bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impacts of COVID‐19 pandemic on electrical energy storage technologies
Authors: Catalbas Mehmet Cem 
Published: November 2021

AbstractIn this study, the effect of the COVID‐19 pandemic on electrical energy storage technologies was investigated. The results of the crises and opportunities created by this unpredictable epidemic in the future processes were evaluated according to energy and especially electrical energy storage areas. Home quarantines used to reduce the spread of the epidemic significantly increased the electrical energy needs of home users. In addition, great changes have occurred in public transportation habits during the COVID‐19 pandemic, and it has been observed that approximately 20% of individuals may prefer electric micromobility devices working with lithium batteries due to the risk of infection in closed areas such as public buses or metros. Although the demand for main energy sources has decreased significantly during the COVID‐19 pandemic, it is important that the percentage of energy produced from renewable energy sources increases by about 1%. With the increasing use of renewable energy sources and the increasing importance of the concept of sustainability in all areas of our lives, energy storage systems compatible with renewable energy technologies will become more and more important. At the beginning of these technologies, hydroelectric energy storage systems with closed‐loop pumps are preferred for large‐scale applications.
PSMA as a Theranostic Target in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Immunohistochemistry and 68Ga‐PSMA‐11 PET Using Cyclotron‐Produced 68Ga
Authors: Thompson Scott M. , Suman Garima , Torbenson Michael S. , Chen Zong‐Ming E. , Jondal Danielle E. , Patra Anurima , Ehman Eric C. , Andrews James C. , Fleming Chad J. , Welch Brian T. , Kurup Anil N. , Roberts Lewis R. , Watt Kymberly D. , Truty Mark J. , Cleary Sean P. , Smoot Rory L. , Heimbach Julie K. , Tran Nguyen H. , Mahipal Amit , Yin Jun , Zemla Tyler , Wang Chen , Fogarty Zachary , Jacobson Mark , Kemp Bradley J. , Venkatesh Sudhakar K. , Johnson Geoffrey B. , Woodrum David A. , Goenka Ajit H. 
Published: November 2021

Prostate‐specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is a validated target for molecular diagnostics and targeted radionuclide therapy. Our purpose was to evaluate PSMA expression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), and hepatic adenoma (HCA); investigate the genetic pathways in HCC associated with PSMA expression; and evaluate HCC detection rate with 68Ga‐PSMA‐11 positron emission tomography (PET). In phase 1, PSMA immunohistochemistry (IHC) on HCC (n = 148), CCA (n = 111), and HCA (n = 78) was scored. In a subset (n = 30), messenger RNA (mRNA) data from the Cancer Genome Atlas HCC RNA sequencing were correlated with PSMA expression. In phase 2, 68Ga‐PSMA‐11 PET was prospectively performed in patients with treatment‐naïve HCC on a digital PET scanner using cyclotron‐produced 68Ga. Uptake was graded qualitatively and semi‐quantitatively using standard metrics. On IHC, PSMA expression was significantly higher in HCC compared with CCA and HCA (P < 0.0001); 91% of HCCs (n = 134) expressed PSMA, which principally localized to tumor‐associated neovasculature. Higher tumor grade was associated with PSMA expression (P = 0.012) but there was no association with tumor size (P = 0.14), fibrosis (P = 0.35), cirrhosis (P = 0.74), hepatitis B virus (P = 0.31), or hepatitis C virus (P = 0.15). Overall survival tended to be longer in patients without versus with PSMA expression (median overall survival: 4.2 vs. 1.9 years; P = 0.273). FGF14 (fibroblast growth factor 14) mRNA expression correlated positively (rho = 0.70; P = 1.70 × 10‐5) and MAD1L1 (Mitotic spindle assembly checkpoint protein MAD1) correlated negatively with PSMA expression (rho = −0.753; P = 1.58 × 10‐6). Of the 190 patients who met the eligibility criteria, 31 patients with 39 HCC lesions completed PET; 64% (n = 25) lesions had pronounced 68Ga‐PSMA‐11 standardized uptake value: SUVmax (median [range] 9.2 [4.9‐28.4]), SUVmean 4.7 (2.4‐12.7), and tumor‐to‐liver background ratio 2 (1.1‐11). Conclusion: Ex vivo expression of PSMA in neovasculature of HCC translates to marked tumor avidity on 68Ga‐PSMA‐11 PET, which suggests that PSMA has the potential as a theranostic target in patients with HCC.
An Analysis of Free‐Text Refusals as an Indicator of Readiness to Accept Organ Offers in Liver Transplantation
Authors: Ge Jin , Ku Elaine , Roll Garrett R. , Lai Jennifer C. 
Published: November 2021

Racial/ethnic minorities experience higher rates of wait‐list mortality and longer waiting times on the liver transplant wait list. We hypothesized that racial/ethnic minorities may encounter greater logistical barriers to maintaining “readiness” on the wait list, as reflected in offer nonacceptance. We identified all candidates who received an organ offer between 2009 and 2018 and investigated candidates who did not accept an organ offer using a free‐text refusal reason associated with refusal code 801. We isolated patients who did not accept an organ offer due to “candidate‐related logistical reasons” and evaluated their characteristics. We isolated 94,006 “no 801” patients and 677 “with 801 logistical” patients. Common reasons for offer decline among the 677 were 60% “unable to travel/distance,” 22% “cannot be contacted,” 13% “not ready/unspecified,” and 5% “financial/insurance.” Compared to “no 801,” “with 801 logistical” patients were more likely to be Hispanic (19% vs. 15%, P < 0.01). Multivariate logistic modeling showed Hispanic (odds ratio [OR] 1.44, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.17‐1.76, P < 0.01) and multiracial/other ethnicity (OR 1.82, 95% CI 1.08‐3.05, P = 0.02) were associated with “with 801 logistical” status. The “with 801 logistical” patients were listed with higher allocation (inclusive of exception points) Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease scores (16 vs. 15, P < 0.01) and remained longer on the wait list (median 428 days vs. 187 days, P < 0.01). Conclusion: In this analysis of wait‐list candidates, we isolated 677 patients who declined an organ offer with a free‐text reason consistent with a “candidate‐related logistical reason.” Compared with non‐Hispanic Whites, Hispanics were at 1.44 odds of not accepting organ offers due to logistical reasons. These limited findings motivate further research into interventions that would improve candidates’ “readiness” to accept organ offers and may benefit racial/ethnic minorities on the liver‐transplantation wait list.
Elastin MIcrofibriL INterfacer1 (EMILIN‐1) is an alternative prosurvival VLA‐4 ligand in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Tissino Erika , Pivetta Eliana , Capuano Alessandra , Capasso Guido , Bomben Riccardo , Caldana Chiara , Rossi Francesca Maria , Pozzo Federico , Benedetti Dania , Boldorini Renzo , Gaidano Gianluca , Rossi Davide , Zamò Alberto , Hartmann Tanja Nicole , Doliana Roberto , Colombatti Alfonso , Gattei Valter , Spessotto Paola , Zucchetto Antonella 
Published: November 2021

AbstractCD49d, the α4 chain of the VLA‐4 integrin, is a negative prognosticator in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) with a key role in CLL cell‐microenvironment interactions mainly occurring via its ligands VCAM‐1 and fibronectin. In the present study, we focused on EMILIN‐1 (Elastin‐MIcrofibriL‐INterfacer‐1), an alternative VLA‐4 ligand whose role has been so far reported only in non‐hematological settings, by investigating: i) the distribution of EMILIN‐1 in CLL‐involved tissues; ii) the capability of EMILIN‐1 to operate, via its globular C1q (gC1q) domain, as additional adhesion ligand in CLL; iii) the functional meaning of EMILIN‐1 gC1q/VLA‐4 interactions in CLL. EMILIN‐1 is widely present in the CLL‐involved areas of bone marrow biopsies (BMBs) without difference between CD49d negative and positive cases, displaying at least three different expression patterns: “fibrillar”, “dot‐like” and “mixed”. The lack in CLL‐BMB of neutrophil elastase, whose proteolytic activity degrades EMILIN‐1 and impairs EMILIN‐1 function, suggests full functional EMILIN‐1 in CLL independently of its expression pattern. Functionally, EMILIN‐1 gC1q domain promotes adhesion of CLL cells through specific interaction with VLA‐4, and releases pro‐survival signals for CLL cells, as demonstrated by enhanced ERK and AKT phosphorylation and impairment of in‐vitro‐induced apoptosis. EMILIN‐1/VLA‐4 interaction can efficiently contribute to the maintenance of the neoplastic clone in CLL.
Vitamin D and Breast Cancer: Mechanistic Update
Authors: Welsh JoEllen 
Published: November 2021

ABSTRACTThe presence of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) in mammary gland and breast cancer has long been recognized, and multiple preclinical studies have demonstrated that its ligand, 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25D), modulates normal mammary gland development and inhibits growth of breast tumors in animal models. Vitamin D deficiency is common in breast cancer patients, and some evidence suggests that low vitamin D status enhances the risk for disease development or progression. Although many 1,25D‐responsive targets in normal mammary cells and in breast cancers have been identified, validation of specific targets that regulate cell cycle, apoptosis, autophagy, and differentiation, particularly in vivo, has been challenging. Model systems of carcinogenesis have provided evidence that both VDR expression and 1,25D actions change with transformation, but clinical data regarding vitamin D responsiveness of established tumors is limited and inconclusive. Because breast cancer is heterogeneous, the relevant VDR targets and potential sensitivity to vitamin D repletion or supplementation will likely differ between patient populations. Detailed analysis of VDR actions in specific molecular subtypes of the disease will be necessary to clarify the conflicting data. Genomic, proteomic, and metabolomic analyses of in vitro and in vivo model systems are also warranted to comprehensively understand the network of vitamin D–regulated pathways in the context of breast cancer heterogeneity. This review provides an update on recent studies spanning the spectrum of mechanistic (cell/molecular), preclinical (animal models), and translational work on the role of vitamin D in breast cancer. © 2021 The Author. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Investigation of the quantitative detection of serum Helicobacter pylori antibody in clinical laboratories in China
Authors: Zhang Chao , Zhou Weiyan , Wang Jing , Zhang Jiangtao , Zhang Chuanbao 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackgroundThis study aimed to investigate the implementation and quality control of the quantitative detection of serum Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) antibody in clinical laboratories in China.MethodsOnline external quality assessment (EQA) questionnaires were distributed to the clinical laboratories by National Center for Clinical Laboratories (NCCL) of China. We collected information on the quantitative detection procedures of serum H. pylori antibody in clinical laboratories, including detection reagents, methods, instruments, calibrators, and internal quality control (IQC). We distributed quality control products to some select laboratories that conducted quantitative detection and analyzed the obtained test data. We evaluated the quantitative detection procedure based on the standard evaluation criteria set at a target value of ±30%.Results70.9% (146/206) of the laboratories conducted quantitative detection of H. pylori antibody; 29.1% (60/206) of the laboratories performed qualitative detection. Domestic reagents and matching calibrators accounted for more than 97.1% (200/206) of all reagents. Latex‐enhanced immunoturbidimetry was used in 89.7% (131/146) of the laboratories for quantitative determination, while the colloidal gold method was used in 66.7% (40/60) of the laboratories for qualitative determination. A total of 130 laboratories participated in the EQA; 123 completed the assessment, and the pass rate was 75.6% (93/123).ConclusionClinical quantitative detection of serum H. pylori antibody is performed at a high rate in China. Thus, further studies on the specificity of commercial detection reagents are needed. EQAs are useful to monitor and improve the detection quality of H. pylori antibodies.
Ontogeny of the testicular excurrent duct system of male Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica): A histological, ultrastructural, and histometric study
Authors: Ibrahim Mohammed I. A. , Zakariah Musa , Molele Reneilwe A. , Mahdy Mohamed A. A. , Williams June H. , Botha Christo J. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe testicular excurrent duct system undergoes several physiological and morphological changes during the reproductive stage or breeding season in mammals, birds, and reptiles. Studies on normal age‐related histomorphological changes in the excurrent duct system of Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica) remain unreported, despite the extensive use of this bird as an avian model in research studies. The current study investigated the histological, ultrastructural, and histometric changes in the testicular excurrent duct system of the Japanese quail during three reproductive stages, namely prepubertal, pubertal, and adult. Simple squamous to low cuboidal cells formed the epithelia of the rete testis in prepubertal and pubertal birds, while in adult birds the lining was low cuboidal to cuboidal. In pubertal and adult birds, the nonciliated Type I epithelial cells of the proximal efferent duct displayed a subapical endocytotic apparatus comprising coated pits, coated apical tubules, and endosomes. There was a significant increase (p ≤ .001) in epithelial heights of all ducts of the excurrent duct system in the mature, sexually active, adult birds when compared to the other age groups. The luminal and tubular diameters, and the cross‐sectional areas of efferent ducts and the epididymal duct unit increased significantly (p ≤ .001) with age. It is concluded that the morphology and morphometry of the excurrent ducts of the testis of the Japanese quail change as birds mature.
A stability result for girth‐regular graphs with even girth
Authors: Kiss György , Miklavič Štefko , Szőnyi Tamás 
Published: November 2021

AbstractLet denote a finite, connected, simple graph. For an edge of let denote the number of girth cycles containing . For a vertex of let be the set of edges incident to ordered such that . Then is called the signature of . The graph is said to be girth‐regular if all of its vertices have the same signature. Let be a girth‐regular graph with girth and signature . It is known that in this case we have . In this paper we show that if for some nonnegative integer , then . We also show that the above bound on is sharp by displaying examples of girth‐regular graphs with for some values of and (in particular, for ), and construct geometric examples where is not far from .
Morphology and postnatal ontogeny of the cranial endocast and paranasal sinuses of capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris), the largest living rodent
Authors: Ferreira José D. , Dozo Maria Teresa , de Moura Bubadué Jamile , Kerber Leonardo 
Published: November 2021

AbstractRecent studies have analyzed and described the endocranial cavities of caviomorph rodents. However, no study has documented the changes in the morphology and relative size of such cavities during ontogeny. Expecting to contribute to the discussion of the endocranial spaces of extinct caviomorphs, we aimed to characterize the cranial endocast morphology and paranasal sinuses of the largest living rodent, Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris, by focusing on its ontogenetic growth patterns. We analyzed 12 specimens of different ontogenetic stages and provided a comparison with other cavioids. Our study demonstrates that the adult cranial endocast of H. hydrochaeris is characterized by olfactory bulbs with an irregular shape, showing an elongated olfactory tract without a clear circular fissure, a marked temporal region that makes the endocast with rhombus outline, and gyrencephaly. Some of these traits change as the brain grows. The cranial pneumatization is present in the frontal and lacrimal bones. We identified two recesses (frontal and lacrimal) and one sinus (frontal). These pneumatic cavities increase their volume as the cranium grows, covering the cranial region of the cranial endocast. The encephalization quotient was calculated for each specimen, demonstrating that it decreases as the individual grows, being much higher in younger specimens than in adults. Our results show that the ontogenetic stage can be a confounding factor when it comes to the general patterns of encephalization of extinct rodents, reinforcing the need for paleobiologists to take the age of the specimens into account in future studies on this subject to avoid age‐related biases.
2021 Focused update of the 2017 consensus guidelines of the Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society (APHRS) on stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation
Authors: Chao Tze‐Fan , Joung Boyoung , Takahashi Yoshihide , Lim Toon Wei , Choi Eue‐Keun , Chan Yi‐Hsin , Guo Yutao , Sriratanasathavorn Charn , Oh Seil , Okumura Ken , Lip Gregory Y. H. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe consensus of the Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society (APHRS) on stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation (AF) has been published in 2017 which provided useful clinical guidance for cardiologists, neurologists, geriatricians, and general practitioners in Asia‐Pacific region. In these years, many important new data regarding stroke prevention in AF were reported. The Practice Guidelines subcommittee members comprehensively reviewed updated information on stroke prevention in AF, and summarized them in this 2021 focused update of the 2017 consensus guidelines of the APHRS on stroke prevention in AF. We highlighted and focused on several issues, including the importance of AF Better Care (ABC) pathway, the advantages of non–vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) for Asians, the considerations of use of NOACs for Asian patients with AF with single 1 stroke risk factor beyond gender, the role of lifestyle factors on stroke risk, the use of oral anticoagulants during the “coronavirus disease 2019” (COVID‐19) pandemic, etc. We fully realize that there are gaps, unaddressed questions, and many areas of uncertainty and debate in the current knowledge of AF, and the physician's decision remains the most important factor in the management of AF.
Analysis of handmade paper by Raman spectroscopy combined with machine learning
Authors: Yan Chunsheng , Cheng Zhongyi , Luo Si , Huang Chen , Han Songtao , Han Xiuli , Du Yuandong , Ying Chaonan 
Published: November 2021

AbstractHandmade paper is a major carrier and restoration material of traditional Chinese ancient books, calligraphies, and paintings. In this study, we carried out a Raman spectroscopy analysis of 18 types of handmade paper samples. The main components of the handmade paper were cellulose and lignin, according to the wavenumber and Raman vibration assignment. We divided its Raman spectrum into eight subbands. Five machine learning models were employed: principal component analysis (PCA), partial least squares (PLS), support vector machine (SVM), k‐nearest neighbors (KNN), and random forest (RF). The Raman spectral data were normalized, and the fluorescence envelope was subtracted using the airPLS algorithm to obtain four types of data, raw, normalized, defluorescence, and fluorescence data. An RF variable importance analysis of data processing showed that data normalization eliminated the intensity differences of fluorescence signals caused by lignin, which contained important information of raw materials and papermaking technology, let alone the data defluorescence. The data processing also reduced the importance of the average variables in almost all spectral bands. Nevertheless, the data processing is worthwhile because it significantly improves the accuracy of machine learning, and the information loss does not affect the prediction. Using the machine learning models of PCA, PLS, and SVM combined with linear regression (LR), KNN, and RF, the classification and prediction of handmade paper samples were realized. For almost all processed data, including the fluorescence data, PCA‐LR had the highest classification and prediction accuracy (R2 = 1) in almost all spectral bands. PLS‐LR and SVM‐LR had the second‐highest accuracies (R2 = 0.4–0.9), whereas KNN and RF had the lowest accuracies (R2 = 0.1–0.4) for full band spectral data. Our results suggest that the abundant information contained in Raman spectroscopy combined with powerful machine learning models could inspire further studies on handmade paper and related cultural relics.
Detergents containing cationic hydroxyethyl cellulose: Benefits on dark garments leveraging a consumer relevant wash method
Authors: Chalmond Thomas , Martinez Alberto , Lebron Ariel , Bianchetti Giulia Ottavia 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe industrial standard methods to evaluate color care of detergents leverage technical fabrics and use known dye standards from A.I.S.E. (International Association for Soaps, Detergents and Maintenance Products). This has some limitations: (1) it is not always following the latest fashion trends; (2) overall color fading of a garment is due to both dye bleeding out of the fabric as well as friction during the wash leading to fabric texture changes. The latter depends on parameters such as fabric type and surface area that could be better assessed on real garments. To overcome the above limitations, we have designed a new protocol considering the incidence of garment types, fiber and dye chemistry. Leveraging this protocol, we assessed the effect of the presence of a cationic hydroxyethyl cellulose in a commercial detergent formulation on dark fabrics/garments. Our results indicate that the commercial detergent formulation with cationic hydroxyethyl cellulose delivers dark/black color benefit.
Influence of microbial probiotics on ruminant health and nutrition: sources, mode of action and implications
Authors: Reuben Rine C , Elghandour Mona M M Y , Alqaisi Othman , Cone John W , Márquez Ofelia , Salem Abdelfattah Z M 
Published: November 2021

AbstractGlobally, ruminant production contributes immensely to the supply of the highest quality and quantity of proteins for human consumption, sustenance of livelihoods, and attainment of food security. Nevertheless, the phasing out of antibiotics in animal production has posed a myriad of challenges, including poor growth, performance and nutrient utilization, pathogen colonization, dysbiosis, and food safety issues in ruminants. Probiotics (direct‐fed microbials), comprising live microbial strains that confer health and nutritional benefits to the host when administered in appropriate quantities, are emerging as a viable, safe, natural and sustainable alternative to antibiotics. Although the mechanisms of action exerted by probiotics on ruminants are not well elucidated, dietary probiotic dosage to ruminants enhances development and maturation, growth and performance, milk production and composition, nutrient digestibility, feed efficiency, pathogen reduction, and mitigation of gastrointestinal diseases. However, the beneficial response to probiotic supplementation in ruminants is not consistent, being dependent on the microbial strain selected, combination of strains, dose, time and frequency of supplementation, diet, animal breed, physiological stage, husbandry practice, and farm management. Nonetheless, several studies have recently reported beneficial effects of probiotics on ruminant performance, health and production. This review conclusively re‐iterates the need for probiotics inclusion for the sustainability of ruminant production. Considering the role that ruminants play in food production and employment, global acceptance of sustainable ruminant production through supplementation with probiotics will undoubtedly ensure food security and food safety for the world. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.