bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
En route to economical eco‐friendly solvent system in enhancing sustainable recovery of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐4‐hydroxybutyrate) copolymer
Authors: Irdahayu Nik Murniati Nik Man , Shantini Kannusamy , Huong Kai‐Hee , Vigneswari Sevakumaran , Aziz Nursolehah Abdul , Azizan Mohd. Noor Mohd. , Amirul Al‐Ashraf Abdullah 
Published: June 2017

AbstractSeparation of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐4‐hydroxybutyrate) [P(3HB‐co‐4HB)] from bacterial cell matter is a critical step in the downstream process with respect to material quality and eco‐balance as P(3HB‐co‐4HB) is widely used for biomedical applications. Therefore, an efficient and eco‐based extraction of P(3HB‐co‐4HB) using a combination of NaOH and Lysol in digesting the non‐polymeric cell material (NPCM) digestion is developed. The NaOH and Lysol show synergistic influence on the copolymer extraction at a high purity and recovery of 97 and 98 wt% respectively. The optimized cell digestion method was found applicable to a vast batch of cells containing copolymers from various 4HB monomer compositions. At the largest extraction volume of 100 L, P(3HB‐co‐4HB) with a purity of 89 wt% was extracted with a maximum recovery of 90 wt%. The method developed has also eliminated the cell pretreatment step. The extraction method developed in this research has not only produced an economic and efficient copolymer recovery but has also retained the copolymer quality, in term of its molecular weight and thermal properties. It demonstrates a practical and promising downstream processing method in recovering the copolymer effectively from the bacterial biomass.
Applying the Hájek Approach in Formula‐Based Variance Estimation
Authors: Qian Jiahe 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe variance formula derived for a two‐stage sampling design without replacement employs the joint inclusion probabilities in the first‐stage selection of clusters. One of the difficulties encountered in data analysis is the lack of information about such joint inclusion probabilities. One way to solve this issue is by applying Hájek's approximation of the joint probabilities in variance estimation. To assess the Hájek approach, several estimators of Hájek'scanddare proposed. The application is illustrated with simulation and real data. A Monte Carlo simulation is employed to compare the results of joint inclusion probabilities yielded from the probability‐proportional‐to‐size sampling methods with the results from Hájek's approximation. Empirically estimated variances from the jackknife procedure are also compared with the formula‐based variances with incorporated Hájek's approximation.
Experiential Self‐Focus in Social Anxiety Disorder: Is it Beneficial?
Authors: Norton Alice R. , Abbott Maree J. 
Published: June 2017

ObjectiveSelf‐focused processing is a significant maintaining factor in cognitive models of social anxiety disorder (SAD), but it may also be analytic (detached, evaluative, maladaptive) or experiential (concrete, nonevaluative, adaptive). The current study aimed to investigate the effect of self‐focus modes in a sample meeting criteria for SAD as previous studies have yielded mixed results.MethodIndividuals meeting criteria for SAD and nonanxious controls (N = 80, 77.5% female; mean age = 19.46) were randomly allocated to complete a task inducing analytic or experiential self‐focused processing, followed by a social interaction task, including measurement of affective and cognitive variables.ResultsControls demonstrated the expected benefits of experiential compared to analytic self‐focus on social anxiety, negative affect, and self‐beliefs. Unexpectedly, SAD participants reported no difference between self‐focus conditions.ConclusionResults suggest that experiential processing may have no benefit for SAD individuals proximal to a social threat. Implications of these findings are discussed.
Randomized Clinical Trial Investigating the Effects of an Anxiety Sensitivity Intervention on Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms: A Replication and Extension
Authors: Short Nicole A. , Boffa Joseph W. , Norr Aaron M. , Albanese Brian J. , Allan Nicholas P. , Schmidt Norman B. 
Published: June 2017

A growing body of research suggests the importance of anxiety sensitivity (AS) in the development and maintenance of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). Specifically, AS cognitive concerns (fears of cognitive dyscontrol) may be particularly relevant for those with elevated PTSS. Preliminary research has suggested that interventions targeting AS may be beneficial in decreasing PTSS, but to date there has been no randomized controlled trial testing the direct and indirect effects of an AS cognitive concerns intervention among a clinical sample of trauma‐exposed individuals. The current study tested these effects among a sample 63 trauma‐exposed participants who were randomized to either an AS cognitive concerns intervention or a repeated contact control. Results indicated a direct effect of the intervention on PTSS 1 month postintervention, and that this effect was mediated by changes in AS, specifically AS cognitive concerns, during the intervention period. Effect sizes were in the small‐to‐medium range (variance accounted for ranged from .05 to .15; odds ratio for diagnostic change = .06). These findings provide further evidence that targeting AS may be beneficial in the treatment of PTSS, and expansion upon this area of research by demonstrating these effects may be specific to AS cognitive concerns and can be achieved within a mixed clinical sample.
Sonographic Measurement of Cervical Volume in Pregnant Women at High Risk of Preterm Birth Using a Geometric Formula for a Frustum Versus 3‐Dimensional Automated Virtual Organ Computer‐Aided Analysis
Authors: Ahmed Ahmed I. , Aldhaheri Sarah R. , Rodriguez‐Kovacs Javier , Narasimhulu Deepa , Putra Manesha , Minkoff Howard , Haberman Shoshana 
Published: June 2017

ObjectivesTo compare cervical volume measurements by 3‐dimensional (3D) sonography using Virtual Organ computer‐aided analysis (VOCAL; GE Healthcare, Milwaukee, WI) versus a manual method using a geometric formula for a frustum.MethodsWe included 142 asymptomatic pregnant women at 16 to 24 weeks gestation at high risk for preterm birth. With a Voluson 730 Expert system (GE Healthcare), they underwent 2‐dimensional (2D) transvaginal sonographic cervical length measurements and 3D cervical volume acquisition. The stored volumes were processed by VOCAL on a surface tablet. Cervical volume was manually calculated from the 2D images by using the formula V = 1/3 × π × h × (r12 + r22 + r1 × r2), where V represents cervical volume; π was approximated as 3.14159; h, cervical length; r1, radius at the internal os; and r2, radius at the external os.ResultsCervical volume was lower when obtained manually than by VOCAL, with a coefficient of variation of 30%, a mean difference of 10.1 ± 14.9 cm3 (P < .0001), and a poor interclass correlation coefficient of 0.62 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.31 to 0.78). Both methods had good reproducibility; however, VOCAL had wider limits of agreement. A positive correlation was found between both methods (r = 0.63; P < .0001). No correlation was found between cervical length by 2D transvaginal ultrasound and cervical volume by the VOCAL technique (r = 0.06; 95% CI, −0.10 to 0.22) or cervical volume by the manual method (r = 0.2; 95% CI, 0.08 to 0.39).ConclusionsThe cervix represents a frustum (truncated cone, r1 is not equal to r2) in shape rather than a cylinder. Both methods are reproducible; VOCAL is less reliable but provides higher values of cervical volume.
Finding the missing piece of the aquatic plastic pollution puzzle: Interaction between primary producers and microplastics
Authors: Yokota Kiyoko , Waterfield Holly , Hastings Cody , Davidson Emily , Kwietniewski Edward , Wells Britney 
Published: June 2017

AbstractMounting evidence of global plastic pollution has prompted many studies of its potential effects on aquatic ecosystems. In particular, most research has focused on organismal responses to microplastics and the effects of microplastics when introduced as food. However, there has been far less research into the possible effects of microplastics on primary producers. In this review, we document the available evidence for possible effects from the literature and from a laboratory experiment using cyanobacteria and microplastic fragments. Our review shows that primary producer–microplastic interactions can alter algal photosynthesis, growth, gene expression, and colony size and morphology, possibly via adhesion and/or transfer of adsorbed pollutants from microplastics; and, these effects could be transferred up the food web, including to humans. We recommend that the effects of microplastics on primary producers be incorporated into microplastic research to better understand its full effects on freshwater and marine ecosystems.
Phosphorus availability regulates intracellular nucleotides in marine eukaryotic phytoplankton
Authors: Kujawinski Elizabeth B. , Longnecker Krista , Alexander Harriet , Dyhrman Sonya T. , Fiore Cara L. , Haley Sheean T. , Johnson Winifred M. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractMarine eukaryotic phytoplankton adapt to low phosphorus (P) in the oceans through a variety of step‐wise mechanisms including lipid substitution and decreased nucleic acid content. Here, we examined the impact of low P concentrations on intracellular metabolites whose abundances can be quickly adjusted by cellular regulation within laboratory cultures of three model phytoplankton and in field samples from the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. We quantified the relative abundances of monophosphate nucleotides and their corresponding nucleosides, using a combination of targeted and untargeted metabolomics methods. Under P‐deficient conditions, we observed a marked decrease in adenosine 5′‐monophosphate (AMP) with a concomitant increase in adenosine. This shift occurred within all detected pairs of monophosphate nucleotides and nucleosides, and was consistent with previous work showing transcriptional changes in nucleotide synthesis and salvage under P‐deficient conditions for model eukaryotes. In the field, we observed AMP‐to‐adenosine ratios that were similar to those in laboratory culture under P‐deficient conditions.
Adaptation of gut microbiome to different dietary nonstarch polysaccharide fractions in a porcine model
Authors: Tian Gang , Wu Xiying , Chen Daiwen , Yu Bing , He Jun 
Published: June 2017

ScopeDietary fibers, consisting of nonstarch polysaccharides (NSPs) were found to modulate the gut microbiota. However, little is known about the role of a separated fiber fraction. Here, we describe a response in gut microbiome to different fiber fractions using a porcine model.Methods and resultsIleal and cecal digesta were collected from pigs fed with fiber‐free diet (FFD) or diet containing 5% cellulose (CEL), xylan (XYL) or β‐glucan (GLU). We observed an elevated 16S rRNA gene copies in ileum and cecum digesta after NSP ingestion. Interestingly, we found that cecum digesta contained higher bacterial diversity than ileum digesta. Moreover, NSPs had no significant influence on overall diversity, but acutely altered the abundance of specific bacteria. Importantly, NSPs decreased the abundance of phylum Firmicutes, but increased the phylum Proteobacteria in ileal samples. Among the NSP‐treated groups, pigs on CEL‐containing diet had exclusively higher abundance of Lactobacillus spp. in the ileum. Whereas, the GLU‐treated samples had more Clostridium spp.ConclusionThis study not only indicated how the gut microbiome adapts to the three major NSP fractions, but the results also contribute to our understanding of the role of dietary fibers in modulating gut microbiota and health.
Chain length‐dependent effects of inulin‐type fructan dietary fiber on human systemic immune responses against hepatitis‐B
Authors: Vogt Leonie M. , Elderman Marlies E. , Borghuis Theo , de Haan Bart J. , Faas Marijke M. , de Vos Paul 
Published: June 2017

ScopeIn vivo studies demonstrating that only specific dietary‐fibers contribute to immunity are still inconclusive, as measuring immune effects in healthy humans remains difficult. We applied a relatively inefficacious vaccination‐challenge to study chain length‐dependent effects of inulin‐type fructan (ITF) dietary fibers on human immunity.Methods and resultsITFs with two different ‘degree of polymerization‐’ (DP)‐profiles were tested in vitro for effects on PBMC‐cytokines and TLR2 activation. In a double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial, 40 healthy volunteers (18–29 years) were divided into three groups and supplemented from day 1 to day 14 with DP10‐60 ITF, DP2‐25 ITF (both n = 13), or fructose placebo (n = 14), 8 g/day. On day 7, all volunteers were vaccinated against hepatitis B. Anti‐HbsAg‐titer development and lymphocyte subsets were studied. In vitro, DP10‐60 ITFs stimulated a Th1‐like cytokine profile and stimulated TLR2 more strongly than DP2‐25 ITFs. In vivo, DP10‐60 increased anti‐HBsAg titers, Th1‐cells, and transitional B‐cells. Both ITFs increased CD45ROhi CTLs at day 35, and CD161+ cytokine producing NK‐cells at day 21 and 35.ConclusionSupport of immunity is determined by the chain length of ITFs. Only long‐chain ITFs support immunity against pathogenic hepB‐epitopes introduced by vaccination. Our findings demonstrate that specific dietary fibers need to be selected for immunity support.
Three‐dimensional mapping of brain venous oxygenation using oximetry
Authors: Mao Deng , Li Yang , Liu Peiying , Peng Shin‐Lei , Pillai Jay J. , Lu Hanzhang 
Published: June 2017

PurposeCerebral venous oxygenation (Yv) is an important biomarker for brain diseases. This study aims to develop an
‐based MR oximetry that can measure cerebral Yv in 3D.MethodsThis technique separates blood signal from tissue by velocity‐encoding phase contrast and measures the
of pure blood by multi‐gradient‐echo acquisition. The blood
was converted to Yv using an
‐versus‐oxygenation (Y) calibration curve, which was obtained by in vitro bovine blood experiments. Reproducibility, sensitivity, validity, and resolution dependence of the technique were evaluated.ResultsIn vitro ‐Y calibration plot revealed a strong dependence of blood
on oxygenation, with additional dependence on hematocrit. In vivo results demonstrated that the technique can provide a 3D venous oxygenation map that depicts both large sinuses and smaller cortical veins, with venous oxygenation ranging from 57 to 72%. Intrasession coefficient of variation of the measurement was 3.0%. The technique detected an average Yv increase of 10.8% as a result of hyperoxia, which was validated by global oxygenation measurement from T2‐Relaxation‐Under‐Spin‐Tagging (TRUST) MRI. Two spatial resolutions, one with an isotropic voxel dimension and the other with a nonisotropic dimension, were tested for full brain coverage.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated the feasibility of 3D brain oxygenation mapping without using contrast agent. Magn Reson Med 79:1304–1313, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Associations between psychological stress and smoking, drinking, obesity, and high blood pressure in an upper middle‐income country in the African region
Authors: Chamik Tanja , Viswanathan Bharathi , Gedeon Jude , Bovet Pascal 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe direction and magnitude of the associations between cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs) and psychological stress continue to be debated, and no data are available from surveys in the African region. In this study, we examine the associations between CVRFs and psychological stress in the Seychelles, a rapidly developing small island state in the African region. A survey was conducted in 1,240 adults aged 25–64 years representative of the Seychelles. Participants were asked to rank psychological stress that they had experienced during the past 12 months in four domains: work, social life, financial situation, and environment around home. CVRFs (high blood pressure, tobacco use, alcohol drinking, and obesity) were assessed using standard procedures. Psychological stress was associated with age, sex, and socioeconomic status. Overall, there were only few consistent associations between psychological stress and CVRFs, adjusting for age, sex, and socioeconomic status. Social stress was associated with smoking, drinking, and obesity, and there were marginal associations between stress at work and drinking, and between financial stress, and smoking and drinking. Psychological stress was not associated with high blood pressure. These findings suggest that psychological stress should be considered in cardiovascular disease prevention and control strategies.
Expanding the Archival Horizon: American Archives for Researching Postcolonial Rwandan History
Authors: Tsuruta Aya 
Published: June 2017

Abstract:There is growing scholarly interest in the history of postcolonial Africa. However, this study entails several methodological challenges, including insufficient availability of archival materials. A multi-archival strategy offers one solution to the challenge of locating new documentary sources. In this paper, I suggest that nonconventional archives such as the National Archives of the United States should be explored in historical studies of postcolonial African countries, including smaller countries like Rwanda. Focusing on the political events that occurred in Rwanda in January 1961 that led to significant changes in the country, this paper demonstrates how American archival materials can enhance our understanding by shedding light on what existing colonial archives have not revealed.
Three-dimensional wave evolution on electrified falling films
Authors: Tomlin R. J. , Papageorgiou D. T. , Pavliotis G. A. 
Published: June 2017

We consider the full three-dimensional dynamics of a thin falling liquid film on a flat plate inclined at some non-zero angle to the horizontal. In addition to gravitational effects, the flow is driven by an electric field which is normal to the substrate far from the flow. This extends the work of Tseluiko & Papageorgiou (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 556, 2006b, pp. 361–386) by including transverse dynamics. We study both the cases of overlying and hanging films, where the liquid lies above or below the substrate, respectively. Starting with the Navier–Stokes equations coupled with electrostatics, a fully nonlinear two-dimensional Benney equation for the interfacial dynamics is derived, valid for waves that are long compared to the film thickness. The weakly nonlinear evolution is governed by a Kuramoto–Sivashinsky equation with a non-local term due to the electric field effect. The electric field term is linearly destabilising and produces growth rates proportional to $|\unicode[STIX]{x1D743}|^{3}$, where $\unicode[STIX]{x1D743}$ is the wavenumber vector of the perturbations. It is found that transverse gravitational instabilities are always present for hanging films, and this leads to unboundedness of nonlinear solutions even in the absence of electric fields – this is due to the anisotropy of the nonlinearity. For overlying films and a restriction on the strength of the electric field, the equation is well-posed in the sense that it possesses bounded solutions. This two-dimensional equation is studied numerically for the case of periodic boundary conditions in order to assess the effects of inertia, electric field strength and the size of the periodic domain. Rich dynamical behaviours are observed and reported. For subcritical Reynolds number flows, a sufficiently strong electric field can promote non-trivial dynamics for some choices of domain size, leading to fully two-dimensional evolutions of the interface. We also observe two-dimensional spatiotemporal chaos on sufficiently large domains. For supercritical flows, such two-dimensional chaotic dynamics emerges in the absence of a field, and its presence enhances the amplitude of the fluctuations and broadens their spectrum.
Numerical Study of Conventional and Biomimetic Marine Current Turbines in Tandem by Using Openfoam®
Authors: Chu Y. J. , Chong W. T. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe increasing demands on renewable energy nowadays caused the development of marine current turbine industry. In order to improve the current design of marine current turbines, studies were conducted to analyse their hydrodynamic performances during operation. Since most of the time marine current turbines operate in arrays, it is important to understand the interactions between the turbines in order to design the optimum turbine farm. OpenFOAM® was used to simulate the turbine interactions of conventional and biomimetic marine current turbines in tandem configuration. The conventional marine current turbines were referred to Pinon et al. (2012) and Mycek et al. (2013) while the biomimetic marine current turbine was adopted from Chu (2016). The numerical simulations were conducted with turbines in different inter-device distances, A/D. The percentage differences of ‘‘efficiency’’, η between the IFREMER-LOMC and the biomimetic turbine case of inter-device distances, A/D = 4, 6, 8 and 10 are 14.3%, 6.4%, 3% and 1.92% respectively. The results show that the power produced by the biomimetic turbines in tandem is comparable with the IFREMER-LOMC turbines when A/D > 4. The biomimetic marine current turbines can be a fair choice due to their potential to have alternative fabrication method of their sheet-like turbine blades.
Opinion-based centrality in multiplex networks: A convex optimization approach
Authors: REIFFERS-MASSON ALEXANDRE , LABATUT VINCENT 
Published: June 2017

AbstractMost people simultaneously belong to several distinct social networks, in which their relations can be different. They have opinions about certain topics, which they share and spread on these networks, and are influenced by the opinions of other persons. In this paper, we build upon this observation to propose a new nodal centrality measure for multiplex networks. Our measure, calledOpinion centrality, is based on a stochastic model representing opinion propagation dynamics in such a network. We formulate an optimization problem consisting in maximizing the opinion of the whole network when controlling an external influence able to affect each node individually. We find a mathematical closed form of this problem, and use its solution to derive our centrality measure. According to the opinion centrality, the more a node is worth investing external influence, and the more it is central. We perform an empirical study of the proposed centrality over a toy network, as well as a collection of real-world networks. Our measure is generally negatively correlated with existing multiplex centrality measures, and highlights different types of nodes, accordingly to its definition.
Flora and vegetation of Sinai
Authors: Danin Avinoam 
Published: June 2017

SynopsisMost of Sinai belongs to the Saharo-Arabian phytogeographical region. It is covered with a sparse vegetation of semishrubs, restricted to wadis or growing on slopes of rocky hills and in sand fields. The high mountains of southern Sinai support a mainly Irano-Turanian steppe vegetation. Smooth-faced rock outcrops supply sufficient run-off water to permit the survival of trees, shrubs, many relict species, and most of the endemics of Sinai. There are 28 endemic species in Sinai, of which 25 occur in the mountainous districts of Sinai. The foothills of eastern Sinai and the coastal area of the Gulf of Elat have a savanna-like vegetation and support thermophilous Sudanian trees and shrubs in wadis and rock crevices.