bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and characterization of thermoplastic starch/PVA/cardanol oil composites loaded with in‐situ silver nanoparticles
Authors: Yahia Ramadan , Owda Medhat E. , Abou‐Zeid Ragab E. , Abdelhai Farag , Gad Ehab S. , Saleh Ahmed K. , El‐Gamil Hesham Y. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractA novel nanocomposite films of native and modified starch/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/sorbitol/cardanol oil with in situ synthesis of silver nanoparticles were prepared. The surface morphology of modified starch was found to be more homogenous than native starch with a good distribution of silver nanoparticles. This result indicated to boost in plasticization after starch modification as observed by scanning electron microscope. Transmission electron microscope confirms the formation of silver nanoparticles with diameters ranging from 50 to 80 nm with homogenously distributed. Moreover, modified starch showed lower water vapor permeability compared to unmodified starch at 39%. The addition of cardanol oil at 0.2% showed significant increases in the elongation of modified starch films by 280.9% compared to the unmodified starch films. However, the film elongation was increased by 421.7% with 2 mmol silver nanoparticles and 0.2% cardanol oil, while it decreased by 14.2 in the modified starch film. Also, cardanol oil reduces transmittance in the UV region for native and modified starch films by 56.2% and 56.5%, respectively. The nanocomposite films demonstrated good antimicrobial activity against gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacteria and yeast. These films can be a potential candidate for application such as food packaging materials.
Revisiting the digital humanities through the lens of Indigenous studies—or how to question the cultural blindness of our technologies and practices
Authors: Cocq Coppélie 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThis article examines the benefits of putting Indigenous perspectives and the digital humanities (DH) in conversation with each other in order to elaborate a DH approach that is suitable for Indigenous research and to suggest critical perspectives for a more sustainable DH. For this purpose, the article examines practices of data harvesting, categorizing, and sharing from the perspectives of groups in the margin, more specifically in relation to Sámi research. Previous research has emphasized the role of cultural and social contexts in the design, use, and adaptation of technologies in general, and digital technologies in particular (Douglas, 1987. Inventing American broadcasting; Nissenbaum, 2001. Computer, 34, 118–120; Powell & Aitken, 2011. The American literature scholar in the digital age) and several scholars have argued for how the application of critical studies make a fruitful contribution to the DH (Liu, 2012. Debates in the digital humanities; McPherson, 2012. Debates in the digital humanities). This article suggests an approach that addresses a need to acknowledge the diversity of technoscientific traditions. The perspectives of Indigenous groups bring this matter to a head. In order to make the DH more sustainable and inclusive, the development of the DH should be driven by cultural studies to a greater extent than it has been so far. A sustainable DH also means a better rendering of the plurality of the cultural values, perspectives, and ethics that characterize our fieldwork and research subjects.
Stabilization and uncertainty analysis of a time‐fractional reaction diffusion equation cascaded with a time‐fractional hyperbolic partial differential equation
Authors: Chen Juan , Zhuang Bo , Tepljakov Aleksei , Petlenkov Eduard 
Published: August 2021

AbstractIn this paper, we consider a time‐fractional reaction diffusion equation cascaded with a time‐fractional hyperbolic partial differential equation (PDE), where the time‐fractional reaction diffusion equation possesses space‐dependent diffusivity and the time‐fractional hyperbolic equation acts as a boundary source for the time‐fractional reaction diffusion equation. Then, the control input is imposed at the boundary of the time‐fractional hyperbolic PDE. Two problems are investigated, namely, the stabilization by state feedback and the stability robustness of the closed‐loop system against small perturbations in the diffusion and reaction coefficients. By the backstepping transformation, we propose a boundary controller and show that this controller solves the boundary stabilization problem using the fractional Lyapunov method. Robustness to small perturbations in diffusion and reaction coefficients is proved. Finally, a numerical example is provided to test the effectiveness of the proposed synthesis for the stabilization problem when the kernel equations have not an explicit solution.
Proportion of critical congenital heart defects attributable to unhealthy prepregnancy body mass index among women with live births in Florida, 2005–2016
Authors: Rutkowski Rachel E. , Tanner Jean Paul , Anjohrin Suzanne B. , Kirby Russell S. , Salemi Jason L. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundAssociations between maternal prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) and congenital heart defects have been reported, however, the proportion of critical congenital heart defects (CCHDs) attributable to unhealthy prepregnancy BMI has not been determined. Our objective was to investigate the association between maternal prepregnancy BMI and CCHDs.MethodsThe Florida Birth Defects Registry was used to identify infants with CCHDs born between 2005–2016. Birth certificate data were used to define the source population and identify perinatal and socio‐demographic characteristics. BMI values were categorized as underweight (<18.5), normal weight (18.5–24.9), overweight (25.0–29.9), obese I (30.0–34.9), obese II (35.0–39.9), and obese III (≥40.0). Multi‐predictor logistic regression models were used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 99% confidence intervals representing the association between maternal prepregnancy BMI and CCHDs. Adjusted population attributable fractions (PAFs) for the aORs were calculated.ResultsWe observed a significantly increased risk of “any CCHD” in infants born to women at any level of obesity. Among the 12 CCHDs examined, 5 showed a significantly increased risk among mothers in the two highest obesity levels (II & III). Approximately 8% of all CCHDs may be attributed to suboptimal maternal prepregnancy BMI, with the highest total individual CCHD PAFs for pulmonary valve atresia (21.7%) and total anomalous pulmonary venous return (12.8%).ConclusionsWomen with suboptimal prepregnancy BMI are at increased odds of having a child born with a CCHD. We found evidence of a direct dose–response relationship between prepregnancy BMI and odds for CCHD; with variation by CCHD subtype.
Ginger: A complementary approach for management of cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Roudsari Nazanin Momeni , Lashgari Naser‐Aldin , Momtaz Saeideh , Roufogalis Basil , Abdolghaffari Amir Hossein , Sahebkar Amirhossein 
Published: August 2021

AbstractCardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Inflammation and oxidative stress play critical roles in progression of various types of CVD. Broad pharmacological properties of ginger (the rhizome of Zingiber officinale) and its bioactive components have been reported, suggesting that they can be a therapeutic choice for clinical use. Consistent with its rich phenolic content, the anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant properties of ginger have been confirmed in many studies. Ginger modifies many cellular processes and in particular was shown to have potent inhibitory effects against nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB); signal transducer and activator of transcription; NOD‐, LRR‐, and pyrin domain‐containing proteins; toll‐like receptors; mitogen‐activated protein kinase; and mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathways. Ginger also blocks pro‐inflammatory cytokines and the activation of the immune system. Ginger suppresses the activity of oxidative molecules such as reactive oxygen species, inducible nitric oxide synthase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione, heme oxygenase, and GSH‐Px. In this report, we summarize the biochemical pathologies underpinning a variety of CVDs and the effects of ginger and its bioactive components, including 6‐shogaol, 6‐gingerol, and 10‐dehydrogingerdione. The properties of ginger and its phenolic components, mechanism of action, biological functions, side effects, and methods for enhanced cell delivery are also discussed. Together with preclinical and clinical studies, the positive biological effects of ginger and its bioactive components in CVD support the undertaking of further in vivo and especially clinical studies.
Selective One‐Pot Syntheses of Mixed Silicon‐Germanium Heteroadamantane Clusters
Authors: Köstler Benedikt , Bolte Michael , Lerner Hans‐Wolfram , Wagner Matthias 
Published: August 2021

AbstractSixGey alloys are emerging materials for modern semiconductor technology. Well‐defined model systems of the bulk structures aid in understanding their intrinsic characteristics. Three such model clusters have now been realized in the form of the SixGey heteroadamantanes [0], [1], and [2] through selective one‐pot syntheses starting from Me2GeCl2, Si2Cl6, and [nBu4N]Cl. Compound [0] contains six GeMe2 and four SiSiCl3 vertices, whereas one and two of the GeMe2 groups are replaced by SiCl2 moieties in compounds [1] and [2], respectively. Chloride‐ion‐mediated rearrangement quantitatively converts [2] into [1] at room temperature and finally into [0] at 60 °C, which is not only remarkable in view of the rigidity of these cage structures but also sheds light on the assembly mechanism.
Continuous Flow Acylation of (Hetero)aryllithiums with Polyfunctional N,N‐Dimethylamides and Tetramethylurea in Toluene
Authors: Djukanovic Dimitrije , Heinz Benjamin , Mandrelli Francesca , Mostarda Serena , Filipponi Paolo , Martin Benjamin , Knochel Paul 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe continuous flow reaction of various aryl or heteroaryl bromides in toluene in the presence of THF (1.0 equiv) with sec‐BuLi (1.1 equiv) provided at 25 °C within 40 sec the corresponding aryllithiums which were acylated with various functionalized N,N‐dimethylamides including easily enolizable amides at −20 °C within 27 sec, producing highly functionalized ketones in 48–90 % yield (36 examples). This method was well suited for the preparation of α‐chiral ketones such as naproxene and ibuprofen derived ketones with 99 % ee. A one‐pot stepwise bis‐addition of two different lithium organometallics to 1,1,3,3‐tetramethyurea (TMU) provided unsymmetrical ketones in 69–79 % yield (9 examples).
Role of IL‐17 in atopy—A systematic review
Authors: Hofmann Maja A. , Fluhr Joachim W. , Ruwwe‐Glösenkamp Christoph , Stevanovic Katarina , Bergmann Karl‐Christian , Zuberbier Torsten 
Published: August 2021

AbstractPurpose of ReviewAtopy is defined as the genetic predisposition to react with type I allergic diseases such as food‐, skin‐, and respiratory allergies. Distinct molecular mechanisms have been described, including the known Th2 driven immune response. IL‐17A (IL‐17) is mainly produced by Th17 cells and belongs to the IL‐17 family of cytokines, IL‐17A to F. While IL‐17 plays a major role in inflammatory and autoimmune disorders, more data was published in recent years elucidating the role of IL‐17 in allergic diseases. The present study aimed to elaborate specifically the role of IL‐17 in atopy.MethodsA systematic literature search was conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, regarding IL‐17 and atopy/allergic diseases.ResultsIn total, 31 novel publications could be identified (food allergy n = 3, allergic asthma n = 7, allergic rhinitis [AR] n = 10, atopic dermatitis [AD] n = 11). In all allergic diseases, the IL‐17 pathway has been investigated. Serum IL‐17 was elevated in all allergic diseases. In AR, serum and nasal IL‐17 levels correlated with the severity of the disease. In food allergies, serum IL‐17E was also elevated in children. In AD, there is a trend for higher IL‐17 values in the serum and skin specimen, while it is more expressed in acute lesions. In allergic asthma, serum IL‐17 levels were increased. In two studies, higher serum IL‐17 levels were found in severe persistent asthmatic patients than in intermittent asthmatics or healthy controls. Only one therapeutic clinical study exists on allergic diseases (asthma patients) using a monoclonal antibody against the IL‐17 receptor A. No clinical efficacy was found in the total study population, except for a subgroup of patients with (post‐bronchodilator) high reversibility.SummaryThe role of IL 17 in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases is evident, but the involvement of the Th17 cytokine in the pathophysiological pathway is not conclusively defined. IL‐17 is most likely relevant and will be a clinical target in subgroups of patients. The current data indicates that IL‐17 is elevated more often in acute and severe forms of allergic diseases.
Optical Control of Base Editing and Transcription through Light‐Activated Guide RNA
Authors: Zhou Wenyuan , Brown Wes , Bardhan Anirban , Tsang Michael , Deiters Alexander 
Published: August 2021

AbstractWe developed a method to control gene activation and base editing in mammalian cells and zebrafish embryos via photochemically activated, caged guide RNAs. Four evenly distributed, caged nucleobases are installed in the 5’‐protospacer region of the gRNA to block interaction between the dCas9:gRNA complex and the dsDNA target. Upon light activation, gRNA:dsDNA hybridization is restored and catalytically dead Cas9‐based CRISPR activation or base editing is achieved. Caged gRNAs are customizable in design, offer spatiotemporal control of transcription activation and base editing in both mammalian cells and zebrafish embryos, and preserve the ability to form dCas9:gRNA complexes for enhanced gRNA stability. We hereby offer a versatile tool for conditional control of interactions between dCas9‐based regulators with their programmed genomic loci, thereby facilitating parsing of spatiotemporally complex genetic events, such as transcription regulation and single‐base mutagenesis.
mOTUs: Profiling Taxonomic Composition, Transcriptional Activity and Strain Populations of Microbial Communities
Authors: Ruscheweyh Hans‐Joachim , Milanese Alessio , Paoli Lucas , Sintsova Anna , Mende Daniel R. , Zeller Georg , Sunagawa Shinichi 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe mOTU profiler, or mOTUs for short, is a software tool that enables the profiling of microbial communities in terms of their taxonomic composition, relative abundance of metabolically active members, and diversity of strain populations. To this end, it maintains a database of single‐copy phylogenetic marker gene sequences, which are used as a reference to which short read metagenomic and metatranscriptomic reads are mapped for the identification and quantification of microbial taxa. Here, we describe the most common use cases of the mOTU profiler in two basic protocols. Additional supporting protocols provide information on its installation and in‐depth guidance on adjusting its settings for increasing or decreasing the stringency with which taxa are detected and quantified, as well as for customizing the output file format. Guidelines for understanding the profiling results are provided, along with additional information on unique features, methodological details, and the development history of the tool. © 2021 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.[Correction added on May 17, 2022, after first online publication: CSAL funding statement has been added.]Basic Protocol 1: Metagenomic and metatranscriptomic mOTU profilingBasic Protocol 2: Metagenomic SNV profilingSupport Protocol 1: Installing mOTUsSupport Protocol 2: Profiling pipeline–step by stepSupport Protocol 3: The mOTUs profiling routine using advanced parametersSupport Protocol 4: Metagenomic SNV calling: advanced parameters
High‐voltage conversion ratio dual‐input DC–DC converter operating in a wide duty cycle range and canceling input current ripple
Authors: Chavoshipour Heris Pedram , Saadatizadeh Zahra , Sabahi Mehran , Liang Xiaodong 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThis paper proposes a new nonisolated dual‐input, single‐output (DISO) DC–DC converter. In the proposed converter, by utilizing two three‐winding coupled inductors at the primary of each input ports, the capabilities of high‐voltage conversion ratio and elimination of input current ripple are achieved for all range of duty cycles (0 < D < 1). Therefore, the proposed converter is applicable in renewable energy systems. The voltage conversion ratio can be increased without selecting high duty cycles for the switches or by using a high number of components. Also, the voltage stresses on switches of the proposed converter are in low level. The proposed converter has simple switching pattern and the two switches turn on/off inversely. Unlike the interleaved converters, the proposed converter has a single conversion ratio for all adopted duty cycles of the switches (0 < D < 1). In this study, the proposed converter is analyzed and the required conditions for eliminating input current ripple, the voltage and current stress on the semiconductors, and the voltage gain are calculated. To confirm the theoretical results, experimental results are extracted for a 14‐V/19‐V input and 400‐V output voltages for the operating power of 350 W.
Advanced OTFS communication system with compact spectrum and power efficiency improvement
Authors: Hossain Md. Najmul , Ryu Heung‐Gyoon 
Published: August 2021

SummaryOrthogonal time frequency space (OTFS) modulation technique is one‐step more precoded system of the conventional orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) system, i.e., a double precoded system. The OTFS system was suggested especially for the robust and reliable high‐speed vehicle communications and massive multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) systems. Nevertheless, this basic OTFS system has serious problems: high out‐of‐band (OOB) power emission and high peak‐to‐average power ratio (PAPR). This high OOB power spectrum requires a very wide guard band that can produce a great loss of frequency utilization efficiency, and the power efficiency becomes very poor due to this high PAPR problem. Therefore, in this paper, in order to mitigate these drawbacks, an advanced OTFS communication system is proposed to show the compact OOB power spectrum and power efficiency improvement. This system can be designed by discrete Fourier transform (DFT)‐spread windowing and restructuring‐OTFS (DFT‐Spread WR‐OTFS) scheme that can reduce PAPR by 2.1 dB, 0.5 dB, 1.7 dB, and 1.8 dB compared to the conventional OFDM, DFT‐Spread OFDM, basic OTFS and WR‐OTFS schemes, respectively. Consequently, the efficiency of the high power amplifier (HPA) is improved due to the low PAPR of the proposed system. In addition, we comprehensively evaluate the impact of PAPR reduction performance on the OOB power spectrums and bit error rate (BER) performance of each system in HPA linear and nonlinear environments. Simulation results verify that the power spectrums and the BER performance of the proposed system are better than the conventional schemes in HPA nonlinear environments.
Cardiovascular ACE2 receptor expression in patients undergoing heart transplantation
Authors: Bargehr Johannes , Rericha Patrick , Petchey Alex , Colzani Maria , Moule Georgia , Malgapo Marie Chet , Rassl Doris , Tarkin Jason , Mellor Greg , Sampaziotis Fotis , Brevini Teresa , Gambardella Laure , Bennett Martin R. , Sinha Sanjay 
Published: August 2021

AbstractAimsMembrane‐bound angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE)2 is the main cellular access point for SARS‐CoV‐2, but its expression and the effect of ACE inhibition have not been assessed quantitatively in patients with heart failure. The aim of this study was to characterize membrane‐bound ACE2 expression in the myocardium and myocardial vasculature in patients undergoing heart transplantation and to assess the effect of pharmacological ACE inhibition.Methods and resultsLeft ventricular (LV) tissue was obtained from 36 explanted human hearts from patients undergoing heart transplantation. Immunohistochemical staining with antibodies directed against ACE2 co‐registered with cardiac troponin T (cTnT) and α‐smooth muscle cell actin (SMA) was performed across the entire cohort. ACE2 receptor expression was quantitatively assessed throughout the myocardium and vasculature. ACE2 was consistently expressed throughout the LV myocardium (28.3% ± 22.2% of cardiomyocytes). ACE2 expression was also detected in small calibre blood vessels (range, 2–9 μm), albeit at quantitatively much lower levels (5% ± 9% of blood vessels). There was no significant difference in ACE2 expression between patients receiving ACE inhibitors prior to transplantation and ACE inhibitor‐negative controls (P > 0.05). ACE2 expression did not differ significantly between the different diagnostic groups as the underlying reason for heart transplantation (ANOVA > 0.05). N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) (R2 = 0.37, P = 0.0006) and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) (R2 = 0.13, P = 0.043) assessed by right heart catheterization were significantly correlated with greater ACE2 expression in cardiomyocytes.ConclusionsThese data provide a comprehensive characterization of membrane‐bound cardiac ACE2 expression in patients with heart failure with no demonstrable effect exerted by ACE inhibitors.