bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Study of the electrical conductivity of biobased carbonaceous powder materials under moderate pressure for the application as electrode materials in energy storage technologies
Authors: Hoffmann Viola , Rodriguez Correa Catalina , Sautter Dennis , Maringolo Emilio , Kruse Andrea 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThis study focusses on the assessment of the electrical conductivity (EC) of biobased electrode materials for the application in energy storage devices and presents a simple and reproducible method to measure the EC of carbonaceous powders under moderate pressure (10–50 N). Based on the pyrolysis of corncob at three different temperatures (600, 800, and 900°C) and further treatments of the biochar obtained at 600°C, 11 different carbonaceous powder materials were produced including biochars, activated carbons, and composites. Composite materials were obtained by adding either metal oxide (RuO2 or Fe3O4) in different proportions or additives which are commonly used in electrode production (5 wt% binder and 15 wt% conductive additive). Furthermore, one physically activated commercial AC based on peat with a known EC of 33 S/m was treated with additives and used as a reference. For all materials, an increase of applied pressure resulted in higher EC values due to closer particle contact. The comparison of two methods (with and without preload) showed that a prepelletization of the samples is not necessary to obtain reliable results. By analyzing the obtained EC values while taking mechanical and physicochemical properties into account, it could be shown that a high carbonization temperature and high specific surface area favor the increase of EC. Furthermore, certain proportions of metal oxides lead to an improvement of EC (40 wt% RuO2, 10 wt% Fe3O4), while the treatment with additives leads to a decrease of EC. The EC values among all samples varied between 0.8 S/m (biochar) and 408 S/m (AC/RuO2 composite) at the highest pressure level (637 kPa). Thus, promising biobased electrode materials for environmentally friendly energy storage technologies are presented with the aim of contributing to the establishment of a biobased resource and product platform for bioeconomy.
State of the field: Data and metrics for geographic analyses of entrepreneurial ecosystems
Authors: Credit Kevin , Mack Elizabeth A. , Mayer Heike 
Published: July 2018

AbstractDespite burgeoning interest in entrepreneurial ecosystems, there is little information on metrics for studying the actors and interconnections within these systems. The increasing availability of data and metrics for characterizing entrepreneurial activity in recent years provide opportunities for analyzing EE in more holistic ways. A critical first step in advancing work on this topic, however, is to critically review the use and limitations of currently available data with a focus on the very recent ecosystems literature, as well as constituent topics such as entrepreneurial heritage and spinoffs, entrepreneurial culture, and studies of emerging ecosystems in peripheral regions. In this review, the problems and prospects of available data are discussed, particularly the spatial scales (national or subnational) at which they are available. The paper closes with a critical discussion of the data needed to move the field forward in the four ecosystem‐related topical areas and answer important questions related to the nuanced geographies of EE at the subnational level. This discussion suggests present gaps may be related to a poverty of data‐sharing efforts rather than a poverty of available data.
Complete response by vitamin K2 analog monotherapy in sorafenib‐failure advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: A case report
Authors: Kuzuya Teiji , Ishigami Masatoshi , Ishizu Yoji , Honda Takashi , Hayashi Kazuhiko , Ishikawa Tetsuya , Hirooka Yoshiki , Goto Hidemi 
Published: July 2018

There have been reports that a vitamin K2 (VK2) analog is beneficial for the prevention of recurrence in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients after curative therapy. However, the VK2 analogs in current use do not appear to show dramatic antitumor effects when given alone. Here, we report the case of a 67‐year‐old male patient with sorafenib‐failure advanced HCC who achieved complete response (CR) after VK2 analog monotherapy. At the time of sorafenib failure confirmation, the patient had multiple intrahepatic tumors, multiple lung metastases, and Vp3 portal vein tumor thrombosis. He had poor liver function (Child–Pugh score of 9, Child–Pugh class B) and poor performance status (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 2). Both serum α‐fetoprotein (AFP) and des‐γ‐carboxy prothrombin (DCP) levels were elevated (558 900 ng/mL and 917 300 mAU/mL, respectively). Treatment with VK2 analog was initiated at 45 mg/day. Five months later, both tumor markers had decreased to normal levels (AFP 8 ng/mL and DCP 10 mAU/mL). Contrast‐enhanced computed tomography showed that all intrahepatic tumors had shrunk, there was no enhancement of tumor staining in the arterial phase, and all lung metastases and portal vein tumor thromboses had disappeared. We considered that CR was achieved according to the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors. Eighteen months after the start of VK2 analog administration, the patient continues to receive treatment and has remained in CR without adverse events. Here, we report a rare case of sorafenib‐failure advanced HCC in which sustained CR was achieved by VK2 analog monotherapy.
Control of bacterial biofilms formed on pacifiers by antimicrobial solutions in spray
Authors: Pedroso Juliana de F , Sangalli Jorgiana , Brighenti Fernanda L. , Tanaka Marcia H. , Koga‐Ito Cristiane Yumi 
Published: July 2018

BackgroundThe aim was to evaluate the use of vinegar, hydrogen peroxide and sodium bicarbonate solutions for the disinfection of pacifiers.DesignDifferent types and concentrations of the substances were screened in planktonic and biofilm for antimicrobial activity on Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Also, the effect of the most effective substance was tested against polymicrobial biofilms aiming to mimic the multispecies colonization found in a pacifier.ResultsBased on the agar diffusion test, minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal microbicide concentration assays, 70% apple vinegar (70%AV) and 70% hydrogen peroxide (70%HP) were selected (P < 0.05). All tested solutions were able to significantly reduce viable cells of S. pyogenes, S. mutans and E. coli from the biofilms A statistically significant reduction of viable cells in S. aureus biofilms were observed after treatment with 70%AV in comparison to the other treatments. When compared to other microbial species, it was found that 70%HP was particularly effective against E. coli. The solution of 70%HP was able to reduce the viable cells of Enterobacteriaceae/pseudomonas of a polymicrobial biofilm formed from a pacifier. The other solutions were not effective in relation to control group.ConclusionSolutions of 70% HP showed to be a good alternative for chlorhexidine digluconate for the disinfection of pacifiers.
Timing of respiratory syncytial virus and influenza epidemic activity in five regions of Argentina, 2007‐2016
Authors: Baumeister Elsa , Duque Jazmin , Varela Teresa , Palekar Rakhee , Couto Paula , Savy Vilma , Giovacchini Carlos , Haynes Amber K. , Rha Brian , Arriola Carmen S. , Gerber Susan I. , Azziz–Baumgartner Eduardo 
Published: July 2018

BackgroundWithin‐country differences in the timing of RSV and influenza epidemics have not been assessed in Argentina, the eighth largest country in the world by area.ObjectiveWe aimed to compare seasonality for RSV and influenza both nationally and in each of the five regions to inform Argentina’s prevention and treatment guidelines.MethodThe Argentine National Laboratories and Health Institutes Administration collected respiratory specimens from clinical practices, outbreak investigations, and respiratory virus surveillance in 2007‐2016; these were tested using immunofluorescence or RT‐PCR techniques. We calculated weekly percent positive (PP) and defined season onset as >2 consecutive weeks when PP exceeded the annual mean for the respective year and region. Median season measures (onset, offset and peak) and the established mean method were calculated for each virus.ResultsAn annual median 59 396 specimens were tested for RSV and 60 931 for influenza; 21–29% tested positive for RSV and 2–7% for influenza. National RSV activity began in April; region‐specific start weeks varied by 7 weeks. Duration of RSV activity did not vary widely by region (16–18 weeks in duration). National influenza activity started in June; region‐specific start weeks varied by 3 weeks. Duration of influenza epidemic activity varied more by region than that of RSV (7–13 weeks in duration).ConclusionIn Argentina, RSV and influenza activity overlapped during the winter months. RSV season tended to begin prior to the influenza season, and showed more variation in start week by region. Influenza seasons tended to vary more in duration than RSV seasons.
Factors affecting student learning performance: A causal model in higher blended education
Authors: Ramirez‐Arellano Aldo , Acosta‐Gonzaga Elizabeth , Bory‐Reyes Juan , Hernández‐Simón Luis Manuel 
Published: July 2018

AbstractIn Mexico, approximately 504,000 students pursue a bachelor's degree by means of distance or blended programmes. However, only 42% of these students conclude their degree on time. In the context of blended learning, the focus of this research is to present a causal model, based on a theoretical framework, which describes the relationships concerning motivations, emotions, cognitive strategies, metacognitive strategies, and learning strategies, and their impact on learning performance. The results suggest that negative emotions play a meaningful role between expectancy (a component of motivation) and learning strategies. Also, the expectancy component of motivation positively influences metacognitive strategies. Concerning the relationship between cognition and metacognition, metacognitive strategies take preference concerning the relationship between metacognitive and learning strategies, supporting the theoretical hypothesis that metacognitive processes are on a higher plane than cognition, and affect cognitive process directly. Moreover, the learning outcomes are directly influenced by cognitive and learning strategies, but not by metacognitive ones. Similarly, motivation has direct effects on metacognitive and learning strategies but not on cognitive ones.
Antenatal exposure to nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs and risk of neonatal hypertension
Authors: Habli Mounira , Clifford Corey C. , Brady Tammy M. , Rodriguez Zahidee , Eschenbacher Michaela , Wu Malcolm , DeFranco Emily , Gresh James , Kamath‐Rayne Beena D. 
Published: July 2018

Nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used as tocolytics, which are medications that suppress uterine contractions for preterm birth prevention. Their effect on cerebral/systemic vascular beds poses the question of whether antenatal NSAID exposure is associated with neonatal hypertension. We performed a retrospective case‐control study in a tertiary neonatal intensive care unit, including 40 hypertension cases (hospitalized neonates ≥ 35 weeks with systolic BP > 100 mm Hg on three consecutive days) compared to 134 controls matched by gestational age at delivery, plurality, and delivery date. Cases and controls were compared by antenatal NSAID exposure, other common tocolytics, and maternal/neonatal characteristics and complications. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the odds of hypertension among those with prenatal exposure to NSAIDs versus those without exposure. Newborns with hypertension had a lower gestational age at delivery and increased incidence of neonatal complications, including respiratory distress syndrome, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, surfactant administration, longer duration of ventilation, and history of umbilical artery catheterization. Days of indomethacin exposure were positively associated with greater odds of neonatal hypertension (OR 1.17 [1.00 to 1.38], P = 0.055), even after adjustment for other factors associated with neonatal hypertension. Newborns with hypertension were less likely to have been exposed to calcium channel blockers as a tocolytic. The results of our study suggest an association between prenatal exposure to nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs and neonatal hypertension. Furthermore, our data suggest that prenatal calcium channel blocker exposure may protect against the development of neonatal hypertension. Future multicenter studies are needed to understand the risks of tocolytics and subsequent consequences in preterm infants.
Incidence and characteristics of thick second primary melanomas: a study of the German Central Malignant Melanoma Registry
Authors: Gassenmaier M. , Stec T. , Keim U. , Leiter U. , Eigentler T.K. , Metzler G. , Garbe C. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBackgroundFast‐growing melanomas are thought to be responsible for the stable incidence of thick melanomas. It has been suggested that campaigns for early diagnosis are unlikely to have a major impact on prognosis as rapid vertical growth rather than diagnostic delay is the major determinant for thick melanomas.ObjectiveWe investigated the impact of follow‐up examinations on the incidence of thick second primary melanomas (SPMs) and analysed their clinic‐pathologic characteristics.MethodsWe analysed a single‐centre cohort of 2253 patients of the German Central Malignant Melanoma Registry with prospectively documented follow‐up examinations.ResultsPrimary tumour and patient characteristics were well balanced between patients with and without SPMs except for age (median 61 years, interquartile range [IQR] 51–67 vs. 56 years, IQR 43–67; P = 0.005). Metachronous SPMs occurred in 107 patients (4.7% of total) were thinner than the respective first primary melanoma (FPM) (median Breslow thickness of invasive melanomas 0.40 mm, IQR 0.28–0.75 vs. 0.80 mm, IQR 0.50–2.00; P < 0.001) and less often ulcerated (0.9% vs. 15.0%; P < 0.001). Melanomas >2.00 mm occurred in 2.8% of SPMs as compared to 23.4% of FPMs (P < 0.001). Thick SPMs (>1.00 mm; 14.0%) despite close‐meshed follow‐up examinations were frequently associated with atypical clinical presentation and uncommon histopathologic subtypes. One‐third (5/15) of thick SPMs were clinically misdiagnosed as non‐melanocytic lesions, most of them as basal cell carcinomas (n = 4).ConclusionsRegular total body skin examinations enable a highly efficient detection of early‐stage melanomas and reduction of thick melanomas as compared to first primary melanomas. Our data indicate that fast‐growing melanomas without opportunity of early detection are rare and cannot explain the stable incidence of thick melanomas. This highlights the importance of close‐meshed total body skin examinations in patient groups that are at high risk of first or multiple primary melanomas.
Bacteria isolated from the bovine gelatin production line: biofilm formation and use of different sanitation procedures to eliminate the biofilms
Authors: Fernandes Meg da Silva , de Oliveira Alessandra Marjorie , Cheriegate Ana Paula Correa , de Abreu Filho Benício Alves 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe objective of this study was to evaluate the biofilm formation by Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, and Bacillus licheniformis, as well to verify the efficiency of the sanitation procedures (cleaning, disinfection, and cleaning + disinfection) on the biofilm removal. Biofilms were formed after immersion of stainless steel and PVC coupons into different culture media (semi‐finished bovine gelatin, final gelatin, and hydrolyzed collagen) at 35°C for 5, 32, and 48 hr. After 32 hr of contact, all microorganisms were capable to form biofilms on the different surfaces in contact with all culture media tested. The semi‐finished gelatin and the hydrolyzed collagen provided a higher biofilm formation (counts between 3.54 and 7.87 log CFU/cm2) when compared to the final gelatin (counts between 3.05 and 6.70 log CFU/cm2). The cleaning step complemented with the disinfection with peracetic acid was the only procedure capable of removing all biofilms (counts <3 log CFU/cm2).Practical applicationsIn this study, we investigated the biofilm formation by different isolates from bovine gelatin, simulating the processing conditions of gelatin and hydrolyzed collagen. The present study showed a peculiar result since the gelatin was the culture medium that provided a lower biofilm formation, while the hydrolyzed collagen and the semi‐finished gelatin provided the best conditions for the formation of biofilms. In addition, we verified that the use of detergent or disinfectant alone was not efficient in the removal of the biofilms formed. In view of this, we suggest the requirements to prevent the formation of microbial biofilms of different bacterial species in the gelatin processing industry. In addition, we suggest measures to remove the biofilms from food processing surfaces.
Growth and survival of Staphylococcus aureus on beef jerky as a function of temperature
Authors: Kim Yeon Ho , Nam Gun Woo , Yoon Ki Sun 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe objective of this study was to investigate the effect of temperature on the growth and survival of Staphylococcus aureus and the possibility of enterotoxin A (SEA) production on beef jerky with a water activity (Aw) of 0.78. Beef jerky without seasoning was inoculated with S. aureus producing enterotoxin A at a concentration of approximately 3–4 log cfu/g and stored aerobically at a temperature range of 10°C to 35°C. A modified Gompertz and Weibull model was used to obtain growth and survival kinetics, respectively, and SEA was measured using a Ridascreen SET Total Kit. Growth and survival of S. aureus on beef jerky was observed at temperatures above 21°C and below 19°C, respectively. The maximum population density was observed, but no SEA production was observed above 25°C. Despite the low Aw of beef jerky, the growth of S. aureus was observed above 21°C, indicating that additional safeguards should be considered to reduce the risk of S. aureus in beef jerky in the retail market.Practical applications
Staphylococcus aureus can survive in beef jerky with low Aw of 0.78 and even grow at temperatures above 21°C, indicating that beef jerky with low Aw may present a public health risk. Thus, distribution temperature must be reevaluated for the safety of beef jerky in the retail market.
Fungal contamination of food commodities in Durban, South Africa
Authors: Olagunju Omotola , Mchunu Nokuthula , Venter Sonja , Guibert Benjamin , Durand Noel , Métayer Isabelle , Montet Didier , Ijabadeniyi Oluwatosin 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe study investigated the occurrence of natural fungal contaminants in food commodities consumed in Durban, South Africa. A total of 110 samples including Bambara groundnut, maize and maize‐derived products, rice, and spices were collected from open markets and retail stores and screened for fungal contaminants using conventional and molecular methods. A total of 179 isolates belonging to fungal genera including Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Fusarium were recovered. Aspergillus (52.5%) and Penicillium (31.8%) were the most prevalent genera, contaminating 85.5% and 51.8% of the total samples analyzed, respectively. Bambara groundnut (100%), spices (89.5%), rice (86.9%), and maize and maize‐derived products (71.9%) were contaminated by Aspergillus sp. Bambara groundnut (64.7%) and spices (44.7%) were contaminated by Aspergillus flavus. Penicillium citrinum was recovered from spices (71.1%), Bambara groundnut (61.7%), rice (34.8%), and maize and maize‐derived products (31.3%). Some of the isolated fungi are mycotoxin producers and their detection raise concerns on consumers' health.Practical applicationsFungal contamination of agricultural products poses a challenge to global food security. Mycotoxins, the toxigenic metabolites produced by some fungal species, are not completely destroyed by processing operations, and are carried over into processed food, through which they may cause harm to consumers. Routine tests on the mycological quality of consumer goods have therefore become pertinent.This study reports the isolation of live pathogenic fungi in commonly consumed food commodities, necessitating the need for regular routine checks to ensure the mycological safety of agricultural products offered for sale to consumers. As proliferation of these fungi is influenced by storage conditions, this study will also contribute to devising appropriate storage management techniques for these commodities.
Effect of surrounding vegetation on microbial survival or die‐off on watermelon surface in an agriculture setting
Authors: Chhetri Vijay Singh , Fontenot Kathryn , Strahan Ronald , Yemmireddy Veerachandra K. , Parraga Estrada Katheryn J. , Adhikari Achyut 
Published: July 2018

AbstractPreharvest contamination of produce with food borne pathogens has been a major food safety issue. In this study, we investigated the effect of surrounding vegetation on the survival of natural and inoculated generic Escherichia coli on watermelon rinds in an agricultural field setting. There was no significant difference (p > .05) on the populations of natural generic E. coli (1–1.46 log Most Probable Number (MPN)/sample) and coliforms (<3.99 log CFU/cm2) on watermelons harvested from low, medium, and high levels of vegetation. However, the survival rate of generic E. coli inoculated on watermelon rind discs was variable with the level of vegetation. A significant reduction in generic E. coli count was observed within 12 hr at all vegetation levels. After 108 hr, discs placed at low vegetation level had a highest die‐off reduction (3 log Colony Forming Units (CFU)/cm2) compared to medium and high vegetation levels.Practical applicationsTo ensure preharvest produce safety, the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) produce safety rule has suggested a time interval between last irrigation and harvest for potentially contaminating microorganisms to die‐off. However, a knowledge gap exists regarding the influence of surrounding vegetation on microbial die‐off rates on produce in the agricultural field. The findings of this study emphasize the importance of considering the surrounding vegetation while making decisions for developing preharvest risk management strategies based on microbial die‐off rate calculations.
Development of a lexicon for red sufu
Authors: He Wenmeng , Chen Yan Ping , Chung Hau Yin 
Published: July 2018

AbstractRed sufu is a subtype of fermented soybean curd products that is red in color. There is little information available regarding the sensory properties of red sufu products. Therefore, the objectives of this investigation were to develop and validate a lexicon for profiling sensory properties of red sufu products. In this study, 10 qualified panelists were selected to develop a list of descriptors using 8 randomly selected commercial red sufus available from local market. M% value and principal component analysis (PCA) were used to reduce the number of descriptors from the initial 117 terms to the final 15 descriptors. Furthermore, 12 red sufu samples were selected for validation of the red sufu lexicon. Both PCA and agglomerative hierarchical cluster analysis validated that the newly developed lexicon could discriminate among red sufu samples.Practical applicationsThe lexicon developed in this study for red sufus will be useful for researchers and manufacturers to identify and describe similarities and differences of different commercial red sufus to help in their red sufu product development. Furthermore, it can be used to correlate with the instrumental data to strengthen the flavor quality control in the red sufu products.