bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of ginseng supplementation on selected markers of inflammation: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Mohammadi Hamed , Hadi Amir , Kord‐Varkaneh Hamed , Arab Arman , Afshari Masood , Ferguson Aaron J.R. , Ghaedi Ehsan 
Published: June 2019

The present meta‐analysis was performed to evaluate the efficacy of ginseng administration on serum level of inflammatory biomarkers. We performed a systematic search of all available randomized controlled trials (RCTs) conducted up to June 2018 in the following electronic databases: PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, and Google Scholar. RCTs that investigated the effect ginseng supplementation on high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP), tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) were included for final analysis. A total of seven RCTs were included in the meta‐analysis. Results indicated significant reduction in IL‐6 (mean difference [MD]: −0.265 pg/ml, 95% CI [−0.396, −0.135], p < .001) and TNF‐α (MD: −2.471 pg/ml, 95% CI [−2.904, −2.039], p < .001) and no significant change in hs‐CRP (MD: −0.125 mg/L, 95% CI [−0.597, 0.347], p = .604). Although there was publication bias across studies, trim and fill analysis showed that results from unpublished studies could not change the results for CRP. However, removing one study in sensitivity analysis did reveal a significant reduction in CRP. We conclude that ginseng supplementation significantly lowered IL‐6 and TNF‐α but did not significantly lower CRP. However, these findings were not robust, because they showed sensitivity for CRP and IL‐6, and future long‐term well‐designed dose‐escalating trials are required.
L1 adaptive output‐feedback descriptor for multivariable nonlinear systems with measurement noises
Authors: Ma Tong , Cao Chengyu 
Published: June 2019

SummaryIn this paper, an L1 adaptive output‐feedback descriptor is designed for multivariable nonlinear systems with measurement noises. If the system is detectable, noises are bounded, and some rank conditions are satisfied, an L1 adaptive output‐feedback descriptor is constructed to asymptotically estimate states, nonlinear uncertainties, and measurement noises at the same time deliver a good tracking performance. The original system is augmented with all the system states and measurement noises; two design parameters provide additional degrees of freedom. The freedom of selecting these parameters allows us to choose the derivative gain to reduce the noise amplification and the proportional gain to ensure the stability of the estimated error dynamics. An adaptive law will update the adaptive parameters that represent the uncertainty estimates such that the estimation error between the predicted state and the real state is driven to zero at every integration time step. Of course, neglection of the unknowns for solving the error dynamic equations will introduce an estimation error in the adaptive parameters. The magnitude of this error can be lessened by choosing a proper sampling time. The two design parameters and adaptive law guarantee the performance bounds for the estimation errors, both states and control signals. A control law is designed to compensate the nonlinear uncertainties and deliver a good tracking performance with guaranteed robustness. Numerical examples are given to illustrate the design procedures, and the simulation results demonstrate the availability and feasibility of the developed framework.
Chemo‐Enzymatic Dynamic Kinetic Resolution of Symmetric and Non‐Symmetric α‐Hydroxy Ketones for Industrial Application
Authors: Petrenz‐Beck Annika , Kühn Jasmin , Zuhse Ralf , Ansorge‐Schumacher Marion B. 
Published: June 2019

Abstractα‐Hydroxy ketones are important intermediates in various drugs and fine chemicals. Stereoselective synthesis of both symmetric and asymmetric compounds is demonstrated involving benzoin, 2–2’‐furoin, phenylacetyl carbinol (PAC) and 2‐hydroxy‐1‐phenylpropan‐1‐one (HPP) as representatives. Dynamic kinetic resolution of the racemic preparations was achieved in one‐pot combining transesterification catalyzed by immobilized lipases from Pseudomonas stutzeri and Pseudozyma antarctica, respectively, and racemization mediated by the heterogeneous chemo‐catalyst Zr‐TUD‐1 in water‐free organic solvent. (S)‐benzoin, (S)‐2,2’‐furoin, (S)‐PAC and (R)‐HPP were obtained with both high efficiency and high enantiomeric excess. Within 90 minutes, 2,45 g (S)‐PAC butyrate (ee 88%) yielded from a 130 mL batch reaction demonstrating both technical feasibility and relevance for application.
Cascade Reaction of Diethyl‐(2‐Phenylacetyl) Phosphonate with Benzylidene‐Malononitrile: Access to Functionalized and Fully Substituted 4H‐Pyrans Containing Phosphonate Motif
Authors: Xie Ya‐Sa , Ma Cong‐Cong , Wei Qiang‐Qiang , Wang Yan‐Bo , Zhu Jun‐Yan , Fu Ji‐Ya , Yuan Jin‐Fang 
Published: June 2019

AbstractAn efficient DBU‐catalyzed Michael‐Pinner‐isomerization cascade reaction of diethyl‐(2‐phenylacetyl) phosphonate with 2‐benzylidenemalononitrile was developed, and a series of structurally diverse 2‐amino‐3‐cyano‐4H‐pyrans containing phosphonate functional groups were firstly obtained in up to 98% yields. Moreover, a gram‐scale experiment was conducted to demonstrate the synthetic value of this protocol. Also, one‐pot three‐component cascade reactions of diethyl‐(2‐phenylacetyl) phosphonates, malononitrile and benzaldehydes were achieved.
Hierarchical Nanoporous Carbon Templated and Catalyzed by the Bicontinuous Nanoporous Copper for High Performance Electrochemical Capacitors
Authors: Li Xuequan , Xing Yufeng , Xu Yingdong , Deng Qibo , Zhang Kai , Shao Li‐Hua 
Published: June 2019

AbstractTo enhance the performance of electrochemical capacitor, the nanostructured carbon materials with large surface area, appropriate pore distributions, suitable electronic conductivity and perfect chemical stability are pursued. Herein, the highly graphitized hierarchical porous carbon with well‐defined porosity are fabricated. For the first time, the novel bicontinuous nanoporous copper is used as both the template and the catalyst to synthesize the porous carbon materials. The as‐prepared porous carbon demonstrates a high specific surface area of 1826 m2 g−1 benefitting from the bicontinuous nanoporous copper template and KOH activation. By electrochemical test, the nanoporous carbon material displays a specific capacitance of 210 F g−1 at a current density of 0.2 A g−1 within 6 M KOH aqueous solution. The material demonstrates excellent cycling stability with a 95.4% capacity retention for 10 000 cycles with a current density of 1 A g−1. The present work provides a facile approach for fabrication of carbon‐based electrode materials for electrochemical capacitors.
In Situ Fabrication of Branched TiO2/C Nanofibers as Binder‐Free and Free‐Standing Anodes for High‐Performance Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Wang Ling , Yang Guorui , Wang Jianan , Wang Silan , Wang Caiyun , Peng Shengjie , Yan Wei , Ramakrishna Seeram 
Published: June 2019

AbstractHerein, 1D free‐standing and binder‐free hierarchically branched TiO2/C nanofibers (denoted as BT/C NFs) based on an in situ fabrication method as an anode for sodium‐ion batteries are reported. The in situ fabrication endows this material with large surface area and strong structural stability, providing this material with abundant active sites and smooth channels for fast ion transportation. As a result, BT/C NFs with the character of free‐standing membranes are directly used as binder‐free anode for sodium‐ion batteries, delivering a capacity of 284 mA h g−1 at a current density of 200 mA g−1 after 1000 cycles. Even at a high current density of 2000 mA g−1, the reversible capacity can still achieve as high as 204 mA h g−1. By means of kinetic analysis, it is demonstrated that the remarkable surface pseudocapacitive behavior is also a major factor to achieve excellent performance. The rationally designed structure coupled with the inherent pseudocapacitive behavior gives this material potential for sodium‐ion batteries.
A Multiwell Microfluidic Device for Analyzing and Screening Nonhormonal Contraceptive Agents
Authors: Li Hui , Garner Tyler , Diaz Francisco , Wong Pak Kin 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBirth control and family planning play pivotal roles in the economic growth and reduction of maternal, infant, and child mortality. Current contraceptives, such as hormonal agents and intrauterine devices, target only a small subset of reproductive processes and can have serious side effects on the health of women. To develop novel contraceptive agents, a scalable microfluidic device is established for analyzing and screening the effects of potential contraceptive agents on the maturation of the cumulus–oocyte complex. The microfluidic device performs on‐chip incubation for studying oocyte maturation and cumulus expansion and isolates the microwells by oil–water interfaces to avoid crosstalk between the wells. A filter membrane is incorporated in the device to simplify incubation, medium exchange, washing, and fluorescence staining of oocytes. Cumulus expansion can be monitored directly in the device and oocyte maturation can be examined after enzymatic removal of cumulus cells and on‐chip fluorescence staining. The performance of the device is evaluated by studying the influence of three drugs known to block oocyte maturation and/or cumulus expansion.
Shaking table test and numerical analysis of an asymmetrical twin‐tower super high‐rise building connected with long‐span steel truss
Authors: Guo Wei , Zhai Zhipeng , Wang Hanfeng , Liu Qiongxiang , Xu Kai , Yu Zhiwu 
Published: June 2019

SummaryThe asymmetrical high‐rise building investigated in this paper is composed of a 299.1‐m‐high tower and a 235.2‐m‐high tower, which are diagonally and rigidly connected by two steel truss systems with the maximum span of 65.43 m. Given the great structural irregularities and complexities, the structural seismic performance is necessary to be investigated. A shaking table test of a 1/45 scaled model is conducted in this study, by which the structural damage pattern and dynamic responses are analyzed. The results show that the connecting trusses and rigid connection joints behave well during strong seismic excitations. The damages concentrate on the connecting floors, and the whole structural damage is slight. Most of the lateral resistance components remain elastic. The structure presents high seismic resistance against strong ground motions. Subsequently, a three‐dimensional finite element model of prototype structure is established and validated by the experimental results. The analyses indicate that performance of the connecting trusses is capable of coordinating translational and torsional deformation of the two towers and making them resist lateral seismic force together even subjected to maximum considered earthquakes. And this performance is still reliable although the high torsional modes are triggered.
Typification of the Himalayan endemic conifer Abies spectabilis (Pinaceae) revisited
Authors: Khuraijam Jibankumar Singh , Mazumdar Jaideep , Wiersema John H. 
Published: June 2019

Status of original material of Abies spectabilis (Pinaceae) is re‐evaluated. The previous attempted lectotypification was found to be contradictory and ineffective, and a new lectotype for A. spectabilis is designated.
Rainfall trends in the African Sahel: Characteristics, processes, and causes
Authors: Biasutti Michela 
Published: June 2019

AbstractSahel rainfall is dynamically linked to the global Hadley cell and to the regional monsoon circulation. It is therefore susceptible to forcings from remote oceans and regional land alike. Warming of the oceans enhances the stability of the tropical atmosphere and weakens deep ascent in the Hadley circulation. Warming of the Sahara and of the nearby oceans changes the structure and position of the regional shallow circulation and allows more of the intense convective systems that determine seasonal rain accumulation. These processes can explain the observed interannual to multidecadal variability. Sea surface temperature anomalies were the dominant forcing of the drought of the 1970s and 1980s. In most recent decades, seasonal rainfall amounts have partially recovered, but rainy season characteristics have changed: rainfall is more intense and intermittent and wetting is concentrated in the late rainy season and away from the west coast. Similar subseasonal and subregional differences in rainfall trends characterize the simulated response to increased greenhouse gases, suggesting an anthropogenic influence. While uncertainty in future projections remains, confidence in them is encouraged by the recognition that seasonal mean rainfall depends on large‐scale drivers of atmospheric circulations that are well resolved by current climate models. Nevertheless, observational and modeling efforts are needed to provide more refined projections of rainfall changes, expanding beyond total accumulation to metrics of intraseasonal characteristics and risk of extreme events, and coordination between climate scientists and stakeholders is needed to generate relevant information that is useful even under deep uncertainty.This article is categorized under:
Paleoclimates and Current Trends > Modern Climate Change
Improved production of clavulanic acid by reverse engineering and overexpression of the regulatory genes in an industrial Streptomyces clavuligerus strain
Authors: Cho Hang Soo , Jo Jin Chul , Shin Chang-Hun , Lee Namil , Choi Joon-Sun , Cho Byung-Kwan , Roe Jung-Hye , Kim Chan-Wha , Kwon Ho Jeong , Yoon Yeo Joon 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Genomic analysis of the clavulanic acid (CA)-high-producing Streptomyces clavuligerus strains, OL13 and OR, developed through random mutagenesis revealed a frameshift mutation in the cas1 gene-encoding clavaminate synthase 1. Overexpression of the intact cas1 in S. clavuligerus OR enhanced the CA titer by approximately 25%, producing ~ 4.95 g/L of CA, over the OR strain in the flask culture. Moreover, overexpression of the pathway-specific positive regulatory genes, ccaR and claR, in the OR strain improved CA yield by approximately 43% (~ 5.66 g/L) in the flask. However, co-expression of the intact cas1 with ccaR-claR did not further improve CA production. In the 7 L fermenter culture, maximum CA production by the OR strain expressing the wild-type cas1 and ccaR-claR reached approximately 5.52 g/L and 6.01 g/L, respectively, demonstrating that reverse engineering or simple rational metabolic engineering is an efficient method for further improvement of industrial strains.
In vitro investigation of chemical properties and biocompatibility of neurovascular braided implants
Authors: Cattaneo Giorgio , Bräuner Chris , Siekmeyer Gerd , Ding Andreas , Bauer Sabina , Wohlschlögel Markus , Lang Lisa , Hierlemann Teresa , Akimov Maria , Schlensak Christian , Schüßler Andreas , Wendel Hans-Peter , Krajewski Stefanie 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBraiding of Nitinol micro wires is an established technology for the manufacturing of fine-meshed neurovascular implants for tortuous vessel geometries. Electropolishing of wires before the braiding process has the potential to improve the in vitro behaviour in terms of thrombogenicity and endothelial cell proliferation. In this study, we present the first in vitro investigation of braided electropolished/blue oxide Nitinol samples in a blood flow loop, showing a significantly lower activation of the coagulation pathway (represented by the TAT III marker) and a tendency towards reduced platelet adhesion. Furthermore, we applied the same surface treatment on flat disks and measured protein adhesion as well as endothelial cell proliferation. We compared our results to non-electropolished samples with a native oxide surface. While platelet deposition was reduced on electropolished/blue oxide surface, a significant increase of endothelial cell seeding was observed. Investigation of inflammatory marker expression in endothelial cells provided divergent results depending on the marker tested, demanding closer investigation. Surface analysis using Auger electron spectroscopy revealed a thin layer mainly consisting of titanium oxynitride or titanium oxide + titanium nitride as a potential cause of the improved biological performance. Translated to the clinical field of intracranial aneurysm treatment, the improved biocompatibility has the potential to increase both safety (low thrombogenicity) and effectiveness (aneurysm neck reconstruction).
Uniaxial compressive strength of geopolymer cement for oil well cement
Authors: Suppiah Raja Rajeswary , Rahman Siti Humairah A. , Shafiq Nasir , Irawan Sonny 
Published: June 2019

AbstractEnsuring oil-well-integrity is one of the challenging tasks when cementing is designed. It has been well established that cement tends to degrade when exposed to a corrosive environment and at elevated temperatures. This paper presents the results of the uniaxial compressive strength of the qualified mixes of geopolymer cement containing fly ash as the precursor. Geopolymer cement samples were cured in the potable water heated at 60 °C and 90 °C for 24 h before testing for uniaxial compressive strength. Uniaxial confined compressive strength test was performed for samples cured at a 60 °C, and results of the samples bearing density of 13, 15, and 17 ppg were obtained as 4.12, 9.21 and 17.68 kPa, respectively. For 90 °C, the compressive strengths were 4.43, 15.34 and 78.14 kPa, respectively, for the samples bearing the same density. Samples cured at 90 °C showed the higher value of UCS as compared to the samples cured at 60 °C, and it was because heat is required to stimulate the polymeric reaction.
Prediction of swelling characteristics of compacted GMZ bentonite in salt solution incorporating ion-exchange reactions
Authors: Xiang Guosheng , Xu Yongfu , Yu Feng , Fang Yuan , Wang Yi 
Published: June 2019

AbstractSalt solutions have complex effects on the swelling characteristics of compacted bentonite; these effects are caused by the inhibitory action of salinity and the ion-exchange reaction between the solution and bentonite. In order to characterize the swelling properties of compacted bentonite in a salt solution, swelling deformation tests were carried out for Gao-Miao-Zi (GMZ) bentonite specimens in NaCl and CaCl2 solutions. Swelling characteristics decreased with increasing salt concentration. Swelling strains in NaCl solution were larger than those in CaCl2 solution, even though the ionic concentration of 1.0 mol/L (M) NaCl solution is larger than that of 0.5 M CaCl2. According to the exchangeable cations tests, cation exchange was different for specimens immersed in different salt solutions. The swelling fractal model was used to predict the swelling strains of compacted bentonite in a concentrated salt solution. In this model, the effective stress incorporating osmotic suction was applied to take the effect of salinity into consideration, and the swelling coefficient, K, was employed to describe the swelling properties affected by the variation in exchangeable cations. In the model, fractal dimension was measured by nitrogen adsorption, and the salt solution had little effect on fractal dimension. K was estimated by the diffuse double layer (DDL) model for osmotic swelling in distilled water. Comparison of fractal model estimations with experimental data demonstrated that the new model performed well in predicting swelling characteristics affected by a salt solution.
Neuroimaging correlates with neuropathologic schemes in neurodegenerative disease
Authors: Lowe Val J. , Lundt Emily S. , Albertson Sabrina M. , Przybelski Scott A. , Senjem Matthew L. , Parisi Joseph E. , Kantarci Kejal , Boeve Bradley , Jones David T. , Knopman David , Jack Clifford R. , Dickson Dennis W. , Petersen Ronald C. , Murray Melissa E. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractIntroductionNeuroimaging biomarkers are important for early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, and comparing multimodality neuroimaging to autopsy data is essential.MethodsWe compared the pathologic findings from a prospective autopsy cohort (n = 100) to Pittsburgh compound B PET (PiB‐PET), 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose PET (FDG‐PET), and MRI. Correlations between neuroimaging biomarkers and neuropathologic schemes were assessed.ResultsPiB‐PET showed strong correlations with Thal amyloid phase and Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease score and categorized 44% of Thal phase 1 participants as positive. FDG‐PET and MRI correlated modestly with Braak tangle stage in Alzheimer's type pathology. A subset of participants with “none” or “sparse” neuritic plaque scores had elevated PiB‐PET signal due to diffuse amyloid plaque. Participants with findings characterized as “suspected non‐Alzheimer's pathophysiology” represented 15% of the group.DiscussionPiB‐PET is associated with Alzheimer's disease, neuritic plaques, and diffuse plaques. FDG‐PET and MRI have modest correlation with neuropathologic schemes. Participants with findings characterized as suspected non‐Alzheimer's pathophysiology most commonly had primary age‐related tauopathy.
Incidence and characteristics of uncommon dementia subtypes: Results from 10 years of clinical surveillance by the Registry of Dementia of Girona
Authors: Calvó‐Perxas Laia , Belchí Olga , Turon‐Estrada Antoni , Van Eendenburg Cecile , Linares Marta , Viñas Marta , Manzano Anna , Turró‐Garriga Oriol , Vilalta‐Franch Joan , Garre‐Olmo Josep ,   Registry of Dementia of Girona Study Group (ReDeGi Study Group
Published: June 2019

AbstractIntroductionAge‐ and sex‐stratified incidence rates of uncommon dementia subtypes are imprecise and scarce.MethodsWe used data from 7357 newly diagnosed individuals aged between 30.6 and 101.0 years from the Registry of Dementia of Girona during 2007‐2016 to determine the incidence rates of uncommon dementia subtypes stratified by sex and age groups and to describe their clinical characteristics.ResultsUncommon dementia subtypes were classified according to their etiology. The incidence rate of uncommon dementia subtypes was 27.8 cases per 100,000 person‐years for those aged 30 years and older, 3.7 cases per 100,000 person‐years for people aged less than 65 years, and 110.9 per 100,000 person‐years for those aged 65 years and older. Age, sex, dementia severity, and medical comorbidities were different depending on the dementia subtype.DiscussionThere are differences in the incidence rates and the demographic and clinical characteristics among uncommon dementia subtypes for age and sex groups.
“If I knew what I was doing on Twitter then I would use it more”: Twitter experiences and networks of people with traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Authors: Brunner Melissa , Palmer Stuart , Togher Leanne , Dann Stephen , Hemsley Bronwyn 
Published: June 2019

AbstractAim:of this study was to examine the Twitter experiences and networks of six adults with cognitive-communication disability after a traumatic brain injury (TBI).Method:Using mixed methods, the study integrated: (a) quantitative analysis of Twitter networks using computational and manual coding of tweets; and (b) narrative analysis of in-depth interviews.Results:Diverse experiences were evident, with two experienced and four novice users of the platform. However, all reported feeling connected and included, and identified both positive and negative experiences in their use of Twitter. Developing a supportive network facilitated higher frequency of tweets and increased feelings of enjoyment and connectedness. All expressed a desire to continue using or learning to use Twitter but novices lacked support from rehabilitation professionals or experienced Twitter users, and relied instead on a “trial and error” approach.Conclusion:Proactive integration of Twitter use during rehabilitation after TBI is warranted to support safe, enjoyable, and meaningful use.