bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Production of value-added chemicals from esterification of waste glycerol over MCM-41 supported catalysts
Authors: Kaya Ekinci Emine , Oktar Nuray 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
A series of active and selective MCM-41 supported catalysts have been successfully prepared and used for bioderived glycerol esterification with acetic acid to produce fuel additives. In the synthesis of MCM-41, an acidic hydrothermal synthesis route was used, and silicotungstic acid (STA) and zirconia (ZrO2) were added to the catalyst structure by wet impregnation. X-ray diffraction, nitrogen adsorption-desorption methods, scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectroscopy, and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry analysis were used for characterizations of the catalysts. Diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy analyses of pyridine-adsorbed catalysts owns Lewis and Brønsted acidity hosting in one, which promotes the esterification reaction of glycerol into glycerol esters with high selectivity. Esterification of glycerol reactions were performed at temperature intervals of 105°C–200°C, with an amount of catalyst equal to 0.5 g, and glycerol/acetic acid molar ratio of 1:6 in a stirred autoclave reactor operated batchwise. STA and ZrO2-impregnated MCM-41 catalysts showed better performance with a complete glycerol conversion and high selectivity to triacetin.
Green cyclic acetals production by glycerol etherification reaction with benzaldehyde using cationic acidic resin
Authors: Yamamoto Kariyn , Kiyan Arina Miki , Bagio Jackeline Camargo , Rossi Kayque Araújo Borges , Delabio Berezuk Francielle , Berezuk Márcio Eduardo 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
In this paper, we investigated the effect of temperature, glycerol etherification concentration with benzaldehyde, organic solvent and catalyst reuse effects using a cationic acidic resin as catalyst for production of green cyclic acetals of high commercial value. The best reaction conditions show a conversion above 93% of glycerol and yield to cyclic acetals above 61%. The highest selectivity elements observed were 2-phenyl-1,3-dioxan-5-ol, in cis and trans isomer forms reaching 80%. The temperature had a positive effect increasing on glycerol conversion, though it also favored the formation of undesired compounds. A high concentration of benzaldehyde reactant kept the selectivity values constant but increased glycerol conversion resulting in higher yields, mainly when organic solvents were used. Reuse of the catalyst resulted in a slight decrease in yield values, which demonstrated stability and durability of the catalyst used.
Designing an olive tree pruning biorefinery for the production of bioethanol, xylitol and antioxidants: a techno-economic assessment
Authors: Susmozas Ana , Moreno Antonio D. , Romero-García Juan M. , Manzanares Paloma , Ballesteros Mercedes 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
Olive tree crops, extensively cultivated in Southern European countries, yield large amounts of olive tree pruning (OTP) biomass. This could be used within the framework of a bio-based economy that maximizes the utilization of biomass resources in a sustainable way. In the present work, the techno-economic feasibility of an OTP-based integrated biorefinery is evaluated by the process simulation software Aspen Plus, while the process is aimed at the production of ethanol, xylitol, antioxidants and electricity. Overall, the proposed plant could perform economically, and it is self-sufficient from an energy resource point of view. The plant as designed yields around 109 l of ethanol, 27 kg of xylitol and 43 kg of antioxidants per ton of OTP biomass, with an estimated production cost of 0.24 € l−1, 1.48 € kg−1 and 5.12 € kg−1, respectively. In a 10-year period, the economic profitability of the biorefinery plant is within a positive investment balance, with a net present value (NPV) of 32.1 M€ and a payback period of 5–6 years. These figures point out the opportunities for placing in the market several OTP-based products. Based on these data, the construction of small-scale OTP-based lignocellulosic biorefineries seems to be a realistic scenario.
Mechanical, thermo-mechanical and water uptake performance of wood flour filled polyurethane elastomer eco-composites: influence of surface treatment of wood flour
Authors: Kılınç Kerim , Kanbur Yasin , Tayfun Ümit 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
Alkaline and silane treatments were applied to wood flour (WF) to enrich its adhesion to bio-based thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) matrix. TPU/WF eco-composites were prepared at a constant ratio of 30% by the melt blending process. The mechanical, thermo-mechanical, melt-flow, water uptake and morphological properties of the materials were investigated. Silane-treated WF filled composite exhibited better mechanical performance with respect to untreated WF due to enhancement of adhesion between WF and TPU matrix after surface treatments. This sample also gave the lowest water absorption value among composites. The results confirmed that silane treatment of WF led to significant improvement on the mechanical and physical properties of TPU-based composites in addition to an improved water resistance for outdoor applications.
Hypothyroidism and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease – a chance association?
Authors: Lugari Simonetta , Mantovani Alessandro , Nascimbeni Fabio , Lonardo Amedeo 
Published: October 2018

Abstract

Background
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) defines the clinical-pathological spectrum of hepatic lipotoxicity, which may progress to hepatic fibrosis and its complications. Thyroid hormone is a master regulator of cell metabolism and body fat distribution. Whether hypothyroidism is associated or not with an increased risk of developing NAFLD and its fibrotic progression is both clinically and physiopathologically relevant. Indeed, answering this research question would carry major pathogenic and therapeutic implications.

Method
PubMed database was searched using relevant key-words such as hypothyroidism; NAFLD; nonalcoholic steatohepatitis; cirrhosis; hepatocellular carcinoma; epidemiology; pathogenesis; natural history. The epidemiological studies and the meta-analyses published so far were identified as well as those studies addressing the physiopathology underlying this association.

Results
Many observational studies have investigated the association between either subclinical or overt hypothyroidism and NAFLD. Data are conflicting: some original and meta-analytical studies demonstrated that hypothyroidism, (mainly subclinical hypothyroidism), was common, occurring in approximately 25% of individuals with imaging-defined or biopsy-proven NAFLD; other studies, however, failed to identify a significant association between hypothyroidism and NAFLD. Moreover, such an association is biologically plausible based on the specific physiopathological impact of thyroid hormone and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) on metabolism of hepatocytes and accumulation and distribution of body fat.

Conclusions
The findings from the present review support a significant association between primary hypothyroidism and risk of development and progression of NAFLD. However, further studies evaluating the relative importance of subclinical versus overt hypothyroidism as well as addressing the mechanisms underlying the association of hypothyroidism with NAFLD are eagerly awaited.
Exercise training increases cardiac, hepatic and circulating levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and irisin in young and aged rats
Authors: Belviranlı Muaz , Okudan Nilsel 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe objective of study was to examine the impacts of exercise training on cardiac, hepatic and plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and irisin levels in young and aged rats.Materials and methodsFour-month-old (young) and 20-month-old (aged) female rats performed exercise training consisting of voluntary wheel running for 12 weeks. BDNF and irisin levels were analyzed in the heart, liver and plasma samples by using commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits.ResultsCardiac, hepatic and plasma BDNF levels were lower in the aged sedentary rats, than in the young exercised and aged exercised rats (p < 0.05). Heart, liver and plasma irisin concentrations were lower in the aged sedentary group than in the young sedentary, young exercised and aged exercised groups (p < 0.05) and regular exercise increased irisin levels in all the analyzed tissues when compared to the sedentary counterparts (p < 0.05).ConclusionsThe current results show that regular exercise improves aging-induced decrease in the cardiac, hepatic and plasma BNDF and irisin levels.
Characterization of PdCP1, a serine carboxypeptidase from Pseudogymnoascus destructans, the causal agent of White-nose Syndrome
Authors: Beekman Chapman , Jiang Zhenze , Suzuki Brian M. , Palmer Jonathan M. , Lindner Daniel L. , O’Donoghue Anthony J. , Knudsen Giselle M. , Bennett Richard J. 
Published: October 2018

Abstract

Pseudogymnoascus destructans is a pathogenic fungus responsible for White-nose Syndrome (WNS), a disease afflicting multiple species of North American bats. Pseudogymnoascus destructans infects susceptible bats during hibernation, invading dermal tissue and causing extensive tissue damage. In contrast, other Pseudogymnoascus species are non-pathogenic and cross-species comparisons may therefore reveal factors that contribute to virulence. In this study, we compared the secretome of P. destructans with that from several closely related Pseudogymnoascus species. A diverse set of hydrolytic enzymes were identified, including a putative serine peptidase, PdCP1, that was unique to the P. destructans secretome. A recombinant form of PdCP1 was purified and substrate preference determined using a multiplexed-substrate profiling method based on enzymatic degradation of a synthetic peptide library and analysis by mass spectrometry. Most peptide substrates were sequentially truncated from the carboxyl-terminus revealing that this enzyme is a bona fide carboxypeptidase. Peptides with arginine located close to the carboxyl-terminus were rapidly cleaved, and a fluorescent substrate containing arginine was therefore used to characterize PdCP1 activity and to screen a selection of peptidase inhibitors. Antipain and leupeptin were found to be the most potent inhibitors of PdCP1 activity.
Structural and mechanistic aspects of S-S bonds in the thioredoxin-like family of proteins
Authors: Sousa Sérgio F. , Neves Rui P.P. , Waheed Sodiq O. , Fernandes Pedro A. , Ramos Maria João 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
Disulfide bonds play a critical role in a variety of structural and mechanistic processes associated with proteins inside the cells and in the extracellular environment. The thioredoxin family of proteins like thioredoxin (Trx), glutaredoxin (Grx) and protein disulfide isomerase, are involved in the formation, transfer or isomerization of disulfide bonds through a characteristic thiol-disulfide exchange reaction. Here, we review the structural and mechanistic determinants behind the thiol-disulfide exchange reactions for the different enzyme types within this family, rationalizing the known experimental data in light of the results from computational studies. The analysis sheds new atomic-level insight into the structural and mechanistic variations that characterize the different enzymes in the family, helping to explain the associated functional diversity. Furthermore, we review here a pattern of stabilization/destabilization of the conserved active-site cysteine residues presented beforehand, which is fully consistent with the observed roles played by the thioredoxin family of enzymes.
Neptuno en América
Authors: Leinen Frank 
Published: October 2018

Resumen
Con motivo de la llegada del nuevo virrey Tomás Antonio de la Cerda a la Ciudad de México en 1680, Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz recibió el encargo de concebir el programa iconográfico para un arco triunfal que sería dedicado al nuevo soberano. Su Neptuno alegórico se adapta al paradigma colonial, reconociendo la cultura del viejo mundo como cultura dominante. Sin embargo, mediante su adaptación transcultural e individualizada de la mitología griega, el texto barroco hace patente que la poetisa quiere probar por lo menos la igualdad de la cultura novohispánica con respecto a la de la metrópolis española.
‘Espejos’ distorsionados – usurpación de poder y subversión literaria en Tirant lo Blanc
Authors: Béreiziat-Lang Stephanie 
Published: October 2018

Resumen
En Tirant lo Blanc de Joanot Martorell, el caballero aspira al dominio sobre el Imperio de Oriente y con ello sobre el propio discurso caballeresco. Mediante un juego de disimulos y desvíos ópticos, la figura del héroe sin embargo se oscurece. Este artículo analiza cómo a través del discurso especular de una conquista amorosa aparentemente cómica el texto camufla el legado ideológico de la conquista musulmana. Al mismo tiempo, la vacuidad del héroe constituido por los meros reflejos turbios de sus ‘dobles’ revela la propia caballería como un simulacro discursivo potencialmente usurpador.Este artículo ha sido realizado en el marco de la unidad de investigación (SFB) 933, ‘Material Text Cultures’, de la universidad de Heidelberg.
El matrimonio “al estilo” de la nación hebrea de Pisa
Authors: Rodríguez-Toro José-Javier 
Published: October 2018

Resumen
Este estudio presenta cuatro documentos inéditos procedentes del primer mamotreto de atti civili conservado en el Archivo Histórico de la Comunidad Hebrea de Pisa (Italia). Los textos, fechados en 1689 y 1690, reflejan meridianamente bien la multiplicidad de actos rituales que componen el matrimonio entre judíos sefardíes (el contrato de apalabramiento, el intercambio de anillos, el contrato matrimonial), así como la cara económica que las uniones nupciales conllevaban: la dote que aportaba la familia de la novia y el acrecentamiento que añadía el novio.
Tobacco use: the main predictor of illicit substances use among young adolescents in Sousse, Tunisia
Authors: Zammit Nawel , Maatoug Jihen , Ghammam Rim , Bhiri Sana , Ghannem Hassen 
Published: October 2018

Abstract

Introduction
Early adolescence is a critical period usually associated with experimentation with illicit substances. In Tunisia few studies explored these risk behaviors among young adolescents.

Aims
To evaluate the prevalence and the predictors of the use of illicit substances among the young adolescents of Sousse.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted in the region of Sousse, Tunisia during the 2013/2014 school year among 4272 schoolchildren in 16 public middle schools. Data about psychosocial characteristics and risk behaviors among the schoolchildren, their parents, their siblings and their friends were collected anonymously using a self-administrated questionnaire.

Results
Females represented 50.5% of participants. The mean age of schoolchildren was 13.3 (±1.2) years. Lifetime illicit substances use prevalence was 2.9% [confidence interval (CI) 95%: (2.4%–3.4%)] and lifetime use of tobacco prevalence was 12.9% [CI 95%: (11.9%–13.9%)]. The age of tobacco onset was significantly younger to the age of experimentation with illicit substances. Insomnia, sadness and illicit substances use among peers were associated with illicit substances use among participants. While the most influential risk factor on illicit substances use was current cigarette smoking with an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 7.2 [CI 95%: (4.5–11.2)].

Conclusion
A national substances use prevention program should be implemented in the schools of Tunisia with an emphasis on tobacco use prevention.
Feasibility and acceptability of the Bod Pod procedure and changes in body composition from admission to discharge in adolescents hospitalized with eating disorders
Authors: Williams Kelsey B. , Hastings Elisabeth S. , Moore Carolyn E. , Wiemann Constance M. 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
The feasibility and acceptability of using the Bod Pod procedure to measure changes in body composition in 30 adolescent females admitted to an inpatient eating disorder unit was evaluated using written surveys, Bod Pod measurements obtained at admission and discharge, and medical records review. Participants rated the Bod Pod test as acceptable (100%; 30/30), comfortable (93%, 28/30), and they were willing to repeat the procedure (97%, 29/30). Ten participants did not complete the final Bod Pod: eight were discharged before a second measure could be obtained, one refused the test, and one left against medical advice. Three participants had undetectable readings at admission. Paired t-tests (n = 17) revealed a significant (p < 0.001) mean increase in fat mass (3.7 ± 2 kg), body fat percentage (6.6 ± 3.8%), and lean mass (1.4 ± 1.2 kg) from admission to discharge. The Bod Pod is a feasible and acceptable procedure to measure changes in body composition in adolescent females hospitalized with an eating disorder.
Risk behaviors in adolescence – a study in a Portuguese health unit
Authors: Medeiros Inês , Faria Catarina , Carvalho Fábia , Bravo Eloína 
Published: October 2018

Abstract

Introduction
Adolescence is a time of social and self-affirmation, search of autonomy and pleasure. An early sexual debut and substance use are still public health problems.

Objectives
To assess the prevalence of illicit drug use and sexual behavior of adolescents, ages 15– 17, followed in a Portuguese Family Health Unit.

Material and methods
This was a cross sectional descriptive study of a random convenience sample. Data were obtained from an anonymous and confidential questionnaire, given to patients at adolescent consultation, between the months of May and July 2016. Statistical significance p < 0.05.

Results
This study involved a sample of 134 adolescents, 54.5% girls. It was revealed that 73.1% of adolescents have tried alcohol, from which 18.7% experienced intoxication at least once. Regarding tobacco, 35.1% have tried it, 23.4% are regular users. Regarding cannabinoids, 7.5% of adolescents stated to have tried them once, or to consume them regularly. Adolescents start to experiment with tobacco earlier than with alcohol (9 years old vs. 11 years old), with a mean age of 15 years old. Regarding sexual behavior, 23.8% are sexually active, from which 9.4% do not use any form of contraception. Smoking behavior was a predictor of the consumption of illicit drugs, and it was found a significantly statistic association between sexual activity and substance use, p = 0.04.

Discussion
By descending order, the alcohol, tobacco and illicit drugs consumption are still worrisome and can affect the life of adolescents. Primarily health care and pediatric consultation should provide strategies for prevention and promotion of a healthy lifestyle for adolescents.
Electrosorption of Methylene Blue from Aqueous Solution on Graphene-Titanium Electrode: Adsorption Kinetics Studies
Authors: Wu Dan , Zhao Yaxiu , Liu Qiang , Chang Chein-Chi , Hou Wei 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
A graphene film deposited on titanium substrate was successfully prepared by a facile solution evaporation method, as electrode exhibiting superior electrosorption property toward methylene blue (MB) from aqueous solution. The fabricated graphene film on titanium substrate was characterized in detail by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and FTIR techniques. As electrode (GTE) for electrosorption of MB, some experimental parameters, such as applied potential, concentration of electrolyte, solution initial pH and temperature, were systematically investigated and discussed. The experimental results demonstrated that the maximum adsorption capacity using GTE can reach 86.06 mg· g−1 under the optimized conditions of −600 mV of applied potential, pH of 7.5, 293 K and 0.01 mg· L−1 Na2SO4 solution, which is 1.40 times of that obtained under open circuit condition in 10 mg· L−1 MB solution. The adsorption isotherm of MB on GTE was analyzed with Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm equations, Pseudo-first-order model, pseudo-second-order model, and intra-particle diffusion model were applied to depict the adsorption kinetics process. The electrosorption of MB preferably fitted Langmuir isotherm, indicating a single-layer adsorption of MB molecules on graphene film followed pseudo-second-order model. Moreover the electrosorption of MB on GTE was found to be spontaneous and endothermic process. This work would be helpful to design and fabricate high performance carbon-based electrodes for high efficiency electrosorption treatment of dye wastewaters.
Comparison of Germination-Parboiling, Freeze-Thaw Cycle and High Pressure Processing on Phytochemical Content and Antioxidant Activity in Brown Rice Evaluated after Cooking and In-Vitro Digestion
Authors: Yu Yong , Du Yang , Ramaswamy Hosahalli S. , Wang Hao , Jiang Xiuping , Zhu Songming 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
Three treatments, namely germination-parboiling (PG), freeze-thaw cycle (FTC) and high pressure processing (HPP) were compared for phytochemical content and antioxidant activity of brown rice (BR). These were determined in raw (uncooked), cooked, and in-vitro digested BR and compared with those from untreated BR and white rice (WR). PG showed the highest retention of phytochemicals after cooking (87–100%) while it dropped to 59–72% with FTC and 64–76% with HPP. After in-vitro digestion, the highest amount of phenolics was found in PG-24 h and flavonoids in FTC for two cycles. The antioxidant activity, as determined by oxygen radical absorbance capacity and ABTS methods, showed the highest value to be associated with in-vitro digested sample of PG-24 h, and lowest in WR. The results of this study show that these three treatments could improve or retain the phenolic content and antioxidant activity in cooked BR after in-vitro digestion.
Stability Analysis of Multi-point Boundary Value Problem for Sequential Fractional Differential Equations with Non-instantaneous Impulses
Authors: Zada Akbar , Ali Sartaj 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
This paper deals with a new class of non-linear impulsive sequential fractional differential equations with multi-point boundary conditions using Caputo fractional derivative, where impulses are non instantaneous. We develop some sufficient conditions for existence, uniqueness and different types of Ulam stability, namely Hyers–Ulam stability, generalized Hyers–Ulam stability, Hyers–Ulam–Rassias stability and generalized Hyers–Ulam–Rassias stability for the given problem. The required conditions are obtained using fixed point approach. The validity of our main results is shown with the aid of few examples.
A Charismatic Learning: Open and Affirming Ministry in a Methodist Congregation
Authors: Stephens Darryl W. 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
“Open and affirming” connotes ministry that is fully inclusive of LGBTQIA+ persons. As a participant-observer, the author employed narrative theory to learn how members of a congregation recently committed to this ministry understood their faith in relation to the queer experiences of their sisters and brothers in Christ. This article offers a descriptive and interpretative account of their theological understanding of open and affirming ministry. Prior commitments—trust, respect for differences of opinion, and ongoing theological learning—created openness to the surprising work of the Holy Spirit. This research identifies radically inclusive love as a charism enabling this congregation to overcome not only LGBTQIA+ exclusion but also to address many other human-created barriers to loving God and neighbor.