bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ultra-wideband and high gain antipodal tapered slot antenna with planar metamaterial lens
Authors: Wang Ziye , Yang Zhengwei , Zhao Xiao , Guo Linyan , Guo Minjie 
Published: June 2021

AbstractTo solve the problems of low gain, narrow bandwidth, and poor radiation directivity of conventional ground penetrating radar antenna, this paper proposes an ultra-wideband and high-gain antipodal tapered slot antenna (ATSA) with planar metamaterial lens. As a constituent part of this lens, a new non-resonant metamaterial unit cell is introduced and analyzed by the full-wave simulation tool. The single-layer planar lens composed of the designed unit cells with different sizes is placed in the maximum radiation direction of the ATSA to greatly enhance its radiation capability. The proposed planar lens antenna has a wide impedance bandwidth of 107.4% (2.41–8 GHz) and −3 dB gain bandwidth of 54.5% (4–7 GHz), respectively. The gain increases averagely by 6.0 dB in the whole operating frequency band, and the peck gain reaches 15.4 dBi at 5.5 GHz. And its excellent performance shows a high application prospect in ground penetrating radar and microwave imaging system.
Time-modulated linear array synthesis with optimal time schemes for the simultaneous suppression of sidelobe and sidebands
Authors: Chakraborty Avishek , Ram Gopi , Mandal Durbadal 
Published: June 2021

AbstractAn efficient analysis of time-modulated array (TMA) toward realizing less-attenuating radiation patterns with simultaneously suppressed sidelobe and sidebands is presented in this paper. In this framework, an optimal outer element-controlled time sequence is derived. The proposed time scheme, along with optimized array excitations, is profitably applied for the desired solution. TMAs are considered unconventional alternatives to the phased arrays. The desired array radiation features can be attained by periodically enabling and disabling the array elements through high-speed switches. Despite the advantages of architectural simplicity and real-time reconfigurability of periodic time sequences, time-domain antenna arrays inherently generate unavoidable sideband radiations (SRs). The undesired SRs obtained at multiple harmonics around the carrier frequency of the array resembles power loss in unintended directions. This paper aims to minimize the SRs as well as the sidelobe level (SLL) for an efficient analysis of time-modulated linear array (TMLA) with high-directive radiation patterns. The starting instants and the period of on-times are optimized to generate a unique shifted time scheme for the edge elements of the TMLA to reduce the sideband levels (SBLs). The array excitations and the uniform spacing between the elements are also optimized together with the shifted time scheme for the coveted solution. Other methods of suppressing SLLs and SBLs with shifted pulse schemes and sub-sectioned pulse schemes are also presented for a fair comparison. Modified versions of the particle swarm optimization algorithm (PSO) are applied for the desired solutions. The optimal results attained by wavelet mutation-based novel PSO is compared with the conventional PSO and the modified novel PSO-based results. The representative results are reported, and the superior performance abilities of the proposed method compared to other published studies are assessed.
Quantifying the Uncertainty of a Conceptual Herbicide Transport Model With Time‐Dependent, Stochastic Parameters
Authors: Ammann Lorenz , Stamm Christian , Fenicia Fabrizio , Reichert Peter 
Published: June 2021

AbstractSmall streams in catchments with agricultural land use are at high risk of diffuse pollution by herbicides. Fast transport processes can cause concentration peaks that exceed regulatory requirements. These processes have a high spatio‐temporal variability and data characterizing their occurrence is often sparse. For this reason, such systems show a stochastic behavior at the resolution we observe them (same input and initial conditions lead to different output). Realistic model representations should acknowledge this pronounced apparent intrinsic stochasticity. However, a deterministic description of the physical and chemical processes at the catchment scale is state of the art in research and practice. We explore the potential of stochastic process formulations in combination with the Bayesian learning paradigm to (a) improve the quantification of the uncertainty of conceptual catchment‐scale pesticide transport models and (b) gain new mechanistic insights about the system by interpreting the temporal evolution of the stochastic processes. This is done with the help of a framework for time‐varying stochastic parameters. Thereby, we find that (a) the stochastic process formulation can lead to a more realistic characterization of the uncertainty of internal states and model output compared to the deterministic one, and that (b) the temporal dynamics of parameters resulting from the inference can highlight model deficits (and inspire improvements) such as a better sustained baseflow in dry periods. We also identify two key challenges: numerical difficulties in sampling the posterior and the question of where to introduce and how to constrain the additional degrees of freedom such that they are not misused.
Biological importance of OCT transcription factors in reprogramming and development
Authors: Kim Kee-Pyo , Han Dong Wook , Kim Johnny , Schöler Hans R. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractEctopic expression of Oct4, Sox2, Klf4 and c-Myc can reprogram somatic cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Attempts to identify genes or chemicals that can functionally replace each of these four reprogramming factors have revealed that exogenous Oct4 is not necessary for reprogramming under certain conditions or in the presence of alternative factors that can regulate endogenous Oct4 expression. For example, polycistronic expression of Sox2, Klf4 and c-Myc can elicit reprogramming by activating endogenous Oct4 expression indirectly. Experiments in which the reprogramming competence of all other Oct family members tested and also in different species have led to the decisive conclusion that Oct proteins display different reprogramming competences and species-dependent reprogramming activity despite their profound sequence conservation. We discuss the roles of the structural components of Oct proteins in reprogramming and how donor cell epigenomes endow Oct proteins with different reprogramming competences.
Molecular mechanism of interaction between SARS-CoV-2 and host cells and interventional therapy
Authors: Zhang Qianqian , Xiang Rong , Huo Shanshan , Zhou Yunjiao , Jiang Shibo , Wang Qiao , Yu Fei 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has resulted in an unprecedented setback for global economy and health. SARS-CoV-2 has an exceptionally high level of transmissibility and extremely broad tissue tropism. However, the underlying molecular mechanism responsible for sustaining this degree of virulence remains largely unexplored. In this article, we review the current knowledge and crucial information about how SARS-CoV-2 attaches on the surface of host cells through a variety of receptors, such as ACE2, neuropilin-1, AXL, and antibody–FcγR complexes. We further explain how its spike (S) protein undergoes conformational transition from prefusion to postfusion with the help of proteases like furin, TMPRSS2, and cathepsins. We then review the ongoing experimental studies and clinical trials of antibodies, peptides, or small-molecule compounds with anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity, and discuss how these antiviral therapies targeting host–pathogen interaction could potentially suppress viral attachment, reduce the exposure of fusion peptide to curtail membrane fusion and block the formation of six-helix bundle (6-HB) fusion core. Finally, the specter of rapidly emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants deserves a serious review of broad-spectrum drugs or vaccines for long-term prevention and control of COVID-19 in the future.
Urinary exosome microRNA signatures as a noninvasive prognostic biomarker for prostate cancer
Authors: Shin Sun , Park Yong Hyun , Jung Seung-Hyun , Jang Sun-Hee , Kim Mee Young , Lee Ji Youl , Chung Yeun–Jun 
Published: June 2021

AbstractPredicting the risk of metastasis before starting prostate cancer (PCa) treatment can minimize the overtreatment of indolent cases and help choosing appropriate treatment. The levels of circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) from body fluids can be used as noninvasive prognostic biomarkers. In this study, urinary exosomal miRNA expression profiles of 149 PCas were determined and the miRNAs associated with metastasis were identified: miR-21, miR-16, miR-142-3p, miR-451, and miR-636. When evaluating clinical factors together, miR-21, miR-451, miR-636, and preoperative prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level remained significant in the multivariate analysis. Based on them, we developed a “Prostate Cancer Metastasis Risk Scoring (PCa-MRS)” model. The PCa-MRS showed superior stratification power (AUC = 0.925) to preoperative PSA or clinical Gleason score. Patients with high scores showed significantly poorer biochemical recurrence-free survival than those with low scores (P = 6.53 × 10−10). Our results showed the potential of urinary exosomal miRNAs as noninvasive markers for predicting metastasis and prognosis in PCa patients.
Genome-wide DNA methylation analysis on C-reactive protein among Ghanaians suggests molecular links to the emerging risk of cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Chilunga Felix P. , Henneman Peter , Venema Andrea , Meeks Karlijn A. C. , Requena-Méndez Ana , Beune Erik , Mockenhaupt Frank P. , Smeeth Liam , Bahendeka Silver , Danquah Ina , Klipstein-Grobusch Kerstin , Adeyemo Adebowale , Mannens Marcel M.A.M , Agyemang Charles 
Published: June 2021

AbstractMolecular mechanisms at the intersection of inflammation and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) among Africans are still unknown. We performed an epigenome-wide association study to identify loci associated with serum C-reactive protein (marker of inflammation) among Ghanaians and further assessed whether differentially methylated positions (DMPs) were linked to CVD in previous reports, or to estimated CVD risk in the same population. We used the Illumina Infinium® HumanMethylation450 BeadChip to obtain DNAm profiles of blood samples in 589 Ghanaians from the RODAM study (without acute infections, not taking anti-inflammatory medications, CRP levels < 40 mg/L). We then used linear models to identify DMPs associated with CRP concentrations. Post-hoc, we evaluated associations of identified DMPs with elevated CVD risk estimated via ASCVD risk score. We also performed subset analyses at CRP levels ≤10 mg/L and replication analyses on candidate probes. Finally, we assessed for biological relevance of our findings in public databases. We subsequently identified 14 novel DMPs associated with CRP. In post-hoc evaluations, we found that DMPs in PC, BTG4 and PADI1 showed trends of associations with estimated CVD risk, we identified a separate DMP in MORC2 that was associated with CRP levels ≤10 mg/L, and we successfully replicated 65 (24%) of previously reported DMPs. All DMPs with gene annotations (13) were biologically linked to inflammation or CVD traits. We have identified epigenetic loci that may play a role in the intersection between inflammation and CVD among Ghanaians. Further studies among other Africans are needed to confirm our findings.
Tribo-corrosion response of additively manufactured high-entropy alloy
Authors: Shittu Jibril , Sadeghilaridjani Maryam , Pole Mayur , Muskeri Saideep , Ren Jie , Liu Yanfang , Tahoun Ismael , Arora Harpreet , Chen Wen , Dahotre Narendra , Mukherjee Sundeep 
Published: June 2021

AbstractHigh-entropy alloys (HEAs) with multiple principal elements represent a paradigm shift in structural alloy design and show excellent surface degradation resistance in corrosive environment. Here, the tribo-corrosion response of laser-engineered net-shaped CoCrFeMnNi HEA was evaluated in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution at room temperature. The additively manufactured (AM-ed) CoCrFeMnNi showed five times lower wear rate, regenerative passivation, and nobler corrosion potential during tribo-corrosion test compared to its arc-melted counterpart. A significant anisotropy was seen in the tribo-corrosion response with 45° to the build direction showing better performance compared to tests along the build direction and perpendicular to it. The open circuit potential curves were characterized by a sharp drop to more negative values as wear began, followed by continuous change for the active tribo-corrosion duration and finally a jump to nobler value at the end of the test indicating excellent surface re-passivation for the AM-ed alloy. The superior tribo-corrosion resistance of AM-ed CoCrFeMnNi was attributed to the refined microstructure and highly protective surface passivation layer promoted by the sub-grain cellular structure formed during additive manufacturing. These results highlight the potential of utilizing additive manufacturing of HEAs for use in extreme environments that require a combination of tribo-corrosion resistance, mechanical durability, extended service life, and net shaping with low dimensional tolerance.
Long-term effect of apomorphine infusion in advanced Parkinson’s disease: a real-life study
Authors: Meira Bruna , Degos Bertrand , Corsetti Elise , Doulazmi Mohamed , Berthelot Emeline , Virbel-Fleischman Clara , Dodet Pauline , Méneret Aurélie , Mariani Louise-Laure , Delorme Cécile , Cormier-Dequaire Florence , Bendetowicz David , Villain Nicolas , Tarrano Clément , Mantisi Lise , Letrillart Hélène , Louapre Céline , McGovern Eavan , Worbe Yulia , Grabli David , Vidailhet Marie , Hainque Elodie , Roze Emmanuel 
Published: June 2021

AbstractLong-term effects of continuous subcutaneous apomorphine infusion (CSAI) on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and predictors of CSAI discontinuation are poorly known. Data from consecutive advanced Parkinson’s disease patients treated in routine care were retrospectively collected over 24 months after CSAI initiation, with a focus on the 39-item Parkinson’s disease questionnaire (PDQ-39). We determined predictors of CSAI discontinuation and HRQoL improvement using multiple regression analysis. Of the 110 subjects evaluated over a 2-year period, 35% discontinued CSAI. Of those who continued treatment, HRQoL remained stable with a sustained reduction in motor fluctuations. The observed effect on dyskinesias was mild and transient. Of note, patients with preexisting impulse control disorders showed an overall good tolerability. PDQ-39 was the only baseline predictor of HRQoL improvement after 2 years of treatment. The presence of dyskinesias, poorer psychological status, shorter disease duration, male sex, and worse OFF state were predictors of discontinuation. Best candidates for CSAI are patients with: (i) poor baseline HRQoL and (ii) marked motor fluctuations.
Human induced pluripotent stem cell derived hepatocytes provide insights on parenteral nutrition associated cholestasis in the immature liver
Authors: Nghiem-Rao T. Hang , Pfeifer Courtney , Asuncion Michelle , Nord Joshua , Schill Daniel , Pulakanti Kirthi , Patel Shailendra B. , Cirillo Lisa A. , Rao Sridhar 
Published: June 2021

AbstractParenteral nutrition-associated cholestasis (PNAC) significantly limits the safety of intravenous parenteral nutrition (PN). Critically ill infants are highly vulnerable to PNAC-related morbidity and mortality, however the impact of hepatic immaturity on PNAC is poorly understood. We examined developmental differences between fetal/infant and adult livers, and used human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived hepatocyte-like cells (iHLC) to gain insights into the contribution of development to altered sterol metabolism and PNAC. We used RNA-sequencing and computational techniques to compare gene expression patterns in human fetal/infant livers, adult liver, and iHLC. We identified distinct gene expression profiles between the human feta/infant livers compared to adult liver, and close resemblance of iHLC to human developing livers. Compared to adult, both developing livers and iHLC had significant downregulation of xenobiotic, bile acid, and fatty acid metabolism; and lower expression of the sterol metabolizing geneABCG8.When challenged with stigmasterol, a plant sterol found in intravenous soy lipids, lipid accumulation was significantly higher in iHLC compared to adult-derived HepG2 cells. Our findings provide insights into altered bile acid and lipid metabolizing processes in the immature human liver, and support the use of iHLC as a relevant model system of developing liver to study lipid metabolism and PNAC.
AMPK activates Parkin independent autophagy and improves post sepsis immune defense against secondary bacterial lung infections
Authors: Bone Nathaniel B. , Becker Eugene J. , Husain Maroof , Jiang Shaoning , Zmijewska Anna A. , Park Dae-Won , Chacko Balu , Darley-Usmar Victor , Grégoire Murielle , Tadie Jean-Marc , Thannickal Victor J. , Zmijewski Jaroslaw W. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractMetabolic and bioenergetic plasticity of immune cells is essential for optimal responses to bacterial infections. AMPK and Parkin ubiquitin ligase are known to regulate mitochondrial quality control mitophagy that prevents unwanted inflammatory responses. However, it is not known if this evolutionarily conserved mechanism has been coopted by the host immune defense to eradicate bacterial pathogens and influence post-sepsis immunosuppression. Parkin, AMPK levels, and the effects of AMPK activators were investigated in human leukocytes from sepsis survivors as well as wild type and Park2−/− murine macrophages. In vivo, the impact of AMPK and Parkin was determined in mice subjected to polymicrobial intra-abdominal sepsis and secondary lung bacterial infections. Mice were treated with metformin during established immunosuppression. We showed that bacteria and mitochondria share mechanisms of autophagic killing/clearance triggered by sentinel events that involve depolarization of mitochondria and recruitment of Parkin in macrophages. Parkin-deficient mice/macrophages fail to form phagolysosomes and kill bacteria. This impairment of host defense is seen in the context of sepsis-induced immunosuppression with decreased levels of Parkin. AMPK activators, including metformin, stimulate Parkin-independent autophagy and bacterial killing in leukocytes from post-shock patients and in lungs of sepsis-immunosuppressed mice. Our results support a dual role of Parkin and AMPK in the clearance of dysfunctional mitochondria and killing of pathogenic bacteria, and explain the immunosuppressive phenotype associated Parkin and AMPK deficiency. AMPK activation appeared to be a crucial therapeutic target for the macrophage immunosuppressive phenotype and to reduce severity of secondary bacterial lung infections and respiratory failure.
Zircon record of an Archaean crustal fragment and supercontinent amalgamation in quaternary back-arc volcanic rocks
Authors: Zeng Zhi-gang , Chen Zu-xing , Zhang Yu-xiang 
Published: June 2021

AbstractMagmatism has profoundly influenced the evolution of the geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere in back-arc basins. However, the timing of the magmatism in the Okinawa Trough (OT) is not well constrained by the age spectra of zircons. Here, for the first time, we carry out an integrated study combining in situ analysis of zircon U–Th–Pb and Hf–O isotopes, and trace element compositions of zircons from the volcanic rocks from the southernmost part of the OT. We found that the young (< 100 ka) zircons in these volcanic rocks have old (108 Ma to 2.7 Ga) inherited cores, which were captured as the magma ascended through the rifting continental crust. In particular, the inherited Archean zircons strongly suggest that remnants of the old East Asian continental blocks underlie the embryonic crustal rifting zone. Moreover, the ages of most of the inherited zircons correspond to five supercontinent amalgamation events. Specifically, the Archaean inherited zircons, which have positive εHf(t) and low δ18O values, correspond to the formation of juvenile continental crust. In contrast, the negative εHf(t) and high δ18O values of the post-Archaean inherited zircons indicate that their parental magma contained recycled older crust due to the enhanced crust-mantle interactions during the evolution of the early continental crust. Therefore, the inherited zircons in the back-arc volcanic rocks not only reflect the evolution of the local magmatism, but they also contain a record of the Archaean crustal fragment and of several global continental amalgamation events.
A new family of copper-based MXenes
Authors: Ponce-Pérez R. , Gutierrez-Ojeda S. J. , Guerrero-Sánchez J. , Moreno-Armenta María G. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIn this work, we demonstrate, through first-principles calculations, the existence of a new family of copper-based MXenes. These add up new structures to the previously reported universe and span the interest of such 2D materials for applications in heterogeneous catalysis, ion-based batteries, sensors, biomedical applications, and so on. First, we propose the MXene-like structures: Cu2N, Cu2C, and Cu2O. Phonon spectra calculations confirmed their dynamical stability by showing just positive frequencies all through the 2D Brillouin zone. The new MXenes family displays metallic characteristics, mainly induced by the Cu-3d orbitals. Bader charge analysis and charge density differences depict bonds with ionic character in which Cu is positively charged, and the non-metal atom gets an anionic character. Also, we investigate the functionalization of the proposed structures with Cl, F, O, and OH groups. Results show that the H3 site is the most favorable for functionalization. In all cases, the non-magnetic nature and metallic properties of the pristine MXenes remain. Our results lay the foundations for the experimental realization of a new MXenes family.
Acute effects of 2.856 GHz and 1.5 GHz microwaves on spatial memory abilities and CREB-related pathways
Authors: Tan Shengzhi , Wang Hui , Xu Xinping , Zhao Li , Zhang Jing , Dong Ji , Yao Binwei , Wang Haoyu , Hao Yanhui , Zhou Hongmei , Gao Yabing , Peng Ruiyun 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThis study aimed to evaluate the acute effects of 2.856 GHz and 1.5 GHz microwaves on spatial memory and cAMP response element binding (CREB)-related pathways. A total of 120 male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: a control group (C); 2.856 GHz microwave exposure group (S group); 1.5 GHz microwave exposure group (L group); and 2.856 and 1.5 GHz cumulative exposure group (SL group). Decreases in spatial memory abilities, changes in EEG, structural injuries, and the downregulation of phosphorylated-Ak strain transforming (p-AKT), phosphorylated-calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (p-CaMKII), phosphorylated extracellular signal regulated kinase (p-ERK) and p-CREB was observed 6 h after microwave exposure. Significant differences in the expression of p-CaMKII were found between the S and L groups. The power amplitudes of the EEG waves (θ, δ), levels of structural injuries and the expression of p-AKT, p-CaMK II, p-CREB, and p-ERK1/2 were significantly different in the S and L groups compared to the SL group. Interaction effects between the 2.856 and 1.5 GHz microwaves were found in the EEG and p-CREB changes. Our findings indicated that 2.856 GHz and 1.5 GHz microwave exposure induced a decline in spatial memory, which might be related to p-AKT, p-CaMK II, p-CREB and p-ERK1/2.