bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of Covariates Modulating B‐Cell Repopulation Kinetics in Subjects Receiving Rituximab Treatment
Authors: Welte Thomas , Westermann Lukas , Kappes Julia , Schramm Markus A. , Bemtgen Xavier , Staudacher Dawid L. , Hug Martin J. , Venhoff Nils , Arnold Frederic 
Published: June 2023

ObjectiveB‐cell depletion using the anti‐CD20 monoclonal antibody rituximab is a cornerstone in the therapeutic concept of multiple autoimmune diseases. B‐cell depletion is associated with a higher risk for severe infections, and the time span of B‐cell repopulation differs greatly between individuals. Data on factors influencing B‐cell repopulation kinetics are limited. This study aims to identify patient‐specific and therapy‐associated covariates that modulate B‐cell repopulation.MethodsThis single‐center retrospective observational study presents data of 839 subjects receiving 2,017 courses of rituximab for autoimmune diseases. Assessed covariates are patient‐specific factors (sex, age, kidney function, and underlying disease) and co‐immunosuppression with common agents (azathioprine, cyclosporine A, cyclophosphamide, hydroxychloroquine, methotrexate, mycophenolate mofetil, tacrolimus, and corticosteroids). The primary end point is the time to B‐cell repopulation (≥5/μl). The secondary end point is the time to B‐cell reconstitution (≥50/μl). Multivariate time‐to‐event analysis and logistic regression models were applied to estimate the influence of covariates.ResultsAge over 60 years (hazard ratio [HR] 0.71 for repopulation, P = 0.008), impaired kidney function (HR 0.72, P = 0.001), antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody‐associated vasculitis (HR 0.61, P < 0.001), solid organ transplantation (HR 0.4, P < 0.001), and co‐immunosuppression with corticosteroids (HR 0.64, P < 0.001) or azathioprine (HR 0.49, P < 0.001) were associated with impaired B‐cell repopulation and reconstitution. Effects of corticosteroids (P = 0.043) and azathioprine (P = 0.025) were dose dependent.ConclusionProlonged rituximab dosing intervals may be effective to achieve B‐cell depletion and reduce risk of infection in advanced age or patients with impaired kidney function. Co‐medication with corticosteroids or azathioprine prolongs B‐cell recovery, which may increase therapeutic effects but also the rate of adverse events.image
Association between α‐defensin 5 and the expression and function of P‐glycoprotein in differentiated intestinal Caco‐2 cells
Authors: Yasuda Genki , Kubota Atsuhito , Okamoto Keisuke , Narumi Katsuya , Furugen Ayako , Kato Izumi , Mori Ayako , Saito Yoshitaka , Satoh Takashi , Takahashi‐Suzuki Natsuko , Iseki Ken , Kobayashi Masaki 
Published: June 2023

Abstractα‐Defensin 5 is known to be secreted by Paneth cells in the small intestine and plays an important role in eliminating pathogenic microorganisms. It has been reported that a decrease in α‐defensin 5 level in the human small intestine is a risk of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Furthermore, P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp), a member of the ATP‐binding cassette transporter superfamily, encoded by the ABCB1/MDR1 gene, plays an important role in the front line of host defense by protecting the gastrointestinal barrier from xenobiotic accumulation and may contribute to the development and persistence of IBD. Therefore, we examined the relationship between α‐defensin 5 and the expression and function of P‐gp using a human gastrointestinal model cell line (Caco‐2). We found that MDR1 mRNA and P‐gp protein level were increased in Caco‐2 cells as well as α‐defensin 5 secretion corresponded with the duration of cell culture. Exposure to α‐defensin 5 peptide and recombinant tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) significantly increased the expression and function P‐gp. The mRNA levels of interleukin (IL)‐8, IL‐6, TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and IL‐2 were also increased following exposure to TNF‐α, similar to α‐defensin 5 treatment. These results suggest that α‐defensin 5 regulates P‐gp expression and function by increasing TNF‐α expression in Caco‐2 cells.
Congress mashing of malted wheat cultivars from Thailand provide adequate malt extract physicochemical properties suitable for brewing purposes
Authors: Gonu Hellie , Withayagiat Ulaiwan 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackground and ObjectiveThe use of wheat for brewing is associated with its influence on protein content, phenolic compounds, and organoleptic properties, such as mouth feel, haze, and foaming intensity in malt‐based beverages. The quest for alternate malt materials other than barley malt and the exponential growth of micro‐breweries in Thailand have intensified the search for appropriate wheat cultivars suitable for brewing purpose. In this study, four imported commercial wheat malts and three malted wheat cultivars from Thailand (Samerng‐2, Phrae‐60, and Fahng‐60) were compared in terms of their physicochemical characteristics. Malt quality was based on α‐amylase, β‐amylase, antioxidant activities, the contents of free amino acid (FAN), fermentable sugars, total reducing sugar (TRS), and total polyphenol (TPC) of the malt extract samples produced by congress mashing.FindingsThe levels of α‐amylase activity were lower than that for β‐amylase activity in all malt samples. The malt extract (wort) yield was 83.7% weight per weight (w/w), 83.9% w/w, and 83.3% w/w in Samerng‐2, Phrae‐60, and Fahng‐60, respectively. The FAN contents in wort from the three Thai wheat malts were in the range of 155.2–183.4 mg/L. When used as an adjunct at 30% w/w or 50% w/w, the FAN contents were in the ranges 197.5–203.9 and 140.9–173 mg/L, respectively. Sucrose, glucose, maltose, and maltotriose were in the ranges 0.37–1.17, 2.8–4.3, 37.9–48.8, and 7.3–9.68 g/L, respectively. Wort produced contained contents of TRS, total carbohydrate, and TPC of 56.3–57.4, 79.4–88.9, and 116.4–18.2 mg/L, respectively. The antioxidant activity level based on 2,2‐di(4‐tert‐octylphenyl)‐1picrylhydrazyl and 2,2‐azino‐bis (3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) diammonium salt assays was within 61.0–125.4 and 1259–1413 µmol TE/L, respectively.ConclusionThese physicochemical attributes of the Thai malted wheat cultivars were similar to the commercial imported wheat malt samples. Consequently, the Thai cultivar would be suitable as raw brewing material.Significance and NoveltyThis preliminary study is limited to laboratory experimental design. Different conditions and processes could lead to different experimental results. Notwithstanding, this study provides the first report on some physicochemical properties of malted Thai wheat cultivars as the base raw material and adjunct for brewing purposes, which are critical in selecting cultivars for brewing purposes. This will intend to promote the cultivation of local wheat cultivars to meet the demand of local craft breweries.
Ni(0) Ex‐Phyllosilicates as Efficient and Stable Low Temperature CH4 Dry Reforming Catalyst
Authors: Ciotonea Carmen , Wei Yaqian , Ungureanu Adrian , Catrinescu Cezar , Gardol Olivier , Mamede Anne‐Sophie , Dumeignil Franck , Paul Sébastien , Jalowiecki‐Duhamel Louise , Royer Sébastien 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThis study explores the performances of nickel‐based materials for the dry reforming of methane (DRM), an important process for hydrogen and syngas productions. Ni nanoparticles are issued from porous phyllosilicate phase exolution under reducing conditions (in situ or ex situ). Phyllosilicate precursors were obtained by deposition/precipitation with urea onto SBA‐15 porous silica, with metal loading up to 40 wt.%. Reaction was performed at 600–700 °C. The successful formation and stabilization of highly dispersed nanoparticles (2–6 nm) is revealed, even for highly loaded formulations (20 wt.% and 40 wt.%). In DRM‐700 (CH4/CO2=1, 20 % CH4, 480,000 mL gcat−1 h−1) the formulation at 20 wt.% metal loading (Ni_20 %) activated during reaction affords 50 % and 65 % of CH4 and CO2 conversions respectively at 700 °C. Ni_20 % is showing excellent resistance toward sintering after DRM stability test of 80 h. Characterizations made for spent catalyst show high resistance toward sintering and limited carbon formation.
Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy of Core‐Shell Nanofiber Cathodes, with Ce0.9Gd0.1O1.95 (Core) and Cu‐Doped La0.6Sr0.4MnO3 (Shell), for Application in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Sanna Caterina , Costamagna Paola , Holtappels Peter 
Published: June 2023

AbstractSeveral core‐shell nanofiber electrodes are prepared through electrospinning and tested for application as intermediate‐temperature solid oxide fuel cell (IT‐SOFC) cathodes. The materials investigated are La0.6Sr0.4MnO3 (LSM), La0.6Sr0.4Cu0.1Mn0.9O3‐δ (LSCuM_1), and La0.6Sr0.4Cu0.2Mn0.8O3‐δ (LSCuM_2) perovskites, used at the shell side of the nanofibers. Ce0.9Gd0.1O1.95 (GDC10) fluorite is used as the core material. The electrochemical characterization of the core‐shell nanofiber electrodes is performed through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The EIS results are reported and discussed based on equivalent circuit modeling. The polarization resistance of the GDC10/LSM core‐shell nanofibers electrodes is RP∼4.5 Ω cm2 at 650 °C. Improvement is accomplished with GDC10/LSCuM_1 and GDC10/LSCuM_2 core‐shell nanofibers, with RP∼1.8 Ω cm2 and 1.7 Ω cm2 respectively at 650 °C. Post‐test SEM characterization is carried out, to ascertain possible degradation and identify the most promising shell perovskite.
A Modular Double Electrode Flow Cell with Exchangeable Generator and Detector Electrodes
Authors: Stender Frederik J. , Obata Keisuke , Baumung Max , Abdi Fatwa F. , Risch Marcel 
Published: June 2023

AbstractGenerator‐collector experiments offer insights into the mechanisms of electrochemical reactions by correlating the product and generator currents. Most commonly, these experiments are performed using commercially‐available rotating ring‐disk electrodes (RRDE). We developed a modular double electrode flow cell (DEFC) with exchangeable generator and detector electrodes where the electrode width equals the channel width. As a test case, we considered the ferri‐/ferrocyanide redox couple in experiments, analytical calculations and multiphysics simulations. Wall effects reduce the current density by less than 10 % in our geometry for the investigated conditions and the analytical solution for the limiting current at the generator electrode applies to widths up to 5 mm. The collection efficiency for all investigated electrode widths is close to the expected 35.4 % above a flow rate of 1.0 (mL/min)1/3 but only independent of the flow rate for electrodes with width 5 mm and larger. Kinetic constants of 1.3–1.9 ⋅ 10−3 cm/s are obtained from Koutecký‐Levich analysis and 21.0–5.0 ⋅ 10−3 cm/s from Nicholson analysis for the DEFC, which falls within the range reported previously. We conclude that our DEFC with exchangeable electrodes is an attractive alternative to commercial RRDEs which offers the flexibility to optimize both the generator and collector materials for the desired reaction.
Der digitale Nachhaltigkeitsnavigator
Authors: Alwast Holger , Maennchen Ilona 
Published: June 2023

AbstractDie Produkte bestimmen mit ihren Vorlieferketten und den Herstellungsprozessen die Nachhaltigkeit eines Unternehmens. Diese sind künftig im Rahmen der ESG‐Berichtspflichten der EU nachzuweisen und digital zu dokumentieren. Der digitale Produktkompass unterstützt bei der Datenerhebung (Bottom‐up über Ihre Produkte), bei der Bewertung, Dokumentation sowie Verifizierung. So ist jederzeit die punktgenaue Nachhaltigkeitsnavigation erfassbar.
Nachhaltige Chemieprodukte und Prozesse für die Zuckerindustrie
Authors: Mühlenberg Marius 
Published: June 2023

AbstractDas mittelständische Unternehmen ist einer der führenden Hersteller von Spezialchemikalien und Additiven für verschiedene Industriebereiche wie die Agrar‐, Lebensmittel‐ und Papierindustrie. Mit dem Unternehmensbereich Green Chemicals fokussiert sich LEVACO zunehmend auf die Produktion nachhaltiger Produkte und CO2‐neutraler Produktionsprozesse. So entwickelte der Chemieanbieter beispielsweise einen natürlichen Biostabilisator, der aus Rohstoffen nachwachsenden Ursprungs hergestellt wird und als Prozesshilfsmittel für die konventionelle und biologische Zuckerproduktion genutzt werden kann. Dadurch können Zuckerfabriken auf die gefährliche Chemikalie Formaldehyd verzichten und Zuckerverluste reduzieren und die Arbeitssicherheit erhöhen.
Plasmatechnolgie spaltet PFAS‐Molekülketten
Authors: Toprak Mehmet 
Published: June 2023

AbstractPersistente Chemikalien wie PFAS sind mit herkömmlichen Filtertechniken nur aufwendig aus Abwasser entfernbar. Mit Plasmatechnologie lassen sich die PFAS‐Molekülketten spalten, um das Abwasser von den Ewigkeitschemikalien zu reinigen. Forschende des Fraunhofer‐Instituts für Grenzflächen‐ und Bioverfahrenstechnik IGB haben im Verbundprojekt AtWaPlas erfolgreich eine plasmabasierte Technologie dafür entwickelt.
Mutational Studies of Aldose Reductase to Trace a Transient Pocket Opening and to Explain Ligand Affinity Cliffs
Authors: Klee Lea‐Sophie , Gárdonyi Marina , Hüfner Tobias , Heine Andreas , Klebe Gerhard 
Published: June 2023

AbstractHuman aldose reductase, a target for the development of inhibitors for preventing diabetic complications, displays a transient specificity pocket which opens upon binding with specific, potent inhibitors. We investigated the opening mechanism of this pocket by mutating leucine residues involved in the gate keeping mechanism to alanine. Two isostructural inhibitors distinguished only by a single nitro to carboxy group replacement, have a 1000‐fold difference in their binding affinity to the wild type. This difference is reduced to 10‐fold in the mutated variants as the nitro derivative loses in affinity but conserves binding to the open transient pocket. The affinity of the carboxylate analog is minimally altered but the analog binding preference changes from the closed to open state of the transient pocket. Differences in the solvation properties of ligands and the transient pocket as well as changes from induced fit to conformational selections provide an explanation for the altered behavior of the ligands with respect to their binding to the different variants.
Phase‐Selective Synthesis of Cobalt Sulfide Heterostructure Catalysts as Efficient Counter Electrodes in Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Ma Dui , Ma Xiang , Xie Meilan , Liu Xuejiao , Zai Jiantao , Qian Xuefeng , Wang Xiaofeng , Zhao Jiyang , Pan Zhaorui , Liang Xiao , Zhang Yuchi 
Published: June 2023

AbstractDeveloping a cost‐saving, high‐efficiency, and simple synthesis of counter electrode (CE) material to replace pricy Pt for dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) has become a research hotspot. Owing to the electronic coupling effects between various components, semiconductor heterostructures can significantly enhance the catalytic performance and endurance of counter electrodes. However, the strategy to controllably synthesize the same element in several phase heterostructures used as the CE in DSSCs is still absent. Here, we fabricate well‐defined CoS2/CoS heterostructures and use them as CE catalysts in DSSCs. The as‐designed CoS2/CoS heterostructures display high catalytic performance and endurance for the triiodide reduction in DSSCs thanks to the combined and synergistic effects. As a result, a DSSC with CoS2/CoS achieves a high energy conversion with an efficiency of 9.47 % under standard simulated solar radiation, surpassing that of pristine Pt‐based CE (9.20 %). Besides, the CoS2/CoS heterostructures possess a quick activity initiation process and extended stability, broadening their potential applications in various areas. Therefore, our proposed synthetic approach could offer new insights for synthesizing functional heterostructure materials with improved catalytic activities in DSSCs.
Building a Better Broccoli
Authors: Korzekwa Kaine 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
An estimated 50 to 100 million people across the globe do not receive enough of the element selenium from their diet.
Selenium deficiency in one’s diet can be associated with conditions such as a weakened immune system, heart disease, and increased risk of cancer.
Broccoli is known as a “selenium accumulator” and tends to take up and store selenium more readily than other crops, making it a good candidate for biofortification.
New research in Crop Science shows that biofortification of broccoli with selenium can improve its nutritional value and postharvest quality.
Power management and coordinated control strategy of flexible interconnected AC/DC hybrid microgrid with back‐to‐back converters
Authors: Luo Zhongge , Sun Yanfei , Li Hang , Xiao Yu , Liu Bowen , Wang Ting , Wan Bohao 
Published: June 2023

SummaryIn order to improve power regulation capability and system reliability, an interconnected hybrid microgrid (MG) topology with back‐to‐back (BTB) converters is a promising solution, but it also brings new technical challenges to the control system. The paper proposes a two‐level power management and coordinated control strategy for hybrid MG with BTB converters to ensure the stable operation of the system. Firstly, the structure of hybrid MG is analyzed, and model of BTB converters, photovoltaic (PV) cell and battery are established. Secondly, multiple constraints and operation characteristics of DG, ESS, and BTB converters are considered, the detailed operation modes are analyzed, and system‐level power management strategy is developed under grid normal, single‐terminal grid fault, and island operation conditions. A local‐level coordinated control strategy of BTB converters, battery energy storage system (BESS), and PV units is presented to ensure stable operation of the system in multi operation modes. The control coordination between the BTB converters and the ESS can ensure the stability of the AC voltage and frequency in the fault area and achieve uninterrupted power supply for important loads. Meanwhile, voltage recovery and current sharing control are proposed based on the voltage and current information provided by the upper power management system to eliminate DC voltage deviation and realize accurate current allocation. The current sharing and voltage recovery control is embedded in the local devices and will not have any impact on the upper power management system. Finally, the effectiveness of proposed method is verified by simulation and experimental results.
DeepIFC: Virtual fluorescent labeling of blood cells in imaging flow cytometry data with deep learning
Authors: Timonen Veera A. , Kerkelä Erja , Impola Ulla , Penna Leena , Partanen Jukka , Kilpivaara Outi , Arvas Mikko , Pitkänen Esa 
Published: June 2023

AbstractImaging flow cytometry (IFC) combines flow cytometry with microscopy, allowing rapid characterization of cellular and molecular properties via high‐throughput single‐cell fluorescent imaging. However, fluorescent labeling is costly and time‐consuming. We present a computational method called DeepIFC based on the Inception U‐Net neural network architecture, able to generate fluorescent marker images and learn morphological features from IFC brightfield and darkfield images. Furthermore, the DeepIFC workflow identifies cell types from the generated fluorescent images and visualizes the single‐cell features generated in a 2D space. We demonstrate that rarer cell types are predicted well when a balanced data set is used to train the model, and the model is able to recognize red blood cells not seen during model training as a distinct entity. In summary, DeepIFC allows accurate cell reconstruction, typing and recognition of unseen cell types from brightfield and darkfield images via virtual fluorescent labeling.
Functional trait‐based restoration alters nutrient cycling and invasion rates in Hawaiian lowland wet forest
Authors: DiManno Nicole , Ostertag Rebecca , Uowolo Amanda , Durham Amy , Blakemore Kaikea , Cordell Susan , Vitousek Peter 
Published: June 2023

AbstractMany degraded ecosystems have altered nutrient dynamics due to invaders’ possessing a suite of traits that allow them to both outcompete native species and alter the environment. In ecosystems where invasive species have increased nutrient turnover rates, it can be difficult to reduce nutrient availability. This study examined whether a functional trait‐based restoration approach involving the planting of species with conservative nutrient‐use traits could slow rates of nutrient cycling and consequently reduce rates of invasion. We examined a functional trait restoration initiative in a heavily invaded lowland wet forest site in Hilo, Hawaiʻi. Native and introduced species were chosen to create four experimental hybrid forest communities, in comparison to the invaded forest, with a factorial design in which communities varied in rates of carbon turnover (slow or moderate [SLOW, MOD]), and in the relationship of species in trait space (redundant or complementary [RED, COMP]). After the first 5 years, we evaluated community‐level outcomes related to nutrient cycling: carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) via litterfall, litter decomposition, and outplant productivity and rates of invasion. We found that (1) regardless of treatment, the experimental communities had low rates of nutrient cycling through litterfall relative to the invaded reference forest, (2) the MOD communities had greater nutrient release via litterfall than the SLOW communities, (3) introduced species had greater nutrient release than native species in the two MOD experimental communities, and (4) within treatments, there was a positive relationship between nutrient levels and outplant basal area, but outplant basal area was negatively associated with rates of invasion. The negative relationships among basal area and weed invasion, particularly for the two COMP treatments, suggest species existing in different parts of trait space may help confer some degree of invasion resistance. The diversification of trait space was facilitated by the use of introduced species, a new concept in Hawaiian forest management. Although challenges remain in endeavors to restore this heavily degraded ecosystem, this study provides evidence that functional trait‐based restoration approaches using carefully crafted hybrid communities can reduce rates of nutrient cycling and invasion in order to reach management goals.
Development of self‐conducting current bypass circuit for series‐connected diodes in high power semiconductor light source
Authors: Iwabuki Hiroyasu , Tamida Taichiro , Iwata Akihiko , Morimoto Shigeo 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThis paper proposes a self‐conducting current bypass circuit for series‐connected diodes in high power semiconductor light source. This circuit enables the main circuit current flow continuously, even if several of the diodes connected in series are open because of breakdowns. Herein, the composition, operation, and circuit design method of the proposed circuit are described. Moreover, the development of a simulation model of the fuse, which is an element of the circuit, is described. Furthermore, the simulation result of the proposed circuit using the fuse model is presented, and the method of determining the circuit constant based on the simulation result is demonstrated. Finally, by connecting a prototype circuit based on this study in parallel with series‐connected diodes, we show that the main circuit current of 60 A flow continuously even when one of the diodes is open.