bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prophylactic Strategy Against De Novo Hepatitis B Virus Infection for Pediatric Recipients Who Receive Hepatitis B Core Antibody–Positive Liver Grafts
Authors: Song Zhuolun , Dong Chong , Meng Xingchu , Sun Chao , Wang Kai , Qin Hong , Han Chao , Yang Yang , Zhang Fubo , Zheng Weiping , Chen Jing , Duan Keran , Bi Bowen , Gao Wei 
Published: June 2020

The goal of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a perioperative prophylactic strategy against de novo hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in pediatric liver transplantation (LT) recipients with hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb)–positive grafts. A total of 482 pediatric recipients transplanted between 2013 and 2017 were enrolled, and 170 recipients received HBcAb‐positive liver grafts. The overall graft and recipient survival rates in HBcAb‐positive and HBcAb‐negative graft recipients were 91.8% versus 91.3% and 95.3% versus 94.2% at the end of follow‐up. Preoperative hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb) titer ≥ 1000 IU/L and postoperative HBsAb titer ≥200 IU/L were our prophylactic targets for recipients receiving HBcAb‐positive grafts. While 11 recipients developed de novo HBV infection, 10 received HBcAb‐positive grafts. Both the preoperative and postoperative HBsAb targets were achieved in 78 recipients, the infection rate of de novo HBV was 1.3%; 24 recipients met the preoperative target, the infection rate was 4.2%; 52 recipients met the postoperative target, the infection rate was 1.9%; and 16 recipients met neither the preoperative nor postoperative HBsAb target, 43.8% of the recipients were infected with de novo HBV, which was significantly higher than the recipients who met both or either of the preoperative and postoperative targets. Split‐liver grafts positive for HBcAb showed higher risk of de novo HBV infection. Postoperative application of lamivudine to recipients whose preoperative HBsAb titer < 1000 IU/L did not show preventive effect. Out of 11 infected recipients, 3 showed seroconversion under entecavir treatment. In conclusion, the graft and recipient survival rates were similar in pediatric LT recipients receiving HBcAb‐positive or HBcAb‐negative grafts. Our prophylactic strategy was effective for preventing de novo HBV infection in HBcAb‐positive liver graft recipients.
Etiology of Liver Steatosis Influences the Severity of Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury and Survival After Liver Transplantation in Rats
Authors: Miyachi Yosuke , Yagi Shintaro , Hirata Masaaki , Iwamura Sena , Yao Siyuan , Shirai Hisaya , Okumura Shinya , Iida Taku , Ito Takashi , Uozumi Ryuji , Kaido Toshimi , Uemoto Shinji 
Published: June 2020

Liver steatosis is a leading cause of graft disposal in liver transplantation, though the degree of steatosis is often the single factor determining acceptability of the graft. We investigated how the cause of liver steatosis affects graft function in rat orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). OLT was performed using 2 types of steatotic liver grafts: the fasting and hyperalimentation (FHA) model and the methionine‐ and choline‐deficient diet models. The FHA and 4‐week feeding of a methionine‐ and choline‐deficient diet (MCDD4wk) groups showed similar liver triglyceride levels without signs of steatohepatitis. Therefore, the 2 groups were compared in the following experiment. With 6‐hour cold storage, the 7‐day survival rate after OLT was far worse in the FHA than in the MCDD4wk group (0% versus 100%, P = 0.002). With 1‐hour cold storage, the FHA group showed higher aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels and histological injury scores in zones 1 and 2 at 24 hours after reperfusion than the normal liver and MCDD4wk groups. Intrahepatic microcirculation and tissue adenosine triphosphate levels were significantly lower in the FHA group after reperfusion. Hepatocyte necrosis, sinusoidal endothelial cell injury, and abnormal swelling of the mitochondria were also found in the FHA group after reperfusion. Tissue malondialdehyde levels were higher in the MCDD4wk group before and after reperfusion. However, the grafts up‐regulated several antioxidant enzymes soon after reperfusion. Even though the degree of steatosis was equivalent, the 2 liver steatosis models possessed quite unique basal characteristics and showed completely different responses against ischemia/reperfusion injury and survival after transplantation. Our results demonstrate that the degree of fat accumulation is not a single determinant for the usability of steatotic liver grafts.
Prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility of Salmonella in poultry farms and in‐contact humans in Adama and Modjo towns, Ethiopia
Authors: Dagnew Betelhem , Alemayehu Haile , Medhin Girmay , Eguale Tadesse 
Published: June 2020

AbstractConsumption of contaminated poultry and poultry products represents a common source of nontyphoidal Salmonella infection. Little is known on the status of Salmonella and their antimicrobial susceptibility in poultry farms in Ethiopia. This study investigated the prevalence, serotype distribution, and antimicrobial susceptibility of nontyphoidal Salmonella among poultry farms in Adama and Modjo towns. Three hundred thirty‐four cloacal swabs, 384 fecal droppings of birds, 59 feed, 59 floor swabs, and 36 stools from in‐contact humans were collected and processed for Salmonella isolation. Isolates were tested for their susceptibility to 15 antimicrobials using Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion assay. Seventeen (28.8%) of the farms and 24 (2.9%) of the samples from poultry farms and 2.8% (1/36) of stool samples of humans in‐contact with poultry were positive for Salmonella. Most of the isolates (n = 21) were recovered from fecal droppings of birds while the remaining isolates were recovered from floor swab samples (n = 2) and cloacal swab sample (n = 1). Only three Salmonella serovars: S. Haifa (n = 14, 56%), S. Anatum (n = 7; 28%), and S. Give (n = 4; 16%) were detected. Poultry farms in Adama town, large flock sized farms, and farms that used antimicrobials were significantly associated with the occurrence of Salmonella (p < .05). Twenty (80%) and 19 (76%) of Salmonella isolates were resistant to streptomycin and tetracycline, respectively. Nineteen (76%) of the isolates were resistant to two or more antimicrobials. Detection of multidrug‐resistant strains of Salmonella in poultry farms suggests the need for detailed epidemiological and molecular studies to establish sources of acquisition of resistant Salmonella strains.
A novel c.2179T>C mutation blocked the intracellular transport of PHEX protein and caused X‐linked hypophosphatemic rickets in a Chinese family
Authors: Li Baowei , Wang Xiong , Hao Xiaodan , Liu Yanran , Wang Yin , Shan Chan , Ao Xiang , Liu Ying , Bao HongChu , Li Peifeng 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundX‐linked hypophosphatemic rickets (XLH) is a heterogeneous genetic phosphate wasting disorder that occupies the majority of inheritable hypophosphatemic rickets (HR). XLH is caused by loss‐of‐function mutations in the phosphate‐regulating endopeptidase gene (PHEX) located on the X chromosome.MethodIn this study, we performed whole‐exome sequencing (WES) on the proband to identify the causative gene. The mutations were analyzed by predictive online software, such as PolyPhen‐2. Plasmids containing the wild‐type (WT) and mutant cDNA of the candidate gene were transfected into HEK293, then, the expression, cellular localization, and glycosylation state of the candidate proteins were detected by western blot, immunostaining, and endoglycosidase H digestion. The expression and concentration of related factor were measured by RT‐PCR and ELISA.ResultsWe identified a novel missense mutation c.2179T>C in the PHEX that results in the substitution of p.Phe727Leu (F727L). This mutation was predicted to be disease‐causing by all four predictive online software. In vitro studies demonstrated that the F727L substitution hindered the intracellular trafficking of the mutant PHEX, with ~59% of mutant PHEX protein retained in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and only ~16% of the mutant protein localized on the cell surface. Endoglycosidase H digestion assay showed that the mutant F727L PHEX protein was not fully glycosylated. The concentration of intact FGF23 in hFOB1.19 cell culture medium collected from the mutant PHEX group was the highest (62.9 pg/ml) compared to the WT group (32.1 pg/ml) and control group (23.5 pg/ml).ConclusionOur results confirmed that the mutant PHEX protein was lowly glycosylated and retarded within the ER, the intact FGF23 level in cell culture media caused by the mutant PHEX protein was significantly elevated compared to that of the WT group, which may explain why the single base mutation in the PHEX led to XLH syndrome in this family.
Development and characterization of a simulation module in the temporal domain for experimental optical atmospheric links affected by optical turbulence with gamma‐gamma probability density function
Authors: Arvizu‐Mondragón Arturo , Santos‐Aguilar Joel , López‐Leyva Josué A. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractWe present the development and characterization of a simulation module in the temporal domain for optical atmospheric links affected by optical turbulence with Gamma‐Gamma probability density function. We generate time series for different turbulence levels, from weak to strong, to simulate the effect produced by the atmospheric optical channel over an optical carrier with binary‐modulated intensity. We added at the photoreceiver stage a time‐domain amplitude noise from a real‐world component. We carried out performance evaluation of the simulated links through eye pattern diagrams making a qualitative comparison of the waveforms obtained in some of our simulations with waveforms acquired in our long‐distance atmospheric optical links. Our module allows carrying out in a simple way the design and the characterization in the time domain by simulation models of optical links for atmospheric optical communications. Including parameters of physical components, we can obtain results closer to those obtained in the real world.
Whole blood survival motor neuron protein levels correlate with severity of denervation in spinal muscular atrophy
Authors: Alves Christiano R. R. , Zhang Ren , Johnstone Alec J. , Garner Reid , Eichelberger Eric J. , Lepez Salomé Da Silva Duarte , Yi Vivian , Stevens Victoria , Poxson Rebekah , Schwartz Rachel , Zaworski Phillip , Swoboda Kathryn J. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIntroductionWe sought to determine whether survival motor neuron (SMN) protein blood levels correlate with denervation and SMN2 copies in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).MethodsUsing a mixed‐effect model, we tested associations between SMN levels, compound muscle action potential (CMAP), and SMN2 copies in a cohort of 74 patients with SMA. We analyzed a subset of 19 of these patients plus four additional patients who had been treated with received gene therapy to examine SMN trajectories early in life.ResultsPatients with SMA who had lower CMAP values had lower circulating SMN levels (P = .04). Survival motor neuron protein levels were different between patients with two and three SMN2 copies (P < .0001) and between symptomatic and presymptomatic patients (P < .0001), with the highest levels after birth and progressive decline over the first 3 years. Neither nusinersen nor gene therapy clearly altered SMN levels.DiscussionThese data provide evidence that whole blood SMN levels correlate with SMN2 copy number and severity of denervation.
Extended isogeometric analysis for cohesive fracture
Authors: Fathi Farshid , Chen Lin , de Borst René 
Published: June 2020

SummaryThe objective of this study is to present an extended isogeometric formulation for cohesive fracture. The approach exploits the higher order interelement continuity property of nonuniform rational B‐splines (NURBS), in particular the higher accuracy that results for the stress prediction, which yields an improved estimate for the direction of crack propagation compared to customary Lagrangian interpolations. Shifting is used to ensure compatibility with the surrounding discretization, where, different from extended finite element methods, the affected elements stretch over several rows perpendicular to the crack path. To avoid fine meshes around the crack tip in case of cohesive fracture, a blending function is used in the extension direction of the crack path. To comply with standard finite element data structures, Bézier extraction is used. The absence of the Kronecker‐delta property in the higher order interpolations of isogeometric analysis impedes the enrichment scheme and compatibility enforcement. These issues are studied comprehensively at the hand of several examples, while crack propagation analyses show the viability of the approach.
Relationship between polarons and optical activity for conductive polymer/hydroxypropyl cellulose composite
Authors: Eguchi Naoto , Goto Hiromasa 
Published: June 2020

AbstractA chiroptical conjugated polymer, poly(2,2′‐bis[3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene]‐alt‐fluorene) (poly[E‐Flu]), was synthesized by electrochemical polymerization in a hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) based cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) electrolyte solution. Subsequent poly(E‐Flu) characterization was conducted using polarizing optical microscopy and atomic force microscopy, as well as electrochemical, spectroscopic, and electron spin resonance (ESR) measurements. Surface observations reveal that the poly(E‐Flu) film has a fingerprint texture, which is typical optical textures of CLCs exposed to cross‐polarization. Fingerprint texture of poly(E‐Flu) indicates that the transcription of the CLC helical structure from the CLC electrolyte solution to the conjugated polymer has occurred during the electrochemical polymerization reaction. Optical rotation dispersity and circular dichroism (CD) spectra indicated that poly(E‐Flu) is optically active and that its optical activity is reversibly changed in the electrochemical redox processes.
Investigation of interactions between cytochrome c and ginsenosides by native mass spectrometry and molecular docking simulations
Authors: Du Yang , Zhao Fengjiao , Xing Junpeng , Cui Meng , Liu Zhiqiang 
Published: June 2020

RationaleGinsenosides are considered to be the main functional components in ginseng and possess various important pharmacological activities. The study of the interactions between ginsenosides and proteins is indispensable for understanding the pharmacological activities of ginsenosides. In this work, the interactions of ginsenosides with cytochrome c (cyt c) were investigated by native mass spectrometry and molecular docking simulations.MethodsThe interactions of four ginsenosides (Rb1, Rb3, Rf, Rg1) and cyt c in NH4OAc solution were investigated by electrospray ionization linear ion trap mass spectrometry (ESI‐LTQ‐MS). Molecular docking simulations of cyt c complexes were carried out by AutoDock.ResultsThe native mass spectrometry results showed that the four ginsenosides were directly bound to cyt c, with stoichiometric ratios of 1:1 and 2:1 in NH4OAc. The order of relative binding abilities of ginsenosides to cyt c obtained by ESI‐MS was Rb1 > Rb3 > Rf > Rg1, which was consistent with the docking results. Moreover, molecular docking simulations also indicated potential binding sites of cyt c and ginsenosides. Hydrogen‐bond interaction played a very important role in cyt c binding with ginsenosides.ConclusionsIt has been demonstrated that native MS is a useful tool to investigate the interactions of ginsenosides with cyt c. Molecular docking is a good complement to ESI analysis, and can provide information on potential binding sites of cyt c–ginsenoside complexess. This strategy will be helpful to further understand the interactions of proteins and small molecules.
An online power allocation algorithm based on deep reinforcement learning in multibeam satellite systems
Authors: Zhang Pei , Wang Xiaohui , Ma Zhiguo , Liu Shuaijun , Song Junde 
Published: June 2020

SummaryDynamic power allocation (DPA) is the key technique to improve the system throughput by matching the offered capacity with that required among distributed beams in multibeam satellite systems. Existing power allocation studies tend to adopt the metaheuristic optimization algorithms such as the genetic algorithm. The achieved DPA cannot adapt to the dynamic environments due to the varying traffic demands and the channel conditions. To solve this problem, an online algorithm named deep reinforcement learning‐based dynamic power allocation (DRL‐DPA) algorithm is proposed in this paper. The key idea of the proposed DRL‐DPA lies in the online power allocation decision making other than the offline way of the traditional metaheuristic methods. Simulation results show that the proposed DRL‐DPA algorithm can improve the system performance in terms of system throughput and power consumption in multibeam satellite systems.
Broad Bandwidth, Self‐Powered Acoustic Sensor Created by Dynamic Near‐Field Electrospinning of Suspended, Transparent Piezoelectric Nanofiber Mesh
Authors: Wang Wenyu , Stipp Patrick N. , Ouaras Karim , Fathi Saeed , Huang Yan Yan Shery 
Published: June 2020

AbstractFreely suspended nanofibers, such as spider silk, harnessing their small diameter (sub‐micrometer) and spanning fiber morphology, behave as a nonresonating acoustic sensor. The associated sensing characteristics, departing from conventional resonant acoustic sensors, could be of tremendous interest for the development of high sensitivity, broadband audible sensors for applications in environmental monitoring, biomedical diagnostics, and internet‐of‐things. Herein, a low packing density, freely suspended nanofiber mesh with a piezoelectric active polymer is fabricated, demonstrating a self‐powered acoustic sensing platform with broad sensitivity bandwidth covering 200–5000 Hz at hearing‐safe sound pressure levels. Dynamic near‐field electrospinning is developed to fabricate in situ poled poly(vinylidene fluoride‐co‐trifluoroethylene) (P(VDF‐TrFE)) nanofiber mesh (average fiber diameter ≈307 nm), exhibiting visible light transparency greater than 97%. With the ability to span the nanomesh across a suspension distance of 3 mm with minimized fiber stacking (≈18% fiber packing density), individual nanofibers can freely imitate the acoustic‐driven fluctuation of airflow in a collective manner, where piezoelectricity is harvested at two‐terminal electrodes for direct signal collection. Applications of the nanofiber mesh in music recording with good signal fidelity are demonstrated.
In Vivo Repeatedly Activated Persistent Luminescence Nanoparticles by Radiopharmaceuticals for Long‐Lasting Tumor Optical Imaging
Authors: Liu Nian , Shi Junpeng , Wang Qiang , Guo Jingru , Hou Zhenyu , Su Xinhui , Zhang Hongwu , Sun Xiaolian 
Published: June 2020

AbstractPersistent luminescence nanoparticles (PLNPs) with rechargeable near‐infrared afterglow properties attract much attention for tumor diagnosis in living animals since they can avoid tissue autofluorescence and greatly improve the signal‐to‐background ratio. Using UV, visible light, or X‐ray as excitation sources to power up persistent luminescence (PL) faces the challenges such as limited tissue penetration, inefficient charging capability, or tissue damage caused by irradiation. Here, it is proved that radiopharmaceuticals can efficiently excite ZnGa2O4:Cr3+ nanoparticles (ZGCs) for both fluorescence and afterglow luminescence via Cerenkov resonance energy transfer as well as ionizing radiation. 18F‐FDG, a clinically approved tumor‐imaging radiopharmaceutical with a short decay half‐life around 110 min, is successfully used as the internal light source to in vivo excite intravenously injected ZGCs for tumor luminescence imaging over 3 h. The luminescence with similar decay time can be re‐obtained for multiple times upon injection of 18F‐FDG at any time needed with no health concern. It is believed this strategy can not only provide tumor luminescence imaging with high sensitivity, high contrast, and long decay time at desired time, but also guarantee the patients much less radiation exposure, greatly benefiting image‐guided surgery in the future.
Interface Modulation of MoS2/Metal Oxide Heterostructures for Efficient Hydrogen Evolution Electrocatalysis
Authors: Hu Jue , Zhang Chengxu , Zhang Yizhen , Yang Baomin , Qi Qianglong , Sun Mingzi , Zi Futing , Leung Michael K. H. , Huang Bolong 
Published: June 2020

AbstractDeveloping efficient earth‐abundant MoS2 based hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) electrocatalysts is important but challenging due to the sluggish kinetics in alkaline media. Herein, a strategy to fabricate a high‐performance MoS2 based HER electrocatalyst by modulating interface electronic structure via metal oxides is developed. All the heterostructure catalysts present significant improvement of HER electrocatalytic activities, demonstrating a positive role of metal oxides decoration in promoting the rate‐limited water dissociation step for the HER mechanism in alkaline media. The as‐obtained MoS2/Ni2O3H catalyst exhibits a low overpotential of 84 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and small charge‐transfer resistance of 1.5 Ω in 1 m KOH solution. The current density (217 mA cm−2) at the overpotential of 200 mV is about 2 and 24 times higher than that of commercial Pt/C and bare MoS2, respectively. Additionally, these MoS2/metal oxides heterostructure catalysts show outstanding long‐term stability under a harsh chronopotentiometry test. Theoretical calculations reveal the varied sensitivity of 3d‐band in different transition oxides, in which Ni‐3d of Ni2O3H is evidently activated to achieve fast electron transfer for HER as the electron‐depletion center. Both electronic properties and energetic reaction trends confirm the high electroactivity of MoS2/Ni2O3H in the adsorption and dissociation of H2O for highly efficient HER in alkaline media.
Manufacturing upgrading in industry 4.0 era
Authors: Chen Yongdang , Han Zhiyou , Cao Kunyu , Zheng Xianrong , Xu Xiaobo 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIntelligent manufacturing system is considered as the key of industrial competitiveness, which has a far‐reaching impact on the enterprise development. This paper conducts an analysis of intelligent manufacturing in small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs). The study provides insight on upgrading manufacturing SMEs in industry 4.0 era.
Taking the water out of “wastewater”: An ineluctable oxymoron for urban water cycle sustainability
Authors: Capodaglio Andrea G. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractWater, energy, and food are key resources that could easily limit sustainability of human society development. Water supply requires considerable amounts of energy, and “usedwater” carries considerable amounts of embedded energy and recoverable materials within. Usedwater is increasingly considered as a potential resource, rather than as a waste. Among process technology options that may allow efficient recovery of that energy, anaerobic digestion could be considered the most mature, already sporting countless applications worldwide. However, the present inefficient dilution‐base collection systems paradigm produces rather dilute sewage, preventing to a large degree a more efficient application of this technology. A new collection system paradigm, based on liquid sources segregation and minimal organics dilution, could result in significant energy savings for conveyance and treatment. This could also enhance recovery of nutrients and reclamation of potentially reusable water, with the associated benefit of reduced production of process residuals requiring further disposal. Implications of this model are discussed.Practitioner points

The nexus between water, energy, and food is an impending challenge on water cycle sustainability

Current paradigms of urban water management are based on disadvantageous paradigms: high dilution and gravity flow

Taking the water out of wastewater may improve energy and recovery efficiency of urban water systems and water reuse options

Technologies exist (high‐rate anaerobic, vacuum sewers) and are mature for more widespread application of new urban sanitation paradigms