bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Process analysis and economic evaluation of mixed aqueous ionic liquid and monoethanolamine (MEA) solvent for CO2 capture from a coke oven plant
Authors: Oko Eni , Zacchello Baptiste , Wang Meihong , Fethi Aloui 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThis study investigates the process and economic impacts of using an aqueous mixture of 1‐butylpyridinium tetrafluoroborate ([Bpy][BF4]) ionic liquid (IL) and monoethanolamine (MEA) as the solvent for CO2 capture from a coke‐oven plant. The gaps highlighted in the literature on the study of an aqueous mixture of IL and MEA for CO2 capture include lack of detailed process models or information on the impacts of varying the IL concentration on different process conditions and economics. This study addressed these needs by developing a rate‐based, solvent‐based CO2 capture process model with a mixed IL and MEA solvent and using the model to perform process and economic evaluations. The model was developed with Aspen Plus® and was used to investigate seven different aqueous mixtures of IL and MEA. The MEA concentration was 30 wt% for all the seven aqueous solvent mixtures, and the corresponding IL concentration was 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 wt% for each combination. The hybrid IL solvent mixtures (i.e. 5–30 wt% IL) have 7–9% and 12–27% less regeneration energy and solvent circulation rate respectively compared to the base case (i.e. 30 wt% MEA). Based on a commercial‐scale cost benchmark for the IL, the initial solvent cost for the mixed solution is predictably higher. However, the solvent makeup cost is less for the mixed solvent. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Peak visual gamma frequency is modified across the healthy menstrual cycle
Authors: Sumner Rachael L. , McMillan Rebecca L. , Shaw Alexander D. , Singh Krish D. , Sundram Fred , Muthukumaraswamy Suresh D. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractFluctuations in gonadal hormones over the course of the menstrual cycle are known to cause functional brain changes and are thought to modulate changes in the balance of cortical excitation and inhibition. Animal research has shown this occurs primarily via the major metabolite of progesterone, allopregnanolone, and its action as a positive allosteric modulator of the GABAA receptor. Our study used EEG to record gamma oscillations induced in the visual cortex using stationary and moving gratings. Recordings took place during twenty females’ mid‐luteal phase when progesterone and estradiol are highest, and early follicular phase when progesterone and estradiol are lowest. Significantly higher (∼5 Hz) gamma frequency was recorded during the luteal compared to the follicular phase for both stimuli types. Using dynamic causal modeling, these changes were linked to stronger self‐inhibition of superficial pyramidal cells in the luteal compared to the follicular phase. In addition, the connection from inhibitory interneurons to deep pyramidal cells was found to be stronger in the follicular compared to the luteal phase. These findings show that complex functional changes in synaptic microcircuitry occur across the menstrual cycle and that menstrual cycle phase should be taken into consideration when including female participants in research into gamma‐band oscillations.
Regioselective Dialkylations of N‐(tert‐Butyl)iminocyclopentane via Deprotonating One‐Pot Procedures
Authors: Knorr Rudolf , Neuner Brigitte 
Published: April 2018

The title compound (1) was chosen as a model for the α/α′‐regioselectivity of deprotonation and subsequent alkylation adjacent to the C=N bond. With the bulky base lithium N,N‐diisopropylamide (LDA) as a catalyst, the one‐pot deprotonation steps can be performed through titration with methyllithium, using gas‐volumetric observation of the liberated methane. In the first step with ensuing methylation by iodomethane, the primary product is born at −40 °C in its metastable (Z) configuration (kinetic control) and may be either isolated or converted in situ at 30 °C into its thermodynamically favored (E)‐isomer via cis to trans stereoinversion at the N‐atom. Being slow enough on the laboratory time scale, this stereoinversion process can serve to control the regioselectivity of the second deprotonation/alkylation sequence as follows. The α,α′‐products are formed from the intermediate (Z)‐imine, whereas α,α‐products result from the intermediate (E)‐imine; in either case, syn deprotonation (cis to tBu at nitrogen) by LDA is apparently disfavored by the tBu group, so that anti deprotonation becomes obligatory. If a third one‐pot deprotonation step is too slow with LDA, it may be performed with the stronger base butyllithium/HMPA which, however, reacts regio‐unselectively. Regioselective one‐pot, LDA‐catalyzed deprotonation with alkylation by oxiranes (alone, or alternatingly with iodomethane) opens a short access to spiro‐[2.4]heptan‐4‐ones.
Amiodarone‐induced thyrotoxicosis in heart failure with a reduced ejection fraction: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Yamamoto Jennifer M. , Katz Pamela M. , Bras James A.F. , Shafer Leigh Anne , Leung Alexander A. , Ravandi Amir , Cordova Francisco J. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBackgroundAmiodarone‐induced thyrotoxicosis (AIT) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. We aimed to describe AIT and its clinical outcomes in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).MethodsWe performed a retrospective chart review at a heart failure center in Winnipeg, Canada. We screened 1059 consecutive patients seen over a 12‐month period (August 2011 to July 2012) for AIT in patients with HFrEF. Using descriptive and Cox proportional hazard analyses, we explored the association between AIT and mortality.ResultsA total of 110 patients with HFrEF who were exposed to amiodarone were included in the analysis. Of these, 13 (11.8%) were diagnosed with AIT. All AIT patients in our cohort were male. Amiodarone was discontinued in nearly half (46.2%) of patients with AIT. All patients were treated with antithyroid medications, and 5 patients (38.5%) also received prednisone. Euthyroidism was achieved in 2 patients (15.4%), hypothyroidism occurred in 6 patients (46.2%), and 5 patients remained thyrotoxic until death or time of chart review (38.5%).ConclusionThyrotoxicosis is common in patients with HFrEF on amiodarone and is challenging to treat. Due to the sample size, while no association was found in mortality for patients with HFrEF with AIT, a real association could have been missed.
Data quality scoring system for microcosm and mesocosm studies used to derive a level of concern for atrazine
Authors: Giddings Jeffrey M , Campana David , Nair Shyam , Brain Richard 
Published: April 2018

Abstract

The US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has historically used different methods to derive an aquatic level of concern (LoC) for atrazine, though all have generally relied on an expanding set of mesocosm and microcosm (“cosm”) studies for calibration. The database of results from ecological effects studies with atrazine in cosms now includes 108 data points from 39 studies and forms the basis for assessing atrazine's potential to impact aquatic plant communities. Inclusion of the appropriate cosm studies and accurate interpretation of each data point—delineated as binary scores of “effect” (effect score 1) or “no effect” (effect score 0) of a specific atrazine exposure profile on plant communities in a single study—is critical to USEPA's approach to determining the LoC. We reviewed the atrazine cosm studies in detail and carefully interpreted their results in terms of the binary effect scores. The cosm database includes a wide range of experimental systems and study designs, some of which are more relevant to natural plant communities than others. Moreover, the studies vary in the clarity and consistency of their results. We therefore evaluated each study against objective criteria for relevance and reliability to produce a weighting score that can be applied to the effect scores when calculating the LoC. This approach is useful because studies that are more relevant and reliable have greater influence on the LoC than studies with lower weighting scores. When the current iteration of USEPA's LoC approach, referred to as the plant assemblage toxicity index (PATI), was calibrated with the weighted cosm data set, the result was a 60-day LoC of 21.2 μg/L. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2018;14:489–497. © 2018 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC)

Key Points
The extensive body of microcosm and mesocosm (“cosm”) research with the herbicide atrazine has been a major source of data for establishing a regulatory level of concern (LoC)—the highest level of exposure considered by risk managers to be protective of aquatic plant communities. The approach described in this paper—evaluating cosm studies for relevance and reliability and weighting the LoC analysis with the information—is useful because studies that are more relevant and reliable have greater influence on the LoC than studies with lower weighting scores. The atrazine LoC derivation process used by the USEPA is highly influenced by interpretation of individual cosm studies, by the model used to predict cumulative atrazine effects, and by the results of the data evaluation. When the EPA's current LoC approach, referred to as the Plant Assemblage Toxicity Index, was calibrated with appropriate cosm data weighted according to the data evaluation scores, the result was a 60-day time-weighted average exposure of 21.2 µg/L.
Controlling air pollution in a city: A perspective from SOAR-PESTLE analysis
Authors: Gheibi Mohammad , Karrabi Mohsen , Mohammadi Ali , Dadvar Azin 
Published: April 2018

Abstract

Strengths, opportunities, aspirations, and results (SOAR) analysis is a strategic planning framework that helps organizations focus on their current strengths and opportunities to create a vision of future aspirations and the results they will bring. PESTLE is an analytical framework for understanding external influences on a business. This research paper describes a field study and interviews of city hall managers from the city of Mashhad, Iran, conducted to investigate the application of SOAR and PESTLE frameworks for managing Mashhad's air pollution. Strategies are prioritized by the technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS), Shannon entropy (SE), and analytic network process (ANP) multicriteria decision-making (MCDM) methods, considering economic conditions, managers’ opinions, consensus, city council approvals, and national documents. The results of this research study show that creating centralized databases, supporting local governments, and developing smart city infrastructure, with weights of 0.194, 0.182, and 0.161, respectively, are the highest ranked strategies for managing air pollution in Mashhad. It can also be concluded that citizen involvement is key to achieving success in the employment of any management strategy. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2018;14:480–488. © 2018 SETAC

Key Points
Air pollution is one of the biggest challenges faced by local governments, threatening the future of a city. As an ecosystem, the urban environment has a complex and dynamic function. In case of any disruption in this ecosystem, urban managers are required to employ strategies like account management policies and economic, social, technological, and environmental requirements. Due to growing population and limited resources, it is impossible to have urban management with no mutual interactions between citizens and urban management system. Results of this research showed that creating centralized databases, supporting local governments, and developing smart city infrastructure are the highest ranked strategies to manage air pollution.
Inside Cover: Polarimetric imaging of biological tissues based on the indices of polarimetric purity (J. Biophotonics 4/2018)
Authors: Van Eeckhout Albert , Lizana Angel , Garcia‐Caurel Enric , Gil José J. , Sansa Adrià , Rodríguez Carla , Estévez Irene , González Emilio , Escalera Juan C. , Moreno Ignacio , Campos Juan 
Published: April 2018

The cover shows the image enhancement of biological tissues provided by the Indices of Polarimetric Purity (IPPs). By measuring the Mueller matrix of a biological sample, using an imaging polarimeter, the IPPs are calculated. They are polarimetric indicators providing further synthetization of depolarizing samples and leading to enhanced image contrast for some biological structures. Once the IPPs are calculated, a pseudo‐colouring technique is applied for higher visualization.Further details can be found in the article by Albert Van Eeckhout et al. (e201700189)
image
Recent developments and clinical potential on decellularized adipose tissue
Authors: Dong Jia , Yu Mei , Zhang Yan , Yin Yin , Tian Weidong 
Published: April 2018

AbstractNatural and synthetic materials have been developed to provide a three‐dimensional (3‐D) scaffold that mimics the extracellular matrix properties for tissue regeneration and reconstruction. On account of the excellent biological and mechanical properties, diverse decellularized tissue materials have been developed as natural scaffolds. Among them, decellularized adipose tissue (DAT) has generated great interest in recent years due to the extensiveness of the source and the eximious potential to enhance the regeneration and repair of damaged tissues. In this review, we compared the different physical, chemical, and biological treatment in recorded decellularization methods, and illustrated the similarities and differences in the characteristics of various aspects of DATs prepared by different methods, including macroscopic (macro) and microcosmic (micro) structure, cellular contents removal, DNA quantification, collagen, glycosaminoglycan (GAG) or growth factors retention, and mechanical properties. We also summarized the DAT application in the studies of tissue regeneration, wound healing, drug screening, and other diseases. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A:2562–2573, 2018.
Capsaicin reduces PLGA‐induced fibrosis by promoting M2 macrophages and suppressing overall inflammatory Response
Authors: Truong T. , Jones K. S. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractCapsaicin reduced poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic) acid (PLGA)‐induced fibrosis by promoting IL‐10 secretion and suppressing alpha‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) expression. The lifetime and efficacy of tissue engineering scaffolds are determined by the foreign body response. In this study, we investigated the in vitro and in vivo effects of capsaicin to reduce biomaterial‐induced fibrosis. RAW 264.7 cells cultured on PLGA films with capsaicin responded with significant (p < 0.05) upregulation in M2 markers arginase‐1 and IL‐10 and downregulation of M1 markers iNOS and IL‐12, demonstrating the potential of capsaicin to reduce PLGA‐induced inflammation. Subsequent animal studies were conducted where PLGA and capsaicin‐embedded PLGA discs were implanted in C57BL/6 mice for 2 and 14 days. Explanted capsaicin‐embedded PLGA implants had 40% less collagen than PLGA‐only implants. Capsaicin caused a 35% increase in IL‐10 which played a key role in suppressing fibrosis. Macrophage phenotype markers in peritoneal cells and adherent cells were unaffected by capsaicin; however, capsaicin suppressed the myofibroblast marker α‐SMA in adherent cells by day 14. Overall, our results revealed that capsaicin reduced biomaterial‐induced fibrosis and demonstrates that capsaicin has the potential to extend the lifetime of a tissue engineering scaffold when used in long‐term drug release applications from hydrophobic biomaterials. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A:2424–2432, 2018.
Kidney decellularized extracellular matrix hydrogels: Rheological characterization and human glomerular endothelial cell response to encapsulation
Authors: Su Jimmy , Satchell Simon C. , Shah Ramille N. , Wertheim Jason A. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractHydrogels, highly‐hydrated crosslinked polymer networks, closely mimic the microenvironment of native extracellular matrix (ECM) and thus present as ideal platforms for three‐dimensional cell culture. Hydrogels derived from tissue‐ and organ‐specific decellularized ECM (dECM) may retain bioactive signaling cues from the native tissue or organ that could in turn modulate cell–material interactions and response. In this study, we demonstrate that porcine kidney dECM can be processed to form hydrogels suitable for cell culture and encapsulation studies. Scanning electron micrographs of hydrogels demonstrated a fibrous ultrastructure with interconnected pores, and rheological analysis revealed rapid gelation times with shear moduli dependent upon the protein concentration of the hydrogels. Conditionally‐immortalized human glomerular endothelial cells (GEnCs) cultured on top of or encapsulated within hydrogels exhibited high cell viability and proliferation over a one‐week culture period. However, gene expression analysis of GEnCs encapsulated within kidney dECM hydrogels revealed significantly lower expression of several relevant genes of interest compared to those encapsulated within hydrogels composed of only purified collagen I. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A:2448–2462, 2018.
Investigation of nano‐sized debris released from CoCrMo secondary interfaces in total hip replacements: Digestion of the flakes
Authors: Crainic Alina M. , Callisti Mauro , Palmer Martin R. , Cook Richard B. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe in vivo release of wear debris and corrosion products from the metallic interfaces of total hip replacements is associated with a wide spectrum of adverse body reactions and systemic manifestations. The origin of debris and the electrochemical conditions at the sites of material loss both play a role in determining the physicochemical characteristics of the particles, and thus influence their in vivo reactivity. Debris retrieved from revised CoCrMo tapers and cement‐stem interfaces consists of heterogeneous flakes that comprise mechanically mixed metal particles, corrosion products and organic material. Detailed investigation of the size and composition of the metal debris contained within these composites requires the digestion of the flakes to release the small metal particles. Here, we compare alkaline and enzymatic digestion methods that both aim to fragment the flakes and reveal their smallest building blocks. The characterization of debris cleaned with both methods revealed crystalline Cr oxide nanoparticles and clusters. Comparison between the treatments showed that the alkaline method is more efficient in fragmenting the flakes and provided cleaner and generally smaller nanoparticles than exhibited in debris released with the enzymatic treatment. The provision of cleaner nanoparticles from the alkaline method also allows the physicochemical properties of the particles to be more clearly identified. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 107B: 424–434, 2019.
Functional and Hybrid Imaging of Bone Metastases
Authors: Cook Gary JR , Goh Vicky 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACT

Bone metastases are common, cause significant morbidity, and impact on healthcare resources. Although radiography, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and bone scintigraphy have frequently been used for staging the skeleton, these methods are insensitive and nonspecific for monitoring treatment response in a clinically relevant time frame. We summarize several recent reports on new functional and hybrid imaging methods including single photon emission CT/CT, positron emission tomography/CT, and whole-body MRI with diffusion-weighted imaging. These modalities generally show improvements in diagnostic accuracy for staging and response assessment over standard imaging methods, with the ability to quantify biological processes related to the bone microenvironment as well as tumor cells. As some of these methods are now being adopted into routine clinical practice and clinical trials, further evaluation with comparative studies is required to guide optimal and cost-effective clinical management of patients with skeletal metastases. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Identification of potential tumor‐educated platelets RNA biomarkers in non‐small‐cell lung cancer by integrated bioinformatical analysis
Authors: Xue Linlin , Xie Li , Song Xingguo , Song Xianrang 
Published: April 2018

BackgroundPlatelets have emerged as key players in tumorigenesis and tumor progression. Tumor‐educated platelet (TEP) RNA profile has the potential to diagnose non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The objective of this study was to identify potential TEP RNA biomarkers for the diagnosis of NSCLC and to explore the mechanisms in alternations of TEP RNA profile.MethodsThe RNA‐seq datasets GSE68086 and GSE89843 were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus DataSets (GEO DataSets). Then, the functional enrichment of the differentially expressed mRNAs was analyzed by the Database for Annotation Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID). The miRNAs which regulated the differential mRNAs and the target mRNAs of miRNAs were identified by miRanda and miRDB. Then, the miRNA‐mRNA regulatory network was visualized via Cytoscape software.ResultsTwenty consistently altered mRNAs (2 up‐regulated and 18 down‐regulated) were identified from the two GSE datasets, and they were significantly enriched in several biological processes, including transport and establishment of localization. Twenty identical miRNAs were found between exosomal miRNA‐seq dataset and 229 miRNAs that regulated 20 consistently differential mRNAs in platelets. We also analyzed 13 spliceosomal mRNAs and their miRNA predictions; there were 27 common miRNAs between 206 differential exosomal miRNAs and 338 miRNAs that regulated 13 distinct spliceosomal mRNAs.ConclusionThis study identified 20 potential TEP RNA biomarkers in NSCLC for diagnosis by integrated bioinformatical analysis, and alternations in TEP RNA profile may be related to the post‐transcriptional regulation and the splicing metabolisms of spliceosome.