bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
COVID-19 Infection With Humoral Immunodeficiency in Midwestern United States
Authors: Jalil Maaz , Pietras Julianne , Ahmed Syed , Daniels Phuong , Hostoffer Robert 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background: The coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID-19) has infected many individuals worldwide and continues to pose a significant threat to those with weakened immune systems. A paucity of data exists evaluating the clinical outcomes of patients with humoral immunodeficiencies that contract COVID-19. Objective: To describe the clinical outcomes of COVID-19 infections in patients with primary humoral immunodeficiency. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort review on 15 patients with a humoral immunodeficiency including Common Variable Immunodeficiency, Specific Antibody Deficiency, or unspecified hypogammaglobulinemia, who contracted COVID-19. Severity scores were determined to evaluate the clinical outcomes of these patients. Results: Of our 15-patient cohort, 33% of individuals with a humoral immunodeficiency infected with COVID-19 had a more severe disease, requiring hospitalization or resulting in death. COVID-19 mortality rate was found to be 7%. All 5 of our patients with more severe infection had at least 1 comorbidity. Conclusion: Within our cohort of humoral immunodeficient patients infected with COVID-19 we found a higher rate of severe infections and worse clinical outcomes.
Scalable Synthesis of Iron Oxide–Based Composite Films As Freestanding Negative Electrodes With Ultra-High Areal Capacitances For High-Performance Asymmetric Supercapacitors
Authors: Jyothibasu Jincy Parayangattil , Wang Ruei-Hong , Ong Kenneth , Ong Juping Hillary Lin , Lee Rong-Ho 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
This paper reports a simple, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly procedure for the synthesis of cellulose/functionalized carbon nanotube (f-CNT)/Fe2O3 (CCF) composite films and their performance as freestanding negative electrodes in supercapacitors. A facile chemical precipitation process was performed at room temperature within a short reaction time without requiring any of the special processing conditions used in the conventional hydrothermal synthesis, making it the most cost-efficient method for the bulk-scale production of sustainable supercapacitors. The binder-free negative electrode with ultra-high active material loading exhibited outstanding areal (9107.1 mF cm–2) and volumetric (314 F cm–3) capacitances, which were much greater than the values reported previously in the literature for negative electrodes. Moreover, an asymmetric supercapacitor cell featuring cellulose/f-CNT/MnO2 (CCM) and CCF as its positive and negative electrodes, respectively, achieved superior electrochemical performances. Therefore, on account of the economic and environmental superiority of this method and its bulk scalability, this paper provides a simple, eco-friendly, and cost-effective approach for the development of sustainable supercapacitors for practical use.
Molecular Evolutionary Process of Advanced Gastric Cancer During Sequential Chemotherapy Detected by Circulating Tumor DNA
Authors: Xi Wenqi , Zhou Chenfei , Zhang Shouwei , Zhao Yi , Chen Yawei , Ji Jun , Ma Tao , Wu Junwei , Shangguan Chengfang , Zhu Zhenggang , Zhang Jun 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background: Chemotherapy is the major strategy for advanced gastric cancer (AGC) patients, whereits efficacy has largely plateaued. Tumor evolutionary theory provides a promising strategy to optimize paradigm of cancer treatment, while current data of molecular changes during sequential chemotherapy is too insufficient to understandevolutionary process in tumors. Methods: Here, we performed NGS analysison 100 circulatingtumor DNA (ctDNA) samples collected from 27 AGC patients during treatment of sequentialchemotherapy. We observed dynamic changes of copy number instability (CNI) and gene-level copy number variations (CNVs) during the treatment.Results: Gene-levelCNV profiles were similar between baseline and end oftreatment. Subsequent regimens did not significantly change the CNV profiles driven by first-line regimens. Based on changes of copy number values of genes during treatment, resistance related genes of all four regimens were identified, respectively. These genes could be enriched into several common oncologic pathways, while exhibited a high inter-patient heterogeneity. Genes with different copy number values between baseline and end of treatment could be the targets of by molecular matched therapy. Conclusions: Our study provides important information to understand molecular evolutionary process of AGS patients during sequential chemotherapy first and can help to optimize future treatment strategies.
Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors (GEPNET) Registry 2009-2018: A Large Multi-country Registry with Over 1000 GEPNET Patients
Authors: Yalcin Suayib , Turna Hande , Shimon Ilan , Shyr Yi-Ming , Shan Yan-Shen , Aykan Nuri Faruk , Saglam Sezer , Sezer Ahmet , Yumuk Perran Fulden , Ramos Jose , Yeh Kun-Huei , Hanna Colette , Lim Hwee Yong , Bhudhisawasdi Vajarabhongsa , Aktas Gokmen , Bai Li-Yuan , Raef Hussein , Chiu Tai-Jan , Lau Mike , Slader Cassandra , Hwang Tsann-Long 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background: This 8-year observational, multicenter, registry study was undertaken to assess the incidence and regional trends in diagnosis, clinical management, and outcome assessments of patients with gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NET) in the Asia-Pacific region, the Middle East, Turkey, and South Africa.Materials and Methods: Patient data including demographics, primary tumor site, tumor differentiation, diagnosis, treatment modalities, outcomes were collected via a web-based data entry portal.Results: Overall, 974 patients were enrolled, and 951 of which were evaluated (median age: 54 years). Pancreas was the most commonly reported primary tumor site. Non‑functioning and functioning (most common: carcinoid) tumors were reported in 61.9% and 27.9% of patients, respectively. Abdominal pain was the most commonly reported symptom. Surgery was the most-commonly employed initial treatment, followed by treatment with somatostatin analogs; >80% of patients had open surgery and R0 resection. Satisfactory response to the initial treatment modality was reported for 56.4% of patients. Overall survival rate was 96.3% at 6 months since diagnosis and 72.9% at 60 months. Median progression-free survival was 60.9 months since first diagnosis and 60.5 months after first treatment, with a 6-month progression-free survival of 95.0%. Conclusion: The GEP-NET registry provides important information relating to the diagnosis and treatment of patients in the participating countries. This analysis highlighted the need for improvements in the clinical practice to ensure better evaluation and treatment management.
Quantized State Feedback-Based H∞ Control for Nonlinear Parabolic PDE Systems via Finite-Time Interval
Authors: Chang Xiao-Heng , Li Teng-Fei , Park Ju H. 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
In this paper, the finite-time H∞ control problem of nonlinear parabolic partial differential equation (PDE) systems with parametric uncertainties is studied. Firstly, based on the definition of the quantiser, static state feedback controller and dynamic state feedback controller with quantization are presented, respectively. The finite-time H∞ control design strategies are subsequently proposed to analyze the nonlinear parabolic PDE systems with respect to the effect of quantization. And by constructing appropriate Lyapunov functionals for the studied systems, sufficient conditions for the existence of the feedback control gains and the quantizer’s adjusting parameters which guarantee the prescribed attenuation level of H∞ performance are expressed as nonlinear matrix inequalities. Then, by using some inequalities and decomposition technic, the nonlinear matrix inequalities are transformed to standard linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). Moreover, the optimal H∞ control performances are pursued by solving optimization problems subject to the LMIs. Finally, to illustrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the finite-time H∞ control design strategies, an application to the catalytic rod in a reactor is explored.
An Observational Study of Team-Based Learning (TBL) and Problem-Based Learning (PBL) in the Teaching of Neuromuscular Disease
Authors: Niu Jingwen , Zhao Jun , Tan Ying , Huang Yangyu , Xu Yan , Pan Hui , Peng Bin , Zhu Yicheng , Cui Liying , Guan Yuzhou 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background To explore the practicability of team-based learning (TBL) and problem-based learning (PBL) in the teaching of neuromuscular disease in the Department of Neurology.Methods During 2012 and 2015, eighty-eight interns from Peking Union Medical College were randomly assigned to the TBL and PBL groups. In the TBL group of 6~8 interns, the teaching process included case preparation, group discussion, oral presentation and teacher assessment. In the PBL group of 24~34 interns, the process included case preparation, oral presentation and teacher assessment. After the teaching process, students were evaluated for basic knowledge, clinical thinking ability, document search numbers and a course experience questionnaire (CEQ); teachers were evaluated based on the effect of class teaching.Results There was no significant difference in the scores of neuroanatomy, neurology, diagnostics, neuromuscular disease or case writing between the TBL and PBL groups before the internship. After the learning process, there was no significant difference in the scores of neuroanatomy, neurology and neuromuscular disease. However, the TBL group performed better than the PBL group in clinical localization diagnosis, literature retrieval ability and inquiry learning ability. Evaluation by teachers showed that there was no significant difference between the 2 groups in teaching objectives, preclass preparation, basic knowledge, integration of basic knowledge and clinical practice, and overall teaching effect; however, the TBL group was superior to the PBL group in class atmosphere, initiative thinking, teamwork and communication between teachers and students.Conclusions Both TBL and PBL could help medical students improve their knowledge of neurology and neuromuscular disease. TBL could better improve students' communication, cooperation, literature searching and inquiry learning abilities.
Aquaporin-4 Expression In The Human Choroid Plexus
Authors: Deffner Felix , Gleiser Corinna , Mattheus Ulrich , Wagner Andreas , Neckel Peter H , Fallier-Becker Petra , Hirt Bernhard , Mack Andreas F 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background: The choroid plexus (CP) consists of specialized ependymal cells and underlying stroma and blood vessels, producing the bulk of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). CP epithelial cells are the site of the internal blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier, show epithelial characteristics (basal lamina, tight junctions), and express aquaporin-1 (AQP1) apically. In contrast, ventricle-lining ependymal cells express aquaporin-4 (AQP4) basolaterallly. The initial purpose of this study was to analyze the expression of aquaporins in the ependyma – CP transition zone in the human brain to gain insights in aquaporin regulation. The results prompted us to investigate aquaporin expression in the mouse CP of different age groups. Methods: We analyzed the CP from eight body donors (age 74-91) applying immunofluorescence, qPCR, and freeze-fracture electron microscopy. We used antibodies against AQP1, AQP4, NKCC1, and Na/K-ATPase. In addition, we compared the CP from young (2 months), adult (12 months) and old (30 months) mice by qPCR and immunofluorescence. Results: Unexpectedly, many cells in the human CP were positive not only for AQP1 but also for AQP4, normally restricted to ependymal cells and astrocytes. Expression of AQP1 and AQP4 was found in the CP of all eight body donors. These results were confirmed by qPCR, and by electron microscopy detecting AQP4-specific orthogonal arrays of particles. To find out whether AQP4 expression correlated with relevant transport-related proteins we investigated expression of NKCC1 and Na/K-ATPase. Immunostaining for NKCC1 was similar to AQP1 and revealed no particular pattern related to AQP4. Co-staining of AQP4 and Na/K-ATPase indicated a trend for an inverse correlation of their expression. To test for the possibility of age-related changes causing AQP4 expression in the CP, we analyzed mouse brains from different age groups and found a significant increase of AQP4 on the mRNA level in old mice compared to young and adult animals. Conclusions: We provide evidence for AQP4 expression in the human and murine CP related to aging which likely contributes to the water flow through the CP epithelium and CSF production. In two alternative hypotheses, we discuss this as a beneficial compensatory, or a detrimental mechanism influencing the previously observed CSF changes during aging.
Comparison of Green Bio-Based Cerium/Alginate vs. Copper/Alginate Beads: Study of Vibrational And Thermal Properties Using Experimental And Theoretical Methods
Authors: Elhoudi Mohammed , Oukhrib Rachid , Celaya Christian A. , Araiza Daniel G. , Abdellaoui Youness , Barra Issam , Brahmi Younes , Bourzi Hassan , Reina Miguel , Albourine Abdallah , Oualid Hicham Abou 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Herein, bio-based alginate (Alg) containing-metal atom beads (M= Cu and Ce) were synthesized via an alginate cross-linking method, and studied using experimental techniques combined with theoretical simulations. Firstly, FTIR, TGA and SEM analyses were carried out to study the cross-linking structural features,, thermal stability, and surface morphology. Besides, density functional theory (DFT) methods were used to calculate global reactivity parameters such as HOMO-LUMO energy gaps (ΔEH-L), electronegativity (μ), hardness (η), and electrophilic and nucleophilic indicators using both gas and aqueous media ; the latter for the study of the complexation process. Results showed that Alg@Ce and Alg@Cu beads behave differently and as a function of the increasing temperature. This behaviour c was also predicted by the energy conformer differences between Alg@Ce and Alg@Cu, which were found out theoretically and explained with the combined study of the vibrational modes between the carboxylate group with either Cu or Ce. Overall, the reactivity of the Alg@Ce bead was higher than that of the Alg@Cu counterpart; results could be used as a cornerstone to transfer the materials here studied to a wider range of applications.
A Comparison of Subxiphoid and Intercostal Wound Pain in the Same Patients Following Thoracic Surgery
Authors: Liu Yu-Wei , Chou Shah-Hwa , Chou Andre , Kao Chieh-Ni , Chiang Hung-Hsing , Lee Jui-Ying , Li Hsien-Pin , Chang Po-Chih 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background: There is a lack of data comparing postoperative pain after subxiphoid and intercostal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). Pain is an individual's subjective experience and therefore difficult to compare between different individuals subjected to either procedure. This study assessed reported pain at six postoperative time points in the same patients receiving both subxiphoid and intercostal incisions for thoracic disease. Methods: Data from 26 patients who received simultaneous combined intercostal and subxiphoid VATS were retrospectively analyzed from August 2019 to April 2020. All patients received same length subxiphoid and intercostal incisions with or without drain placements. A numerical pain rating scale was administered on postoperative days (POD)-1, POD-2, POD-Discharge, POD-30, POD-90, and POD-180.Results: Bilateral uniportal VATS was performed in 11 patients and unilateral multiportal VATS in 15 patients. In the unilateral VATS group, there were no significant differences in pain reported for subxiphoid and intercostal incisions. However, in the bilateral VATS group, subxiphoid wounds resulted in significantly higher mean pain scores on POD-1, POD-2, and POD-Discharge (p = 0.0003, 0.001, and 0.03, respectively) but lower pain scores on POD-90 (p = 0.03). Conclusions: In the bilateral VATS group, higher late (3 and 6 months) postoperative pain was associated with intercostal incisions as have been reported by previous studies. Interestingly, subxiphoid incisions were found to have higher early (Day 1, 2, and Discharge) postoperative pain than intercostal incisions. More research is needed to better understand the cause of pain in a surgical area previously not thought to be prone to pain.
Sizing Up Swords: Correlated Evolution of Antlers and Tusks in Ungulates
Authors: Lopez Nicole , Stankowich Theodore 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Most sexual weapons in sexual combat and visual displays of dominance (e.g., antlers, horns) show positively allometry with body size for both growth during development and evolution across species, but allometry in species with more than one sexual weapon is unstudied. We examined the allometric relationships between body size and tusks (pure combat weapons) and/or antlers (both a visual signal and combat weapon) from forty-three artiodactyl species including the muntjaks (Muntiacinae), which uniquely have both antlers and tusks. We found that in Muntiacinae antler length scales positively allometrically with skull length, whereas tusk size scales isometrically suggesting greater energy investment in antlers as signals over tusks as combative weapons when both are present. Interspecifically, we found that species who possess only one weapon (either solely tusked or solely antlered) scaled positively allometrically with body mass, and the latter relationship levels off at larger body sizes. In our tusk analysis, when we included Muntiacinae species the positive allometric trend was not conserved resulting in an isometric relationship suggesting the possession of antlers negatively affect the energy investment in tusks as weapons. Overall, our findings show that species that possess dual weapons unproportionally invest energy in the development and maintenance of their multiple weapons.
The Effect of CoFe2O4, CuFe2O4 and Cu/CoFe2O4 Nanoparticles on the Optical Properties and Piezoelectric Response of the PVDF Polymer.
Authors: EL-Masry Mai , Ramadan Rania 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Cobalt ferrite, Copper ferrite and cobalt doped copper ferrite nanoparticles have been synthesized and characterized using different characterization methods (XRD, FTIR and FESEM). The prepared nanoparticles have been used as promising fillers of the polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) polymer. The PVDF/(Cu-CoFe2O4, CoFe2O4, and CuFe2O4) nanocomposites films have been prepared via a simple solution casting technique. The optical properties and the piezoelectric response of the prepared nanocomposite films have been studied. The study showed that Cu-CoFe2O4, CoFe2O4, and CuFe2O4 have enhanced the interfacial polarization density and dielectric constant. The optical conductivity value of PVDF/ (Cu-CoFe2O4 and CoFe2O4) increased five times compared with the pure PVDF. Also, an increase in the piezoelectric response has been recorded by adding the nano-fillers to the pure PVDF.
Attachment and Grief in Young Adults after the Loss of a Close Friend: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Johnsen Iren , Tømmeraas Ane Martine 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
BackgroundAlthough many lose a close friend each year, they are seldom the focus of grief research. However, these losses often cause severe and long-lasting reactions. Deaths among adolescents and young adults are also often caused by traumatic events, e.g. from accidents, suicides, and homicides, placing them at significant risk for complicated grief reactions. The focus of this paper is bereaved friends after the shootings at Utøya, Norway in 2011, which is among a few studies that focus on bereaved friends, exploring how attachment affects the grief process after the loss of a close friend.MethodsThis paper explores qualitative data from in-depth interviews with thirteen bereaved friends, conducted about 28 months after the loss. The interview sample consisted of eight females and five males, aged 18 to 31 years. The interviews were semi-structured, with a theme guide of 14 questions, and the method used for analyses was systematic text condensation. ResultsTwo main themes were identified from the analyses of the interviews: Friendship and Grief, with the subordinate themes: The importance of the friendship, Longing and remembrance, How the loss has affected other relationships, How the loss has affected the friend’s daily lives, Processing of the grief and Not being family. For most of the bereaved friends the loss and the grief had a profound effect on them and their overall lives, from daily functioning in school or at work, to changes in attitudes, and the way they were met as bereaved. ConclusionsThe support, intimacy, and feelings of togetherness we share with our friends are of great importance and value for all people, but maybe especially for young people. When adolescents and young adults experience losses, their reactions are often intense and long-lasting, and especially complicated grief reactions can affect school performance and concentration, health, result in emotional problems; and disrupt development (e.g. identity formation and social skills). We don’t know much about the grief of bereaved friends and how their reactions can be explained. Thus, we hope that these findings could shed light on their grief reactions, and provide new knowledge on the short- and long-term psychological impact of losses of friends.
Effect of the Utilization of Non-Reciprocal Trade Preferences offered by the QUAD on Economic Complexity in Beneficiary Countries
Authors: GNANGNON Sèna Kimm 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
This article aims to contribute to the nascent literature on the effect of non-reciprocal trade preferences (NRTPs) on industrialization in beneficiary countries. In so doing, it complements the few existing works on the effect of NRTPs on export product diversification by investigating the effect of NRTPs (both the Generalized System of Preferences- GSP programs- and other non-reciprocal trade preferences) offered by the QUAD countries on the level of economic complexity in beneficiary countries. The analysis has relied on 110 beneficiary countries of these NRTPs over the period 2002–2018, and made primarily use of the two-step system Generalized Methods of Moments estimator. The findings are quite interesting. First, beneficiary countries tend to use GSP programs (rather than other trade preferences) to achieve greater economic complexity, and the positive effect of the utilization of GSP programs on economic complexity is higher for high income beneficiary countries than relatively less advanced beneficiary countries. Second, both GSP programs and other non-reciprocal trade preferences are strongly complementary in promoting economic complexity in beneficiary countries, in particular if their usage reach high levels. Third, the utilization of NRTPs enhances economic complexity in countries that receive high foreign direct investment flows. Finally, development aid flows are strongly complementary with the utilization of NRTPs in fostering economic complexity in beneficiary countries, especially for high amounts of development aid. This suggests the need for preference-granting countries (that are also suppliers of development aid) to offer both generous NRTPs and higher development aid flows if those NRTPs are to be effective in expanding the manufacturing base in the beneficiary countries.Jel Classification: F13; F14; O14.