bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
V2O5 Nanosheets as an Efficient, Low‐cost Pt‐free Alternate Counter Electrode for Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Gnanasekar Subashini , Nirmala Grace Andrews 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe search for cost‐effective and efficient counter electrode finds its way in choosing vanadium pentoxide, an abundant and low‐cost material with good electrocatalytic property and stability. Two‐dimensional vanadium pentoxide nanosheets (V2O5 NS) were prepared by a simple hydrothermal method followed by calcination at 350 °C. The morphology of the synthesized material provides an excellent surface property with good surface area and a wide range of porosity distribution helps in enhancing the electrocatalytic active sites for effective reduction of I3−. The electrochemical studies performed with V2O5 NS showed good electrocatalytic activity with high current density, low series and charge transfer resistance. The electrochemical techniques CV, EIS and Tafel polarization performed with V2O5 NS gave an enhanced electrocatalytic activity and charge transfer kinetics with a low value of Rs and Rct. Furthermore, the photocurrent voltage studies done with V2O5 NS CE DSSC achieved a PCE of 5.1% ( Open circuit voltage (Voc)=0.65 V, short ciruit photocurrent density (Jsc)=11.67 mA/cm2 and fill factor (FF)=66.46%) and the conventional thermal decomposed Pt CE DSSC reached the PCE of 7.4% (Open circuit voltage (Voc)=0.78 V, short circuit photocurrent density (Jsc)=15.03 mA/cm2 and fill factor (FF)=57.39%) under similar test conditions, appreciably good performance than previous reports on V2O5 CE DSSC. The present work encourages further extensive research to develop nanostructures of V2O5 as a low‐cost alternate counter electrode to Pt CE for large‐scale production.
Fractional‐order controllers for switching DC/DC converters using the K‐factor method: Analysis and circuit realization
Authors: Cengelci Ekrem , Garip Muhammet , Elwakil Ahmed S. 
Published: October 2021

SummarySwitching DC/DC converters are closed loop systems requiring controllers to stabilize and optimize their performance. A practical method for designing these controllers through pole/zero placement adjustment is the K‐factor method. This method can easily be implemented using RC op‐amp circuits given a target crossover frequency and phase margin. Here, we extend this method to the fractional‐order domain and present detailed analytical formulae to calculate all component values in two types of op‐amp‐based compensators. Mathematical analysis, circuit simulation, and experimental results all correlate very well.
The development of early monitoring tools to detect aquatic invasive species: eDNA assay development and the case of the armored catfish Hypostomus robinii
Authors: Dubreuil Thomas , Baudry Thomas , Mauvisseau Quentin , Arqué Alexandre , Courty Clarisse , Delaunay Carine , Sweet Michael , Grandjean Frédéric 
Published: October 2021

AbstractIntroductions of invasive non‐native species (and their subsequent impacts) are recognized as a major threat to native flora and fauna. This is especially true in island ecosystems such as the tropical island of Martinique. In 2018, one such aquatic invasive species, the suckermouth catfish Hypostomus robinii (Loricariidae), was reported for the first time in two of the islands rivers. H. robinii is a popular freshwater aquarium fish and native to tropical and sub‐tropical South America. Since its initial discovery, a growing number of populations have been found, suggesting a larger distribution of this species through Martinique's hydrographic network. Here, we developed a novel survey technique (utilizing environmental DNA) and conducted a widespread survey across the island to assess the distribution of this invasive species. We were able to detect H. robinii in 22% of sites surveyed (18 out of 83) via our eDNA‐based assay. The presence of these fish was confirmed using traditional trapping at 14 of these sites. Additionally, we used occupancy modeling to investigate the impact of different environmental covariates on the detection efficiency of the novel assay and the potential impacts of false positives and negatives. We highlight a decrease in the detection probability when water volume filtered increases. That said, the eDNA‐based method proves a useful tool for the detection of this invasive fish species and monitoring its spread for management purposes.
Therapeutic plasma exchange for peripheral neuropathy associated with trisulfated heparan disaccharide IgM antibodies: A case series of 17 patients
Authors: Olsen Gregory M. , Tormey Christopher A. , Tseng Bertrand , Hendrickson Jeanne E. , Sostin Nataliya 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundSmall fiber neuropathy (SFN) can be associated with autoantibodies, including those of IgM class with specificity for the trisulfated heparan disaccharide (TS‐HDS) antigen. We hypothesized that, as an IgM autoantibody‐mediated disorder, TS‐HDS‐associated SFN symptoms may be reduced with therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE).Study methodsThis was an observational analysis of all patients referred for TPE from 2018 to 2020 following laboratory confirmation of SFN with TS‐HDS autoantibodies; a loading course of 3 to 5 procedures over 2 weeks was completed, with some patients returning for monthly procedures. The following data were collected: demographics, symptoms and duration, TS‐HDS levels, skin biopsy results, reported responses to TPE, and TPE‐associated adverse events.ResultsOf the 17 subjects, 12 (71%) were female and the mean age was 57.5 years (range 27‐94). The most common reported symptom was lower extremity paresthesia (88% of subjects). The mean number of TPE procedures completed per subject was 9 (range 3‐18), with 71% (12/17) reporting symptomatic improvement or slowed disease progression. About 15% of procedures were associated with an adverse event, with vasovagal reactions being the most common; 53% of patients had at least one adverse event.ConclusionsGiven a reported symptomatic response rate of more than 70%, TPE may be a treatment option for individuals with autoimmune‐mediated SFN associated with increased titers of TS‐HDS IgM autoantibodies. Since TPE‐associated adverse events appear common in this population, close monitoring during procedures is warranted.
Three LHPP gene‐targeting co‐expressed microRNAs (microRNA‐765, microRNA‐21, and microRNA‐144) promote proliferation, epithelial‐mesenchymal transition, invasion, and are independent prognostic biomarkers in renal cell carcinomas patients
Authors: Meng Kexin , Li Zongda , Cui Xiaoying 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundRenal cell carcinoma (RCC) is one of the highly malignant tumors in the world. Global Cancer Statistics 2020 estimated that there were 179,368 deaths from kidney tumors. Therefore, exploring the prognostic biomarkers of RCC is of great significance for RCC patients. This study aims to explore the potential mechanism and prognostic value of phospholysine phosphohistidine inorganic pyrophosphate phosphatase (LHPP) gene‐targeting co‐expression microRNAs in RCC patients.MethodsA total of 60 RCC patients were included. Quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR), western blotting, and immunohistochemistry were used for LHPP, microRNA‐765, microRNA‐21, and microRNA‐144 levels evaluation. Cell Counting Kit‐8 assay, dual‐luciferase reporter gene assay, invasion assay, and RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization were used for functional analyses.ResultsCompared with adjacent tissues, LHPP levels in cancer tissues were significantly increased (p < .001). Herein, we confirmed that microRNA‐765, microRNA‐21, and microRNA‐144 were direct biological targets of LHPP. MicroRNA‐765 (r = −0.570, p < 0.001), microRNA‐21 (r = −0.495, p < .001), and microRNA‐144 (r = −0.463, p < .001) expression levels were negatively correlated with LHPP expression levels. The high expression levels of microRNA‐765, microRNA‐21, and microRNA‐144 in RCC tissues were associated with poor differentiation, recurrence, and poor prognosis (p < .05). In vitro, microRNA‐765, microRNA‐21, and microRNA‐144 act as oncogenes to promote proliferation, invasion, and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) through targeting LHPP.ConclusionsMicroRNA‐765, microRNA‐21, and microRNA‐144 are independent risk biomarkers for RCC patients. Inhibiting the expression levels of microRNA‐765, microRNA‐21, and microRNA‐144 can reduce the proliferation, EMT, and invasion of RCC cells. Therefore, the above three microRNAs are expected to become molecular biomarkers for RCC therapy.
Amphiregulin in cellular physiology, health, and disease: Potential use as a biomarker and therapeutic target
Authors: Singh Siddharth S. , Chauhan Shashi B. , Kumar Awnish , Kumar Shashi , Engwerda Christian R. , Sundar Shyam , Kumar Rajiv 
Published: October 2021

AbstractAmphiregulin (AREG), which acts as one of the ligands for epidermal receptor growth factor receptor (EGFR), plays a crucial role in tissue repair, inflammation, and immunity. AREG is synthesized as membrane‐anchored pre‐protein, and is excreted after proteolytic cleavage, and serves as an autocrine or paracrine factor. After engagement with the EGFR, AREG triggers a cascade of signaling events required for many cellular physiological processes including metabolism, cell cycle, and proliferation. Under different inflammatory and pathogenic conditions, AREG is expressed by various activated immune cells that orchestrate both tolerance and host resistance mechanisms. Several factors including xenobiotics, cytokines, and inflammatory lipids have been shown to trigger AREG gene expression and release. In this review, we discuss the structure, function, and regulation of AREG, its role in tissue repair, inflammation, and homeostasis as well as the potential of AREG as a biomarker and therapeutic target.
Gift bags from the sentinel cells of the immune system: The diverse role of dendritic cell-derived extracellular vesicles
Authors: Hodge Amy L , Baxter Amy A , Poon Ivan K H 
Published: October 2021

AbstractDendritic cells (DCs) are professional APCs of the immune system that continuously sample their environment and function to stimulate an adaptive immune response by initiating Ag-specific immunity or tolerance. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), small membrane-bound structures, are released from DCs and have been discovered to harbor functional peptide-MHC complexes, T cell costimulatory molecules, and other molecules essential for Ag presentation, immune cell regulation, and stimulating immune responses. As such, DC-derived EVs are being explored as potential immunotherapeutic agents. DC-derived EVs have also been implicated to function as a trafficking mechanism of infectious particles aiding viral propagation. This review will explore the unique features that enable DC-derived EVs to regulate immune responses and interact with recipient cells, their roles within Ag-presentation and disease settings, as well as speculating on a potential immunological role of apoptotic DC-derived EVs.
Neuropsychiatric Features of Punding and Hobbyism in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Barbosa Pedro , O'Sullivan Sean S. , Joyce Eileen , Lees Andrew J. , Warner Thomas T. , Djamshidian Atbin 
Published: October 2021

ABSTRACTBackgroundLittle is known about the cognitive and neuropsychiatric profile associated with punding and hobbyism in Parkinson's disease (PD).ObjectiveTo compare the clinical and neuropsychological features of PD patients with punding and hobbyism to PD controls.MethodsThe Questionnaire for Impulsive‐Compulsive Disorders in Parkinson's Disease‐Rating Scale (QUIP‐RS) was used as a screening tool, and a structured interview was used to diagnose punding/hobbyism. Clinical and neuropsychological assessment was conducted with validated questionnaires/scales.ResultsTwenty‐one patients with PD and punding (PD + pu) were compared to 26 with hobbyism (PD + h) and 25 PD controls. PD + pu patients showed higher levels of anxiety, non‐motor symptoms and motor symptoms, and lower Frontal Assessment Battery scores. The PD + h group exhibited similar levels of anxiety and motor fluctuations to the PD + pu group.ConclusionPD + pu showed increased anxiety and frontal lobe dysfunction, similar to PD + h. Hobbyism could be a prodromal phase with increased risk of leading to punding.
Cereal Vinegar Sediment Alleviates Spontaneous Ulcerative Colitis in Il‐10 Deficient Mice
Authors: Geng Yan , Yue Yuanjia , Guan Qijie , Ren Yilin , Guo Lin , Fan Yifei , Lu Zhen‐Ming , Shi Jin‐Song , Xu Zheng‐Hong 
Published: October 2021

ScopeCereal vinegar sediment (CVS) is precipitation generated during the preservation of vinegar. It has various functions such as anti‐inflammatory, anti‐tumor, hypoglycemic, and hypolipidemic. This study evaluates the effects of CVS on spontaneous colitis in Il‐10−/− mice.Methods and ResultsCVS (1 g kg−1 body weight) is administered to mice for 42 days. CVS alleviated epithelium damage, inhibited myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) level, decreased gene expression of tumor necrosis factor (Tnf )‐a, inducible nitric oxide synthase (Inos), Interleukin(Il‐23) in colon tissues is found. CVS also inhibited secretion of IL‐2, IL‐6, IL‐13, Granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G‐CSF), granulocyte macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GMCSF), Interferon (IFN)‐γ, and Regulated upon Activation, Normal T Cell Expressed and Presumably Secreted (RANTES) in serum. While CVS enhanced Regenerating Family Member 3 Gamma (Reg3γ), Mucin (Muc2, Muc3, and Muc4 gene expression, promoted intestinal epithelial cells to secrete Muc‐2, and increased the content of acetic acid in intestinal tract of Il‐10−/− mice. Additionally, CVS altered the composition of the gut microbiota by promoting the abundance of Akkermansia, Alistipes, and Lactobacillus, while inhibiting Desulfovibrio and Clostridium sensu stricto 1. These changes may be related to the regulation of steroid, fatty acids, and bile acid biosynthesis.ConclusionThis study demonstrated that CVS ameliorates spontaneous ulcerative colitis in Il‐10−/− mice, which suggests CVS supplementation may serve as a protective dietary nutrient against colitis.
Wideband circularly polarized array antenna based on weakly coupled sequential phase feed network
Authors: Mu Zhi‐Hao , Chen Chang‐Xing , Ma Jing‐Nan , Zhao Ying‐Juan , Chen Qiang 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThis letter introduces a wideband circularly polarized (CP) array antenna for wireless communication application. The array consists of 2 × 2 sequentially rotated symmetric antenna elements and a wideband weakly coupled feed network providing stable 90° phase difference. By using the proposed feed network and introducing the slot coupling feed, the CP array antenna can achieve a wideband CP performance with a low profile of 0.03 λ0 (at 5.0 GHz). The proposed antenna exhibits the impedance bandwidth (IMBW) of 73.9%, axial ratio bandwidth (ARBW) of 53.6%, and 3‐dB gain bandwidth (GBW) of 60% with the peak gain of 10.4 dBi and the maximum efficiency of 82%. The measured results are in good agreement with the simulated results, indicating that a promising application in compact wideband C‐band wireless systems.
A variationally consistent hyperstatic reaction method for tunnel lining design
Authors: Bui Hoang‐Giang , Ninić Jelena , Do Ngoc‐Anh , Dias Daniel , Meschke Günther 
Published: October 2021

AbstractIn this technical note, a consistent finite element formulation of the Hyperstatic Reaction Method (HRM) for tunnel linings design is proposed by introducing a variational consistently linearized formulation. It permits to consider a nonlinear interaction between a lining structure and the surrounding ground. Recent advances of the HRM in regard to the consideration of the nonlinear response of the segmented tunnel lining exposed to design loads use an iterative algorithm for solving the nonlinear system of equations. In the proposed Variationally consistent Hyperstatic Reaction Method (VHRM), a distributed nonlinear spring model representing the interaction between the lining and the ground soils is considered in a variationally consistent format. Computing the tangential spring stiffness via consistent linearization, and using Newton‐Raphson iteration, requires significantly smaller number of iterations as compared to the original HRM model based on nodal springs. Furthermore, the method is applicable for simulations using solid finite elements (2D and 3D), as well as beam or finite shell elements, respectively.
A digital score of tumour‐associated stroma infiltrating lymphocytes predicts survival in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Shaban Muhammad , Raza Shan E Ahmed , Hassan Mariam , Jamshed Arif , Mushtaq Sajid , Loya Asif , Batis Nikolaos , Brooks Jill , Nankivell Paul , Sharma Neil , Robinson Max , Mehanna Hisham , Khurram Syed Ali , Rajpoot Nasir 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe infiltration of T‐lymphocytes in the stroma and tumour is an indication of an effective immune response against the tumour, resulting in better survival. In this study, our aim was to explore the prognostic significance of tumour‐associated stroma infiltrating lymphocytes (TASILs) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) through an AI‐based automated method. A deep learning‐based automated method was employed to segment tumour, tumour‐associated stroma, and lymphocytes in digitally scanned whole slide images of HNSCC tissue slides. The spatial patterns of lymphocytes and tumour‐associated stroma were digitally quantified to compute the tumour‐associated stroma infiltrating lymphocytes score (TASIL‐score). Finally, the prognostic significance of the TASIL‐score for disease‐specific and disease‐free survival was investigated using the Cox proportional hazard analysis. Three different cohorts of haematoxylin and eosin (H&E)‐stained tissue slides of HNSCC cases (n = 537 in total) were studied, including publicly available TCGA head and neck cancer cases. The TASIL‐score carries prognostic significance (p = 0.002) for disease‐specific survival of HNSCC patients. The TASIL‐score also shows a better separation between low‐ and high‐risk patients compared with the manual tumour‐infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) scoring by pathologists for both disease‐specific and disease‐free survival. A positive correlation of TASIL‐score with molecular estimates of CD8+ T cells was also found, which is in line with existing findings. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to automate the quantification of TASILs from routine H&E slides of head and neck cancer. Our TASIL‐score‐based findings are aligned with the clinical knowledge, with the added advantages of objectivity, reproducibility, and strong prognostic value. Although we validated our method on three different cohorts (n = 537 cases in total), a comprehensive evaluation on large multicentric cohorts is required before the proposed digital score can be adopted in clinical practice. © 2021 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Population pharmacokinetics and standard uptake value ratio of aducanumab, an amyloid plaque–removing agent, in patients with Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Kandadi Muralidharan Kumar , Tong Xiao , Kowalski Kenneth G. , Rajagovindan Raj , Lin Lin , Budd Haberlain Samantha , Nestorov Ivan 
Published: October 2021

AbstractAducanumab is a human immunoglobulin G1 anti‐amyloid beta (Aβ) antibody currently being evaluated for potential treatment of patients with early Alzheimer’s disease. This paper describes the relationship between the population pharmacokinetics (PopPKs) and pharmacokinetics‐pharmacodynamics (PKs‐PDs) of aducanumab using data from phase I to III clinical studies, with standard uptake value ratio (SUVR) used as a PD marker. Across clinical studies, aducanumab was administered intravenously either as a single dose ranging from 0.3 to 60 mg/kg or as multiple doses of 1, 3, 6, or 10 mg/kg every 4 weeks. A titration regimen with maintenance doses of 3, 6, or 10 mg/kg was also evaluated. Aducanumab PK was characterized with a two‐compartment model with first‐order elimination. No nonlinearities in PKs were observed. The PopPK‐PD model was developed using a sequential estimation approach. The time course of amyloid plaques, as expressed by composite SUVR measured using positron emission tomography, was described using an indirect response model with drug effect stimulating the elimination of SUVR. None of the identified covariates on PK and the PopPK‐PD model were clinically relevant. The PopPK‐PD model showed that magnitude, duration, and consistency of dosing are important factors determining the degree of Aβ removal. The intrinsic pharmacology of aducanumab remained consistent across studies.
Four-point correlation modular bootstrap for OPE densities
Authors: Cardona Carlos , Keeler Cynthia , Munizzi William 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
In this work we apply the lightcone bootstrap to a four-point function of scalars in two-dimensional conformal field theory. We include the entire Virasoro symmetry and consider non-rational theories with a gap in the spectrum from the vacuum and no conserved currents. For those theories, we compute the large dimension limit (h/c ≫ 1) of the OPE spectral decomposition of the Virasoro vacuum. We then propose a kernel ansatz that generalizes the spectral decomposition beyond h/c ≫ 1. Finally, we estimate the corrections to the OPE spectral densities from the inclusion of the lightest operator in the spectrum.
Insulinautoimmunsyndrom
Authors: de Castro Tiago , Beier Christoph , Terkamp Christoph , Oehler Lucia , Schmidt Bernhard M. W. , Heck Johannes , Stichtenoth Dirk , Wedemeyer Heiner , Leitolf Holger 
Published: October 2021

ZusammenfassungEine 69-jährige Patientin mit rezidivierenden schweren Hypoglykämien wurde zur weiteren Diagnostik der Medizinischen Hochschule Hannover zugewiesen. Zuvor hatte die Patientin nach einem Stenting, das aufgrund einer peripheren arteriellen Verschlusskrankheit (pAVK) erforderlich war, mit einer Clopidogreleinnahme begonnen. Das Vorliegen eines Insulinoms und eines paraneoplastischen Syndroms wurde ausgeschlossen. Trotz niedrig normaler Blutzuckerkonzentrationen fanden sich erhöhte Insulin- und Insulinautoantikörperkonzentrationen. Diagnostiziert wurde ein Insulinautoimmunsyndrom, a.e. (am ehesten) ausgelöst durch vorausgegangene Clopidogreleinnahme. Eine Behandlung mithilfe der Immunadsorption wurde initiiert; diese erzielte eine signifikante Reduktion der hypoglykämischen Ereignisse und ein anhaltendes Therapieansprechen über 3 Monate.