bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Marble slurry derived hydroxyapatite as heterogeneous catalyst for biodiesel production from soybean oil
Authors: Gupta Jharna , Agarwal Madhu , Dalai Ajay Kumar 
Published: February 2018

AbstractIn this study, utilization of waste marble slurry (MS) as an eco‐friendly and low‐cost heterogeneous catalyst is introduced for biodiesel production from soybean oil. Catalytic transesterification reaction was done to convert biodiesel from soybean oil using Marble slurry (MS) derived calcined marble slurry (CMS), and hydroxyapatite (HAP) as a heterogeneous catalyst. Marble slurry derived catalysts were characterized by XRD, FTIR, SEM, and TGA with elemental analysis. Hammett indicator method and ion exchange method were also used to verify catalytic activities of the catalysts. The HAP provided the better biodiesel yield of 94 ± 1 % with the highest basicity (13.30 mmol/g) and basic strength than CMS under optimized reaction conditions: reaction temperature 65 °C; reaction time 3 h; methanol/oil molar ratio 9:1; and catalyst concentration 6 wt%. Reusability tests provide confirmation about the stability of the catalyst and slight fluctuations in catalytic activity and biodiesel yield when used up to five runs.
Lymphedema in ovarian cancer survivors: Assessing diagnostic methods and the effects of physical activity
Authors: Iyer Neel S. , Cartmel Brenda , Friedman Louis , Li Fangyong , Zhou Yang , Ercolano Elizabeth , Harrigan Maura , Gottlieb Linda , McCorkle Ruth , Schwartz Peter E. , Irwin Melinda L. 
Published: February 2018

BACKGROUNDLymphedema is a poorly understood side effect of gynecologic cancer treatment. This study was designed to determine the prevalence of lower limb lymphedema (LLL) in a sample of ovarian cancer survivors via 3 different diagnostic methods and to assess the effect of a randomized exercise intervention.METHODSPhysically inactive ovarian cancer survivors (n = 95) were enrolled in a 6‐month randomized trial of exercise (primarily brisk walking) versus attention control. LLL was measured at baseline and 6‐month visits via a self‐report questionnaire, optoelectronic perometry, and an evaluation by a certified lymphedema specialist.RESULTSLLL prevalence ranged from 21% to 38% according to the diagnostic method, and there was substantial agreement between the self‐report questionnaire and the lymphedema specialist evaluation (κ = 0.61). There was no agreement between the evaluation with optoelectronic perometry and the specialist evaluation. With LLL defined by any method, the baseline prevalence was 38% in both groups. At 6 months, both groups experienced a decreased LLL prevalence: 28% in the exercise group and 35% in the control group. There was no difference in the change in lymphedema prevalence between the 2 groups (P = .64). Body mass index was a significant predictor of LLL.CONCLUSIONSWith a potential prevalence of LLL as high as 40%, further evaluation of diagnostic methods is required to better characterize this side effect of ovarian cancer treatment. No adverse effect of exercise on LLL was found. Further research is strongly needed to evaluate predictors of LLL and the effects of exercise on LLL in order to develop effective physical activity recommendations for women with ovarian cancer. Cancer 2018;124:1929‐37. © 2018 American Cancer Society.
Analysis of rectangular cross sections under double eccentric compression stress
Authors: Vassilev † Todor , Salehi Hamidreza 
Published: February 2018

AbstractDouble eccentrically loaded cross‐sections with failing tension zone occur both in foundation engineering and in masonry building. The case of walls or columns loaded with double eccentricity by a normal force was no longer covered under the global safety concept of DIN 1053‐1 and is thus not normally considered in practice. With the transition to the semi‐probabilistic safety concept, verification of the cross‐section at the limit state of loadbearing capacity is performed near or at the failure state. This also made it necessary as part of the introduction of EN 1996‐1‐1 to introduce a verification for double eccentrically loaded cross‐sections. The present article considers the non‐linear stress distribution in double eccentrically loaded cross‐sections and the resulting position of the neutral axis. The described process is numerically robust and can be implemented with little effort for the analysis of masonry as an Excel spreadsheet.
Demountable prototype house – from facade to water tap
Authors: Kollna Martin 
Published: February 2018

AbstractIn connection with climate development, our buildings, both existing and newbuild, have to be intensively investigated regarding their energy balance and use of resources. An energy‐efficient dry building system capable of being recycled is important for new building today. This is the starting point for the project ReDeMaM (recyclable – demountable – highly energy‐efficient – massive – prototype house), to investigate whether appropriate systems are already available on the market and to what extent these are compatible with each other. The end result should be a prototype house, which includes all necessary elements including finishings with the objective of being capable of being dismantled, reused and recycled. The research project is supported by the research initiative Zukunft Bau (future building) and is currently underway at the Chair of Structural Design at the TU Dresden.
Catastrophizing, pain and traumatic stress symptoms following burns: A prospective study
Authors: Van Loey N.E. , Klein‐König I. , de Jong A.E.E. , Hofland H.W.C. , Vandermeulen E. , Engelhard I.M. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackgroundPain and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms are significant problems in the aftermath of a burn injury and they often co‐occur. Catastrophizing has been linked to both phenomena. The aim of this study was to investigate the underlying role of catastrophizing in PTSD symptoms and pain following burns.MethodsThis prospective study included 216 patients with burns. PTSD symptoms and pain were measured during hospitalization (T1) and 6 (T2) and 12 months (T3) postburn. The Impact of Event Scale‐Revised (IES‐R) indexed PTSD symptoms. Acute pain (T1) was the mean pain during the first two weeks of hospitalization measured using an 11‐point graphic numeric rating scale. Chronic pain was indexed using the single item ‘average’ pain from the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI). Catastrophizing was measured at T1 and T2 using the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ). Data were analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM).ResultsThe results showed that T2 catastrophizing mediated between acute and chronic PTSD symptoms, and T3 pain. Furthermore, the study revealed significant associations between catastrophizing, PTSD symptoms and pain at the respective measurements, and significant longitudinal associations between the constructs.ConclusionA negative cognitive‐affective response to a burn event, such as catastrophizing, mediated the relationship between acute and chronic PTSD symptoms and later chronic pain. Screening for catastrophizing and acute PTSD symptoms is recommended to identify persons at risk for chronic PTSD symptoms and pain.SignificanceThe identification of individuals who have the tendency to catastrophize may assist in finding those at risk for development of both chronic PTSD symptoms and chronic pain. Individuals may benefit from early psychological therapy focussing on catastrophizing and acute PTSD symptoms that may ameliorate both chronic PTSD symptoms and pain.
Assessing neuropathic pain in patients with low back‐related leg pain: Comparing the painDETECT Questionnaire with the 2016 NeuPSIG grading system
Authors: Hasvik E. , Haugen A.J. , Gjerstad J. , Grøvle L. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackgroundLow back‐related leg pain with nerve root involvement is conceptually regarded as a neuropathic condition. However, it is uncertain to what extent patients with this condition can be formally classified with neuropathic pain.MethodFirst, we used the 2016 revision of theIASPSpecial Interest Group on Neuropathic Pain (NeuPSIG) grading system for neuropathic pain to grade patients suffering from low back‐related leg pain and a corresponding disc herniation with eitherunlikely, possible, probableordefiniteneuropathic pain. Examination included bedside quantitative sensory testing. Next, we used the clinical classification based on the 2016 NeuPSIGgrading system as a reference standard to assess the ability of the painDETECTQuestionnaire to identify patients with neuropathic pain.ResultsOf the 50 included patients, six (12%) fulfilled the clinical classification criteria forprobableand 44 (88%) fordefiniteneuropathic pain, while none were gradedunlikelyorpossible. According to painDETECT, 23 patients (46%) were classified withunlikelyneuropathic pain, 18 patients (36%) had anuncertaincondition and in nine patients (18%) neuropathic pain waslikely. Among the 44 patients graded as havingdefiniteneuropathic pain by the clinical classification, eight were classified aslikelyneuropathic pain by painDETECT, resulting in an agreement of 18%. Of these 44 patients graded withdefiniteneuropathic pain, painDETECTclassified 21 patients (48%) asunlikelyand 15 (34%) asuncertain.ConclusionOur results do not support the use of painDETECTas a screening tool to classify or grade neuropathic components in patients with low back‐related leg pain.SignificanceThe painDETECTQuestionnaire performed poorly at detecting neuropathic pain among patients with low back‐related leg pain, compared to clinical examination based on the 2016 NeuPSIGgrading system as a reference standard. Our results do not support the use of painDETECTas a screening tool to classify or grade neuropathic components in this population.
Effects of a Standard American Diet and an anti‐inflammatory diet in male and female mice
Authors: Totsch S.K. , Meir R.Y. , Quinn T.L. , Lopez S.A. , Gower B.A. , Sorge R.E. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackgroundObesity and chronic pain are prevalent concerns. Pain is frequently experienced in weight‐bearing joints, but is common in other areas of the body as well, suggesting other factors. Poor diet often contributes to obesity and can directly influence the immune system. We have shown that poor diet prolongs recovery from inflammatory injury. Therefore, our goal was to determine whether poor‐quality diet‐induced consequences could be prevented or reversed by an anti‐inflammatory diet (AID).MethodsA Standard American Diet (SAD) was developed to investigate the effects of poor diet on pain. The SAD includes amounts of refined sugar, carbohydrates and fats that better model the typical American diet, as compared to high‐fat diets. We developed an AID to explore whether the effects of the SAD could reverse or whether the AID would enhance recovery prophylactically. The AID was developed using ingredients (epigallocatechin gallate, sulforaphane, resveratrol, curcumin and ginseng) with known anti‐inflammatory properties. Following 15 weeks of diet [SAD, AID or regular (REG)] exposure, male and female mice underwent inflammatory injury, at which point some animals had their diets switched for the remainder of the study.ResultsAnimals who consumed the SAD showed longer recovery compared to the AID‐ and REG‐fed animals. Animals switched off the SAD had faster recovery times, with AID‐fed animals recovering as fast as REG‐fed animals.ConclusionsPoor diet prolonged recovery from inflammatory injury. Substitution of SAD with AID or REG promoted faster recovery. These findings suggest diet can be used as a non‐pharmacological intervention following injury.SignificanceObesity may increase susceptibility to chronic pain often due to poor diet. Diet has potential to be used as treatment for pain. This study investigates the use of a novel translatable diet to act as a preventative (i.e. prior to surgery) or an intervention (i.e. following an injury).
Genomic hotspots but few recurrent fusion genes in breast cancer
Authors: Fimereli Danai , Fumagalli Debora , Brown David , Gacquer David , Rothé Françoise , Salgado Roberto , Larsimont Denis , Sotiriou Christos , Detours Vincent 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe advent of next generation sequencing technologies has boosted the interest in exploring the role of fusion genes in the development and progression of solid tumors. In breast cancer, most of the detected gene fusions seem to be “passenger” events while the presence of recurrent and driver fusions is still under study. We performed RNA sequencing in 55 well‐characterized breast cancer samples and 10 adjacent normal breast tissues, complemented by an analysis of SNP array data. We explored the presence of fusion genes and defined their association with breast cancer subtypes, clinical‐pathologic characteristics and copy number aberrations. Overall, 370 fusions were detected across the majority of the samples. HER2+ samples had significantly more fusions than triple negative and luminal subtypes. The number of fusions was correlated with histological grade, Ki67 and tumor size. Clusters of fusion genes were observed across the genome and a significant correlation of fusions with copy number aberrations and more specifically amplifications was also revealed. Despite the large number of fusion events, only a few were recurrent, while recurrent individual genes forming fusions with different partners were also detected including the estrogen receptor 1 gene in the previously detected ESR1—CCDC170 fusion. Overall we detected novel gene fusion events while we confirmed previously reported fusions. Genomic hotspots of fusion genes, differences between subtypes and small number of recurrent fusions are the most relevant characteristics of these events in breast cancer. Further investigation is necessary to comprehend the biological significance of these fusions.
Spatially distributed long‐term hydrologic simulation using a continuous SCS CN method‐based hybrid hydrologic model
Authors: Cho Younghyun , Engel Bernard A. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractA continuous Soil Conservation Service (SCS) curve number (CN) method that considers time‐varied SCS CN values was developed based on the original SCS CN method with a revised soil moisture accounting approach to estimate run‐off depth for long‐term discontinuous storm events. The method was applied to spatially distributed long‐term hydrologic simulation of rainfall‐run‐off flow with an underlying assumption for its spatial variability using a geographic information systems‐based spatially distributed Clark's unit hydrograph method (Distributed‐Clark; hybrid hydrologic model), which is a simple few parameter run‐off routing method for input of spatiotemporally varied run‐off depth, incorporating conditional unit hydrograph adoption for different run‐off precipitation depth‐based direct run‐off flow convolution. Case studies of spatially distributed long‐term (total of 6 years) hydrologic simulation for four river basins using daily NEXRAD quantitative precipitation estimations demonstrate overall performances of Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (ENS) 0.62, coefficient of determination (R2) 0.64, and percent bias 0.33% in direct run‐off and ENS 0.71, R2 0.72, and percent bias 0.15% in total streamflow for model result comparison against observed streamflow. These results show better fit (improvement in ENS of 42.0% and R2 of 33.3% for total streamflow) than the same model using spatially averaged gauged rainfall. Incorporation of logic for conditional initial abstraction in a continuous SCS CN method, which can accommodate initial run‐off loss amounts based on previous rainfall, slightly enhances model simulation performance; both ENS and R2 increased by 1.4% for total streamflow in a 4‐year calibration period. A continuous SCS CN method‐based hybrid hydrologic model presented in this study is, therefore, potentially significant to improved implementation of long‐term hydrologic applications for spatially distributed rainfall‐run‐off generation and routing, as a relatively simple hydrologic modelling approach for the use of more reliable gridded types of quantitative precipitation estimations.
Bioactivity and composition of a preserved connective tissue matrix derived from human placental tissue
Authors: Irvin Joseph , Danchik Carina , Rall Joseph , Babcock Annie , Pine Matthew , Barnaby Devin , Pathakamuri Joseph , Kuebler Daniel 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThere are a wide variety of extracellular matrices that can be used for regenerative purposes. Placental tissue‐based matrices are quickly becoming an attractive option given the availability of the tissue source and the wide variety of bioactive molecules knows to exist in unprocessed placental tissues. As fresh placental tissues are seldom an option at the point of care, we examined both the composition and bioactivity of a commercially packaged flowable placental connective tissue matrix (FPTM) (BioECM®, Skye Biologics, Inc.) that was preserved by the proprietary HydraTek® process. The FPTM contained significant amounts of collagen and various growth factors such as bFGF, EGF, PDGF, KGF, and PIGF. In addition, it contained high levels of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP‐1 and 2) and molecules known to modulate the immune response including TGF‐β and IL‐4. In terms of its bioactivity, the FPTM displayed the ability (1) to suppress INF‐γ secretion in activated T‐cells nearly fourfold over control media, (2) to inhibit methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Staphylococcus saprophyticus proliferation, (3) to increase the migration of adipose‐derived stem cells (ASCs) nearly threefold over control media and (4) to adhere to ASCs in culture. When ASCs were exposed to FPTM in culture, the cells maintained healthy morphology and showed no significant changes in the expression of five genes involved in tissue growth and repair as compared to culture in standard growth media. © 2018 The Authors Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part B: Applied Biomaterials Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 2731–2740, 2018.
Diagnostic accuracy of 3.0T diffusion‐weighted MRI for patients with uterine carcinosarcoma: Assessment of tumor extent and lymphatic metastasis
Authors: Huang Yu‐Ting , Chang Chun‐Bi , Yeh Chi‐Ju , Lin Gigin , Huang Huei‐Jean , Wang Chun‐Chieh , Lu Kuan‐Ying , Ng Koon‐Kwan , Yen Tzu‐Chen , Lai Chyong‐Huey 
Published: February 2018

BackgroundAssessment of tumor extent and lymphatic metastasis of uterine carcinosarcomas is important for treatment planning.Purpose/HypothesisTo evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of 3.0T diffusion‐weighted (DW) MRI for patients with uterine carcinosarcoma, in assessment of tumor extent and lymphatic metastasis.Study TypeRetrospective diagnostic accuracy study.PopulationA consecutive cohort of 68 patients with pathologically proved carcinosarcoma between January 2006 and July 2014.Field Strength/Sequence3T DW MRI.AssessmentMaximal tumor and uterus size, presence of deep myometrial invasion, cervical invasion, adnexal invasion, lymphadenopathy, and the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of each tumor were used. Histopathology was the gold standard.Statistical TestsDiagnostic accuracy. Logistic regression.ResultsIn all, 38 patients entered the final analysis, with median age of 58 years (range, 35–79 years). The sensitivity and specificity in detecting deep myometrial invasion, cervical stromal invasion, adnexal invasion, as well as pelvic and para‐aortic lymph node metastases were 65% and 72%, 91% and 85%, 50% and 100%, 33% and 89%, and 33% and 100%, respectively. The largest tumor diameters predicted deep myometrium invasion (anteroposterior direction, P = 0.004) and cervical stroma invasion (craniocaudal direction, P = 0.008). Tumor ADCmin significantly predicted the lymphovascular permeation (P = 0.025; odds ratio = 0.96).Data ConclusionPreoperative DW MRI is useful to assess deep myometrial or cervical stromal invasion in uterine carcinosarcoma, yet the diagnostic performance for detecting adnexal invasion and lymphatic metastasis requires further improvement.Level of Evidence: 3Technical Efficacy: Stage 2J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;48:622–631.
Biomechanical influence of deficient posterolateral corner structures on knee joint kinematics: A computational study
Authors: Kang Kyoung‐Tak , Koh Yong‐Gon , Son Juhyun , Jung Moonki , Oh Sangyun , Kim Sung‐Jae , Kim Sung‐Hwan 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACTThe posterolateral corner (PLC) structures including the popliteofibular ligament (PFL), popliteus tendon (PT) and lateral collateral ligament (LCL) are important soft tissues for posterior translational, external rotational, and varus angulation knee joint instabilities. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of deficient PLC structures on the kinematics of the knee joint under gait and squat loading conditions. We developed subject‐specific computational models with full 12‐degree‐of‐freedom tibiofemoral and patellofemoral joints for four male subjects and one female subject. The subject‐specific knee joint models were validated with computationally predicted muscle activation, electromyography data, and experimental data from previous study. According to our results, deficiency of the PFL did not significantly influence knee joint kinematics compared to an intact model under gait loading conditions. Compared with an intact model under gait and squat loading conditions, deficiency of the PT led to significant increases in external rotation and posterior translation, while LCL deficiency increased varus angulation. Deficiency of all PLC structures led to the greatest increases in external rotation, varus angulation, and posterior translation. These results suggest that the PT is an important structure for external rotation and posterior translation, while the LCL is important for varus angulation under dynamic loading conditions. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:2202–2209, 2018.
Solid state fermentation and crude cellulase based bioconversion of potential bamboo biomass to reducing sugar for bioenergy production
Authors: Pandey Raj Kumar , Chand Khan , Tewari Lakshmi 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDLignocellulosic biomass from bamboo is an attractive feedstock for the bioethanol industry owing to its high cellulosic content and fast growth rate. In this study, powdery biomass was first enzymatically delignified and then saccharified using crude enzymes.RESULTSThe biological pretreatment decreased the lignin content of the biomass from an initial value of 295 to 137.7 g kg−1, with a simultaneous increase in exposed cellulose content from 379.3 to 615.9 g kg−1. For optimization of the saccharification, response surface methodology was adopted using a three‐factor/three‐level Box–Behnken design with crude fungal cellulase loading (FPU g−1 substrate), substrate concentration (% w/v) and saccharification temperature (°C) as the main process parameters. A maximum saccharification yield of 47.19% was achieved under the optimized conditions (cellulase enzyme 18.4 FPU g−1 substrate, substrate concentration 1.0% w/v, temperature 39.49 °C). Biological delignification and saccharification of the biomass were further confirmed through scanning electron microscopy analysis.CONCLUSIONIt is evident from the study that bamboo, as a renewable energy bioresource, can be hydrolysed to reducing sugars by using crude laccase/cellulase enzymes of fungal origin with good saccharification yield. Thus crude enzyme preparations could be utilized efficiently for eco‐friendly and cost‐effective bioethanol production. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry