bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Kinetic Investigation of Triacetin Methanolysis and Assessment of the Stability of a Sulfated Zirconium Oxide Catalyst
Authors: Temóteo Rafael L. , da Silva Marcio J. , de Ávila Rodrigues Fabio , da Silva Wagner F. , de Jesus Silva Deusanilde , Oliveira Cesar M. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractIn this work, the activity and stability of a sulfated zirconium catalyst in transesterification reactions of triacetin, a model molecule, were investigated. This catalyst has Lewis and Brønsted acid sites and has shown to be highly active in reactions converting triacetin into methyl esters. This catalyst was synthesized using the impregnation method, and systematically characterized using the techniques of x‐rays diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform‐infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), Brunauer, Emmett, and Teller, and thermal gravimetry analysis (TGA). Kinetic studies were carried out to determine the activation energy as well as the reaction order. The effects of the main reaction parameters, such as temperature, the molar ratio, and the catalyst content, were evaluated. The reuse and possible leaching of the catalyst were also investigated. The highest efficiency (ca. 99% of methyl esters) was achieved in the sulfated zirconium oxide‐catalyzed transesterification reaction.
Pilot study of combined FDG‐PET and dynamic contrast‐enhanced CT of locally advanced cervical carcinoma before and during concurrent chemoradiotherapy suggests association between changes in tumor blood volume and treatment response
Authors: Banks Thomas I. , von Eyben Rie , Hristov Dimitre , Kidd Elizabeth A. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractModern PET/CT radiotherapy simulators offer FDG‐PET and dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE) CT imaging for combined volumetric assessment of tumor metabolism and perfusion. However, the clinical utility of such assessment has not been clearly defined. Thus, in a prospective longitudinal study of primary cervical tumors treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) we evaluated: (1) whether PET and perfusion parameters correlate or provide complementary information; (2) what imaging changes occur during CCRT; and (3) whether any parameters are predictive of treatment response as assessed by PET/CT 3 months posttherapy. FDG‐PET/CT and DCE‐CT scans were performed on 21 patients prior to and during CCRT. Coregistered volumetric parametric maps of standardized uptake value (SUV) measures and perfusion parameters blood flow (BF), blood volume (BV), and permeability were generated. Summary statistics for these parameters and their changes were calculated within the metabolic tumor volume (MTV). Correlations between SUV and BF/BV/permeability on local and global bases were assessed with Pearson's coefficient r. MTV, maximum SUV, and mean SUV decreased significantly between the pre‐ and during‐treatment time points, while mean BV and permeability increased significantly. Global correlations between mean BF/BV/permeability and mean SUV values (−.15 < r < .29) were at most moderate. An increase in mean tumor BV during treatment was significantly correlated with complete metabolic response on 3‐month posttreatment PET/CT. Weak correlations of SUV and perfusion parameters suggest a complementary role of FDG‐PET and DCE‐CT for tumor characterization. The association between relative change in mean BV and outcome suggests a potential role for DCE‐CT in early evaluation of cervical tumor response to chemoradiotherapy.
Retrocaval ureter associated with cryptorchidism: A case report and review of literature
Authors: Fernando Manoj Hilary , Jayarajah Umesh , Arulanantham Arulprashanth , Goonewardena Serozsha , Wijewardena Manjula 
Published: July 2018

Key Clinical MessageWe report an incidentally diagnosed retrocaval ureter in a 14‐year‐old boy, while evaluating for right‐sided hydronephrosis associated with cryptorchidism. Therefore, we suggest that any significant right‐sided hydronephrosis associated with cryptorchidism may require investigations to exclude this rare anomaly.
Successful treatment of aortic dissection during sorafenib therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Tsuchiya Atsunori , Ogawa Masahiro , Watanabe Yusuke , Kimura Naruhiro , Hayashi Kazunao , Suda Takeshi , Terai Shuji 
Published: July 2018

Key Clinical MessageOur case highlights the need for caution during vascular endothelial growth factor pathway inhibitor (VPI) therapy and for the occurrence of aortic dissection. If Stanford classification type A aortic dissection occurs during VPI therapy, surgical intervention should be considered to prevent cardiac tamponade if the patient's clinical condition permits it.
A curious case of antiglomerular basement membrane antibody disease
Authors: Koratala Abhilash , Leghrouz Muhannad , Zeng Xu 
Published: July 2018

Key Clinical MessageAntiglomerular basement membrane (GBM) antibody disease is a vasculitis affecting glomerular capillaries, pulmonary capillaries, or both, with GBM deposition of autoantibodies. It can be both life‐ and organ‐threatening and delayed diagnosis may be detrimental. Alveolar hemorrhage and microscopic hematuria should be excluded in anybody who is suspected of this disease.
Progress in Developing a Structure‐Activity Relationship for the Direct Aromatization of Methane
Authors: Vollmer Ina , Yarulina Irina , Kapteijn Freek , Gascon Jorge 
Published: July 2018

AbstractTo secure future supply of aromatics, methane is a commercially interesting alternative feedstock. Direct conversion of methane into aromatics combines the challenge of activating one of the strongest C−H bonds in all hydrocarbons with the selective aromatization over zeolites. To address these challenges, smart catalyst and process design are a must. And for that, understanding the most important factors leading to successful methane C−H bond activation and selective aromatization is needed. In this review, we summarize mechanistic insight that has been gained so far not only for this reaction, but also for other similar processes involving aromatization reactions over zeolites. With that, we highlight what can be learnt from similar processes. In addition, we provide an overview of characterization tools and strategies, which are useful to gain structural information about this particular metal‐zeolite system at reaction conditions. Here we also aim to inspire future characterization work, by giving an outlook on characterization strategies that have not yet been applied for the methane dehydroaromatization catalyst, but are promising for this system.
Heterogeneous catalyst design: Zoned and layered catalysts in diesel vehicle aftertreatment monolith reactors
Authors: Hazlett Melanie J. , Epling William S. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThere have been ongoing research efforts focused on layering or zoning different washcoats/active metals on the catalysts constituting diesel aftertreatment systems: the diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalyst, the lean NOXtrap (LNT), the ammonia slip catalyst (ASC), and the diesel particulate filter (DPF). This review paper aims to shed insight into the state‐of‐the‐art research on catalyst design in this area and how these catalyst designs may evolve to tackle engine emission reductions in the future. First, we discuss the motivation for zoning or layering catalysts and pioneering work on three‐way catalyst (TWC) design for reducing gasoline engine emissions; then, we focus on the catalytic systems used for diesel exhaust aftertreatment. The configuration of the aftertreatment systems for diesel engines generally consist of an oxidation catalyst for hydrocarbon (HC), CO, and NO oxidation (over the DOC), a NOXreduction catalyst (over one or combined SCR/LNT/ASC catalysts), and a particulate matter (PM) filter (using a DPF). The research to date consistently demonstrates that zoning and layering catalyst regions leads to improved performance and/or smaller system volumes required.
Associations between glucocorticoids and sociality across a continuum of vertebrate social behavior
Authors: Raulo Aura , Dantzer Ben 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe causes and consequences of individual differences in animal behavior and stress physiology are increasingly studied in wild animals, yet the possibility that stress physiology underlies individual variation in social behavior has received less attention. In this review, we bring together these study areas and focus on understanding how the activity of the vertebrate neuroendocrine stress axis (HPA‐axis) may underlie individual differences in social behavior in wild animals. We first describe a continuum of vertebrate social behaviors spanning from initial social tendencies (proactive behavior) to social behavior occurring in reproductive contexts (parental care, sexual pair‐bonding) and lastly to social behavior occurring in nonreproductive contexts (nonsexual bonding, group‐level cooperation). We then perform a qualitative review of existing literature to address the correlative and causal association between measures of HPA‐axis activity (glucocorticoid levels or GCs) and each of these types of social behavior. As expected, elevated HPA‐axis activity can inhibit social behavior associated with initial social tendencies (approaching conspecifics) and reproduction. However, elevated HPA‐axis activity may also enhance more elaborate social behavior outside of reproductive contexts, such as alloparental care behavior. In addition, the effect of GCs on social behavior can depend upon the sociality of the stressor (cause of increase in GCs) and the severity of stress (extent of increase in GCs). Our review shows that the while the associations between stress responses and sociality are diverse, the role of HPA‐axis activity behind social behavior may shift toward more facilitating and less inhibiting in more social species, providing insight into how stress physiology and social systems may co‐evolve.
Waist‐to‐hip ratio and mortality in heart failure
Authors: Streng Koen W. , Voors Adriaan A. , Hillege Hans L. , Anker Stefan D. , Cleland John G. , Dickstein Kenneth , Filippatos Gerasimos , Metra Marco , Ng Leong L. , Ponikowski Piotr , Samani Nilesh J. , van Veldhuisen Dirk J. , Zwinderman Aeilko H. , Zannad Faiez , Damman Kevin , van der Meer Peter , Lang Chim C. 
Published: July 2018

AimsA higher body mass index (BMI) is associated with better survival in heart failure (HF) patients, also known as the obesity paradox. However, BMI does not account for body composition. We therefore analysed the association between abdominal fat, measured via waist‐to‐hip ratio (WHR), BMI and all‐cause mortality in patients with HF.Methods and resultsFor this analysis, 1738 patients from the Scottish BIOlogy Study to TAilored Treatment in Chronic Heart Failure (BIOSTAT‐CHF) validation study were included. Patients without waist and hip measurements were excluded. WHR was defined as waist circumference/hip circumference, divided into tertiles and split for sex. A linear regression of principal components from an extensive panel of biomarkers was performed to provide insight in the pathophysiology behind a higher WHR. In total, 1479 patients were included, of which 33% were female and mean age was 75 ±11 years. A higher WHR was independently associated with a higher BMI, a higher prevalence of diabetes and higher New York Heart Association functional class. There was a significant interaction between sex and WHR on its association with mortality (P <0.001). In women, a higher WHR was associated with a higher mortality risk [hazard ratio (HR) 2.23, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.37–3.63; P =0.001], whereas no significant association was found in men (HR 0.87, 95% CI 0.63–1.20; P = 0.409). We found a strong association between a higher WHR and elevated markers of inflammation and MAPK cascade in women, while these associations were less profound in men.ConclusionsA higher WHR was associated with a higher risk of death in female but not in male HF patients. These findings challenge the obesity paradox, and suggest that fat deposition is pathophysiologically harmful and may be a target for therapy in female patients with HF.
Advances in bio‐based production of dicarboxylic acids longer than C4
Authors: Yu Jia‐Le , Qian Zhi‐Gang , Zhong Jian‐Jiang 
Published: July 2018

AbstractGrowing concerns of environmental pollution and fossil resource shortage are major driving forces for bio‐based production of chemicals traditionally from petrochemical industry. Dicarboxylic acids (DCAs) are important platform chemicals with large market and wide applications, and here the recent advances in bio‐based production of straight‐chain DCAs longer than C4 from biological approaches, especially by synthetic biology, are reviewed. A couple of pathways were recently designed and demonstrated for producing DCAs, even those ranging from C5 to C15, by employing respective starting units, extending units, and appropriate enzymes. Furthermore, in order to achieve higher production of DCAs, enormous efforts were made in engineering microbial hosts that harbored the biosynthetic pathways and in improving properties of biocatalytic elements to enhance metabolic fluxes toward target DCAs. Here we summarize and discuss the current advantages and limitations of related pathways, and also provide perspectives on synthetic pathway design and optimization for hyper‐production of DCAs.
Identification and molecular docking of novel ACE inhibitory peptides from protein hydrolysates of shrimp waste
Authors: Krichen Fatma , Sila Assaâd , Caron Juliette , Kobbi Sabrine , Nedjar Naima , Miled Nabil , Blecker Christophe , Besbes Souhail , Bougatef Ali 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe effect of enzymatic hydrolysis by Savinase on the interfacial properties and antihypertensive activity of shrimp waste proteins was evaluated. The physicochemical characterization, interfacial tension, and surface characteristics of shrimp waste protein hydrolysates (SWPH) using different enzyme/substrate (E/S) (SWPH5 (SWPH using E/S = 5), SWPH15 (SWPH using E/S = 15), and SWPH40 (SWPH using E/S = 40)) were also studied. SWPH5, SWPH15, and SWPH40 had an isoelectric pH around 2.07, 2.17, and 2.54 respectively. SWPH5 exhibited the lowest interfacial tension (68.96 mN/m) followed by SWPH15 (69.36 mN/m) and SWPH40 (70.29 mN/m). The in vitro ACE inhibitory activity of shrimp waste protein hydrolysates showed that the most active hydrolysate was obtained using an enzyme/substrate of 15 U/mg (SWPH15). SWPH15 had a lower IC50 value (2.17 mg/mL) than that of SWPH5 and SWPH40 (3.65 and 5.7 mg/mL, respectively). This hydrolysate was then purified and characterized. Fraction F1 separated by Sephadex G25 column which presents the best ACE inhibition activity was then separated by reversed‐phase high performance liquid chromatography. Four ACE inhibitory peptides were identified and their molecular masses and amino acid sequences were determined using ESI–MS and ESI–MS/MS, respectively. The structures of the most potent peptides were SSSKAKKMP, HGEGGRSTHE, WLGHGGRPDHE, and WRMDIDGDIMISEQEAHQR. The structural modeling of anti‐ACE peptides from shrimp waste through docking simulations results showed that these peptides bound to ACE with high affinity.
Redox Behavior of Solid Solutions in the SrFe1‐xCuxO3‐δ System for Application in Thermochemical Oxygen Storage and Air Separation
Authors: Vieten Josua , Bulfin Brendan , Starr David E. , Hariki Atsushi , de Groot Frank M. F. , Azarpira Anahita , Zachäus Carolin , Hävecker Michael , Skorupska Katarzyna , Knoblauch Nicole , Schmücker Martin , Roeb Martin , Sattler Christian 
Published: July 2018

AbstractPerovskite oxides with temperature and oxygen partial pressure dependent non‐stoichiometry δ, such as SrFeO3‐δ or its Cu‐doped variants, can be applied as redox materials for two‐step thermochemical processes, i. e. to reversibly store oxygen and thereby thermal energy, or separate air using concentrated solar power. We studied the redox state of Cu in SrFe1‐xCuxO3‐δ samples using in‐situ X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X‐ray absorption (XAS) measurements in oxygen atmospheres using synchrotron radiation, and characterized these materials through thermogravimetric analysis. By this means, we show how spectroscopic and thermogravimetric data are correlated, suggesting that Cu and Fe are reduced simultaneously for x=0.05, whereas the reduction of samples with x=0.15 is mainly driven by a change in the Fe oxidation state. Furthermore, we studied the re‐oxidation kinetics of reduced SrFe1‐xCuxO3‐δ, revealing very high reaction speeds with t1/2=13 min at 150 °C for SrFeO3‐δ. Our results indicate that SrFe1‐xCuxO3‐δ solid solutions can be applied for oxygen storage and air separation with high capacity at relatively low temperatures, which allows an efficient thermochemical process.
Post‐stroke seizure—Do the locations, types and managements of stroke matter?
Authors: Pande Shrikant D. , Lwin May Thiri , Kyaw Kaung Myat , Khine Aye Aye , Thant Aye Aye , Win May Myat , Morris Julie 
Published: July 2018

SummaryObjectiveTo determine the incidence of post‐stroke seizures and the associated risk factors in a government‐restructured hospital in Singapore.MethodsThis retrospective study included consecutive patients (age ≥21 years) admitted to the stroke rehabilitation facility at Changi General Hospital, Singapore, between June 2008 and May 2017, with a minimum post‐discharge follow‐up of 6 months. Patients with known epilepsy central nervous system infection or tumor, a history of neurosurgery and or missing data were excluded from study. To determine the incidence of seizures, the patients’ hospital records, including those for all initial and subsequent admissions and outpatient follow‐ups, were reviewed. All prescribed medications were checked and documented. Seizures were diagnosed on the basis of clinical examination with or without electroencephalography.ResultsIn total, 722 patients (women, 38%) with a mean age of 64 years were included. Of these, 48 (6.64%) experienced post‐stroke seizures during a follow‐up period of 6–108 months. The incidence of seizures was significantly higher in patients with hemorrhagic stroke (42%, p = 0.010), those with ischemic partial anterior circulation stroke (PACS) (27%, p = 0.025), those who underwent a neurosurgical procedure after stroke (p < 0.001), those with a low activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) at admission (mean, 25.6; p = 0.015), and those using levodopa (21%, p < 0.001). Neurosurgical intervention after stroke (odds ratio [OR] 6.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.9–13.1; p < 0.001), APTT (per‐unit increase; OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.76–0.98; p = 0.028), and underlying ischemic heart disease (IHD; OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.08–4.60; p = 0.029) were found to be independent predictors of seizure occurrence after stroke.SignificancePost‐stroke seizure incidence from our study is 6.64%, with a median follow‐up of 49 months. Among patients with stroke, those with underlying IHD, those who undergo a neurosurgical procedure, and those with a low APTT at admission need careful monitoring. Levodopa should be used with caution and withdrawn as soon as possible.
Relative Abundance Trends of Bird Populations in High Intensity Croplands in the Central United States
Authors: Belden Jason B , McMurry Scott T , Maul Jonathan D , Brain Richard A , Ghebremichael Lula T 
Published: July 2018

Abstract

Declining bird populations across the United States have been noted in a number of studies. Although multiple explanations have been proposed as causes of these declines, agricultural intensification has often been suggested as a significant driver of bird population dynamics. Using spatially explicit USDA-NASS Cropland Data Layer, we examined this relationship by comparing bird count data from the Breeding Bird Survey collected between 1995 and 2016 across 13 states in the central United States to corresponding categorical changes in land cover within a 2-km radius of each survey transect. This approach allowed us to compare the slopes of counts for 31 species of birds between grassland- and cropland-dominated landscapes and against increasing levels of cropland (all types combined) and pooled corn and soybean land cover types. Nearly all birds demonstrated significant responses to land cover changes. In all cases, the number of species exhibiting positive or negative responses was comparable, and median differences in percent change per year ranged from −0.5 to 0.7%. Species that responded either positively or negatively did not appear to fall into any particular foraging guild. If changes in agricultural practices are a major cause of declines, we would expect to see it across the spatial scale studied and across the majority of species. While these results do not rule out potential agricultural effects, such as toxicity resulting from pesticide exposure, which may have species-specific or localized effects, a variety of factors related to habitat are likely the most significant contributor overall. Given these results over a large spatial scale basis (multistate) and across numerous bird species, there is not a broad general trend of greater decline in crop-intensive areas. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2018;14:692–702. © 2018 SETAC

Key Points
When comparing relative trends in abundance, the majority of bird species showed significant differences based on the extent of cropping. The number of species exhibiting positive responses to increased crop intensity tended to equal or exceed those species showing a significant negative response. Species that responded either positively or negatively did not appear to fall into any particular foraging guild. If a shift in current agricultural practices is a major cause of declines, we would predict to see decreased relative abundance trends in more heavily cropped areas across the spatial scale studied and across the majority of species, which was not observed.
Validation of Spawn Checks and Saltwater Age Assignments Based on Scales from Known Repeat-Spawning Steelhead
Authors: Copeland Timothy , Hernandez Kala , Davison Micah T. , Wright Kristin 
Published: July 2018

Abstract
It is critical to resolve the effects of regeneration, false annuli, and resorption on interpretation of scale patterns. We used scales collected from known repeat-spawning steelhead Oncorhynchus mykiss from the Snake River to (1) determine the accuracy of spawn check identification and (2) investigate errors in assignment of saltwater ages before and after spawn checks. Scale readers (n = 4) accurately identified over 96% of known repeat spawners (n = 107) and did not identify spawn checks in known first-time spawners (n = 197). Scale resorption associated with the spawn check caused an obscured or lost saltwater annulus in 66% of samples, most frequently in fish that spent 2 years versus 1 year in saltwater. Presence or absence of an annulus after the spawn check was accurately assigned in 86% of samples (n = 100). The potential for scale resorption to affect interpretation of the life history of iteroparous anadromous salmonids is significant. We supply two examples of how circulus counts can provide guidance to scale readers, but this analysis should be customized to the growth characteristics of each stock of interest.