bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microbial community structure from southern High Plains beef cattle feedyard manure and relationship with nitrous oxide emissions
Authors: Waldrip Heidi , Parker David , Miller Sierra , Durso Lisa M. , Min Byeng R. , Miller Daniel N. , Casey Kenneth , Woodbury Bryan , Spiehs Mindy J. 
Published: August 2022

AbstractModern molecular techniques enable characterization of the microbial biome in livestock manure, from which there is particular concern over emission of greenhouse gases. This study evaluated how sampling depth, time, temperature, and artificial rainfall affected microbial community structure in feedyard manure, and relationships between the manure biome and known parameters related to nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions. In three large incubation chambers, maintained at different temperatures that received two applications of artificial rainfall, we evaluated manure microbiome composition and abundance of N2O‐producing enzymes (nirK and nirS) using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). These data were used with previously published data from the same study on N2O emissions and assessment of manure physicochemical properties, denitrification enzyme activity (DEA), and nitrification activity (NA). Microbiome composition was Firmicutes (50%), followed by 32% Actinobacteria, 11% Proteobacteria, 5% Bacteroidetes, 1% Chloroflexi, and small populations (<0.5%) of Planctomycetes, Deinococcus‐Thermus, Gemmatimonadetes, Verrucomicrobia, Tenericutes, and other organisms. Average bacterial populations varied largely as a function of sampling depth and time. Firmicutes increases tended to coincide with high N2O emissions. Overall, the largest change observed was increased Proteobacteria at 5–10 cm, where relative abundance increased from 10% (17.2 °C) to 24% (46.2 °C) over time and with increased temperature. Firmicutes and Actinobacteria predominated the microbial community of manure, but favorable conditions may lead to increases in Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, and Chloroflexi, which could influence N cycling and N2O emissions from feedyards. Copy numbers of nirS at the beginning of the experiment were higher than nirK. Differences in concentrations of nirK and nirS indicated that denitrifying enzymes in feedyard manure, particularly nirS, were sensitive to environmental changes.
Bentonite‐PDMS composite foams for oil spill recovery: Sorption performance and kinetics
Authors: Piperopoulos Elpida , Calabrese Luigi , Jovanovic Vesna Stankov , Nikolic Jelena , Ciric Slobodan , Milone Candida , Proverbio Edoardo 
Published: August 2022

AbstractThe aim of this article is the synthesis and characterization of bentonite‐filled siloxane foams for oil spills recovery. Composite foams at varying filler content in the range 35–45 wt% were investigated. The sorption kinetics and capacity of composite foams in different oils (e.g., kerosene, virgin naphtha, pump oil) were assessed. As a reference, water absorption capacity was also evaluated. Among all, the composite foam filled with 40 wt% bentonite (B‐40 batch) shows the lowest affinity with water and good absorption capacity with oils (mainly light oils) reaching an absorption capacity at saturation equal to 10.3 and 518.2 wt% in water and virgin naphtha, respectively. Furthermore, isothermal absorption curves were analyzed using three kinetic models: pseudo‐first order, pseudo‐second order, and Elovich models. The equilibrium isotherm fitting results were optimal using the pseudo‐second order model, indicating that chemisorption phenomena play a key role in the speed of the absorption phase for these PDMS‐based composite foams. Finally, a correlation was addressed between morphology, foam microstructure, absorption capacity, and kinetics.
Activation of R‐BAPB polyimide with cold plasma dielectric barrier discharge for improvement of cell‐material interaction
Authors: Kamalov Almaz , Smirnova Natalia , Kolbe Konstantin , Borisova Margarita , Bystrov Sergey , Didenko Andrey , Vlasova Elena , Yudin Vladimir 
Published: August 2022

AbstractSurface modification of films of the laboratory R‐BAPB polyimide based on 1,3‐bis(3,3′,4,4′‐dicarboxyphenoxy)benzene (dianhydride R) and 4,4′‐bis(4‐aminophenoxy)biphenyl (diamine BAPB) was performed using a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) with the aim of increasing proliferative activity of human fibroblasts on these films. The optimal duration of the DBD plasma treatment that provided the highest fibroblast proliferative activity was established. The surface roughness value of the film treated for this optimal period of time was equal to 47.5 ± 4.7 nm, and its surface free energy was 70 mJ/m2. It was demonstrated that the DBD plasma treatment to an increase in the concentrations of CO and CN bonds on the surface of R‐BAPB polyimide films, which enhanced proliferative activity of fibroblasts. The optimal DBD exposure time was 3 minutes.
Recognizing cocoon phenomena in a hospital restructuring: A case study of a psychodynamic organizational consultation
Authors: Gerard Nathan , Duncan Carrie M. , Allcorn Seth 
Published: August 2022

AbstractIn this paper, we expand upon our use of the cocoon metaphor for understanding and working with organizations from a psychodynamic perspective. Conceived as both defensive and generative, cocoons are relational phenomena that manifest throughout organizations and risk being mistaken as dysfunctional entities in need of dismantling. To illustrate the utility of the cocoon metaphor in conceptualizing organizational problems, we present a case study of a hospital restructuring following its acquisition by a for‐profit health care system and driven by efficiency and cost‐savings. The resulting disruptions across operating divisions created a set of problems that necessitated the help of an outside consultant. Engaging members of the organization in the task of solving their own problems entailed recognizing their (inter)subjective experiences and behaviors as more than just defensive hiding, or aggressive attacking, but also as holding the potential for new ways of working and relating. It also entailed showing leaders how to replace environmental impingement in the form of “looking for mistakes” with what we call, borrowing from Marion Milner (1969), a “waiting watchfulness” that fostered understanding of the emotional world inside, outside, and at the boundaries of cocoons to promote organizational learning and meaningful change.
Computergestützte Modellierung von Feuchtetransportprozessen in Holzwerkstoffen
Authors: Autengruber Maximilian , Lukacevic Markus , Eberhardsteiner Josef , Füssl Josef 
Published: August 2022

AbstractDieser Beitrag präsentiert computergestützte Modellierungskonzepte zur Vorhersage von Feuchteverläufen und zugehörigen Spannungsfeldern sowie zur numerischen Bestimmung potenzieller Risstiefen von Holzbauteilen. Die vorgestellten Konzepte werden anhand experimenteller Versuchsprogramme validiert und die damit einhergehenden Herausforderungen diskutiert. Ausgewählte Ergebnisse zeigen letztendlich die Möglichkeiten und auch die Relevanz solcher Methoden für den Ingenieurholzbau auf.
Baugrube für höchstes Hochhaus Berlins fertiggestellt
Authors: Lohse Jörn , Lampe Michael 
Published: August 2022

AbstractAlexander Berlin's Capital Tower, kurz ABC‐Tower, ist eines von insgesamt vier Hochhäusern, die im Zuge der Neugestaltung rund um den Alexanderplatz im Herzen Berlins entstehen. Mit 150 m und 35 oberirdischen sowie vier unterirdischen Geschossen wird der ABC‐Tower das höchste Wohnhochhaus Berlins und eines der höchsten Deutschlands sein. Stump‐Franki Spezialtiefbau ist mit der Erstellung der Baugrube und den damit verbundenen Dichtungs‐ und Gründungsaufgaben beauftragt worden. Im September 2021 wurden alle Spezialtiefbauarbeiten sicher abgeschlossen und die Baugrube an den GU übergeben.
Thiophene Based Self‐Doped Conducting Polymers as Cathode for Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Battery
Authors: Chola Noufal Merukan , Nagarale Rajaram K 
Published: August 2022

AbstractSelf‐doping strategy is well‐known for enhanced ion transport in electrode materials. Herein we report self‐doped thiophene‐based conducting polymer (SDTP), where the dopant SO3− groups function as the hanging ion carrier mimicking a ‘pendulum hand’. It synergistically improves the battery performance, ideally mitigating the dissolution and the enhance ion diffusion kinetics. The diffusion coefficient was determined by three different techniques, i. e., electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), galvanostatic intermittent titration technique (GITT), and cyclic voltammetry at different sweep rates. The calculated diffusion coefficient for the SDTP was found to be much better than the neat thiophene polymer (NTP). The material was evaluated as a cathode for an aqueous zinc‐ion battery. The specific capacitance of the NTP was found to be 178 mAh g−1 at 50 mA g−1 current density. It was drastically reduced to 167, 118.2, and 83 mAh g−1 after the 5th, 10th, and 30th respective cycles. The polymer SDTP outperformed with a specific capacity of 274, 208, 159, 127, 108 mAh g−1 at current densities of 50, 100, 200, 300, 400 mA g−1. It exhibited good rate reversibility, and excellent rate stability with ∼99 % Coulombic efficiency in an over 4000 continuous cycles at 50 mA g−1 suggesting wise molecular engineering is necessary to improve battery performance.
Photoluminescent and photocatalytic behaviour of zinc oxide nanostructures synthesized through the room temperature ultrasonication method
Authors: Malik Khurshaid Ahmad , Malik Javied Hamid , Assadullah Insaaf , Tomar Radha 
Published: August 2022

AbstractIn the present article we report the synthesis of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures at room temperature using an ultrasonication technique to study their photoluminescent and photocatalytic behaviour. Synthesized nanomaterial showed a strong near band edge ultraviolet (UV) light emission and red emission, thereby finding its use in photoluminescent materials. We developed a UV/ZnO/O2/H2O2 system for the photodegradation of organic pollutants in an aqueous system. We used synthesized nanostructures to photodegrade phenol red (PR) dye to check their photocatalytic activity. The ZnO nanostructures photodegraded more than 90% of the PR dye under UV light irradiation in which photonic energy is converted to chemical energy (photocatalytic energy conversion), thereby exploitable for water purification applications. Synthesized ZnO nanostructures were characterized using powder X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, UV–visible light spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy to investigate their structural, optical, morphological, and compositional properties, respectively.
MiR‐340‐5p alleviates neuroinflammation and neuronal injury via suppressing STING in subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Song Ning , Song Rong , Ma Peiliang 
Published: August 2022

AbstractBackgroundSubarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a severe acute neurological disorder. SAH causes neuroinflammation and leads to early brain injury (EBI) and secondary injury. MicroRNAs are crucial regulators in a variety of neurological diseases. This study was performed to decipher how miR‐340‐5p functions in SAH.MethodsAn experimental mouse model with SAH was established by the intravascular perforation, and the in vitro SAH model was constructed by exposing cocultured primary neurons and microglia to oxyhemoglobin. After overexpression of miR‐340‐5p in mice, the neurobehavioral disorders were evaluated by Garcia test; brain edema was evaluated by wet–dry method; blood–brain barrier (BBB) damage was detected with Evan's blue staining; levels of inflammatory cytokines were detected with enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. After miR‐340‐5p was transfected in to microglia, Iba‐1 expression was detected by Western blot, and neuronal apoptosis were detected with flow cytometry. The targeting relationship between miR‐340‐5p and STING was verified by dual‐luciferase reporter gene assay and RNA immunoprecipitation assay.ResultsMiR‐340‐5p was significantly inhibited in the brain tissues of mice with SAH and microglia of SAH model, and neurological impairment, brain edema, BBB injury, and neuroinflammation were significantly alleviated in mice after overexpressing miR‐340‐5p. STING was identified as a target of miR‐340‐5p, and STING overexpression could counteract the effects of miR‐340‐5p overexpression on neurons.ConclusionMiR‐340‐5p can attenuate EBI caused by SAH‐induced neuroinflammation by inhibiting STING.
Toward holistic corporate sustainability—Developing employees' action competence for sustainability in small and medium‐sized enterprises through training
Authors: Schröder Sophia , Wiek Arnim , Farny Steffen , Luthardt Philip 
Published: August 2022

AbstractTo advance holistic corporate sustainability in small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) requires employees to fully engage in sustainability efforts, which, in return, means to develop employees' action competence for sustainability. Little empirical evidence, however, exists on how to do this considering well‐known constraints SMEs face (time, expertise, resources). We present a transdisciplinary project that developed, delivered, and evaluated a sustainability training for the workforce of the Bohlsener Mühle, an SME that has pioneered corporate sustainability in Germany. The training was piloted for the business' apprentices and combined different learning modes to build participants' sustainable action competence. The pre‐post evaluation, supported by observations and qualitative interviews, revealed that employees' action competence for sustainability can be fostered through such trainings and is most effective if organizational factors that enable a corporate culture of sustainability are aligned. We conclude that a human‐centered and action‐oriented approach to training is needed to unleash the full potential of the workforce to advance corporate sustainability.
Adsorption of Cr(VI) Using a Hybrid Evolutionary Differential and Multivariable Quadratic Technique
Authors: Sahu Jaya Narayan , Karri Rama Rao , Meikap Bhim Charan 
Published: August 2022

AbstractChromium is released by process industries and natural activities into water bodies. The compounds are highly toxic and possess harmful effects on human beings and aquatic life. A low‐cost agricultural biomass waste (sugarcane bagasse)‐derived sorbent was utilized for enhanced Cr(VI) removal from aqueous solutions, applying hybrid differential evolutionary optimization for isotherm/kinetic models and a multivariable quadratic technique for sorption process optimization. To improve the sorption efficacy, a novel inverse modeling approach was employed to evaluate the isotherm and kinetic model parameters. The model predictions from the multivariable quadratic model were well validated with the experimental values.
A new streamlined bubble‐cap distributor for high gas–liquid ratio and the liquid distribution mechanisms
Authors: Mo Hanyang , Yong Yumei , Yu Kang , Chen Wenqiang , Yang Chao 
Published: August 2022

AbstractThe bubble‐cap distributor is the most commonly used and critical internal for trickle bed reactors but holds the inherited disadvantage of liquid central aggregation when operating at a high gas–liquid ratio. A new bubble‐cap distributor with a streamlined downcomer was developed in this paper to counter back the liquid aggregation and improve its comprehensive performance. The effect of the streamline parameters of the new distributor on liquid distribution was systematically explored by the coupled Euler–Euler‐population balance equation (PBE) model. Compared with the classical and polyline converging–diverging structures, the results showed that the streamlined downcomer was a key to generating radial velocity of two‐phase flow and reducing the liquid central aggregation for the bubble‐cap distributor. The mechanism of well‐distribution was explored for the new distributor. Lower converging and diverging angles enhance the distribution performance. A downcomer with a small converging angle and a 30° diverging angle was recommended for dispersing the central aggregated liquid column and acquiring the high distribution uniformity and spray covering circle. These data would be helpful to the optimal design and scale‐up of the bubble‐cap distributor in further industrial applications.
A Functional Central Limit Theorem for Polaron Path Measures
Authors: Betz Volker , Polzer Steffen 
Published: August 2022

AbstractThe application of the Feynman‐Kac formula to Polaron models of quantum theory leads to the path measure of Brownian motion perturbed by a pair potential that is translation invariant both in space and time. An important problem in this context is the validity of a central limit theorem in infinite volume. We show both the existence of the relevant infinite volume limits and a functional central limit theorem in a generality that includes the FrÃ¶hlich Polaron for all coupling constants. The proofs are based on an extension of a novel method by Mukherjee and Varadhan. © 2022 Courant Institute of Mathematics and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Impact of analgesic techniques on early quality of recovery after prostatectomy: A 3‐arm, randomized trial
Authors: Beilstein Christian M. , Huber Markus , Furrer Marc A. , Löffel Lukas M. , Wuethrich Patrick Y. , Engel Dominique 
Published: August 2022

AbstractBackgroundProstatectomy is associated with relevant acute postoperative pain. Optimal analgesic techniques to minimize pain and enhance recovery are still under investigation. We aimed to compare the effect of three different analgesic techniques on quality of recovery.MethodsThis investigator‐initiated, prospective, randomized, three‐arm, parallel‐group, active‐controlled, interventional superiority trial was performed in a Swiss teaching hospital from 2018 to 2021. Consecutive patients undergoing open or robotic‐assisted radical prostatectomy were randomized to spinal anaesthesia (SSS, bupivacaine 0.5% + fentanyl), bilateral transversus abdominis plane block (TAP, ropivacaine 0.375% + clonidine) or systemic administration of lidocaine (SA, lidocaine 1%) in addition to general anaesthesia. Primary outcome was quality of recovery 15 (QoR‐15) score on postoperative day one compared to baseline. Secondary outcomes were QoR‐15 at discharge, postoperative nausea and vomiting, pain scores, return of gastrointestinal function and use of rescue analgesia.ResultsFrom 133 patients, 40 received spinal anaesthesia, 45 TAP block and 48 systemic analgesia. QoR‐15 scores did not differ on day 1 (p = 0.301) or at discharge (p = 0.309) when compared to baseline. QoR‐15 changes were similar in all groups. At discharge, median QoR‐15 scores were considered as good (>122) in all groups: SSS 134 [IQR 128–138]; TAP 129 [IQR 122–136] and SA 128 [IQR 123–136]. There were no significant differences in the other secondary outcomes.ConclusionsQuality of recovery on postoperative day one compared to baseline did not differ if spinal anaesthesia, TAP block or systemic administration of lidocaine was added to general anaesthesia.SignificanceOptimal analgesic techniques to enhance recovery after prostatectomy are still under investigation. In this 3‐arm randomized controlled trial, addition of spinal anaesthesia or transversus abdominis plane block to general anaesthesia did not improve quality of recovery after radical prostatectomy compared to less invasive intravenous lidocaine infusion (standard of care/control group). Quality of recovery at the time of discharge was considered as good in all three groups.
Differing associations between sex determination and sex-linked inversions in two ecotypes ofLittorina saxatilis
Authors: Hearn Katherine E. , Koch Eva L. , Stankowski Sean , Butlin Roger K. , Faria Rui , Johannesson Kerstin , Westram Anja M. 
Published: August 2022

AbstractSexual antagonism is a common hypothesis for driving the evolution of sex chromosomes, whereby recombination suppression is favored between sexually antagonistic loci and the sex-determining locus to maintain beneficial combinations of alleles. This results in the formation of a sex-determining region. Chromosomal inversions may contribute to recombination suppression but their precise role in sex chromosome evolution remains unclear. Because local adaptation is frequently facilitated through the suppression of recombination between adaptive loci by chromosomal inversions, there is potential for inversions that cover sex-determining regions to be involved in local adaptation as well, particularly if habitat variation creates environment-dependent sexual antagonism. With these processes in mind, we investigated sex determination in a well-studied example of local adaptation within a species: the intertidal snail, Littorina saxatilis. Using SNP data from a Swedish hybrid zone, we find novel evidence for a female-heterogametic sex determination system that is restricted to one ecotype. Our results suggest that four putative chromosomal inversions, two previously described and two newly discovered, span the putative sex chromosome pair. We determine their differing associations with sex, which suggest distinct strata of differing ages. The same inversions are found in the second ecotype but do not show any sex association. The striking disparity in inversion-sex associations between ecotypes that are connected by gene flow across a habitat transition that is just a few meters wide indicates a difference in selective regime that has produced a distinct barrier to the spread of the newly discovered sex-determining region between ecotypes. Such sex chromosome-environment interactions have not previously been uncovered in L. saxatilis and are known in few other organisms. A combination of both sex-specific selection and divergent natural selection is required to explain these highly unusual patterns.
Comparison of traditional and upper thoracic epidural analgesia after off‐pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery: A Quasi‐experimental study
Authors: Saha Sanjoy Kumar , Ranjan Redoy , Adhikary Asit Baran 
Published: August 2022

AbstractBackground and AimsSurgical trauma initiates changes in central and peripheral nervous systems that need to be treated therapeutically to facilitate postoperative pain. The quality of postoperative analgesia is expected to affect clinical outcomes positively. Albeit optimal pain relief following cardiac surgery is often complex, researchers have tried to explore several techniques other than conventional ones during the last decade to find a unique analgesic method for postcardiac surgical patients. This study aims to find a unique analgesic approach that maximizes patient satisfaction after off‐pump coronary artery bypass graft (OPCABG) surgery.MethodsThe current study will compare the analgesic effect of upper thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) with conventional analgesia after OPCAB graft surgery. For this, we will use a Quasi‐experimental study design. Patients admitted for coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery will be assigned into two groups. The control group (conventional) will receive intravenous opioids and nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory medications, and the study (case) group (TEA) will receive Inj. Bupivacaine 0.25% as an infusion through the epidural catheter. Physiologic parameters like hemodynamic and respiratory variables and pain scores will be recorded in predesigned format periodically.ResultsWe expect to analyze a total of 130 consecutive off‐pump CABG surgery patients in Group A (Case, 65 patients) and Group B (Control, 65 patients). Study variables will be the visual analog scale score, hemodynamic parameters (heart rate, mean arterial pressure, and respiratory parameters (respiratory rate, PaO2, PaCO2, PEFR, FEV1). After data collection, the result will be analyzed and published in the public domain and in journals.ConclusionWe expect thoracic epidural analgesia with local anesthetics will be a reliable postoperative analgesic option.