bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MOF-derived Co2+-doped TiO2 nanoparticles as photoanodes for dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Krishnapriya R. , Nizamudeen C. , Saini B. , Mozumder M. Sayem , Sharma Rakesh K. , Mourad A.-H. I. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractFacile synthesis and application of nano-sized semiconductor metal oxides for optoelectronic devices have always affected fabrication challenges since it involves multi-step synthesis processes. In this regard, semiconductor oxides derived directly from metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) routes have gained a great deal of scientific interest owing to their high specific surface area, regular and tunable pore structures. Exploring the application potential of these MOF-derived semiconductor oxides systems for clean energy conversion and storage devices is currently a hot topic of research. In this study, titanium-based MIL-125(Ti) MOFs were used as a precursor to synthesize cobalt-doped TiO2-based dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) for the first time. The thermal decomposition of the MOF precursor under an air atmosphere at 400 °C resulted in mesoporous anatase-type TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) of uniform morphology, large surface area with narrow pore distribution. The Co2+ doping in TiO2 leads to enhanced light absorption in the visible region. When used as photoanode in DSSCs, a good power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 6.86% with good photocurrent density (Jsc) of 13.96 mA cm−2 was obtained with the lowest recombination resistance and the longest electron lifetime, which is better than the performance of the pristine TiO2-based photoanode.
Studying the effect of alpha-synuclein and Parkinson’s disease linked mutants on inter pathway connectivities
Authors: Sen Sagnik , Dey Ashmita , Maulik Ujjwal 
Published: August 2021

AbstractParkinson’s disease is a common neurodegenerative disease. The differential expression of alpha-synuclein within Lewy Bodies leads to this disease. Some missense mutations of alpha-synuclein may resultant in functional aberrations. In this study, our objective is to verify the functional adaptation due to early and late-onset mutation which can trigger or control the rate of alpha-synuclein aggregation. In this regard, we have proposed a computational model to study the difference and similarities among the Wild type alpha-synuclein and mutants i.e., A30P, A53T, G51D, E46K, and H50Q. Evolutionary sequence space analysis is also performed in this experiment. Subsequently, a comparative study has been performed between structural information and sequence space outcomes. The study shows the structural variability among the selected subtypes. This information assists inter pathway modeling due to mutational aberrations. Based on the structural variability, we have identified the protein–protein interaction partners for each protein that helps to increase the robustness of the inter-pathway connectivity. Finally, few pathways have been identified from 12 semantic networks based on their association with mitochondrial dysfunction and dopaminergic pathways.
Therapeutic efficacy of macrolides in management of patients with mild COVID-19
Authors: Rashad Alaa , Nafady Asmaa , Hassan Mohammed H. , Mansour Haggagy , Taya Usama , Bazeed Shamardan Ezzeldin S. , Aref Zaki F. , Sayed Mennatallah Ali Abdelrhman , Nafady-Hego Hanaa , Abdelmaksoud Aida A. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractEvidence on the efficacy of adding macrolides (azithromycin or clarithromycin) to the treatment regimen for COVID-19 is limited. We testify whether adding azithromycin or clarithromycin to a standard of care regimen was superior to standard of supportive care alone in patients with mild COVID-19.This randomized trial included three groups of patients with COVID-19. The azithromycin group included, 107 patients who received azithromycin 500 mg/24 h for 7 days, the clarithromycin group included 99 patients who received clarithromycin 500 /12 h for 7 days, and the control group included 99 patients who received standard care only. All three groups received only symptomatic treatment for control of fever and cough .Clinical and biochemical evaluations of the study participants including assessment of the symptoms duration, real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR), C-reactive protein (CRP), serum ferritin, D-dimer, complete blood count (CBC), in addition to non-contrast chest computed tomography (CT), were performed. The overall results revealed significant early improvement of symptoms (fever, dyspnea and cough) in patients treated with either azithromycin or clarithromycin compared to control group, also there was significant early conversion of SARS-CoV-2 PCR to negative in patients treated with either azithromycin or clarithromycin compared to control group (p < 0.05 for all).There was no significant difference in time to improvement of fever, cough, dyspnea, anosmia, gastrointestinal tract "GIT" symptoms and time to PCR negative conversion between patients treated with azithromycin compared to patients treated with clarithromycin (p > 0.05 for all). Follow up chest CT done after 2 weeks of start of treatment showed significant improvement in patients treated with either azithromycin or clarithromycin compared to control group (p < 0.05 for all).Adding Clarithromycin or azithromycin to the therapeutic protocols for COVID-19 could be beneficial for early control of fever and early PCR negative conversion in Mild COVID-19.Trial registration: (NCT04622891) www.ClinicalTrials.gov retrospectively registered (November 10, 2020).
Identification of genes, pathways and transcription factor-miRNA-target gene networks and experimental verification in venous thromboembolism
Authors: Su Yiming , Li Qiyi , Zheng Zhiyong , Wei Xiaomin , Hou Peiyong 
Published: August 2021

AbstractVenous thromboembolism (VTE) is a complex, multifactorial life-threatening disease that involves vascular endothelial cell (VEC) dysfunction. However, the exact pathogenesis and underlying mechanisms of VTE are not completely clear. The aim of this study was to identify the core genes and pathways in VECs that are involved in the development and progression of unprovoked VTE (uVTE). The microarray dataset GSE118259 was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database, and 341 up-regulated and 8 down-regulated genes were identified in the VTE patients relative to the healthy controls, including CREB1, HIF1α, CBL, ILK, ESM1 and the ribosomal protein family genes. The protein–protein interaction (PPI) network and the transcription factor (TF)-miRNA-target gene network were constructed with these differentially expressed genes (DEGs), and visualized using Cytoscape software 3.6.1. Eighty-nine miRNAs were predicted as the targeting miRNAs of the DEGs, and 197 TFs were predicted as regulators of these miRNAs. In addition, 237 node genes and 4 modules were identified in the PPI network. The significantly enriched pathways included metabolic, cell adhesion, cell proliferation and cellular response to growth factor stimulus pathways. CREB1 was a differentially expressed TF in the TF-miRNA-target gene network, which regulated six miRNA-target gene pairs. The up-regulation of ESM1, HIF1α and CREB1 was confirmed at the mRNA and protein level in the plasma of uVTE patients. Taken together, ESM1, HIF1α and the CREB1-miRNA-target genes axis play potential mechanistic roles in uVTE development.
Juvenile social defeat stress exposure favors in later onset of irritable bowel syndrome-like symptoms in male mice
Authors: Matsumoto Kenjiro , Takata Kana , Yamada Daisuke , Usuda Haruki , Wada Koichiro , Tada Maaya , Mishima Yoshiyuki , Ishihara Shunji , Horie Syunji , Saitoh Akiyoshi , Kato Shinichi 
Published: August 2021

AbstractIrritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the most common functional gastrointestinal disorder. Traumatic stress during adolescence increases the risk of IBS in adults. The aim of this study was to characterize the juvenile social defeat stress (SDS)-associated IBS model in mice. Juvenile mice were exposed to an aggressor mouse for 10 min once daily for 10 consecutive days. Behavioral tests, visceral sensitivity, immune responses, and fecal bacteria in the colon were evaluated in 5 weeks after SDS exposure. Social avoidance, anxiety- and depression-like behavior, and visceral hypersensitivity were observed. Juvenile SDS exposure significantly increased the number of 5-HT-containing cells and calcitonin gene-related peptide-positive neurons in the colon. The gut microbiota was largely similar between the control and juvenile SDS groups. The alterations in fecal pellet output, bead expulsion time, plasma corticosterone concentration, and colonic 5-HT content in response to restraint stress were exacerbated in the juvenile SDS group compared with the control group. The combination of juvenile SDS and restraint stress increased the noradrenaline metabolite 3-Methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG) content and MHPG/noradrenaline ratio in the amygdala when compared with restraint stress in control mice. These results suggest that juvenile SDS exposure results in later onset of IBS-like symptoms.
Ketogenesis controls mitochondrial gene expression and rescues mitochondrial bioenergetics after cervical spinal cord injury in rats
Authors: Seira Oscar , Kolehmainen Kathleen , Liu Jie , Streijger Femke , Haegert Anne , Lebihan Stéphane , Boushel Robert , Tetzlaff Wolfram 
Published: August 2021

AbstractA better understanding of the secondary injury mechanisms that occur after traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) is essential for the development of novel neuroprotective strategies linked to the restoration of metabolic deficits. We and others have shown that Ketogenic diet (KD), a high fat, moderate in proteins and low in carbohydrates is neuroprotective and improves behavioural outcomes in rats with acute SCI. Ketones are alternative fuels for mitochondrial ATP generation, and can modulate signaling pathways via targeting specific receptors. Here, we demonstrate that ad libitum administration of KD for 7 days after SCI rescued mitochondrial respiratory capacity, increased parameters of mitochondrial biogenesis, affected the regulation of mitochondrial-related genes, and activated the NRF2-dependent antioxidant pathway. This study demonstrates that KD improves post-SCI metabolism by rescuing mitochondrial function and supports the potential of KD for treatment of acute SCI in humans.
Identification of a pathway for electron uptake in Shewanella oneidensis
Authors: Rowe Annette R. , Salimijazi Farshid , Trutschel Leah , Sackett Joshua , Adesina Oluwakemi , Anzai Isao , Kugelmass Liat H. , Baym Michael H. , Barstow Buz 
Published: August 2021

AbstractExtracellular electron transfer (EET) could enable electron uptake into microbial metabolism for the synthesis of complex, energy dense organic molecules from CO2 and renewable electricity1–6. Theoretically EET could do this with an efficiency comparable to H2-oxidation7,8 but without the need for a volatile intermediate and the problems it causes for scale up9. However, significant gaps remain in understanding the mechanism and genetics of electron uptake. For example, studies of electron uptake in electroactive microbes have shown a role for the Mtr EET complex in the electroactive microbe Shewanella oneidensis MR-110–14, though there is substantial variation in the magnitude of effect deletion of these genes has depending on the terminal electron acceptor used. This speaks to the potential for previously uncharacterized and/or differentially utilized genes involved in electron uptake. To address this, we screened gene disruption mutants for 3667 genes, representing ≈99% of all nonessential genes, from the S. oneidensis whole genome knockout collection using a redox dye oxidation assay. Confirmation of electron uptake using electrochemical testing allowed us to identify five genes from S. oneidensis that are indispensable for electron uptake from a cathode. Knockout of each gene eliminates extracellular electron uptake, yet in four of the five cases produces no significant defect in electron donation to an anode. This result highlights both distinct electron uptake components and an electronic connection between aerobic and anaerobic electron transport chains that allow electrons from the reversible EET machinery to be coupled to different respiratory processes in S. oneidensis. Homologs to these genes across many different genera suggesting that electron uptake by EET coupled to respiration could be widespread. These gene discoveries provide a foundation for: studying this phenotype in exotic metal-oxidizing microbes, genetic optimization of electron uptake in S. oneidensis; and genetically engineering electron uptake into a highly tractable host like E. coli to complement recent advances in synthetic CO2 fixation15.
Effects of secretome derived from macrophages exposed to calcium oxalate crystals on renal fibroblast activation
Authors: Yoodee Sunisa , Noonin Chadanat , Sueksakit Kanyarat , Kanlaya Rattiyaporn , Chaiyarit Sakdithep , Peerapen Paleerath , Thongboonkerd Visith 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe association between kidney stone disease and renal fibrosis has been widely explored in recent years but its underlying mechanisms remain far from complete understanding. Using label-free quantitative proteomics (nanoLC-ESI-LTQ-Orbitrap MS/MS), this study identified 23 significantly altered secreted proteins from calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM)-exposed macrophages (COM-MP) compared with control macrophages (Ctrl-MP) secretome. Functional annotation and protein-protein interactions network analysis revealed that these altered secreted proteins were involved mainly in inflammatory response and fibroblast activation. BHK-21 renal fibroblasts treated with COM-MP secretome had more spindle-shaped morphology with greater spindle index. Immunofluorescence study and gelatin zymography revealed increased levels of fibroblast activation markers (α-smooth muscle actin and F-actin) and fibrotic factors (fibronectin and matrix metalloproteinase-9 and -2) in the COM-MP secretome-treated fibroblasts. Our findings indicate that proteins secreted from macrophages exposed to COM crystals induce renal fibroblast activation and may play important roles in renal fibrogenesis in kidney stone disease.
Flight evaluation of simultaneous actuator/sensor fault reconstruction on a quadrotor minidrone
Authors: Waitman S. , Alwi H. , Edwards C. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractIn view of the increase in the number of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in the commercial and private sectors, it is imperative to make sure that such systems are safe, and thus resilient to faults and failures. This paper considers the numerical design and practical implementation of a linear parameter‐varying (LPV) sliding mode observer for Fault Detection and Diagnosis (FDD) of a quadrotor minidrone. Starting from a nonlinear model of the minidrone, an LPV model is extracted for design, and the observer synthesis procedure, using Linear Matrix Inequalities (LMI), is detailed. Simulations of the observer FDD show good performance. The observer is then implemented on a Parrot® Rolling Spider minidrone and a series of flight tests is performed to assess the FDD capabilities in real time using its on‐board processing power. The flight tests confirm the performance obtained in simulation, and show that the sliding mode observer is able to provide reliable fault reconstruction for quadrotor minidrone systems.
Learning representation of heterogeneous temporal graphs for recommendation
Authors: Li Mufan , Yan Junchi , Shi Haixin , Liu Yunfeng , He Tao 
Published: August 2021

AbstractHeterogeneous temporal graphs are important abstractions for organising data in recommender systems, for which an effective representation learning method is presented in this paper. Specifically, an attention‐based two‐stage aggregation technique is adopted to aggregate the message passed over each edge. The aggregation stage first involves temporal aggregation for each group of neighbouring nodes connected by the same type of edges. Then a further aggregation is performed among the aggregated results of each edge type. The method can capture the temporal evolution patterns of heterogeneous temporal graphs in continuous time‐space and model the graphs' heterogeneity without requiring predefined meta paths. Experimental results on public recommendation datasets demonstrate that the recommendation algorithm based on the representation learning method outperforms the state‐of‐the‐art baselines.
Battery charging topology, infrastructure, and standards for electric vehicle applications: A comprehensive review
Authors: Kumar Siddhant , Usman Adil , Rajpurohit Bharat Singh 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe proposed study reports the essential parameters required for the battery charging schemes deployed for Electric Vehicle (EV) applications. Due to efficient power delivery, cost‐effectiveness, and environmental acclimation, EVs have emerged as a suitable alternative to the Internal Combustion (IC)‐based engines. However, prominent challenges for leveraging the EVs are the suitable availability of battery charging infrastructure for high energy/power density battery packs and efficient charging topologies. Despite the challenges, EVs are gradually being implemented across the globe to avoid oil dependency, which currently has a 5%–7% decline rate of post‐peak production. The vast deployment of EVs as private and commercial vehicles has created a major challenge for the grids in maintaining the power quality and peak load demand. This study, therefore, reviews the various battery charging schemes (battery charger) and their impact when used in EV and Hybrid EV applications. The available constituents of the battery chargers such as ac‐dc/dc‐dc converter topologies, modulations, and control techniques are illustrated in detail. The comprehensive study classifies the charging topologies depending upon the power and charging level. Some appropriate battery charging converter topologies that are suitable for domestic, industrial, and commercial applications like EVs are suggested in the study. In addition, a decision‐making inference is developed through a flow chart that decides on the suitable selection of the converter topology based on the required applications. Furthermore, the charging infrastructures along with the converters' design standards are also discussed concisely, which adds a significant contribution to the review article.
Multi‐exposure image fusion based on feature evaluation with adaptive factor
Authors: Huang Li , Li Zhengping , Xu Chao , Feng Bo 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe authors present a new multi‐exposure images fusion method based on feature evaluation with adaptive factor. It is noticed the existing multi‐exposure fusion algorithm is not well adapted to the input images, which are overall bright or dark, the fused image quality is not pretty good, and the details are not preserved completely. So an adaptive factor to adapt the intensity of input images is presented here. First, the exposure assessment weight, texture change weight, and colour intensity weight are calculated by a sliding window. Finally, the images are fused by using a pyramid to avoid the seams. Twenty exposure input images of different scenes are selected, the subjective and objective aspects are analysed and compared with several existing multi‐exposure image fusion methods. The experimental results show that the proposed method can retain more details and obtain satisfactory visual effects on static scenes.
Facile method for preparation of micronized fly ash by microbial corrosion and ball‐milling
Authors: Meng Ziyi , Liu Yongming , Xiong Yuyue , Ke Wenqiang , Gong Chunjie , Liu Qingting 
Published: August 2021

AbstractA novel technique was proposed to prepare micronized fly ash (FA), broadening the application of fly ash in rubber compounds. This facile method of FA micronization is carried out by microbial corrosion to produce a loose structure which is easily destroyed by the following ball milling step. Only 20 min of the ball milling treatment after microbial corrosion is needed to obtain FA particles with an average size of 194 nm, representing a remarkable reduction compared to several days that are typically required to achieve such a small size through the ball milling treatment. Due to the favourable FA particle sizes and interface compatibility, the natural rubber compounds achieved a good reinforcement effect at 20.7 MPa. The improved mechanical properties of the simple FA micronization method explored in this work are highly favourable for expanding the use of FA as reinforcement fillers to partially replace the carbon black fillers that are currently widely used in the rubber industry.
Reconfiguration‐based probabilistic scheduling of automated grids in view of social–economic boards
Authors: Mostowfi Zahra , Rashidinejad Masoud , Abdollahi Amir , Jadidoleslam Morteza 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThis research tries to assess the stochastic operation of the automated grids considering the reconfiguration strategy from social and economic points of view. To this end, a novel method based on the correlated approximation method, called unscented transform, is deployed to not only handle the independent uncertainty, but also model the correlated uncertainty. Different objective functions counting the power losses, total cost, the average system interruption frequency, and the average expected energy not supplied are modelled and analyzed to assess the economic and social aspects of the automation process. Considering the highly non‐linear nature of the problem, a heuristic search method with proper modification is proposed. The mixed integer non‐linear nature of the problem is well addressed and explained through the reconfiguration process. The suitable performance and reliable capability of the proposed stochastic framework are investigated on a standard IEEE test system.
A new real‐time cycle slip detection and repair approach based on BDS dual‐frequency carrier phase and Doppler observations
Authors: Shi Zengkai , Dong Xurong , Qian Zhaoyong , Sun Xiaoshuang , Hu Yanfeng 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) traditional dual‐frequency cycle slip detection and repair methods such as the TurboEdit algorithm are restricted by the availability and accuracy of pseudorange observations. Doppler observations represent the instantaneous variation of the carrier phase during the integration time, which are immune to cycle slips. They are less affected by multipath effects compared with the pseudorange observations. Hence, a real‐time cycle slip detection and repair approach for the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) dual‐frequency signals is proposed by combining the carrier phase and Doppler observations. The proposed method adopts the phase‐Doppler combination and the geometry‐free combination to detect cycle slips, and uses the simple rounding method or the dual‐frequency least‐square ambiguity decorrelation adjustment (LAMBDA) method to repair cycle slips. The validity of the proposed method is verified by the static and kinematic observation data under 1 s sampling interval and steady ionosphere. The results show that the new method can successfully detect all the small, insensitive, and large cycle slips. Moreover, the fixing rates of the simple rounding method under static and kinematic conditions are above 94% and 83%, respectively, while those of the dual‐frequency LAMBDA method are both 100%.