bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate Administration Alters Immune Markers for HIV Preference and Increases Susceptibility of Peripheral CD4+ T Cells to HIV Infection
Authors: Tasker Carley , Davidow Amy , Roche Natalie E , Chang Theresa L 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (Depo-Provera) has been associated with an increased risk of HIV acquisition. In a longitudinal study, we investigated the impact of Depo-Provera use by healthy women on expression of immune markers for HIV preference and on HIV infection ex vivo at baseline (visit 1), 1 mo (visit 2), and 3 mo (visit 3) after Depo-Provera treatment. We found a significant increase in the frequency and expression of integrin α4β7 on CD4+ T cells at visit 2. Interestingly, Hispanic but not black women exhibited a significant increase in integrin α4β7 cell numbers and expression levels at visit 2, whereas black but not Hispanic women exhibited a significant change in CCR5 and CD38 expression levels between visit 2 and visit 3. The frequency of terminal effector memory CD4+ T cells was decreased significantly in black women from visit 1 to visit 3. Virus production following ex vivo HIV infection of PBMCs was increased at visit 3 compared with visit 1. In black women, the frequency of HIV p24+CD4+ T cells was higher at visit 3 than at visit 1. Expression of integrin α4β7 on HIV p24+CD4+ T cells following ex vivo infection at visit 2 was significantly less than at visit 1. These results demonstrate that Depo-Provera alters the immune profile of peripheral CD4+ T cells and increases susceptibility to HIV infection ex vivo. The observation that these effects differed between women of different ethnicities has implications for developing effective and targeted strategies for HIV prevention.
Syndrome entéritique mortel du dindonneau
Authors: Vaillancourt Jean-Pierre , Barnes John , Guy James , Carver Donna , Wages Dennis 
Published: November 2017

“Poult enteritis mortality syndrome”.
Poult enteritis mortality syndrome (PEMS) is an infectious, transmissible disease of incertain, but probable viral etiology, characterized by diarrhea, dehydratation, wheight-loss, anorexia, immunosuppression, growth depression (>40%) and high mortality (approaching 100% in young turkeys). The disease is a multifactorial one. Howewer the effect of infectious agents on the flock is determined by environmental, nutritional, and management factors. Current control strategies primarily involve management (in particular, enhanced biosecurity) and nutrition rather than conventional methods (vaccination and medication) used for infectious diseases.
Effect of Thermal Aging on the Intergranular Stress Corrosion Cracking Susceptibility of Type 310S Stainless Steel
Authors: Jiao Y. , Mahmood J. , Zheng W. , Singh P.M. , Kish J.R. 
Published: November 2017

The effect of thermal aging on the intergranular stress corrosion cracking (IGSCC) susceptibility of Type 310S stainless steel was investigated. Samples were solution-annealed (baseline), sensitized (short-term aging), and thermally-treated (long-term aging) to form Cr-rich M23C6 carbides and sigma (σ) phase precipitate particles, respectively, on the grain boundaries. The thermal-aging heat treatments represent two limiting exposure conditions expected in-service for a fuel cladding in the Canadian Generation IV (supercritical water-cooled reactor) design concept and were considered to better understand the risk factors associated with an in-service IGSCC damage mode. The sensitized treatment exhibited the highest relative degree of sensitization (measured by double loop electrochemical potentiokinetic reactivation testing in 2 M H2SO4 + 0.01 M KSCN) and IGSCC susceptibility (measured by slow strain rate testing [SSRT] in a hot alkaline solution). The relative susceptibility reflects the controlling role played by Cr-depleted zones, which were only observed in the sensitized (short-term aging) material. The relatively large σ phase grain boundary particles in the thermally-treated (long-term aging) material preferentially cracked during SSRT, suggesting an apparent IGSCC susceptibility at the sample surface. However, the absence of Cr-depleted zones in this material prevented IGSCC from occurring, despite preferential cracking in the σ phase grain boundary particles. The dominant fracture mode in the hot alkaline solution was transgranular mixed-mode cracking. The implications of the results are discussed within the context of risk factors associated with an in-service IGSCC susceptibility in supercritical water.
Production traits, blood metabolic profile and fatty acids of meat and tallow in response to the partial replacement of soybean meal with peas in organic lambs' feed
Authors: Antunović Zvonko , Klir Željka , Šperanda Marcela , Ćavar Suzana , Mioč Boro , Novoselec Josip 
Published: November 2017

Abstract. The aim of this research was to investigate the production traits, blood metabolic profile and fatty acids of meat and tallow in response to the partial replacement of soybean meal with peas in lambs' feed. The research was conducted on 30 Merinolandschaf lambs of 90 days' age over 30 days. Lambs were fed with feed mixture (1000 g day−1 lamb−1). In the control group protein supplement was soybean meal (SC), while in the experimental groups soybean meal was partially replaced with 13 % peas (P13) and 26 % peas (P26). In the haematological parameters of lambs' blood, concentrations of minerals (Ca, P, Mg and Fe) and biochemical parameters (urea, glucose, total protein, albumin, globulins, cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglyceride, β-hydroxybutyrate and non-esterified fatty acids) as well as enzyme activity (ALT, AST, ALP, GGT and CK) were determined. After slaughter, carcass development was measured. Samples of m. semimembranosus and tallow were taken in which concentrations of fatty acids were analysed. Values of meat pH and colour were taken 45 min 24 h post mortem, and water-holding capacity was calculated. By analysing the production properties of lamb, we found that slaughtering characteristics of lamb carcasses, haematological and most of the biochemical indicators did not differ. Urea concentrations were reduced in the blood of lambs in P13 and P26. Concentration of C18:2 n-6 increased in tallow of lambs of group SC compared to group P26 of lambs. The above-mentioned results indicate the possibility of partial replacement of soybean meal with peas in lambs' diets in organic farming without changes in production.
The role of meteorological conditions and pollution control strategies in reducing air pollution in Beijing during APEC 2014 and Victory Parade 2015
Authors: Liang Pengfei , Zhu Tong , Fang Yanhua , Li Yingruo , Han Yiqun , Wu Yusheng , Hu Min , Wang Junxia 
Published: November 2017

Abstract. To control severe air pollution in China, comprehensive pollution control strategies have been implemented throughout the country in recent years. To evaluate the effectiveness of these strategies, the influence of meteorological conditions on levels of air pollution needs to be determined. Using the intensive air pollution control strategies implemented during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum in 2014 (APEC 2014) and the 2015 China Victory Day Parade (Victory Parade 2015) as examples, we estimated the role of meteorological conditions and pollution control strategies in reducing air pollution levels in Beijing. Atmospheric particulate matter of aerodynamic diameter  ≤ 2.5 µm (PM2.5) samples were collected and gaseous pollutants (SO2, NO, NOx, and O3) were measured online at a site in Peking University (PKU). To determine the influence of meteorological conditions on the levels of air pollution, we first compared the air pollutant concentrations during days with stable meteorological conditions. However, there were few days with stable meteorological conditions during the Victory Parade. As such, we were unable to estimate the level of emission reduction efforts during this period. Finally, a generalized linear regression model (GLM) based only on meteorological parameters was built to predict air pollutant concentrations, which could explain more than 70 % of the variation in air pollutant concentration levels, after incorporating the nonlinear relationships between certain meteorological parameters and the concentrations of air pollutants. Evaluation of the GLM performance revealed that the GLM, even based only on meteorological parameters, could be satisfactory to estimate the contribution of meteorological conditions in reducing air pollution and, hence, the contribution of control strategies in reducing air pollution. Using the GLM, we found that the meteorological conditions and pollution control strategies contributed 30 and 28 % to the reduction of the PM2.5 concentration during APEC and 38 and 25 % during the Victory Parade, respectively, based on the assumption that the concentrations of air pollutants are only determined by meteorological conditions and emission intensities. We also estimated the contribution of meteorological conditions and control strategies in reducing the concentrations of gaseous pollutants and PM2.5 components with the GLMs, revealing the effective control of anthropogenic emissions.
OTIMIZAÇÃO DA PERFORMANCE DA LINHA DE PRODUÇÃO MEDIANTE A IMPLANTAÇÃO DA MANUTENÇÃO PRODUTIVA TOTAL
Authors: Detregiachi Filho Edson , De Souza Cristian Junior Alves , Herrera Vânia Érica , Souza Marlene De Fátima Campos 
Published: November 2017

Análises realizadas em unidades produtivas, permitem verificar a ocorrência de quebra de equipamentos, interrompendo a linha de produção, afetando diretamente os indicadores de performance, aumentando os custos e reduzindo a produtividade. Com a implantação e utilização da metodologia da Manutenção Produtiva Total é possível a otimização do processo produtivo. Essa metodologia compreende um abrangente conjunto de atividades de manutenção que visam melhorar a performance e a produtividade dos equipamentos de uma fábrica. O objetivo desse trabalho é analisar a performance de uma linha de produção de alimentos, antes da implantação da Manutenção produtiva Total e comparar esses dados com aqueles obtidos após sua implantação, para verificar se houve melhorias. A metodologia utilizada será o da pesquisa qualitativa combinada com a quantitativa utilizando a estratégia do estudo de caso em uma indústria alimentícia localizada no interior do estado de São Paulo. O desenvolvimento desse trabalho permitiu constatar que com a implantação da Manutenção Produtiva Total houve um aumento em todos os índices de performance da linha de produção analisada. Esse trabalho é relevante pois, além de orientar a empresa foco do estudo de caso, servirá de orientação para outras empresas que buscam melhorar a produtividade e a qualidade dos processos produtivos.
DIAGNÓSTICO ORGANIZACIONAL DE UMA EMPRESA FRANQUEADA: ANALISE DE LIMITAÇÕES E PROPOSTAS DE MELHORIAS
Authors: Carvalho Alessandra Lopes , Suzart Amanda Lage Del Rio , Aguiar Letícia Bertoni de 
Published: November 2017

Este trabalho foi desenvolvido a partir de um Projeto de Extensão Universitária e consiste na aplicação de técnicas da Engenharia de Produção a uma franquia de massas, localizada em Belo Horizonte (MG). O objetivo é realizar uma pesquisa aplicada ao âmbito de serviços a fim de colaborar com o desenvolvimento sustentável da franquia. A busca por soluções foi impulsionada pela necessidade de otimização de processos e diminuição de desperdícios em geral. Foi elaborada uma Curva ABC para controle interno de pizzas e bebidas, o que gerou uma folha de controle destes itens. Além disto, foi utilizado o método 5S concomitante ao FIFO (First in, first out) para ordenação do estoque. Os resultados do estudo para a franqueada consistem na organização do estoque além de sugestões de melhorias no gerenciamento da empresa por meio de uma visão externa. Para o projeto extensionista, os resultados transcenderam o apoio à franquia visto que houve a integração universidade e sociedade mediante as ações tomadas.
Comparison of an antioxidant system in tolerant and susceptible wheat seedlings in response to salt stress
Authors: Feki Kaouthar , Tounsi Sana , Brini Faiçal 
Published: November 2017

It has been demonstrated previously that the physiological and molecular analysis of seedlings of the tolerant (Om Rabia3) and susceptible (Mahmoudi) Tunisian wheat genotypes were different at short and long-term response to salinity. In this study, we examined the antioxidant defence system in seedlings of these two cultivars at short-term response to different NaCl concentrations. The findings showed that high salinity tolerance of cv. Om Rabia3, as manifested by lower decrease in its dry biomass, was associated with lower malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide contents, lower accumulation of the superoxide (O2⎯) in the roots and the shoots, and also lower decrease in ascorbate content than those in cv. Mahmoudi. Moreover, the expression of some genes coding for antioxidant enzymes such as the catalase, the superoxide dismutase and the peroxidase were enhanced by NaCl stress especially in the salt-tolerant cultivar. In parallel, their activities were increased in response to the same condition of stress and especially in the cv. Om Rabia3. Taken together, these data suggested that the capacity to limit oxidative damage is important for NaCl tolerance of durum wheat.
Variables sociofamiliares asociadas al abandono de los estudios universitarios
Authors: González-Ramírez Teresa , Pedraza-Navarro Inmaculada 
Published: November 2017

Introducción. La finalidad fundamental de esta investigación es identificar las problemáticas socio-familiares que influyen en los estudiantes con riesgo de abandono en la universidad; analizando las relaciones existentes entre abandono universitario y variables como sexo, edad, nivel educativo y socioeconómico de las familias de origen. Método. Para ello hemos utilizado<br />una metodología ex-post-facto, con un diseño descriptivo e inferencial. La muestra asciende a 86 estudiantes pertenecientes al Grado de Pedagogía y de Ciencias de la Actividad Física y del Deporte, de la Universidad de Sevilla que iniciaron sus estudios en el curso académico 2009/2010; no volviéndose a matricular, en los dos cursos siguientes. Para la recogida de datos<br />se ha elaborado un cuestionario ad hoc con 51 ítems. En el análisis se han utilizado técnicas tanto descriptivas como de contraste. Resultados. Los resultados muestran cómo influye la presencia de problemáticas socio-familiares en los estudiantes provocando el abandono definitivo o transitorio; a la vez que hemos identificado qué factores personales, familiares, <br />institucionales y sociales son determinantes en la decisión de abandonar una titulación. El 72% de la muestra presenta dificultades socio-familiares durante su transcurso académico, frente a un 26% que manifiesta desmotivación hacia los estudios que cursa y su preferencia por<br />otra titulación o institución. Discusión. Estos resultados son concluyentes con investigaciones<br />previas; en base a ello se realizan una serie de propuestas que puedan servir de reflexión a los responsables académicos para mejorar las tasas de éxito y rendimiento en las actuales titulaciones y propiciar una universidad más inclusiva.
Learning representations for robust human–robot interaction
Authors: Kuo Yen‐Ling 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis article summarizes the author's presentation in the New Faculty Highlight at the Thirty‐Eighth AAAI Conference on Artificial Intelligence. It discusses the desired properties of representations for enabling robust human–robot interaction. Examples from the author's work are presented to show how to build these properties into models for performing tasks with natural language guidance and engaging in social interactions with other agents.
Metformin Exhibits Anti‐Inflammatory Effects by Regulating microRNA‐451/CXCL16 and B Cell Leukemia/Lymphoma 2 in Patients With Osteoarthritis
Authors: Alimoradi Nahid , Ramezani Amin , Tahami Mohammad , Firouzabadi Negar 
Published: October 2024

ObjectiveOsteoarthritis (OA) is the most common cause of chronic disability in joints among older individuals. The primary goal of OA treatment is pain relief to improve the quality of life. Inflammation and aging are involved in the pathogenesis of pain in OA. In this study, we evaluated the ability of metformin to regulate microRNAs, such as miR‐451 and miR‐15b, and their target proteins, CXCL16 and B cell leukemia/lymphoma 2 (BCL‐2), involved in inflammation and apoptosis.MethodsIn this double‐blind placebo‐controlled clinical trial, patients were randomly divided into two groups: one receiving metformin and the other receiving a placebo for four months (starting at 0.5 g/day for the first week, increasing to 1 g/day for the second week, and increasing to 1.5 g/day for the remaining period). In addition to evaluating the clinical response using the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score questionnaire, miR‐451 and miR‐15b expression levels were detected using real‐time polymerase chain reaction. The serum levels of CXCL16 and BCL‐2 were evaluated using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kits before (time zero) and after treatment (month four).ResultsMetformin increased miR‐451 expression levels simultaneously with pain reduction, whereas miR‐15b expression did not change significantly after four months of treatment. Also, metformin decreased the serum levels of BCL‐2 and CXCL16 in patients with OA.ConclusionThe effects of metformin in reducing pain can be attributed to many factors, including its anti‐inflammatory and antiaging effects. Our findings suggest that metformin may reduce pain and inflammation in patients with OA through the regulation of miR‐451/CXCL16 and BCL‐2.
Phase Reconstruction‐Directed Synthesis of Oxalate‐Functionalized Nickel Hydroxide Electrocatalyst for High‐Yield H2O2 Generation at Industrial Currents
Authors: Liu Zhiwei , Yuan Weijie , Yang Hongyuan , Kang Zhenhui , Ma Mengjie , Menezes Prashanth W. , Chen Ziliang 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe electrochemical oxygen reduction reaction (2e− ORR) offers a promising approach for H2O2 production, yet developing highly active, selective, and stable electrocatalysts remains a challenge. In this work, a phase reconstruction strategy is presented to synthesize an oxalate‐adsorbed nickel hydroxide electrocatalyst (Ni(OH)2‐C2O4) through the self‐dissociation of nickel oxalate in an alkaline medium, leading to a notable enhancement in H2O2 yield at elevated current densities. Remarkably, Ni(OH)2‐C2O4 exhibits a 2e− selectivity exceeding 93% across a broad voltage range (0.0 to 0.5 V vs RHE) in 0.1 M KOH, outperforming pristine Ni(OH)2. When deployed as a gas diffusion electrode in a flow cell, the Ni(OH)2‐C2O4 catalyst demonstrates stable operation for 50 h at 200 mA cm−2, with a Faradaic efficiency surpassing 90% and a peak H2O2 yield of 6.2 mol g−1cat h−1. Comprehensive advanced characterizations, including in situ Raman spectroscopy, transient photovoltage spectra, and transient potential scanning spectra, coupled with post‐ORR analyses, reveal that surface‐adsorbed oxalate groups on Ni(OH)2 enhance the interfacial reaction kinetics between active Ni sites and reactants by inducing a charge trapping effect and forming a hydrogen‐bonded network, facilitating robust and high‐yield H2O2 production.
Bottom‐Up Formation of III‐Nitride Nanowires: Past, Present, and Future for Photonic Devices
Authors: Min Jungwook , Wang Yue , Park Tae‐Yong , Wang Danhao , Janjua Bilal , Jeong Dasom , Kim Gyun Seo , Sun Haiding , Zhao Chao , Mendes Joana Catarina , Correia Maria Rosário P. , Carvalho Diogo F. , Cardoso José P. S. , Wang Qingxiao , Zhang Huafan , Ng Tien Khee , Ooi Boon S. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe realization of semiconductor heterostructures marks a significant advancement beyond silicon technology, driving progress in high‐performance optoelectronics and photonics, including high‐brightness light emitters, optical communication, and quantum technologies. In less than a decade since 1997, nanowires research has expanded into new application‐driven areas, highlighting a significant shift toward more challenging and exploratory research avenues. It is therefore essential to reflect on the past motivations for nanowires development, and explore the new opportunities it can enable. The advancement of heterogeneous integration using dissimilar substrates, materials, and nanowires‐semiconductor/electrolyte operating platforms is ushering in new research frontiers, including the development of perovskite‐embedded solar cells, photoelectrochemical (PEC) analog and digital photonic systems, such as PEC‐based photodetectors and logic circuits, as well as quantum elements, such as single‐photon emitters and detectors. This review offers rejuvenating perspectives on the progress of these group‐III nitride nanowires, aiming to highlight the continuity of research toward high impact, use‐inspired research directions in photonics and optoelectronics.
In‐situ Reconstruction of Catalyst in Electrocatalysis
Authors: Feng Jinxian , Wang Xuesen , Pan Hui 
Published: October 2024

AbstractReconstruction of catalysts is now well recognized as a common phenomenon in electrocatalysis. As the reconstructed structure may promote or hamper the electrochemical performance, how to achieve the designed active surface for highly enhanced catalytic activity through the reconstruction needs to be carefully investigated. In this review, the genesis and electrochemical effects of reconstruction in various electrochemical catalytic processes, such as hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), oxygen evolution reaction (OER), carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR), and nitrate reduction reaction (NO3RR) are first described. Then, the strategies for optimizing the reconstruction, such as valence states control, active phase retention, phase evolution engineering, and surface poisoning prevention are comprehensively discussed. Finally, the general rules of reconstruction optimization are summarized and give perspectives for future study. It is believed that the review shall provide deep insights into electrocatalytic mechanisms and guide the design of pre‐catalysts with highly improved activity.
Interstitial Oxygen Acts as Electronic Buffer Stabilizing High‐Entropy Alloys for Trifunctional Electrocatalysis
Authors: Zou Xiaoxiao , Zhao Xinyu , Pang Bohuai , Ma Hang , Zeng Kun , Zhi Songsong , Guo Hong 
Published: October 2024

AbstractUnderstanding the effect of elements’ oxygen affinity is essential for comprehending high‐entropy alloys’ (HEAs) complete properties. However, the origin of HEAs' oxygen‐containing structure and stability remains poorly understood, primarily due to their diverse components, hindering synthesis and analysis. Herein, the O‐doping HEAs (HEA‐O) have demonstrated outstanding performance and stability in electrolyzed water and Zinc–air batteries which can be reassembled after being stable for more than 1600 h when the zinc consumption is over. The experiment and DFT simulation demonstrate that Cr with strong oxygen affinity can introduce more oxygen into the system of HEAs. Consequently, interstitial oxygens act as electronic buffers making the binding energy of other metal elements move to a higher level. Additionally, O‐doping lowers the d‐band center promoting electrochemical activity and increasing vacancy formation energies of metal active sites leading to super stability. The study provides significant insights into the design and comprehension of interstitial oxygen‐doped HEAs.