bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The influence of aeration control and temperature reduction on nitrogen removal and microbial community in two anammox‐based hybrid sequencing batch biofilm reactors
Authors: Azari Mohammad , Jurnalis Aisha , Denecke Martin 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDTwo hybrid biofilm reactors, an integrated fixed‐film activated sludge–sequencing batch reactor (IFAS‐SBR) and a hybrid SBR with a mixture of activated sludge and granules, were used to reach enhanced nitrogen removal based on the anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) process under intermittent aeration.RESULTSIFAS‐SBR reached a more stable performance after a rapid start‐up period of 25 days, and it showed a more reliable performance than the other reactor. The highest nitrogen removal efficiency (NRE) was up to 99% based on NH4+‐N concentration and 91% based on total nitrogen concentration (TIN). A nitrogen removal rate of 0.01 to 0.15 kgN m−3 d−1 was achieved throughout the operation based on the TIN. The set‐point of maximum dissolved oxygen (DO) at the peak of each aeration cycle was maintained at 1.2 ± 0.1 mg L−1. The optimum working range for daily average DO concentration was 0.2–0.7 mg L−1. Cold temperatures caused a decline of NRE, but NRE > 50% for temperatures above 13 °C was achieved.CONCLUSIONSResults implied a higher abundance of Candidatus brocadia species of anammox bacteria in the biofilm samples and Denitratisoma genus in the flocs. The most substantial contribution of shared taxa among all samples at class level was Betaproteobacteria and Gammaproteobacteria, and the least abundant class was Nitrospira. Overall, results implied that IFAS‐SBR is a robust configuration for anammox‐based nitrogen removal in sidestream, and controlled intermittent aeration could suppress nitrite oxidation and help to regain system efficiency.
A case of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection without increase in HIV RNA level: A rare observation during the modern antiretroviral therapy era
Authors: Iwata Kentaro , Morishita Naomi , Otani Sachiyo 
Published: August 2021

AbstractIt is known that some with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)–positive patients can remain immunocompetent for long period, maintaining their CD4‐positive T lymphocytes (CD4 cells) while suppressing HIV. However, this population became rarely seen recently since potent antiretroviral therapy (ART) became available worldwide, and the latest guidelines recommend initiating ART regardless of the status of immunity of the patients. Herein, we present a rather unusual case of HIV‐1 infection, where the patient was hospitalized for 3 years and was accidentally found to have the infection, without increasing his HIV RNA level in serum although his CD4 cells were decreased.
Mechano‐energetic aspects of Barth syndrome
Authors: Dudek Jan , Maack Christoph 
Published: August 2021

AbstractEnergy‐demanding organs like the heart are strongly dependent on oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria. Oxidative phosphorylation is governed by the respiratory chain located in the inner mitochondrial membrane. The inner mitochondrial membrane is the only cellular membrane with significant amounts of the phospholipid cardiolipin, and cardiolipin was found to directly interact with a number of essential protein complexes, including respiratory chain complexes I to V. An inherited defect in the biogenesis of cardiolipin causes Barth syndrome, which is associated with cardiomyopathy, skeletal myopathy, neutropenia and growth retardation. Energy conversion is dependent on reducing equivalents, which are replenished by oxidative metabolism in the Krebs cycle. Cardiolipin deficiency in Barth syndrome also affects Krebs cycle activity, metabolite transport and mitochondrial morphology. During excitation‐contraction coupling, calcium (Ca2+) released from the sarcoplasmic reticulum drives sarcomeric contraction. At the same time, Ca2+ influx into mitochondria drives the activation of Krebs cycle dehydrogenases and the regeneration of reducing equivalents. Reducing equivalents are essential not only for energy conversion, but also for maintaining a redox buffer, which is required to detoxify reactive oxygen species (ROS). Defects in CL may also affect Ca2+ uptake into mitochondria and thereby hamper energy supply and demand matching, but also detoxification of ROS. Here, we review the impact of cardiolipin deficiency on mitochondrial function in Barth syndrome and discuss potential therapeutic strategies.
Sinomenine increases adenosine A2A receptor and inhibits NF-κB to inhibit arthritis in adjuvant-induced-arthritis rats and fibroblast-like synoviocytes through α7nAChR
Authors: Yi Lang , Ke Junyu , Liu Jiayan , Lai Huili , Lv Yanjun , Peng Chong , Zhi Yingkun , Du Qun , Liu Liang , Wang Peixun , Zhou Hua , Dong Yan 
Published: August 2021

AbstractSinomenine (SIN) is a clinical drug for treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in China. Our previous study found SIN inhibited inflammation via alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) in macrophages in vitro. Adenosine receptor A2A has anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive function. However, the mechanisms of SIN acting on α7nAChR and the effect on adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR) in RA are not clear. In the present study, the effects of SIN on adjuvant-induced-arthritis (AIA) rats in vivo and on fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) in vitro were investigated. Indomethacin (Indo) and methotrexate (MTX), the clinical anti-arthritis drugs, were used as controls. Nicotine (Nic), a specific agonist of α7nAChR, was used as a control for targeting α7nAChR. Alpha-bungarotoxin (α-BTX), the antagonist of α7nAChR or small interference RNA (siRNA) was used to block or knock down α7nAChR. Results showed that SIN decreased arthritis index, hind paw volume, erythrocyte sedimentation (ESR) and serum TNF-α in AIA rats, and α-BTX attenuated the earlier-mentioned effects of SIN and Nic, but not Indo and MTX. The expressions of A2AR in synovium declined in AIA rats, but remarkably increased after the intervention of SIN. The expression of A2AR decreased by LPS or TNF-α, but increased by SIN; cAMP also increased by SIN in FLSs in vitro. SIN inhibited the expression of MCP-1, IL-6, and vascular endothelial growth factor in LPS-induced FLSs. SIN inhibited the activation of NF-κB. Meanwhile, α-BTX or α7nAChR siRNA blocked the earlier-mentioned effects of SIN in FLSs. Results suggested the expressions of A2AR in synovium and FLSs are negatively correlated with the arthritis progression of AIA rats and the activation of FLSs. SIN increases A2AR and inhibits the activation of NF-κB pathway via α7nAChR in AIA rats and FLSs.
Utility of Advanced DWI in the Detection of Spinal Cord Microstructural Alterations and Assessment of Neurologic Function in Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy Patients
Authors: Zhang Meng‐Ze , Ou‐Yang Han‐Qiang , Liu Jian‐Fang , Jin Dan , Wang Chun‐Jie , Zhang Xian‐Chang , Zhao Qiang , Liu Xiao‐Guang , Liu Zhong‐Jun , Lang Ning , Jiang Liang , Yuan Hui‐Shu 
Published: August 2021

BackgroundDiffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) can quantify the microstructural changes in the spinal cord. It might be a substitute for T2 increased signal intensity (ISI) for cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) evaluation and prognosis.PurposeThe purpose of the study is to investigate the relationship between DWI metrics and neurologic function of patients with CSM.Study TypeRetrospective.PopulationForty‐eight patients with CSM (18.8% females) and 36 healthy controls (HCs, 25.0% females).Field Strength/Sequence3 T; spin‐echo echo‐planar imaging‐DWI; turbo spin‐echo T1/T2; multi‐echo gradient echo T2*.AssessmentFor patients, conventional MRI indicators (presence and grades of T2 ISI), DWI indicators (neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging [NODDI]‐derived isotropic volume fraction [ISOVF], intracellular volume fraction, and orientation dispersion index [ODI], diffusion tensor imaging [DTI]‐derived fractional anisotropy [FA] and mean diffusivity [MD], and diffusion kurtosis imaging [DKI]‐derived FA, MD, and mean kurtosis), clinical conditions, and modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) were recorded before the surgery. Neurologic function improvement was measured by the 3‐month follow‐up recovery rate (RR). For HCs, DWI, and mJOA were measured as baseline comparison.Statistical TestsContinuous (categorical) variables were compared between patients and HCs using Student's t‐tests or Mann–Whitney U tests (chi‐square or Fisher exact tests). The relationships between DWI metrics/conventional MRI findings, and the pre‐operative mJOA/RR were assessed using correlation and multivariate analysis. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsAmong patients, grades of T2 ISI were not correlated with pre‐surgical mJOA/RR (P = 0.717 and 0.175, respectively). NODDI ODI correlated with pre‐operative mJOA (r = −0.31). DTI FA, DKI FA, and NODDI ISOVF were correlated with the recovery rate (r = 0.31, 0.41, and −0.34, respectively). In multivariate analysis, NODDI ODI (DTI FA, DKI FA, NODDI ISOVF) significantly contributed to the pre‐operative mJOA (RR) after adjusting for age.Data ConclusionDTI FA, DKI FA, and NODDI ISOVF are predictors for prognosis in patients with CSM. NODDI ODI can be used to evaluate CSM severity.Level of Evidence3Technical Efficacy Stage5
Failure to thrive: A severe manifestation of interleukin 10 receptor A mutation in adult inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Ruiz Nicole C. , Kamel Amir Y. , Liu Xiuli , Pham Angela , Forsmark Christopher , Glover Sarah 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundVery early‐onset inflammatory bowel disease (VEO‐IBD) secondary to interleukin 10 receptor A (IL‐10RA) mutations has aggressive disease courses with increased nutrition needs compared with those in other monogenic forms of IBD.PresentationA male patient was hospitalized when he was 18 days old for bloody diarrhea, which was diagnosed as Crohn's disease at 6 months old. He showed failure to thrive (FTT) and worsening inflammation while receiving enteral nutrition (EN) and standard IBD treatment. He was hospitalized in 2016, at 28 years old, for a Crohn's flare when sequencing confirmed a heterozygous mutation in IL10‐RA. His weight and plasma micronutrient levels improved when he transitioned to parenteral nutrition (PN). He was initiated on anakinra while awaiting hematopoietic stem cell transplant, with substantial decrease in inflammation. He was able to gain weight, initiate an oral diet, and decrease his PN requirement.ConclusionOur patient experienced progressive FTT while receiving EN. VEO‐IBD incidence is rising, and its diagnosis is often delayed. Therefore, prompt recognition with treatment initiation is essential to improving nutrition outcomes in this patient population. Further investigation is warranted to determine whether these patients would benefit from early initiation of PN.
Analysis of Epoxy Nanocomposites Characteristics by Impedance Spectroscopy
Authors: Rashmi  , Sailaja R. R. N. , Madhu B. M. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe research work is carried out to analyse the electrical characteristics of glass fiber reinforced epoxy composites with the addition of multiwall carbon nanotubes and graphene nanoplatelets. The dispersion of 2wt.% multi walled carbon nanotubes(MWCNT) and 1‐3wt.% graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) into the epoxy resin is assisted with high shear mechanical mixing followed by ultrasonication. The epoxy‐filler mixture is transferred into temperature‐controlled resin bath for pultrusion process. The pultrusion process helps to resolve major issues like poor dispersion and agglomeration of nanofillers in epoxy resin. The XRD and SEM analysis indicates that fillers are dispersed homogeneously in the epoxy matrix. The electrical conductivity (σ) and impedance (Z) are studied in the frequency range (10 Hz‐8 MHz) with the variation in temperature (over 25 °C‐150 °C). It is observed that the addition of two conductive nanofillers results in a synergistic effect at the percolation threshold, and the conductivity value increases by few orders due to the formation of a number of conductive paths in the composite. The complex impedance decreases with increase in frequency for the composites except for the sample with 3wt.% GNP and 2wt.% MWCNT indicating the semiconducting behaviour. The complex impedance plot is characterized by the appearance of a single semi‐circular arc whose radii of curvature decreases with an increase in temperature, indicating the existence of electrical relaxation phenomena.
Effect of Hybrid Fillers on GFRP Epoxy Composites with Water Immersion and Thermal Conditioning
Authors: Balasubramanya Rashmi , Bhattacharya R. R. N. Sailaja , B. M. Madhu 
Published: August 2021

AbstractGlass fiber reinforced epoxy composite with graphene nanoplatelets, multi‐walled carbon nanotubes, and aluminium trihydrate fillers are fabricated by the pultrusion method. The role of fillers in complementing each other, improving the dielectric properties of the epoxy matrix is not fully understood. The objective of this work is to investigate the effects of nano and micro fillers combination by short‐duration laboratory ageing techniques. A comparison of aged and unaged specimen is carried‐out by impedance spectroscopy and gravimetric analyses. The dielectric properties are observed to be dependent on the interaction between the fillers and the epoxy matrix, also on the relative permittivity of individual nanofillers, dissolved ions that diffuse with water into the bulk of the composites. The composite specimens are immersed in distilled water up to 360 h for water ageing and the temperature is varied from 25 °C to 200 °C for thermal ageing. The impedance spectroscopy of the composites is measured over the frequency range (10 Hz–8 MHz). The observed reduction in the impedance values indicate that dipolar polarization is occurring due to absorbed water molecules during water immersion and mobilization of free electrons is taking place due to an increase in temperature. This study indicates that the effect of ageing can be quantified in terms of changes in the impedance spectra. From the results obtained, the effect of fillers is implicit since diffusion coefficient values are reduced from 5.58 × 10−9 m2 s−1 of the base epoxy composite to 3.48 × 10−9 m2 s−1 in hybrid nanocomposites. The percentage of water absorption at equilibrium condition is reduced from 0.68% to 0.46% of the total mass.
Novel Core‐Shell System Based on Gelatin and Hydrophilic Polymers Useful as Concrete Self‐healing Systems
Authors: da Costa Vítor Corrêa , de Souza Fernando Gomes , Sousa Luana de Castro , Filho Romildo Dias Tolêdo 
Published: August 2021

AbstractConcrete structures repair results in substantial economic and environmental issues. So, new technologies able to increase concrete lifetime are being developed. Among them, the self‐healing mechanisms, which can be improved by using polymers. Thus, three different materials are synthesized to act as self‐healing systems. They are: (I) cross‐linked gelatin mixed with CaCO3 (the self‐healing agent); (II) a core‐shell system based on the material I layered by poly(hydroxypropyl methacrylate); and (III) a second core‐shell structure based on the material I covered with poly(vinyl alcohol). Cross‐linking and grafting are performed using glutaraldehyde. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) proves the structure obtaining. Thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry prove that the materials show thermal properties that allow their use in concrete applications. Swelling degree shows that all materials swell when in contact with water. Granulometry shows the materials are mostly in the millimeter scale. Last, an aqueous media release test shows that the three tested systems did not liberate significant amounts of CaCO3. Therefore, both the gelatin and gelatin + polymer systems can protect the healing material, avoiding the release of the self‐healing agent before the concrete cracking takes place.
Core‐Shell System Based on Gelatin and Poly(Vinyl Alcohol) (PVA) for Concrete Self‐Healing Applications: Synthesis, Characterization, and Optimization
Authors: da Costa Vítor Corrêa , Junior Fernando Gomes de Souza , Sousa Luana de Castro , Pal Kaushik , Filho Romildo Dias Tolêdo 
Published: August 2021

AbstractInsofar the cost of repairing concrete structures reaches the trillions of dollars, new technologies, such as concrete self‐healing, are investigated continuously. Consequently, the main objective of this work is on the production of a cheap and easy‐to‐make material, which can be used in large‐scale applications, besides presenting similar results as other ones more complex systems. In brief, a core‐shell system is produced and investigated as a self‐healing agent. Aiming this, a mix of gelatin and sodium silicate (Na2SiO3) is used as the core, while poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) is the glutaraldehyde crosslinked shell. The obtained materials are characterized using several techniques, such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), as well as, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). FTIR proves the obtaining of the proposed system. In turn, TGA and DSC showed that the material could endure real‐life applications. Also, granulometry tests show that the obtained materials are mostly in the micrometric scale. The Na2SiO3 release is especially tested in aqueous media, proving the core‐shell system swells, releasing its active agent. Thereby, the obtained results allow concluding that the presented core‐shell material is useful to the self‐healing applications.
Acid Encapsulated Wax Particles Potentially Useful to Speed up Drilling in Carbonate Formations
Authors: Barros Alessandro , Pabis Maísa , Gomes Fernando , Pinto José Carlos , Nele Marcio 
Published: August 2021

AbstractEncapsulated acids can increase the rate of penetration (ROP) during drilling operations by reacting with carbonate formations while avoiding corrosion of the metallic equipment parts. Drilling fluids can carry particles containing acid to the drilling tip where they will be mashed, and the acid released. The paraffin encapsulation is used in the processing of food ingredients, flavors, chemicals, drugs, protection of cosmetics, and in the oil industry. The novel solution presented in this paper is to use paraffin in the strong acid encapsulation to be added to the drilling fluid. Acid containing wax particles is prepared by the double emulsion technique. The results indicate that encapsulation efficiency is dependent on the wax to acid solution ratio and on acid concentration. Acid leakage is a significant concern; it is found to be directly dependent on acid concentration in the particle and on the particle wax fraction.
Development of Novel Dimpled Electrospun P(VDF‐TrFE) Nanofibers
Authors: K. Bicy , Kalarikkal Nandakumar , Rouxel Didier , Thomas Sabu 
Published: August 2021

AbstractElectrospun polymeric nanofibrous membranes find application in various fields such as biomedical, energy, defense, etc. The flexibility of the electrospinning process and various parameters like temperature, solvent volatility, and polymer nature helps to design nanofibers with desired properties. The wide range application of nanofibers is because of its large surface to volume ratio. The surface area of a nanofiber can be further increased by fabricating dimpled or porous fibers. In the present work, dimpled electrospun polyvinylidene fluoride‐co‐trifluoroethylene (P(VDF‐TrFE)) nanofibers are prepared. The surface nanotopography of the fiber is studied using SEM and TEM analysis. The influence of rough surface on the wettability is evaluated by contact angle analysis. The result indicates that the nanofibrous membrane exhibits a very high contact angle (140°). In addition to this, mechanical property and thermal behavior of the membrane are also studied. The study reveals that the dimpled electrospun nanofibrous membrane is an excellent candidate in various applications where a large surface area is required.
Poly(Butylene Succinate) Molar Mass Calculation by GPC and 1H‐NMR
Authors: da Costa Vítor Corrêa , dos Santos Edson Rodrigo Fernandes , de Souza Jr Fernando Gomes 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe determination of the molar mass of a polymer is a fundamental characterization. One of the most common techniques used for this purpose is gel permeation chromatography (GPC). However, the most used columns are not appropriate for low molar mass polymers, presenting results that are different from reality. For these cases, it is possible to use the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technique to obtain molar mass values (based on calculations associated with spectra signals and the quantity of the polymer used in the analysis). However, in some cases, the resultant signals of different chain portions can be presented in the same spectral region, hampering calculations. Thus, this paper proposes the use of an external standard. This way, it can correlate to the molar mass of four different samples of poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) with different molar mass values. The results based on NMR spectra were different from those found using GPC, but both increased in the same proportion (R² = 0.8828). Since NMR presents an absolute result, it seems to be the most accurate result. This analysis method also allows us to quantify the experimental percentage of unsaturation, which was lower than the theoretical one due to losses during the PBS synthesis.
Graft Copolymerization of Acrylonitrile onto Sodium Salt of Partially Carboxymethylated Tamarind Kernel Powder Using Ceric Ammonium Nitrate as a Photo‐Initiator in an Aqueous Medium Under Ultraviolet‐Radiation
Authors: Trivedi Jignesh H. , Joshi Harshil A. , Trivedi Harikrishna C. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractUltraviolet (UV) radiation‐induced graft copolymerization of acrylonitrile (AN) onto sodium salt of partially carboxymethylated tamarind kernel powder (Na‐PCMTKP, ) has been carried out using ceric ammonium nitrate (CAN) as a photo‐initiator. The optimal UV‐radiation‐induced grafting conditions have been established with Na‐PCMTKP = 0.5 g (dry basis), [HNO3] = 0.2 mol L−1, [AN] = 0.295 mol L−1, [CAN] = 6.0 × 10−3 mol L−1, time = 6 h, temperature = 30 °C, volume of water = 144.58 mL, and total volume = 150 mL. The maximum percentage of grafting (%G) and percentage grafting efficiency (%GE) achieved under these established optimum reaction conditions are 361.16% and 89.33%, respectively. The various reaction conditions have been varied with a view to study their influence on the grafting yields (%G and %GE). A plausible mechanism to explain initiation, propagation, and termination of UV‐radiation‐initiated graft copolymerization has also been suggested. The influence of the efficiency of the photo‐initiator on the grafting yields has been investigated. Fourier transform infrared, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), and scanning electron microscopy techniques have been successfully used to provide the evidence of grafting of polyacrylonitrile onto Na‐PCMTKP. The kinetics of thermal decomposition of the graft copolymer, Na‐PCMTKP‐g‐PAN, has also been investigated with the help of the DSC curves obtained at different heating rates. The Ozawa and the Kissinger methods have been utilized for the evaluation of the kinetic parameters for the thermal decomposition of the graft copolymer sample. The synthesized graft copolymer after saponification may be used as a superabsorbent hydrogel for potential applications.