bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sliding wear behavior of duplex coatings with different plasma nitride layers and a Cr‐Al‐Ti‐B‐N coating
Authors: Weinhold Tom , Dalke Anke , Schramm Alexander , Biermann Horst 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe dry sliding wear behavior of AISI D2 tool steel is investigated under different heat treatment states in hardened, plasma nitrided, and duplex layer conditions. Plasma nitriding (PN) is performed at 510–520°C with varying N2‐H2 gas mixtures, and Cr‐Al‐Ti‐B‐N layers are deposited at 480°C by means of physical vapor deposition (PVD). This work investigates the influence of the nitride layer and, in particular, the presence of a compound layer on the tribological behavior of the duplex layer system. Therefore, as‐nitrided conditions both without and with a compound layer – as well as with a mechanically removed compound layer – are subsequently hard coated. Comparative ball‐on‐disc wear tests in linear‐reciprocating sliding motion against WC‐Co counterbody balls are conducted at a load of 120 N. Compared to sample states without a compound layer, the as‐nitrided states with a compound layer exhibit improved wear coefficients. In contrast, all duplex layer states exhibit comparably low friction coefficients and low wear coefficients independently of the presence of a compound layer. Removal of the compound layer prior to PVD coating leads to a significant reduction in wear resistance due to reduced surface roughness before the hard coating and the associated change in the bonding between the nitride layer and hard coating.
Hypoglycemic effect of Taraxacum officinale root extract and its synergism with Radix Astragali extract
Authors: Li Jingwen , Luo Jiayuan , Chai Yangyang , Guo Yang , Tianzhi Yang , Bao Yihong 
Published: February 2021

AbstractTaraxacum officinale (dandelion) and Radix Astragali are traditional medicinal and edible plants with high nutritional value. In this study, the synergistic hypoglycemic effect of DRE and Radix Astragali extract (RAE) was evaluated. Our results showed that water extract of dandelion (DRE‐w), mainly containing polysaccharides (63.92 ± 1.82 mg/g), total flavonoid (2.57 ± 0.06 mg/g), total phenolic compounds (8.93 ± 0.34 mg/g), and saponins (0.54 ± 0.05 mg/g), exhibited significantly inhibitory effect on α‐glucosidase and α‐amylase. DRE‐w and RAE had synergistic hypoglycemic effect; we found that DRE‐w and its combination with RAE could relieve the state of insulin resistance in IR‐HepG2 cells. The combination could more significantly increase the glucose consumption and intracellular glycogen content, and improve the activity of hexokinase and pyruvate kinase in IR‐HepG2 cells. In summary, DRE and its combination with RAE can be developed as the drugs or functional foods for diabetes prevention and treatment.
Grain quality evaluation of japonica rice effected by cultivars, environment, and their interactions based on appearance and processing characteristics
Authors: Xia Yujie , Sun Yuying , Yuan Jian , Xing Changrui 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAppearance and processing characteristics of 45 japonica rice samples, collected from different regions in Jiangsu province, were investigated and evaluated in this study. Specifically, the chalkiness degree had been presented significant differences among different cultivars and regions. The average chalkiness degree varied from 6.81% to 15.34% for different regions and from 1.93% to 28.31% for different cultivars. The minimum head rice rate of cultivars from four regions, NJ9108 (HA), was 80.5%. The AC of CNG10, HD5, and PJ surpassed 13.68% and lower than 11.33% for the others. The protein content ranged from 6.1% to 11%, and the taste value was significantly different among cultivars. In addition, the RVA curves of the samples were similar, but the peak viscosities of NG8 and NJ5055 were higher than others, and there were significant differences in RVA traits among regions. Cultivars were the main reasons for the difference in appearance and processing quality of japonica rice, while environmental factors had leaded to the change of rice composition, texture, and gelatinization.
TRPV4 channels mediate the mechanoresponse in retinal microglia
Authors: Redmon Sarah N. , Yarishkin Oleg , Lakk Monika , Jo Andrew , Mustafić Edin , Tvrdik Petr , Križaj David 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe physiological and neurological correlates of plummeting brain osmolality during edema, traumatic CNS injury, and severe ischemia are compounded by neuroinflammation. Using multiple approaches, we investigated how retinal microglia respond to challenges mediated by increases in strain, osmotic gradients, and agonists of the stretch‐activated cation channel TRPV4. Dissociated and intact microglia were TRPV4‐immunoreactive and responded to the selective agonist GSK1016790A and substrate stretch with altered motility and elevations in intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i). Agonist‐ and hypotonicity‐induced swelling was associated with a nonselective outwardly rectifying cation current, increased [Ca2+]i, and retraction of higher‐order processes. The antagonist HC067047 reduced the extent of hypotonicity‐induced microglial swelling and inhibited the suppressive effects of GSK1016790A and hypotonicity on microglial branching. Microglial TRPV4 signaling required intermediary activation of phospholipase A2 (PLA2), cytochrome P450, and epoxyeicosatrienoic acid production (EETs). The expression pattern of vanilloid thermoTrp genes in retinal microglia was markedly different from retinal neurons, astrocytes, and cortical microglia. These results suggest that TRPV4 represents a primary retinal microglial sensor of osmochallenges under physiological and pathological conditions. Its activation, associated with PLA2, modulates calcium signaling and cell architecture. TRPV4 inhibition might be a useful strategy to suppress microglial overactivation in the swollen and edematous CNS.
Elimination of cervical cancer in Tanzania: Modelled analysis of elimination in the context of endemic HIV infection and active HIV control
Authors: Hall Michaela T. , Smith Megan A. , Simms Kate T. , Barnabas Ruanne , Murray John M. , Canfell Karen 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe World Health Organisation (WHO) has launched a strategic initiative for cervical cancer (CC) elimination which involves scaling up three interventions: human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, twice‐lifetime HPV‐screening screening and pre‐cancer/cancer treatment by 2030. CC is challenging to control in countries with endemic human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), as women living with HIV (WLHIV) are at elevated risk of HPV infection, persistence and progression. This analysis estimated the impact of the elimination interventions on CC incidence and mortality but additionally considered more intensive screening for WLHIV, using Tanzania as an example. A dynamic HIV/HPV model was used to simulate the elimination strategy for vaccination, screening and pre‐cancer/cancer treatment, with 3‐yearly HPV‐screening in WLHIV starting at age 25 years, in the context of sustained HIV control in Tanzania from 2020 to 2119. Without vaccination or HPV screening, CC incidence rates per 100 000 women are predicted to fall from 58.0 in 2020 to 41.6 (range: 39.1‐44.7) in 2119, due to existing HIV control. HPV vaccination and twice‐lifetime HPV‐screening for the general population and 3‐yearly screening for WLHIV, would reduce CC incidence to 1.3 (range: 1.3‐2.5) by 2119, with elimination (<4/100 000) in 2076 (range: 2076‐2092). CC mortality rates per 100 000 women are predicted to reach 1.1 (range: 1.1‐2.1) with further reductions contingent on increased CC treatment access. Vaccination and 3‐yearly HPV‐screening for WLHIV is predicted to achieve elimination in the subgroup of WLHIV potentially as early as 2061 (range: 2061‐2078), with a 2119 CC incidence rate of 1.7 (range: 1.7‐3.3). Scaling‐up vaccination and HPV‐screening will substantially reduce CC incidence in Tanzania, with elimination predicted within a century. Three‐yearly HPV‐screening and HPV vaccination, at high coverage rates, would facilitate CC elimination among WLHIV, and thus accelerate elimination in the overall population.
#MultimediaResponse: Instagram as a Reading Activity in a University English Class
Authors: Ávila JuliAnna 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIn this article, the author describes utilizing Instagram as a reading response activity in an undergraduate English course to increase student engagement with challenging texts. Using a shared class account, students created a menu of prompts that they then chose from to create posts after reading fictional, theoretical, and philosophical texts; students’ choices of prompts are analyzed as well as their reflections on the activity as a whole. Lastly, the author shares recommendations for other educators who want to bring in social media, including, but not limited to, Instagram, as a reading response activity into their classrooms.
A mutual process of healing self and healing the community: A qualitative study of coping with and healing from stress, adversity, and trauma among diverse residents of a midwestern city
Authors: Mueller Daria , Bacalso Edwin , Ortega‐Williams Anna , Pate David J. , Topitzes James 
Published: February 2021

AbstractResidents of urban American neighborhoods facing economic hardship often experience individual and collective adversities at high levels. This study explores how racially diverse adults experience stress, adversity, and trauma, and how they cope and heal in the context of their environment. Following a critical realist grounded theory methodology, four focus groups were conducted with African American, White and Latinx participants (N = 21) within an employment service program. Participants identified key stressors ranging from financial and job challenges, violence, and trauma. To cope with and heal from adversity, they practiced positivity, named trauma and its effects, sought social connection, envisioned community‐based resources, and addressed structural and systemic barriers. The data generated a theory of “a mutual process of healing self and healing the community” through intrapersonal, interpersonal, and structural change. The results of this study indicate a need for peer‐led, community‐engaged initiatives and holistic, trauma‐informed, healing‐centered practices.
Lack of Mof reduces acute liver injury by enhancing transcriptional activation of Igf1
Authors: Wang Meng , Liu Haoyu , Zhang Xu , Zhao Wenbo , Li Danyang , Xu Chengpeng , Wu Zhen , Xie Fei , Li Xiangzhi 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAcute liver injury (ALI) is a rapid pathological process that may cause severe liver disease and may even be life‐threatening. During ALI, the function of males absent on the first (MOF) has not yet been elucidated. In this study, we unveiled the expression pattern of MOF during carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)‐induced ALI and role of MOF in the regulation of liver regeneration. In the process of ALI, MOF is significantly overexpressed in the liver injury area. Knockdown of Mof attenuated CCl4‐induced ALI, and promoted liver cell proliferation, hepatic stellate cell activation and aggregation to the injured area, and liver fibrosis. Simultaneously, overexpression of Mof aggravated liver dysfunction caused by ALI. By directly binding to the promoter, MOF suppressed the transcriptional activation of Igf1. Knockdown of Mof promotes the expression of Igf1 and activates the Insulin‐like growth factor 1 signaling pathway in the liver. Through this pathway, Knockdown of Mof reduces CCl4‐induced ALI and promotes liver regeneration. Our results provide the first demonstration for MOF contributing to ALI. Further understanding of the role of MOF in ALI may lead to new therapeutic strategies for ALI.
Common bile duct pressure in patients with and without cholelithiasis: A case‐control study
Authors: Beltrán Marcelo A. , Beltrán Andrea A. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe reflux of pancreatic enzymes into the bile duct and the gallbladder is an abnormal phenomenon that plays a role in lithogenesis and carcinogenesis. Because the pressure of the common bile duct depends on the pressures of the sphincter of Oddi, its dysfunction would be reflected in an increase in the pressure of the common bile duct in patients with cholelithiasis. The objective of this study was to measure the pressures of the common bile duct in patients with and without cholelithiasis and to relate them to the presence of pancreatobiliary reflux.MethodsA prospective case‐control study was designed. The study universe was constituted by all patients undergoing total gastrectomy for gastric cancer stages I and II over 30 months. The primary outcome measure was to establish differences between common bile duct pressures in patients with and without cholelithiasis.ResultsCommon bile duct pressures in patients with gallstones showed a significant elevation (16.9 mmHg) compared to patients without gallstones (3.3 mm Hg) (p < 0.0001). These pressures correlated with the levels of amylase and lipase in gallbladder bile; higher levels were found in patients with gallstones compared to patients without gallstones (P < 0.0001).ConclusionsCommon bile duct pressure in patients with cholelithiasis was significantly higher compared to patients without cholelithiasis leading to pancreatobiliary reflux.
Pathological assessment of chronic kidney disease with DWI: Is there an added value for diffusion kurtosis imaging?
Authors: Mao Wei , Ding Yuqin , Ding Xiaoqiang , Wang Yaqiong , Fu Caixia , Zeng Mengsu , Zhou Jianjun 
Published: February 2021

BackgroundChronic kidney disease (CKD) is a worldwide health problem, precise functional and pathological assessment is beneficial to better treatment. Diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) can evaluate non‐Gaussian diffusion and may help to assess renal pathology and function.PurposeTo assess pathological and functional alterations in CKD using DKI compared with diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI).Study TypeProspective study.Population70 CKD patients and 20 healthy volunteers.Field Strength1.5 T.AssessmentAll participants underwent DKI, and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), mean diffusivity (MD), and mean kurtosis (MK) of renal parenchyma were acquired. Correlation between renal parenchymal ADC, MD, MK, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), pathological scores were assessed. The diagnostic efficacy of ADC, MD, and MK for assessing the degree of renal pathological injury were compared.Statistical TestsANOVA, Spearman correlation analysis, and ROC curve analysis.ResultsThe cortical ADC, MD were significantly higher than medulla for all participants, whereas medullary MK was significantly higher than cortex (P < 0.01). Whether eGFR reduced or not, renal parenchymal MK were significantly higher in patients than controls (P < 0.05). Positive correlation was found between eGFR and ADC (cortex, r = 0.562; medulla, r = 0.527), and negative correlation between eGFR and MK (cortex, r = −0.786; medulla, r = −0.709) (all P < 0.001). There was positive correlation between MK and glomerular injury (cortex, r = 0.681; medulla, r = 0.652), tubulointerstitial lesion (cortex, r = 0.650; medulla, r = 0.599) (all P < 0.001). For discrimination between mild and m‐s renal injury group, the AUC values of ADC, MD, MK were cortex: 0.723, 0.655, 0.864 and medulla: 0.718, 0.581, 0.829. The AUC values of ADC, MD, MK were cortex: 0.708, 0.679, 0.770 and medulla: 0.713, 0.830, 0.780 for differentiating control group from mild renal injury group.Data ConclusionDKI is practicable for noninvasive assessment of renal pathology and function of CKD, DKI offer better diagnostic performance than DWI.Evidence Level1Technical Efficacy2
Establishment of a sandwich light‐initiated chemiluminescence assay with double antigen for detecting human cytomegalovirus IgG antibody
Authors: Liu Zhiyong , Yu Yang , Liu Hao , Chen Xinying , Li Liuxu , Huang Lunhui , Li Huiqiang 
Published: February 2021

AbstractDetermination of human cytomegalovirus IgG (HCMV IgG) level is of great importance in the diagnosis of HCMV infections. In this study, a novel, double antigen sandwich homogeneous immunoassay‐based light‐initiated chemiluminescent assay (LICA) for measuring HCMV IgG serum levels was developed. This sandwich LICA for HCMV IgG was performed by incubating serum samples with HCMV pp150 protein coated with chemibeads, streptavidin‐coated sensibeads, and biotinylated HCMV pp150 protein. The working conditions of this assay were optimized and the correlation between the results of the LICA and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was evaluated. As a homogeneous immunoassay, this sandwich LICA could accurately and rapidly determine the serum levels of HCMV IgG with a high‐throughput. Thus, this newly developed assay could be a useful analytical tool in the clinical diagnosis of HCMV infections.
Usability of Ultrasonic MicroPure Imaging for Evaluating the Vulnerability of Carotid Atherosclerotic Plaques
Authors: Yang Song , Cai Jing , He Ying , Sun Chuxue , Lian Xuegan 
Published: February 2021

ObjectiveMicroPure is an ultrasound imaging technology used for detecting microcalcifications. This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of the Firefly sign in ultrasonic MicroPure imaging for detecting the vulnerability of carotid plaques.MethodsUltrasonic grey‐scale imaging was used to detect carotid plaques. Ultrasonic MicroPure imaging was used to detect the Firefly sign and to determine the location and number of Firefly signs.ResultsA total of 142 plaques were detected in 72 patients, and 62.0% were Firefly‐positive plaques. The length or thickness, the risk of rupture and the percentage of vulnerable plaques were greater in the Firefly‐positive plaques than in Firefly‐negative plaques. The assessment of plaque vulnerability built on the 4‐point Firefly scoring system showed that the area under the ROC curve was 0.750 (P < .001). The sensitivity and specificity of vulnerable plaques with a score of 2 points were 71.9 and 73.6%, respectively.ConclusionThe Firefly signs are widely present in carotid atherosclerotic plaques and can be detected with ultrasonic MicroPure imaging. Firefly signs located in fibrous caps may be associated with plaque vulnerability.
Ebp1 p48 promotes oncogenic properties in hepatocellular carcinoma through p38 MAPK/HIF1α activation and p53 downregulation
Authors: Bao Yanqiu , Suvesh Munakarmi , Li Xiaobo , Bai Xin , Li Hua , Li Xiangdan , Xu Dongyuan , Liu Lan 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe ErbB3 binding protein 1 (Ebp1) has been reported in several cancers, in which it can act as either a pro‐oncogenic regulator or a tumor suppressor. However, the biological function and molecular mechanism of Ebp1 p48 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain unclear. Here, we report that the long isoform of Ebp1, p48, is highly expressed in HCC tissues compared with normal tissues. Ebp1 p48 expression was correlated with the tumor size in HCC patients. Silencing Ebp1 p48 by transduction with lentiviral shEbp1 dramatically reduced the proliferation rate, soft agar colony generation, and tumor formation in vivo. We further demonstrated that Ebp1 p48 knockdown resulted in decreased p38 phosphorylation, which subsequently reduced hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α (HIF1α) expression. Moreover, Ebp1 p48 knockdown led to an upregulation of p53 expression through MDM2 downregulation. Taken together, these results suggest that the Ebp1/p38/HIF1α signaling pathway and the Ebp1‐mediated downregulation of p53 are involved in hepatocarcinogenesis. Therefore, Ebp1 and its downstream signaling pathways may be promising therapeutic targets of HCC.
Lung cancer stigma is a predictor for psychological distress: A longitudinal study. Lung cancer stigma is a predictor for psychological distress
Authors: Rose Shiho , Boyes Allison , Kelly Brian , Cox Martine , Palazzi Kerrin , Paul Christine 
Published: February 2021

AbstractObjectivesTo examine if baseline stigma predicts psychological distress at 3 and 6 months follow‐up among patients newly diagnosed with lung cancer.MethodsThis longitudinal study was nested within a larger randomised controlled trial. Eligible participants were recruited via respiratory and oncology out‐patient clinics in Australia (n = 194). Consenting participants were asked to complete surveys at baseline, 3 and 6 months post‐recruitment. Measures included lung cancer stigma (Cataldo Lung Cancer Stigma Scale) and psychological distress (General Health Questionnaire‐12 [GHQ‐12]).ResultsOne‐hundred and ninety‐four participants were included for analysis. Most were male (57.7%) with a mean age of 68 years (SD = 8.8). A significant relationship between baseline lung cancer stigma and psychological distress at 6 months was found, where a one unit increase in lung cancer stigma increases psychological distress by 0.044 when adjusting for age, gender, smoking status, baseline GHQ‐12 scores and intervention allocation (as part of the larger trial; p = 0.001; β = 0.044, 95% CI = 0.010, 0.079).ConclusionTemporal links between lung cancer stigma and psychological distress was found at 6 months, suggesting stigma‐related experiences may have a delayed impact. Development of routine lung cancer stigma assessments is recommended to identify those at risk of psychological distress.
Improvement of polymer properties for powder bed fusion by combining in situ PECVD nanoparticle synthesis and dry coating
Authors: Gómez Bonilla Juan S. , Düsenberg Björn , Lanyi Franz , Schmuki Patrik , Schubert Dirk W. , Schmidt Jochen , Peukert Wolfgang , Bück Andreas 
Published: February 2021

AbstractPolypropylene (PP) powders are coated with silica nanoparticles in a fluidized bed to improve the flow behavior of the powders and the processability in powder bed fusion. The nanoparticles are produced in situ via dusty plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) in an atmospheric‐pressure Ar/O2 plasma jet fixed at the distributor plate of the fluidized bed. Hexamethyldisiloxane is used as a precursor of the nanoparticles. The influence of the oxygen concentration in the plasma gas and the number of treatment cycles on the chemical composition of the nanoparticles, the amount of nanoparticles deposited, and the flow properties of the coated PP powders is investigated. The chemical composition of the formed silica particles is determined by X‐ray photon spectroscopy and infrared spectroscopy. The results reveal that the composition of the nanoparticles is SiOxCy, that is, the portion of organic residues introduced by the precursor can be controlled by changing the oxygen concentration in the plasma gas. The mass of nanoparticles deposited on the polymer powder's surface, as determined by inductively coupled optical emission spectroscopy, shows a linear dependence of the number of cycles and the oxygen concentration in the plasma gas. A considerable improvement of the flow behavior of the PP powders is observed after PECVD treatment.
Successful intravascular pulmonary lithotripsy in a child with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Diepenbruck Sabine , Dalla‐Pozza Robert , Pattathu Joseph , Haas Nikolaus , Jakob André 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIntravascular lithotripsy (IVL) is a novel method based on pulsatile ultrasonic pressure waves specifically aimed to modify circumferential and transmural calcium plaques. We report on the successful application of a shockwave IVL catheter® in a child with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension due to calcified thrombi in both lower lobes. Compared to conventional high‐pressure balloon angioplasty, a significant perfusion‐improvement was achieved with a shockwave IVL catheter® (4 mm) of the treated right pulmonary artery branch. Furthermore, subsequent surgical thrombectomy was reported to be considerably easier for the shockwave‐treated thrombotic areas than the high‐pressure balloon‐only‐treated thrombus. In conclusion, the shockwave IVL catheter® may be a promising option in chronic thromboembolic lesions in PA (pulmonary artery) position, and furthermore might be an option when treating children.