bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Disparities in the gut metabolome of post-operative Hirschsprung's disease patients
Authors: Plekhova Vera , De Paepe Ellen , Van Renterghem Katrien , Van Winckel Myriam , Hemeryck Lieselot Y. , Vanhaecke Lynn 
Published: August 2021

AbstractHirschsprung's disease (HD) is a congenital structural abnormality of the colon seen in approximately 1 to 5000 live births. Despite surgical correction shortly after presentation, up to 60% of patients will express long-term gastrointestinal complaints, including potentially life-threatening Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis (HAEC). In this study fecal samples from postoperative HD patients (n = 38) and their healthy siblings (n = 21) were analysed using high-resolution liquid chromatography—mass spectrometry aiming to further unravel the nature of the chronic gastrointestinal disturbances. Furthermore, within the patient group, we compared the faecal metabolome between patients with and without a history of HAEC as well as those diagnosed with short or long aganglionic segment. Targeted analysis identified several individual metabolites characteristic for all HD patients as well as those with a history of HAEC and long segment HD. Moreover, multivariate models based on untargeted data established statistically significant (p < 0.05) differences in comprehensive faecal metabolome in the patients’ cohort as a whole and in patients with a history of HAEC. Pathway analysis revealed the most impact on amino sugar, lysine, sialic acid, hyaluronan and heparan sulphate metabolism in HD, as well as impaired tyrosine metabolism in HAEC group. Those changes imply disruption of intestinal mucosal barrier due to glycosaminoglycan breakdown and dysbiosis as major metabolic changes in patients’ group and should be further explored for potential diagnostic or treatment targets.
Dexmedetomidine does not compromise neuronal viability, synaptic connectivity, learning and memory in a rodent model
Authors: Jimenez-Tellez Nerea , Iqbal Fahad , Pehar Marcus , Casas-Ortiz Alberto , Rice Tiffany , Syed Naweed I. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractRecent animal studies have drawn concerns regarding most commonly used anesthetics and their long-term cytotoxic effects, specifically on the nervous tissue. It is therefore imperative that the search continues for agents that are non-toxic at both the cellular and behavioural level. One such agent appears to be dexmedetomidine (DEX) which has not only been found to be less neurotoxic but has also been shown to protect neurons from cytotoxicity induced by other anesthetic agents. However, DEX’s effects on the growth and synaptic connectivity at the individual neuronal level, and the underlying mechanisms have not yet been fully resolved. Here, we tested DEX for its impact on neuronal growth, synapse formation (in vitro) and learning and memory in a rodent model. Rat cortical neurons were exposed to a range of clinically relevant DEX concentrations (0.05–10 µM) and cellular viability, neurite outgrowth, synaptic assembly and mitochondrial morphology were assessed. We discovered that DEX did not affect neuronal viability when used below 10 µM, whereas significant cell death was noted at higher concentrations. Interestingly, in the presence of DEX, neurons exhibited more neurite branching, albeit with no differences in corresponding synaptic puncta formation. When rat pups were injected subcutaneously with DEX 25 µg/kg on postnatal day 7 and again on postnatal day 8, we discovered that this agent did not affect hippocampal-dependent memory in freely behaving animals. Our data demonstrates, for the first time, the non-neurotoxic nature of DEX both in vitro and in vivo in an animal model providing support for its utility as a safer anesthetic agent. Moreover, this study provides the first direct evidence that although DEX is growth permissive, causes mitochondrial fusion and reduces oxygen reactive species production, it does not affect the total number of synaptic connections between the cortical neurons in vitro.
Subclinical cardiac impairment relates to traditional pulmonary function test parameters and lung volume as derived from whole-body MRI in a population-based cohort study
Authors: von Krüchten Ricarda , Lorbeer Roberto , Schuppert Christopher , Storz Corinna , Mujaj Blerim , Schulz Holger , Kauczor Hans-Ulrich , Peters Annette , Bamberg Fabian , Karrasch Stefan , Schlett Christopher L. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractTo evaluate the relationship of cardiac function, including time-volume-curves, with lung volumes derived from pulmonary function tests (PFT) and MRI in subjects without cardiovascular diseases. 216 subjects underwent whole-body MRI and spirometry as part of the KORA-FF4 cohort study. Lung volumes derived semi-automatically using an in-house algorithm. Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and residual volume were measured. Cardiac parameters derived from Cine-SSFP-sequence using cvi42, while left ventricle (LV) time-volume-curves were evaluated using pyHeart. Linear regression analyses assessed the relationships of cardiac parameters with PFT and MRI-based lung volumes. Mean age was 56.3 ± 9.2 years (57% males). LV and right ventricular (RV) end-diastolic-, end-systolic-, stroke volume, LV peak ejection- and early/late diastolic filling rate were associated with FEV1, FVC, and residual volume (excluding late diastolic filling rate with FEV1, LV end-systolic/stroke volume and RV end-diastolic/end-systolic volumes with residual volume). In contrast, LV end-diastolic volume (ß = − 0.14, p = 0.01), early diastolic filling rate (ß = − 0.11, p = 0.04), and LV/RV stroke volume (ß = − 0.14, p = 0.01; ß = − 0.11, p = 0.01) were inversely associated with MRI-based lung volume. Subclinical cardiac impairment was associated with reduced FEV1, FVC, and residual volume. Cardiac parameters decreased with increasing MRI-based lung volume contrasting the results of PFT.
A KLK4 proteinase substrate capture approach to antagonize PAR1
Authors: Rabinovitch Eitan , Mihara Koishiro , Sananes Amiram , Zaretsky Marianna , Heyne Michael , Shifman Julia , Aharoni Amir , Hollenberg Morley D. , Papo Niv 
Published: August 2021

AbstractProteinase-activated receptor-1 (PAR1), triggered by thrombin and other serine proteinases such as tissue kallikrein-4 (KLK4), is a key driver of inflammation, tumor invasiveness and tumor metastasis. The PAR1 transmembrane G-protein-coupled receptor therefore represents an attractive target for therapeutic inhibitors. We thus used a computational design to develop a new PAR1 antagonist, namely, a catalytically inactive human KLK4 that acts as a proteinase substrate-capture reagent, preventing receptor cleavage (and hence activation) by binding to and occluding the extracellular R41-S42 canonical PAR1 proteolytic activation site. On the basis of in silico site-saturation mutagenesis, we then generated KLK4S207A,L185D, a first-of-a-kind ‘decoy’ PAR1 inhibitor, by mutating the S207A and L185D residues in wild-type KLK4, which strongly binds to PAR1. KLK4S207A,L185D markedly inhibited PAR1 cleavage, and PAR1-mediated MAPK/ERK activation as well as the migration and invasiveness of melanoma cells. This ‘substrate-capturing’ KLK4 variant, engineered to bind to PAR1, illustrates proof of principle for the utility of a KLK4 ‘proteinase substrate capture’ approach to regulate proteinase-mediated PAR1 signaling.
Preparation of self-healing hydrogel toward improving electromagnetic interference shielding and energy efficiency
Authors: Peymanfar Reza , Selseleh-Zakerin Elnaz , Ahmadi Ali , Saeidi Ardeshir , Tavassoli Seyed Hassan 
Published: August 2021

AbstractIn this study, a self-healing hydrogel was prepared that is transparent to visible (Vis) light while absorbing ultraviolet (UV), infrared (IR), and microwave. The optothermal features of the hydrogel were explored by monitoring temperature using an IR thermometer under an IR source. The hydrogel was synthesized using sodium tetraborate decahydrate (borax) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as raw materials based on a facile thermal route. More significantly, graphene oxide (GO) and graphite-like carbon nitride (g-C3N4) nanostructures as well as carbon microsphere (CMS) were applied as guests to more dissect their influence on the microwave and optical characteristics. The morphology of the fillers was evaluated using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) attested that the chemical functional groups of the hydrogel have been formed and the result of diffuse reflection spectroscopy (DRS) confirmed that the hydrogel absorbs UV while is transparent in Vis light. The achieved result implied that the hydrogel acts as an essential IR absorber due to its functional groups desirable for energy efficiency and harvesting. Interestingly, the achieved results have testified that the self-healing hydrogels had the proper self-healing efficiency and self-healing time. Eventually, microwave absorbing properties and shielding efficiency of the hydrogel, hydrogel/GO, g-C3N4, or CMS were investigated, demonstrating the salient microwave characteristics, originated from the established ionic conductive networks and dipole polarizations. The efficient bandwidth of the hydrogel was as wide as 3.5 GHz with a thickness of 0.65 mm meanwhile its maximum reflection loss was 75.10 dB at 14.50 GHz with 4.55 mm in thickness. Particularly, the hydrogel illustrated total shielding efficiency (SET) > 10 dB from 1.19 to 18 and > 20 dB from 4.37 to 18 GHz with 10.00 mm in thickness. The results open new windows toward improving the shielding and energy efficiency using practical ways.
Sexually dimorphic and asymmetric effects of embryonic ethanol exposure on hypocretin/orexin neurons as related to behavioral changes in zebrafish
Authors: Collier Adam D. , Yasmin Nushrat , Khalizova Nailya , Campbell Samantha , Onoichenco Amanda , Fam Milisia , Albeg Avi S. , Leibowitz Sarah F. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractNeurons expressing the neuropeptide hypocretin/orexin (Hcrt) in the hypothalamus promote reward-related behaviors including alcohol consumption and are shown in rodents and zebrafish to be stimulated by embryonic exposure to ethanol (EtOH). We used here in zebrafish three-dimensional analyses of the entire population of Hcrt neurons to examine how embryonic EtOH exposure at low-moderate concentrations (0.1% or 0.5% v/v) alters these neurons in relation to behavior. We found that EtOH in the water for 2 h (22–24 h post fertilization) increases the number of Hcrt neurons on the left but not right side of the brain through a stimulation of cell proliferation, this is accompanied by a decrease in locomotor activity under novel conditions but not after habituation, and these effects are evident in both larvae and adults indicating they are long lasting. Our analyses in adults revealed sexually dimorphic effects, with females consuming more EtOH-gelatin and exhibiting more freezing behavior along with an asymmetric increase in Hcrt neurons and males exhibiting increased aggression with no change in Hcrt. These findings suggest that a long lasting, asymmetric increase in Hcrt neurons induced by EtOH results from an asymmetric increase in proliferation specific to Hcrt and contributes to behavioral changes in females.
Association of elevated serum soluble CD226 levels with the disease activity and flares of systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Nakano Miki , Ayano Masahiro , Kushimoto Kazuo , Kawano Shotaro , Higashioka Kazuhiko , Inokuchi Shoichiro , Mitoma Hiroki , Kimoto Yasutaka , Akahoshi Mitsuteru , Ono Nobuyuki , Arinobu Yojiro , Akashi Koichi , Horiuchi Takahiko , Niiro Hiroaki 
Published: August 2021

AbstractCD226 is an activating receptor expressed on the cell surface of natural killer cells and T cells. Although CD226 polymorphism is known to be involved in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the involvement of soluble CD226 (sCD226) in SLE is still unknown. In the present study, we measured serum sCD226 levels using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 58 SLE patients and 33 healthy controls (HCs) and evaluated their associations with SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K), clinical manifestations, laboratory data, and the cumulative probability of flare. Serum sCD226 levels showed no significant differences between SLE patients and HCs. However, sCD226 levels were significantly elevated in active SLE patients with a SLEDAI-2K score of ≥ 20 compared with HCs. In SLE patients, sCD226 levels were significantly correlated with SLEDAI-2K scores and anti-dsDNA antibody titers. Moreover, the cumulative probability of flare was markedly higher in patients with high sCD226 than in those with low sCD226. In patients with neuropsychiatric involvement, sCD226 levels were elevated and reflected neuropsychiatric disease activity. These findings indicate that serum sCD226 levels are associated with disease activity and flares of SLE. Thus, it may be a useful biomarker for SLE, and its monitoring allows for more precise SLE management.
Comprehensive analysis of immune cell enrichment in the tumor microenvironment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Mito Ikko , Takahashi Hideyuki , Kawabata-Iwakawa Reika , Ida Shota , Tada Hiroe , Chikamatsu Kazuaki 
Published: August 2021

AbstractHead and neck squamous carcinoma (HNSCC) is highly infiltrated by immune cells, including tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and myeloid lineage cells. In the tumor microenvironment, tumor cells orchestrate a highly immunosuppressive microenvironment by secreting immunosuppressive mediators, expressing immune checkpoint ligands, and downregulating human leukocyte antigen expression.
In the present study, we aimed to comprehensively profile the immune microenvironment of HNSCC using gene expression data obtained from public database. We calculated enrichment scores of 33 immune cell types based on gene expression data of HNSCC tissues and adjacent non-cancer tissues. Based on these scores, we performed non-supervised clustering and identified three immune signatures—cold, lymphocyte, and myeloid/dendritic cell (DC)—based on the clustering results. We then compared the clinical and biological features of the three signatures. Among HNSCC and non-cancer tissues, human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive HNSCCs exhibited the highest scores in various immune cell types, including CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, B cells, plasma cells, basophils, and their subpopulations. Among the three immune signatures, the proportions of HPV-positive tumors, oropharyngeal cancers, early T tumors, and N factor positive cases were significantly higher in the lymphocyte signature than in other signatures. Among the three signatures, the lymphocyte signature showed the longest overall survival (OS), especially in HPV-positive patients, whereas the myeloid/DC signature demonstrated the shortest OS in these patients. Gene set enrichment analysis revealed the upregulation of several pathways related to inflammatory and proinflammatory responses in the lymphocyte signature. The expression of PRF1, IFNG, GZMB, CXCL9, CXCL10, PDCD1, LAG3, CTLA4, HAVCR2, and TIGIT was the highest in the lymphocyte signature. Meanwhile, the expression of PD-1 ligand genes CD274 and PDCD1LG2 was highest in the myeloid/DC signature. Herein, our findings revealed the transcriptomic landscape of the immune microenvironment that closely reflects the clinical and biological significance of HNSCC, indicating that molecular profiling of the immune microenvironment can be employed to develop novel biomarkers and precision immunotherapies for HNSCC.
Optimal design and sensitivity analysis of distributed biomass‐based hybrid renewable energy systems for rural electrification: Case study of different photovoltaic/wind/battery‐integrated options in Babadam, northern Cameroon
Authors: Yimen Nasser , Monkam Louis , Tcheukam‐Toko Denis , Musa Bashir , Abang Roger , Fombe Lawrence Fon , Abbasoglu Serkan , Dagbasi Mustafa 
Published: August 2021

AbstractIt is commonly recommended to incorporate diesel generators into distributed hybrid renewable energy systems (HRESs) to lower the system's total cost and make the generated electricity affordable. Due to the environmental and economic issues associated with fossil fuel use, biomass power technologies (BPT) appear to be an attractive alternative to diesel generators. The HOMER software was used to model, simulate, and optimise two photovoltaic/wind/battery systems integrated with different BPT (anaerobic digestion or gasification) to satisfy the electrical needs of Babadam, a remote community in northern Cameroon. The results indicated that the anaerobic digester integrated system's overall optimal architecture included a 98.1 kW photovoltaic array, a 30 kW biogas generator, and 200 batteries, with a cost of energy (COE) of $0.347/kWh. On the other hand, the gasifier integrated option is made up of an 81.8 kW photovoltaic array, a 15 kW syngas generator, and 200 batteries and has a COE of $0.319/kW. Additionally, compared to the PV/Wind/Battery system, integrating the biogas (resp. syngas) generator showed a potential COE decrease of 29% (resp. 40%). The sensitivity analysis highlighted the validity of this COE reduction potential everywhere in sub‐Saharan Africa, leading to the conclusion that integrating BPT into HRESs can effectively contribute to Sustainable Development Goal 7.
Décapage de fil machine inoxydable à Imphy. Suivi en ligne des bains de décapage par titrimétrie
Authors: Willemin P. , Masson M. , Descemond M. 
Published: August 2021

L'étude menée sur la ligne d'lmphy s.a. montre la possibilité de suivre les bains de décapage de façon simple et en temps réel, qu'ils soient mono-acide, hi-acide et éventuellement à potentiel oxydant contrôlé.
L'étude couple des observations de laboratoire et de nombreuses mesures industrielles permettant de valider la méthodologie proposée.
Une étude économique précise conforte l'intérêt de la mise en place d'une telle gestion.
Hydrodynamics and mixing characteristics of packed bed biofilm reactor with varying voidage
Authors: Mitra Praneeti , Sharma Utkarsh , Magesh Kumar M. , Samdavid S. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
In the present study, hydrodynamics and mixing characteristics of packed bed biofilm reactor are compared by varying voidage using MBBR media and conventional packings. The mixing characteristics are studied using conductivity method. RTD at the entrance and exit of the column is studied and compared for all the packings. The flow approached plug flow with an increase in velocity (3.02 - 5.2 cm/s) and a decrease in voidage of packing (0.92 - MBBR, 0.833 – Raschig rings, 0.45 – Plastic balls).
Energy required to transfer heat through the radiant floor of a pig nursery module
Authors: Perez-Torrado W , Espinel-Blanco E , Florez-Solano E 
Published: August 2021

AbstractIn the present work, the principle of underfloor heating used to maintain the temperature condition inside a pig nursery module is applied. The studied system uses gas generated in a biodigester to heat water that flows through the surface of the floor and transfers heat to the interior of the module where the piglets are located. The necessary thermal load is determined based on thermodynamic analysis considering the space where the pigs are as the control volume, which presents energy losses due to temperature difference with the outside through pairs and roof, in addition to those originated by renewal of air, in the same way, the heat losses during the flow of hot water through the pipes caused by convection between the pipe and the floor and by conduction in each of these materials are determined. The water flow and temperature required in the supply line are determined to transfer adequate heat to the interior and maintain the 33 m2space at the desired temperature according to the life stage of the piglets.
Statistical analysis of wastewater monitoring for maximum peak factor estimation
Authors: Cely-Calixto N J , Bonilla-Granados C A , Rojas-Suárez J P 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
The design and operation of sanitary sewerage systems are based on the knowledge of peak and the average daily wastewater flows. The maximum peak factor is obtained through the ratio of the maximum flow and the average discharge flow of wastewater generated in a system. In this sense, the maximum peak factor was estimated by monitoring wastewater flow in an urban sector of the city of San José de Cúcuta, Colombia. This urban sector represents 45.6% of the sanitary sewerage of the city. Stochastic modeling of the peak flow was performed, and a mathematical model was constructed to estimate the maximum peak factor using a correlational study using statistical methodology. Through linear regression analysis, a model was obtained that estimates the value of the maximum peaking factor based on knowledge of the average daily wastewater flow. The results indicate that the model is potential, and the expression is statistically significant and satisfies the assumptions established for the classical linear regression model.
Estimating the energy impact of electric, autonomous taxis: evidence from a select market
Authors: Nunes Ashley , Huh Laurena , Kagan Nicole , Freeman Richard B 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Electric, autonomous vehicles promise to address technical consumption inefficiencies associated with gasoline use and reduce emissions. Potential realization of this prospect has prompted considerable interest and investment in the technology. Using publicly available data from a select market, we examine the magnitude of the envisioned benefits and the determinants of the financial payoff of investing in a tripartite innovation in motor vehicle transportation: vehicle electrification, vehicle automation, and vehicle sharing. In contrast to previous work, we document that (a) the technology’s envisioned cost effectiveness may be impeded by previously unconsidered parameters, (b) the inability to achieve cost parity with the status quo does not necessarily preclude net increases in energy consumption and emissions, (c) these increases are driven primarily by induced demand and mode switches away from pooled personal vehicles, and (d) the aforementioned externalities may be mitigated by leveraging a specific set of technological, behavioral and logistical pathways. We quantify—for the first time—the thresholds required for each of these pathways to be effective and demonstrate that pathway stringency is largely influenced by heterogeneity in trip timing behavior. We conclude that enacting these pathways is crucial to fostering environmental stewardship absent impediments in economic mobility.
Dynamic Characteristics of Gravelly Soil Mixed with Different Fine Contents
Authors: Yang Lianjun , Liu Enlong , Peng Xu 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
For the purpose of investigating the influence of fine contents on the dynamic properties of mixed soil, a series of triaxial tests were conducted on the gravelly soil mixed with fine contents. The confining pressures of 100, 150, and 200 kPa were selected. The dynamic triaxial tests were carried out on the samples with 0%, 20%, and 40% fine contents respectively. The axial dynamic strain and pore water pressure curves of the specimens were obtained when different excitation forces were applied. The experimental results indicated that the strength of mixed soils presented an increasing tendency with the increase of confining pressures. Under low confining pressure, the strength increased at first then decreased with the increase of fine contents, while appearing to downtrend under high confining pressure. When the excitation force was large, the axial dynamic strain and pore water pressure increased rapidly.