bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alcoholysis: A Promising Technology for Conversion of Lignocellulose and Platform Chemicals
Authors: Zhu Shanhui , Guo Jing , Wang Xun , Wang Jianguo , Fan Weibin 
Published: May 2017

AbstractIn the catalytic conversion of lignocellulose to valuable products, the first entry point is to break down these biopolymers to sugar units or aromatic monomers, which is conventionally achieved by hydrolysis in water medium. Recent years have seen tremendous progress in the alcoholysis process, which has remarkable advantages, such as the avoidance of treating waste water, suppression of humins or chars, and enhancement of reaction rate and product yield. Advances have been focused on the alcoholysis of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin to alkyl glucosides, xylosides, and aromatic monomers, respectively. Alcoholysis of the platform molecule furfuryl alcohol (FAL) to alkyl levulinate (AL) and integrated alcoholysis of cellulose and furfural into AL are also summarized. This Minireview highlights the comparisons between alcoholysis and hydrolysis, the reaction mechanism of alcoholysis, and future challenges for industrial applications.
Priority‐based adaptive access barring for M2M communications in LTE networks using learning automata
Authors: Morvari Faezeh , Ghasemi Abdorasoul 
Published: May 2017

SummarySupporting a huge number of machine‐to‐machine devices with different priorities in Long Term Evolution networks is addressed in this paper. We propose a learning automaton (LA)–based scheme for dynamically allocating random access resources to different classes of machine‐to‐machine devices according to their priorities and their demands in each cycle. We then use another LA‐based scheme to adjust the barring factor for each class to control the possible overload. We show that by appropriate updating procedure for these LAs, the system performance asymptotically converges to the optimal performance in which the evolved node B knows the number of access‐attempting devices from each class a priori. Simulation results are provided to show the performance of the proposed scheme in random access resource allocation to defined classes and adjusting the barring factor for each of them.
Importance of long‐term care of diabetic women starting in pregnancy
Authors: Loeken Mary R. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractLarge scale, multi‐center, controlled studies have demonstrated the importance of glycemic control, as indicated by HbA1c levels, in reducing the incidence and progression of diabetic complications. However, Yasue Omori, who began practicing medicine in Tokyo 60 years ago, in 1957, has the vantage point of long‐term continuing care for women with type 2 diabetes, some for several decades. An internist who specializes in diabetic pregnancy, Dr Omori began caring for many of her patients during their pregnancies and continued to care for them following their deliveries, some now more than 50 years. Surprisingly, despite lack of optimal HbA1c levels, they have suffered relatively few diabetic complications. As reported in “The importance of nonstop treatment after delivery for pregnant women with type 2 diabetes” in Diabetes/Metabolism Research and Reviews, Omori and colleagues present a historical perspective that provides evidence that a long‐term patient‐care giver relationship following pregnancy can be valuable in reducing the onset and progression of diabetic complications.
Frequency of invasive plant occurrence is not a suitable proxy for abundance in the Northeast United States
Authors: Cross Tyler , Finn John T. , Bradley Bethany A. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractMeasuring and predicting invasive plant abundance is critical for understanding impacts on ecosystems and economies. Although spatial abundance datasets remain rare, occurrence datasets are increasingly available across broad regional scales. We asked whether the frequency of these point occurrences can be used as a proxy for abundance of invasive plants. We compiled both occurrence and abundance data for 13 regionally important invasive plants in the northeast United States from herbarium records and several contributed distribution datasets. We integrated all available abundance information based on infested area, stem count, percent cover, or qualitative descriptions into abundance rankings ranging from 0 (absent) to 4 (highly abundant). Within equal‐area grid cells of 800 m, we counted numbers of occurrence points and used ordinal regression to test whether higher densities of occurrence points increased the odds of a higher abundance ranking. We compiled a total of 86,854 occurrence points in 34,596 grid cells, of which 26,114 points (30%) within 11,976 cells (35%) had some form of abundance information. Eleven of the 13 species had a slight but significantly positive odds ratio; that is, more occurrence points of a species increased the odds that the species was abundant within the grid cell. However, the predictive ability of the models was poor (κ < 0.2) for the majority of species. Additionally, most grid cells contained only one or two occurrence points, making it impossible to infer abundance in all but a few locations. These results suggest that currently available occurrence datasets do not effectively represent abundance, which could explain why many distribution models based on occurrence data are poor predictors of abundance. Increased efforts to consistently collect and report invasive species abundance, ideally estimating both infested area and average cover, are strongly needed for regional‐scale assessments of potential abundance and associated impact.
A history of diabetes predicts outcomes following myocardial infarction: an analysis of the 28 771 patients in the High‐Risk MI Database
Authors: Tajik Athar A. , Dobre Daniela , Aguilar David , Kjekshus John , Zannad Faiez , Dickstein Kenneth ,   on behalf of the High‐Risk MI Database Scientific Committee
Published: May 2017

AbstractAimsTo examine the impact of diabetes mellitus on long‐term clinical outcomes in patients with myocardial infarction (MI) complicated by clinical signs of heart failure (HF) or left ventricular dysfunction (LVD).Methods and resultsThe High‐Risk MI Database consists of individual data from 28 771 patients and was created by merging four large recent randomized clinical trials (VALIANT, EPHESUS, OPTIMAAL, and CAPRICORN) that each examined the impact of pharmacological interventions following MI in patients with evidence of HF or LVD. The mean age of patients was 65 years, 70% were male, and almost 94% Caucasian. Overall, 7368 (26%) had a history of diabetes. All the major outcomes were adjudicated by independent end‐point committees. Strong and highly significant associations were found with all major clinical outcomes. Diabetes was associated with an increased risk for all‐cause death [adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 1.37; confidence interval (CI) 1.28–1.46; P < 0.001]. The higher risk for all‐cause death was largely mediated by higher risk for cardiovascular death (adjusted HR 1.38; CI 1.27–1.48; P < 0.001) predominantly due to a substantially increased risk for fatal re‐infarction (adjusted HR 1.78; CI 1.42–2.23; P < 0.001). Additionally, diabetes was associated with an increased risk for hospitalizations, particularly HF hospitalization (adjusted HR 1.50; CI 1.39–1.63; P < 0.001). There were also elevated risks for composite outcomes, particularly death or hospitalization due to HF (adjusted HR 1.48; CI 1.38–1.59; P < 0.001).ConclusionThe risk for adverse outcomes associated with diabetes remains elevated even after debut of coronary artery disease in patients with MI complicated by clinical signs of HF or LVD. This association is particularly strong for HF‐related outcomes.
Correlation between pre‐pregnancy body mass index and maternal visceral adiposity with fetal biometry during the second trimester
Authors: Lopes Karina R.M. , Souza Alex Sandro R. , Figueiroa José N. , Alves João Guilherme B. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the correlation between pre‐pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and maternal visceral adiposity with fetal biometry during the second trimester.MethodsA cross‐sectional observational study was conducted among pregnant women who received prenatal care at a center in Recife, Brazil, between October 3, 2011, and September 27, 2013. Pre‐pregnancy BMI was determined at the first prenatal care visit. Maternal visceral adiposity and fetal biometry were measured at the same ultrasonography session. The associations between maternal and fetal variables were evaluated using the Pearson correlation coefficient (R). The Student t test was used to test the null hypothesis of adjusted correlation coefficients.ResultsOverall, 740 women were included. No correlation was found between pre‐pregnancy BMI and any of the fetal biometric variables assessed. By contrast, maternal visceral adiposity positively correlated with fetal abdominal circumference (R=0.529), estimated fetal weight (R=0.524), head circumference (R=0.521), femur length (R=0.521), and biparietal diameter (R=0.524; P<0.001 for all fetal variables). These findings remained statistically significant after controlling for pregnancy length.ConclusionMaternal visceral adiposity, but not pre‐pregnancy BMI, positively correlated with fetal biometry during the second trimester.
Randomized controlled trial of the effect of amniotomy on the duration of spontaneous labor
Authors: Vadivelu Malarvizhi , Rathore Swati , Benjamin Santosh J. , Abraham Anuja , Belavendra Antonisamy , Mathews Jiji E. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the effect of amniotomy on the duration of spontaneous labor.MethodsIn the present randomized controlled trial, women in spontaneous labor with singleton pregnancies presenting at a tertiary teaching hospital in South India between August 1, 2014, and October 31, 2015, were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to undergo amniotomy or conservative management. The primary outcome was the duration of labor. Per‐protocol analyses were performed and the duration of labor was compared between the groups of patients.ResultsThere were 144 patients randomized to each group. The median duration of labor was 235 minutes (interquartile range 117–355) in the amniotomy group and 364 minutes (interquartile range 201–580) in the conservative management group (P<0.001).ConclusionAmniotomy was associated with a shorter duration of labor in comparison with conservative management in patients with singleton pregnancies experiencing spontaneous labor.Clinical Trials Registry‐India: (CTRI) (CTRI/2014/12/005264)
Graphene and carbon nanotubes activate different cell surface receptors on macrophages before and after deactivation of endotoxins
Authors: Lahiani Mohamed H. , Gokulan Kuppan , Williams Katherine , Khodakovskaya Mariya V. , Khare Sangeeta 
Published: May 2017

AbstractNanomaterial synthesis and handling in a non‐sterile environment can result in the final product becoming contaminated with bacterial endotoxin or lipopolysaccharides (LPB). During toxicological testing, the effects caused by endotoxin‐contaminated nanomaterials can be misinterpreted in the end‐point analysis (such as cytotoxicity and immune responses) and could result in erroneous conclusions. The objective of this study was twofold: (i) to test different carbon‐based nanomaterials (CBNs) [pristine graphene and multi‐wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)] for the presence of endotoxin and develop strategies for depyrogenation, and (ii) to compare the immune response exhibited by macrophages after exposure to native CBNs versus depyrogenated CBNs. The gel‐clot limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL) and chromogenic‐based LAL assays were used to detect endotoxins. Results revealed that the CBNs contained greater amounts of endotoxin than are approved by major regulatory agencies (0.5 EU ml−1). Three repeated cycles of autoclaving reduced the endotoxin in the test materials. Macrophages were incubated with pyrogenated and depyrogenated pristine graphene and MWCNTs to test differences in phagocytosis, cytotoxicity, and expression of genes involved in macrophage activation. The uptake of depyrogenated CBNs was significantly reduced as compared with pyrogenated CBNs. Exposure of macrophages to depyrogenated CBNs resulted in a distinct pattern of gene expression for TLR signaling, NOD‐like receptor signaling, and downstream signal transduction molecules. Furthermore, macrophages exposed to both types of CBNs showed the downregulation of TLR5 and NLRC4 inflammasomes. The results of this study reaffirm that assessment of endotoxin and other bacterial contamination is critical when evaluating the cellular toxicity of nanomaterials. Published 2017. This article has been contributed to by US Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA. Published 2017. This article has been contributed to by US Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
A theoretical‐experimental methodology for assessing the sensitivity of biomedical spectral imaging platforms, assays, and analysis methods
Authors: Leavesley Silas J. , Sweat Brenner , Abbott Caitlyn , Favreau Peter , Rich Thomas C. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractSpectral imaging technologies have been used for many years by the remote sensing community. More recently, these approaches have been applied to biomedical problems, where they have shown great promise. However, biomedical spectral imaging has been complicated by the high variance of biological data and the reduced ability to construct test scenarios with fixed ground truths. Hence, it has been difficult to objectively assess and compare biomedical spectral imaging assays and technologies. Here, we present a standardized methodology that allows assessment of the performance of biomedical spectral imaging equipment, assays, and analysis algorithms. This methodology incorporates real experimental data and a theoretical sensitivity analysis, preserving the variability present in biomedical image data. We demonstrate that this approach can be applied in several ways: to compare the effectiveness of spectral analysis algorithms, to compare the response of different imaging platforms, and to assess the level of target signature required to achieve a desired performance. Results indicate that it is possible to compare even very different hardware platforms using this methodology. Future applications could include a range of optimization tasks, such as maximizing detection sensitivity or acquisition speed, providing high utility for investigators ranging from design engineers to biomedical scientists.magnified image
Quantifying intracellular equilibrium dissociation constants using single‐channel time‐resolved FRET
Authors: de las Heras‐Martínez Gloria , Andrieu Josu , Larijani Banafshé , Requejo‐Isidro Jose 
Published: May 2017

AbstractQuantification of the intracellular equilibrium dissociation constant of the interaction, Kd, is challenging due to the variability of the relative concentrations of the interacting proteins in the cell. Fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) of the donor provides an accurate measurement of the molecular fraction of donor involved in FRET, but the fraction of bound acceptor is also needed to reliably estimate Kd. We present a method that exploits the spectroscopic properties of the widely used eGFP – mCherry FRET pair to rigorously determine the intracellular Kd based on imaging the fluorescence lifetime of only the donor (single‐channel FLIM). We have assessed the effect of incomplete labelling and determined its range of application for different Kd using Monte Carlo simulations. We have demonstrated this method estimating the intracellular Kd for the homodimerisaton of the oncogenic protein 3‐phosphoinositide‐dependent kinase 1 (PDK1) in different cell lines and conditions, revealing a competitive mechanism for its regulation. The measured intracellular Kd was validated against in‐vitro data. This method provides an accurate and generic tool to quantify protein interactions in situ.magnified image
Structural observations and biomechanical measurements of clarinet reeds made from Arundo donax
Authors: Kawasaki Masahiro , Nobuchi Tadashi , Nakafushi Yuta , Nose Masateru , Shibata Masateru , Li Peng , Shiojiri Makoto 
Published: May 2017

AbstractPlant anatomy was examined for two clarinet reeds made out of Arundo donax by different means of microscopy: light microscopy, low‐energy secondary electron scanning electron microscopy (SEM), backscattered electron SEM, and helium ion microscopy (HiM). The local indentation hardness HIT and Young's modulus EIT of different tissues on their cross sections were measured. A vascular bundle (Vb) (HIT = 60–100 MPa, EIT = 1,500–2,000 MPa) that includes soft tissues of phloem and xylem and a vascular bundle sheath (Bs) (HIT = 300–500 MPa, EIT = ∼7,000 MPa) form a pipe of the strong string along the longitudinal direction of the cane. This Vb/Bs string is connected transversally with a net of thin cell‐walls of parenchyma cells (Pa) (HIT = 70–200 MPa, EIT = 2,000–3,000 MPa) that also range along the longitudinal direction of the cane. It was turned out that the acoustic quality of a reed is mainly ascribed to the shape and configuration of Vb and the size of Pa. A reed where Vb bundles with continuous Bs rings are homogeneously distributed with higher proportion among a softer network of small Pa cells enables musical performance.
The climatology of the Red Sea – part 2: the waves
Authors: Langodan Sabique , Cavaleri Luigi , Pomaro Angela , Vishwanadhapalli Yesubabu , Bertotti Luciana , Hoteit Ibrahim 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTThe wave climatology of the Red Sea is described based on a 30‐year hindcast generated using WAVEWATCH III configured on a 5‐km resolution grid and forced by Red Sea reanalysis surface winds from the advanced Weather Research and Forecasting model. The wave simulations have been validated using buoy and altimeter data. The four main wind systems in the Red Sea characterize the corresponding wave climatology. The dominant ones are the two opposite wave systems with different genesis, propagating along the axis of the basin. The highest waves are generated at the centre of the Red Sea as a consequence of the strong seasonal winds blowing from the Tokar Gap on the African side. There is a general long‐term trend toward lowering the values of the significant wave height over the whole basin, with a decreasing rate depending on the genesis of the individual systems.
Serum creatinine and albumin predict sarcoma‐specific survival in patients with myofibroblastic and fibroblastic sarcomas
Authors: Willegger Madeleine , Posch Florian , Schieder Sophie , Funovics Philipp Theodor , Scharrer Anke , Brodowicz Thomas , Ay Cihan , Windhager Reinhard , Panotopoulos Joannis 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTRecent evidence suggests that common prognostic factors predicting disease progression and survival in soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are not applicable to all STS entities, indicating the need for histotype specific evaluation of new prognosticators. This study aimed at evaluating preoperative serum creatinine, albumin, and the albumin‐creatinine ratio (ACR) as markers for survival in patients with malignant fibroblastic and myofibroblastic sarcomas. One hundred and thirty‐two patients who underwent sarcoma resection have been included. Statistical analysis comprised uni‐ and multivariable Cox proportional hazard models, competing risk analysis and Kaplan–Meier estimates. The 5‐year overall survival (OS) was estimated at 64.1% (95%CI: 53.7–72.8) and the 5‐year sarcoma‐specific mortality was 19.9% (95%CI: 12.8–28.1). Elevated serum creatinine levels were significantly associated with an impaired sarcoma‐specific survival (SSS) adjusted for tumor stage (subdistribution hazard ratio (SHR) per 1 mg/dl increase: 3.27; 95%CI: 1.87–5.73; p < 0.0001). Low serum albumin levels were associated with a shorter recurrence‐free survival (RFS) experience (HR per 10 g/L increase: 0.62; 95%CI: 0.41–0.94; p = 0.024). The ACR emerged as an AJCC‐stage‐independent prognosticator of SSS (SHR per 1 unit increase: 0.94; 95%CI: 0.90–0.98; p = 0.003). In conclusion, serum albumin and creatinine have been confirmed as predictive biomarkers for disease‐specific outcomes in myofibroblastic and fibroblastic sarcomas. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:2815–2824, 2017.
Biologic response of human anterior cruciate ligamentocytes on collagen‐patches to platelet‐rich plasma formulations with and without leucocytes
Authors: Krismer Anna M. , Cabra Romina S. , May Rahel D. , Frauchiger Daniela A. , Kohl Sandro , Ahmad Sufian S. , Gantenbein Benjamin 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTDue to the poor self‐healing capacities of the anterior cruciate ligament, previous primary repair attempts have failed. To enhance biologic healing, platelet rich plasma and collagen scaffold have shown promise in animal models. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) is already used in several clinical applications although outcomes are quite debated. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of different PRP formulations during 21 days: With leucocytes and pure PRP on human anterior cruciate ligament‐derived ligamentocytes grown on collagen patches in 3D cell cultures in vitro. Three experimental groups were formed: 2.5% leucocyte rich PRP, 2.5% pure PRP, 20% leucocyte rich PRP, a negative control, and a positive control. Cell proliferation, cell phenotype on mRNA transcript level, and extracellular matrix production (total collagen and glycosaminoglycan content) were evaluated. DNA content and metabolic cell activity increased significantly in all groups on day 21 compared to day 7, except in the negative control. No changes in extracellular matrix production were detected. Different catabolic genes were induced depending on the concentration of leucocyte rich PRP. PRP with and without leucocytes treated anterior cruciate ligamentocytes significantly increased cell proliferation but not extracellular matrix production. However, the specific activation of different catabolic genes was dependent on the relative content of leucocytes. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:2733–2739, 2017.
Climate change and resilience of deciduous Nothofagus forests in central–east Chilean Patagonia over the last 3200 years
Authors: Simi E. , Moreno P. I. , Villa‐Martínez R. , Vilanova I. , de Pol‐Holz R. 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTWe examine the response of Nothofagus forests to climate change and disturbance regimes over the last 3200 years near Coyhaique (45°S), central–east Chilean Patagonia, using fine‐resolution pollen and charcoal records from lake sediment cores. Closed‐canopy deciduous Nothofagus forests have dominated the region with little variation until the arrival of Chilean–European settlers, suggesting a predominance of cool‐temperate and wet conditions. Within this state we identify centennial‐scale episodes of forest fragmentation, increase in littoral macrophytes and volcanic/paleofire disturbance between 2700 and 3000 cal a BP, 2200 and 2500 cal a BP and over the last ∼250 years, which we interpret as intervals with negative hydrologic balance. Natural variability caused little impact on the physiognomy and composition of the vegetation in pre‐European time, in contrast to the accelerated shift that started during the late 19th century associated with deforestation, homogenization and synchronization of ecosystem changes at the landscape level, and spread of exotic plant species brought by Chilean and European settlers during a warm/dry interval. The resilience of deciduous Nothofagus forests to natural disturbance regimes and climate change was exceeded by large‐scale human disturbance since the late 19th century by fire, timber exploitation and livestock grazing. These disturbances caused an ecosystem shift towards artificial meadows and scrublands with frequent high‐magnitude fires. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.