bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
UBE2L3 promotes squamous cell carcinoma progression in the oral cavity and hypopharynx via activating the NF‐κB signaling by increasing IκBα degradation
Authors: Cui Zhi , Sun Shiqun , Li Jia , Li Jianing , Sha Tong , He Jie , Zuo Linjing 
Published: February 2022

AbstractOral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HSCC) are representative of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and the molecular pathogenesis has not been completely clarified. Ubiquitin‐conjugating enzyme E2 L3 (UBE2L3) is the key member of the E2 family that encodes 153 amino acid residues. Previous studies demonstrate that UBE2L3 is aberrantly overexpressed in various types of human cancers, suggesting that UBE2L3 may function as an oncogene. However, its functional role and the potential mechanisms in the OSCC and HSCC remain unclear. In the present study, we found that UBE2L3 was significantly upregulated in clinical HNSCC samples and HNSCC cell lines, and patients with lower UBE2L3 expression have a higher survival rate. Two HNSCC cell lines FaDu (HSCC cells) and CAL‐27 (OSCC cells) with moderate expression of UBE2L3 were selected for in vitro experiments. We proved that UBE2L3 overexpression was positively associated with cellular malignant phenotypes in vitro, including proliferation, invasion, migration, and tumor growth in vivo. Conversely, UBE2L3 suppression diametrically yielded opposing results. Our further study demonstrated that overexpression of UBE2L3 significantly activated the nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) signaling pathway through promoting NF‐κB p65 nuclear translocation and the ubiquitination and degradation of IκBα protein. Additionally, UBE2L3 was proved to be targeted and negatively regulated by miR‐378a‐5p, and UBE2L3 overexpression reversed the effects of miR‐378a‐5p upregulation. Collectively, the present study indicates that UBE2L3 may promote OSCC and HSCC progression via activating the NF‐κB signaling by increasing IκBα degradation, indicating that UBE2L3 may be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of HNSCC.
Heart rate as an early predictor of severe cardiomyopathy and increased mortality in peripartum cardiomyopathy
Authors: Cooney Ryan , Scott John R. , Mahowald Madeline , Langen Elizabeth , Sharma Garima , Kao David P. , Davis Melinda B. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundDelays in diagnosis of peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) are common and are associated with worse outcomes; however, few studies have addressed methods for improving early detection.HypothesisWe hypothesized that easily accessible data (heart rate [HR] and electrocardiograms [ECGs]) could identify women with more severe PPCM and at increased risk of adverse outcomes.MethodsClinical data, including HR and ECG, from patients diagnosed with PPCM between January 1998 and July 2016 at our institution were collected and analyzed. Linear and logistic regression were used to analyze the relationship between HR at diagnosis and the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) at diagnosis. Outcomes included overall mortality, recovery status, and major adverse cardiac events.ResultsAmong 82 patients meeting inclusion criteria, the overall mean LVEF at diagnosis was 26 ± 11.1%. Sinus tachycardia (HR > 100) was present in a total of 50 patients (60.9%) at the time of diagnosis. In linear regression, HR significantly predicted lower LVEF (F = 30.00, p < .0001). With age‐adjusted logistic regression, elevated HR at diagnosis was associated with a fivefold higher risk of overall mortality when initial HR was >110 beats per minute (adjusted odds ratio 5.35, confidence interval 1.23–23.28), p = .025).ConclusionIn this study, sinus tachycardia in women with PPCM was associated with lower LVEF at the time of diagnosis. Tachycardia in the peripartum period should raise concern for cardiomyopathy and may be an early indicator of adverse prognosis.
Thermo‐Reversible Cellulose Micro Phase‐Separation in Mixtures of Methyltributylphosphonium Acetate and γ‐Valerolactone or DMSO
Authors: Holding Ashley J. , Xia Jingwen , Hummel Michael , Zwiers Harry , Leskinen Matti , Rico del Cerro Daniel , Hietala Sami , Nieger Martin , Kemell Marianna , Helminen Jussi K. J. , Aseyev Vladimir , Tenhu Heikki , Kilpeläinen Ilkka , King Alistair W. T. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractWe have identified cellulose solvents, comprised of binary mixtures of molecular solvents and ionic liquids that rapidly dissolve cellulose to high concentration and show upper‐critical solution temperature (UCST)‐like thermodynamic behaviour ‐ upon cooling and micro phase‐separation to roughly spherical microparticle particle‐gel mixtures. This is a result of an entropy‐dominant process, controllable by changing temperature, with an overall exothermic regeneration step. However, the initial dissolution of cellulose in this system, from the majority cellulose I allomorph upon increasing temperature, is also exothermic. The mixtures essentially act as ‘thermo‐switchable’ gels. Upon initial dissolution and cooling, micro‐scaled spherical particles are formed, the formation onset and size of which are dependent on the presence of traces of water. Wide‐angle X‐ray scattering (WAXS) and 13C cross‐polarisation magic‐angle spinning (CP‐MAS) NMR spectroscopy have identified that the cellulose micro phase‐separates with no remaining cellulose I allomorph and eventually forms a proportion of the cellulose II allomorph after water washing and drying. The rheological properties of these solutions demonstrate the possibility of a new type of cellulose processing, whereby morphology can be influenced by changing temperature.
Design method and implementation of the fractional‐order inductor and its application in series‐resonance circuit
Authors: Hao Chunling , Wang Faqiang 
Published: February 2022

SummaryBy using the fractional‐order medium constitutive relations and Maxwell equations, the modeling and theoretical analysis of the fractional‐order inductor (FOI) is investigated in this study. The general formulations of the magnetic property model of FOI core material are derived. This paper proposes a generalized approach to design and implement a single‐component FOI and constructs the independent fractional‐order circuit element in Matlab/Simulink based on the fractional calculus Grünwald–Letnikov (GL) definition. The electrical and magnetic performance of the FOI are characterized in both frequency and time domain by simulation and experimentation. All results show that it is effective to use the proposed method and design guidance to construct the FOI. Furthermore, the results from the application of FOI in the fractional‐orderRLλCseries‐resonance circuit show that the order has an effect on the characteristics and frequency properties of it.
Theα‐η‐μ/inverse gamma fading subjected to wireless applications with MRC diversity
Authors: Upaddhyay Vipin Kumar , Soni S. K. , Chauhan P. S. 
Published: February 2022

SummaryClosed‐form statistics are highly desirable in wireless communications. With this motivation, this work presents the closed‐form expressions for the fundamental statistics of generalizedα‐η‐μ/Inverse‐Gamma (I‐Gamma) composite distribution. The proposed distribution encompasses well‐knownη‐μ/I‐Gamma,α‐μ/I‐Gamma and other variants. First, we derive a novel closed‐form expression for the probability density function (PDF), cumulative distribution function (CDF), and generalized moment generating function (MGF). Further, generalized MGF is utilized to access system performance with diversity reception. In addition, the high power solutions for derived performance metrics are also provided. The analytical findings of the paper are compared with the numerical results and also with the Monte Carlo simulation results to confirm their accuracy.
Likelihood ascent search‐aided low complexity improved performance massive MIMO detection in perfect and imperfect channel state information
Authors: Chakraborty Sourav , Sinha Nirmalendu Bikas , Mitra Monojit 
Published: February 2022

SummaryMassive multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) systems improve spectral efficiency and link reliability. Linear minimum mean‐squared error (MMSE) detectors can achieve optimal performance in massive MIMO detection but require large dimension matrix inversion, which is computationally intensive. Therefore, low complexity iterative detection schemes are proposed in the literature as an alternative to the exact MMSE method. However, the performance of these schemes is greatly influenced by the choice of the initial solution. Therefore, to improve the detection performance in this paper, we proposed three hybrid detection schemes, which are Newton–Schultz–Richardson (NS‐RI), Newton–Schultz–Chebyshev (NS‐Cheby), and Newton–Schultz–Gauss–Seidel (NS‐GS). The proposed hybrid schemes show significant performance improvement and a higher convergence rate compared to their original counterpart. The performance of the proposed detectors is further improved by the likelihood ascent search (LAS) stage, which corrects the detected symbols obtained from iterative MMSE methods through a neighborhood search. However, the complexity of the LAS algorithm primarily depends on the initialization step. In this work, we introduce an efficient Gram matrix computation in the real domain. Additionally, we have applied a band approximation of the Gram matrix for the LAS initialization, which reduces the order of computational complexity of the Gram matrix from
to O(ωNTNR) where ω < <2NT.
Update on diagnosis and treatment of actinic keratosis
Authors: Agarwal Komal , Podder Indrashis , Cockerell Clay J. , Kassir Martin , Grabbe Stephan , Goldust Mohamad 
Published: February 2022

AbstractActinic keratosis (AK) is a relatively common skin condition occurring due to chronic sun‐exposure, primarily affecting fair skin. Most dermatologists consider it an incipient malignancy due to its risk of full‐blown malignant transformation to squamous cell carcinoma. However, the exact risk factors remain unknown, and thus its course cannot be predicted. Therefore, all cases of AK need early diagnosis and appropriate treatment to mitigate this risk. Over the years, several noninvasive diagnostic techniques such as dermoscopy, reflectance confocal microscopy, and newer treatment modalities (lesion‐directed and field‐directed) have been introduced with their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Notably, invasive skin biopsy with histopathology remains the gold‐standard for diagnosis. Prevention is of paramount importance, highlighted by adequate sun‐protection measures. This article reviews the diagnostic and treatment modalities of AK, with their latest updates, to optimize patient management.
Human–wildlife conflict in the surrounding districts of Alage College, Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia
Authors: Temesgen Zelalem , Mengesha Girma , Endalamaw Tefera B. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe study was conducted between September 2018 and March 2019 to investigate the nature and extent of human–wildlife conflict (HWC) in the surrounding area of Alage College, the Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia, and to assess the perception of the local people to wildlife. For data collection, a total of 140 household (HH) heads were selected randomly for interviews from nine villages using structured and semi‐structured questionnaires. Moreover, focus group discussion, key informant interviews, and personal observation were carried out to obtain additional information. Descriptive statistics, Chi‐square test (2 tailed), one‐way analysis of variance, Pearson correlation coefficient, and Likert scale statements were used to analyze the data. Based on, 66 (47.1%) of the respondents, HH heads, the local people of the area experienced livestock predation leading to HWC. Whereas, (40.7%, n = 57) of the respondents perceived both crop damage and livestock predation as a cause of conflict. A total of 932.43 total livestock unit of livestock and 218 dogs’ losses were reported by HH due to predators over the last 5 years. Thus, the largest number of livestock (89.9%) and dogs (100%) attacks was happened due to spotted hyenas. Nearly half of the respondents (49.3%, n = 69) ranked warthogs as the primary crop raiders, while the majority of respondents (82.1%, n = 115) reported maize as a severely damaged cereal crop. More than half, (57.1%, n = 80) of respondents used different methods simultaneously to minimize damage caused by wild animals. About half, (48.6%, n = 68) of respondents had a negative attitude toward wildlife conservation. The level of education and amount of money imposed as a penalty for illegal grazing were affecting the local community's attitudes to wildlife conservation. Using effective methods to reduce damage and loss to crops, including improved livestock husbandry and creating better awareness to the local community could make the locals actor of conservation.
Temperature‐induced multi‐species cohort effects in sympatric snakes
Authors: King Richard B. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractIn reptiles, reproductive maturity is often determined by size rather than age. Consequently, growth early in life may influence population dynamics through effects on generation time and survival to reproduction. Because reproductive phenology and pre‐ and post‐natal growth are temperature dependent, environmental conditions may induce multi‐species cohort effects on body size in sympatric reptiles. I present evidence of this using 10 years of neonatal size data for three sympatric viviparous snakes, Dekay's Brown snakes (Storeria dekayi), Red‐bellied Snakes (S. occipitomaculata), and Common Garter snakes (Thamnophis sirtalis). End‐of‐season neonatal size varied in parallel across species such that snout–vent length was 36%–61% greater and mass was 65%–223% greater in years when gestating females could achieve higher April–May (vs. June–July or August–September) operative temperatures. Thus, temperature had a larger impact during follicular enlargement and ovulation than during gestation or post‐natal growth. Multi‐species cohort effects like these may affect population dynamics and the magnitude of these effects may increase with climate change.
Humans rather than Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) shape ungulate browsing patterns in a temperate forest
Authors: van Beeck Calkoen Suzanne T. S. , Deis Michele H. , Oeser Julian , Kuijper Dries P. J. , Heurich Marco 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe recolonization of human‐dominated landscapes by large carnivores has been followed with considerable scientific interest; however, little is known about their interactive effect on ungulate foraging behavior. This study compared the risks imposed by humans and lynx on ungulate foraging behavior by examining the effects of browsing intensity (at two spatial scales), diet quality, and tree species selection. We hypothesized that: (1) in areas with high risk imposed by humans and lynx browsing intensity would be reduced; (2) risk effects would interact with habitat visibility at a fine scale, resulting in contrasting browsing patterns in response to humans versus lynx risk; (3) ungulates compensate for the higher costs incurred in high‐risk areas by switching to a higher diet quality, and (4) browse a higher proportion of more‐preferred tree species. These hypotheses were tested by measuring browsing intensity along 48 transects located at different distances from human settlements within the hunted and nonhunted areas of the Bavarian Forest. Dung samples were collected and analyzed as a proxy of diet quality (C:N ratio, fiber). The spatial patterns of browsing intensity, diet quality, and tree species selection were then linked to lynx risk, hunting intensity, recreation intensity, and distance to human settlements. Our results showed that (1) browsing intensity strongly decreased with increasing recreational activities, whereas it increased with lynx risk; (2) only in close proximity to human settlements tree browsing was higher in dense habitats and (3) a higher diet quality was obtained. (4) We found a stronger avoidance of the less preferred tree species in high‐hunting intensity areas. In conclusion, our results indicate that the risk effects of human activities outweigh those of a natural large carnivore. Thus, highlighting the importance of taking those activities into account in predicting the impacts of large carnivores on ungulates and their plant‐food choices.
Prevalence and determinants of iron deficiency in cardiac amyloidosis
Authors: Jobbé‐Duval Antoine , Bézard Mélanie , Moutereau Stéphane , Kharoubi Mounira , Oghina Silvia , Zaroui Amira , Galat Arnault , Chalard Coraline , Hugon‐Vallet Elisabeth , Lemonnier Francois , Eyharts Damien , Poulot Elsa , Fanen Pascale , Funalot Benoit , Molinier‐Frenkel Valérie , Audard Vincent , Hittinger Luc , Delbarre Marc Antoine , Teiger Emmanuel , Damy Thibaud 
Published: February 2022

AbstractAimsIron deficiency (ID) is common in patient with chronic heart failure (HF) and has been widely studied. In contrast, data concerning ID in cardiac amyloidosis (CA) are limited. Amyloidosis is a severe and fatal systemic disease, characterized by an accumulation of amyloid fibrils in various tissues/organs, including nerves, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, and heart. Amyloid deposits in the heart eventually cause HF. The main subtypes of CA are light chain (AL), hereditary transthyretin (ATTRv), and wild‐type transthyretin (ATTRwt). We performed this study to determine the prevalence, clinical outcome (all‐cause mortality), and determinants of ID among the three main subtypes of CA.Methods and resultsIron deficiency status were analysed in 816 CA patients enrolled at the French Referral Centre for Cardiac Amyloidosis: 271 (33%) had AL, 164 (20%) ATTRv, and 381 (47%) ATTRwt. ID affected 49% of CA patients, 45% with AL, 58% with ATTRv, and 48% with ATTRwt. We identified ATTR status (ATTRv P = 0.003, ATTRwt P = 0.037), diabetes (P = 0.003), aspirin treatment (P = 0.009), haemoglobin levels (P = 0.006), and altered global longitudinal strain (P = 0.02) as independent ID determinants. There is no difference in all‐cause mortality considering ID status.ConclusionsIron deficiency is common in patients with CA, irrespective of the subtype. Patients seem more likely to have ID if diagnosed with ATTR, if diabetic, and/or treated with aspirin. In CA, the benefit of intravenous iron therapy, for ID, on morbidity and mortality needs further study.
Mechanosensitive molecular mechanisms of myocardial fibrosis in living myocardial slices
Authors: Nunez‐Toldra Raquel , Kirwin Thomas , Ferraro Elisa , Pitoulis Fotios G. , Nicastro Laura , Bardi Ifigeneia , Kit‐Anan Worrapong , Gorelik Julia , Simon Andre R. , Terracciano Cesare M. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractAimsAltered mechanical load in response to injury is a main driver of myocardial interstitial fibrosis. No current in vitro model can precisely modulate mechanical load in a multicellular environment while maintaining physiological behaviour. Living myocardial slices (LMS) are a 300 μm‐thick cardiac preparation with preserved physiological structure and function. Here we apply varying degrees of mechanical preload to rat and human LMS to evaluate early cellular, molecular, and functionality changes related to myocardial fibrosis.Methods and resultsLeft ventricular LMS were obtained from Sprague Dawley rat hearts and human cardiac samples from healthy and failing (dilated cardiomyopathy) hearts. LMS were mounted on custom stretchers and two degrees of diastolic load were applied: physiological sarcomere length (SL) (SL = 2.2 μm) and overload (SL = 2.4 μm). LMS were maintained for 48 h under electrical stimulation in circulating, oxygenated media at 37°C. In overloaded conditions, LMS displayed an increase in nucleus translocation of Yes‐associated protein (YAP) and an up‐regulation of mechanotransduction markers without loss in cell viability. Expression of fibrotic and inflammatory markers, as well as Collagen I deposition were also observed. Functionally, overloaded LMS displayed lower contractility (7.48 ± 3.07 mN mm−2 at 2.2 SL vs. 3.53 ± 1.80 mN mm−2 at 2.4 SL). The addition of the profibrotic protein interleukin‐11 (IL‐11) showed similar results to the application of overload with enhanced fibrosis (8% more of collagen surface coverage) and reduced LMS contractility at physiological load. Conversely, treatment with the Transforming growth factor β receptor (TGF‐βR) blocker SB‐431542, showed down‐regulation of genes associated with mechanical stress, prevention of fibrotic response and improvement in cardiac function despite overload (from 2.40 ± 0.8 mN mm−2 to 4.60 ± 1.08 mN mm−2).ConclusionsThe LMS have a consistent fibrotic remodelling response to pathological load, which can be modulated by a TGF‐βR blocker. The LMS platform allows the study of mechanosensitive molecular mechanisms of myocardial fibrosis and can lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
The presence of serum anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 IgA appears to protect primary health care workers from COVID‐19
Authors: Hennings Viktoria , Thörn Karolina , Albinsson Sofie , Lingblom Christine , Andersson Kerstin , Andersson Christer , Järbur Katarina , Pullerits Rille , Idorn Manja , Paludan Søren R. , Eriksson Kristina , Wennerås Christine 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe patterns of humoral and cellular responses to SARS‐CoV‐2 were studied in Swedish primary health care workers (n = 156) for 6 months during the Covid‐19 pandemic. Serum IgA and IgG to SARS‐CoV‐2, T‐cell proliferation and cytokine secretion, demographic and clinical data, PCR‐verified infection, and self‐reported symptoms were monitored. The multivariate method OPLS‐DA was used to identify immune response patterns coupled to protection from Covid‐19. Contracting Covid‐19 was associated with SARS‐CoV‐2‐specific neutralizing serum IgG, T cell, IFN‐γ, and granzyme B responses to SARS‐CoV‐2, self‐reported typical Covid‐19 symptoms, male sex, higher BMI, and hypertension. Not contracting Covid‐19 was associated with female sex, IgA‐dominated, or no antibody responses to SARS‐CoV‐2, airborne allergy, and smoking. The IgG‐responders had SARS‐CoV‐2‐specific T‐cell responses including a cytotoxic CD4+ T‐cell population expressing CD25, CD38, CD69, CD194, CD279, CTLA‐4, and granzyme B. IgA‐responders with no IgG response to SARS‐CoV‐2 constituted 10% of the study population. The IgA responses were partially neutralizing and only seen in individuals who did not succumb to Covid‐19. To conclude, serum IgG‐dominated responses correlated with T‐cell responses to SARS‐CoV‐2 and PCR‐confirmed Covid‐19, whereas IgA‐dominated responses correlated with not contracting the infection.