bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Recent frontiers in solar energy storage via nanoparticles enhanced phase change materials: Succinct review on basics, applications, and their environmental aspects
Authors: Tony Maha A. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractModern so‐called renewable energy storage technologies are actually broadening concerns over future sustainability awareness for facing the fossil fuel scarcity crisis. We need to be more innovative in using and storing the free‐cost energy sources that are essentially needed to be adopted in our modern societies. Several initiatives have been addressed for renewable energy storing capabilities. Recently, one of the areas gaining scientists attention is the solar energy storage via phase change materials (PCMs). PCMs are those materials that signified by storing surplus solar energy and releasing the accumulated energy collected when it is in deficiency for its later use in which they are situated. This ambition is based on capturing the heat provided by the solar field for useful utility applications, such as power production, solar cooling, and domestic water heating. This review is aiming to assist the researchers by providing an overview of PCMs basics, classifications and their technological applications. Additionally, a detailed information and literature reviewed toward enhancing the thermal conductivity of PCMs' systems via numerous nanomaterials additions are discussed and their various thermal energy storage applications are overviewed. The pros and cons of nanoadditives PCM are also discussed. Future perspectives and PCMs trends are provided.
Determination of Effective Albumin in Patients With Decompensated Cirrhosis: Clinical and Prognostic Implications
Authors: Baldassarre Maurizio , Naldi Marina , Zaccherini Giacomo , Bartoletti Michele , Antognoli Agnese , Laggetta Maristella , Gagliardi Martina , Tufoni Manuel , Domenicali Marco , Waterstradt Katja , Paterini Paola , Baldan Anna , Leoni Simona , Bartolini Manuela , Viale Pierluigi , Trevisani Franco , Bernardi Mauro , Caraceni Paolo 
Published: March 2021

Background and Aims
Circulating albumin in cirrhosis can be dysfunctional because of accumulating structural damages, leading to the concept of effective albumin concentration (eAlb), referring to the albumin portion presenting structural and functional integrity. We aimed to estimate eAlb in patients with decompensated cirrhosis and analyze its relationships with albumin function and clinical outcomes as compared to total albumin concentration (tAlb).

Approach and Results
We evaluated 319 patients with cirrhosis hospitalized for acute decompensation (AD) with and without acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (ACLF) and 18 age‐ and sex‐comparable outpatients with compensated cirrhosis. tAlb was quantified by standard assay, whereas eAlb was estimated combining liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization/mass spectrometry and standard methods. Albumin binding and detoxification efficiency were evaluated by electron paramagnetic resonance analysis. Circulating albumin in patients with decompensated cirrhosis displayed multiple structural abnormalities, with reversible oxidation and glycation being the most frequent. As a result, eAlb progressively declined with the worsening of cirrhosis and was superior to tAlb in stratifying patients between compensated cirrhosis, AD, and ACLF, as well as patients with and without complications. Moreover, eAlb, but not tAlb, was closely associated with binding capacities in ACLF. Finally, eAlb at admission predicted the occurrence of ACLF within 30 days and mortality at 90 days better than tAlb.

Conclusions
This large, observational study provides the evidence in patients with decompensated cirrhosis that eAlb can be quantified and differentiated from tAlb routinely measured in clinical practice. As compared to tAlb, eAlb is more closely associated with disease severity and albumin dysfunction and carries a greater prognostic power. These results prompt future research assessing eAlb as a biomarker for predicting prognosis and treatment response.
Stress‐Responsive Gene FK506‐Binding Protein 51 Mediates Alcohol‐Induced Liver Injury Through the Hippo Pathway and Chemokine (C‐X‐C Motif) Ligand 1 Signaling
Authors: Kusumanchi Praveen , Liang Tiebing , Zhang Ting , Ross Ruth Ann , Han Sen , Chandler Kristina , Oshodi Adepeju , Jiang Yanchao , Dent Alexander L. , Skill Nicholas J. , Huda Nazmul , Ma Jing , Yang Zhihong , Liangpunsakul Suthat 
Published: March 2021

Background and Aims
Chronic alcohol drinking is a major risk factor for alcohol‐associated liver disease (ALD). FK506‐binding protein 51 (FKBP5), a cochaperone protein, is involved in many key regulatory pathways. It is known to be involved in stress‐related disorders, but there are no reports regarding its role in ALD. This present study aimed to examine the molecular mechanism of FKBP5 in ALD.

Approach and Results
We found a significant increase in hepatic FKBP5 transcripts and protein expression in patients with ALD and mice fed with chronic‐plus‐single binge ethanol. Loss of Fkbp5 in mice protected against alcohol‐induced hepatic steatosis and inflammation. Transcriptomic analysis revealed a significant reduction of Transcriptional enhancer factor TEF‐1 (TEA) domain transcription factor 1 (Tead1) and chemokine (C‐X‐C motif) ligand 1 (Cxcl1) mRNA in ethanol‐fed Fkbp5−/−
mice. Ethanol‐induced Fkbp5 expression was secondary to down‐regulation of methylation level at its 5′ untranslated promoter region. The increase in Fkbp5 expression led to induction in transcription factor TEAD1 through Hippo signaling pathway. Fkbp5 can interact with yes‐associated protein (YAP) upstream kinase, mammalian Ste20‐like kinase 1 (MST1), affecting its ability to phosphorylate YAP and the inhibitory effect of hepatic YAP phosphorylation by ethanol leading to YAP nuclear translocation and TEAD1 activation. Activation of TEAD1 led to increased expression of its target, CXCL1, a chemokine‐mediated neutrophil recruitment, causing hepatic inflammation and neutrophil infiltration in our mouse model.

Conclusions
We identified an FKBP5‐YAP‐TEAD1‐CXCL1 axis in the pathogenesis of ALD. Loss of FKBP5 ameliorates alcohol‐induced liver injury through the Hippo pathway and CXCL1 signaling, suggesting its potential role as a target for the treatment of ALD.
Diagnostic analysis of lupus anticoagulant using clot waveform analysis in activated partial thromboplastin time prolonged cases: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Kanouchi Kazunori , Narimatsu Hiroto , Shirata Toru , Morikane Keita 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackground and AimsHemophilia was diagnosed in precedence research of clot waveform analysis (CWA) using the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT). In patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), lupus anticoagulant (LA) causes an increase in APTT, suggesting that the waveform would probably be distorted. Therefore, we evaluated using clinical samples. CWA may be useful low cost for clinical detection of LA. We assessed the clinical value of CWA for detection of LA and coagulation using clinical blood samples collected from patients with a prolonged APTT.MethodsWe used patient samples inspected between April 2011 and March 2013 in Yamagata University Hospital. CWA was performed using the ACL TOP coagulation analyzer, and the associated software program was used to calculate APTT clotting endpoints. An atypical peak was defined as a derivative plot that did not conform to the normal S‐shaped clot reaction curve.ResultsIn total, 162 patients, including 66 men and 96 women, with an average age of 46 years (range: 24‐89 years) were included. We also collected control samples from unmatched healthy donors. All 162 patients were divided according to medication history or condition into the following five groups: heparin (n = 20), warfarin (n = 23), hepatic dysfunction (n = 13), normal (n = 20), and LA‐positive antiphospholipid syndrome (APS; n = 86). Twenty healthy individuals were included as controls.Eighty patients had an atypical peak. Among all, 78 patients (90.6%) were LA‐positive, and 2 patients (2.5%) were treated with warfarin. The remaining two patients had prothrombin time international normalized ratios (PT‐INR) >4.0 while taking warfarin. Those who were APS LA positive with thrombosis and without thrombosis had split the reaction of clotting time, deceleration/acceleration time (D/A) ratio of 2.36 (1.99,3.24) vs 2.34 (2.04,2.86), respectively.ConclusionThe significant atypical peak and D/A ratio extension may be explained by the clotting waveforms observed specifically in patients with LA‐positive APS.
Pegilodecakin as monotherapy or in combination with anti‐PD‐1 or tyrosine kinase inhibitor in heavily pretreated patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma: Final results of cohorts A, G, H and I of IVY Phase I study
Authors: Tannir Nizar M. , Papadopoulos Kyriakos P. , Wong Deborah J. , Aljumaily Raid , Hung Annie , Afable Manuel , Kim Jong Seok , Ferry David , Drakaki Alexandra , Bendell Johanna , Naing Aung 
Published: March 2021

AbstractInterleukin (IL)‐10 has anti‐inflammatory and CD8+ T‐cell‐stimulating properties. Pegilodecakin (pegylated recombinant human IL‐10) induces intratumoral antigen‐specific CD8 + T‐cells and upregulates IFNγ and major histocompatibility complexes (MHC) I and II. Pegilodecakin has single‐agent activity with manageable toxicity in advanced renal cell carcinama (aRCC) (data cutoff 24 March 2016). Pegilodecakin with pembrolizumab or nivolumab revealed clinical activity in aRCC (data cutoff 1 July 2018). Here, we report for the first time the results of pegilodecakin+ pazopanib, and final results for monotherapy and long‐term follow‐up with pegilodecakin + anti‐programmed cell death 1 (anti‐PD‐1) inhibitors (data cutoff 19 February 2019). Phase 1/1b multi‐cohort dose escalation IVY study enrolled 353 patients. Sixty‐six patients with aRCC were treated with pegilodecakin alone or with pazopanib or anti‐PD‐1 inhibitor in cohorts A, G, H and I (data cutoff 19 February 2019). Primary endpoints included safety and tolerability. Secondary endpoint was tumor response by immune‐related response criteria (irRC). Pegilodecakin plus nivolumab or pembrolizumab yielded median progression‐free survival (mPFS) of 13.9 months and 6‐month PFS probability of 60%, 76% 1‐year overall survival (OS) probability and 61% 2‐year OS probability. Pegilodecakin monotherapy produced mPFS of 1.8 months, 6‐month PFS probability 25%, 1‐year OS 50%, and 2‐year OS 17%. Median OS was not reached in both combinations. Objective response rates (ORRs) were 33% with pazopanib and 43% with anti‐PD‐1. Most common Grade 3/4 treatment‐related adverse events included anemia, thrombocytopenia and hypertriglyceridemia. In these heavily pretreated renal cell carcinama cohorts of IVY, pegilodecakin+anti‐PD‐1 inhibitor showed promising clinical activity. Safety profile of pegilodecakin alone and with anti‐PD‐1 inhibitors was consistent as previously reported.
Screening candidate genes related to volatile synthesis in shiitake mushrooms and construction of regulatory networks to effectively improve mushroom aroma
Authors: Li Wen , Chen Wan‐Chao , Wang Jin‐Bin , Feng Jie , Wu Di , Zhang Zhong , Zhang Jing‐Song , Yang Yan 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDMetabolite formation is a physiological stress response during the growth and development of shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes). The characteristic flavor metabolites are important quality components in shiitake mushrooms. To investigate the formation mechanisms of characteristic flavor metabolites, transcriptome analyses were performed on shiitake mushrooms harvested at different growth stages.RESULTSIn total, 30 genes related to the synthesis of characteristic volatiles of mushrooms were identified via screening. Through KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) enrichment analysis of the selected genes and correlation analyses of gene expressions, the main volatile synthesis pathways were determined as histidine metabolism, glutathione metabolism and biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids. Gene cluster and correlation analyses were performed to clarify the combined effects of different genes in the enzymatic reactions. Further, a correlation network of candidate genes was built based on the gene expression levels.CONCLUSIONThe activities of flavor synthases and the content of characteristic flavor metabolites were analyzed; the enzyme activity changes and metabolic product distribution sites were clarified. A synthesis and regulation network was constructed for the candidate genes and characteristic volatiles, and information was obtained for 16 hub genes. Moreover, it was essential to identify and characterize the key genes and synthases involved in the synthesis of the characteristic volatiles of mushrooms. This information provides us with a better understanding of the biosynthesis and regulation of the volatiles, which will lay the foundation for improving the quality of shiitake mushrooms. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Laparoscopic Living Donor Right Hepatectomy Regarding the Anatomical Variation of the Portal Vein: A Propensity Score–Matched Analysis
Authors: Rhu Jinsoo , Kim Mi Seung , Choi Gyu‐Seong , Kim Jong Man , Kwon Choon Hyuck David , Joh Jae‐Won 
Published: March 2021

This study is designed to analyze the feasibility of laparoscopic living donor right hemihepatectomy in living donors with portal vein variation. Living donor liver transplantation cases using a right liver graft during the period of January 2014 to September 2019 were included. Computed tomographic angiographies of the donor were 3‐dimensionally reconstructed, and the anatomical variation of the portal vein was classified. To reduce selection bias, a 1:1 ratio propensity score–matched analysis between the laparoscopy group and the open group was performed. Surgical and recovery‐related outcomes as well as portal vein complication‐free survival, graft survival, and overall survival rates were analyzed. After matching, 171 cases in each group from 444 original cases were compared. The laparoscopy group had a shorter operation time (P < 0.001), a smaller number of additional opioids required by the donor (P < 0.001), and a shorter hospital stay (P < 0.001). There were no differences in the portal vein complication‐free survival (P = 0.16), graft survival (P = 0.26), or overall survival rates (P = 0.53). Although portal vein complication‐free survival was inferior in portal veins other than type I (P = 0.01), the laparoscopy group showed similar portal vein complication‐free survival regardless of the anatomical variation of portal vein (P = 0.35 in type I and P = 0.30 in other types). Laparoscopic living donor right hemihepatectomy can be performed as safely as open surgery regardless of the anatomical variation of the portal vein.
Market entry strategy in the presence of market spillovers and efficiency differentiation
Authors: Wu Xiangxiang , Zha Yong , Li Linzi , Yu Yugang 
Published: March 2021

AbstractFirms form various alliances or use brand extensions to enter new markets in order to improve their operational efficiency and create a positive spillover. However, they do not always know the implications of these strategies for market entry and multimarket competition because the sale of products in one market can have negative spillover effects on product sales in other markets. We present an analytical framework to examine whether and how (i.e., by choosing alliance entry or independent entry) competing firms should enter a market in a situation where market spillovers occur when a firm enters a spillover‐producing market to sell products that may increase or decrease the consumers' willingness to pay for products in the primary market. Our analysis shows that the operational efficiency (or quality differentiation ability) of firms in a spillover‐producing market varies, and hence, the impact of market spillovers differs for firms. We identify the key factors, such as bargaining power, brand value difference in the primary market, and the extent of efficiencies and spillovers, that determine the firms benefitting from the different entry strategies. Specifically, we show that firms would be more willing to choose an alliance strategy to enter a spillover‐producing market if the negative spillover is small and alliance efficiency is high. In contrast, if an alliance entry is not favored, the firms' relative operational efficiency is crucial for them to decide whether to enter the market independently under moderate spillover conditions. Finally, we show the implications of market entry strategies for managers.
Evaluating appointment postponement in scheduling patients at a diagnostic clinic
Authors: Kiani Mahsa , Eksioglu Burak , Isik Tugce , Thomas Alexandria , Gilpin John 
Published: March 2021

AbstractDiagnostic clinics are among healthcare facilities that suffer from long waiting times which can worsen medical outcomes and increase patient no‐shows. Reducing waiting times without significant capital investments is a challenging task. We tackle this challenge by proposing a new appointment scheduling policy that does not require significant investments for diagnostic clinics. The clinic in our study serves outpatients, inpatients, and emergency patients. Emergency patients must be seen on arrival, and inpatients must be given next day appointments. Outpatients, however, can be given later appointments. The proposed policy takes advantage of this by allowing the postponement of the acceptance of appointment requests from outpatients. The appointment scheduling process is modeled as a two‐stage stochastic programming problem where a portion of the clinic capacity is allocated to inpatients and emergency patients in the first stage. In the second stage, outpatients are scheduled based on their priority classes. After a detailed analysis of the solutions obtained from the two‐stage stochastic model, we develop a simple, non‐anticipative policy for patient scheduling. We evaluate the performance of this proposed, easy‐to‐implement policy in a simulation study which shows significant improvements in outpatient indirect waiting times.
L‐arginine as a potential GLP‐1‐mediated immunomodulator of Th17‐related cytokines in people with obesity and asthma
Authors: Liao Shu‐Yi , Linderholm Angela , Showalter Megan R. , Chen Ching‐Hsien , Fiehn Oliver , Kenyon Nicholas J. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractObesity is considered as a risk factor for COVID‐19 with insulin resistance and increased production of inflammatory cytokines as likely mechanisms. Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) agonists and inhaled nitric oxide are proposed therapeutic approaches to treat COVID‐19 because of their broad anti‐inflammatory effects. One approach that might augment GLP‐1 levels would be dietary supplementation with L‐arginine. Beyond cytokines, multiple studies have started to investigate the relationship between new‐onset diabetes and COVID‐19. In a posthoc analysis of a randomized, placebo‐controlled human clinical trial of L‐arginine supplementation in people with asthma and predominantly with obesity, the results showed that 12 weeks of continuous L‐arginine supplementation significantly decreased the level of IL‐21 (p = 0.02) and increased the level of insulin (p = 0.02). A high arginine level and arginine/ADMA ratio were significantly associated with lower CCL‐20 and TNF‐αlevels. The study also showed that L‐arginine supplementation reduces cytokine levels and improves insulin deficiency or resistance, both are two big risk factors for COVID‐19 severity and mortality. Given its safety profile and ease of accessibility, L‐arginine is an attractive potential therapeutic option that allows for a cost‐effective way to improve outcomes in patients. An expedition of further investigation or clinical trials to test these hypotheses is needed.
Receptors in host pathogen interactions between human cytomegalovirus and the placenta during congenital infection
Authors: Singh Krishneel , Hamilton Stuart T. , Shand Antonia W. , Hannan Natalie J. , Rawlinson William D. 
Published: March 2021

SummaryCellular receptors in human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) mother to child transmission play an important role in congenital infection. Placental trophoblast cells are a significant cell type in placental development, placental functional processes, and in HCMV transmission. Different cells within the placental floating and chorionic villi present alternate receptors for HCMV cell entry. Syncytiotrophoblasts present neonatal Fc receptors that bind and transport circulating maternal immunoglobulin G across the placental interface which can also be bound to HCMV virions, facilitating viral entry into the placenta and foetal circulation. Cytotrophoblast express HCMV receptors including integrin‐α1β1, integrin‐αVβ3, epidermal growth factor receptor and platelet‐derived growth factor receptor alpha. The latter interacts with HCMV glycoprotein‐H, glycoprotein‐L and glycoprotein‐O (gH/gL/gO) trimers (predominantly in placental fibroblasts) and the gH/gL/pUL128, UL130‐UL131A pentameric complex in other placental cell types. The pentameric complex allows viral tropism of placental trophoblasts, endothelial cells, epithelial cells, leukocytes and monocytes. This review outlines HCMV ligands and target receptor proteins in congenital HCMV infection.
Fully Controllable Structural Phase Transition in Thermomechanical Molecular Crystals with a Very Small Thermal Hysteresis
Authors: Duan Yulong , Semin Sergey , Tinnemans Paul , Xu Jialiang , Rasing Theo 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe construction of a practical crystalline molecular machine faces two challenges: to realize a collective molecular movement, and to amplify this movement into a precisely controlled mechanical response in real time and space. Thermosalient single crystals display cooperative molecular movements that are converted to strong macroscopic mechanical responses or shape deformations during temperature‐induced structural phase transitions. However, these collective molecular movements are hard to control once initiated, and often feature thermal hystereses that are larger than 10 °C, which greatly hamper their practical applications. Here, it is demonstrated that the phase boundaries of the thermomechanical molecular crystal based on a fluorenone derivative 4‐DBpFO can be used to finely control its structural phase transition. When this phase transition is triggered at two opposite crystal faces, it is accompanied by two parallel phase boundaries that can be temperature controlled to move forward, backward, or to halt, benefitting from the stored elastic energy between the parallel boundaries. Moreover, the thermal hysteresis is greatly decreased to 2–3 °C, which allows for circular heating/cooling cycles that can produce a continuous work output.