bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preclinical Development of a Fusion Peptide Conjugate as an HIV Vaccine Immunogen
Authors: Ou Li , Kong Wing-Pui , Chuang Gwo-Yu , Ghosh Mridul , Gulla Krishana , O’Dell Sijy , Varriale Joseph , Barefoot Nathan , Changela Anita , Chao Cara W. , Cheng Cheng , Druz Aliaksandr , Kong Rui , McKee Krisha , Rawi Reda , Sarfo Edward K. , Schön Arne , Shaddeau Andrew , Tsybovsky Yaroslav , Verardi Raffaello , Wang Shuishu , Wanninger Timothy G. , Xu Kai , Yang Gengcheng J. , Zhang Baoshan , Zhang Yaqiu , Zhou Tongqing ,   The VRC Production Program, Amharref Nadia , Barry Christopher , Boonyaratanakornkit Boonchai , Carey Elizabeth , Caringal Ria , Carlton Kevin , Chalamalsetty Naga , Charlton Adam , Chaudhuri Rajoshi , Chen Mingzhong , Chen Peifeng , Cibelli Nicole , Cooper Jonathan W. , Dahodwala Hussain , Fleischman Marianna , Frederick Julia C. , Fuller Haley , Gall Jason , Godfroy Isaac , Gollapudi Deepika , Gowetski Daniel , Horwitz Joe , Hussain Althaf , Ivleva Vera , Kueltzo Lisa , Li Yile , Mangalampalli Venkata , Moxey Gabriel , O’Connell Sarah , Patel Aakash , Rosales-Zavala Erwin , Scheideman Elizabeth , Schneck Nicole A. , Schneiderman Zachary , Shadrick William , Vinitsky Alison , Wang Xiangchun E. , Witter Sara , Yang Yanhong , Arnold Frank J. , Doria-Rose Nicole A. , Lei Q. Paula , Ryan Edward T. , Vann Willie F. , Mascola John R. , Kwong Peter D. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe vaccine elicitation of broadly neutralizing antibodies against HIV-1 is a long-sought goal. We previously reported the amino-terminal eight residues of the HIV-1-fusion peptide (FP8) – when conjugated to the carrier protein, keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) – to be capable of inducing broadly neutralizing responses against HIV-1 in animal models. However, KLH is a multi-subunit particle derived from a natural source, and its manufacture as a clinical product remains a challenge. Here we report the preclinical development of recombinant tetanus toxoid heavy chain fragment (rTTHC) linked to FP8 (FP8-rTTHC) as a suitable FP-conjugate vaccine immunogen. We assessed 16 conjugates, made by coupling the 4 most prevalent FP8 sequences with 4 carrier proteins: the aforementioned KLH and rTTHC; theH. influenzaeprotein D (HiD); and the cross-reactive material from diphtheria toxin (CRM197). While each of the 16 FP8-carrier conjugates could elicit HIV-1-neutralizing responses, rTTHC conjugates induced higher FP-directed responses overall. A Sulfo-SIAB linker yielded superior results over an SM(PEG)2 linker but combinations of carriers, conjugation ratio of peptide to carrier, or choice of adjuvant (Adjuplex or Alum) did not significantly impact elicited FP-directed neutralizing responses in mice. Overall, SIAB-linked FP8-rTTHC appears to be a promising vaccine candidate for advancing to clinical assessment.
Use of corticosteroids in influenza-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome and severe pneumonia: a systemic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhou Yuqing , Fu Xiaofang , Liu Xiaoxiao , Huang Chenyang , Tian Guo , Ding Cheng , Wu Jie , Lan Lei , Yang Shigui 
Published: February 2020

AbstractInfluenza-related severe pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are severe threats to human health. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of systematic corticosteroid therapy in patients with pneumonia or ARDS. The PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and SCOPUS databases were searched up to July, 2019. Nineteen studies including 6637 individuals were identified, and fifteen studies (6427 patients) were included in the meta-analysis of mortality. Eighteen were observational studies and one was a randomized controlled trial (RCT). The meta-analysis results showed that corticosteroid therapy was associated with significantly higher mortality (OR 1.53, 95% CI [1.16, 2.01]) and incidence of nosocomial infection (OR 3.15, 95% CI [1.54, 6.45]). Subgroup analysis showed that among patients with unadjusted estimates, the odds of mortality were higher in patients receiving corticosteroid treatment (OR 1.98, 95% CI [1.23, 3.17]), however, among patients with adjusted estimates, the result showed no statistically significant difference between corticosteroid group and control group (OR 1.31, 95% CI [0.95, 1.80]). Current data do not support the routine use of corticosteroids in patients with influenza severe pneumonia or ARDS. RCTs are needed to provide more robust evidence.
Photosynthetic rate prediction model of newborn leaves verified by core fluorescence parameters
Authors: Zhang Pan , Zhang Zhongxiong , Li Bin , Zhang Haihui , Hu Jin , Zhao Juan 
Published: February 2020

AbstractDue to the imperfect development of the photosynthetic apparatus of the newborn leaves of the canopy, the photosynthesis ability is insufficient, and the photosynthesis intensity is not only related to the external environmental factors, but also significantly related to the internal mechanism characteristics of the leaves. Light suppression and even light destruction are likely to occur when there is too much external light. Therefore, focus on the newborn leaves of the canopy, the accurate construction of photosynthetic rate prediction model based on environmental factor analysis and fluorescence mechanism characteristic analysis has become a key problem to be solved in facility agriculture. According to the above problems, a photosynthetic rate prediction model of newborn leaves in canopy of cucumber was proposed. The multi-factorial experiment was designed to obtain the multi-slice large-sample data of photosynthetic and fluorescence of newborn leaves. The correlation analysis method was used to obtain the main environmental impact factors as model inputs, and core chlorophyll fluorescence parameters was used for auxiliary verification. The best modeling method PSO-BP neural network was used to construct the newborn leaf photosynthetic rate prediction model. The validation results show that the net photosynthetic rate under different environmental factors of cucumber canopy leaves can be accurately predicted. The coefficient of determination between the measured values and the predicted values of photosynthetic rate was 0.9947 and the root mean square error was 0.8787. Meanwhile, combined with the core fluorescence parameters to assist the verification, it was found that the fluorescence parameters can accurately characterize crop photosynthesis. Therefore, this study is of great significance for improving the precision of light environment regulation for new leaf of facility crops.
NIPA2 regulates osteoblast function by modulating mitophagy in type 2 diabetes osteoporosis
Authors: Zhao Wei , Zhang Weilin , Ma Hongdong , Yang Maowei 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe highly selective magnesium transporter non-imprinted in Prader-Willi/Angelman syndrome region protein 2 (NIPA2) has recently been associated with the development and progression of type 2 diabetes osteoporosis, but the mechanisms involved are still poorly understood. Because mitophagy is involved in the pathology of type 2 diabetes osteoporosis, the present study aimed to explore the relationship among NIPA2, mitophagy and osteoblast osteogenic capacity. NIPA2 expression was reduced in C57BKS background db/db mice and in vitro models of type 2 diabetes osteoporosis, and the activation of mitophagy in primary culture osteoblast-derived from db/db mice and in high glucose-treated human fetal osteoblastic cells (hFOB1.19) was observed. Knockdown, overexpression of NIPA2 and pharmacological inhibition of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1-α (PGC-1α) showed that NIPA2 increased osteoblast function, which was likely regulated by PTEN induced kinase 1 (PINK1)/E3 ubiquitin ligase PARK2 (Parkin)-mediated mitophagy via the PGC-1α/forkhead box O3a(FoxO3a)/mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) pathway. Furthermore, the negative effect of mitophagy on osteoblast function was confirmed by pharmacological regulation of mitophagy and knockdown of Parkin. Taken together, these results suggest that NIPA2 positively regulates the osteogenic capacity of osteoblasts via the mitophagy pathway in type 2 diabetes.
Resolving the positions of defects in superconducting quantum bits
Authors: Bilmes Alexander , Megrant Anthony , Klimov Paul , Weiss Georg , Martinis John M. , Ustinov Alexey V. , Lisenfeld Jürgen 
Published: February 2020

AbstractSolid-state quantum coherent devices are quickly progressing. Superconducting circuits, for instance, have already been used to demonstrate prototype quantum processors comprising a few tens of quantum bits. This development also revealed that a major part of decoherence and energy loss in such devices originates from a bath of parasitic material defects. However, neither the microscopic structure of defects nor the mechanisms by which they emerge during sample fabrication are understood. Here, we present a technique to obtain information on locations of defects relative to the thin film edge of the qubit circuit. Resonance frequencies of defects are tuned by exposing the qubit sample to electric fields generated by electrodes surrounding the chip. By determining the defect’s coupling strength to each electrode and comparing it to a simulation of the field distribution, we obtain the probability at which location and at which interface the defect resides. This method is applicable to already existing samples of various qubit types, without further on-chip design changes. It provides a valuable tool for improving the material quality and nano-fabrication procedures towards more coherent quantum circuits.
Structural features in common of HBV and HIV-1 resistance against chirally-distinct nucleoside analogues entecavir and lamivudine
Authors: Yasutake Yoshiaki , Hattori Shin-ichiro , Tamura Noriko , Matsuda Kouki , Kohgo Satoru , Maeda Kenji , Mitsuya Hiroaki 
Published: February 2020

AbstractChronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major public health problem that affects millions of people worldwide. Nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase (RT) inhibitors, such as entecavir (ETV) and lamivudine (3TC), serve as crucial anti-HBV drugs. However, structural studies of HBV RT have been hampered due to its unexpectedly poor solubility. Here, we show that human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) with HBV-associated amino acid substitutions Y115F/F116Y/Q151M in its RT (HIVY115F/F116Y/Q151M) is highly susceptible to ETV and 3TC. Additionally, we experimentally simulated previously reported ETV/3TC resistance for HBV using HIVY115F/F116Y/Q151M with F160M/M184V (L180M/M204V in HBV RT) substituted. We determined crystal structures for HIV-1 RTY115F/F116Y/Q151M:DNA complexed with 3TC-triphosphate (3TC-TP)/ETV-triphosphate (ETV-TP)/dCTP/dGTP. These structures revealed an atypically tight binding conformation of 3TC-TP, where the Met184 side-chain is pushed away by the oxathiolane of 3TC-TP and exocyclic methylene of ETV-TP. Structural analysis of RTY115F/F116Y/Q151M/F160M/M184V:DNA:3TC-TP also demonstrated that the loosely bound 3TC-TP is misaligned at the active site to prevent a steric clash with the side chain γ-methyl of Val184. These findings shed light on the common structural mechanism of HBV and HIV-1 resistance to 3TC and ETV and should aid in the design of new agents to overcome drug resistance to 3TC and ETV.
Harmonia sedecimnotata (F.): Predatory potential, biology, life table, molecular characterization, and field evaluation against Aphis gossypii Glover
Authors: Boopathi T. , Singh S. B. , Dutta S. K. , Dayal V. , Singh A. R. , Chowdhury S. , Ramakrishna Y. , Aravintharaj R. , Shakuntala I. , Lalhruaipuii K. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe ladybird beetle,Harmonia sedecimnotata(F.) was studied in biology, life table, consumption rates, molecular characterization, and field evaluation. The net reproductive rate (R0), based on the age-stage and two-sex life table, was 43.2 eggs/individual. The female adults lived longer (68.1 d) than the male adults (62.9 d). The rate of consumption increased with progress in each stage of development. Compared to the other larval stages of the predator, the fourth stadium consumed most quantities ofAphis gossypiiGlover nymphs (Hemiptera: Aphididae) (200.4). Both female (2214.6) and male (1792.4) consumed more prey (nymphs) than larvae. The net rate of consumption was 1458.92 nymphs of melon aphids. There was no variation in the sequences of the two nucleotides out of 583 bp,H sedecimnotataChina (EU392410) and India (MG720024). Our investigations demonstrated that inoculative release of 30 or 40 or 50 adults per 100 m2attained high reduction of aphids (>90%). Thus, it may be recommended the release rate of 40 adults per 100 m2to suppress the eggplant aphid population.H. sedecimnotatais therefore one of the most promising biological control agents for cotton aphids that can be achieved for instant control through an inoculative release of adults.
Noise patterns in visceral surgical procedures: Analysis of second-by-second dBA data of 599 procedures over the course of one year
Authors: Baltin C. T. , Wilhelm H. , Wittland M. , Hoelscher A. H. , Stippel D. , Astvatsatourov A. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe objective of this study is to analyze noise patterns during 599 visceral surgical procedures. Considering work-safety regulations, we will identify immanent noise patterns during major visceral surgeries. Increased levels of noise are known to have negative health impacts. Based on a very fine-grained data collection over a year, this study will introduce a new procedure for visual representation of intra-surgery noise progression and pave new paths for future research on noise reduction in visceral surgery. Digital decibel sound-level meters were used to record the total noise in three operating theatres in one-second cycles over a year. These data were matched to archival data on surgery characteristics. Because surgeries inherently vary in length, we developed a new procedure to normalize surgery times to run cross-surgery comparisons. Based on this procedure, dBA values were adjusted to each normalized time point. Noise-level patterns are presented for surgeries contingent on important surgery characteristics: 16 different surgery types, operation method, day/night time point and operation complexity (complexity levels 1–3). This serves to cover a wide spectrum of day-to-day surgeries. The noise patterns reveal significant sound level differences of about 1 dBA, with the most-common noise level being spread between 55 and 60 dBA. This indicates a sound situation in many of the surgeries studied likely to cause stress in patients and staff. Absolute and relative risks of meeting or exceeding 60 dBA differ considerably across operation types. In conclusion, the study reveals that maximum noise levels of 55 dBA are frequently exceeded during visceral surgical procedures. Especially complex surgeries show, on average, a higher noise exposure. Our findings warrant active noise management for visceral surgery to reduce potential negative impacts of noise on surgical performance and outcome.
Integrative taxonomy, biogeography and conservation of freshwater mussels (Unionidae) in Russia
Authors: Bolotov Ivan N. , Kondakov Alexander V. , Konopleva Ekaterina S. , Vikhrev Ilya V. , Aksenova Olga V. , Aksenov Andrey S. , Bespalaya Yulia V. , Borovskoy Alexey V. , Danilov Petr P. , Dvoryankin Gennady A. , Gofarov Mikhail Y. , Kabakov Mikhail B. , Klishko Olga K. , Kolosova Yulia S. , Lyubas Artem A. , Novoselov Alexander P. , Palatov Dmitry M. , Savvinov Grigory N. , Solomonov Nikolay M. , Spitsyn Vitaly M. , Sokolova Svetlana E. , Tomilova Alena A. , Froufe Elsa , Bogan Arthur E. , Lopes-Lima Manuel , Makhrov Alexander A. , Vinarski Maxim V. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractFreshwater mussels are ecosystem engineers and keystone species in aquatic environments. Unfortunately, due to dramatic declines this fauna is among the most threatened globally. Here, we clarify the taxonomy and biogeography of Russian Unionidae species based on the most comprehensive multi-locus dataset sampled to date. We revise the distribution and assess the conservation status for each species. This fauna comprises 16 native species from 11 genera and 4 tribes: Anodonta, Pseudanodonta (Anodontini); Amuranodonta, Beringiana, Buldowskia, Cristaria, Sinanodonta (Cristariini); Middendorffinaia, Nodularia, Unio (Unionini); and Lanceolaria (Lanceolariini). No country-level endemic species are known in Russia, except for Buldowskia suifunica that may also occur in China. Sinanodonta woodiana, a non-native species, was introduced from China. Russia comprises the northern parts of Western and Eastern Palearctic subregions. The first subregion with six species encompasses a huge area from the western boundary of Russia to the Lena Basin in Siberia. The second subregion with 10 species covers the Amur Basin, rivers east of the Lena Basin, coastal basins of the Japan Sea, and the North Pacific Islands. The fauna of Russia primarily includes widespread generalist species that are here considered Least Concern (LC). However, Buldowskia suifunica and Sinanodonta lauta have restricted distributions and are assessed here as Vulnerable (VU) and Endangered (EN), respectively.
Computational characterization of halogen vapor attachment, diffusion and desorption processes in zeolitic imidazolate framework-8
Authors: Li Dejie , Han Ying , Li Deqiang , Kang Qi , Shen Dazhong 
Published: February 2020

AbstractComputational simulation methods are used for characterizing the detailed attachment, diffusion and desorption of halogen vapor molecules in zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8). The attachment energies of Cl2, Br2 and I2 are −55.2, −48.5 and −43.0 kJ mol−1, respectively. The framework of ZIF-8 is disrupted by Cl2, which bonds with Zn either on the surface or by freely diffusing into the cage. A framework deformation on the surface of ZIF-8 can be caused by the attachment of Br2, but only reorientation of the 2-methylimidazolate linkers (mIms) for I2. In diffusion, the halogen molecules have a tendency to vertically permeate the apertures of cages followed with swing effect implemented by the mIms. Larger rotation angles of mIms are caused by Br2 because of its stronger interaction with mIms than I2. A maximum of 7 Br2 or 5 I2 molecules can be accommodated in one cage. Br2 are clinging to the mIms and I2 are arranged as crystal layout in the cages, therefore in desorption processes molecules attached to the surface and free inside are desorbed while some remained. These results are beneficial for better understanding the adsorption and desorption processes of halogen vapors in the porous materials.
Characterisation and Modelling of Ultrashort Laser-Driven Electromagnetic Pulses
Authors: Nelissen Kwinten , Liszi Máté , Marco Massimo De , Ospina Valeria , Drotár István , Gatti Giancarlo , Kamperidis Christos , Volpe Luca 
Published: February 2020

AbstractRecent advances on laser technology have enabled the generation of ultrashort (fs) high power (PW) laser systems. For such large scale laser facilities there is an imperative demand for high repetition rate operation in symbiosis with beamlines or end-stations. In such extreme conditions the generation of electromagnetic pulses (EMP) during high intense laser target interaction experiments can tip the scale for the good outcome of the campaign. The EMP effects are several including interference with diagnostic devices and actuators as well as damage of electrical components. The EMP issue is quite known in the picosecond (ps) pulse laser experiments but no systematic study on EMP issues at multi-Joule fs-class lasers has been conducted thus far. In this paper we report the first experimental campaign for EMP-measurements performed at the 200 TW laser system (VEGA 2) at CLPU laser center. EMP pulse energy has been measured as a function of the laser intensity and energy together with other relevant quantities such as (i) the charge of the laser-driven protons and their maximum energy, as well as (ii) the X-ray Kα emission coming from electron interaction inside the target. Analysis of experimental results demonstrate (and confirm) a direct correlation between the measured EMP pulse energy and the laser parameters such as laser intensity and laser energy in the ultrashort pulse duration regime. Numerical FEM (Finite Element Method) simulations of the EMP generated by the target holder system have been performed and the simulations results are shown to be in good agreement with the experimental ones.
Prospective diagnostic accuracy study of plasma soluble ST2 for diagnosis of acute aortic syndromes
Authors: Morello Fulvio , Bartalucci Alice , Bironzo Marco , Santoro Marco , Pivetta Emanuele , Ianniello Alice , Rumbolo Francesca , Mengozzi Giulio , Lupia Enrico 
Published: February 2020

AbstractAcute aortic syndromes (AASs) are difficult to diagnose emergencies. Plasma soluble ST2 (sST2), a prognostic biomarker for heart failure, has been proposed as a diagnostic biomarker of AASs outperforming D-dimer, the current diagnostic standard. We performed a prospective diagnostic accuracy study of sST2 for AASs in the Emergency Department (ED). In 2017–2018, patients were enrolled if they had ≥1 red-flag symptoms (chest/abdominal/back pain, syncope, perfusion deficit) and a clinical suspicion of AAS. sST2 was detected with the Presage® assay. Adjudication was based on computed tomography angiography (CTA) or on diagnostic outcome inclusive of 30-day follow-up. 297 patients were enrolled, including 88 with AASs. The median age was 67 years. In 162 patients with CTA, the median sST2 level was 41.7 ng/mL (IQR 29.4–103.2) in AASs and 34.6 ng/mL (IQR 21.4–51.5) in alternative diagnoses (P = 0.005). In ROC analysis, the AUC of sST2 was 0.63, as compared to 0.82 of D-dimer (P < 0.001). Sensitivity and specificity values of sST2 associated with different cutoffs were: 95.5% and 10.8% (≥12 ng/mL), 84.1% and 29.7% (≥23.7 ng/mL), 35.2% and 85.1% (≥66.5 ng/mL). Results were similar in the full cohort. In conclusion, in patients from a European ED, plasma sST2 provided modest accuracy for diagnosis of AASs.
Direct Reduction of Graphene Oxide/Nanofibrillated Cellulose Composite Film and its Electrical Conductivity Research
Authors: Chen Junjun , Li Hailong , Zhang Lihui , Du Chao , Fang Tao , Hu Jian 
Published: February 2020

AbstractWith the rapid development of wearable and portable electronic devices, it is increasingly important to develop conductive paper-like films (CPFs) with the characteristics of light, thin and self-supporting. In this paper, nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) was used as reinforcing phase of film-forming to combine with graphene oxide (GO). Then graphene-based CPFs were prepared by directly reducing the GO/NFC composite film without any additional adhesives, which effectively avoided the difficulties of dispersion and combination with other materials caused by direct using of high content graphene. Meanwhile, three representative reduction methods for direct reduction of GO/NFC composite films were also compared. The results show that 450 °C thermal reduction and hydroiodic acid reduction were more effective than ascorbic acid reduction. On this basis, hydroiodic acid reduction and thermal reduction were used to discuss the effect of NFC addition to the conductivity of the film. This occured when increasing the content of NFC from 10% to 50%, the electrical conductivity of the composite film by hydroiodic acid reduction decreased from 153.8 S/m to 22.2 S/m. While the conductivity of composite film increased first and then decreased after thermal reduction both at 450 °C and 550 °C. What’s more, when NFC content was about 16.6% the electrical conductivity reached a high level which was 86.21 S/m and 168.9 S/m, respectively. This study provides a groundwork for the further development of graphene-based CPFs with low square resistance and high conductivity in large-scale preparation.