patient. Skewness increased significantly in one patient and decreased significantly in one patient. Kurtosis decreased significantly in four patients and increased significantly in one patient. Coarseness increased significantly in seven patients and decreased significantly in one patient. Only one patient experienced no significant changes in feature value.ConclusionThe CT texture feature measurements of phantoms are stable and repeatable within a feature‐specific confidence interval in all three phantom modules. This suggests that the changes observed in features extracted from longitudinal patient CT data may be treatment induced, and demonstrates their potentiality for early assessment of treatment response.
Copolymerization of Styrene and Cardanol from Cashew Nut Shell Liquid. Part I – Kinetic Modeling of Bulk Copolymerizations
Authors: Costa Laura P. , Oechsler Bruno F. , Brandão Amanda L. T. , Galvão Letícia A. , Pinto José Carlos 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThe present manuscript investigates the bulk copolymerization of styrene and cardanol from cashew nut shell liquid. A kinetic mechanism is proposed and a mathematical model is derived. The model parameters are estimated in order to allow for appropriate description of monomer conversions, average molecular weights, and copolymer compositions of the produced copolymer. It is shown that cardanol exerts strong inhibitory effects on styrene polymerization, making incorporation of cardanol into the copolymer chains through homogeneous polymerizations challenging.