bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Towards High Water Permeability in Triazine‐Framework‐Based Microporous Membranes for Dehydration of Ethanol
Authors: Tang Yu Pan , Wang Huan , Chung Tai Shung 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThe microstructural evolution of a series of triazine framework‐based microporous (TFM) membranes under different conditions has been explored in this work. The pristine TFM membrane is in situ fabricated in the course of polymer synthesis via a facile Brønsted‐acid‐catalyzed cyclotrimerizaiton reaction. The as‐synthesized polymer exhibits a microporous network with high thermal stability. The free volume size of the TFM membranes gradually evolved from a unimodal distribution to a bimodal distribution under annealing, as analyzed by positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS). The emergence of the bimodal distribution is probably ascribed to the synergetic effect of quenching and thermal cyclization reaction. In addition, the fractional free volume (FFV) of the membranes presents a concave trend with increasing annealing temperature. Vapor sorption tests reveal that the mass transport properties are closely associated with the free volume evolution, which provides an optimal condition for dehydration of biofuels. A promising separation performance with extremely high water permeability has been attained for dehydration of an 85 wt % ethanol aqueous solution at 45 °C. The study on the free volume evolution of the TFM membranes may provide useful insights about the microstructure and mass transport behavior of the microporous polymeric materials.
Ground‐motion intensity and damage map selection for probabilistic infrastructure network risk assessment using optimization
Authors: Miller M. , Baker J. 
Published: November 2014

SummaryIn many parts of the world, earthquakes threaten regional infrastructure systems. For modeling risk using stochastic earthquake catalogs, random variables include rupture location and the damage state of different components. Thus, there is an infinite set of possible damage maps that a risk modeler could evaluate in an event‐based probabilistic loss model. Even a finite but large number of damage maps may not be practical, because many network performance measures are computationally expensive. Here, we show a computationally efficient method for selecting a subset of damage maps, corresponding ground‐motion intensity maps, and associated occurrence rates that reasonably estimates the full distribution of the ground‐motion intensity and a target performance measure using optimization. The method chooses a subset of maps and associated annual rates of occurrence that minimizes the error in estimating the distribution of a network performance measure as well as the marginal distributions of ground‐motion intensity exceedance. The joint distribution of the ground‐motion intensity is implicitly included in the objective function of the optimization problem via the network performance measure. We then show how to tune the optimization parameters based on consistency checks related to the network performance measure and the ground‐motion hazard. We illustrate the proposed method with a case study of the San Francisco Bay Area road network to estimate the exceedance curve of the average percentage change in morning commute trip time. This work facilitates expanded and risk‐consistent studies of the impacts of infrastructure networks on regional seismic risk and resiliency. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of climate change on the toxicity of soils polluted by metal mine wastes to Enchytraeus crypticus
Authors: González-Alcaraz M. Nazaret , Tsitsiou Eleni , Wieldraaijer Rosalie , Verweij Rudo A. , van Gestel Cornelis A.M. 
Published: November 2014

Abstract

The present study aimed to assess the effects of climate change on the toxicity of metal-polluted soils. Bioassays with Enchytraeus crypticus were performed in soils polluted by mine wastes (mine tailing, forest, and watercourse) and under different combinations of temperature (20 °C and 25 °C) and soil moisture content (50% and 30% of the soil water-holding capacity). Survival and reproduction were set as endpoints. No effect was observed on survival (average survival ≥ 80%). Reproduction was the most sensitive endpoint, and it was reduced between 65% and 98% compared with control after exposure to watercourse soil (lower pH, higher salinity, and higher available metal(loid) concentrations). In this soil, effective concentrations at 50% and 10% (EC50 and EC10) significantly decreased with decreasing soil moisture content. In general, the worst-case scenario was found in the driest soil, but the toxicity under a climate change scenario differed among soil types in relation to soil properties (e.g., pH, salinity) and available metal(loid) concentrations. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;9999:1–9. © 2014 SETAC
Application of a new xylanase activity from Bacillus amyloliquefaciensXR44A in brewer's spent grain saccharification
Authors: Amore Antonella , Parameswaran Binod , Kumar Ramesh , Birolo Leila , Vinciguerra Roberto , Marcolongo Loredana , Ionata Elena , La Cara Francesco , Pandey Ashok , Faraco Vincenza 
Published: November 2014

AbstractBACKGROUNDCellulases and xylanases are the key enzymes involved in the conversion of lignocelluloses into fermentable sugars. Western Ghat region (India) has been recognized as an active hot spot for the isolation of new microorganisms. The aim of this work was to isolate new microorganisms producing cellulases and xylanases to be applied in brewer's spent grain saccharification.RESULTS93 microorganisms were isolated from Western Ghat and screened for the production of cellulase and xylanase activities. Fourteen cellulolytic and seven xylanolytic microorganisms were further screened in liquid culture. Particular attention was focused on the new isolate Bacillus amyloliquefaciens XR44A, producing xylanase activity up to 10.5 U mL−1. A novel endo‐1,4‐beta xylanase was identified combining zymography and proteomics and recognized as the main enzyme responsible for B. amyloliquefaciens XR44A xylanase activity. The new xylanase activity was partially characterized and its application in saccharification of brewer's spent grain, pretreated by aqueous ammonia soaking, was investigated.CONCLUSIONThe culture supernatant of B. amyloliquefaciens XR44A with xylanase activity allowed a recovery of around 43% xylose during brewer's spent grain saccharification, similar to the value obtained with a commercial xylanase from Trichoderma viride, and a maximum arabinose yield of 92%, around 2‐fold higher than that achieved with the commercial xylanase. © 2014 The Authors. Journal of Chemical Technology & Biotechnology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Sialendoscopy for the management of juvenile recurrent parotitis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ramakrishna Jayant , Strychowsky Julie , Gupta Michael , Sommer Doron D. 
Published: November 2014

ObjectiveTo determine the effectiveness and safety of sialendoscopy for the treatment of juvenile recurrent parotitis (JRP). The study was conducted and reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines.Data SourcesA comprehensive search strategy in MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane library, and Google Scholar was completed and limited to studies published in English. Relevant reference lists were reviewed.Study SelectionTwo independent reviewers selected prospective or retrospective studies of pediatric patients treated with interventional sialendoscopy for the management of JRP. Outcome measures included rates of successful treatment (no further episodes of parotid swelling or need for further sialendoscopy) and complications,Data ExtractionTwo reviewers appraised the level of evidence using the Oxford Clinical Evidence‐based Medicine (OCEBM) guidelines, extracted data, and resolved discrepancies by consensus. Weighted pooled proportion, 95% confidence interval (CI), and test results for heterogeneity and publication bias are reported.ResultsSeven studies were included. Levels of evidence varied from OCEBM level 3 to 4. The weighted pooled proportion of success rates for no further episodes by patient (n = 120) was 73% (95% CI: 64%‐82%) and by gland (n = 165) 81% (95% CI: 75%‐87%). The weighted pooled proportion of success rates for no further sialendoscopy by patient was 87% (95% CI: 81%‐93%). Heterogeneity was low, and publication bias was not detected. There were no major complications reported. Surgical techniques and endoscopic findings are summarized.ConclusionsThe results from this analysis suggest that sialendoscopy is effective and safe for the treatment of JRP and may be offered to appropriate patients.Level of EvidenceNA Laryngoscope, 125:1472–1479, 2015
Algebraic method to synthesize specified modal currents in ladder resonators: Application to noncircular birdcage coils
Authors: De Zanche Nicola , Pruessmann Klaas P. 
Published: November 2014

PurposeDetectors such as birdcage coils often consist of networks of coupled resonant circuits that must produce specified magnetic field distributions. In many cases, such as quadrature asymmetric insert body coils, calculating the capacitance values required to achieve specified currents and frequencies simultaneously is a challenging task that previously had only approximate or computationally inefficient solutions.Theory and MethodsA general algebraic method was developed that is applicable to linear networks having planar representations such as birdcage coils, transverse electromagnetic (TEM) coils, and numerous variants of ladder networks. Unlike previous iterative or approximate methods, the algebraic method is computationally efficient and determines current distribution and resonant frequency using a single matrix inversion. The method was demonstrated by specifying irregular current distributions on a highly elliptical birdcage coil at 3 Tesla.ResultsMeasurements of the modal frequency spectrum and transmit field distribution of the two specified modes agrees with the theory. Accuracy is limited in practice only by how accurately the matrix of self and mutual inductances of the network is known.ConclusionThe algebraic method overcomes the inability of the existing inductance equalization method to account for all elements of the inductance matrix and the inability to accommodate modal currents that are not (co)sinusoidal. Magn Reson Med 74:1470–1481, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis and properties of stereo mixtures of enantiomeric block copolymers of polylactide and aliphatic polycarbonate
Authors: Kobayashi Koji , Kanmuri Shuhei , Kimura Yoshiharu , Masutani Kazunari 
Published: November 2014

AbstractABA triblock copolymers of polylactides (PLA: A) and aliphatic polycarbonates (APC: B) were prepared by ring‐opening polymerization of d‐ and l‐lactides with poly(hexamethylene carbonate) diol and poly(hexamethylene/pentamethylene carbonate) diol (PHPC) as macro‐initiators. The enantiomeric copolymers with similar block sequences (PLLA‐APC‐PLLA and PDLA‐APC‐PDLA) were mixed in a 1:1 weight ratio to form a stereocomplex of PLA blocks. The resultant stereo mixtures were found to be more thermally stable (up to 200 °C) than the single block copolymers. Polymer films of the stereo mixtures PLLA‐PHPC‐PLLA/PDLA‐PHPC‐PDLA exhibited higher elongation and lower modulus. It was therefore evident that the present enantiomeric block copolymer system can be applicable as a novel thermoplastic elastomer that is environmentally friendly in terms of its biobased nature and the use of carbon dioxide as feedstock. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Accuracy of first‐trimester ultrasound in diagnosis of intrauterine pregnancy prior to visualization of the yolk sac: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Richardson A. , Gallos I. , Dobson S. , Campbell B. K. , Coomarasamy A. , Raine‐Fenning N. 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACTObjectivesTo evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound in predicting the location of an intrauterine pregnancy before visualization of the yolk sac is possible.MethodsThis was a systematic review conducted in accordance with the PRISMA statement and registered with PROSPERO. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and The Cochrane Library for relevant citations. Studies were selected in a two‐stage process and their data extracted by two reviewers. Accuracy measures were calculated for each ultrasound sign, i.e. gestational sac, double decidual sac sign, intradecidual sign, chorionic rim sign and yolk sac. Individual study estimates were plotted in summary receiver–operating characteristics curves and forest plots for examination of heterogeneity. The quality of included studies was assessed.ResultsSeventeen studies including 2564 women were selected from 19 959 potential papers. Following meta‐analysis, the presence of a gestational sac on ultrasound examination was found to predict an intrauterine pregnancy with a sensitivity of 52.8% (95% CI, 38.2–66.9%) and specificity of 97.6% (95% CI, 94.3–99.0%). The corresponding performance of the double decidual sac sign, intradecidual sign, chorionic rim sign and yolk sac were: 81.8% (95% CI, 68.1–90.4%) and 97.3% (95% CI, 76.1–99.8%); 66.1% (95% CI, 58.9–72.8%) and 100% (95% CI, 91.0–100%); 79.9% (95% CI, 73.0–85.7%) and 97.1% (95% CI, 89.9–99.6%); and 42.2% (95% CI, 27.7–57.9%) and 100% (95% CI, 54.1–100%), respectively.ConclusionVisualization of a gestational sac, double decidual sac sign, intradecidual sign or chorionic rim sign increases the probability of an intrauterine pregnancy but is not as accurate for diagnosis as the detection of the yolk sac. However, the findings were limited by the small number and poor quality of the studies included and heterogeneity in the index test and reference standard. Copyright © 2014 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Chromosomal microarray in fetuses with increased nuchal translucency
Authors: Lund I. C. B. , Christensen R. , Petersen O. B. , Vogel I. , Vestergaard E. M. 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo assess the clinical value of using high‐resolution chromosomal microarray (CMA) for the examination of genomic imbalances in prenatal uncultured chorionic villus samples from fetuses with increased nuchal translucency (NT) and a normal quantitative fluorescent polymerase chain reaction (QF‐PCR) result, in a clinical setting in which more than 95% of pregnant women receive first‐trimester combined screening.MethodsFrom January 2013 to July 2014, we included 132 chorionic villus samples from consecutive ongoing pregnancies, with fetal NT ≥ 3.5  mm at 11–13 weeks' gestation, from obstetric units (publicly funded healthcare) in Central and North Denmark Regions. DNA was extracted directly from the samples and examined with QF‐PCR (n = 132) and 180 kb oligonucleotide array‐based comparative genomic hybridization (n =  94).ResultsIn 38 cases, aneuploidies for chromosomes 18, 21 or X, or triploidy, were detected by QF‐PCR. Among the 94 cases with a normal QF‐PCR result, we detected pathogenic copy number variants (CNVs) by CMA in 12 fetuses (12.8% (95% CI, 7.5–21.0%)). In an additional three (3.2%) cases, CNVs with uncertain clinical significance were detected.ConclusionCMA is a valuable diagnostic technique in pregnancies with isolated fetal NT ≥ 3.5 mm. Copyright © 2014 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
A review and classification of analytical methods for climate change adaptation
Authors: Hinkel Jochen , Bisaro Alexander 
Published: November 2014

The exchange of coherent arguments about methods applied in the field of climate change adaptation is challenging due to the growing diversity of analytical methods applied from natural science and social science. This is further complicated by the abstract and ambiguous terms, such as vulnerability and adaptive capacity, employed in the literature and the inadequate consideration given to the wider array of social science methods that are being applied now that adaptation has become a practical necessity. To address these limitations, a review and novel classification of vulnerability, impacts, and adaptation methods is presented. Methods are classified based on goals addressed, thematic clusters of variables involved, and underlying theoretical assumptions. On the top‐level, methods are distinguished into impact analysis, behavior analysis, institutional analysis, and decision analysis methods. The first three branches are further classified according to descriptive, explanatory, and predictive goals, as well as theoretical assumptions. For each type, empirical conditions of applicability and examples from the literature are presented. While this classification can only be partial due to the ever growing methodological diversity in the field of climate change adaptation, we provide a more rigorous basis for the coherent exchange of methodological arguments and thereby hope to foster the interdisciplinary dialog needed to advance the field. WIREs Clim Change 2015, 6:171–188. doi: 10.1002/wcc.322This article is categorized under:

Assessing Impacts of Climate Change > Evaluating Future Impacts of Climate Change
Vulnerability and Adaptation to Climate Change > Institutions for Adaptation
The Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder: System Architecture and Specifications of the Boolardy Engineering Test Array
Authors: Hotan A. W. , Bunton J. D. , Harvey-Smith L. , Humphreys B. , Jeffs B. D. , Shimwell T. , Tuthill J. , Voronkov M. , Allen G. , Amy S. , Ardern K. , Axtens P. , Ball L. , Bannister K. , Barker S. , Bateman T. , Beresford R. , Bock D. , Bolton R. , Bowen M. , Boyle B. , Braun R. , Broadhurst S. , Brodrick D. , Brooks K. , Brothers M. , Brown A. , Cantrall C. , Carrad G. , Chapman J. , Cheng W. , Chippendale A. , Chung Y. , Cooray F. , Cornwell T. , Davis E. , de Souza L. , DeBoer D. , Diamond P. , Edwards P. , Ekers R. , Feain I. , Ferris D. , Forsyth R. , Gough R. , Grancea A. , Gupta N. , Guzman J. C. , Hampson G. , Haskins C. , Hay S. , Hayman D. , Hoyle S. , Jacka C. , Jackson C. , Jackson S. , Jeganathan K. , Johnston S. , Joseph J. , Kendall R. , Kesteven M. , Kiraly D. , Koribalski B. , Leach M. , Lenc E. , Lensson E. , Li L. , Mackay S. , Macleod A. , Maher T. , Marquarding M. , McClure-Griffiths N. , McConnell D. , Mickle S. , Mirtschin P. , Norris R. , Neuhold S. , Ng A. , O’Sullivan J. , Pathikulangara J. , Pearce S. , Phillips C. , Qiao R. Y. , Reynolds J. E. , Rispler A. , Roberts P. , Roxby D. , Schinckel A. , Shaw R. , Shields M. , Storey M. , Sweetnam T. , Troup E. , Turner B. , Tzioumis A. , Westmeier T. , Whiting M. , Wilson C. , Wilson T. , Wormnes K. , Wu X. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThis paper describes the system architecture of a newly constructed radio telescope – the Boolardy engineering test array, which is a prototype of the Australian square kilometre array pathfinder telescope. Phased array feed technology is used to form multiple simultaneous beams per antenna, providing astronomers with unprecedented survey speed. The test array described here is a six-antenna interferometer, fitted with prototype signal processing hardware capable of forming at least nine dual-polarisation beams simultaneously, allowing several square degrees to be imaged in a single pointed observation. The main purpose of the test array is to develop beamforming and wide-field calibration methods for use with the full telescope, but it will also be capable of limited early science demonstrations.
Curcuma oil attenuates accelerated atherosclerosis and macrophage foam-cell formation by modulating genes involved in plaque stability, lipid homeostasis and inflammation
Authors: Singh Vishal , Rana Minakshi , Jain Manish , Singh Niharika , Naqvi Arshi , Malasoni Richa , Dwivedi Anil Kumar , Dikshit Madhu , Barthwal Manoj Kumar 
Published: November 2014

In the present study, the anti-atherosclerotic effect and the underlying mechanism of curcuma oil (C. oil), a lipophilic fraction from turmeric (Curcuma longaL.), was evaluated in a hamster model of accelerated atherosclerosis and in THP-1 macrophages. Male golden Syrian hamsters were subjected to partial carotid ligation (PCL) or FeCl3-induced arterial oxidative injury (Ox-injury) after 1 week of treatment with a high-cholesterol (HC) diet or HC diet plus C. oil (100 and 300 mg/kg, orally). Hamsters fed with the HC diet were analysed at 1, 3 and 5 weeks following carotid injury. The HC diet plus C. oil-fed group was analysed at 5 weeks. In hyperlipidaemic hamsters with PCL or Ox-injury, C. oil (300 mg/kg) reduced elevated plasma and aortic lipid levels, arterial macrophage accumulation, and stenosis when compared with those subjected to arterial injury alone. Similarly, elevated mRNA transcripts of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2),MMP-9, cluster of differentiation 45 (CD45),TNF-α, interferon-γ (IFN-γ),IL-1βandIL-6were reduced in atherosclerotic arteries, while those of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) andIL-10were increased after the C. oil treatment (300 mg/kg). The treatment with C. oil prevented HC diet- and oxidised LDL (OxLDL)-induced lipid accumulation, decreased the mRNA expression ofCD68andCD36, and increased the mRNA expression ofPPARα,LXRα,ABCA1andABCG1in both hyperlipidaemic hamster-derived peritoneal and THP-1 macrophages. The administration of C. oil suppressed the mRNA expression ofTNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6andIFN-γand increased the expression ofTGF-βin peritoneal macrophages. In THP-1 macrophages, C. oil supplementation prevented OxLDL-induced production ofTNF-αandIL-1βand increased the levels ofTGF-β. The present study shows that C. oil attenuates arterial injury-induced accelerated atherosclerosis, inflammation and macrophage foam-cell formation.
Effects of psyllium on LDL-cholesterol concentrations in Brazilian children and adolescents: a randomised, placebo-controlled, parallel clinical trial
Authors: Ribas Simone Augusta , Cunha Diana Barbosa , Sichieri Rosely , Santana da Silva Luiz Carlos 
Published: November 2014

The present study investigated the LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C)-lowering effects of psyllium in Brazilian dyslipidaemic children and adolescents. A total of fifty-one individuals (6–19 years) with mild-to-moderate hypercholesterolaemia were evaluated by conducting a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel clinical trial. Over an 8-week trial period, the participants were randomly allocated to one of two groups (control:n25 and psyllium:n26) using a computer-generated random number sequence. Fasting blood samples, dietary records and anthropometric data were collected. Both groups were treated with the National Cholesterol Education Program Step 2 diet for 6 weeks before randomisation. After this run-in period, a daily supplement of 7·0 g psyllium was given to the intervention group, while an equivalent amount of cellulose was given to the control group. Statistically significant changes between the control and intervention groups over time were observed for total cholesterol (7·7 %; − 0·39 mmol/l;P= 0·003) and LDL-C (10·7 %; − 0·36 mmol/l;P= 0·01). None of the participants reported any aversion to the smell, taste, appearance or texture of psyllium. No serious adverse effects were reported during the study. In addition to causing a significant reduction in LDL-C concentrations, psyllium therapy was found to be both safe and acceptable for the treatment of hypercholesterolaemic children and adolescents.