bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Binary metal oxides incorporated polyethersulfone ultrafiltration mixed matrix membranes for the pretreatment of seawater desalination
Authors: Lukka Thuyavan Y. , Arthanareeswaran G. , Ismail A. F. , Goh P. S. , Shankar M. V. , Ng B. C. , Sathish Kumar R. , Venkatesh K. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIn this study, an attempt was made to pretreat seawater using polyethersulfone (PES) mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) incorporated with titania‐based binary metal oxides. Two different titania‐based binary metal oxides were prepared, namely titania‐zirconia (TiZr) and titania‐zinc oxide (TiZn). The influence of hydrophilic and negatively charged sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) polymer as additive of PES MMMs was also studied. Morphological and elemental analysis revealed that both ZrO2 and ZnO were well dispersed in the as‐prepared binary metal oxide TiZr and TiZn, respectively.. Thermogravimetry analysis indicated the good compatibility of TiZr and TiZn with the SPEEK/PES polymer. The binary metal oxide incorporated SPEEK/PES MMMs exhibited improved hydrophilic properties with a low water contact angle of 57° ± (0.6). SPEEK/PES MMMs incorporated with 0.5 wt% TiZr exhibited the highest permeability of 3.11 × 10−7 ± (0.2) m/s·kPa. Seawater pretreatment performance of membranes evaluated using natural organic matters containing high salinity feed water. TiZr and TiZn incorporated SPEEK/PES MMMs exhibited 95% rejection for humic acid. SPEEK/PES MMMs loaded with 0.5 wt% TiZr also showed the highest water flux and 87% water recovery within 90 min of seawater filtration. Both PES/SPEEK/TiZr and PES/SPEEK/TiZn MMMs exhibited superior antibacterial activity.
UV‐shielding by a polyurethane/f‐Oil fly ash‐CeO2 protective coating
Authors: Rahman Mohammad Mizanur , Zahir Md. Hasan , Arafat Md. Eyasin , Mazumder Mohammad Abu Jafar , Suleiman Rami , Kumar A. Madhan 
Published: September 2020

AbstractA waste material called oil fly ash (OFA) was acid‐functionalized, yielding f‐OFA‐COOH, which was then reacted with cerium oxide (CeO2) to make CeO2‐functionalized OFA, or f‐OFA‐CeO2. Pristine OFA and f‐OFA‐CeO2 were used to make waterborne polyurethane (WBPU) dispersions, referred to as WBPU/OFA and WBPU/f‐OFA‐CeO2, respectively, with defined OFA and f‐OFA‐CeO2 content. All the dispersions were applied to mild steel as organic coatings to evaluate their protective properties, such as their hydrophobicity, adhesive strength and UV‐shielding resistance. These protective properties varied based on the OFA and f‐OFA‐CeO2 content. The highest water contact angle, minimum water swelling and maximum adhesive strength were found using WBPU/f‐OFA‐CeO2‐20 coating (using 2.00 wt% f‐OFA‐CeO2), which also showed the maximum ultraviolet (UV) absorption via UV–vis spectroscopy analysis. This UV shielding result also matched field test results, as that coating was found to exhibit the lowest UV degradation near a marine atmosphere, as shown by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis. The least affected hydrophobicity was also recorded for the sample with the WBPU/f‐OFA‐CeO2‐20 coating.
Impact on Physicochemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity of the Wild Edible Mushroom Cyttaria espinosae Subjected to Drying
Authors: Leiva‐Portilla Diana J. , Rodríguez‐Núñez Karen E. , Rodríguez‐Ramos Fátima J. , Delgadillo Acevedo Álvaro , Uribe Elsa 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe wild edible mushroom ‘digüeñe’ (Cyttaria espinosae) is a mushroom with interesting flavor and nutritional properties, but highly perishable with a consumption very limited, generating inevitable economic losses for their producers. Because of that, the aim of this study was the evaluation of two drying methods (hot‐air drying and freeze‐drying) in its bioactive and physicochemical composition for its preservation. The best performances of antioxidant capacity were 62 μmol TE g−1 (ORAC) and 14.21 μmol TE g−1 (DPPH), being higher compared with other vegetable sources. Its protein (5.33 %), fiber (5.58 %) and K (2.82 mg g−1) content also stands out. β‐Carotene retention was 35.02 and 23.25 % after freeze drying and hot‐air, respectively. Freeze‐drying seems a good strategy for digüeñe, bioactive compounds, color and structure were better maintained. This work represents the first characterization of dehydrated digüeñe, constituting approaches for its valorization and use in the food industry.
NiFe2O4/NiFeP Heterostructure Grown on Nickel Foam as an Efficient Electrocatalyst for Water Oxidation
Authors: Li Xin , Huang Wei‐Qing , Xia Li‐Xin , Li Yuan‐Yuan , Zhang Hua‐Wei , Ma Shao‐Fang , Wang Yi‐Meng , Wang Xin‐Jun , Huang Gui‐Fang 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe rational construction of cost‐effective electrocatalysts for high‐performance water oxidation is a huge challenge. In this work, heterogeneous NiFe‐based oxide/phosphide (NiFe2O4/NiFeP) nanoplates are synthesized on Ni foam using a selective phosphorization process with double crucibles in a muffle furnace. The constructed NiFe2O4/NiFeP heterostructure shows superior catalytic performance for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Impressively, the optimal NiFe2O4/NiFeP heterostructure demonstrates a low overpotential of 191 mV to afford an anodic current density of 10 mA cm−2 in 1 M KOH, which is better than most of reported OER electrocatalysts. The superior OER activity can be ascribed to the well‐configured 3D network structure composed of vertically interlaced nanoplates to provide more exposed active sites and an optimal electronic structure that arises from a synergistic effect between NiFe2O4 and NiFeP to facilitate charge separation and reduce the energy barrier. This selective phosphorization strategy enables rational construction of oxides/phosphides heterostructures with superior OER performance.
Synthesis, Characterization, Electrochemistry, and In Situ X‐ray Diffraction Investigation of Ni3(PO4)2 as a Negative Electrode Material for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Aziam Hasna , Indris Sylvio , Knapp Michael , Ehrenberg Helmut , Saadoune Ismael 
Published: September 2020

AbstractNickel orthophosphate, Ni3(PO4)2, was successfully synthesized using solid‐state reaction at 900 °C. The effect of the calcination temperature on the material purity was investigated at different temperatures (700–900 °C). XRD analysis has shown that Ni3(PO4)2 crystallizes in a monoclinic system with P21/a space group. The electrochemical performances of carbon‐coated Ni3(PO4)2 were investigated for the first time versus Li+/Li and improved by the optimization of the cut‐off voltage, the carbon‐coating source, and the binder used. The best performance was delivered when using 0.01 V cut‐off voltage, sucrose for C‐coating, and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) binder. A reversible capacity of 249 mAh g−1 and a capacity retention around 74–79 % after 90 cycles with a good coulombic efficiency of 98 % were obtained at C/5 current rate. In situ XRD measurements demonstrated the irreversible amorphization of the Ni3(PO4)2 crystal structure during the first discharge process, confirming that this phosphate exhibits a pure conversion mechanism.
The thioredoxin‐1 inhibitor Txnip restrains effector T‐cell and germinal center B‐cell expansion
Authors: Muri Jonathan , Thut Helen , Kopf Manfred 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThioredoxin‐1 (Trx1) is a vital component for cellular redox homeostasis. In T cells, Trx1 donates electrons for the de novo synthesis of deoxyribonucleotides to allow rapid cell proliferation. The Trx‐interacting protein (Txnip) binds to the reduced Trx1 and inhibits its activity. However, the role of Txnip in adaptive immunity in vivo is unknown. Here, we show that absence of Txnip increased proliferation of effector T cells and GC B‐cell responses in response to lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus and Qβ virus‐like particles, respectively, but did not affect development and homeostasis of T and B cells. While downregulation of Txnip and concomitant upregulation of Trx1 is critical for rapid T‐cell expansion upon viral infection, re‐expression of Txnip and consequently inhibition of Trx1 is important to restrain late T‐cell expansion. Importantly, we demonstrated that T‐cell receptor (TCR) engagement but not CD28 costimulation is critically required for Txnip downregulation. Thus, this study further uncovers positive and negative control of lymphocyte proliferation by the Trx1 system.
Effect of plasma nitriding time on the structural and mechanical properties of AISI‐O1 steel
Authors: de Araújo Luciane Norberto M. , de Araújo Armystron Gonçalves F. , Ferreira Maria Onaira G. , de Sousa Rômulo Ribeiro M. , Cavalcante Laécio S. , Nunes Lívio César C. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIn this paper, the effect of plasma nitriding time on the improvement of surface microhardness of AISI O1 steel as a strategy to increase its wear resistance was addressed. The plasma nitriding was carried out in a controlled atmosphere (80% H2(g) and 20% N2(g)), temperature (500°C), and pressure (6 mbar), during the different amount of time (4, 5, and 6 hours). The material was characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and microhardness measurements. Moreover, microhardness measurements were carried out to investigate the mechanical properties. From the results, it was verified that the XRD patterns, SEM images, and EDS spectra confirmed the formation of a layer with ε‐Fe3N and γ′‐Fe4N phases in all nitrided samples. The sample AISI‐O1 steel, which was nitrided for 6 hours, exhibited a hardness about 46% higher than the one measured for the untreated sample. This sample also showed the thicker layer, with a mean of 7.22 μm. Therefore, this thermochemical treatment can improve mechanical properties in AISI O1 steel, and suggest its use in compression tools to improve this tools life.
The Apelin–Apelin Receptor Axis Triggers Cholangiocyte Proliferation and Liver Fibrosis During Mouse Models of Cholestasis
Authors: Chen Lixian , Zhou Tianhao , White Tori , O'Brien April , Chakraborty Sanjukta , Liangpunsakul Suthat , Yang Zhihong , Kennedy Lindsey , Saxena Romil , Wu Chaodong , Meng Fanyin , Huang Qiaobing , Francis Heather , Alpini Gianfranco , Glaser Shannon 
Published: September 2020

Background and Aims
Apelin (APLN) is the endogenous ligand of its G protein–coupled receptor, apelin receptor (APJ). APLN serum levels are increased in human liver diseases. We evaluated whether the APLN–APJ axis regulates ductular reaction and liver fibrosis during cholestasis.

Approach and Results
We measured the expression of APLN and APJ and serum APLN levels in human primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) samples. Following bile duct ligation (BDL) or sham surgery, male wild‐type (WT) mice were treated with ML221 (APJ antagonist) or saline for 1 week. WT and APLN−/− mice underwent BDL or sham surgery for 1 week. Multidrug resistance gene 2 knockout (Mdr2−/−) mice were treated with ML221 for 1 week. APLN levels were measured in serum and cholangiocyte supernatants, and cholangiocyte proliferation/senescence and liver inflammation, fibrosis, and angiogenesis were measured in liver tissues. The regulatory mechanisms of APLN–APJ in (1) biliary damage and liver fibrosis were examined in human intrahepatic biliary epithelial cells (HIBEpiCs) treated with APLN and (2) hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation in APLN‐treated human HSC lines (HHSteCs). APLN serum levels and biliary expression of APLN and APJ increased in PSC samples. APLN levels were higher in serum and cholangiocyte supernatants from BDL and Mdr2−/− mice. ML221 treatment or APLN−/− reduced BDL‐induced and Mdr2−/−‐induced cholangiocyte proliferation/senescence, liver inflammation, fibrosis, and angiogenesis. In vitro, APLN induced HIBEpiC proliferation, increased nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 4 (Nox4) expression, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and extracellular signal–regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation. Pretreatment of HIBEpiCs with ML221, diphenyleneiodonium chloride (Nox4 inhibitor), N‐acetyl‐cysteine (NAC, ROS inhibitor), or PD98059 (ERK inhibitor) reduced APLN‐induced cholangiocyte proliferation. Activation of HHSteCs was induced by APLN but reduced by NAC.

Conclusions
The APLN–APJ axis induces cholangiocyte proliferation through Nox4/ROS/ERK‐dependent signaling and HSC activation through intracellular ROS. Modulation of the APLN–APJ axis may be important for managing cholangiopathies.
Evaluation of dietary pattern in early pregnancy using the FIGO Nutrition Checklist compared to a food frequency questionnaire
Authors: Tsoi Kit Ying , Chan Ruth S.M. , Li Liz Sin , McAuliffe Fionnuala M. , Hanson Mark A. , Tam Wing Hung , Ma Ronald C.W. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the reliability and utility of the FIGO Nutrition Checklist to identify dietary and nutritional inadequacy in early pregnancy by comparing it against nutritional indicators and dietary quality indices (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension [DASH] score, Mediterranean Diet Score [MDS], and Dietary Quality Index‐International [DQI‐I]), derived by a locally validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ).MethodsA prospective cohort study of healthy Chinese pregnant women randomly recruited between September 2017 and April 2018 at their first antenatal appointment. Women completed the FIGO Nutrition Checklist (translated into Chinese) and the FFQ. Spearman correlation was performed to examine association between the Checklist and dietary quality indices or food and nutrient intakes, calculated based on dietary data from the FFQ.ResultsOf 160 participants, 156 (97.5%) completed both the FIGO Nutrition Checklist and FFQ and were included. There were 148 (95%) women who reported at least one suboptimal dietary behavior using the Checklist. Checklist score was significantly associated with dietary quality indices (DASH ρ=0.344, P<0.001; DQI‐I ρ=0.304, P<0.001; MDS ρ=0.164, P=0.041). The Checklist question on fruit/vegetables was significantly associated with fiber, vitamin C, and fruit and vegetable intake as calculated from the FFQ (0.325 ≤ ρ ≤0.441, P<0.001). The question on dairy intake was significantly associated with intake of calcium, milk and dairy products captured via FFQ (0.576 ≤ ρ ≤0.655, P<0.001).ConclusionThis study supports the use of the FIGO Nutrition Checklist to identify women with suboptimal dietary quality in early pregnancy.
Melatonin as a potential inhibitor of kidney cancer: A survey of the molecular processes
Authors: Maleki Dana Parisa , Reiter Russel J. , Hallajzadeh Jamal , Asemi Zatollah , Mansournia Mohammad Ali , Yousefi Bahman 
Published: September 2020

AbstractStudies have shown that despite the decreasing mortality rates of kidney cancer patients, its incidence is increasing. Therefore, a comprehensive re‐evaluation of treatment options is necessary to provide appropriate treatments for the increasing number of patients. Moreover, the side effects caused by surgery, which is the main treatment of this disease, may lead to higher morbidity rates. Consequently, new safer approaches must be examined and considered. Major advancements have been made in the field of targeted agents as well as treatments based on immunotherapy since renal cell carcinoma (RCC) does not respond well to chemotherapy. While the therapeutic options for this cancer are increasing, the resulting complexity of selecting the best strategy for treating the patients is daunting. Moreover, each therapeutic option must be evaluated concerning toxicity, cost, and clinical advantages. Several characteristics, which are beneficial for cancer therapies have been attributed to melatonin. For decades, investigations have explored the application of melatonin in the treatment of cancer; insufficient attention has been paid to this molecule at the clinical level. Melatonin plays a role in cancer therapy due to its anti‐tumor effects as well as by enhancing the efficacy of other drugs as an adjuvant. In this review, we discuss different roles of melatonin in the treatment of kidney cancer. The studies concerned with the applications of melatonin as an adjuvant in the immunotherapy of patients with kidney cancer are summarized. Also, we highlight the apoptotic and anti‐angiogenic effects of melatonin on renal cancer cells which are mediated by different molecules (e.g., HIF‐1 and VEGF, ADAMTS1, and MMP‐9) and signaling pathways (e.g., P56, P52, and JNK). Furthermore, we take a look into available data on melatonin's ability to reduce the toxicities caused by kidney carcinogens, including ochratoxin A, potassium bromate, and Fe‐NTA.
Subclinical Ultrasound Characteristics of Infantile Hemangiomas That May Potentially Affect Involution
Authors: McNab María , García Carolina , Tabak Denise , Aranibar Ligia , Castro Ariel , Wortsman Ximena 
Published: September 2020

ObjectivesInfantile hemangiomas (IHs) are the most common benign tumors in children. Color Doppler ultrasound is a noninvasive imaging modality that can show subclinical anatomic parameters in a wide range of dermatologic conditions. The purpose of this study was to describe the ultrasound characteristics of IHs and look for subclinical features with the potential to influence the involution and therapeutic response.MethodsA review of the ultrasound database of children with clinical and ultrasound IH diagnoses was conducted. The clinically reported duration and the ultrasound assessment of the proliferative phase were compared. Descriptive and statistical analyses of qualitative and quantitative parameters of the series were performed. Significance was set at P < .05.ResultsA total of 204 IHs were included. Twenty percent had arteriovenous shunts; 15% had afferent branches from main regional arteries; and almost 30% showed involvement of deep structures. Sixty‐one percent of IHs were in the head and neck. Deep hemangiomas showed significantly thicker lesional vessels. A prolonged proliferative stage was significantly associated with a higher presence of arteriovenous shunts and a higher peak systolic velocity of the arterial vessels (≥15 cm/s) within the lesions.ConclusionsColor Doppler ultrasound can support the detection of subclinical anatomic features that may potentially influence the involution and response to treatment of IHs. Some of these characteristics may serve as potential markers to predict and manage IHs in prolonged proliferative stages.
Selection of competent oocytes by morphological criteria for assisted reproductive technologies
Authors: Ozturk Saffet 
Published: September 2020

AbstractInvasive and noninvasive methods are commonly used to select developmentally competent oocytes that can improve the take‐home baby rates in assisted reproductive technology (ART) centers. One of the noninvasive methods conventionally utilized to determine competent oocytes is the morphological analysis of cumulus complex, first polar body, zona pellucida, perivitelline space, meiotic spindle, and ooplasm. Successful fertilization, early embryo development, uterine implantation, and healthy pregnancy depend on the quality of oocytes, and morphological evaluation is one of the options used to predict quality levels. In this review, the morphological criteria being utilized in certain ART centers are comprehensively evaluated with special references to their predictive values and potential contributions to selecting high‐quality oocytes.
Capacitation increases glucose consumption in murine sperm
Authors: Hidalgo David M. , Romarowski Ana , Gervasi María G. , Navarrete Felipe , Balbach Melanie , Salicioni Ana M. , Levin Lonny R. , Buck Jochen , Visconti Pablo E. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractMammalian sperm acquire fertilization capacity in the female reproductive tract in a process known as capacitation. During capacitation, sperm change their motility pattern (i.e., hyperactivation) and become competent to undergo the acrosome reaction. We have recently shown that, in the mouse, sperm capacitation is associated with increased uptake of fluorescently labeled deoxyglucose and with extracellular acidification suggesting enhanced glycolysis. Consistently, in the present work we showed that glucose consumption is enhanced in media that support mouse sperm capacitation suggesting upregulation of glucose metabolic pathways. The increase in glucose consumption was modulated by bicarbonate and blocked by protein kinase A and soluble adenylyl cyclase inhibitors. Moreover, permeable cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) agonists increase glucose consumption in sperm incubated in conditions that do not support capacitation. Also, the increase in glucose consumption was reduced when sperm were incubated in low calcium conditions. Interestingly, this reduction was not overcome with cAMP agonists. Despite these findings, glucose consumption of sperm from Catsper1 knockout mice was similar to the one from wild type suggesting that other sources of calcium are also relevant. Altogether, these results suggest that cAMP and calcium pathways are involved in the regulation of glycolytic energy pathways during murine sperm capacitation.
Meaningful Making in the Contemporary Creative Economy
Authors: Luckman Susan , Andrew Jane 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThis chapter introduces the people and their stories that inform this book, including the reasons behind their choice to pursue craft or design, despite the frequently precarious incomes to be made. One of the strongest findings to emerge in this study is the centrality of early exposures to making to later comfort with and motivation to give craft and design ‘a go’. How the makers connect their current identities to formative earlier familial and educational experiences is explored. These findings are then situated analytically within critical scholarship on the values of crafts-based practice today as they sit alongside the rise of neoliberal individualised work practices, including the normalisation of self-employment and microenterprise, with all the associated personal financial risk-taking this entails.
Ageing Societies and Technological Innovation
Authors: Jarke Juliane 
Published: September 2020

AbstractDemographic ageing has been declared one of the main challenges for countries in the Global North by politicians, journalists, industry and academia alike. Many frame ageing as a problem that needs a technological fix and most digital technologies designed for older adults, reproduce images about old age defined by ill health, deficits and limitations. Digital public services are no different. However, scholars in critical and social gerontology argue that most of the alarmist rhetoric around demographic ageing and projected social implications are based on flawed assumptions about older people (e.g. their ability to contribute to their communities) and the ageing process (e.g. as solely described in terms of decline and long-term care needs). This chapter reviews dominant concepts about ageing societies, older adults and technological innovation. It argues, that engaging older adults in design processes, allows for alternative measures and attributes of “success” in later life and that participatory approaches can reconfigure how and which imaginaries and social practices are being scripted into technologies.