bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigation of the influence of pH on the properties and morphology of gelatin hydrogels
Authors: Goudie K. J. , McCreath S. J. , Parkinson J. A. , Davidson C. M. , Liggat J. J. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThe behavior of gelatin hydrogels is influenced by the charges located on the amino acid side chains throughout the gelatin molecules. The presence and distribution of ionisable side chains influences the surface activity of gelatin and ultimately determines the material properties. Herein, we report the influence of pH on mechanical properties as studied by texture analysis supported by data from polarimetry, zeta potential, pH titrations and NMR experiments. When adjusted to more extreme pH values (pH 2 and 12), softer gelatin blocks were observed. However, at pH values close to the isoelectric point (pH 5–10), the material is firmer. This behavior is related to the helical content. At pH 2 and pH 12 the surface of the gelatin carries a net charge, positive and negative, respectively, that inhibits the formation of tight helices and lowers the physical crosslink network density. Chemical shift perturbations were observed for the acidic amino acids glutamic and aspartic acid, under acidic pH, where their peaks shifted to higher ppm. Intense amide signals were observed at acidic pH but diminished with increasing pH. This was due to an increase in the rate of chemical exchange between the solvent and peptide amide protons as the pH increases.
Single‐tube two‐pronged approach using both cell‐free DNA and RNA for multimodal biomarker tests at the time of biopsy
Authors: Lin Shu‐Ti , Lai Hung‐Chih , Yeh Chen 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThe emergence of noninvasive liquid biopsy procedures as an alternative to surgical biopsies has fueled an intensive research effort and investment into the detection of cell‐free disease biomarkers. By pairing next‐generation sequencing (NGS) and RT‐qPCR technologies on cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) and RNA (cfRNA), respectively, we have established and validated a high‐throughput and quick‐turnaround workflow for highly sensitive detection of genomic alterations using a single tube of blood. This emphasizes the importance of our cfDNA/cfRNA recovery and enrichment knowhow to maximize the chance to capture relevant rare biomarkers. On the cfDNA‐NGS axis, sensitivity and specificity of 95% and 98% were recorded for somatic variants of ≥1% VAF, with high concordance observed between the in‐house and orthogonal assays. Overall accuracy for the cfRNA and RT‐qPCR portion of the workflow was >95%. Real‐world data of patients underwent the two‐pronged testing scheme revealed dramatic beneficial outcomes guided by genomic‐matched treatments. When implemented at the time of biopsy to expedite treatment decision‐making in the earliest possible way, the single‐tube two‐pronged approach can effectively reduce time to treatment initiation by about 70%. The cfDNA–cfRNA paired test is suitable for implementation in routine clinical decision‐making to maximize the benefit without delay.
Development and characterization of nanoemulsions loaded with essential oil and β‐cypermethrin and their bioefficacy on insect pest of economic and medical importance
Authors: Jesser Emiliano , Yeguerman Cristhian Alan , Urrutia Rodrigo Iñaki , Murray Ana Paula , Domini Claudia , Werdin‐González Jorge Omar 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe development of novel and ecofriendly tools plays an important role in insect pest management. Nanoemulsions (NEs) based on essential oils (EOs) offer a safer alternative for human health and the environment. This study aimed to elaborate and evaluate the toxicological effects of NEs containing peppermint or palmarosa EOs combined with β‐cypermethrin (β‐CP) using ultrasound technique.ResultsThe optimized ratio of active ingredients to surfactant was 1:2. The NEs containing peppermint EO combined with β‐CP (NEs peppermint/β‐CP) were polydisperse with two peaks at 12.77 nm (33.4% intensity) and 299.1 nm (66.6% intensity). However, the NEs containing palmarosa EO combined with β‐CP (NEs palmarosa/β‐CP) were monodisperse with a size of 104.5 nm. Both NEs were transparent and stable for 2 months. The insecticidal effect of NEs was evaluated against Tribolium castaneum and Sitophilus oryzae adults, as well as Culex pipiens pipiens larvae. On all these insects, NEs peppermint/β‐CP enhanced pyrethroid bioactivity from 4.22‐ to 16‐folds while NEs palmarosa/β‐CP, from 3.90‐ to 10.6‐folds. Moreover, both NEs maintained high insecticidal activities against all insects for 2 months, although a slight increase of the particle size was detected.ConclusionThe NEs elaborated in this work can be considered as highly promising formulations for the development of new insecticides. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Saikosaponins regulate bile acid excretion in mice liver and ileum by activating farnesoid X receptor and bile acid transporter
Authors: Wang YuKun , Li Jing , Wu Li , Qin XueMei , Xie Cen , Gao XiaoXia 
Published: June 2023

AbstractRadix Bupleuri exerts effective hepatoprotective and cholagogic effects through its Saikosaponins (SSs) component. Therefore, we attempted to determine the mechanism of saikosaponins used to promote bile excretion by studying their effects on intrahepatic bile flow, focusing on the synthesis, transport, excretion, and metabolism of bile acids. C57BL/6N mice were continuously gavaged with saikosaponin a (SSa), saikosaponin b2 (SSb2), or saikosaponin D (SSd) (200 mg/kg) for 14 days. Liver and serum biochemical indices were determined using Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. In addition, an ultra‐performance liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometer (UPLC–MS) was used to measure the levels of the 16 bile acids in the liver, gallbladder, and cecal contents. Furthermore, SSs pharmacokinetics and docking between SSs and farnesoid X receptor (FXR)‐related proteins were analyzed to investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms. Administration of SSs and Radix Bupleuri alcohol extract (ESS) did not cause significant changes in alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), or alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels. Saikosaponin‐regulated changes in bile acid (BA) levels in the liver, gallbladder, and cecum were closely related to genes involved in BA synthesis, transport, and excretion in the liver. Pharmacokinetic studies indicated that SSs were characterized by rapid elimination (t1/2 as 0.68–2.47 h), absorption (Tmax as 0.47–0.78 h), and double peaks in the drug–time curves of SSa and SSb2. A molecular docking study revealed that SSa, SSb2, and SSd docked well with the 16 protein FXR molecules and target genes (<−5.2 kcal/mol). Collectively, saikosaponins may maintain BA homeostasis in mice by regulating FXR‐related genes and transporters in the liver and intestine.
Toward Border‐Crossing Biliteracies: Pláticas of Midwest Transnational Latinx Families Reading and (Re)writing the World
Authors: Nuñez Idalia 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThis article focuses on the experiences of transnational Latinx youth and families through historias shared by the mothers. Transnational communities such as those from Latinx immigrant backgrounds have acquired critical perspectives because of their experiences in and across borders that have become central to their understanding of how to navigate learning in the U.S. context. As such, learning about border‐crossing knowledge and literacies from transnational students, families, and communities has become increasingly relevant and a timely pressing topic in today's U.S. language and literacy education and beyond. This study employed a pláticas methodology to capture how transnational Latinx mothers storied their bilingual children's biliteracies. This study draws on transnational literacies and transcultural knowledge to conceptualize border‐crossing biliteracies, a lens for understanding how transnational children read and write the world. Drawing on this lens, the findings reveal how transnational Latinx families disrupt and expand the meaning of family, language, literacy, and cultural teaching and learning for transnational Latinx youth. Rooted in their experiences, this article discusses and unpacks the meaning of border‐crossing biliteracies pedagogy and offers implications for bilingual educators, curriculum developers, and researchers.
Stakeholder perceptions of sustainability and possible behaviour in a biosphere reserve
Authors: Botha Elricke 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThe sustainability of biosphere reserves is arguably linked to socio‐economic factors, yet limited research exists that links socio‐economic factors, sustainable development, and tourism with biosphere reserves. There is thus a need for studies to determine how stakeholders engage in the process of sustainability. Determining stakeholders' perceptions can be useful during several stages of the conservation programme implementation. These perceptions could also indicate how stakeholders would participate in the conservation programme. This research aimed to gauge tourism entrepreneurs' possible behaviour as custodians of the Marico Biosphere Reserve. This was operationalised by determining their perceptions of sustainability. This research applied thematic analysis which identified themes related to the necessity of protecting natural resources, designation uncertainties and how to ensure sustainability. As there is a link between perceptions and behaviour, these results were further contextualised in the protection motivation theory, which raised concerns about tourism entrepreneurs' self‐efficacy and response costs that could hinder the desired protective behaviour in the reserve. Practical implications relate to employing a bottom‐up management approach, creating awareness, sustainable tourism development, and increasing social cohesion, while theoretical implications suggest extending the protection motivation theory with place attachment and social cohesion dimensions. Future research recommendations are suggested.
Investigating the structure of the oxide on Ni‐Cr‐Mo alloys while presenting a method for analysis of complex oxides using QUASES
Authors: Morgan Adam M. , Henderson Jeffrey D. , Kobe Brad A. , Biesinger Mark C. , Noël James J. 
Published: June 2023

X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) is a technique that is widely used to study thin oxide films because of its extremely high surface sensitivity. Utilizing the QUASES (Quantitative Analysis of Surfaces by Electron Spectroscopy) software package developed by Sven Tougaard (University of Southern Denmark), a user can obtain additional information that is not extracted in conventional XPS analysis, specifically the composition as a function of depth. Presented here is the QUASES analysis of four Ni‐Cr‐Mo alloys performed while testing various inelastic mean free path (IMFP) determination methods in the context of providing a framework for the analysis of complex oxides in QUASES. Ni‐Cr‐Mo alloys are often used to replace conventional materials under aggressive conditions, because of their exceptional corrosion resistance. Their corrosion resistance is conferred by the formation of an inert surface oxide film that protects the underlying metal. Using the QUASES software, the thickness of the air‐formed oxide on four Ni‐Cr‐Mo alloys was found to lie within the range of 2.5–3.6 nm. They were found to be composed of an inner Cr2O3 layer and an outer Cr (OH)3 layer, with a transition zone where the two coexisted. Oxidized Mo species, MoO2 and MoO3, were found in trace amounts at the boundary between the Cr2O3‐only and mixed Cr2O3/Cr (OH)3 regions of the oxide. We also determined that using 20% reduced IMFP values gave results similar to those obtained using electron effective attenuation length (EAL) values. Auger depth profiles showed comparable trends to the QUASES models.
Asymmetric Active Sites for Boosting Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Han Linkai , Yu Haifeng , Xiang Zhonghua 
Published: June 2023

AbstractTransition metal‐nitrogen‐carbon materials with atomically dispersed active sites are promising catalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) since they combine the strengths of both homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts. However, the canonically symmetric active site usually exhibits poor OER intrinsic activity due to its excessively strong or weak oxygen species adsorption. Here, a catalyst with asymmetric MN4 sites based on the 3‐s‐triazine of g‐C3N4 (termed as a‐MN4@NC) is proposed. Compared to symmetric, the asymmetric active sites directly modulate the oxygen species adsorption via unifying planar and axial orbitals (dx2‐y2, dz2), thus enabling higher OER intrinsic activity. In Silico screening suggested that cobalt has the best OER activity among familiar nonprecious transition metal. These experimental results suggest that the intrinsic activity of asymmetric active sites (179 mV overpotential at onset potential) is enhanced by 48.4% compared to symmetric under similar conditions. Remarkably, a‐CoN4@NC showed excellent activity in alkaline water electrolyzer (AWE) device as OER catalyst, the electrolyzer only required 1.7 V and 2.1 V respectively to reach the current density of 150 mA cm−2 and 500 mA cm−2. This work opens an avenue for modulating the active sites to obtain high intrinsic electrocatalytic performance including, but not limited to, OER.
Regulating SEI Components of Sodium Anode via Capturing Organic–Molecule Intermediates in Ester‐Based Electrolyte
Authors: Li Xin , Xu Pan , Ni Hongbin , Lin Xiaodong , Wang Yajing , Fan Jingmin , Zheng Mingsen , Yuan Ruming , Dong Quanfeng 
Published: June 2023

AbstractHighly reversible sodium metal anodes are still regarded as a stubborn hurdle in ester‐based electrolytes due to the issue of uncontrollable dendrites and incredibly unstable interphase. Evidently, a strong protective film on sodium is decisive, while the quality of the protective film is mainly determined by its components. However, it is challenging to actively adjust the expected components. This work can regulate the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) components by introducing a functional electrolyte additive (2‐chloro‐1,3‐dimethylimidazoline hexafluorophosphate (CDIH, namely CDI++PF6−)) into FEC/PC ester‐based electrolyte. Specifically, the chloride element in the CDI+ can easily react to form a NaF/NaCl‐rich SEI together with the decomposition products of FEC; then the CDI+ without chlorine as a gripper to capture the organic–molecule intermediates generated during FEC decomposition to greatly reduce the content of unstable organic components in SEI, which can be confirmed by molecular dynamic simulation and experiment. Eventually, a highly reversible Na deposition behavior can be delivered. As expected, under the action of CDIH additives, the Na||Na symmetrical cell performs an excellent long‐term cycling (>800 h, 0.5 mA cm−2–0.5 mAh cm−2) and rate performance (0.5–4 mA cm−2). Furthermore, the Na||PB full cell exhibits the outstanding electrochemical performance with small polarization.
Flexural property and design method evaluation of BFRP and steel bars hybrid reinforced concrete beams
Authors: Su Chang , Wang Xin , Ding Lining , Liu Shui , Wu Zhishen 
Published: June 2023

AbstractFiber reinforced polymer (FRP) bars have been widely used as a replacement for steel bars in civil engineering due to their high strength and superior durability. However, compared to steel reinforced concrete (RC) beams, FRP RC beams have insufficient ductility and are more expensive. Therefore, a hybrid beam reinforced with steel and FRP bars has been proposed recently. In this study, the flexural properties of steel bar RC beam, basalt FRP (BFRP) bar RC beam, and BFRP steel bars hybrid RC beams were studied based on numerical simulation. The effect of As/Af on the stress of longitudinal reinforcements, load–midspan curves, ductility, and overall performance of the hybrid RC beams is analyzed. Results indicated that the hybrid RC beams exhibited a second‐order stiffness after the steel bars yielded owing to the contribution of the BFRP bars. As As/Af increases, the ductility of the hybrid RC beam and the strength utilization of BFRP bars increase, and a preferable ductility and overall performance can be achieved when As/Af was close to 1.0. The theoretical calculation results of hybrid RC beams based on ACI, CSA, and GB codes are compared with the simulation results, and the accuracy of the ultimate flexural strength of the prediction results is verified. In addition, equations for predicting the deflection of hybrid RC beams are proposed, and they exhibit higher prediction accuracy compared to the prediction models based on the ACI code.
Female‐to‐male differential transcription patterns of miRNA‐mRNA networks in the livers of dioxin‐exposed mice
Authors: Hammoudeh Nour , Soukkarieh Chadi , Murphy Denis J. , Hanano Abdulsamie 
Published: June 2023

AbstractNon‐coding microRNAs (miRNAs) have important roles in regulating the expression of liver mRNAs in response to xenobiotic‐exposure, but their roles concerning dioxins such as TCDD (2,3,7,8‐Tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin) are less clear. This report concerns the potential implication of liver (class I) and circulating (class II) miRNAs in hepatotoxicity of female and male mice after acute exposure to TCDD. The data show that, of a total of 38 types of miRNAs, the expression of eight miRNAs were upregulated in both female and male mice exposed to TCDD. Inversely, the expression of nine miRNAs were significantly downregulated in both animal genders. Moreover, certain miRNAs were preferentially induced in either females or males. The potential downstream regulatory effects of miRNAs on their target genes was evaluated by determining the expression of three group of genes that are potentially involved in cancer biogenesis, other diseases and in hepatotoxicity. It was found that certain cancer‐related genes were more highly expressed females rather than males after exposure to TCDD. Furthermore, a paradoxical female‐to‐male transcriptional pattern was found for several disease‐related and hepatotoxicity‐related genes. These results suggest the possibility of developing of new miRNA‐specific interfering molecules to address their dysfunctions as caused by TCDD.
A review on ultrasound assisted synthesis of metal oxide and doped metal oxide nanocatalysts and subsequent application as photocatalyst for dye degradation
Authors: Dey Ananya , Gogate Parag R. , Gote Yogesh M. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractIn recent years, research on improving the synthesis of catalysts has been at the forefront because of advancements in nanotechnology and greener conventions. Using ultrasound (US) during nanocatalysts synthesis is one of the green approaches that can yield improved catalyst characteristics under conditions of shorter reaction time and requirement of low temperature and pressure. The current paper aims at giving an insight into US‐assisted synthesis (emphasized on sol‐gel and hydrothermal) of different metal oxide nanocatalysts. It has been elucidated that US‐assisted synthesis gives nanocatalyst with narrower particle size distribution with lower mean size, higher surface area, better morphology with less agglomeration, and higher catalytic activity. Ultrasound has thus been demonstrated to yield improvements in morphological, optical, and electronic properties of the nanocatalysts, however, scalability and industrial application of sonochemical synthesis have not been seen very popular. Some guidelines for future research into the development of novel nanocatalysts and industrial scale‐up studies are also provided. The review also summarizes the application of these metal oxides as photocatalysts for dye degradation or effluent treatment containing dyes, highlighting the fundamentals of photocatalysis as well. A comparative study has been reported for catalysts obtained using the US‐assisted synthesis and conventional synthesis of the photocatalysts in terms of catalytic activity. The benefits of using ultrasound‐assisted synthesis in terms of higher photocatalytic degradation have been clearly demonstrated.
The effects of dietary inclusion of Camelina sativa on performance and ascites incidence in broilers subjected to cold exposure
Authors: Hajiazizi Farzaneh , Sadeghi Amirali , Karimi Ahmad 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundCamelina sativa oilseed has a high amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids (FAs) especially α‐linolenic acid. n − 3 FA can improve the deformability of erythrocytes and mediate relaxations in coronary artery such as nitric oxide (NO) that is the principal vasodilator responsible for diminution the pulmonary arterial hypertension response.MethodsTo investigate the effects of camelina sources on ascites incidence in broilers kept on altitude, 672 male chicks were fed with 7 dietary treatments, including control, 2% or 4% camelina oil (CO), 5% or 10% camelina meal (CM) and 5% or 10% camelina seeds (CS) diets.ResultsSupplementation of 2% CO had no negative impact on performance, whereas feed intake and body weight gains decreased (p < 0.05) by adding 4% CO, CM and CS. Birds fed camelina diets had lower serum triglyceride at day 42, total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol at both 28 and 42 days. Plasma aspartate aminotransferase decreased (p < 0.001) among 5% and 10% CS groups on day 42. Serum and liver concentrations of malondialdehyde declined (p < 0.05) by camelina treatments, whereas serum NO and liver glutathione peroxidase activity significantly elevated. Red blood cell, heterophils and H:L ratio were lower but lymphocyte was higher in camelina groups. Inclusion of camelina reduced (p < 0.05) relative weights of heart and right ventricle, the weight of right ventricle to total ventricle ratio and ascites mortality.ConclusionsUse of 2% CO as a source of n − 3 FA can improve ascites condition and mortality in broilers reared at high altitude without the reduction of growth performance. However, feeding 4% CO or 5% and 10% CS or CM reduced broiler performance.
Morphological and molecular characterization of Fasciola isolates from livestock in Golestan province, northern Iran
Authors: Sharbatkhori Mitra , Nasibi Saeid , Mohammadi Mohammad Ali , Aryaeipour Mojgan , Raeghi Saber , Fasihi Harandi Majid 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundFascioliasis, caused by the liver flukes Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica, is a global zoonotic helminthic disease. The livestock and human are the final hosts of the parasites. Northern Iran is an important endemic region for fascioliasis. Few studies have been conducted on the characterization of Fasciola isolates from eastern regions of the Caspian littoral of the country.ObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to identify F. hepatica, F. gigantica and intermediate/hybrid forms of Fasciola isolates from livestock in Golestan province, northern Iran, using morphometric and molecular tools.MethodsLivestock livers naturally infected with Fasciola spp. were collected from Golestan slaughterhouse during 2019–2020. The worms were morphometrically studied using a calibrated stereomicroscope. Genomic DNA was extracted from all samples, and polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR–RFLP) was performed on internal transcribed spacer (ITS1) region using Rsa1 restriction enzyme. All the isolates were then analysed by multiplex PCR on Pepck region.ResultsA total of 110 Fasciola isolates were collected from the infected livers, including 94 sheep, 12 cattle and 4 goats. Morphometric analysis of 61 adult Fasciola isolates indicated that, 44 and 17 isolates belonged to F. hepatica and F. gigantica, respectively. Eighty‐one and 29 isolates belonged to F. hepatica and F. gigantica using ITS1‐RFLP, respectively. However, Pepck Multiplex PCR indicated 72 F. hepatica, 26 F. gigantica and 12 intermediate/hybrid forms. All 12 hybrid isolates were found in sheep host. Two isolates were identified as F. gigantica using morphometry and F. hepatica using both molecular methods.ConclusionThe present study confirmed the existence of both F. hepatica and F. gigantica species and reported the first molecular evidence of hybrid Fasciola isolates in ruminants of Golestan province.