bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Weak effects of habitat type on susceptibility to invasive freshwater species: an Italian case study
Authors: Boggero Angela , Basset Alberto , Austoni Martina , Barbone Enrico , Bartolozzi Luca , Bertani Isabella , Campanaro Alessandro , Cattaneo Antonella , Cianferoni Fabio , Corriero Giuseppe , Dörr Ambrosius Martin , Elia A. Concetta , Ficetola Gentile Francesco , Kamburska Lyudmila , La Porta Gianandrea , Lauceri Sara , Ludovisi Alessandro , Gaino Elda , Goretti Enzo , Lorenzoni Massimo , Manca Marina , Marchetto Aldo , Morabito Giuseppe , Marzano Francesco Nonnis , Oggioni Alessandro , Pierri Cataldo , Riccardi Nicoletta , Rossetti Giampaolo , Ungaro Nicola , Volta Pietro , Zaupa Silvia , Fontaneto Diego 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTIntroduction of alien species is one of the major threats to aquatic biota and knowledge of the major correlates of their occurrence is pivotal in planning reliable conservation strategies.To understand whether specific freshwater habitats are more likely to be invaded than others, a dataset on the occurrence of 1604 species in 54 taxonomic groups from 181 sites across the Italian peninsula was gathered.The EUNIS habitat classification was used, selecting for the study's seven habitat types at the second EUNIS level, including lentic (EUNIS C1; 64 sites), lotic (EUNIS C2; 99 sites) and highly artificial (EUNIS J5; 18 sites) habitats.The aim of the study was to test whether the overall number of alien species and the proportion of alien species for each taxonomic group differed between habitat types and could be explained by environmental, human‐mediated, or climatic factors.Using generalized linear mixed effect models to account for potential confounding factors, only average air temperature of the site was a significant positive predictor of the occurrence of alien species, regardless of habitat type, species richness, and other climatic variables.A direct effect of temperature could be excluded given the origin of alien species, mostly from colder areas than Italy. Thus, an indirect effect could be hypothesized at the Italian latitudes, with warmer areas potentially more likely to be visited by tourists than colder areas. If this hypothesis is confirmed, the results of the analyses call for a compromise between the maintenance of recreational activities in the wild and the preservation of a natural environment to prevent the arrival and spread of alien species. On the other hand, no further recommendations can be implemented regarding habitat susceptibility to alien species. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of the initial acidification step on biogas production and composition
Authors: Dirnena Ilze , Dimanta Ilze , Gruduls Arturs , Kleperis Janis , Elferts Didzis , Nikolajeva Vizma 
Published: March 2014

AbstractLaboratory‐scale experiments were carried out to evaluate the effect of initial acidification of feedstock consisting of different components on biogas production and composition. Feedstock containing different agricultural wastes, biomass, and microorganisms was collected from five full‐scale biogas plants. Two continuously stirred tank reactors were used. The fermentation temperature was 37 °C. The pH value was adjusted to 6.0 in the first reactor at the beginning of the experiment, and an initial pH value of 7.0 was implemented after 48 H. The second reactor was used as a control reactor with a constant pH of 7.0. The experiment lasted a total of 7 days. In the reactors, the gas phase was dominated by CH4, CO2, and N2. The results showed that acidification increased biogas and carbon dioxide production in five cases, increased methane production and reduced nitrogen production in four cases, and reduced methane content in biogas in four of five cases. Only feedstock composed of 74% of different manures and 26% of plant material reduced the production of methane and increased the production of nitrogen after acidification. Other feedstock contained 47% to 96% plant material. An initial pH value of 6 could be recommended for mesophilic single‐phase methanogenesis with a prevalence of plant material.
Lignin pyrolysis for profitable lignocellulosic biorefineries
Authors: De Wild Paul J. , Huijgen Wouter J. J. , Gosselink Richard J.A. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBio‐based industries (pulp and paper and biorefineries) produce > 50 Mt/yr of lignin that results from fractionation of lignocellulosic biomass. Lignin is world's second biopolymer and a major potential source for production of performance materials and aromatic chemicals. Lignin valorization is a key‐issue for enhanced profitability of sustainable bio‐based industries. Despite a myriad of potential applications for lignin and decades of research, its heterogeneity and recalcitrance still preclude commercial value‐added applications. Most lignin is utilized for heat and power. Unconventional solutions are needed to better exploit lignin's potential. Organosolv lignins are especially suitable as feedstock for high‐value chemicals. At ECN, a lignin biorefinery approach (LIBRA) has been developed, involving a dedicated lignin pyrolysis protocol that is robust, continuous, and capable of processing different lignins. Typical product yields are 20% gas, 35% char, and 45% oil. The oil contains approximately 45% oligomeric phenolic substances, 23% monomeric phenols, and 33% water. The future perspective is scale‐up of the process to produce larger lignin pyrolysis oil samples for separation, purification, and industrial application tests. Presently, small lignin pyrolysis oil samples are investigated as feedstock for extracting high‐value chemicals, as a substitute for phenol in several applications, and as a feedstock for hydrotreating. The biochar is tested as growth enhancer and as substitute for carbon‐black in rubber. Regarding the large lignin side streams from (future) bio‐based industries, the LIBRA pyrolysis technology has ample potential to increase the profitability of lignocellulosic biorefineries provided that for both the liquid product and the solid char value‐added applications are developed. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Tolerogenic dendritic cells suppress murine corneal allograft rejection by modulating CD28/CTLA‐4 expression on regulatory T cells
Authors: Yan Feng , Cai Li , Hui Yannian , chen Suihua , Meng Hao , Huang Zhenping 
Published: March 2014

AbstractAnterior chamber‐associated immune deviation (ACAID) is initiated when dendritic cells (DCs) capture intraocular antigen and induce regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the spleen. We investigated whether DCs could be used as an immunotherapy to prevent murine corneal allograft rejection by inducing Tregs. Bone marrow‐derived DCs (BMDCs) were differentiated with transforming growth factor‐β2 (TGF‐β2) in the presence of donor‐derived allopeptide in vitro (TGFβ2‐DCs), and adoptively transferred to BALB/c mice. Three days later a corneal allograft transplant was carried out. Graft rejection, as well as the number and the phenotype of splenic Tregs, were determined after transplant. CD86, CD80, CD40 were present, and MHC class II expression were significantly reduced on TGFβ2‐DCs compared to BMDCs not exposed to TGF‐β2. TGFβ2‐DCs increased the number of splenic Tregs (CD4+CD25+) in recipient mice prior to transplant by modulating CD28/CTLA‐4 expression. These induced Tregs suppressed proliferation of CD4+CD25− T cells ex vivo. TGFβ2‐DCs delayed corneal allograft rejection and TGFβ2‐DC recipient mice had significantly more splenic Tregs expressing Foxp3 and CTLA‐4, but fewer CD28+ Tregs. Expression of GITR, CD69, and CD45RB were similar in TGFβ2‐DC and control mice. Therefore, the phenotype of TGFβ2‐DCs suggests they are tolerogenic DCs (tolDCs). In vivo, these cells increased the number and function of Tregs by modulating CD28/CTLA‐4 expression. The suppressor Tregs induced by TGFβ2‐DCs may be involved in the induction of ACAID, which helps to suppress corneal allograft rejection. Our results provide proof of principle for the use of tolDCs as immunotherapy during transplant.
Cytoprotection of methionine on hyperthermia‐induced damage in bovine mammary epithelial cells
Authors: Mu Tian , Kong Guang‐Huan , Han Zhao‐Yu , Li Hui‐Xia 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThe protective effects of methionine against hyperthermia‐induced damage in bovine mammary epithelial cells (BMEC) were studied. We have investigated the effects of methionine on proliferation, antioxidant activity, and apoptosis of the mammary epithelial cells of dairy cow after heat treatment. The structure of BMEC membrane was damaged by hyperthermia. Methionine (30 and 60 mg/L) efficiently increased cell viability and attenuated morphological damages in hyperthermia‐treated BMEC. It significantly reduced lactate dehydrogenase leakage and malondialdehyde formation, whereas superoxide dismutase activity increased significantly. It also increased cell survival and decreased early apoptosis. Methionine therefore is cytoprotective on hyperthermia‐induced damage in BMEC by increasing intracellular antioxidant levels and decreasing lipid peroxidation.
Overexpression of Prox‐1 gene in omental adipose tissue and adipocytes compared with subcutaneous adipose tissue and adipocytes in healthy patients
Authors: Procino Alfredo 
Published: March 2014

AbstractAdipogenesis is the biological process that controls the development of adipocytes, and is one of the most well studied models of cellular differentiation. In the last decade the study of regulation of human adipogenesis was useful to understand this process, in order to reduce disease such as obesity and diabetes. Prox1 is a transcription factor related to Drosophila Prospero homeobox gene, that plays a major role in the development of central nervous system, liver and pancreas. Prox1 is one of the genes that control the embryonic development and differentiation of the lymphatic system. In this study we decided to analyze the gene expression of Prox‐1 in fragments of human adipose tissue (subcutaneous and omental) and in human adipocytes isolated from omental and subcutaneous tissue. Our results show Prox‐1 is always expressed in adipose tissue and overexpressed in omental adipocytes compared with subcutaneous adipocytes. These preliminary observations confirm a strong correlation of blood vessel development and adipogenesis.
Absorption of Carbon Dioxide from Flue Gas using Blended Amine Solutions
Authors: Zhu Bohong , Liu Qingcai , Zhou Qiang , Yang Jian , Ding Jian , Wen Juan 
Published: March 2014

AbstractEmploying systematic experiments and comparing the CO2 absorption amount, absorption rate and CO2 loading of various amines and their mixtures, the optimal formula of blended amine solution is investigated. The results demonstrate the absorption characteristics of diethylenetriamine are the best, followed by monoethanolamine and methyldiethanolamine, while diethanolamine has no competitive advantage, neither in terms of the absorption amount and rate nor loading of CO2. The amine concentration has a significant influence on CO2 absorption, followed by formula and ratio, while the temperature and pressure affect little. The optimal formula of blended amine solution with the highest rate constant and activation energy of CO2 absorption was determined.
Synthesis of a Porous Nano‐CaO/MgO‐Based CO2 Adsorbent
Authors: Lan Peiqiang , Wu Sufang 
Published: March 2014

AbstractA porous nano‐CaO/MgO‐based adsorbent was prepared using MgO as a support in order to increase the sorption capacity and durability. The magnesium sol prepared by reacting MgO slurry with citric acid was added to nano‐CaCO3 slurry and the mixture was calcinated to obtain the nano‐CaO/MgO‐based adsorbent. The influence of MgO content on the structure and sorption performance of the resulting adsorbent was studied in detail. The pore radius and specific surface area of the adsorbent increased with higher MgO content. The adsorbent exhibited superior sorption performance during calcium looping and maintained a good durability at the calcination temperature, thus being an interesting candidate for future work.
The Individual Therapy Process Questionnaire: Development and Validation of a Revised Measure to Evaluate General Change Mechanisms in Psychotherapy
Authors: Mander Johannes 
Published: March 2014

There is a dearth of measures specifically designed to assess empirically validated mechanisms of therapeutic change. To fill in this research gap, the aim of the current study was to develop a measure that covers a large variety of empirically validated mechanisms of change with corresponding versions for the patient and therapist. To develop an instrument that is based on several important change process frameworks, we combined two established change mechanisms instruments: the Scale for the Multiperspective Assessment of General Change Mechanisms in Psychotherapy (SACiP) and the Scale of the Therapeutic Alliance—Revised (STA‐R). In our study, 457 psychosomatic inpatients completed the SACiP and the STA‐R and diverse outcome measures in early, middle and late stages of psychotherapy. Data analyses were conducted using factor analyses and multilevel modelling. The psychometric properties of the resulting Individual Therapy Process Questionnaire were generally good to excellent, as demonstrated by (a) exploratory factor analyses on both patient and therapist ratings, (b) CFA on later measuring times, (c) high internal consistencies and (d) significant outcome predictive effects. The parallel forms of the ITPQ deliver opportunities to compare the patient and therapist perspectives for a broader range of facets of change mechanisms than was hitherto possible. Consequently, the measure can be applied in future research to more specifically analyse different change mechanism profiles in session‐to‐session development and outcome prediction. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.Key Practitioner Message
This article describes the development of an instrument that measures general mechanisms of change in psychotherapy from both the patient and therapist perspectives.
Post‐session item ratings from both the patient and therapist can be used as feedback to optimize therapeutic processes.
We provide a detailed discussion of measures developed to evaluate therapeutic change mechanisms.
Experimental Analysis of SOFC Fuelled by Ammonia
Authors: Cinti G. , Desideri U. , Penchini D. , Discepoli G. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractIn this study, ammonia is presented as a feasible fuel for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). Ammonia has several interesting features as fuel due to low‐production cost, high‐energy density and, focusing on fuel cells and hydrogen application, ammonia is an excellent H2 carrier thanks to high value of volumetric and gravimetric densities. The paper reports experimental test performed to evaluate the feasibility of NH3 directly fed to a 50 cm2 single cell SOFC. A test plan was developed to compare pure ammonia with an equivalent mix of ammonia, nitrogen, and hydrogen and the study of temperature and voltage values strongly indicates that a two stage oxidation of ammonia can be predicted and a previous cracking reaction occurs in the cell due to the nickel catalytic contribution. The study of temperatures and of heat flows show how the cell is cooled down to lower temperature because of heat adsorbed by the reaction and by flow mix entering the anode. The study shows also how for operative temperatures below 800 °C the cracking reaction takes place in the cell active area. Efficiency test demonstrates that the cell can operate at 300 mW cm–2 and 30% efficiency based on ammonia LHV.
Early results of robotic assisted nasopharyngectomy for recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Tsang Raymond K. , To Victor S. , Ho Ambrose C. , Ho Wai‐kuen , Chan Jimmy Y. , Wei William I. 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTBackgroundMinimally invasive nasopharyngectomy with the da Vinci surgical robot has been shown to be a feasible operation for salvage of recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma. The current case series presents the early results of robotic nasopharyngectomy.MethodsWe conducted a prospective series of patients who underwent robotic nasopharyngectomy for recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma in a single institution.ResultsTwelve patients underwent robotic nasopharyngectomy. The median operating time was 225 minutes. Median follow‐up time was 23.8 months. Nine patients had clear resection margins, 2 patients had close margins, and 1 patient had positive margin. Two patients developed local recurrence and 1 patient had distant metastasis. Two patients in the cohort died of unrelated causes. The 2‐year local control rate was 86%. The 2‐year overall survival and disease‐free survival was 83% and 61%, respectively.ConclusionEarly results of robotic nasopharyngectomy showed a high local control rate. The operating time was comparable to open surgery and morbidities were low. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 37: 788–793, 2015
Enjoying New Ways to Work: An HRM‐Process Approach to Study Flow
Authors: Peters Pascale , Poutsma Erik , Van der Heijden Beatrice I. J. M. , Bakker Arnold B. , Bruijn Thomas de 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThis article investigates the relationships between human resource management practices associated with New Ways to Work (employee empowerment, home‐based teleworking, and creating trust relationships) and work‐related flow as experienced by employees (absorption, work enjoyment, and intrinsic work motivation). Hypotheses, based on a combined perspective integrating insights from the HRM‐process model and the job demands‐resources model, are tested using multiactor multilevel data comprising employees (N = 1,017) and their line managers (N = 89), across 89 job categories in 30 organizations. Although organizations may implement management practices aimed at empowering employees in particular job categories, this study showed that anticipated effects on work‐related flow (particularly work enjoyment) are not achieved when employees themselves do not experience being empowered, and when they do not use and experience their working conditions as job resources (home‐based teleworking and trust relationships characterized by supporting leadership, collegial support, and collegial commitment). The article concludes with recommendations regarding organizational change aimed at implementing New Ways to Work and suggestions for future research. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Relationship between soil geochemistry and grape composition in Tuscany (Italy)
Authors: Protano Giuseppe , Rossi Sara 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThe concentrations of 13 trace elements were determined in soils and Sangiovese grapes collected in vineyard zones of Tuscany (Italy). The purpose was to establish a correspondence among the chemical composition of grape, the geochemistry of vineyard soil and the geolithological features of cultivation zone, and determine the provenance of the grapes by means of their chemical fingerprints. Statistical analysis of Ba, Rb and Sr concentrations distinguished three classes of grapes according to the geochemical and geopedological characteristics of the soils. Grapes with the highest Sr levels grew on high‐Sr soils derived from calcareous, calcareous‐marly and marly‐clayey rocks, whereas the most elevated Rb concentrations characterized the berries cultivated on soils formed from clayey‐marly and sandy‐marly lithologies. Grapes with the highest Ba concentrations grew on soil derived from arenaceous rocks and carbonate lithologies of evaporitic origin. These findings suggested that Ba, Rb and Sr could be used as fingerprints for the chemical traceability of Sangiovese grapes.
Soil evaporation under different types of land use in southern African savanna ecosystems
Authors: Metzger Johanna Clara , Landschreiber Lars , Gröngröft Alexander , Eschenbach Annette 
Published: March 2014

AbstractFor dryland ecosystems, soil evaporation is a major factor of the soil water balance. Often handled in one term with transpiration, little is known quantitatively about evaporation and impacts of soil and vegetation on it. On 12 plots at three sites in Angola, Namibia, and Botswana, potential and actual evaporation was measured using microlysimeters and parameterized. Dependencies on micrometeorological, soil, and site properties were statistically examined. In simulation runs with SWAP, the microlysimeter measurements were tried to be reproduced. Measured potential evaporation rates varied from 3.0 mm d–1 to 8.6 mm d–1. The evaporational parameter β ranged between 0.9 mm1/2 and 4.3 mm1/2. Evaporation was found to be strongly impacted by vegetation and land use, increasing from homogeneous bush areas over heterogeneous, more open woodlands to sparsely covered dryland agricultures. Correlations of evaporation variables with temperature, humidity, shading, topsoil water content, pF, bulk density, texture, and C content were found. Relationships were non‐explicit, which could be achieved by combining different factors. The simulation showed satisfying results with small deviations, confirming the model's general ability to depict the process. The application of the Boesten‐Stroosnijder‐model in combination with the used methods showed to be very useful to express evaporational properties, yet further research is necessary to improve consistency. A basis for evaporation prediction from known plot and soil characteristics and temporal and spatial up‐scaling could be given.
Prognostic value of lymphoscintigraphy in patients with gynecological cancer‐related lymphedema
Authors: Yoo Jang , Choi Joon Young , Hwang Ji Hye , Kim Dong Ik , Kim Young Wook , Choe Yearn Seong , Lee Kyung‐Han , Kim Byung‐Tae 
Published: March 2014

Background and ObjectivesWe investigated the prognostic value of qualitative lymphoscintigraphy in gynecological cancer‐related lymphedema, which is a common complication after treatment.MethodsAll 152 patients underwent 99mTc tin‐colloid lymphoscintigraphy before complex decongestive therapy (CDT). We analyzed the uptake patterns of the inguinal lymph nodes, main lymphatic vessel and collateral lymphatic vessels, as well as dermal back flow. We compared these lymphoscintigraphic findings and other clinical variables between good and poor therapeutic responders using Pearson's Chi‐squared test, Fisher's exact test and multiple logistic regression analysis.ResultsEighty‐nine patients (58.6%) had a poor therapeutic response to CDT. In univariate analysis, there were significant differences between good and poor responders in clinical stage (P < 0.001), therapy compliance (P < 0.001), main lymphatic vessel uptake pattern (P < 0.01), collateral lymphatic vessel uptake pattern (P < 0.01) and severity of dermal back flow (P < 0.001). After multivariate analysis, only severity of dermal back flow (P < 0.005), clinical stage (P < 0.05) and therapy compliance (P < 0.001) were found to be independent predictors of therapeutic response.ConclusionsLymphoscintigraphy may be useful to predict the outcome of patients with gynecological cancer‐related lymphedema undergoing CDT along with clinical stage and compliance. J. Surg. Oncol. 2014 109:760–763. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.