bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Regional techno‐economic and life‐cycle analysis of the pyrolysis‐bioenergy‐biochar platform for carbon‐negative energy
Authors: Li Wenqin , Dumortier Jerome , Dokoohaki Hamze , Miguez Fernando E. , Brown Robert C. , Laird David , Wright Mark M. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThis study investigates the sensitivity of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and the minimum fuel selling price for a 2000 metric ton day−1 integrated pyrolysis‐bioenergy‐biochar platform with respect to the biorefinery location and biomass types. The regional techno‐economic and life‐cycle analysis is evaluated in three US counties using representative crops: rice in Glenn County (California), corn in Hamilton County (Iowa), and peanuts in Jackson County (Florida). We evaluate the biochar selling price considering crop yield increases of 0.6%, 2.9%, and 10% after biochar application over 20 years in Glenn County, Hamilton County, and Jackson County, respectively. The biochar prices are calculated under low and high commodity prices to determine upper and lower bounds. Jackson County has the most economically beneficial scenario with an average minimum fuel selling price (MFSP) of $1.55 gal−1 of biofuel produced whereas Hamilton County has the highest average MFSP of $3.82 gal−1. The life‐cycle analysis shows that woody biomass has a strong potential to produce carbon‐negative energy compared to grass and straw. Of the 304 cases scenarios considered for this platform, 64% could produce biofuel with negative GHG emissions, which would meet the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) target for cellulosic biofuels. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Establishing a Fed‐Batch Process for Protease Expression with Bacillus licheniformis in Polymer‐Based Controlled‐Release Microtiter Plates
Authors: Habicher Tobias , Rauls Edward K. A. , Egidi Franziska , Keil Timm , Klein Tobias , Daub Andreas , Büchs Jochen 
Published: August 2019

AbstractIntroducing fed‐batch mode in early stages of development projects is crucial for establishing comparable conditions to industrial fed‐batch fermentation processes. Therefore, cost efficient and easy to use small‐scale fed‐batch systems that can be integrated into existing laboratory equipment and workflows are required. Recently, a novel polymer‐based controlled‐release fed‐batch microtiter plate is described. In this work, the polymer‐based controlled‐release fed‐batch microtiter plate is used to investigate fed‐batch cultivations of a protease producing Bacillus licheniformis culture. Therefore, the oxygen transfer rate (OTR) is online‐monitored within each well of the polymer‐based controlled‐release fed‐batch microtiter plate using a µRAMOS device. Cultivations in five individual polymer‐based controlled‐release fed‐batch microtiter plates of two production lots show good reproducibility with a mean coefficient of variation of 9.2%. Decreasing initial biomass concentrations prolongs batch phase while simultaneously postponing the fed‐batch phase. The initial liquid filling volume affects the volumetric release rate, which is directly translated in different OTR levels of the fed‐batch phase. An increasing initial osmotic pressure within the mineral medium decreases both glucose release and protease yield. With the volumetric glucose release rate as scale‐up criterion, microtiter plate‐ and shake flask‐based fed‐batch cultivations are highly comparable. On basis of the small‐scale fed‐batch cultivations, a mechanistic model is established and validated. Model‐based simulations coincide well with the experimentally acquired data.
Estimating the optimal perioperative chemotherapy utilization rate for muscle‐invasive bladder cancer
Authors: Karim Safiya , Mackillop William J. , Brennan Kelly , Peng Yingwei , Siemens D. Robert , Krzyzanowska Monika K. , Booth Christopher M. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackgroundIdentifying optimal chemotherapy (CT) utilization rates can drive improvements in quality of care. We report a benchmarking approach to estimate the optimal rate of perioperative CT for muscle‐invasive bladder cancer (MIBC).MethodsThe Ontario Cancer Registry and linked treated records were used to identify neoadjuvant and adjuvant CT rates among patients with MIBC during 2004‐2013. Monte Carlo simulation was used to estimate the proportion of observed rate variation that could be due to chance alone. The criterion‐based benchmarking approach was used to explore whether social and health‐system factors were associated with CT rates. We also used the “pared‐mean” approach to identify a benchmark population of hospitals with the highest treatment rates. Hospital CT rates were adjusted for case mix and simulated using a multi‐level multivariable model and a parametric bootstrapping approach.ResultsThe study population included 2581 patients; perioperative CT was delivered to 31% (798/2581). Multivariate analysis showed that treatment was strongly associated with patient socioeconomic status and hospital teaching status. The benchmark rate was 36%. Unadjusted CT rates were significantly different across hospitals (range 0%‐52%, P < .001). The unadjusted benchmark perioperative CT rate was 45% (95% CI 40%‐50%); utilization rate in nonbenchmark hospitals was 28% (95% CI 26%‐30%). When using simulated CT rates adjusted for case mix, the benchmark CT rate was 41% (95% CI 35%‐47%) and the nonbenchmark hospital CT rate was 30% (95% CI 28%‐32%). The simulation analysis suggested that the observed component of variation (38%) was outside the 95% CI (22%‐28%) of what could be expected due to chance alone.ConclusionsThere is significant systematic variation in perioperative CT rates for MIBC across hospitals in routine practice. The benchmark perioperative CT rate for MIBC is 36%‐41%.
Subacute hemolytic anemia after transcatheter edge‐to‐edge mitral valve repair: A case report
Authors: Yokoyama Hiroaki , Mizuno Shingo , Saito Shigeru 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe MitraClip System is extensively used in high‐risk patients with symptomatic severe mitral regurgitation (MR). Some studies have identified complications associated with use of the MitraClip. We report the case of a 91‐year‐old woman with severe MR of a prolapsed posterior commissure. Two weeks after using the MitraClip, she developed hemolytic anemia. She was conservatively treated with blood transfusion and medical treatment; fortunately, her general condition did not deteriorate during the follow‐up period. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of hemolytic anemia after MitraClip implantation.
Rh Catalyzed Selective Hydrogenation of Nitroarenes under Mild Conditions: Understanding the Functional Groups Attached to the Nanoparticles
Authors: Tian Haimeng , Zhou Junjie , Li Yunong , Wang Yiming , Liu Lei , Ai Yongjian , Hu Ze‐Nan , Li Jifan , Guo Rongxiu , Liu Zhibo , Sun Hong‐bin , Liang Qionglin 
Published: August 2019

AbstractModifying the surface of metal catalyst is a crucial subject for improving the heterogeneous metal catalysts. It is still a great challenge to understand the structure‐activity relationship (SAR) between the surface supporting groups and the metal particles. Herein, Rh NPs supported on the magnetic silica sphere with various functional groups (−NH2, −SH, −SO3H, −N=CH2, −Cl, −NHCOCH3 and −NHCH2Ph) have been prepared for catalytic hydrogenation of nitroarenes under atmospheric pressure at room temperature. We discover that the chemical state of Rh NPs depends on the supporting groups significantly. The electron‐donating functionalities can effectively elevate the Rh0/Rh3+ ratio, which increase the catalytic performance both in conversion and selectivity. The amino group decorated catalyst has such a good selectivity that no dechlorination reaction is observable in the hydrogenation of 2‐chloro‐3‐nitropyridine. What's more, by introducing magnetic Fe3O4 nuclei and mesoporous silica encapsulating layer, the catalyst can be recovered conveniently by an external magnet, and can be reused 10 cycles without any loss of activity.
How do cardiologists select patients for dual antiplatelet therapy continuation beyond 1 year after a myocardial infarction? Insights from the EYESHOT Post‐MI Study
Authors: De Luca Leonardo , Colivicchi Furio , Meessen Jennifer , Uguccioni Massimo , Piscione Federico , Bernabò Paola , Lardieri Gerardina , Granatelli Antonino , Gabrielli Domenico , Gulizia Michele M. ,   on behalf of the EYESHOT Post‐MI Investigators
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackgroundCurrent guidelines suggest to consider dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) continuation for longer than 12 months in selected patients with myocardial infarction (MI).HypothesisWe sought to assess the criteria used by cardiologists in daily practice to select patients with a history of MI eligible for DAPT continuation beyond 1 year.MethodsWe analyzed data from the EYESHOT Post‐MI, a prospective, observational, nationwide study aimed to evaluate the management of patients presenting to cardiologists 1 to 3 years from the last MI event.ResultsOut of the 1633 post‐MI patients enrolled in the study between March and December 2017, 557 (34.1%) were on DAPT at the time of enrolment, and 450 (27.6%) were prescribed DAPT after cardiologist assessment. At multivariate analyses, a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with multiple stents and the presence of peripheral artery disease (PAD) resulted as independent predictors of DAPT continuation, while atrial fibrillation was the only independent predictor of DAPT interruption for patients both at the second and the third year from MI at enrolment and the time of discharge/end of the visit.ConclusionsRisk scores recommended by current guidelines for guiding decisions on DAPT duration are underused and misused in clinical practice. A PCI with multiple stents and a history of PAD resulted as the clinical variables more frequently associated with DAPT continuation beyond 1 year from the index MI.
Evaluating the “C” and “B” in brief cognitive behaviour therapy for distressing voices in routine clinical practice in an uncontrolled study
Authors: Paulik Georgie , Hayward Mark , Jones Anna‐Marie , Badcock Johanna C. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBrief and single‐symptom forms of cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) for distressing voices may increase access to evidence‐based psychological therapy and transcend diagnostic barriers. The current study evaluated the “C” and “B” in CBT for distressing voices in a transdiagnostic voices clinic. The B module (component of therapy) sought to enhance coping with voices, and the C module evaluated the accuracy of negative beliefs about the self and voices. The aims of the study were to investigate (a) whether modules B and/or C led to significant and clinically meaningful improvements on the primary outcome of voice‐related distress, and (b) if changes in beliefs about self and voices (proposed change mechanisms) underpinned changes in voice distress across module C. Each module consisted of four sessions, individually tailored yet manualized, and designed with ease of staff training and delivery in mind. Assessment measures were administered at baseline (T1), post‐module B (T2), and post‐module C (T3). The results (N = 62) showed statistically significant medium‐sized pre‐ and post‐effects for voice‐related distress from T1 to T2 and from T2 to T3, with large effects from T1 to T3. Just over half of the clients reported clinically meaningful improvements from T1 to T3. Neither beliefs about self nor voices were found to mediate improvements in voice distress during module C. The findings from this study suggest that both the B and C in CBT for voices can contribute to positive outcomes within routine clinical practice.
Diffusion Mapping of Eosinophil‐Activation State
Authors: Piasecka Justyna , Thornton Catherine A. , Rees Paul , Summers Huw D. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractEosinophils are granular leukocytes that play a role in mediating inflammatory responses linked to infection and allergic disease. Their activation during an immune response triggers spatial reorganization and eventual cargo release from intracellular granules. Understanding this process is important in diagnosing eosinophilic disorders and in assessing treatment efficacy; however, current protocols are limited to simply quantifying the number of eosinophils within a blood sample. Given that high optical absorption and scattering by the granular structure of these cells lead to marked image features, the physical changes that occur during activation should be trackable using image analysis. Here, we present a study in which imaging flow cytometry is used to quantify eosinophil activation state, based on the extraction of 85 distinct spatial features from dark‐field images formed by light scattered orthogonally to the illuminating beam. We apply diffusion mapping, a time inference method that orders cells on a trajectory based on similar image features. Analysis of exogenous cell activation using eotaxin and endogenous activation in donor samples with elevated eosinophil counts shows that cell position along the diffusion‐path line correlates with activation level (99% confidence level). Thus, the diffusion mapping provides an activation metric for each cell. Assessment of activated and control populations using both this spatial image‐based, activation score and the integrated side‐scatter intensity shows an improved Fisher discriminant ratio rd = 0.7 for the multivariate technique compared with an rd = 0.47 for the traditional whole‐cell scatter metric. © 2019 The Authors. Cytometry Part A published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Society for Advancement of Cytometry.
Artesunate suppresses inflammation and oxidative stress in a rat model of colorectal cancer
Authors: Kumar Vijay L. , Verma Sneh , Das Prasenjit 
Published: August 2019

AbstractAnti‐inflammatory drugs are well known to reduce the risk of colon cancer and prophylactic use of such agents is gaining acceptance as a cancer prevention therapy. As artesunate, an antimalarial drug, has been shown to exhibit chemopreventive properties, the present study was carried out to evaluate its inhibitory effect on oxidative stress and inflammation in a rat model of colon carcinogenesis. A chemical carcinogen, 1,2‐dimethylhydrazine was injected twice at an interval of 1 week to induce preneoplastic lesions in the colon and the parameters indicating oxidative stress and inflammation were evaluated after 8 weeks. Artesunate (50 and 150 mg/kg) and aspirin (60 mg/kg) were administered orally throughout the study. Analysis of colon tissue revealed that both the drugs preserved histoarchitecture, inhibited cellular influx, decreased the levels of oxidative stress and inflammatory markers, downregulated cyclooxygenase‐2, inducible nitric oxide synthase, nuclear factor κB, and interleukin 1β in comparison to the experimental control. Suppression of oxidative stress and pro‐inflammatory signaling by both the drugs were found to contribute to inhibition of colon carcinogenesis. The protection afforded by these drugs was found to be comparable. Our study shows that like aspirin, use of artesunate could also reduce the risk of colon cancer and it has a potential for further evaluation for the treatment purpose.
Synthesis, biological evaluation, and molecular modeling of nitrile‐containing compounds: Exploring multiple activities as anti‐Alzheimer agents
Authors: Silva Daniel , Mendes Eduarda , Summers Eleanor J. , Neca Ana , Jacinto Ana C. , Reis Telma , Agostinho Paula , Bolea Irene , Jimeno M. Luisa , Mateus M. Luisa , Oliveira‐Campos Ana M. F. , Unzeta Mercedes , Marco‐Contelles José , Majekova Magdalena , Ramsay Rona R. , Carreiras M. Carmo 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBased on the monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibition properties of aminoheterocycles with a carbonitrile group we have carried out a systematic exploration to discover new classes of carbonitriles endowed with dual MAO and AChE inhibitory activities, and Aβ anti‐aggregating properties. Eighty‐three nitrile‐containing compounds, 13 of which are new, were synthesized and evaluated. in vitro screening revealed that 31, a new compound, presented the best lead for trifunctional inhibition against MAO A (0.34 μM), MAO B (0.26 μM), and AChE (52 μM), while 32 exhibited a lead for selective MAO A (0.12 μM) inhibition coupled to AChE (48 μM) inhibition. Computational analysis revealed that the malononitrile group can find an advantageous position with the aromatic cleft and FAD of MAO A or MAO B. However, the total binding energy can be handicapped by an internal penalty caused by twisting of the ligand molecule and subsequent disruption of the conjugation (32 in MAO B compared to the conjugated 31). Conjugation is also important for AChE as well as the hydrophilic character of malononitrile that allows this group to be in close contact with the aqueous environment as seen for 83. Although the effect of 31 and 32 against Aβ1–42, was very weak, the effect of 63 and 65, and of the new compound 75, indicated that these compounds were able to disaggregate Aβ1–42 fibrils. The most effective was 63, a (phenylhydrazinylidene)propanedinitrile derivative that also inhibited MAO A (1.65 μM), making it a potential lead for Alzheimer's disease application.
Thermal sensitivity as a quality control attribute for biotherapeutics: The L‐asparaginase case
Authors: Yao Han , Wynendaele Evelien , De Spiegeleer Bart 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThermal sensitivity, as a practical measure of thermostability, is an interesting quality attribute that can be used in the quality control (QC) release of biopharmaceuticals. This article investigates circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy and nano‐differential scanning fluorimetry (nano‐DSF) to evaluate the thermal stability of E.coli L‐asparaginase (L‐ASNase) for QC purposes. In CD, molar ellipticity as a function of temperature (from 20 to 80°C) was measured at 222 nm. Different L‐ASNase samples dissolved in different diluents were investigated by determining the melting temperature (Tm) from the first derivative curve as well as the slope of the fitted sigmoidal function of the temperature gradient CD data. The obtained Tm values could be correlated with the L‐ASNase sample origin as well as with the pH of the diluent. The Tm values obtained from the CD data were moreover consistent with the Tm values determined by nano‐DSF, confirming their reliability. Next to the Tm value, also the slope of the fitted sigmoidal CD‐function was able to differentiate different L‐ASNase samples, including unstressed from stressed protein. By using both the Tm and the curve slope, the thermal stability of L‐ASNase was investigated, demonstrating and recommending the use of this heat‐stress characteristic as a QC quality attribute of proteins, which can be applied to detect substandard and falsified proteins.
Surface water storage characteristics of main herbaceous species in semiarid Loess Plateau of China
Authors: Xiong Peifeng , Chen Zhifei , Yang Quan , Zhou Junjie , Zhang He , Wang Zhi , Xu Bingcheng 
Published: August 2019

AbstractPlant surface water storage greatly affects rainfall interception in water‐limited environments. The storage characteristics of 55 common herbaceous species and their relationships with plant morphology, biomass‐related traits, and leaf wettability were examined using artificial wetting method in semiarid Loess Plateau. Results indicated that plant mass storage ranged from 0.12–1.26 g g−1, and Glycyrrhiza uralensis and Leymus secalinus had the highest and lowest values, respectively. Leaf storage ratio ranged from 40.2–93.2%, with the highest value in G. uralensis and the lowest in Chenopodium album. Fifty‐two species had higher storage capacities in leaves than that in stems. Gramineous and leguminous species had relatively lower mass storage and leaf storage ratio than compositae and rosaceae. Plant and leaf mass storage were negatively correlated with leaf adaxial/abaxial contact angles, and stem mass storage was negatively correlated with plant height. Storage capacities were closely related to morphological and biomass‐related traits, and leaf area was a better predictor of plant and leaf storage capacities, and stem fresh weight was a better predictor at the stem level. Path analysis revealed that leaf area and adaxial contact angle were two independent variables directly affecting plant and leaf storage capacities. Their ratio (i.e., wettability index) had higher correlations with storage capacities than other single trait and multiple regression models of these traits. Our results implied that high proportions of gramineous and leguminous species in grassland community would favour reducing interception loss, and wettability index can be an effective indicator for evaluating rainfall interception and vegetation hydrological benefits.
Trait probability density (TPD): measuring functional diversity across scales based on TPD with R
Authors: Carmona Carlos P. , de Bello Francesco , Mason Norman W. H. , Lepš Jan 
Published: August 2019

AbstractFunctional diversity (FD) has the potential to address many ecological questions, from impacts of global change on biodiversity to ecological restoration. There are several methods estimating the different components of FD. However, most of these methods can only be computed at limited spatial scales and cannot account for intraspecific trait variability (ITV), despite its significant contribution to FD. Trait probability density (TPD) functions (which explicitly account for ITV) reflect the probabilistic nature of niches. By doing so, the TPD approach reconciles existing methods for estimating FD within a unifying framework, allowing FD to be partitioned seamlessly across multiple scales (from individuals to species, and from local to global scales), and accounting for ITV. We present methods to estimate TPD functions at different spatial scales and probabilistic implementations of several FD concepts, including the primary components of FD (functional richness, evenness, and divergence), functional redundancy, functional rarity, and solutions to decompose beta FD into nested and unique components. The TPD framework has the potential to unify and expand analyses of functional ecology across scales, capturing the probabilistic and multidimensional nature of FD. The R package TPD (https://CRAN.R-project.org/package=TPD) will allow users to achieve more comparative results across regions and case studies.