bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CFD study on partial oxidation of methane in fixed‐bed reactor
Authors: Li Yonghui , Lu Chao , Cao Xingxing , Geng Zhongfeng , Zhang Minhua 
Published: September 2019

AbstractPartial oxidation of methane (POM) is a preferred method for synthesis gas, which usually occurs in fixed bed reactors. In this paper, the discrete element method (DEM) is used to reconstruct the structure of a reactor bed via simulating the process of filling the reactor with catalyst. The particle resolved CFD physical model with the detailed micro‐kinetcis of the POM reaction was established to study the interaction among reactant flow, heat and mass transfer, and reaction in the fixed bed. The gas composition and temperature distribution in the reactor were obtained based on the simulation results. The effects of the space velocity and the reaction temperature on the CH4 conversion, catalyst selectivity, and catalyst surface coke formation were analyzed. The simulation results show that the temperature hot spots of the catalyst in the bed occur at the inlet and the temperature increases further near the wall. With the increase in space velocity, the conversion rate of CH4 decreases gradually, and the selectivity does not change significantly. As the temperature increases, the conversion rate of CH4 gradually increases and the selectivity decreases. The risk of coke formation on the catalyst surface rises axially and the C species concentration is relatively higher near the outlet. Appropriately increasing the gas velocity and increasing the temperature helps to reduce the surface coke accumulation of the catalyst.
α‐Synuclein Spontaneously Adopts Stable and Reversible α‐Helical Structure in Water‐Less Environment
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Anasua , Mehra Surabhi , Kumar Raj , Maji Samir K. , Krishnamoorthy G. , Sharma Kamendra P. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractA highly stable, spontaneous, and reversible α‐helical‐structure formation in recombinant and chemically modified α‐synuclein protein is demonstrated for the first time in a water‐less (1.5 % w/w H2O) polymer surfactant environment. Using a combination of circular dichroism and ATR‐FTIR spectroscopy, we show that whilst native α‐synuclein in aqueous solution shows a predominant unordered conformation (≈64 %), mixing with polyethylene glycol based anionic polymer surfactant (PS) and removing water reveals a 25 % unordered, 25 % α‐helical, and 27 % β‐sheet structure. Interestingly, bioconjugation of native α‐synuclein with a diamine molecule, to increase the positive charge on the protein chain, and subsequent electrostatic coupling with the PS forms a conjugate with a retained unordered structure. Removal of water from this system provides a highly stable α‐helical (≈74 %) water‐less liquid system. Surprisingly, the α‐helical‐to‐unordered state transition is completely reversible and is achieved at ≈25–30 w/w% of water in the system. Moreover, the α‐helix shows an extraordinary temporal stability (>6 months) in a waterless environment.
CRISPR‐Cas9‐Guided Genome Engineering in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Kim Hyun‐Min , Colaiácovo Monica P. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThe CRISPR‐Cas (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats–CRISPR‐associated protein) system is being used successfully for efficient and targeted genome editing in various organisms, including the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Recent studies have developed a variety of CRISPR‐Cas9 approaches to enhance genome engineering via two major DNA double‐strand break repair pathways: nonhomologous end joining and homologous recombination. Here, we describe a protocol for Cas9‐mediated C. elegans genome editing together with single guide RNA (sgRNA) and repair template cloning (canonical marker‐free and cassette selection methods), as well as injection methods required for delivering Cas9, sgRNAs, and repair template DNA into the germline. © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.Basic Protocol 1: Guide RNA preparationAlternate Protocol 1: sgRNA cloning using fusion PCRBasic Protocol 2: Preparation of a repair template for homologous recombinationAlternate Protocol 2: Preparation of repair template donors for the cassette selection methodBasic Protocol 3: Injecting animalsBasic Protocol 4: Screening transgenic worms with marker‐free methodAlternate Protocol 3: Screening transgenic worms with cassette selection method
Prospective CYP2C19‐Guided Voriconazole Prophylaxis in Patients With Neutropenic Acute Myeloid Leukemia Reduces the Incidence of Subtherapeutic Antifungal Plasma Concentrations
Authors: Hicks J. Kevin , Quilitz Rod E. , Komrokji Rami S. , Kubal Timothy E. , Lancet Jeffrey E. , Pasikhova Yanina , Qin Dahui , So Wonhee , Caceres Gisela , Kelly Kerry , Salchert Yasmina S. , Shahbazian Kevin , Abbas‐Aghababazadeh Farnoosh , Fridley Brooke L. , Velez Ana P. , McLeod Howard L. , Greene John N. 
Published: September 2019

A risk mitigation strategy was implemented to determine if a higher prophylactic voriconazole dosage in patients with CYP2C19 rapid metabolizer neutropenic acute myeloid leukemia (AML) reduces the incidence of subtherapeutic trough concentrations. Patients with AML (n = 263) were preemptively genotyped for CYP2C19*2, *3, and *17 alleles as part of a single‐center prospective, interventional, quality improvement study. CYP2C19 rapid metabolizers (CYP2C19*1/*17) were recommended to receive interventional voriconazole 300 mg twice daily, ultrarapid metabolizers (CYP2C19*17/*17) were recommended to avoid voriconazole, and all others received the standard prophylactic dosage of 200 mg twice daily. In this real‐world setting, 202 patients (76.8%) were prescribed prophylactic voriconazole, and of these patients 176 (87.1%) received CYP2C19‐guided prophylactic dosing. Voriconazole trough concentrations were obtained for 41 of the 58 (70.7%) CYP2C19 rapid metabolizers prescribed prophylactic voriconazole. Interventional voriconazole resulted in higher plasma trough concentrations (median 2.7 μg/mL) compared with the standard prophylactic dosage (median 0.6 μg/mL; P = 0.001). Subtherapeutic concentrations were avoided in 83.8% of CYP2C19 rapid metabolizers receiving interventional dosage compared to 46.2% receiving standard dosage (P = 0.02). CYP2C19 genotyping to preemptively guide prophylactic voriconazole dosing is feasible and may be a potential strategy for reducing the risk of subtherapeutic trough concentrations that potentiate breakthrough fungal infections.
Influence of customized therapy for molar incisor hypomineralization on children's oral hygiene and quality of life
Authors: Fütterer Jana , Ebel Markus , Bekes Katrin , Klode Christian , Hirsch Christian 
Published: September 2019

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this clinical follow‐up study was to demonstrate the effects of different therapeutic strategies for hypomineralized teeth on patients' oral health. The treatment results were characterized by changes in the extent of hypersensitivity and plaque accumulation, as well as reductions in nutritional restrictions.Material and MethodsThe impacts of therapy, including the use of fluoride varnish, fissure sealants, fillings, and stainless steel crowns, were evaluated in 78 children (mean age 8.5 years). We followed recommendations according to the Molar Incisor Hypomineralisation Treatment Need Index for customized treatment. The Quigley Hein Index, the Schiff Cold Air Sensitivity Scale, Wong–Baker Faces Scale, and dietary‐limiting parameters were assessed before and after therapy for comparison.ResultsPlaque accumulation and hypersensitivity decreased after completion of therapy. The improvements were greater for individual teeth (Quigley Hein Index for teeth treated with stainless steel crowns from 4.19 to 2.54) than for those of the whole dentition (high‐severity category from 2.67 to 2.20). Problems with food intake were minimized via therapy, with the greatest influence observed for patients who were also in the high‐severity category.ConclusionsTherapy for affected teeth in children has positive effects on oral health and quality of life.
Human γδ T‐cell receptor repertoire is shaped by influenza viruses, age and tissue compartmentalisation
Authors: Sant Sneha , Jenkins Misty R , Dash Pradyot , Watson Katherine A , Wang Zhongfang , Pizzolla Angela , Koutsakos Marios , Nguyen Thi HO , Lappas Martha , Crowe Jane , Loudovaris Tom , Mannering Stuart I , Westall Glen P , Kotsimbos Tom C , Cheng Allen C , Wakim Linda , Doherty Peter C , Thomas Paul G , Loh Liyen , Kedzierska Katherine 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundAlthough γδ T cells comprise up to 10% of human peripheral blood T cells, questions remain regarding their role in disease states and T‐cell receptor (TCR) clonal expansions. We dissected anti‐viral functions of human γδ T cells towards influenza viruses and defined influenza‐reactive γδ TCRs in the context of γδ‐TCRs across the human lifespan.MethodsWe performed 51Cr‐killing assay and single‐cell time‐lapse live video microscopy to define mechanisms underlying γδ T‐cell‐mediated killing of influenza‐infected targets. We assessed cytotoxic profiles of γδ T cells in influenza‐infected patients and IFN‐γ production towards influenza‐infected lung epithelial cells. Using single‐cell RT‐PCR, we characterised paired TCRγδ clonotypes for influenza‐reactive γδ T cells in comparison with TCRs from healthy neonates, adults, elderly donors and tissues.ResultsWe provide the first visual evidence of γδ T‐cell‐mediated killing of influenza‐infected targets and show distinct features to those reported for CD8+ T cells. γδ T cells displayed poly‐cytotoxic profiles in influenza‐infected patients and produced IFN‐γ towards influenza‐infected cells. These IFN‐γ‐producing γδ T cells were skewed towards the γ9δ2 TCRs, particularly expressing the public GV9‐TCRγ, capable of pairing with numerous TCR‐δ chains, suggesting their significant role in γδ T‐cell immunity. Neonatal γδ T cells displayed extensive non‐overlapping TCRγδ repertoires, while adults had enriched γ9δ2‐pairings with diverse CDR3γδ regions. Conversely, the elderly showed distinct γδ‐pairings characterised by large clonal expansions, a profile also prominent in adult tissues.ConclusionHuman TCRγδ repertoire is shaped by age, tissue compartmentalisation and the individual's history of infection, suggesting that these somewhat enigmatic γδ T cells indeed respond to antigen challenge.
Forest recovery following extreme drought in California,USA: natural patterns and effects of pre‐drought management
Authors: Young Derek J. N. , Meyer Marc , Estes Becky , Gross Shana , Wuenschel Amarina , Restaino Christina , Safford Hugh D. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractRising temperatures and more frequent and severe droughts are driving increases in tree mortality in forests around the globe. However, in many cases, the likely trajectories of forest recovery following drought‐related mortality are poorly understood. In many fire‐suppressed western U.S. forests, management is applied to reverse densification and restore natural forest structure and species composition, but it is unclear how such management affects post‐mortality recovery. We addressed these uncertainties by examining forest stands that experienced mortality during the severe drought of 2012–2016 in California,USA. We surveyed post‐drought vegetation along a gradient of overstory mortality severity in paired treated (mechanically thinned or prescribed‐burned) and untreated areas in the Sierra Nevada. Treatment substantially reduced tree density, particularly in smaller tree size classes, and these effects persisted through severe drought‐related overstory mortality. However, even in treated areas with severe mortality (>67% basal area mortality), the combined density of residual (surviving) trees (mean 44 trees/ha) and saplings (mean 189 saplings/ha) frequently (86% of plots) fell within or exceeded the natural range of variation (NRV) of tree density, suggesting little need for reforestation intervention to increase density. Residual tree densities in untreated high‐mortality plots were significantly higher (mean 192 trees/ha and 506 saplings/ha), and 96% of these plots met or exceeded theNRV. Treatment disproportionately removed shade‐tolerant conifer species, while mortality in the drought event was concentrated in pines (Pinus ponderosaandP. lambertiana); as a consequence, the residual trees, saplings, and seedlings in treated areas, particularly those that had experienced moderate or high drought‐related mortality, were more heavily dominated by broadleaf (“hardwood”) trees (particularlyQuercus kelloggiiandQ. chrysolepis). In contrast, residual trees and regeneration in untreated stands were heavily dominated by shade‐tolerant conifer species (Abies concolorandCalocedrus decurrens), suggesting a need for future treatment. Because increased dominance of hardwoods brings benefits for plant and animal diversity and stand resilience, the ecological advantages of mechanical thinning and prescribed fire treatments may, depending on the management perspective, extend even to stands that ultimately experience high drought‐related mortality following treatment.
Operation of a transformerless three‐phase PV inverter using multiple bidirectional choppers
Authors: Yamada Ryo , Hagiwara Makoto 
Published: September 2019

AbstractA 50‐kW class three‐phase photovoltaic (PV) inverter typically applies a transformerless circuit configuration due to its high efficiency and small volume/size. On the other hand, the conventional PV inverter may suffer from the deterioration of solar panels due to a dc leakage current flowing through the stray capacitance of the solar panels. To solve this problem, this paper presents a transformerless three‐phase PV inverter consisting of multiple bidirectional choppers, which prevents the dc leakage current by maintaining a negative PV array voltage with respect to the ground potential to a dc voltage that is zero or higher. In addition, the size/volume of an ac filter can be reduced by applying the so‐called phase‐shifted PWM to the inverter. In this paper, the operating principles and control method of the inverter are discussed and the validity of the control method is verified by performing computer simulation using the “PSCAD/EMTDC” software package and conducting experiments using a 150‐V downscaled model.
Impact of Low Frequency Narrow Pulse Current on the Degradation of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells
Authors: Zhou Y. F. , Huang L. J. , Sun X. X. , Shao F. X. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractMulti‐phase DC/DC converter is widely used in fuel cell vehicles to adjust the voltage. Single phase mode of converter is adopted to increase efficiency when current ripple meets requirement. Therefore, it is necessary to commutate between different phases at low frequency, due to the temperature rising of each phase‐leg. However, narrow pulse current occurs during the phase commutation. Pulse current can cause variations in water and gas content inside the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC), which is the driving force for degradation. To analyze the effect of low frequency narrow pulse current on fuel cell, an isothermal 1D‐PEM fuel cell model is presented to characterize the transient changes of these parameters: gas stoichiometry, relative humidity, water content and pressure difference. After comparing the influence on fuel cell of four types of pulse current, the results reveal that the 4 ms narrow pulse current cannot affect fuel cell lifetime, since no gas shortage occurred, the change of relative humidity and membrane water content are less than 1‰ and the pressure difference varies within specified range. Besides, the membrane lifetime reduces to 4,166 h as the width of narrow pulse current increased from 4 ms to 0.8 s.
Predictive abilities of speculators in energy markets
Authors: Merkoulova Yulia 
Published: September 2019

AbstractUsing nonparametric methodology, I find that speculators are successful in taking profitable positions in energy futures markets, although the magnitude of this effect is lower than that found previously for agricultural markets. A plausible explanation for this difference is that price forecasting is more difficult for energy commodities. Moreover, I find that the energy speculators’ returns are due to the existence of the risk premiums rather than to speculators’ forecasting abilities. Futures risk premium is highly time‐variant; notably, energy investors’ profits have been very limited in the GFC and post‐GFC period, which coincided with the financialization of commodity markets.
Cryptic recurrent ACIN1‐NUTM1 fusions in non‐KMT2A‐rearranged infant acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Pincez Thomas , Landry Josette‐Renée , Roussy Mathieu , Jouan Loubna , Bilodeau Mélanie , Laramée Louise , Couture Françoise , Sinnett Daniel , Gendron Patrick , Hébert Josée , Oligny Luc , Rouette Alexandre , Tran Thai H. , Wilhelm Brian T. , Bittencourt Henrique , Cellot Sonia 
Published: September 2019

AbstractInfant acute lymphoblastic leukemias (ALL) are rare hematological malignancies occurring in children younger than 1 year of age, most frequently associated with KMT2A rearrangements (KMT2A‐r). The smaller subset without KMT2A‐r, which represents 20% of infant ALL cases, is poorly characterized. Here we report two cases of chemotherapy‐sensitive non‐KMT2A‐r infant ALL. Transcriptome analyses revealed identical ACIN1‐NUTM1 gene fusions in both cases, derived from cryptic chromosomal rearrangements undetected by standard cytogenetic approaches. Two isoforms of the gene fusion, joining exons 3 or 4 of ACIN1 to exon 3 of NUTM1, were identified. Both fusion transcripts contained the functional DNA‐binding SAP (SAF‐A/B, Acinus, and PIAS) domain of ACIN1 and most of NUTM1. The detection of the ACIN1‐NUTM1 fusion by RT‐PCR allowed the molecular monitoring of minimal residual disease in a clinical setting. Based on publicly available genomic datasets and literature review, we predict that NUTM1 gene fusions are recurrent events in infant ALL. As such, we propose two clinically relevant assays to screen for NUTM1 rearrangements in bone marrow cells, independent of the fusion partner: NUMT1 immunohistochemistry and NUTM1 RNA expression. In sum, our study identifies ACIN1‐NUTM1 as a recurrent and possibly cryptic fusion in non‐KMT2A‐r infant ALL, provides clinical tools to screen for NUTM1‐rearranged leukemia and contributes to the refinement of this new subgroup.
NG2 glia are required for maintaining microglia homeostatic state
Authors: Liu Yingjun , Aguzzi Adriano 
Published: September 2019

AbstractMicroglia play vital roles in the health and diseases of the central nervous system. Loss of microglia homeostatic state is a key feature of brain aging and neurodegeneration. However, the mechanisms underlying the maintenance of distinct microglia cellular states are largely unclear. Here, we show that NG2 glia, also known as oligodendrocyte precursor cells, are essential for maintaining the homeostatic microglia state. We developed a highly efficient and selective NG2 glia depletion method using small‐molecule inhibitors of platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF) signaling in cultured brain slices. We found that loss of NG2 glia abolished the homeostatic microglia signature without affecting the disease‐associated microglia profiles. Similar findings were also observed in vivo by genetically depleting NG2 glia or conditionally inhibiting NG2 glia PDGF signaling in the adult mouse brain. These data suggest that NG2 glia exert a crucial influence onto microglia cellular states that are relevant to brain aging and neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, our results provide a powerful, convenient, and selective tool for the investigation of NG2 glia function.
Event‐based deep drainage and percolation dynamics in Vertosols and Chromosols
Authors: Arnold Sven , Bulovic Nevenka , McIntyre Neil , Finch Warren K. , Larsen Joshua R. , Reading Lucy P. , Baumgartl Thomas 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThe quantification of percolation processes and deep drainage rates in cracking clays is challenging due to the existence of multiple flow pathways, including desiccation crack networks, and the effect of variability in antecedent soil moisture and rain event properties. While most previous research on this topic focuses on long‐term average rates, this study focusses on inter‐event dynamics. The study uses data from soil moisture sensors distributed vertically down 4 m profiles of Vertosol and Chromosol soils across 13 sites over an area of approximately 20 km2. The objectives were to estimate the temporal and spatial variability of deep drainage rates and to investigate the effect of antecedent soil moisture conditions and rain event properties on deep drainage rates and percolation dynamics. 35 deep drainage events over a 40‐month period contributed 78 % of the total deep drainage of 254 mm at 4 m depth. Average deep drainage estimates were about 15 % (ranging from 0 – 80 % between sites) of total rainfall and irrigation in the Vertosol and 8% (0 – 24 %) in the Chromosol. The event water travel times at 4 m depth were 0.25 – 38 hr and 14 – 39 hr in the Vertosol and Chromosol respectively. The event deep drainage rates averaged across sites were associated with event rainfall volumes (linear regression R2 = 0.40), with the effect of antecedent conditions evident only when looking at inter‐site differences. The percolation response time was strongly associated with higher rainfall intensities (R2 = 0.33) with no evidence from the linear regression of an antecedent moisture effect.
Fabrication of amine‐decorated nonspherical microparticles with calcium peroxide cargo for controlled release of oxygen
Authors: Khorshidi Sajedeh , Karkhaneh Akbar , Bonakdar Shahin 
Published: September 2019

AbstractOxygen is an important signaling molecule which affects many behaviors of bone progenitor cells. Oxygen releasing biomaterials depend on their material and design are able to provide and modulate the desired oxygen for cells. To date, many oxygen releasing vehicles have been developed by incorporating microsized calcium peroxide (CPO) into polymeric matrixes. However, an oxygen releasing system based on nano CPO is still lacking. Not only can nanosized CPO provide more controllable oxygen release, but also can be loaded in vehicles of different shapes and sizes. Current research was conducted to take the advantages of nanomaterials as oxygen releasing components. To this end, CPO nanoparticles were synthesized using a hydrolysis–precipitation procedure and then loaded into the poly (lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA) matrix via an electrospray process. The surface of PLGA/CaO2 particles was decorated with amine functionalities to render them more bioactive through a controlled aminolysis reaction. The studies on PLGA/CaO2 microparticles revealed that biconcave disk‐like morphology with a mean diameter of 5.3 μm was formed. The particles persistently provide oxygen content of 35–67.5 mmHg up to 14 days which lies within the acceptable range for bone tissue engineering applications. PLGA/CaO2 microparticles induced 208 and 76% increase in number of viable mesenchymal cells on 6th and 14th days of cell seeding comparing PLGA counterparts. Furthermore, the expression of two bone biomarkers, that is, alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin, at protein level as well as the extent of calcium deposition was increased in the presence of PLGA/CaO2 microparticles compared to PLGA ones.