bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Proton conducting membrane based on multifunctional interconnected copolymer containing 4,4′‐diaminodiphenylmethane‐aminoethyl piperazine with sulfonated polyethersulfone membrane for fuel cell application
Authors: Karunanithi Deepa , Pegu Purabi , Balaguru Sasikumar , Gangasalam Arthanareeswaran , Singaram Vengatesan 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe facile fabrication of proton exchange membrane (PEM) by intermixing of aminoethylpiperazine monomer (AEP), diamino diphenylmethane (DDM) monomer, and AEP combine with varying compositions of DDM (2, 4, and 6 wt%) copolymer with sulfonated polyethersulfone (SPES) and polyamide‐imide (PAI) polymer matrix for fuel cell applications. The intermixing of AEP@DDM copolymer in the SPES/PAI matrix was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X‐ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD) techniques. The physicochemical performance of fabricated PEM was analyzed by water uptake, ion exchange capacity (IEC), swelling ratio, thermal degradation, hydrolytic degradation, chemical and mechanical properties. The intermixing copolymer (AEP@DDM) has significantly suppressed the thermal and hydrolytic deterioration of the PEM. Furthermore, the PAI had noteworthy to improve the thermal and chemical stability of the membranes significantly. The proton conductivity of the SPES/PAI/AEP@DDM (6%) membrane was found to be 5.68 × 10−4 S cm−1 which is 104% higher than the pristine SPES membrane. Besides, the selectivity of SPES/PAI/DDM (6%) was also enhanced up to 80.34% compared to pristine SPES membrane. The inclusion of AEP@DDM in SPES/PAI enhanced the proton conductivity and contributed to the membrane structure's uniformity, as revealed from morphological studies. The AEP@DDM copolymer modification of SPES/PAI membrane has shown good stability, physicochemical property and can be considered as a promising membrane material for fuel cell application.
Effect of PEO crystallization on dielectric response of PVDF/PEO@IL coaxial electrospinning nanofiber films
Authors: Zhang Yong‐sheng , Yang Cheng , Feng Wen , He Shan , Yang Jing‐hui , Wang Yong 
Published: November 2021

AbstractIn this study, core‐shell structured nanofibers (P/E/@IL), in which the blend of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and ionic liquid (IL) acted as core and poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) acted as shell layer, were prepared by coaxial electrospinning in order to explore the effect of PEO crystallization on the ionic conductivity and dielectric property. For comparison, the blended spinning fibers of PVDF, PEO, and IL (abbreviated as P/E/IL) were also fabricated. It can be observed that the incorporation of IL dramatically improves the dielectric constant () of P/E/@IL composites. However, the tan δ also exhibits a sharp increase with increasing content of IL due to the ion conduction, whereas compared with blended films, the PEO and IL in the core layer exhibit a more positive effect on suppressing the tan δ of film via PEO crystallization. Through melting the PEO lamellae in core, it can be found that the ion conduction as well as tan δ were enhanced. Based on these results, it is confirmed that the ion transport stemmed from IL was suppressed by the PEO lamellae. As the content of IL reached up to 20 wt%, tan δ of the composites with PEO lamellae was reduced to half of P/E/IL spinning fibers.
Host Genetics But Not Commensal Microbiota Determines the Initial Development of Systemic Autoimmune Disease in BXD2 Mice
Authors: Hong Huixian , Alduraibi Fatima , Ponder David , Duck Wayne L. , Morrow Casey D. , Foote Jeremy B. , Schoeb Trenton R. , Fatima Huma , Elson Charles O. , Hsu Hui‐Chen , Mountz John D. 
Published: November 2021

ObjectiveTo determine the extent to which the gut microbiome influences systemic autoimmunity in a mouse model of lupus.MethodsWe generated germ‐free (GF) lupus‐prone BXD2 mice, which under normal conditions develop spontaneous germinal centers (GCs) and high titers of serum autoantibodies. GF status was confirmed by gut bacterial culture. The autoimmune phenotypes of 6‐ and 12‐month‐old gnotobiotic GF BXD2 mice and specific pathogen–free (SPF) BXD2 mice were compared. Serum levels of autoantibodies were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Histologic sections of the mouse kidney and joints were evaluated. Flow cytometry was used to analyze GCs and age‐associated B cells. CD4+ T cells were analyzed for PD‐1+ICOS+ activated T cells, T follicular regulatory (Tfr) cells (Foxp3+CD25+ PD‐1+CXCR5+), and PD‐1+ICOS+ T cells expressing interleukin‐17A (IL‐17A) or interferon‐γ (IFNγ) after stimulation with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)/ionomycin.ResultsIn 6‐month‐old mice, GF status did not affect splenomegaly, GC B cells, age‐associated B cells, or serum autoantibody levels, except for IgG antihistone. GF BXD2 mice exhibited a significantly higher percentage of Tfr cells compared to their SPF counterparts (P < 0.05). At 12 months of age, however, GF BXD2 mice had significantly diminished IgG autoantibody levels and a lower percentage of GC B cells and age‐associated B cells (P < 0.05). Following stimulation with PMA/ionomycin, PD‐1+ICOS+ CD4+ T cells expressed significantly lower IL‐17A, but not IFNγ, levels in GF BXD2 mice compared to SPF BXD2 mice (P < 0.01). SPF BXD2 mice and GF BXD2 mice developed equivalent renal and joint disease with no significant differences in severity.ConclusionOur results suggest a model in which genetics plays a dominant role in determining the initial development of autoimmunity. In contrast, gut microbiomes may regulate the persistence of certain aspects of systemic autoimmunity.
Defibrotide Inhibits Antiphospholipid Antibody–Mediated Neutrophil Extracellular Trap Formation and Venous Thrombosis
Authors: Ali Ramadan A. , Estes Shanea K. , Gandhi Alex A. , Yalavarthi Srilakshmi , Hoy Claire K. , Shi Hui , Zuo Yu , Erkan Doruk , Knight Jason S. 
Published: November 2021

ObjectiveDefibrotide is a heterogenous mixture of polyanionic oligonucleotides currently approved for treatment of transplant‐associated venoocclusive disease. While defibrotide has a known role in limiting endothelial cell activation, some studies have also demonstrated anti‐leukocyte properties. In a recent study, we found that neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) play a role in the thrombotic complications of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). In the present study, we investigated the hypothesis that defibrotide might act to mitigate APS‐relevant NET formation in vitro and in mouse models.MethodsWe used in vitro assays and a mouse model to determine the mechanisms by which defibrotide inhibits NET formation and venous thrombosis in APS.ResultsAt doses ranging from 1 to 10 μg/ml, defibrotide significantly suppressed NET formation from control neutrophils stimulated with IgG isolated from patients with APS. Defibrotide increased levels of intracellular cyclic AMP in neutrophils, and its suppressive effects on NET formation were mitigated by blocking adenosine A2A receptor or by inhibiting the cyclic AMP–dependent kinase protein kinase A. Defibrotide at doses ranging from 15 to 150 mg/kg/day inhibited NET formation and venous thrombosis in a model of antiphospholipid antibody–accelerated thrombosis—an effect that was reduced in adenosine A2A receptor–knockout mice.ConclusionThis study is the first to demonstrate mechanisms by which defibrotide counteracts neutrophil‐mediated thrombotic inflammation inherent to APS.
Nth‐plant supply: corn stover supplies and costs in a fleet of biorefineries
Authors: Langholtz Matthew , Davis Maggie , Eaton Laurence , Hilliard Michael , Brandt Craig , Webb Erin , Hellwinckel Chad , Samu Nicole , Hartley Damon , Jones Daniela 
Published: November 2021

AbstractFeedstock cost and cost variability is expected to increase with the number of biorefineries. To quantify this effect, this spatial‐economic analysis simulates feedstock cost and cost variability of an industry based on corn stover as a function of the number of biorefineries. Results are reported for nine scenarios (a base case and sensitivity analysis of four variables – harvest efficiency, sustainability constraints, opportunity cost, and corn grain yield) under deterministic and stochastic simulations, assuming biorefineries using 658 000 Mg (725 000 tons) year−1 of corn stover in 2019. The resulting supply curves are highly elastic (i.e. little change in cost) for the first 50 of the 121 biorefineries, with price increases in subsequent biorefineries depending on scenario. In the base‐case deterministic scenario, weighted‐average stover costs are $66 Mg−1 ($60 ton−1), $69 Mg−1 ($62 ton−1), and $156 Mg−1 ($142 ton−1), at the first, 60th, and 121st biorefineries, respectively. The stochastic simulations, subject to observed 30‐year corn yield variability, follow a similar pattern, with price distributions that vary by scenario. The base‐case stochastic simulations illustrate minimal cost variability for the first 60 biorefineries, but rapid increases in cost variability in the second half of potential biorefineries, with similar patterns observed in the other scenarios. Of the four variables explored, price was most sensitive to harvest efficiency, followed by sustainability constraints, corn yield, and opportunity cost. Results suggest that, under conventional logistics, about half of the US corn stover resource is reliably available with minimum cost increase and variability. Interactive visualization is available at https://doi.org/10.11578/1828779. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Fatty acids may influence insulin dynamics through modulation of albumin‐Zn2+ interactions
Authors: Arya Swati , Gourley Adam J. , Penedo J. Carlos , Blindauer Claudia A. , Stewart Alan J. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractInsulin is stored within the pancreas in an inactive Zn2+‐bound hexameric form prior to release. Similarly, clinical insulins contain Zn2+ and form multimeric complexes. Upon release from the pancreas or upon injection, insulin only becomes active once Zn2+ disengages from the complex. In plasma and other extracellular fluids, the majority of Zn2+ is bound to human serum albumin (HSA), which plays a vital role in controlling insulin pharmacodynamics by enabling removal of Zn2+. The Zn2+‐binding properties of HSA are attenuated by non‐esterified fatty acids (NEFAs) also transported by HSA. Elevated NEFA concentrations are associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes. Here we present the hypothesis that higher NEFA levels in obese and/or diabetic individuals may contribute to insulin resistance and affect therapeutic insulin dose‐response profiles, through modulation of HSA/Zn2+ dynamics. We envisage this novel concept to have important implications for personalized treatments and management of diabetes‐related conditions in the future.
Lipidomic‐based investigation into the therapeutic effects of polyene phosphatidylcholine and Babao Dan on rats with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Zhang Yicong , Lv Jinxiao , Zhang Jiayuan , Lv Zhihua , Yu Mingming 
Published: November 2021

AbstractIn recent years, with the improvement of people’s living standards, non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become the most common chronic liver disease in the world. In this paper, the metabolic disorders in Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were induced by a choline‐deficient, l‐amino acid–defined (CDAA) diet. The therapeutic effects of polyene phosphatidylcholine (PPC) and Babao Dan (BBD) on NAFLD were observed. Lipidomic analysis was performed using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography‐Orbitrap MS, and data analysis and lipid identification were performed using the software LipidSearch. Both PPC and BBD can reduce lipid accumulation in the liver and improve abnormal biochemical indicators in rats, including reduction of triglycerides, total cholesterol, alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase in serum. In addition, lipids in rat serum were systematically analyzed by lipidomics. The lipidomic results showed that the most obvious lipids with abnormal metabolism in CDAA diet–induced rats were glycerides (triglycerides and diacylglycerols), phospholipids and cholesterol esters. Both BBD and PPC partly reversed the disturbance to lipids induced by the CDAA diet. PPC may be more effective than BBD in alleviating NAFLD because it has a better effect on inhibiting the abnormal accumulation of lipids and reducing the inflammatory reaction in the body.
Noninvasive evaluation of intracranial pressure in patients with traumatic brain injury by transcranial Doppler ultrasound
Authors: Chang Tao , Yan Xigang , Zhao Chao , Zhang Yufu , Wang Bao , Gao Li 
Published: November 2021

AbstractIntroductionThe purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between pulsatility index (PI) or optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) and intracranial pressure (ICP) in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI), and the ability of ONSD and ICP to predict intracranial hypertension.MethodsA total of 68 patients with TBI were included in this retrospective study. After receiving surgery treatment, they underwent transcranial Doppler ultrasound (TCD). The statistical correlation between PI or ONSD and ICP 1 week after surgery was analyzed. Furthermore, the areas under the curve (AUCs) of ONSD or PI or a combination of them were calculated to predict intracranial hypertension.ResultsThere was a correlation between ONSD and ICP. This correlation still remained at ONSD ≥ 5 mm. Furthermore, there was a strong correlation between PI and ICP. There was a moderate correlation between ICP and PI on days 3, 4, and 5 after surgery (r = 0.508, p < .001), and a strong correlation on days 6 and 7 after surgery (r = 0.645, p < .001). Moreover, for predicting intracranial hypertension with PI ≥ 1.2 mm or ONSD ≥ 5 mm or a combination of them, the AUC was 0.729, 0.900, and 0.943, respectively (p < .001).ConclusionsThe correlation between ONSD or PI and invasive ICP was different with different levels of ICP in different periods in patients with TBI after surgery. When ONSD ≥ 5 mm and PI ≥ 1.2, it could predict elevated ICP more accurately.
The role of food systems in achieving the sustainable development goals: Environmental perspective
Authors: Rajic Sara , Đorđević Vesna , Tomasevic Igor , Djekic Ilija 
Published: November 2021

AbstractWe investigate the availability and extent of environmental performance and objectives data reported in corporate social responsibility (CSR) reports published by the world largest food companies. Methods for content analysis that recognize two types of environmental information were implemented for reviewing 75 sustainability reports. Plant‐ and animal‐origin food companies responded to requirements of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards to communicate about their sustainable development. It was found that plant‐origin food companies' reporting was more compliant with GRI requirements. Information gaps within greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions data have been identified as a common characteristic for both food sectors. The most frequent performance indicators reported by companies were about water withdrawal. Average annual reductions in four major environmental dimensions such as energy consumption, GHG emissions, water withdrawal, and total waste were calculated. These results reveal patterns of food companies' behavior in CSR reporting.
Minimum Fluidization Velocities of Binary Solid Mixtures: Empirical Correlation and Genetic Algorithm‐Artificial Neural Network Modeling
Authors: Let Sudipta , Bar Nirjhar , Basu Ranjan Kumar , Das Sudip Kumar 
Published: November 2021

AbstractExperimental investigation of the fluidization behavior in single and binary solid‐liquid fluidized beds of nonspherical particles as solid phase and water as liquid phase was performed in a Perspex column. Different particle sizes were used to prepare single and binary mixtures with different weight ratios for fluidization. Minimum fluidization velocity increased with increasing average particle size and decreasing sphericity for the binary mixture. An empirical correlation was developed to predict the minimum fluidization velocity. Genetic algorithm‐artificial neural network (GA‐ANN) modeling was applied to predict the minimum fluidization velocity for single and binary solid‐liquid fluidized beds. The application of GA‐ANN analysis leads to designing binary solid‐liquid fluidization systems without experimentation.
Carrier Protein‐Free Enzymatic Biaryl Coupling in Arylomycin A2 Assembly and Structure of the Cytochrome P450 AryC**
Authors: Aldemir Hülya , Shu Shuangjie , Schaefers Francoise , Hong Hanna , Richarz René , Harteis Sabrina , Einsiedler Manuel , Milzarek Tobias M. , Schneider Sabine , Gulder Tobias A. M. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe arylomycin antibiotics are potent inhibitors of bacterial type I signal peptidase. These lipohexapeptides contain a biaryl structural motif reminiscent of glycopeptide antibiotics. We herein describe the functional and structural evaluation of AryC, the cytochrome P450 performing biaryl coupling in biosynthetic arylomycin assembly. Unlike its enzymatic counterparts in glycopeptide biosynthesis, AryC converts free substrates without the requirement of any protein interaction partner, likely enabled by a strongly hydrophobic cavity at the surface of AryC pointing to the substrate tunnel. This activity enables chemo‐enzymatic assembly of arylomycin A2 that combines the advantages of liquid‐ and solid‐phase peptide synthesis with late‐stage enzymatic cross‐coupling. The reactivity of AryC is unprecedented in cytochrome P450‐mediated biaryl construction in non‐ribosomal peptides, in which peptidyl carrier protein (PCP)‐tethering so far was shown crucial both in vivo and in vitro.
A patient navigation initiative to improve access to breast cancer care in Cali, Colombia
Authors: Perez‐Bustos Andres H. , Orozco‐Urdaneta Mavalynne , Erazo Raúl , Cordoba‐Astudillo Patricia , Gallo David , Muñoz‐Zuluaga Carlos , Sittig Michelle , Sardi Armando 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackgroundPatient navigation is the logistical and emotional support necessary to achieve diagnostic and treatment compliance. It can improve time to diagnosis, initiation of treatment, and patient satisfaction, as well as reduce the cost of treatment. Colombia has a well‐defined Cancer Control Plan, but its implementation is lacking.AimTo implement the first patient navigation initiative in Colombia, as part of a pilot program for the early detection of breast cancer.MethodsThe process involved assessing and addressing the barriers faced by women to access breast health care by providing training for health personnel, strengthening primary health care providers, and coordinating diverse level institutions for the provision of services. This led to the design and implementation of a navigation strategy focused on the needs of patients in Cali, Colombia and the involvement of the local health system to provide such services.ResultsTime to diagnosis was significantly reduced; research advanced by the Colombian National Institute of Cancerology shows that the average time between the first medical consultation and diagnosis was 91 days (CI 95%: 82–97 days), while this study carried out the same process in an average of 30 days, but patients still had issues with continuity of treatment due to financial strain between healthcare providers and insurers. Navigation, however, manages to overcome many of these problems by assisting women in the clinical and administrative care processes and seeking well‐being for the beneficiaries. In addition, patient navigation helped identify critical failures in care, such as fragmentation of care and excessive bureaucracy. The navigation process improved data collection and established agreements to simplify and make the delivery of care more efficient. In addition, it generated partnerships between service providers and insurers.ConclusionWhile several barriers and poor understanding of the navigation process still exist, a navigation program can help implement a Cancer Control Plan.
Expression profile of SARS‐CoV‐2 cellular entry proteins in normal oral mucosa and oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Sapkota Dipak , Sharma Sunita , Søland Tine M. , Braz‐Silva Paulo H. , Teh Muy‐Teck 
Published: November 2021

AbstractObjectiveBesides angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), an active involvement of proteases (FURIN and/or TMPRSS2) is important for cellular entry of SARS‐CoV‐2. Therefore, a simultaneous expression profiling of entry proteins in a tissue might provide a better risk assessment of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection as compared to individual proteins. In an attempt to understand the relative susceptibility of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) lesions as compared to the normal oral mucosa (NOM) for SARS‐CoV‐2 attachment/entry, this study examined the mRNA and protein expression profiles of ACE2, FURIN, and TMPRSS2 in the corresponding tissues using public transcriptomic and proteomics datasets.Methods and methodsPublic transcriptomic and proteomics datasets (the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)/the Genotype‐Tissue Expression (GTEx), the Human Protein Atlas (HPA), and two independent microarray datasets) were used to examine the expression profiles of ACE2, TMPRSS2 and FURIN in NOM and OSCC.ResultsACE2, TMPRSS2, and FURIN mRNAs were detected in NOM, however, at lower levels as compared to other body tissues. Except for moderate up‐regulation of FURIN, expression levels of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 mRNA were unchanged/down‐regulated in OSCC as compared to the NOM.ConclusionsThese results indicate that NOM may serve as a possible site for SARS‐CoV‐2 attachment, however, to a lesser extent as compared to organs with higher expression levels of the SARS‐CoV‐2 entry proteins. However, the evidence is lacking to suggest that expression status of entry proteins predisposes OSCC lesions to additional risk for SARS‐CoV‐2 attachment/entry as compared to NOM.
Readability of integrated reports: Evidence from worldwide adopters
Authors: Raimo Nicola , Vitolla Filippo , Minutiello Valentina , Marrone Arcangelo , Tettamanzi Patrizia 
Published: November 2021

AbstractIntegrated reporting (IR) represents the last frontier of corporate disclosure and aims to include material financial and nonfinancial information in a single document. One of the main objectives of IR, in the idea conceived by the International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC), is to provide recipients with written information in a clear, understandable, and accessible way. In light of this goal, this study, using stakeholder theory, aims to examine the readability of integrated reports and the factors capable of affecting this level of readability. The analysis, conducted on a sample of 221 international companies that published an integrated report in 2020, shows a low level of readability of the integrated reports examined. Furthermore, it demonstrates a positive effect of firm size and financial leverage on the level of readability of the integrated reports, also highlighting a nonsignificant impact of firm profitability. Our results offer important contributions to theory and practice.