bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of carbon footprint and water scarcity footprint of milk protein produced by cellular agriculture and the dairy industry
Authors: Behm Katri , Nappa Marja , Aro Nina , Welman Alan , Ledgard Stewart , Suomalainen Marjut , Hill Jeremy 
Published: August 2022

AbstractPurposeThis paper studies the carbon footprint and water scarcity footprint (WSF) of a milk protein, beta-lactoglobulin, produced by cellular agriculture and compares this to extracted dairy protein from milk. The calculations of the microbially produced proteins were based on a model of a hypothetical industrial-scale facility. The purpose of the study is to examine the role relative to dairy of microbially produced milk proteins in meeting future demand for more sustainably produced protein of high nutritional quality.MethodsThe evaluated process considers beta-lactoglobulin production in bioreactor cultivation with filamentous fungiT. reeseiand downstream processing for product purification. The model considers four production scenarios in four different locations (New Zealand, Germany, US, and Australia) with a cradle-to-gate system boundary. The scenarios consider different sources of carbon (glucose and sucrose), different options for the fungal biomass treatment (waste or animal feed) and for the purification of the product. Allocation to biomass was avoided by considering it substituting the production of general protein feed. The carbon footprint and WSF (based on AWaRe factors) modelling is compared to calculations and actual data on extracted dairy protein production in NZ. The uncertainties of modelled process were addressed with a sensitivity analysis.Results and discussionThe carbon footprint of microbially produced protein varied depending on the location (energy profile) and source of carbon used. The lowest carbon footprint (5.5 t CO2e/t protein) was found with sucrose-based production in NZ and the highest (17.6 t CO2e/t protein) in Australia with the glucose and chromatography step. The WSF results varied between 88–5030 m3world eq./t protein, depending on the location, type of sugar and purification method used. The avoided feed production had a bigger impact on the WSF than on the carbon footprint. Both footprints were sensitive to process parameters of final titre and protein yield from sugar. The results for milk protein were of similar magnitude, c.10 t CO2e/t protein and 290–11,300 m3world eq./t protein.ConclusionsThe environmental impacts of microbially produced milk protein were of the same magnitude as for extracted dairy protein. The main contributions were sugar and electricity production. The carbon footprints of proteins produced by cellular agriculture have potential for significant reduction when renewable energy and more sustainable carbon sources are used and combined with evolving knowledge and technology in microbial production. Similarly, the carbon footprint of milk proteins can potentially be reduced through methane reduction technologies.
Upscaling of alkaline pea protein extraction from dry milled and pre-treated peas from laboratory to pilot scale: Optimization of process parameters for higher protein yields
Authors: Schmidt Florian , Blankart Max , Wanger Janina , Scharfe Markus , Scheuerer Theresa , Hinrichs Jörg 
Published: August 2022

AbstractThe upscaling of pea protein extraction from laboratory scale with a centrifuge to pilot scale with a decanter centrifuge was investigated, and the pea protein extraction efficiency from dry milled and pre-treated peas was compared. Upscaling from laboratory to pilot scale is possible since starch was under the limit of detection (< 0.5%). The protein banding pattern of a sodium-dodecyl-sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis confirmed that albumins and globulins were extracted by alkali extraction. Protein yield increased from 59.5% to 67.1% for dry milled peas due to constant and quick discharge of dry matter in the decanter centrifuge. For pre-treated peas, the protein yield increased from 60.3% to 94.3%, which is explained by an improved cutting and improved separation in pilot scale compared to laboratory scale. The impact of acceleration, mass flow, differential speed and their respective interactions in the decanting process was determined with a design of experiments. For dry milled peas, only the mass flow exceeded the significance level. However, a mass flow of 5 kg h−1, an acceleration of 1000 g$$\times$$
×
and a differential speed of 50 min−1 led to the highest protein yield of 75.6%. The obtained protein yields for the pre-treated peas were in the range of 83 to 96% and therefore did not show significant differences in protein yield.
Synthesis and characterization of chalcone based benzoxazine-magnetite nanocomposites
Authors: Mandour Hamada S. A. , Rehab Ahmed , Elnahrawy Mohamed , Salahuddin Nehal 
Published: August 2022

AbstractHere, we proposed an approach to develop magnetic chalcone based benzoxazine using different contents of magnetite nanoparticles. A chalcone containing benzoxazine was prepared from 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-phenylprop-2-en-1-one), stearyl amine and paraformaldehyde through Mannich condensation reaction in a cosolvent of ethanol/toluene (1/1)(v/v). The chemical structure of the prepared benzoxazine monomer was confirmed by FTIR and1H NMR. Both monomer and monomer mixed with different contents of magnetite were exposed to UV irradiation to induce dimerization via [2p + 2p] cycloaddition followed by thermal curing of oxazine moiety. The crystal structure of magnetite nanoparticles was studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to examine the surface morphology of the resulted materials. The average size of magnetite nanoparticles was determined by transmission electron microscope (TEM) to be 30–40 nm. The magnetization properties of these materials were measured by vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The thermal properties of thermosets were evaluated and compared with nanocomposites using TGA and DSC. The thermosets exhibited good thermal stability and improved with increasing the magnetite contents in the feed.
Construction of a breast cancer prognosis model based on alternative splicing and immune infiltration
Authors: Zhang Dongni , Lu Wenping , Zhuo Zhili , Mei Heting , Wu Xiaoqing , Cui Yongjia 
Published: August 2022

AbstractBackgroundBreast cancer (BC) is the most common malignancy among women in the world. Alternative splicing (AS) is an important mechanism for regulating gene expression and producing proteome diversity, which is closely related to tumorigenesis. Understanding the role of AS in BC may be helpful to reveal new therapeutic targets for clinical interventions.MethodsRNA-seq, clinical and AS data of TCGA-BRCA were downloaded from TCGA and TCGA SpliceSeq databases. AS events associated with prognosis were filtered by univariate Cox regression. The AS risk model of BC was built by Lasso regression, random forest and multivariate Cox regression. The accuracy of the AS risk model and clinicopathological factors were evaluated by time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. The significant factors were used to construct the nomogram model. Tumor microenvironment analysis, immune infiltration and immune checkpoint analysis were performed to show the differences between the high and low AS risk groups. The expression differences of genes of AS events constituting the risk model in tumor tissues and normal tissues were analyzed, the genes with significant differences were screened, and their relationship with prognosis, tumor microenvironment, immune infiltration and immune checkpoint were analyzed. Finally, Pearson correlation analysis was used to calculate the correlation coefficient between splicing factors (SF) and prognostic AS events in TCGA-BRCA. The results were imported into Cytoscape, and the associated network was constructed.ResultsA total of 21,232 genes had 45,421 AS events occurring in TCGA-BRCA, while 1604 AS events were found to be significantly correlated with survival. The BRCA risk model consisted of 5 AS events, (TTC39C|44853|AT*− 2.67) + (HSPBP1|52052|AP*− 4.28) + (MAZ|35942|ES*2.34) + (ANK3|11845|AP*1.18) + (ZC3HAV1|81940|AT*1.59), which were confirmed to be valuable for predicting BRCA prognosis to a certain degree, including ROC curve, survival analysis, tumor microenvironment analysis, immune infiltration and immune checkpoint analysis. Based on this, we constructed a nomogram prediction model composed of clinicopathological features and the AS risk signature. Furthermore, we found that MAZ was a core gene indicating the connection of tumor prognosis and AS events. Ultimately, a network of SF-AS regulation was established to reveal the relationship between them.ConclusionsWe constructed a nomogram model combined with clinicopathological features and AS risk score to predict the prognosis of BC. The detailed analysis of tumor microenvironment and immune infiltration in the AS risk model may further reveal the potential mechanisms of BC recurrence and development.
Clinical application of radiotherapy in patients with oligometastatic ovarian cancer: a sharp tool to prolong the interval of systemic treatment
Authors: Shen Jing , Tao Yinjie , He Lei , Guan Hui , Zhen Hongnan , Liu Zhikai , Zhang Fuquan 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Background
With the advances of radiation technology, treatment of oligometastatic disease, with limited metastatic burden, have more chances to achieve long-term local control. Here we aim to evaluate the efficacy and safety of radiotherapy (RT) in oligometastatic ovarian cancer patients.

Methods
A retrospective analysis collecting 142 patients (189 lesions) with oligometastatic ovarian cancer were included in the study. All pateints received radiotherapy and the curative effect and response rate were evaluated by diagnostic imaging after 1–3 months of radiotherapy with RECIST. Endpoints were the rate of complete response (CR), chemotherapy-free interval (CFI), local control (LC) rate and overall survival (OS) rate. Toxicity was evaluated by the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG). Logistic and Cox regression were used for the uni- and multivariate analysis of factors influencing survival outcomes.

Results
From 2013.1.1 to 2020.12.30, a total of 142 ovarian cancer patients (189 oligometastasis lesions) were included in the analysis. Prescribed doses to an average GTV of 3.10 cm were 1.8–8 Gy/fraction, median BED (28–115, a/b = 10 Gy), 5–28 fractions. For 179 evaluable lesions, the cases of CR, partial response (PR), stable disease (SD) and progressive disease (PD) after radiotherapy were 22,39,38 and 80 respectively. The disease control rate (DCR): CR + PR + SD was 55.31%, and the objective response rate (ORR): CR + PR was 34.08%. No patient developed grade 3 or higher side effect. The median CFI was 14 months (1–99 months), and the LC rate was 69.7%, 54.3% and 40.9% in 1 year, 2 years and 5 years respectively. GTV < 3 cm before treatment, platinum sensitivity, time from the last treatment ≥ 6 months, single lesion and BED(a/b = 10 Gy) ≥ 60 are the factors of good LC (p < 0.05). The total OS of 1 year, 2 years and 5 years were 67.1%, 52.6% and 30.3%, respectively. Single lesion (HR 0.598, 95%CI 0.405–0.884), DCR (HR 0.640, 95% CI 0.448–0.918) and ORR(HR 0.466, 95% CI 0.308–0.707) were the significant factors influencing 5-year OS.

Conclusion
For patients with oligometastatic ovarian cancer, radiotherapy has high LC, long chemotherapy-free interval, and survival benefits. Subgroup analysis shows that patients with single lesion and good local treatment results have higher overall survival rate, suggesting that active treatment is also beneficial for oligometastatic ovarian cancer patients.
Thoracoscopic mesh implantation as a definitive treatment approach for peritoneal dialysis-associated hydrothorax
Authors: Nemeth Attila , Mustafi Migdat , Friedel Godehard , Sayer Michael , Heyne Nils , Schlensak Christian , Artunc Ferruh , Steger Volker 
Published: August 2022

AbstractPleuroperitoneal leakage with the formation of hydrothorax is a rare complication of peritoneal dialysis, usually necessitating termination of peritoneal dialysis. We hypothesized that implantation of a polypropylene mesh on the diaphragm using video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery might induce permanent closure of pleuroperitoneal leakage. We report a case series of n = 12 peritoneal dialysis patients with pleuroperitoneal leakage and right-sided hydrothorax who underwent video-assisted thoracoscopy with mesh implantation from 2011 to 2020. Pleuroperitoneal leakage had been confirmed before surgery by intraperitoneal administration of toluidine blue, contrast-enhanced computer tomography or glucose determination from the pleural effusion. Median time from the start of peritoneal dialysis to manifestation of pleuroperitoneal leakage was 52 days. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery revealed multiple penetration points in the tendinous part of the diaphragm in all patients, which appeared as blebs. These were closed by covering the whole diaphragm with a polypropylene mesh. In all patients, peritoneal dialysis was paused for three months and bridged by hemodialysis. After restarting peritoneal dialysis and a median follow-up time of 1.9 years, none of the patients experienced a recurrence of pleuroperitoneal leakage. This case series demonstrates that pleuroperitoneal leakage in peritoneal dialysis patients can be permanently closed using thoracoscopic mesh implantation and allows peritoneal dialysis to be continued as renal replacement therapy.
Graphical abstract
Hyper accuracy three-dimensional (HA3D™) technology for planning complex liver resections: a preliminary single center experience
Authors: Ruzzenente Andrea , Alaimo Laura , Conci Simone , De Bellis Mario , Marchese Andrea , Ciangherotti Andrea , Campagnaro Tommaso , Guglielmi Alfredo 
Published: August 2022

AbstractThree-dimensional visualization technology (3DVT) has been recently introduced to achieve a precise preoperative planning of liver surgery. The aim of this observational study was to assess the accuracy of 3DVT for complex liver resections. 3DVT with hyper accuracy three-dimensional (HA3D™) technology was introduced at our institution on February 2020. Anatomical characteristics were collected from two-dimensional imaging (2DI) and 3DVT, while intraoperative and postoperative outcomes were recorded prospectively. A total of 62 patients were enrolled into the study. 3DVT was able to study tumor extension and liver anatomy, identifying at least one vascular variation in 37 patients (59.7%). Future remnant liver volume (FRLV) was measured using 2DI and 3DVT. The paired samples t test assessed positive correlation between the two methods (p < 0.001). At least one vessel was suspected to be invaded by the tumor in 8 (15.7%) 2DI cases vs 16 (31.4%) 3DVT cases, respectively. During surgery, vascular invasion was detected in 17 patients (33.3%). A total of 73 surgical procedures were proposed basing on 2DI, including 2 alternatives for 16 patients. After 3DVT, the previously planned procedure was changed in 15 cases (29.4%), due to the clearer information provided. A total of 51 patients (82%) underwent surgery. The most frequent procedure was right hepatectomy (33.3%), followed by left hepatectomy (23.5%) and left trisectionectomy (13.7%). Vascular resection and reconstruction were performed in 10 patients (19.6%) and portal vein was resected in more than half of these cases (66.7%). 3DVT leads to a more detailed and tailored approach to complex liver surgery, improving surgeons’ knowledge of liver anatomy and accuracy of liver resection.
Graphical abstract
Quick Responses of Canadian Social Scientists to COVID-19: A Case Study of the 2020 Federal COVID-19-Specific Grant Recipients
Authors: Wu Haorui , Mansour Adele 
Published: August 2022

AbstractCOVID-19 prompted an abundance of independent and collaborative quick response disaster research (QRDR) initiatives globally. The 2020 federal COVID-19-driven granting opportunities initiated the first official QRDR effort in Canadian history, engaging social scientists to rapidly address the pandemic-related societal influences. This study aims to portray the landscape of this nascent social science QRDR workforce through the first round of federal COVID-19-specific grant recipients. A case study approach was employed to analyze 337 social science projects with 1119 associated researchers, examining the demographic structure of these COVID-19-driven social science researchers and their research projects’ characteristics. Accordingly, the findings are presented through the following two streams: (1) From a researcher perspective, this case study describes researcher typology, geographic location, primary discipline, and educational background, highlighting the diverse characteristics of social sciences researchers, and uneven research development across Canada. (2) From a research project perspective, this case study identifies and synthesizes research project subjects, themes, collaborations, and Canadian distinctions, emphasizing the need for galvanizing cooperation and focusing on uniquely Canadian contexts. The case study illustrates challenges associated with data curation that pose barriers to developing a nuanced understanding of the Canadian social science community COVID-19 research landscape. Consequently, the case study develops three recommendations to improve QRDR development in Canada: promoting information transparency, dissemination, and updates; improving hazards and disaster research workforce evaluation; and enhancing multi-stakeholder cooperation.
Recent studies on the light-induced phenomena in condensed matter systems and related numerical tools
Authors: Shin Dongbin 
Published: August 2022

AbstractRecent studies of light–matter interaction reveal that light can significantly manipulate materials’ properties. For example, recent experiments demonstrated light-induced phenomena such as light-enhanced superconductivity, ferroelectricity, topological phase transition, and light-driven quantum transport in condensed matter systems. With these experimental observations, various theoretical studies tried to provide possible microscopic mechanisms such as nonlinear phonon interaction, displacive excitation of coherent phonon, and Floquet engineering. These comprehensive experimental and theoretical studies suggested the possibility of light-controlled devices as an application. This review summarizes recently reported light-induced phenomena and related microscopic mechanisms. In addition, the numerical tools for the simulation of light-induced dynamics are introduced.
Overcoming Perovskite Corrosion and De-Doping Through Chemical Binding of Halogen Bonds Toward Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Ren Guanhua , Han Wenbin , Zhang Qiang , Li Zhuowei , Deng Yanyu , Liu Chunyu , Guo Wenbin 
Published: August 2022

Abstract4-tert-butylpyridine (TBP) is an indispensable additive for the hole transport layer in highly efficient perovskite solar cells (PSCs), while it can induce corrosion decomposition of perovskites and de-doping effect of spiro-OMeTAD, which present huge challenge for the stability of PSCs. Herein, halogen bonds provided by 1,4-diiodotetrafluorobenzene (1,4-DITFB) are employed to bond with TBP, simultaneously preventing perovskite decomposition and eliminating de-doping effect of oxidized spiro-OMeTAD. Various characterizations have proved strong chemical interaction forms between 1,4-DITFB and TBP. With the incorporation of halogen bonds, perovskite film can maintain initial morphology, crystal structure, and light absorbance; meanwhile, the spiro-OMeTAD film shows a relatively stable conductivity with good charge transport property. Accordingly, the device with TBP complex exhibits significantly enhanced stability in N2 atmosphere or humidity environment. Furthermore, a champion power conversion efficiency of 23.03% is obtained since perovskite is no longer damaged by TBP during device preparation. This strategy overcomes the shortcomings of TBP in n-i-p PSCs community and enhances the application potential of spiro-OMeTAD in fabricating efficient and stable PSCs.
A Computational Intelligence Hybrid Algorithm Based on Population Evolutionary and Neural Network Learning for the Crude Oil Spot Price Prediction
Authors: Chen Zhen-Yao 
Published: August 2022

AbstractThis research attempts to reinforce the cultivating expression of radial basis function neural network (RBFnet) through computational intelligence (CI) and swarm intelligence (SI) learning methods. Consequently, the artificial immune system (AIS) and ant colony optimization (ACO) approaches are utilized to cultivate RBFnet for function approximation issue. The proposed hybridization of AIS and ACO approaches optimization (HIAO) algorithm combines the complementarity of exploitation and exploration to realize problem solving. It allows the solution domain having the advantages of intensification and diversification, which further avoids the situation of immature convergence. In addition, the empirical achievements have confirmed that the HIAO algorithm not only obtained the best accurate function approximation for theoretically standard nonlinear problems, it can be further applied on the instance solving for practical crude oil spot price prediction.
Current Techniques for the Objective Measures of Erectile Hardness
Authors: Rohrer Gabrielle E. , Premo Hayley , Lentz Aaron C. 
Published: August 2022

AbstractIntroductionOne of the most discussed topics in the urology provider's office is that of the male penile erection. Moreover, this is also a frequent basis for consultation by primary care practitioners. As such, it is essential that urologists are familiar with the various means by which the male erection may be evaluated.ObjectivesThis article describes several techniques presently available that may serve to objectively quantify the rigidity and hardness of the male erection. These techniques are meant to bolster information gathered from the patient interview and physical examination to better guide patient management.MethodsAn extensive literature review was performed examining publications in PubMed on this subject, including corresponding contextual literature.ResultsWhile validated patient questionnaires have been routinely employed, the urologist has many additional means available to uncover the extent of the patient's pathology. Many of these tools are noninvasive techniques that involve virtually no risk to the patient and take advantage of pre-existing physiologic properties of the phallus and its blood supply to estimate corresponding tissue stiffness. Specifically, Virtual Touch Tissue Quantification which precisely quantifies axial and radial rigidity, can provide continuous data on how these forces change over time, thus providing a promising comprehensive assessment.ConclusionQuantification of the erection allows for the patient and provider to assess response to therapy, aids the surgeon in choice of appropriate procedure, and guides effective patient counseling regarding expectation management.