bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Resilient biological hexavalent chromium removal with a two‐stage, fixed‐bed biotreatment system
Authors: Upadhyaya Giridhar , Dunagan Brandon , Mattingly Chris , Brown Jess 
Published: August 2019

AbstractHexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) can be biologically reduced to nontoxic and easily separable trivalent chromium (Cr(III)) without generating concentrated wastes. Using a 6–25 gpm pilot‐scale two‐stage, fixed‐bed (FXB), biologically active carbon (BAC) treatment system, approximately 75 μg/L Cr(VI) was consistently removed to less than 7 μg/L with a 10‐min empty‐bed contact time. Potential Cr(VI)‐reducing bacteria, including members from the Dechloromonas and Acinetobacter genera, were present in the system. The system was resilient, and 91% Cr removal was observed when the system was challenged with a 24‐h phosphoric acid feed shutdown, a 3‐day system shutdown, spiking Cr(VI) to 100 μg/L, or operating intermittently with regular shutdown periods of hours to days. The system recovered within 6 h after a 26‐h acetic acid feed shutdown. Readily settling backwash wastewater was generated with characteristics similar to municipal wastewater. Overall, the results indicated that a two‐stage, FXB BAC system can provide an effective and robust option for Cr(VI) removal.
Multicentre analysis of the learning curve for laparoscopic liver resection of the posterosuperior segments
Authors: Berardi G , Aghayan D , Fretland Å A , Elberm H , Cipriani F , Spagnoli A , Montalti R , Ceelen W P , Aldrighetti L , Abu Hilal M , Edwin B , Troisi R I 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Background
Laparoscopic liver resection demands expertise and a long learning curve. Resection of the posterosuperior segments is challenging, and there are no data on the learning curve. The aim of this study was to evaluate the learning curve for laparoscopic resection of the posterosuperior segments.

Methods
A cumulative sum (CUSUM) analysis of the difficulty score for resection was undertaken using patient data from four specialized centres. Risk-adjusted CUSUM analysis of duration of operation, blood loss and conversions was performed, adjusting for the difficulty score of the procedures. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to identify the completion of the learning curve.

Results
According to the CUSUM analysis of 464 patients, the learning curve showed an initial decrease in the difficulty score followed by an increase and, finally, stabilization. More patients with cirrhosis or previous surgery were operated in the latest phase of the learning curve. A smaller number of wedge resections and a larger number of anatomical resections were performed progressively. Dissection using a Cavitron ultrasonic surgical aspirator and the Pringle manoeuvre were used more frequently with time. Risk-adjusted CUSUM analysis showed a progressive decrease in operating time. Blood loss initially increased slightly, then stabilized and finally decreased over time. A similar trend was found for conversions. The learning curve was estimated to be 40 procedures for wedge and 65 for anatomical resections.

Conclusion
The learning curve for laparoscopic liver resection of the posterosuperior segments consists of a stepwise process, during which accurate patient selection is key.
Juvenile homicide offenders: A 35‐year‐follow‐up study
Authors: Heide Kathleen M. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractMurders committed by juveniles have been a major concern in the USA for more than 40 years. Due to decisions in the 21st century by the United States Supreme Court, the likelihood of juvenile homicide offenders being sentenced to life without parole (LWOP) is less than in past decades. In addition, hundreds of individuals in prison who were sentenced to LWOP under mandatory sentencing statutes or their equivalent as juveniles for murder are now eligible for resentencing and may be released. Given these changes in sentencing policies and practices, follow‐up research on juveniles involved in murder is needed. This study is a 35‐year follow‐up study of 59 boys who were convicted of murder and sentenced to adult prisons in a southeastern state, and initially interviewed in the early 1980s. Twenty‐two of these men agreed to participate in clinical interviews about their experiences in prison and upon return to the community if released. The experiences in prison are highlighted for all men. Thereafter, attention focuses on the 19 juvenile homicide offenders who have been released. Of these 19 men, 11 were classified as failures given that they were sent back to prison at least once. Length of time served and completion of GED were the best predictors of post‐release success. Clinical observations, implications of the findings, limitations of the study, and directions for future research are discussed.
Techno‐economic analysis of a plant‐based platform for manufacturing antimicrobial proteins for food safety
Authors: McNulty Matthew J. , Gleba Yuri , Tusé Daniel , Hahn‐Löbmann Simone , Giritch Anatoli , Nandi Somen , McDonald Karen A. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractContinuous reports of foodborne illnesses worldwide and the prevalence of antibiotic‐resistant bacteria mandate novel interventions to assure the safety of our food. Treatment of a variety of foods with bacteriophage‐derived lysins and bacteriocin‐class antimicrobial proteins has been shown to protect against high‐risk pathogens at multiple intervention points along the food supply chain. The most significant barrier to the adoption of antimicrobial proteins as a food safety intervention by the food industry is the high production cost using current fermentation‐based approaches. Recently, plants have been shown to produce antimicrobial proteins with accumulation as high as 3 g/kg fresh weight and with demonstrated activity against major foodborne pathogens. To investigate potential economic advantages and scalability of this novel platform, we evaluated a highly efficient transgenic plant‐based production process. A detailed process simulation model was developed to help identify economic “hot spots” for research and development focus including process operating parameters, unit operations, consumables, and/or raw materials that have the most significant impact on production costs. Our analyses indicate that the unit production cost of antimicrobial proteins in plants at commercial scale for three scenarios is $3.00–6.88/g, which can support a competitive selling price to traditional food safety treatments.
A simplified reverse wire technique using an angulated supercross microcatheter
Authors: Chan Yu Ho , Cheng Victor Yue Hong , Wong Chi Wing , Lam Cheuk Sum 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBifurcation lesion with an extreme angulated side branch remains a challenge in coronary intervention. Reverse wire technique was originally described by Dr. Kawasaki and nowadays this can be done by double‐lumen catheter. We report a novel “simplified reverse wire technique with a specialized angle tip microcatheter,” Supercross microcatheter™ (Teleflex). This can facilitate wiring of extreme angulated side branch by this simple and feasible method without using double lumen catheter.
Primary hyperparathyroidism and recurrent ventricular tachyarrhythmia in a patient with novel RyR2 variant but without structural heart disease
Authors: Pedersen Christian Møller , Rolighed Lars , Harsløf Torben , Jensen Henrik Kjærulf , Nielsen Jens C. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractIt is important to consider calcium and parathyroid hormone levels in patients with recurrent VT/VF without any obvious cause of arrhythmia. In similar cases to gain rhythm control using isoprenaline and do comprehensive molecular‐genetic. Diagnosis and surgery in case of parathyroid adenoma may be needed to obtain definite arrhythmia control.
Probing the Lewis Acid Catalyzed Acyclic Pathway of Carbohydrate Conversion in Methanol by In Situ NMR
Authors: Jensen Pernille Rose , Taarning Esben , Meier Sebastian 
Published: August 2019

AbstractFuture bioindustries will rely on the formation of diverse chemicals at high yield through various reaction pathways. These pathways include reactions to a series of alpha‐hydroxy esters and acids that can be formed from the conversion of C3–C6 carbohydrates by Lewis acidic catalysts in alcohols and water. Definitive kinetic and mechanistic insights to support the development of carbohydrate conversion processes are arguably less developed than for analogous biocatalytic processes. Here, we visualize acyclic pathways of carbohydrate dehydration, using the acyclic C4 carbohydrate erythrulose as a probe molecule for the conversion by homogeneous SnCl4 in methanol. In situ studies allow the detection of previously postulated intermediates, identify the branch point to competing products and provide energetic and mechanistic insight by kinetic analysis. Reversibility of reactions, stereoselectivity and differential propensity for deuterium incorporation in competing pathways can be tracked by the formation of compounds with asymmetric mass distribution.
Metal‐Organic‐Framework‐Based Cathodes for Enhancing the Electrochemical Performances of Batteries: A Review
Authors: Wang Zhaoyang , Tao Haizheng , Yue Yuanzheng 
Published: August 2019

AbstractOwing to their huge specific surface area, high porosity, abundant metal active sites, adjustable structure, and tunable pore diameters, metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) have attracted much attention from the battery scientists and technologists. MOFs have proven to be versatile precursors of cathode materials for batteries, and MOF‐based cathodes have already exhibited excellent electrochemical performances. Herein, we review some recent advances in developing MOF‐derived cathodes for lithium‐/sodium‐ion batteries, lithium‐sulfur batteries, lithium‐air batteries, and lithium‐selenium batteries. We also describe the synthetic mechanism, characterization of MOF‐derived cathodes, and the origin of the enhanced electrochemical performances. Finally, we point out some challenges and opportunities for the future development of MOF‐based cathodes.
Seeigeleier und Gift als Aufklärer der Zellatmung
Authors: Schönfeld Peter 
Published: August 2019

ZusammenfassungLeben kostet Energie und diese wird bei den meisten Lebewesen durch „Verbrennen“ von Fettsäuren, Kohlenhydraten und Aminosäuren innerhalb der Zellen erzeugt. Die Basisreaktion ist die von der Atmungskette katalysierte Knallgasreaktion. Untersuchungen mit Seeigeleiern lieferten einen ersten Einblick über die Sauerstoffaktivierung bei der Zellatmung. Wegen der Unzulänglichkeit der damaligen analytischen Chemie musste eine völlig neue experimentelle Strategie für die chemische Charakterisierung des Atmungsfermentes (Cytochrom‐c‐Oxidase) entwickelt werden. Mit dieser wurden Änderungen der Sauerstoffaufnahme von „vergifteten“ Zellen unter Bestrahlung mit monochromatischem Licht gemessen. Damit gelang es Otto Heinrich Warburg und Mitarbeitern, vom „Atmungsferment“ einen optischen „Fingerabdruck“ (Absorptionsspektrum) zu erhalten. Durch die Aufklärung der Chemie der Cytochrom‐c‐Oxidase konnte die Giftwirkung von Zyankali erklärt und eine Behandlungstherapie entwickelt werden.
Model of a red blood cell based on alginate beads
Authors: Hamel Elias , Holfeld Martin 
Published: August 2019

AbstractSeit einiger Zeit ist bekannt, dass sich Redoxreaktionen und Säure‐Base‐Reaktionen in Alginatbällchen durchführen lassen. In diesem Artikel wird ein Osmose‐Modell aus Alginatbällchen vorgestellt. Hierzu werden ca. 2 cm Zentimeter große Alginatbällchen rot eingefärbt und in hypertone und hypotone Lösungen gegeben. Sie stellen modellhaft einen Erythrozyten unter osmotischen Bedingungen dar. Die Größe und Struktur der Bällchen sind abhängig von der Elektrolyt‐Konzentration der Lösung, in der sie sich befinden. Ist diese niedrig, werden die Bällchen größer und platzen, ist sie hoch, erschlaffen sie. So können osmotische Prozesse auf makroskopischer Ebene in Schulen dargestellt werden.
Energy‐efficient design of 3D UWSNs leveraging compressive sensing and principal component analysis: A communication techniques perspective
Authors: Yadav Sadanand , Kumar Vinay 
Published: August 2019

SummaryThe design of energy‐efficient underwater wireless sensor networks (UWSNs) poses many challenges due to the intrinsic properties of propagation medium and limited battery power of sensor nodes. This paper proposes the concept of optimal clustering for three‐dimensional (3D) UWSNs leveraging compressive sensing (CS) and principal component analysis (PCA) technique of data compression. Optimal clustering reduces the energy consumption by selecting the optimal number of clusters whereas CS and PCA compression techniques reduce the energy consumption by considering a lesser number of samples and reduce the data redundancy at cluster heads (CHs) level, respectively. Moreover, three communication techniques like acoustic, electromagnetic (EM), and free‐space optical (FSO) wave are considered for communication in 3D UWSNs. We compared the energy efficiency for all three communication techniques by examining the three base station (BS) positions at the center, at the corner, and at the lateral midpoint of the 3D sensing area. Moreover, performance parameters (network lifetime, throughput, packet drop rate, and latency) are also evaluated for 3D UWSNs. It is observed that PCA outperforms the CS technique. The proposed technique is suitable for long‐term and densely deployed 3D UWSNs, in which saving energy is of crucial importance.
Trait‐mediated indirect interactions: Moose browsing increases sawfly fecundity through plant‐induced responses
Authors: Nordkvist Michelle , Klapwijk Maartje J. , Edenius Lars , Gershenzon Jonathan , Schmidt Axel , Björkman Christer 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Induced responses in plants, initiated by herbivory, create potential for trait‐mediated indirect interactions among herbivores. Responses to an initial herbivore may change a number of plant traits that subsequently alter ecological processes with additional herbivores. Although common, indirect interactions between taxonomically distant herbivores, such as mammals and insects, are less studied than between taxonomically related species (i.e., insect–insect). In terms of mammal–insect interactions, effects on insect numbers (e.g., density) are relatively well studied, whereas effects on performance (e.g., fecundity) are rarely explored. Moreover, few studies have explored mammal–insect interactions on coniferous plants.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of mammalian induced responses on insect performance. We specifically investigated the effect of moose (Alces alces) browsing on Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) and subsequent effects on sawfly (Neodiprion sertifer) performance.

Sawfly larvae were reared on browsed, clipped, and unbrowsed control pine trees in a controlled field experiment. Afterward, cocoon weight was measured. Needle C:N ratio and di‐terpene content were measured in response to browsing.

Sawfly performance was enhanced on trees browsed by moose. Cocoon weight (proxy for fecundity) was 9 and 13% higher on browsed and clipped trees compared to unbrowsed trees. Cocoon weight was weakly related to needle C:N ratio, and browsed trees had lower a C:N ratio compared to unbrowsed trees. Needle di‐terpene content, known to affect sawfly performance, was neither affected by the browsing treatments nor did it correlate with sawfly weight.

We conclude that mammalian herbivory can affect insect herbivore performance, with potential consequences for ecological communities and with particular importance for insect population dynamics. The measured plant variables could not fully explain the effect on sawfly performance providing a starting point for the consideration of additional plant responses induced by mammalian browsing affecting insect performance.
Sex differences in the genetic architecture of aggressiveness in a sexually dimorphic spider
Authors: Kralj‐Fišer Simona , Laskowski Kate L. , Garcia‐Gonzalez Francisco 
Published: August 2019

AbstractSex differences in the genetic architecture of behavioral traits can offer critical insight into the processes of sex‐specific selection and sexual conflict dynamics. Here, we assess genetic variances and cross‐sex genetic correlations of two personality traits, aggression and activity, in a sexually size‐dimorphic spider, Nuctenea umbratica. Using a quantitative genetic approach, we show that both traits are heritable. Males have higher heritability estimates for aggressiveness compared to females, whereas the coefficient of additive genetic variation and evolvability did not differ between the sexes. Furthermore, we found sex differences in the coefficient of residual variance in aggressiveness with females exhibiting higher estimates. In contrast, the quantitative genetic estimates for activity suggest no significant differentiation between males and females. We interpret these results with caution as the estimates of additive genetic variances may be inflated by nonadditive genetic effects. The mean cross‐sex genetic correlations for aggression and activity were 0.5 and 0.6, respectively. Nonetheless, credible intervals of both estimates were broad, implying high uncertainty for these estimates. Future work using larger sample sizes would be needed to draw firmer conclusions on how sexual selection shapes sex differences in the genetic architecture of behavioral traits.
Biomolecular Release Stimulated by Electrochemical Signals at a Very Small Potential Applied
Authors: Masi Madeline , Bollella Paolo , Katz Evgeny 
Published: August 2019

AbstractDNA release electrochemically stimulated by applying −10 mV on the modified electrode was studied. The release process was based on the local (interfacial) pH change produced upon H2O2 reduction electrocatalyzed by the immobilized microperoxidase‐11. SiO2 nanoparticles attached to the electrode surface and functionalized with trigonelline and boronic acid species changed their electrical charge from positive to negative upon the interfacial pH change, thus allowing electrostatic adsorption of negatively charged DNA on the positive interface and then its repulsion/release from the negative interface. The loaded/released DNA molecules were labeled with a fluorescent dye to allow easy detection of the released DNA molecules. The important feature of the developed system is the controlled DNA release upon applying very small electrical potential on the modified electrode.
Investigation of Metal Ion Effect on Specific DNA Sequences and DNA Hybridization
Authors: Topkaya Seda Nur , Cetin Arif E. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractIn this article, we investigated the sequence specific interaction of single (ssDNA) and double stranded (dsDNA) with silver ions (Ag+) with electrochemical methods. We, for the first time, examined the effect of base sequences, base content and physiochemical properties of different DNA sequences on interaction with Ag+ in detail. We used different base contents to show how the composition of nucleic acid influences the electrochemical signals. We first immobilized ssDNA probes on bare graphite electrodes. Then, we showed the sequence effect on oxidation signals of AgDNA complex by sensing Ag+ to the probe coated surfaces to interact with different ssDNA sequences. Furthermore, we investigated the effect of Ag+ on dsDNA. We measured the oxidation signals obtained from Ag+‐ssDNA and Ag+‐dsDNA complex at approximately 0.2 V and 1.0 V (vs Ag/AgCl), respectively with Differential Pulse Voltammetry (DPV). We showed that the oxidation signals of the AgDNA complex obtained from dsDNA‐modified electrodes is higher than the electrodes modified with ssDNA. More importantly, we showed that Ag+‐ssDNA and Ag+ ion‐dsDNA exhibit different electrochemical behaviors.
Mitigation of voltage imbalance in power distribution system using MPC‐controlled packed‐U‐cells converter
Authors: Ahmed Ibrahim , Al‐Emadi Nasser , Gastli Adel , Ben‐Brahim Lazhar 
Published: August 2019

AbstractDelivering high power quality in single‐phase distribution has witnessed more challenges especially with the increased penetration of single‐phase distributed generation (DG). This paper proposes a smart solid‐state‐based transformer, which aims to replace traditional ones, for single‐phase distribution laterals, and provide load balancing and protection to the three‐phase main feeders, that is based on connecting the single‐phase lateral to the three‐phase main feeder through a power electronics converter. This converter transfers balanced power from and to the three‐phase feeder while automatically regulating the lateral single‐phase voltage, hence, assuring high power quality without requiring any transformer on‐load tap changer. A 7‐level packed‐U‐cells (PUC) single‐phase inverter topology was used to deliver single‐phase regulated sinusoidal voltage to the AC loads, and at the same time, it is able to deliver DC power to DC loads. The simulation and hardware‐in‐the‐loop (HIL) results have shown that the proposed topology delivers high power quality for both AC and DC loads under different operating scenarios. Moreover, the converter can play the role of a solid‐state protection device coordinated with other up‐ and downstream protective devices. Finally, this system can be integrated within the smart grid allowing more flexibility for automation and efficient control of the grid.
Analysis of brain subnetworks within the context of their whole‐brain networks
Authors: Bahrami Mohsen , Laurienti Paul J. , Simpson Sean L. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractAnalyzing the structure and function of the brain from a network perspective has increased considerably over the past two decades, with regional subnetwork analyses becoming prominent in the recent literature. However, despite the fact that the brain, as a complex system of interacting subsystems (i.e., subnetworks), cannot be fully understood by analyzing its constituent parts as independent elements, most studies extract subnetworks from the whole and treat them as independent networks. This approach entails neglecting their interactions with other brain regions and precludes identifying potential compensatory mechanisms outside the analyzed subnetwork. In this study, using simulated and empirical data, we show that the analysis of brain subnetworks within the context of their whole‐brain networks, that is, including their interactions with other brain regions, can yield different outcomes when compared to analyzing them as independent networks. We also provide a multivariate mixed‐effects modeling framework that allows analyzing subnetworks within the context of their whole‐brain networks, and show that it can better disentangle global (whole‐brain) and local (subnetwork) differences when compared to standard t‐test analyses. T‐test analyses may produce misleading results in identifying complex global and local level differences. The provided multivariate model is an extension of a previously developed model for global, system‐level hypotheses about the brain. The modified version detailed here provides the same utilities as the original model—quantifying the relationship between phenotypes and brain connectivity, comparing brain networks among groups, predicting brain connectivity from phenotypes, and simulating brain networks—but for local, subnetwork‐level hypotheses.