bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Converting Waste Toilet Paper into Electricity: A First‐Stage Technoeconomic Feasibility Study
Authors: van der Roest Els , van der Spek Mijndert , Ramirez Andrea , van der Zwaan Bob , Rothenberg Gadi 
Published: August 2017

AbstractWe studied the possibility of converting waste toilet paper (WTP) into electricity. WTP is a waste stream with continuous availability and negative cost, but it is difficult to handle, as it contains fecal matter. The process we explored had two stages: WTP gasification followed by direct conversion into electricity in a high‐temperature solid‐oxide fuel cell (SOFC). The process was studied on a 10 ktpa scale by using real‐life parameter values obtained from industrial sources. We presented the basic system design, as well as its electricity yield and overall efficiency on the basis of detailed mass‐ and energy‐balance calculations. By explorative technoeconomic analysis and sensitivity analysis, we found an electric efficiency of 57 %, which is similar to that of a natural gas combined cycle plant. The levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) was 20.3 ¢ kWh−1, which is comparable at present to that of residential photovoltaic installations. The system's capital costs are relatively high, mainly as a result of SOFC investment costs, but we expect these costs to decrease as the market of cells develops. The operating costs are relatively low, partly thanks to the high thermodynamic efficiency (≈70 %). Currently, the fuel costs are negative (because we use waste as a raw material), yet this could change if the value of WTP would increase as a result of this process. Learning effects could make the system more competitive in the future with an LCOE of approximately 11 ¢ kWh−1.
Comparison of costs associated with substituting culture medium with saline solution for follicular flushing during oocyte retrieval
Authors: Loktionov Dmitry , Oduola Oladayo , Cloherty Jenny , Warner Sharon M. , Purandare Nikhil 
Published: August 2017

AbstractObjectivesTo compare culture medium and saline solution for follicular flushing during oocyte retrieval with assisted reproductive technologies.MethodsThe present retrospective study analyzed data collected at Galway Fertility Clinic, Galway, Ireland, between January 1, 2015 and August 31, 2016; all patients attending the clinic for in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection during this period were included. Data were stratified by whether follicular flushing was performed with culture medium or saline, and the oocyte yield rate, fertilization rate, embryo utilization rate, and biochemical and clinical pregnancy rates were compared between the groups.ResultsIn total, 422 oocyte retrieval procedures with culture medium and 277 with normal saline were analyzed. The fertilization (P=0.676) and clinical pregnancy rates (P=0.593) did not differ between the groups. Using normal saline resulted in an approximately 41‐fold per‐patient cost saving compared with culture medium.ConclusionSwitching from culture medium to normal saline for follicular flushing significantly reduced oocyte‐retrieval costs without adversely affecting reproductive outcomes.
Curcumin ameliorates diclofenac sodium‐induced nephrotoxicity in male albino rats
Authors: Ahmed Ahmady Y. , Gad Amany M. , El‐Raouf Ola M. Abd 
Published: August 2017

AbstractExposure to drugs often results in toxicity in the kidney which represents the major control system maintaining homeostasis of the body and thus is especially susceptible to xenobiotics. Nephrotoxicity is a life‐threatening side‐effect of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Diclofenac is one of the most frequently prescribed NSAIDs and have been reported to cause multiple organs damage. Curcumin (CUR) exhibits nephroprotective properties. Therefore, rats were divided into four groups; rats of groups 3 and 4 received diclofenac (100 mg/kg, i.m.), whereas rats of groups 2 and 4 received CUR (100 mg/kg, p.o.) for 3 days. Diclofenac revealed a significant increase in urea and creatinine levels and malondialdehyde concentration and marked reduction in catalase activity and reduced glutathione concentration. Histopathologically, diclofenac produced fatty changes and eosinophilic casts were detected in the renal tubules, those were attenuated by administration of CUR prior diclofenac.
Adaptive controller with RBF neural network for induction motor drive
Authors: Kılıç Erdal , Özçalık Hasan Rıza , Şit Sami 
Published: August 2017

AbstractIn this paper, the radial basis function neural network‐based model reference adaptive speed control for vector controlled induction motor drive system is presented. The speed control of induction motors is challenging because of their complex mathematical model, non‐linear structure, and time varying dynamics. The radial basis function neural network is used to compensate the non‐linearity which comes from the non‐linear state equations of induction motor model. Neural network parameters are online updated via gradient descent algorithm to minimize the error. The drive system has been tested under various operating conditions. This paper demonstrated benefits of the proposed control approach by comparing the algorithm to conventional PI controllers. The results show that the proposed controller ensures good robustness and stable operation of the system under variable speed and variable loads than the PI controller.
Influence of a three stage hybrid ultrasound–osmotic–frying process on production of low‐fat fried potato strips
Authors: Dehghannya Jalal , Abedpour Lida 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDFried potato is one of the most consumed products in the world. Due to consumers' growing tendency to use healthy and low‐fat foods, reducing oil content in fried foods has become a necessity. Several studies have shown that higher initial water content results in increased oil uptake during frying. Therefore, pretreatments that reduce water content of the product could lower oil uptake in the final product. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of a three‐stage hybrid ultrasound–osmotic–frying process on production of low‐fat fried potato strips.RESULTSResults showed that, compared to control samples, osmotic pretreated samples using saline solutions at concentrations of 2% and 4% decreased oil uptake by 29.5% and 32.7%, respectively. Ultrasound (28 and 40 kHz) also showed a significant synergistic effect on reducing oil uptake in the samples pretreated with both ultrasound and osmotic dehydration so that different samples pretreated with both ultrasound and osmotic dehydration decreased oil uptake from approximately 40% to more than 50%, compared to untreated control samples.CONCLUSIONOwing to production of low‐fat fried potato strips, utilising osmotic dehydration pretreatment was desirable before the frying process. Regarding low mass transfer rate during osmotic treatment, ultrasound was applied to enhance mass transfer rate. The use of ultrasound pretreatment in the frying process can yield promising results in reducing oil uptake. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Supercritical fluid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry: A high‐efficiency detection technique to quantify Taxane drugs in whole‐blood samples
Authors: Jin Chan , Guan Jibin , Zhang Dong , Li Bing , Liu Hongzhuo , He Zhonggui 
Published: August 2017

AbstractWe present a technique to rapid determine taxane in blood samples by supercritical fluid chromatography together with mass spectrometry. The aim of this study was to develop a supercritical fluid chromatography with mass spectrometry method for the analysis of paclitaxel, cabazitaxel, and docetaxel in whole‐blood samples of rats. Liquid‐dry matrix spot extraction was selected in sample preparation procedure. Supercritical fluid chromatography separation of paclitaxel, cabazitaxel, docetaxel, and glyburide (internal standard) was accomplished within 3 min by using the gradient mobile phase consisted of methanol as the compensation solvent and carbon dioxide at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. The method was validated regarding specificity, the lower limit of quantification, repeatability, and reproducibility of quantification, extraction recovery, and matrix effects. The lower limit of quantification was found to be 10 ng/mL since it exhibited acceptable precision and accuracy at the corresponding level. All interday accuracies and precisions were within the accepted criteria of ±15% of the nominal value and within ±20% at the lower limit of quantification, implying that the method was reliable and reproducible. In conclusion, this method is a promising tool to support and improve preclinical or clinical pharmacokinetic studies with the taxanes anticancer drugs.
Mixed and passive filtering for a class of singular systems with interval time‐varying delays
Authors: Liu Guobao , Ma Qian , Lu Junwei , Li Yongmin , Xu Shengyuan 
Published: August 2017

SummaryThis paper deals with the problem of mixed
and passive filtering for a class of singular systems with interval time‐varying delays. First, by combining the Wirtinger‐based integral inequality with the reciprocally convex inequality, sufficient delay‐range‐dependent conditions are obtained in terms of strict linear matrix inequalities to ensure that the considered singular system is admissible with a mixed
and passivity performance level. Then, based on a matrix transformation technique and employing several free scalars, more flexible strict linear matrix inequality–based conditions are proposed to get the desired filter. Finally, 2 numerical examples are given to show less conservatism and the effectiveness of the results.
Dichroic nanocomposites based on polymers and metallic particles: from biology to materials science
Authors: Caseri Walter R 
Published: August 2017

AbstractDichroic nanocomposites change their colors when they are viewed through a turning polarizer. In the case of polymer matrices containing inorganic nanoparticles, this color effect originates in anisotropic structures of inorganic moieties, such as uniaxially oriented linear assemblies of spherical nanoparticles or parallel oriented nanorods. The orientation of the particles or particle assemblies, respectively, is induced by the polymer matrix, either through oriented elongated hollow spaces or drawing. Matrices based on biopolymers (e.g. cellulose, polypeptides, chitin) as well as synthetic polymers (e.g. polyethylene, poly(vinyl alcohol)) have been employed. The dichroic colors have been generated so far mainly by silver or gold particles (including nanorods), but also other metals and occasionally also semiconductors (metalloids). Notably, dichroism is also disclosed in optical absorption spectra recorded with polarized light. Dichroism in biopolymer‐based objects with incorporated nanoparticles has been exploited for the cognition of biological fine structures, while dichroic films with technical polymers as matrices have been considered as optical switches in bicolored liquid crystal displays and authenticity cachets for documents, banknotes and packaging films. In this context, micropatterning of dichroic nanocomposites, which has been achieved by local heating procedures of materials composed of metal nanorods, is also of interest. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Secondary structure and dynamics study of the intrinsically disordered silica‐mineralizing peptide P5S3 during silicic acid condensation and silica decondensation
Authors: Zerfaß Christian , Buchko Garry W. , Shaw Wendy J. , Hobe Stephan , Paulsen Harald 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe silica forming repeat R5 of sil1 from Cylindrotheca fusiformis was the blueprint for the design of P5S3, a 50‐residue peptide which can be produced in large amounts by recombinant bacterial expression. It contains 5 protein kinase A target sites and is highly cationic due to 10 lysine and 10 arginine residues. In the presence of supersaturated orthosilicic acid P5S3 enhances silica‐formation whereas it retards the dissolution of amorphous silica (SiO2) at globally undersaturated concentrations. The secondary structure of P5S3 during these 2 processes was studied by circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, complemented by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy of the peptide in the absence of silicate. The NMR studies of dual‐labeled (13C, 15N) P5S3 revealed a disordered structure at pH 2.8 and 4.5. Within the pH range of 4.5‐9.5 in the absence of silicic acid, the CD data showed a disordered structure with the suggestion of some polyproline II character. Upon silicic acid polymerization and during dissolution of preformed silica, the CD spectrum of P5S3 indicated partial transition into an α‐helical conformation which was transient during silica‐dissolution. The secondary structural changes observed for P5S3 correlate with the presence of oligomeric/polymeric silicic acid, presumably due to P5S3‐silica interactions. These P5S3‐silica interactions appear, at least in part, ionic in nature since negatively charged dodecylsulfate caused similar perturbations to the P5S3 CD spectrum as observed with silica, while uncharged ß‐d‐dodecyl maltoside did not affect the CD spectrum of P5S3. Thus, with an associated increase in α‐helical character, P5S3 influences both the condensation of silicic acid into silica and its decondensation back to silicic acid.
Hierarchical clustering for histogram data
Authors: Billard L. , Kim Jaejik 
Published: August 2017

Clustering methods for classical data are well established, though the associated algorithms primarily focus on partitioning methods and agglomerative hierarchical methods. With the advent of massively large data sets, too large to be analyzed by traditional techniques, new paradigms are needed. Symbolic data methods form one solution to this problem. While symbolic data can be important and arise naturally in their own right, they are particularly relevant when faced with data that emerged from aggregation of (larger) data sets. One format is when the data are histogram‐valued in ℝp, instead of points in ℝp as in classical data. This paper looks at the problem of constructing hierarchies using a divisive polythetic algorithm based on dissimilarity measures derived for histogram observations. WIREs Comput Stat 2017, 9:e1405. doi: 10.1002/wics.1405This article is categorized under:

Statistical Learning and Exploratory Methods of the Data Sciences > Clustering and Classification
Performing statistical population reconstruction using Program PopRecon 2.0
Authors: Clawson Michael V. , Skalski John R. , Lady James M. , Hagen Christian A. , Millspaugh Joshua J. , Budeau David , Severson John P. 
Published: August 2017

ABSTRACTStatistical population reconstruction develops an integrated likelihood model that incorporates age‐at‐harvest composition, harvest totals, hunter effort, and auxiliary data on survival, harvest, or abundance to model demographics of harvested populations. Each statistical population reconstruction model is handcrafted to account for varying levels of available demographic data, hunting regulations, sampling of the harvest process, and biology of the harvested species. PopRecon 2.0 is a software program that facilitates the creation and analysis of these unique demographic models and capable of analyzing either full or pooled age‐at‐harvest data using either fixed or random effects on the annual survival and harvest processes. The program produces annual estimates of abundance, harvest probabilities, natural survival, and recruitment using a user‐friendly, interactive computing environment and AD Model Builder analytical software. Program PopRecon 2.0 is demonstrated using 23 years (1993–2015) of harvest data on greater sage‐grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) from Oregon, USA. © 2017 The Wildlife Society.
PRKAG2 mutations presenting in infancy
Authors: Torok Rachel D. , Austin Stephanie L. , Phornphutkul Chanika , Rotondo Kathleen M. , Bali Deeksha , Tatum Gregory H. , Wechsler Stephanie B. , Buckley Anne F. , Kishnani Priya S. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractPRKAG2 encodes the γ2 subunit of AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK), which is an important regulator of cardiac metabolism. Mutations in PRKAG2 cause a cardiac syndrome comprising ventricular hypertrophy, pre‐excitation, and progressive conduction‐system disease, which is typically not diagnosed until adolescence or young adulthood. However, significant variability exists in the presentation and outcomes of patients with PRKAG2 mutations, with presentation in infancy being underrecognized. The diagnosis of PRKAG2 can be challenging in infants, and we describe our experience with three patients who were initially suspected to have Pompe disease yet ultimately diagnosed with mutations in PRKAG2. A disease‐causing PRKAG2 mutation was identified in each case, with a novel missense mutation described in one patient. We highlight the potential for patients with PRKAG2 mutations to mimic Pompe disease in infancy and the need for confirmatory testing when diagnosing Pompe disease.
Digital Images: Content and Compositionality
Authors: ISAAC ALISTAIR M. C. 
Published: August 2017

ABSTRACT:Typical accounts of imagistic content have focused on the apparent analog character or continuous variability of images. In contrast, I consider the distinctive features of digital images, those composed of finite sets of discrete pixels. A rich source of evidence on digital imagistic content is found in the content-preserving algorithms that resize and reproduce digital images on computer screens and printers. I argue that these algorithms reveal a distinctive structural feature: digital images are always compositional (their parts contribute systematically to overall content), but never inverse compositional (atomic parts may be replaced nonsynonymously without changing content). This indicates a sharp contrast with linguistic representations, which may or may not be compositional, and may or may not be inverse compositional. I argue this result sheds new light on the claim that imagistic content is inherently perspectival.
Revision of the Posted Workers Directive: A Europeanisation Perspective
Authors: ZAHN Rebecca 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThis article places the current legal framework governing posted work within the debate on ‘Europeanisation’ in order to assess to what extent the Posted Workers Directive may be seen as a successful tool to ‘Europeanise’ national labour law systems as assessed against its dual objectives of promoting the transnational provision of services while also guaranteeing respect for the rights of workers. In doing so, the article contextualises and analyses the Posted Workers Directive which allows for the identification of remaining gaps in protection. The article concludes with an assessment of the European Commission’s most recent proposal to amend the Directive.
Self-perceived Difficulties in Everyday Function Precede Cognitive Decline among Older Adults in the ACTIVE Study
Authors: Tomaszewski Farias Sarah , Giovannetti Tania , Payne Brennan R. , Marsiske Michael , Rebok George W. , Schaie K. Warner , Thomas Kelsey R. , Willis Sherry L. , Dzierzewski Joseph M. , Unverzagt Frederick , Gross Alden L. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractObjectives: Careful characterization of how functional decline co-evolves with cognitive decline in older adults has yet to be well described. Most models of neurodegenerative disease postulate that cognitive decline predates and potentially leads to declines in everyday functional abilities; however, there is mounting evidence that subtle decline in instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) may be detectable in older individuals who are still cognitively normal. Methods: The present study examines how the relationship between change in cognition and change in IADLs are best characterized among older adults who participated in the ACTIVE trial. Neuropsychological and IADL data were analyzed for 2802 older adults who were cognitively normal at study baseline and followed for up to 10 years. Results: Findings demonstrate that subtle, self-perceived difficulties in performing IADLs preceded and predicted subsequent declines on cognitive tests of memory, reasoning, and speed of processing. Conclusions: Findings are consistent with a growing body of literature suggesting that subjective changes in everyday abilities can be associated with more precipitous decline on objective cognitive measures and the development of mild cognitive impairment and dementia. (JINS, 2018, 24, 104–112)
Timing of Smarcb1 and Nf2 inactivation determines schwannoma versus rhabdoid tumor development
Authors: Vitte Jeremie , Gao Fuying , Coppola Giovanni , Judkins Alexander R. , Giovannini Marco 
Published: August 2017

AbstractGermline mutations of the SMARCB1 gene predispose to two distinct tumor syndromes: rhabdoid tumor predisposition syndrome, with malignant pediatric tumors mostly developing in brain and kidney, and familial schwannomatosis, with adulthood benign tumors involving cranial and peripheral nerves. The mechanisms by which SMARCB1 germline mutations predispose to rhabdoid tumors versus schwannomas are still unknown. Here, to understand the origin of these two types of SMARCB1-associated tumors, we generated different tissue- and developmental stage-specific conditional knockout mice carrying Smarcb1 and/or Nf2 deletion. Smarcb1 loss in early neural crest was necessary to initiate tumorigenesis in the cranial nerves and meninges with typical histological features and molecular profiles of human rhabdoid tumors. By inducing Smarcb1 loss at later developmental stage in the Schwann cell lineage, in addition to biallelic Nf2 gene inactivation, we generated the first mouse model developing schwannomas with the same underlying gene mutations found in schwannomatosis patients.
Differential alternative splicing coupled to nonsense-mediated decay of mRNA ensures dietary restriction-induced longevity
Authors: Tabrez Syed Shamsh , Sharma Ravi Datta , Jain Vaibhav , Siddiqui Atif Ahmed , Mukhopadhyay Arnab 
Published: August 2017

AbstractAlternative splicing (AS) coupled to nonsense-mediated decay (AS-NMD) is a conserved mechanism for post-transcriptional gene regulation. Here we show that, during dietary restriction (DR), AS is enhanced in Caenorhabditis elegans and mice. A splicing mediator hrpu-1 regulates a significant part of these AS events in C. elegans; knocking it down suppresses DR-mediated longevity. Concurrently, due to increased AS, NMD pathway genes are upregulated and knocking down UPF1 homologue smg-2 suppresses DR lifespan. Knockdown of NMD during DR significantly increases the inclusion of PTC-containing introns and the lengths of the 3′UTRs. Finally, we demonstrate that PHA-4/FOXA transcriptionally regulates the AS-NMD genes. Our study suggests that DR uses AS to amplify the proteome, supporting physiological remodelling required for enhanced longevity. This increases the dependence on NMD, but also helps fine-tune the expression of metabolic and splicing mediators. AS-NMD may thus provide an energetically favourable level of dynamic gene expression control during dietary restriction.