bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fractionation of Lignocellulosic Biomass over Core–Shell Ni@Al2O3 Catalysts with Formic Acid as a Cocatalyst and Hydrogen Source
Authors: Park Jaeyong , Riaz Asim , Verma Deepak , Lee Hyun Jeong , Woo Han Min , Kim Jaehoon 
Published: January 2019

AbstractHighly dispersed, core–shell Ni@Al2O3 on activated carbon (AC) catalysts were prepared to develop an effective, external‐hydrogen‐free fractionation process for various types of lignocellulosic biomass. In a mixture of formic acid, ethanol, and water at 190 °C, the conversion of oak wood produced 23.4 C% lignin‐derived phenolic monomers (LDPMs) and highly delignified pulp‐rich solid. At an early stage, formic acid acted as a cocatalyst to enhance the delignification by solvolysis, and at a later stage, it acted as a hydrogen source to stabilize the phenolic monomers by hydrodeoxygenation and hydrogenation. Based on the positive correlation between spillover hydrogen on the catalysts and LDPM yields, a new suite of catalyst design criteria was proposed to develop highly active, non‐noble‐metal based catalysts for realizing economically viable biorefineries. Enzymatic saccharification of the pulp‐rich solid indicated that the pulp‐rich solid is an excellent source of fermentable sugars.
Past tree influence and prescribed fire exert strong controls on reassembly of mountain grasslands after tree removal
Authors: Halpern Charles B. , Antos Joseph A. , Kothari Shan , Olson Annette M. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractWoody‐plant encroachment represents a global threat to grasslands. Although the causes and consequences of this regime shift have received substantial attention, the processes that constrain reassembly of the grassland state remain poorly understood. We experimentally tested two potentially important controls on reassembly, the past influence of trees and the effects of fire, in conifer‐invaded grasslands (mountain meadows) of western Oregon. Previously, we had reconstructed the history of tree invasion at fine spatial and temporal resolution. Using small subplots (10 × 10 m) nested within larger (1‐ha) experimental plots, we characterized the fine‐scale mosaic of encroachment states, ranging from remnant meadow openings (minimally altered by trees) to century‐old forests (lacking meadow species). Subsequently, we removed trees from six plots, of which three were broadcast burned and three remained unburned (except for localized burn piles). Within each plot, subplots were sampled before and periodically after tree removal to quantify the individual and interactive effects of past tree influence and fire on grassland community reassembly. Adjacent, uninvaded meadows served as reference sites. “Past tree influence” was defined as the multivariate (structural or compositional) distance of subplots to reference meadows prior to tree removal. “Reassembly” was defined as the distance, or change in distance, to reference meadows at final sampling. Consistent with theory, we observed greater reassembly of plant community structure than of composition, as loss of meadow specialists was offset by establishment of disturbance‐adapted meadow generalists of similar growth form. Nevertheless, eight years after tree removal, most subplots remained structurally and compositionally distinct from reference meadows. Furthermore, fire had both destabilizing and inhibitory effects: it reduced survival of meadow specialists across the range of encroachment states and, where past tree influence was greater, it stalled reassembly by promoting expansion of a highly competitive native meadow sedge. The slow pace of reassembly, despite abundant open space, suggests strong seed limitation: a condition exacerbated by burning. We present a novel test of the importance of past tree influence and fire for restoration of tree‐invaded grasslands, offering insights into how constraints on community reassembly vary along a continuum of tree‐altered states.
Body image concern and treatment outcomes in adolescents with anorexia nervosa
Authors: Calugi Simona , Dalle Grave Riccardo 
Published: January 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo ascertain the role of baseline measures of body‐image concern (BIC) in changes in body mass index (BMI) centile and psychopathological outcomes associated with intensive enhanced cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT‐E) in adolescents with anorexia nervosa (AN).MethodThe BMI centile of 62 adolescent patients with AN was recorded at four time‐points over 12 months, and Eating Disorder Examination interview (EDE) and Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) scores, were recorded at admission and discharge from CBT‐E. Changes in three BIC components, namely “Preoccupation with shape/weight”, “Fear of weight gain” and “Feeling fat”, were assessed at admission and discharge.ResultsCBT‐E was associated with a significant improvement in outcome variables and BIC components. Among completers, 96.4% reached an end‐of treatment BMI centile corresponding to a BMI ≥ 18.5 at 18 years, which fell slightly to 78.7% and 80.4% at 6‐ and 12‐month follow‐ups, respectively. Baseline “Preoccupation with shape/weight” and “Feeling fat” predicted improvement in BMI centile over time, and all three baseline BIC components independently predicted end‐of‐treatment EDE Eating Concern subscale score. Baseline “Feeling fat” also predicted end‐of‐treatment EDE Dietary Restraint subscale and BSI scores.DiscussionThese findings highlight the importance of assessing and addressing body image when managing adolescent patients with AN.
A test of the DSM‐5 severity specifier for bulimia nervosa in adolescents: Can we anticipate clinical treatment outcomes?
Authors: Gorrell Sasha , Hail Lisa , Kinasz Kathryn , Bruett Lindsey , Forsberg Sarah , Delucchi Kevin , Lock James , Le Grange Daniel 
Published: January 2019

AbstractObjectiveThis study tested clinical utility of the DSM‐5 severity specifier for bulimia nervosa (BN) in predicting treatment response among adolescents (N = 110) within a randomized clinical trial of two psychosocial treatments.MethodAnalyses grouped individuals meeting criteria for BN diagnosis by baseline severity, per DSM‐5. Associations among baseline severity classification and BN behavior (i.e., binge eating and compensatory behavior) and eating disorder examination (EDE) Global scores at end‐of‐treatment (EOT), 6‐ and 12‐month follow‐up were examined.ResultsAssociations between severity categories with BN symptoms were not significant at EOT, or follow‐up. Test for linear trend in BN behavior was significant at EOT, F = 5.23, p = 0.02, without demonstrating a linear pattern. Relation between severity categories with EDE Global scores was significant at 6‐month follow‐up, F = 3.76, p = 0.01. Tests for linear trend in EDE Global scores were significant at EOT, F = 5.40, p = 0.02, and at 6 months, F = 10.73, p = 0.002, with the expected linear pattern.DiscussionFindings suggest the DSM‐5 BN severity specifier holds questionable utility in anticipating outpatient treatment response in adolescents with BN. The specifier may have improved ability to predict attitudinal rather than behavioral treatment outcomes.
DNA barcoding of flowering plants in Sumatra, Indonesia
Authors: Amandita Fitri Y. , Rembold Katja , Vornam Barbara , Rahayu Sri , Siregar Iskandar Z. , Kreft Holger , Finkeldey Reiner 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThe rapid conversion of Southeast Asian lowland rainforests into monocultures calls for the development of rapid methods for species identification to support ecological research and sustainable land‐use management. Here, we investigated the utilization of DNA barcodes for identifying flowering plants from Sumatra, Indonesia. A total of 1,207 matK barcodes (441 species) and 2,376 rbcL barcodes (750 species) were successfully generated. The barcode effectiveness is assessed using four approaches: (a) comparison between morphological and molecular identification results, (b) best‐close match analysis with TaxonDNA, (c) barcoding gap analysis, and (d) formation of monophyletic groups. Results show that rbcL has a much higher level of sequence recoverability than matK (95% and 66%). The comparison between morphological and molecular identifications revealed that matK and rbcL worked best assigning a plant specimen to the genus level. Estimates of identification success using best‐close match analysis showed that >70% of the investigated species were correctly identified when using single barcode. The use of two‐loci barcodes was able to increase the identification success up to 80%. The barcoding gap analysis revealed that neither matK nor rbcL succeeded to create a clear gap between the intraspecific and interspecific divergences. However, these two barcodes were able to discriminate at least 70% of the species from each other. Fifteen genera and twenty‐one species were found to be nonmonophyletic with both markers. The two‐loci barcodes were sufficient to reconstruct evolutionary relationships among the plant taxa in the study area that are congruent with the broadly accepted APG III phylogeny.
Effects of photoperiod on life‐history and thermal stress resistance traits across populations of Drosophila subobscura
Authors: Moghadam Neda N. , Kurbalija Novicic Zorana , Pertoldi Cino , Kristensen Torsten N. , Bahrndorff Simon 
Published: January 2019

AbstractIntroductionOrganisms use environmental cues to match their phenotype with the future availability of resources and environmental conditions. Changes in the magnitude and frequency of environmental cues such as photoperiod and temperature along latitudes can be used by organisms to predict seasonal changes. While the role of temperature variation on the induction of plastic and seasonal responses is well established, the importance of photoperiod for predicting seasonal changes is less explored.Materials and methodsHere we studied changes in life‐history and thermal stress resistance traits in Drosophila subobscura in response to variation in photoperiod (6:18, 12:12 and 18:6 light:dark cycles) mimicking seasonal variations in day length. The populations of D. subobscura were collected from five locations along a latitudinal gradient (from North Africa and Europe). These populations were exposed to different photoperiods for two generations, whereafter egg‐to‐adult viability, productivity, dry body weight, thermal tolerance, and starvation resistance were assessed.ResultsWe found strong effects of photoperiod, origin of populations, and their interactions on life‐history and stress resistance traits. Thermal resistance varied between the populations and the effect of photoperiod depended on the trait and the method applied for the assessment of thermal resistance.PerspectivesOur results show a strong effect of the origin of population and photoperiod on a range of fitness‐related traits and provide evidence for local adaptation to environmental cues (photoperiod by population interaction). The findings emphasize an important and often neglected role of photoperiod in studies on thermal resistance and suggest that cues induced by photoperiod may provide some buffer enabling populations to cope with a more variable and unpredictable future climate.
Responses of two desert riparian species to fluctuating groundwater depths in hyperarid areas of Northwest China
Authors: Li Engui , Tong Yaqin , Huang Yongmei , Li Xiaoyan , Wang Pei , Chen Huiying , Yang Chongyao 
Published: January 2019

AbstractIn the hyperarid region of Northwest China, frequent variations in hydrological environments present challenges to the persistence of riparian plants. The main objective of this study was to determine whether two desert riparian species (Populus euphratica and Tamarix ramosissima) differed in their water uptake patterns and ecophysiological responses to fluctuating groundwater depths (GWDs). This study was conducted in typical desert riparian ecosystems in the downstream Heihe River basin, Northwestern China, where the GWD continuously increases during growing season. Stable oxygen composition (δ18O) in xylem water, soil water, and groundwater, as well as leaf water potential and gas exchange were monitored. Results showed that P. euphratica used a higher ratio of soil water, whereas T. ramosissima relied more on groundwater and deep soil water. As the GWD increased during the growing season, both species modified their water use patterns, but they did so differently, P. euphratica extracted an increasing proportion of deep soil water and groundwater, whereas T. ramosissima took an increasing ratio of groundwater at critical growth stages. P. euphratica exhibited decreases in its daily maximum photosynthetic rate (Amax) and stomatal conductance (gmax) as the GWD increased, whereas those of T. ramosissima changed little. In summary, both species shift to use greater ratio of more reliable water sources with the increasing GWD, but the switching of water sources could not sufficiently compensate for the impact of drought stress on gas exchange for P. euphratica.
Understanding anomalous mobility of proteins on SDS‐PAGE with special reference to the highly acidic extracellular domains of human E‐ and N‐cadherins
Authors: Tiwari Prince , Kaila Pallavi , Guptasarma Purnananda 
Published: January 2019

AbstractDuring SDS‐PAGE experiments, proteins generally display electrophoretic mobility in keeping with their molecular weights; however, some proteins display anomalies in mobility. Here, we focus attention on the anomalies displayed by the highly acidic ∼110 residues‐long, sequence‐homologous, structurally‐analogous, extracellular domains of human E‐ and N‐cadherin. We report that there is a strong correlation between the acidity of each domain and the degree of the anomaly that it displays. The anomaly is only seen if the ratio of the numbers of negatively‐charged and positively‐charged residues is equal to or greater than the value of 1.50. The degree of the anomaly rises in proportion with this NC:PC ratio. Greater‐than‐expected anomalies are observed for domains containing dense clusters of negatively charged residues. A simple explanation for these observations is that highly acidic domains electrostatically repel SDS. This results in insufficient SDS binding, insufficient electromotive incentive and (consequently) lowered electrophoretic mobility. This explanation is in consonance with the current view that initial stages of SDS‐protein engagement tend to be dominated by electrostatics. We discuss the current anomalies within the broader context of all conceivable explanations for such anomalies.
Electrophoresis of hydrophilic/hydrophobic rigid colloid with effects of relaxation and ion size
Authors: Kumar Binod , Gopmandal Partha P. , Sinha R. K. , Ohshima H. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThis article deals with a semi‐analytical study on the electrophoresis of charged spherical rigid colloid by considering the effects of relaxation and ion size. The particle surface is taken to be either hydrophilic or hydrophobic in nature. In order to consider the ion size effect we have invoked the Carnahan and Starling model (J. Chem. Phys. 1969, 51, 635‐636). The mathematical model is based on Stokes equation for fluid flow, modified Boltzmann equation for spatial distribution of ionic species and Poisson equation for electric potential. We adopt a linear perturbation technique under a weak electric field assumption. An iterative numerical technique in employed to solve the coupled set of perturbed equations. We have validated the numerically obtained electrophoretic mobility with the corresponding analytical solution derived under low potential limit. Going beyond the widely employed Debye‐Hückel linearization, we have presented the results for a wide range of surface charge density, electrolyte concentration, and slip length to Debye length ratio. We have also identified several interesting features including occurrence of local maxima and minima in the mobility for critical choice of pertinent parameters.
Comparison of the efficacy of gesture‐verbal treatment and doll therapy for managing neuropsychiatric symptoms in older patients with dementia
Authors: Balzotti Angela , Filograsso Marianna , Altamura Claudia , Fairfield Beth , Bellomo Antonello , Daddato Fabio , Vacca Rosa Anna , Altamura Mario 
Published: January 2019

BackgroundThe prevalence of neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) diminishes the quality of life and increases the care burden in patients with dementia. Despite the clinical importance of dementia‐associated NPS, no protocols for treating NPS are already well established. Attention has turned to the effectiveness of nonpharmacological treatments for NPS since their potential safe alternative to pharmacotherapy.ObjectiveThis study is aimed to compare the effects in older individuals with dementia living in a residential care, of two intervention programs, the gesture‐verbal treatment (GVT), a treatment implemented by us on a previous method for word retrieval in individuals with aphasia, and the better‐known doll therapy (DT). The GVT would act on both receptive and expressive language skills, the DT on attachment and emotional connections.MethodsWe evaluated NPS by the neuropsychiatric inventory in a total of 30 patients divided into 3 groups, the GVT, the DT, and control groups, using a pre‐post design. The treatment groups completed 12‐week nonpharmacological interventions in addition to standard rehabilitative therapies, while the control group participated only in standard rehabilitative therapies.ResultsThe DT group showed significant improvements in agitation, irritability, apathy, depression, and delusions relative to controls. The GVT group showed significant improvements in apathy and depression with respect to controls. The DT intervention ameliorated symptoms of agitation compared to the GVT intervention whereas the GVT intervention improved apathy compared to the DT intervention.ConclusionImproved understanding of the potential therapeutic benefits of different treatments for neuropsychiatric symptoms is crucial for establishing nonpharmacological interventions in dementia.
Randomized controlled single‐blinded clinical trial of functional voice outcome after vascular targeting KTP laser microsurgery of early laryngeal cancer
Authors: Strieth Sebastian , Ernst Benjamin P. , Both Ina , Hirth Daniel , Pfisterer Lara N. , Künzel Julian , Eder Katharina 
Published: January 2019

AbstractBackgroundLocal control rate (LCR) of early glottic cancer is high after radiation therapy or transoral laser microsurgery (TLM). The aim of this study was to investigate functional voice outcome after TLM using a microvessel‐ablative potassium‐titanyl‐phosphate (KTP) laser in comparison with a gold standard cutting CO2 laser.MethodsThe primary end point of this prospective, randomized, single‐blinded, clinical phase II study with control group was voice outcome during a follow‐up of 6 months assayed by Voice Handicap Index (VHI‐30)‐questionnaires in patients with unilateral high‐grade dysplasia, carcinoma in situ or early glottic cancer undergoing TLM‐KTP (n = 8) or TLM‐CO2 (n = 12). The secondary end point was LCR.ResultsStarting from the 9‐week‐follow‐up visit, TLM‐KTP yielded significantly reduced VHI scores compared to TLM‐CO2. No relapse occurred after TLM‐KTP in contrast to one recurrence after TLM‐CO2 within 6 months.ConclusionMulticenter phase II or III studies on voice outcome or local control rate after TLM‐KTP in early glottic cancer are warranted enrolling larger patient cohorts.
Correlation between plan quality improvements and reduced acute dysphagia and xerostomia in the definitive treatment of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Cui Taoran , Ward Matthew C. , Joshi Nikhil P. , Woody Neil M. , Murray Eric J. , Potter John , Dorfmeyer Andrew A. , Greskovich John F. , Koyfman Shlomo A. , Xia Ping 
Published: January 2019

AbstractBackgroundTo evaluate plan quality using volumetric‐modulated arc therapy (VMAT) and step‐and‐shoot intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (SS‐IMRT) techniques and for patients treated for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC).MethodsTreatment plans for patients treated definitively for stages I‐IVb, OPSCC between December 2009 and August 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Dosimetric endpoints of involved organs‐at‐risk (OARs) were retrieved from clinical plans. Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events scores of acute toxicities were compared.ResultsTwo‐hundred twenty‐two patients were identified with 134 and 88 receiving SS‐IMRT and VMAT with median follow‐up time of 23.0 and 7.9 months, respectively. The dosimetric endpoints of the OARs were significantly improved in VMAT cohort, which translated into significantly lower rates of grade 2 or higher acute dysphagia and xerostomia.ConclusionImprovements in stages I‐IVb, oropharyngeal cancer plan quality are associated with reduced grade ≥ 2 acute dysphagia and xerostomia.
Restoration of microRNA‐30b expression alleviates vascular calcification through the mTOR signaling pathway and autophagy
Authors: Xu Tian‐Hua , Qiu Xiao‐Bo , Sheng Zi‐Tong , Han Yi‐Ran , Wang Jian , Tian Bin‐Yao , Yao Li 
Published: January 2019

AbstractPathological calcification represents an event that consequently leads to a distinct elevation in the morbidity and mortality of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in addition to strengthening its correlation with hyperphosphatemia. Epigenomic regulation by specific microRNAs (miRNAs) is reported to be involved in ectopic calcification. However, the finer molecular mechanisms governing this event remain unclear. Hence, this study aimed to identify the potential miRNAs involved in vascular calcification (VC) development and progression. Initially, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), autophagy‐specific markers (LC3II/LC3I and Beclin1) and phenotype‐specific markers of osteoblasts (runt‐related transcription factor 2 and Msx2) were measured to evaluate autophagy and VC in β‐glycerophosphate‐induced vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) with either miR‐30b restoration or miR‐30b knockdown performed in vitro. The VC in vivo was represented by calcified nodule formation in the aorta of the rats undergoing 5/6 nephrectomy followed by a 1.2% phosphorus diet using Alizarin Red staining. SOX9 was verified as the target of miR‐30b according to luciferase activity determination. Restoration of miR‐30b was revealed to markedly diminish the expression of SOX9 while acting to inhibit activation of the mTOR signaling pathway. Knockdown of miR‐30b reduced MMP and autophagy, elevated VC, and suppressed the presence of rapamycin (an inhibitor of the mTOR signaling pathway). In addition, upregulated expression of miR‐30b attenuated VC in vivo. Taken together, the key findings of this study identified the inhibitory role of miR‐30b in VC, presenting an enhanced understanding of miRNA as a therapeutic target to curtail progressive VC in hyperphosphatemia of CKD.