bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Geographic variation in fitness‐related traits of the bladderwrack Fucus vesiculosus along the Baltic Sea‐North Sea salinity gradient
Authors: Barboza Francisco R. , Kotta Jonne , Weinberger Florian , Jormalainen Veijo , Kraufvelin Patrik , Molis Markus , Schubert Hendrik , Pavia Henrik , Nylund Göran M. , Kautsky Lena , Schagerström Ellen , Rickert Esther , Saha Mahasweta , Fredriksen Stein , Martin Georg , Torn Kaire , Ruuskanen Ari , Wahl Martin 
Published: July 2019

AbstractIn the course of the ongoing global intensification and diversification of human pressures, the study of variation patterns of biological traits along environmental gradients can provide relevant information on the performance of species under shifting conditions. The pronounced salinity gradient, co‐occurrence of multiple stressors, and accelerated rates of change make the Baltic Sea and its transition to North Sea a suitable region for this type of study. Focusing on the bladderwrack Fucus vesiculosus, one of the main foundation species on hard‐bottoms of the Baltic Sea, we analyzed the phenotypic variation among populations occurring along 2,000 km of coasts subjected to salinities from 4 to >30 and a variety of other stressors. Morphological and biochemical traits, including palatability for grazers, were recorded at 20 stations along the Baltic Sea and four stations in the North Sea. We evaluated in a common modeling framework the relative contribution of multiple environmental drivers to the observed trait patterns. Salinity was the main and, in some cases, the only environmental driver of the geographic trait variation in F. vesiculosus. The decrease in salinity from North Sea to Baltic Sea stations was accompanied by a decline in thallus size, photosynthetic pigments, and energy storage compounds, and affected the interaction of the alga with herbivores and epibiota. For some traits, drivers that vary locally such as wave exposure, light availability or nutrient enrichment were also important. The strong genetic population structure in this macroalgae might play a role in the generation and maintenance of phenotypic patterns across geographic scales. In light of our results, the desalination process projected for the Baltic Sea could have detrimental impacts on F. vesiculosus in areas close to its tolerance limit, affecting ecosystem functions such as habitat formation, primary production, and food supply.
Cardiovascular biomarkers predict post‐discharge re‐hospitalization risk and mortality among Swedish heart failure patients
Authors: Molvin John , Jujic Amra , Bachus Erasmus , Gallo Widet , Tasevska‐Dinevska Gordana , Holm Hannes , Melander Olle , Fedorowski Artur , Magnusson Martin 
Published: July 2019

AimThe aim of this study was to assess the predictive role of biomarkers, associated with cardiovascular stress and its neuroendocrine response as well as renal function, in relation to mortality and risk of re‐hospitalization among consecutive patients admitted because of heart failure (HF).Methods and resultsA total of 286 patients (mean age, 75 years; 29% women) hospitalized for newly diagnosed or exacerbated HF were analysed. Associations between circulating levels of mid‐regional pro‐adrenomedullin (MR‐proADM), copeptin, C‐terminal pro‐endothelin‐1, N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP), cystatin C, and all‐cause mortality as well as risk of re‐hospitalization due to cardiac causes were assessed using multivariable Cox regression models. A two‐sided Bonferroni‐corrected P‐value of 0.05/5 = 0.010 was considered statistically significant. All biomarkers were related to echocardiographic measurements of cardiac dimensions and function. A total of 57 patients died (median follow‐up time, 17 months). In the multivariable‐adjusted Cox regression analyses, all biomarkers, except C‐terminal pro‐endothelin‐1, were significantly associated with increased mortality: NT‐proBNP [hazard ratio (HR) 1.85, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.17–2.17; P = 4.0 × 10−4], MR‐proADM (HR 1.94, 95% CI 1.36–2.75; P = 2.2 × 10−4), copeptin (HR 1.70, 95% CI 1.22–2.36; P = 0.002), and cystatin C (HR 2.11, 95% CI 1.56–2.86; P = 1.0 × 10−6). A total of 90 patients were re‐hospitalized (median time to re‐hospitalization, 5 months). In multivariable Cox regression analyses, NT‐proBNP was the only biomarker that showed significant association with risk of re‐hospitalization due to cardiac causes (HR 1.43, 95% CI 1.10–1.87; P = 0.009).ConclusionsAmong patients hospitalized for HF, elevated plasma levels of NT‐proBNP, MR‐proADM, copeptin, and cystatin C are associated with higher mortality after discharge, whereas NT‐proBNP is the only biomarker that predicts the risk of re‐hospitalization due to cardiac causes.
Systematic structural characterization of high‐density porous silicon anodes in lithium‐ion batteries
Authors: Yuca Neslihan , Çolak Uner , Liu Gao 
Published: July 2019

AbstractLithium‐ion batteries lead to high energy density, especially desired for portable electronic device applications. Advanced electrode structures for high energy density lithium‐ion batteries make the technological breakthrough by improving performance. In the focus of this study, a simple, low cost, scalable, and a versatile way is chosen to obtain high‐density SiO‐based electrodes with high porosity for lithium‐ion batteries. SiO anode is fabricated in a conventional doctor blade system with the addition and removal of the NaCl to get a desired porous anode structure. Porosity and porous structure were characterized by various techniques such as atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscope, mercury porosimetry, and pycnometry. The results showed that the porosities can be formed successfully after salt addition and removal method by providing the values of pore volumes and porosities of the electrodes before and after the salt‐washing process. According to NaCl salt content, the level of porosities was changed and it affected the electrochemical cycling performance of the lithium‐ion cells.
Validation of the lumped parameter code COCOSYS against large‐scale OECD PRISME 2 fire experiments
Authors: Klein‐Heßling Walter 
Published: July 2019

SummaryFire safety analysis is a major issue for nuclear power plants (NPPs) in the context of deterministic safety assessments as well as of probabilistic safety analyses. Oil reservoirs and cables represent major fire loads. Therefore, simulations of oil and cable fires are of interest for quantifying the risk of such internal hazards in NPPs. To investigate the applicability of lumped parameter (LP) modelling, validations against fire experiments are required. In this way, results obtained with the LP code COCOSYS for simulations of oil and cable fire experiments conducted in the OECD PRISME 2 Project are presented. The PRISME 2 VSP (vertical smoke propagation) tests involving oil fires in a confined and mechanically ventilated facility were used to assess the ability of the LP code to simulate smoke propagation through a horizontal opening from the fire compartment to a compartment on top of it. As it was already identified in the “International Collaborative Fire Modelling Project (ICFMP),” this type of opening might cause problems in fire simulations, particularly for zone or LP fire models. In these simulations, attention has been paid to the coupling between the fire and the surrounding environment due to the decrease of oxygen concentration. Furthermore, different cable materials have been tested in the PRISME 2 CORE (completing and repeating) test campaign. By simulating the CFS‐3 (cable fire spreading) test with confined underventilated conditions, the applicability of the COCOSYS cable fire model with input parameters deduced from open atmosphere fire tests (CORE‐2) was analysed. Results show that the applicability of a LP fire model to predict the pyrolysis rate is partly limited for both oil and cable fires, in confined environment. However, simulations with prescribed pyrolysis rates show encouraging results in good agreement with the experimental data and underline the capability of the LP code COCOSYS to simulate the interaction between the thermal hydraulics inside compartments and the fire source.
Effects of polymerized whey protein on survivability of Lactobacillus acidophilus LA‐5 during freeze‐drying
Authors: Wang Cuina , Wang Mu , Wang Hao , Sun Xiaomeng , Guo Mingruo , Hou Juncai 
Published: July 2019

AbstractProbiotic cultures are commonly freeze‐dried for storage and distribution. However, freeze‐drying and subsequent storage are accompanied by a decline in cell viability. Whey protein (WP) or polymerized whey protein (PWP) was used to protect Lactobacillus acidophilus LA‐5 against damage during freeze‐drying process and the subsequent storage. The protection capacity and effects of polymerized whey protein protected freeze‐dried L. acidophilus LA‐5 on physiochemical properties of cow and goat milk yoghurts were evaluated in comparison with maltodextrin (MD). The survival rate of L. acidophilus LA‐5 after freeze‐drying decreased in the order of MD (80.91%) > PWP (69.86%) > WP (64.89%). The particles of WP‐ and PWP‐based freeze‐dried samples showed an average diameter of about 10 μm, which was significantly higher than that of MD‐based particles (1.5 μm). Both whey protein preparations showed higher protecting effect than MD at high humidity condition during the 180‐day storage. Addition of freeze‐dried L. acidophilus LA‐5 with the presence of WP or PWP improved the protein content and decreased spontaneous whey separation and syneresis significantly for both yoghurts. PWP‐protected L. acidophilus LA‐5 addition significantly improved the firmness and adhesiveness of the yoghurt. Freeze‐dried L. acidophilus LA‐5 mixed with PWP had higher survivability in yoghurts compared with the culture alone at the end of storage. Data indicated that whey protein can be used to protect probiotics during freeze‐drying and may also improve the physiochemical properties of the yoghurt.
Partial coherence and frustration in self‐organizing spherical grids
Authors: Stella Federico , Urdapilleta Eugenio , Luo Yifan , Treves Alessandro 
Published: July 2019

AbstractNearby grid cells have been observed to express a remarkable degree of long‐range order, which is often idealized as extending potentially to infinity. Yet their strict periodic firing and ensemble coherence are theoretically possible only in flat environments, much unlike the burrows which rodents usually live in. Are the symmetrical, coherent grid maps inferred in the lab relevant to chart their way in their natural habitat? We consider spheres as simple models of curved environments and waiting for the appropriate experiments to be performed, we use our adaptation model to predict what grid maps would emerge in a network with the same type of recurrent connections, which on the plane produce coherence among the units. We find that on the sphere such connections distort the maps that single grid units would express on their own, and aggregate them into clusters. When remapping to a different spherical environment, units in each cluster maintain only partial coherence, similar to what is observed in disordered materials, such as spin glasses.
Experimental and thermal analysis of energy efficient novel design wet cooling towers
Authors: Raj Gaurav , Chandra Prakash , Pathak Piyush Kumar 
Published: July 2019

AbstractWaste heat is generally dissipated from process water to atmospheric air in cooling towers. In the present study, a novel design is used to extract more amount of heat without any additional energy input by incorporating secondary ambient air in an induced draft wet cooling tower. In addition, more fresh air is induced in the tower from the rain zone, which increases the effectiveness at any value of the water to air flow rate (L/G ratio). Moreover, tower characteristics, range, and evaporation loss were also increased due to the novel design. It is noteworthy that secondary fresh air increases effectiveness, heat rejection, and tower characteristics by 10.12%, 19.65%, and 26.11%, respectively, and decreases approach by 16.32% at 0.55 L/G ratio, 44°C inlet water temperature, 29.7°C dry bulb temperature, and 18.4°C inlet air wet bulb temperature.
Overexpression of PID1 reduces high density lipoprotein level and functionality in swine
Authors: Mu Qingjie , Zhu Jing , Si Yanhong , Chen Xiaofeng , Duan Guangqing , Sun Shiyu , Fang Guofeng , Zeng Yongqing , Yang Nana 
Published: July 2019

AbstractPhosphotyrosine interaction domain 1 (PID1), a protein with a phosphotyrosine‐binding (PTB) domain, interacts with the lipoprotein receptor‐related protein 1 (LRP1) to reduce the insulin sensitivity of adipocyte. Considering the role of LRP1 in lipid metabolism, we investigated the effect of PID1 on the content and biological activities of serum lipoproteins in pigs. PID1‐transgenic pigs were genetated by sperm and magnetic nanoparticles‐mediated method. The levels of PID1 in PID1‐transgenic pig's liver were higher than that in the wild‐type pig's liver. We found that serum levels of high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) and apolipoprotein A‐I (apoA‐I) were significantly reduced in PID1‐transgenic pigs. On the other hand, PID1‐transgenic pigs displayed increased non‐HDL‐C levels. Serum levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides were comparable between the PID1‐transgenic and the wild‐type pigs. Further, the HDL isolated from PID1‐transgenic pigs showed a significant reduction in cholesterol efflux ability. In addition, serum superoxide dismutase activity of PID1‐transgenic pigs was also obviously lowered compared with that of wild type pigs. In conclusion, these results suggest that PID1 might be able to adjust HDL‐C levels in serum and HDL cholesterol efflux ability.
Developmental programming: Sex‐specific programming of growth upon prenatal bisphenol A exposure
Authors: Vyas Arpita Kalla , Veiga‐Lopez Almudena , Ye Wen , Abi Salloum Bachir , Abbott David H. , Yang Shengping , Liao Chunyang , Kannan Kurunthachalam , Padmanabhan Vasantha 
Published: July 2019

AbstractIn both human and animals, in utero exposure to bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine‐disrupting chemical used in the production of plastics and epoxy resins, has been shown to affect offspring reproductive and metabolic health during adult life. We hypothesized that the effect of prenatal exposure to environmentally relevant doses of BPA will be evident during fetal organogenesis and fetal/postnatal growth trajectory. Pregnant ewes were administered BPA subcutaneously from 30 to 90 days of gestation (term 147 days). Fetal organ weight, anthropometric measures, maternal/fetal hormones and postnatal growth trajectory were measured in both sexes. Gestational BPA administration resulted in higher accumulation in male than female fetuses only at fetal day 65, with minimal impact on fetal/maternal steroid milieu in both sexes at both time points. BPA‐treated male fetuses were heavier than BPA‐treated female fetuses at fetal day 90 whereas this sex difference was not evident in the control group. At the organ level, liver weight was reduced in prenatal BPA‐treated female fetuses, while heart and thyroid gland weights were increased in BPA‐treated male fetuses relative to their sex‐matched control groups. Prenatal BPA treatment also altered the postnatal growth trajectory in a sex‐specific manner. Males grew slower during the early postnatal period and caught up later. Females, in contrast, demonstrated the opposite growth trend. Prenatal BPA‐induced changes in fetal organ differentiation and early life growth strongly implicate translational relevance of in utero contributions to reproductive and metabolic defects previously reported in adult female offspring.
Association of preoperative monocyte‐to‐lymphocyte and neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio with recurrence‐free and overall survival after resection of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (US‐NETSG)
Authors: Panni Roheena Z. , Lopez‐Aguiar Alexandra G. , Liu Jingxia , Poultsides George A. , Rocha Flavio G. , Hawkins William G. , Strasberg Steven M. , Trikalinos Nikolaos A. , Maithel Shishir , Fields Ryan C. ,   and other members of US‐NETSG
Published: July 2019

AbstractBackgroundPreoperative systemic inflammatory response plays a crucial role in tumorigenesis, progression, and prognosis; and neutrophil, monocyte, and lymphocyte counts serve as important biomarkers. An altered monocyte‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (MLR) and neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has been reported to be associated with a favorable prognosis for certain hematologic malignancies and breast cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic significance of MLR, NLR in patients with resectable PNETs.MethodsPatients undergoing surgery for PNETs between 2000 and 2016 were identified using a large, multi‐center database. NLR and MLR were calculated and Contal and O'Quigley analysis was used to determine the optimal cutoff value.ResultsA total of 620 patients were included in the analytic cohort. The prognostic implications of blood count parameters were evaluated in both univariate and multivariate analysis. The univariate analysis revealed that low MLR and NLR is associated with significantly improved overall survival (OS; P < .01) and recurrence‐free survival (RFS; P < .01). On multivariate analysis, in addition to tumor size and grade, NLR was an independent predictor of improved OS and RFS.ConclusionIn addition to established tumor‐specific factors, preoperative NLR levels can serve as a valuable biomarker that can be used as a predictor of OS and RFS after resection of PNETs.
Quantifying the use of opioids in the immediate postoperative period after endoscopic sinus surgery
Authors: Badash Ido , Lui Christopher G. , Hur Kevin , Acevedo Joseph R. , Ference Elisabeth H. , Wrobel Bozena B. 
Published: July 2019

Objectives/HypothesisThe opioid crisis is a public health emergency. There is limited evidence regarding how much opioid medication is necessary and which patients will require additional pain medication following endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). The objective of this study was to quantify the use of opioids in the first 24 hours following ESS and determine the risk factors associated with increased need for opioid analgesia.Study DesignRetrospective chart review.MethodsA review of opioid‐naïve patients routinely admitted to the hospital following ESS between June 2016 and August 2018 was performed. Opioid consumption was quantified for each patient and converted to a morphine milligram equivalents (MME) dose. Pain intensity scores were also recorded throughout the postoperative period. Sociodemographic characteristics as well as surgical procedures performed were evaluated for impact on MME.ResultsA total of 130 patients (45.4% female) were included for analysis. The mean opioid dose consumed per patient in the first 24 hours following ESS was 24.1 MME, and the mean pain intensity was 2.4/10. Increasing pain scores were strongly associated with increasing MME (R = 0.78, P < .001). Multiple linear regression identified that patients taking antidepressants required an additional 17.2 MME (95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.5‐28.9, P = .004) in the first 24 hours following ESS, whereas patients undergoing papilloma resection required an additional 16.9 MME (95% CI: 2.5‐31.4, P = .022).ConclusionsPatients undergoing ESS require different amounts of opioids for pain control in the immediate postoperative period. A history of antidepressant use and inverted papilloma resection during ESS were associated with increased opioid consumption postoperatively.Level of Evidence4Laryngoscope, 130:1122–1127, 2020
A circularly polarized horn antenna with elliptical waveguide polarizer
Authors: Yu Haiyang , Yu Junsheng , Liu Xiaoming , Yao Yuan , Chen Xiaodong 
Published: July 2019

AbstractIn this article, a circularly polarized horn antenna with elliptical waveguide polarizer is proposed. By converting linear polarization into circular polarization in the elliptical waveguide polarizer, circularly polarized radiation can be realized by the proposed antenna in D‐band. The observation shows that the proposed antenna achieves the impedance bandwidth of 16.7% for S11 < −10 dB from 110 to 130 GHz and the axial‐ratio bandwidth of 11.7% from 114 to 128 GHz. The measured gain of the proposed antenna can reach the range 13.6‐17.82 dBic from 110 to 130 GHz. Besides, the measured normalized beam of the proposed antenna at the far field is able to realize a sidelobe below −25 dB, as well as good axial symmetry. With the elliptical waveguide polarizer, it is obtained that the proposed antenna has the potential application of circularly polarized radiation in millimeter and sub‐millimeter wave band.
Optimal neoadjuvant chemotherapy duration in Wilms tumour with intravascular thrombus: A literature review and evidence from SIOP WT 2001 trial
Authors: Morris Louise , Squire Roly , Sznajder Beata , van Tinteren Harm , Godzinski Jan , Powis Mark 
Published: July 2019

AbstractIntroductionPreoperative chemotherapy is recommended for children with Wilms tumour with intravascular extension. Extended chemotherapy may improve resectability, but increase tumour adherence to vascular endothelium, precluding complete resection. To evaluate the optimal length of preoperative treatment, we report a two‐part review comprising systematic review of the literature and investigation of patients treated in the International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOP) WT 2001 trial.MethodsStudies were identified using Medline and Embase databases from 1996 to present. English language titles reporting management of intravascular Wilms tumour were analysed. Patients with Wilms tumour and thrombus were identified from the SIOP WT 2001 trial. Overall survival (OS) and event‐free survival (EFS), tumour regression, completeness of resection and cavectomy were investigated.ResultsThe search retrieved 43 articles documenting 498 children. Note that 72% of the patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy: 101 received standard course (4‐6 weeks, standard course neoadjuvant chemotherapy [StC]) and 62 extended course (> 6 weeks, extended course neoadjuvant chemotherapy [EC]). There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of thrombus regression or completeness of resection. EFS was greater in the StC group (78 vs 54%; P = .04). Of 4511 patients registered in the SIOP WT 2001 trial, 166 had thrombus. Note that 97% of the patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy: 63 StC and 67 EC. There was no significant difference between the groups with regard to tumour regression, complete resection, or cavectomy. Survival was significantly higher in those receiving StC than EC (OS: 95% vs 82%, P = .025; EFS: 88% vs 72%, P = .047).ConclusionThere is no evidence that prolonged courses of neoadjuvant chemotherapy beyond the recommended protocols confer any additional benefit in treating intravascular extension of Wilms tumour.
Lipase‐catalyzed synthesis of aliphatic poly(β‐thioether ester) with various methylene group contents: thermal properties, crystallization and degradation
Authors: Wu Wan‐Xia 
Published: July 2019

AbstractA series of novel aliphatic poly(β‐thioether ester)s with various methylene group contents were prepared by direct lipase‐catalyzed polycondensation of the monomer with an acid‐labile β‐thiopropionate group. The polycondensation reaction using immobilized lipase B from Candida antarctica was carried out in diphenyl ether at 90 °C. Poly(β‐thioether ester)s with high molecular weights of 20 500–57 000 Da and narrow polydispersities in the range 1.40–1.48 were obtained. Thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry and wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction were used to investigate the thermal properties and crystal structures of these polyesters. All the poly(β‐thioether ester)s were semicrystalline polymers and thermally stable up to at least 200 °C. In vitro degradation studies showed that they can rapidly degrade under acidic conditions by the hydrolysis of the β‐thiopropionate groups, suggesting their potential as acid‐degradable polymeric materials. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry