bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dynamic shear rheological study of soy protein isolate/poly(vinyl alcohol) bionanocomposites reinforced with montmorillonite nanoparticles
Authors: Gautam Sanjeev , Sharma Bhasha , Jain Purnima 
Published: March 2021

AbstractConventional nonbiodegradable thermoplastic polymers are mainly utilized by industries for edible and nonedible packaging applications. Various polysaccharides such as soy protein isolate (SPI) were used as a biodegradable polymer on behalf of synthetic polymers. Polysaccharides have superior water vapor permeability properties as compared with other synthetic polymers. In the present study, rheological characterization of SPI/poly(vinyl alcohol) (SPI/PVA) based biocomposite and bionanocomposites were performed. Ecofriendly biocomposite and bionanocomposites were successfully prepared via solution casting technique. Montmorillonite (MMT) was used as a nanofiller to enhance the characteristics of the SPI/PVA matrix. The rheological tests have been carried out to evaluate the viscoelastic behavior of biocomposite and bionanocomposites. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and polarizing optical microscope (POM) images were evaluated to define dispersion of SPI and MMT in the PVA matrix. The shear‐thinning behavior of prepared samples was determined by measuring the viscosity of the polymeric solution. The frequency sweep test was done to govern the long term stability of SPI/PVA/MMT bionanocomposites. SPI/PVA/MMT (0.7% NC) nanocomposite is more stable in contrary to other prepared biocomposite and bionanocomposites. An amplitude sweep test was conducted to define the linear viscoelastic region. The viscosity of synthesized biocomposite and bionanocomposites was decreased as the shear rate increased at room temperature. Low‐cost biocomposite and bionanocomposites have been developed. It is a potential material that has been used as a coating material in the wood and paper industry.
Mechanical and biodegradation analysis of fully biodegradable eco‐friendly natural fiber reinforced sapling pot
Authors: Behera Ajaya Kumar , Avancha Sridevi , Das Nigamananda , Adhikari Basudam 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIn this work, eco‐friendly biodegradable nonwoven and woven jute‐based soy composites were fabricated. As cellulose of jute and protein part of water‐based soy resin have requisite functional groups to bind chemically and produce mechanically strong composite, hence tensile and flexural strength of developed jute composite were measured and found to be 48.8 and 42.5 MPa, respectively as optimum. Water absorption, impact strength, fire retardancy, and soil burial degradation of developed composites were carried out. Sapling pots were fabricated and their environmental degradation study was executed by growing sapling. Weight loss, spectral, and morphology analysis after biodegradation of sapling pots revealed that developed samples are completely biodegradable in nature. Hence, this innovation can be an alternate to harmful plastic‐based composite/sapling pot and other ceramic‐based sapling pots to keep our environment free of pollution.
Design and multi‐objective optimization of the bumper beams prepared in long glass fiber‐reinforced polypropylene
Authors: Xue Ying , Zhao Haibin , Zhang Yaxin , Gao Zhiyong , Zhai Dongjie , Li Qing , Zhao Guoqun 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThere is an increasing demand for lightweight materials in the automobile industry. In this study, the crashworthiness and crash safety performance of automobile bumper beams made of long glass fiber‐reinforced polypropylene (LGFR‐PP) composites were evaluated. First, LGFR‐PP with the 40% glass fiber was prepared by the hot‐melt impregnation method, the mechanical properties and Poisson's ratio of the LGFR‐PP specimens were tested, which are essential for the finite element analysis. Then a finite element model of aluminum alloy and LGFR‐PP bumpers was established to obtain their peak collision force, maximum intrusion, and energy absorption values under longitudinal and angular low‐speed collision conditions. Subsequently, the multi‐objective optimization was generated using optimized Latin square sampling and response surface test design, and the section thickness of the bumper beams was optimized. The results showed that Swift and Hockett's hardening model is suitable for the LGFR‐PP material. Based on the principle of equal stiffness, the mass of the anti‐collision beams made of LGFR‐PP is reduced by 17.4%, the specific energy absorption (SEA) is increased by 6%, and the cost is reduced by 69%, and both the peak impact force and the amount of collision intrusion are reduced. The multi‐objective optimized Latin hypercube experimental showed that the continuously variable cross‐section beam based on the thickness optimization balanced the impact resistance especially SEA and lightweight performance very well.
Chromosomal mosaicism: Origins and clinical implications in preimplantation and prenatal diagnosis
Authors: Levy Brynn , Hoffmann Eva R. , McCoy Rajiv C. , Grati Francesca R. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe diagnosis of chromosomal mosaicism in the preimplantation and prenatal stage is fraught with uncertainty and multiple factors need to be considered in order to gauge the likely impact. The clinical effects of chromosomal mosaicism are directly linked to the type of the imbalance (size, gene content, and copy number), the timing of the initial event leading to mosaicism during embryogenesis/fetal development, the distribution of the abnormal cells throughout the various tissues within the body as well as the ratio of normal/abnormal cells within each of those tissues. Additional factors such as assay noise and culture artifacts also have an impact on the significance and management of mosaic cases. Genetic counseling is an important part of educating patients about the likelihood of having a liveborn with a chromosome abnormality and these risks differ according to the time of ascertainment and the tissue where the mosaic cells were initially discovered. Each situation needs to be assessed on a case‐by‐case basis and counseled accordingly. This review will discuss the clinical impact of finding mosaicism through: embryo biopsy, chorionic villus sampling, amniocentesis, and noninvasive prenatal testing using cell‐free DNA.
Surfactant‐modified parathyroid hormone fragments with high potency and prolonged action: Structure‐informed design using glycolipid surfactant conjugation
Authors: Nestor John J. , Wang Wei 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe pharmaceutical properties of peptides (high potency and specificity with low toxicity) make them an attractive therapeutic class but typically short duration of action and low bioavailability can limit their usefulness. Here, we begin evaluation of a new class of peptide modification, glycolipid surfactant conjugation, designed to extend the half‐life of peptide therapeutics. This work illustrates ease of synthesis and conjugation, range of modulation of pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic behavior and acceptabilityin vivoof this approach. Proof of concept used parathyroid hormone and showed that an N‐terminal fragment can be modified, informed by the parathyroid hormone receptor x‐ray structure, to produce high potency, enhanced intrinsic efficacy and prolonged actionin vivo. This suggests daily (hypoparathyroidism) or weekly (osteoporosis) administration with biological sequelae (stem cell maturation to osteoblasts) throughout the week. Compound7was chosen for advanced study. Exploration of the physical properties and development potential of glycolipid surfactant‐modified peptides are underway with additional peptide therapeutics.
Route study on patterns of poverty alleviation through vocational education under the background of rural vitalization
Authors: Zhi Zilun , Zhao Fangyi 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe Chinese Government has proposed the strategy of “targeted poverty alleviation” in its poverty reduction project among the poverty‐stricken population while carrying out a forward‐looking preparation for “rural vitalization.” As is known, the “targeted poverty alleviation” serves the prerequisite of realizing the “rural revitalization strategy.” Poverty alleviation through education plays the role of interdicting intergenerational poverty. Vocational education ranks for the highest input–output ratio, accounting for the best way for profit accumulation in poverty alleviation. Based upon the investigation of 1280 poor households in poverty‐stricken regions of Longsheng County and Ziyuan County in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, this paper introduces the long‐term effect of poverty alleviation through vocational education by comparing the gap of the educational level and income between the poverty‐stricken population and the population out of poverty with an analysis on the income structure of the poor. We recommend measures and suggestions for constructing a system of poverty reduction that is oriented towards rural vocational education, based on poor households' demand for vocational education and training.
On the mechanisms of surface microdischarge plasma treatment of onychomycosis: Penetration, uptake, and chemical reactions
Authors: Xiong Zilan , Huang Renjie , Zhu Yu , Luo Kang , Li Mengqi , Zou Zhenping , Han Rui 
Published: March 2021

AbstractDespite becoming increasingly established as a treatment technique, the mechanism underlying the plasma treatment of onychomycosis has yet to be elucidated. Here, we focus on the interactions between the nail plate and a surface microdischarge plasma, including penetration, uptake, and chemical reactions. Results show that long‐lived gaseous species from plasma can penetrate the nail plate effectively and are primarily responsible for the instantaneous antionychomycosis effect. The amount of uptake far exceeded that of penetration. Attenuated total reflection‐Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy results show that antimicrobial compounds form on the nail surface. Combined with the uptake of active species in the nail plate, these antimicrobial compounds may inhibit microorganism growth, thereby promoting long‐term protection against onychomycosis.
The effect of cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) supplementation on glycemic indices: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Karimian Jahangir , Farrokhzad Amirhosein , Jalili Cyrus 
Published: March 2021

We aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to examine the effect of cumin supplementation on markers of glycemic control in adults. A comprehensive literature search was conducted up from inception to November 2020 on PubMed, Scopus, Web of Sciences, and Cochrane electronic databases. Studies that compared the effect of cumin with placebo on fasting blood sugar (FBS), serum insulin, and homeostasis model assessment‐estimated insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) index in adults were considered eligible. Weighted mean difference (WMD) (with 95% confidence intervals) for endpoints were calculated using the random‐effects model. Finally, a total of eight RCT studies involving 552 participants were included in the review. The results of the meta‐analysis suggest that cumin supplementation did not significantly alter serum FBS (WMD: −17.77 mg/dl; 95% CI: −36.42 to 0.87, p = .06), insulin (WMD: −0.49 Hedges' g; 95% CI: −1.19 to 0.21, p =.16) levels and HOMA‐IR (WMD: ‐0.06; 95% CI: −0.21 to 0.10, p = 0.48) index. These results do not support the use of cumin supplementation for improving glycemic markers in adults. However, further high‐quality trials are still needed to confirm these results.
Investigation of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity in red and yellow onions and a synergistic utilization of skin extract in modified atmosphere packaging of salmon (Salmo salar)
Authors: Güner Senem , Boz Ziynet , Yağız Yavuz , Topalcengiz Zeynal , Welt Bruce A. , Sarnoski Paul , Simonne Amarat , Kristinsson Hordur G. , Marshall Maurice R. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis study investigated potentially synergetic effects of red onion skin extract and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on lipid oxidation of salmon. The skin and flesh of red and yellow onions were extracted with water at 25°C, 45°C, 65°C and 90°C, ethanol and acetone in water solutions. Total anthocyanin and polyphenol levels and antioxidant capacity were determined after extraction. Minced salmon samples were mixed with red onion skin extract (ROSE) and packaged under MAP at different O2 concentrations (0%, 5%, 10% and 15% of total package gas composition) with 40% CO2 and balance N2. Polyphenol recovery and antioxidant capacity increased for each sample as the extraction temperature increased with hot water use. Water extraction at 90°C provided higher extraction yields than ethanol and acetone in water solutions. The ROSE treatment of fish with MAP reduced lipid oxidation rates as evidenced by a decrease in peroxide value (43%) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) (30%). The ROSE might effectively suppress the free radicals in a MAP system. A skin extract and MAP application might increase the shelf life of salmon.
Engineering Elastic Properties of Isostructural Molecular Perovskite Ferroelectrics via B‐Site Substitution
Authors: An Lian‐Cai , Li Kai , Li Zhi‐Gang , Zhu Shengli , Li Qite , Zhang Zhuo‐Zhen , Ji Li‐Jun , Li Wei , Bu Xian‐He 
Published: March 2021

AbstractManaging elastic properties of ABX3 type molecular perovskite ferroelectrics is critical to their future applications since these parameters determine their service durability and reliability in devices. The abundant structural and chemical viability of these compounds offer a convenient way to manipulate their elastic properties through a facile chemical approach. Here, the elastic properties and high‐pressure behaviors of two isostructural perovskite ferroelectrics, MDABCO‐NH4I3 and MDABCO‐KI3 (MDABCO = N‐methyl‐N′‐diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octonium) is systematically investigated, via the first principles calculations and high‐pressure synchrotron X‐ray diffraction experiments. It is show that the simple replacement of NH4+ by K+ on the B‐site respectively results in up to 48.1%, 52.4%, and 56.3% higher Young's moduli, shear moduli and bulk moduli, which is attributed to the much stronger KI coordination bonding than NH4…I hydrogen bonding. These findings demonstrate that it is possible to tune elastic properties of molecular perovskite ferroelectrics via simply varying the framework assembling interactions.
A Bidirectional Nanomodification Approach for Synthesizing Hierarchically Architected Mixed Oxide Electrodes for Oxygen Evolution
Authors: Rong Qian , Du Jingshan S. , Chen Xinqi , Liu Qingju , Dravid Vinayak P. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractSeveral transition‐metal oxides and hydroxides based on earth‐abundant elements, such as Fe, Ni, and Co, have emerged as a new generation of oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts due to their low cost, favorable activity, and multifunctional behavior. However, the relatively complicated surface structuring methods, high Tafel slope, and low stability hinder their practical applications to replace the conventional Ir‐ and Ru‐based catalysts. Herein, a strategy to construct hierarchically architected mixed oxides on conductive substrates (e.g., ITO and Ni foam) via a nanosheet (NS) deposition and subsequent bidirectional nanomodification approach, with metal salts in an aprotic polar solvent (e.g., acetone) as the primary modifying reactants is reported. This strategy is used to prepare NiO‐based NSs with nanopores, nanobranches, or a combination of both, containing up to four transition metal elements. Record‐low Tafel slope (22.3 mV·dec−1, ≈lowest possible by computational predictions) and week‐long continuous operation durability are achieved by FeMnNi‐O NSs supported on Ni foams. Taken together, properly designed hierarchical mixed oxide electrodes may provide a cost‐effective route to generating high, reliable, and stable OER catalytic activities, paving the way for both new electrocatalyst design and practical water‐splitting devices.
Study on nonlinear damping behavior of damaged recycled aggregate concrete beams
Authors: Wang Chunhui , Xiao Jianzhuang , Liang Chaofeng 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAn experimental study on the nonlinear damping behavior of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) beams is conducted through subjecting dynamic loadings at the different damage stages. The effects of the loading frequency, loading amplitude, damage, recycled aggregate, and replacement percentage on the energy dissipation by damping and the equivalent viscous damping ratio (EVDR) of the RAC beams are analyzed. The experimental results show that the energy dissipation and the EVDR are not directly influenced by the loading frequency, and the EVDR rises with the increasing loading amplitude for the damaged beams. The damage stage is of great significance to the damping mechanism. The EVDR is firstly increased, peaks at the yielding stage, and finally declines with the damage accumulation, and the EVDR at the yielding stage can be increased to 2.6–3.1 times compared to the undamaged RAC beams. The EVDRs are higher for the beams with the incorporation of the recycled aggregates, because of their lower stiffness and higher energy dissipation. The experimental results demonstrate that the commonly applied viscous damping model is not capable of correctly describing the damping behavior of RAC beams, whereas the modified Coulomb damping model performs much better. A shift in the damping mechanism is observed with the damage evolution, and the relationships between the damage indices and the damping parameters are established.
Sinapic acid mitigates methotrexate‐induced hepatic injuries in rats through modulation of Nrf‐2/HO‐1 signaling
Authors: Ahmad Ajaz , Alkharfy Khalid M. , Bin Jardan Yousef A. , Shahid Mudassar , Ansari Mushtaq Ahmad , Alqahtani Saeed , Jan Basit L. , Al‐Jenoobi Fahad I. , Raish Mohammad 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe present research has been investigated to study the protective outcomes of sinapic acid (SA) against methotrexate (MTX) encouraged liver damage in rats by modulating the Nrf2/HO‐1 and NF‐κB signaling pathways. The animals were arbitrarily allocated into four groups: group I rats administered a 0.5% carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) vehicle orally for 15 consecutive days with a single intravenous standard saline injection (0.9% NaCl) on day seven. Groups II, III, and IV were injected intraperitoneally with 20 mg MTX/kg on 7th day. Animals in group III and IV were treated orally for 14 days with 20 mg of SA/kg dissolved daily in 0.5% CMC respectively. In all experimental groups, liver function, biochemical, histopathological and molecular changes were evaluated. MTX‐induced changes in liver function indices like ALT, AST, and ALP are substantially restored with SA pretreatment. Moreover, antioxidant defense mechanisms (GSH, SOD, and CAT) and oxidative/nitrostative stress (MDA and NO) and inflammatory cytokine (TNF‐α, IL‐β and MPO) were also substantially restored. Furthermore, the conclusions indicate that SA prevents the hepatic damage caused by MTX through apoptosis inhibition and stimulation of Nrf2/HO‐1‐medial antioxidant enzymes by NF‐κB inhibition. Histological findings have shown that SA therapy has greatly protected liver damage caused by MTX.
Silica dust exposure induces pulmonary fibrosis through autophagy signaling
Authors: Li Ning , Shi Fan , Wang Xiaoyan , Yang Pan , Sun Kun , Zhang Lin , Hao Xiaohui , Li Xiaoming , Li Jinlong , Jin Yulan 
Published: March 2021

AbstractSilicosis is a well‐acknowledged occupational lung disease caused by inhalation of a large amount of free silica dust during the production period and eventually a considerable negative impact on the patients' quality of life. Autophagy exerts a critical influence on immune and inflammatory responses during the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis. In this study, we sought to determine whether autophagy is involved in silicosis's pathogenesis and how it may affect pulmonary cellular physiology. In the animal experiments, we found persistent activation of autophagy in the development of pulmonary fibrosis, which was also accompanied by tumor necrosis factor and transforming growth factor expression increased. Therefore, the autophagy signaling pathway may regulate the inflammatory response and affect the progression of fibrosis. Further, in vitro experiments, we used LY294002, RAPA, and N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) intervened autophagy. Our results showed that PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway is involved in the autophagy changed mediated by SiO2 exposed, and autophagy might play a protective role in the progression of pulmonary fibrosis. Additionally, NAC's effect is not apparent on SiO2‐mediated autophagy through the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, but it can reduce the inflammatory response on NR8383 cells mediated by SiO2‐exposed. Nevertheless, it's interesting that NAC can reduce the inflammatory response on NR8383 cells mediated by SiO2‐exposed. Taken together, our data demonstrated that SiO2‐exposed can induce pulmonary fibrosis along with autophagy both in vivo and in vitro, NAC could alleviate the inflammatory response NR8383 cells by SiO2‐exposed through non PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, and the specific mechanism of its action needs further studying.
Impacts of Microbial based Therapy on Growth Performance, Intestinal Health, Carcass Traits and Economic Efficiency of Clostridium perfringens‐Infected Cobb and Arbor Acres Broilers
Authors: Sallam Eman A. , Mohammed Liza S. , Elbasuni Sawsan S. , Azam Aya E. , Soliman Mohamed Mohamed 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe poultry farms need a safe and effective alternative for antibiotics that can counteract the negative impacts of necrotic enteritis (NE), which causes severe mortalities and economic losses. The current study was aimed to examine the influence of antibiotic (Flagymox) and the microbial‐based administration on carcass traits in Clostridium (C.) perfringens‐infected Cobb and Arbor Acres broilers. A total number of 360 Cobb and Arbor Acres broiler chicks (180 numbers per breed) were allocated to four groups; negative control group (without any treatments); positive control group (administration of C. perfringens at the rate of 1 × 109cfu/bird via crop gavage twice daily from day 16 to 18 post‐hatch); C. perfringens challenge plus antibiotic (Flagymox®) group, and Clostridium perfringens challenge plus microbial‐based treatment (Big‐lactoα®) group. The results indicated that the Flagymox and Big‐lactoα treated Cobb breed group achieved a significant increase in their body weight (BW) than the positive control group at the third week post‐infection. Also, the Arbor Acres breed gained significantly higher weight compared to the Cobb breed at the third week. Total weight gain (TWG) from 0 to the fifth week in the Cobb and Arbor Acres breeds were higher in the groups treated with Flagymox and Big‐lactoα compared to the birds challenged with C. perfringens without any treatment, thus, increasing the total return (TR) in the treated groups. Economic efficiency showed no significant differences (p < .05) between the treatment groups of both the breeds. Although the treatment cost of Flagymox is higher than the microbial‐based treatment (0.86 versus 0.35 LE), there were no mortalities reported in the microbial‐based groups in both the breeds resulting in significantly low losses compared to the Flagymox treated groups. The groups treated with the microbial‐based products in both breeds were superior in dressing percentage (75.16 and 77.06% for Cobb and Arbor Acres, respectively) compared to that of the other groups. In conclusion, microbial‐based therapy improved the growth rate, carcass traits, survival rate, and economic efficiency in necrotic enteritis induced in Cobb and Arbor Acres broilers.