bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nanoparticles generation using monodisperse droplets by an ultrasonic transducer
Authors: Fujimoto Nozomu , Kanda Takefumi , Katsuta Masaya , Sakata Yusaku , Yamada Yoshiaki , Seno Norihisa , Nakazaki Yoshiaki , Otoyama Takafumi 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIn recent years, a production of nanoparticles has been required in many fields such as production process for electronic materials, foods, and medicine. By using recrystallization process, nanoparticles can be formed by quenching a solution. We have generated monodisperse droplets by using an ultrasonic torsional transducer and a micropore plate to form fine nanoparticles by quenching droplets. In this nanoparticle production system, formed nanoparticles have a diameter of 79.9 nm when the applied voltage for the transducer and the diameter of micropore to generated micro droplets were 100 Vp‐p and 50 μm. We have successfully obtained fine nanoparticles from monodisperse droplets generated by using the ultrasonic torsional transducer. This result shows that the proposed system is effective for the miniaturization of the alum particles.
Anaemia, iron status, and gender predict the outcome in patients with chronic heart failure
Authors: Kurz Katharina , Lanser Lukas , Seifert Markus , Kocher Florian , Pölzl Gerhard , Weiss Günter 
Published: May 2020

AbstractAimsAnaemia and iron deficiency (ID) are frequently found in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) and associated with adverse outcome. However, it is unclear whether absolute [transferrin saturation (TSAT) <20%, ferritin <100 μg/L] or inflammation‐driven functional ID (TSAT <20%, ferritin >100 μg/L) with and without anaemia had similar or different consequences for such patients.Methods and resultsWithin this retrospective cohort study, 2223 patients (1601 men and 622 women) with CHF, referred to our department, between 2000 and 2018, were followed for a median time of 84 months. Anaemia was found in 393 patients and was an independent predictor for an adverse outcome [HR 2.164 (95% CI 1.865–2.512), P < 0.001]. In 674 patients with available parameters of iron metabolism, ID was present in 228 patients and was associated with an unfavourable outcome [HR 1.499 (95% CI 1.158–1.940), P = 0.002]. ID was best predicting an adverse outcome in men ≤59 years, with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, preserved kidney function, no inflammation, and a body mass index (BMI) ≥25.5 kg/m2. Functional ID in women and absolute ID in men were associated with poor prognosis. Of note, TSAT <20% but not low ferritin levels were predictive for an adverse outcome. Anaemic patients with high ferritin levels, advanced inflammation, older age, low BMI, male gender, and reduced glomerular filtration rate had the worst prognosis.ConclusionsAnaemia and low tissue iron availability as reflected by TSAT <20% are negative predictors of outcome in patients with CHF. Systemic inflammation, renal function, BMI, age, and gender are important contributors for the clinical course.
Hollow Reticular Shaped Highly Ordered Rice Husk Carbon for the Simultaneous Determination of Dopamine and Uric Acid
Authors: Haque Md. Aminul , Hasan Md. Mahedi , Islam Tamanna , Razzak Md. Abdur , Alharthi Nabeel H. , Sindan Abdullah , Karim Mohammad R. , Basha Shaik Inayath , Aziz Md. Abdul , Ahammad A. J. Saleh 
Published: May 2020

AbstractWe have prepared activated porous carbon material through simple pyrolysis method from rice husks (rhAC) for sensitive detection of dopamine (DA) and uric acid (UA). The prepared rhAC material was thoroughly characterized using various spectroscopic, microscopic, and electroanalytical techniques. Analysis of the voltammetric data showed that the analytes followed a first order reaction kinetics while following a 2e−/2H+ transfer process. We have discussed the possible oxidation mechanism for the analytes based on the results from our experimental analysis. The rhAC_GCE sensor was tested for interference, reproducibility, and stability. The sensor was also tested to evaluate its applicability in real life.
Efficient Direct‐Methanol Fuel Cell Based on Graphene Quantum Dots/Multi‐walled Carbon Nanotubes Composite
Authors: Gizem Güneştekin Büşra , Medetalibeyoglu Hilal , Atar Necip , Lütfi Yola Mehmet 
Published: May 2020

AbstractDirect‐methanol fuel cells are proton‐exchange fuel cell in which methanol is used as the fuel. The important advantage of these fuel cells is the simplicity of transport and storage of methanol. In this study, methanol fuel cell electrocatalysts including graphene quantum dots (GQDs), functionalized multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (f‐MWCNTs) and GQDs/f‐MWCNTs composite were synthesized. The structures of synthesized electrocatalysts were highlighted by scanning electron microscope (SEM), raman spectroscopy, UV–vis spectroscopy, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and x‐ray diffraction (XRD) method. After that, the effective surface areas (ESA) of GQDs, f‐MWCNTs and GQDs/f‐MWCNTs were calculated. Finally, GQDs/f‐MWCNTs composite modified glassy carbon electrode (GQDs/f‐MWCNTs/GCE) showed highest current signals for methanol oxidation than those of comparable GQDs/GCE and f‐MWCNTs/GCE.
Too much of a good thing? A systematic review about the conditions of learning in governance networks
Authors: Riche Cécile , Aubin David , Moyson Stéphane 
Published: May 2020

AbstractLearning is decisive for successful problem solving in governance networks: it is by acquiring, interpreting and diffusing information that public and private actors build joint action and innovative policy solutions. Yet, little is known about the conditions that lead to learning in such context. Following the PRISMA approach, we systematically reviewed 40 public administration studies that provide evidence about the individual, interpersonal and structural conditions of learning in governance networks. We find that learning is conditioned to a balanced configuration of these characteristics, where too much of a single condition may be harmful. Still, some mixes of conditions appear more effective than others, especially the joint presence of trust between and diversity of participants, a skillful leader centrally positioned, and an appropriate blend of formal and informal institutional rules. We conclude with several avenues for future research.
Identification of genes associated with cancer stem cell characteristics in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma through co‐expression network analysis
Authors: Pei Su , Chen Long , Yang Yunli , Zhu Xiaodong 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundHead and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a type of invasive malignancy and the seventh most common cancer in the worldwide. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are self‐renewal cells in tumors and can produce heterogeneous tumor cells, which play an important role in the development of HNSCC. In our research, we aimed to identify genes related to the CSCs characteristics in HNSCC.MethodsMessenger RNA (mRNA) expression‐based stiffness index (mRNAsi) can be used as a quantitative characterization of CSCs. We used one‐class logistic regression machine learning algorithm (OCLR) to calculate the mRNAsi and investigate the relationship between mRNAsi and clinical characteristics of HNSCC. Then, a weighted gene co‐expression network analysis (WGCNA) and protein‐protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed to screen hub genes related to mRNAsi of HNSCC.ResultsThe results indicated that the score of mRNAsi in HNSCC tissues is higher than in paracancer tissues, while the mRNAsi was not statistically correlated with the prognosis and clinical characteristics of HNSCC. Six positive and six negative hub genes related to mRNAsi of HNSCC were selected, which may act as therapeutic targets for inhibiting CSCs within HNSCC.ConclusionsIn conclusion, our research selected 12 hub genes related to mRNAsi of HNSCC through weighted gene co‐expression network analysis. These genes may become therapeutic targets to inhibit the CSCs of HNSCC in the future.
Lipid Remodeling in Hepatocyte Proliferation and Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Hall Zoe , Chiarugi Davide , Charidemou Evelina , Leslie Jack , Scott Emma , Pellegrinet Luca , Allison Michael , Mocciaro Gabriele , Anstee Quentin M. , Evan Gerard I. , Hoare Matthew , Vidal‐Puig Antonio , Oakley Fiona , Vacca Michele , Griffin Julian L. 
Published: May 2020

Background and Aims
Hepatocytes undergo profound metabolic rewiring when primed to proliferate during compensatory regeneration and in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the metabolic control of these processes is not fully understood. In order to capture the metabolic signature of proliferating hepatocytes, we applied state‐of‐the‐art systems biology approaches to models of liver regeneration, pharmacologically and genetically activated cell proliferation, and HCC.

Approach and Results
Integrating metabolomics, lipidomics, and transcriptomics, we link changes in the lipidome of proliferating hepatocytes to altered metabolic pathways including lipogenesis, fatty acid desaturation, and generation of phosphatidylcholine (PC). We confirm this altered lipid signature in human HCC and show a positive correlation of monounsaturated PC with hallmarks of cell proliferation and hepatic carcinogenesis.

Conclusions
Overall, we demonstrate that specific lipid metabolic pathways are coherently altered when hepatocytes switch to proliferation. These represent a source of targets for the development of therapeutic strategies and prognostic biomarkers of HCC.
Microwave‐assisted synthesis of the Fe2O3/g‐C3N4 nanocomposites with enhanced photocatalytic activity for degradation of methylene blue
Authors: Karimi Mohammad Ali , Iliyat Maryam , Atashkadi Mojdeh , Ranjbar Mehdi , Habibi‐Yangjeh Aziz 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe preparation and photocatalytic performance of the Fe2O3/g‐C3N4 nanocomposites with different weight percentage of iron was investigated in this study. Samples were successfully synthesized using melamine and ferric nitrate as the precursors via the green and facile microwave‐assisted method. The physicochemical and structural properties of the Fe2O3‐doped g‐C3N4 were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) method, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis). The photocatalytic activity of the Fe2O3/g‐C3N4 catalysts was evaluated by the degradation of methylene blue (MB) at room temperature under visible light irradiation. As expected, the as‐synthesized samples exhibited considerable improvement in the photodegradation of MB. The Fe2O3/g‐C3N4 (1.0 wt%) nanocomposite had superior photocatalytic activity, with almost 70% degradation efficiency within 90 min of irradiation. The enhanced performance was ascribed to the separation and migration of the photoinduced electron–hole pairs and taking part of the charge carriers in the chemical redox reactions at the surface of the photocatalyst. In this work, the effect of Fe weight percentage on the degradation potential was also studied, and the photocatalytic mechanism was proposed with the main reactive species •OH.
A possible role for inducible arginase isoform (AI) in the pathogenesis of chronic venous leg ulcer
Authors: Abd El‐Aleem Seham A , Abd‐Elghany Manal Ismail , Ali Saber Entesar , Jude Edward B. , Djouhri Laiche 
Published: May 2020

AbstractChronic venous ulcer (CVU) is a major cause of chronic wounds of lower extremities and presents a significant financial and resource burden to health care systems worldwide. Defects in the vasculature, matrix deposition, and re‐epithelialization are the main histopathological changes believed to impede healing. Supplementation of the amino acid arginine that plays a crucial role in the interactions that occur during inflammation and wound healing was proven clinically to improve acute wound healing probably through enhancing activity of inducible arginase (AI) locally in the wounds. However, the possible mechanism of arginine action and the potential beneficial effects of AI/arginine in human chronic wounds remain unclear. In the present study, using biopsies, taken under local anesthesia, from adult patients (n = 12, mean age 55 years old) with CVUs in lower extremities, we investigated the correlation between AI distribution in CVUs and the histopathological changes, mainly proliferative and vascular changes. Our results show a distinct spatial distribution of AI along the ulcer in the epidermis and in the dermis with the highest level of expression being at the ulcer edge and the least expression towards the ulcer base. The AI cellular immunoreactivity, enzymatic activity, and protein levels were significantly increased towards the ulcer edge. Interestingly, a similar pattern of expression was encountered in the proliferative and the vascular changes with strong correlations between AI and the proliferative activity and vascular changes. Furthermore, AI cellular distribution was associated with increased proliferative activity, inflammation, and vascular changes. Our findings of differential expression of AI along the CVU base, edge, and nearby surrounding skin and its associations with increased proliferative activity and vascular changes provide further support to the AI implication in CVU pathogenesis. The presence of high levels of AI in the epidermis of chronic wounds may serve as a molecular marker of impaired healing and may provide future targets for therapeutic intervention.
Pediatric Smoflipid Therapy: Patient Response and Safety Concerns
Authors: Huff Katie A. , Breckler Francine , Cruse Wendy , Szeszycki Elaina , Vanderpool Charles 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundIntestinal failure–associated liver disease (IFALD) occurs in ≤85% of neonates receiving prolonged parenteral nutrition. Strategies for treatment of IFALD include alternative lipid therapies, such as Smoflipid (Fresenius Kabi). In this study, we reviewed our institutional Smoflipid use, including predictors of patient response and safety concerns.MethodsThis is a retrospective chart review of all pediatric patients who received Smoflipid therapy over a 2‐year period at Riley Hospital for Children. Forty‐two patients (89%) had cholestasis at the start of Smoflipid therapy and were included in group analysis. We compared patients based on response to Smoflipid therapy, identifying associations and predictors of patient response. We also documented patient safety concerns, including essential fatty acid deficiency (EFAD), rapid infusion, and compatibility/access issues.ResultsSixteen patients (38%) with cholestasis had resolution with Smoflipid. Those patients with resolution were older at initiation (58 vs 33.5 days; P = .010), treated with Smoflipid for longer (85.5 vs 41 days; P = .001), and had lower direct bilirubin at the start of Smoflipid therapy (3.7 vs 5.2 mg/dL; P = .035). We identified multiple safety concerns, including EFAD (54%), rapid infusion (17%), and missed doses (51%). No patient characteristics were found to correlate with Smofllpid therapy and diagnosis of EFAD.ConclusionIn our patient population, Smoflipid therapy led to cholestasis resolution in patients with lower direct bilirubin or less‐severe IFALD. Use of Smoflipid is also associated with significant safety concerns, and its use should be coupled with close monitoring in pediatric patients, particularly in neonates.
Diagnosis of zinc and boron availability in emerging vegetable‐based crop rotations in Nepal
Authors: Shrestha Shova , Becker Mathias , Lamers John P. A. , Wimmer Monika A. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackground: Nepal's traditional rice–wheat rotation systems are subject to continuing changes. Changing consumer demand currently drives a replacement of wheat by high‐value vegetables during the dry season, while emerging water shortages lead to a substitution of rice by maize in the wet season. Hence, associated changes in soil aeration status and shifting conditions of soil nutrient supply to match crop nutrient demand are expected to increase the requirements for the principle limiting micro‐nutrients such as boron (B) and zinc (Zn).Aim: Our aim was to investigate the changes in B and Zn availability as well as crop yields and nutrient uptake after system shifts from rice to maize and from wheat to vegetables.Method: We analyzed the B and Zn availability in rice‐ and maize‐based systems as well as crop yields and the nutrient uptake by wheat, cauliflower, and tomato during the dry season in Nepal. Plants were grown at two field sites (midhills vs. lowland) and under greenhouse conditions using soils from the field sites.Results: A change from irrigated rice to maize reduced soil C and N contents with resulting decreases in dry season crop yields. Low soil Zn after rice cultivation led to shortage in Zn uptake by vegetables in both greenhouse and field experiments. The shift from wheat to vegetables increased the demand for B and to a lesser extent for Zn, and consequently vegetables showed visual symptoms of B deficiency. Boron concentrations in dry biomass were below the critical limits with < 10 mg B kg−1 in wheat, < 21 mg B kg−1 in cauliflower, and < 23 mg B kg−1 in tomato.Conclusions: Soils in larger parts of Nepal are low in available B and that the ongoing system shifts increase in the demand for B and Zn in the currently emerging and more diversified production systems.
Boron and zinc fertilizer applications are essential in emerging vegetable‐based crop rotations in Nepal
Authors: Shrestha Shova , Becker Mathias , Lamers John P. A. , Wimmer Monika A. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackground: Since recently, the traditional rice–wheat rotation systems in Nepal are subject to drastic changes. Progressing urbanisation and shifting consumer preferences drive a replacement of wheat by high‐value vegetables during the cold dry season, particularly in the peri‐urban fringes, while emerging water shortages prevent permanent soil flooding during the monsoon season, leading to partial substitution of lowland rice by less water‐consuming upland crops. Associated changes in soil aeration status affect soil nutrient availability while particularly vegetables enhance the demand for the critically limiting micronutrients boron (B) and zinc (Zn).Aim: In both rice‐ (anaerobic) and maize‐based (aerobic) systems we assessed the differential response of traditional winter wheat in comparison to cauliflower and tomato to applied B and Zn fertilizers.Methods: Experiments were conducted (1) in a pot trial with two contrasting soil types (Acrisol vs. Fluvisol) and (2) in field validation trials at two contrasting sites (representing lowland vs. mid‐hills) in Nepal.Results: The on‐going shift from flooded rice to aerobic maize during the wet season negatively affected dry matter accumulation and grain yield of the dry season wheat, but not of cauliflower and tomato. While Zn application tended to increase wheat yields under field conditions, B application induced no significant effect, irrespective of the soil or production site. However, low to moderate applications of B (2.0–4.4 kg ha−1) and Zn (3.3–4.4 kg ha−1) nearly doubled biomass accumulation and nutrient uptake of vegetables and increased the economic yields of cauliflower and tomato between 8 and > 100%. These responses were generally more pronounced in the Fluvisol than the Acrisol. While overall yields of wheat and temperate vegetables were higher in the cool mid‐hills the relative yield responses to applied B were more pronounced in the lowland than the mid‐hill sites. On average, the partial factor productivities of applied fertilizer were low to moderate in wheat, with 1 and 8 € increase in net revenue per € of investment in B and Zn, respectively. In the vegetables, this partial factor productivity increased to about 4 € €−1 investment with Zn, and reached about 43 € €−1 investment in B, irrespective of the production site.Conclusions: While the application of Zn fertilizers can moderately improve the performance of traditional rice–wheat rotations, B and to a lesser extent Zn application become essential and highly profitable when shifting towards vegetable cropping. The demand for B and Zn fertilizers is foreseen to dramatically increase with progressing urbanisation and the associated shifts in production systems of Nepal.
Characterization and analysis of an oil‐in‐water emulsion stabilized by rapeseed protein isolate under pH and ionic stress
Authors: Wu Jin , Xu Feiran , Wu Ying , Xiong Wenfei , Pan Mengmeng , Zhang Na , Zhou Qi , Wang Shijie , Ju Xingrong , Wang Lifeng 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDPresently, identifying natural compounds as emulsifiers is a popular topic in the food industry. Rapeseed protein isolate (RPI) is a natural plant protein with excellent emulsifying properties, but it has not been systematically developed and utilized.RESULTSThis study investigated the surface hydrophobicity, wettability, and protein solubility of RPI to further explain its emulsifying behavior in emulsion systems. Nanoemulsions stabilized by RPI at varying protein concentration, pH, and ionic strength were prepared. The size distribution, zeta potential, flocculation index, creaming index, microstructure, rheology, and protein secondary structure of emulsions were measured. The emulsion stabilized by 20 g L−1 RPI at pH 10.0, 200 mmol L−1 ionic strength revealed an appropriate droplet size of 555 nm and the most internal gel strength without creaming phenomenon. Circular dichroism spectroscopy showed a positive correlation between emulsion stability and α‐helix ratio, indicating the environment factors affected emulsion stability by acting on its hydrogen bonds.CONCLUSIONSThis study demonstrates that RPI is a practical emulsifier for stabilizing nanoemulsions. About 20 g L−1 RPI can stabilize 100 mL L−1 oil in water; stable emulsions can be formed at most pH conditions (except 7.0); ion addition will aggravate the emulsion flocculation, but also increase the internal gel strength. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Defoliation timing for optimal leaf nutrition in dual‐use amaranth production systems
Authors: Hoidal Natalie , Jacobsen Sven‐Erik , Odone Arnesta , Alandia Gabriela 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDAmaranth leaves can provide important nutrients to small‐scale farming families growing amaranth for seed. Amaranth is known to be tolerant to defoliation, but there is little guidance on when defoliation should be performed for optimal nutritional benefits. This series of experiments assessed tolerance to defoliation at different points throughout the vegetative stage of development, in addition to the nutritional benefits and flavor of amaranth leaves at each stage.RESULTSOverall, timing of defoliation had no impact on seed yield or quality. Fifty percent defoliation at any point did not significantly reduce seed yield, whereas 100% defoliation throughout development reduced seed yield. The nutritional value of amaranth leaves differed substantially throughout development, with the highest concentrations of iron mid‐way through vegetative development, and the highest levels of vitamin A, magnesium, and copper at the end of the vegetative development stage. Palatability was highest in young leaves, and decreased as plants aged. We also found that neither timing nor intensity of defoliation had an influence on branching, which can negatively influence ease of harvest.CONCLUSIONSThese results indicate that amaranth leaves are a nutritious food source that provides vital nutrients at different concentrations throughout development. Farmers who wish to harvest both leaves and seeds can harvest up to 50% of the leaves at any point during vegetative development or bud formation while maintaining seed yield. Leaf harvest timing can thus be tailored to nutritional needs, although palatability decreases with plant age. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry