bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bone morphogenetic protein 7 promotes resistance to immunotherapy
Authors: Cortez Maria Angelica , Masrorpour Fatemeh , Ivan Cristina , Zhang Jie , Younes Ahmed I. , Lu Yue , Estecio Marcos R , Barsoumian Hampartsoum B. , Menon Hari , Caetano Mauricio da Silva , Ramapriyan Rishab , Schoenhals Jonathan E. , Wang Xiaohong , Skoulidis Ferdinandos , Wasley Mark D. , Calin George , Hwu Patrick , Welsh James W. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractImmunotherapies revolutionized cancer treatment by harnessing the immune system to target cancer cells. However, most patients are resistant to immunotherapies and the mechanisms underlying this resistant is still poorly understood. Here, we report that overexpression of BMP7, a member of the TGFB superfamily, represents a mechanism for resistance to anti-PD1 therapy in preclinical models and in patients with disease progression while on immunotherapies. BMP7 secreted by tumor cells acts on macrophages and CD4+T cells in the tumor microenvironment, inhibiting MAPK14 expression and impairing pro-inflammatory responses. Knockdown of BMP7 or its neutralization via follistatin in combination with anti-PD1 re-sensitizes resistant tumors to immunotherapies. Thus, we identify the BMP7 signaling pathway as a potential immunotherapeutic target in cancer.
Thermal transport of helium-3 in a strongly confining channel
Authors: Lotnyk D. , Eyal A. , Zhelev N. , Abhilash T. S. , Smith E. N. , Terilli M. , Wilson J. , Mueller E. , Einzel D. , Saunders J. , Parpia J. M. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe investigation of transport properties in normal liquid helium-3 and its topological superfluid phases provides insights into related phenomena in electron fluids, topological materials, and putative topological superconductors. It relies on the measurement of mass, heat, and spin currents, due to system neutrality. Of particular interest is transport in strongly confining channels of height approaching the superfluid coherence length, to enhance the relative contribution of surface excitations, and suppress hydrodynamic counterflow. Here we report on the thermal conduction of helium-3 in a 1.1 μm high channel. In the normal state we observe a diffusive thermal conductivity that is approximately temperature independent, consistent with interference of bulk and boundary scattering. In the superfluid, the thermal conductivity is only weakly temperature dependent, requiring detailed theoretical analysis. An anomalous thermal response is detected in the superfluid which we propose arises from the emission of a flux of surface excitations from the channel.
CLR01 protects dopaminergic neurons in vitro and in mouse models of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Bengoa-Vergniory Nora , Faggiani Emilie , Ramos-Gonzalez Paula , Kirkiz Ecem , Connor-Robson Natalie , Brown Liam V. , Siddique Ibrar , Li Zizheng , Vingill Siv , Cioroch Milena , Cavaliere Fabio , Threlfell Sarah , Roberts Bradley , Schrader Thomas , Klärner Frank-Gerrit , Cragg Stephanie , Dehay Benjamin , Bitan Gal , Matute Carlos , Bezard Erwan , Wade-Martins Richard 
Published: September 2020

AbstractParkinson’s disease (PD) affects millions of patients worldwide and is characterized by alpha-synuclein aggregation in dopamine neurons. Molecular tweezers have shown high potential as anti-aggregation agents targeting positively charged residues of proteins undergoing amyloidogenic processes. Here we report that the molecular tweezer CLR01 decreased aggregation and toxicity in induced pluripotent stem cell-derived dopaminergic cultures treated with PD brain protein extracts. In microfluidic devices CLR01 reduced alpha-synuclein aggregation in cell somas when axonal terminals were exposed to alpha-synuclein oligomers. We then tested CLR01 in vivo in a humanized alpha-synuclein overexpressing mouse model; mice treated at 12 months of age when motor defects are mild exhibited an improvement in motor defects and a decreased oligomeric alpha-synuclein burden. Finally, CLR01 reduced alpha-synuclein-associated pathology in mice injected with alpha-synuclein aggregates into the striatum or substantia nigra. Taken together, these results highlight CLR01 as a disease-modifying therapy for PD and support further clinical investigation.
Ad26 vector-based COVID-19 vaccine encoding a prefusion-stabilized SARS-CoV-2 Spike immunogen induces potent humoral and cellular immune responses
Authors: Bos Rinke , Rutten Lucy , van der Lubbe Joan E. M. , Bakkers Mark J. G. , Hardenberg Gijs , Wegmann Frank , Zuijdgeest David , de Wilde Adriaan H. , Koornneef Annemart , Verwilligen Annemiek , van Manen Danielle , Kwaks Ted , Vogels Ronald , Dalebout Tim J. , Myeni Sebenzile K. , Kikkert Marjolein , Snijder Eric J. , Li Zhenfeng , Barouch Dan H. , Vellinga Jort , Langedijk Johannes P. M. , Zahn Roland C. , Custers Jerome , Schuitemaker Hanneke 
Published: September 2020

AbstractDevelopment of effective preventative interventions against SARS-CoV-2, the etiologic agent of COVID-19 is urgently needed. The viral surface spike (S) protein of SARS-CoV-2 is a key target for prophylactic measures as it is critical for the viral replication cycle and the primary target of neutralizing antibodies. We evaluated design elements previously shown for other coronavirus S protein-based vaccines to be successful, e.g., prefusion-stabilizing substitutions and heterologous signal peptides, for selection of a S-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccine candidate. In vitro characterization demonstrated that the introduction of stabilizing substitutions (i.e., furin cleavage site mutations and two consecutive prolines in the hinge region of S2) increased the ratio of neutralizing versus non-neutralizing antibody binding, suggestive for a prefusion conformation of the S protein. Furthermore, the wild-type signal peptide was best suited for the correct cleavage needed for a natively folded protein. These observations translated into superior immunogenicity in mice where the Ad26 vector encoding for a membrane-bound stabilized S protein with a wild-type signal peptide elicited potent neutralizing humoral immunity and cellular immunity that was polarized towards Th1 IFN-γ. This optimized Ad26 vector-based vaccine for SARS-CoV-2, termed Ad26.COV2.S, is currently being evaluated in a phase I clinical trial (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04436276).
Contribution of self- and other-regarding motives to (dis)honesty
Authors: Shuster Anastasia , Levy Dino J. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractWhy would people tell the truth when there is an obvious gain in lying and no risk of being caught? Previous work suggests the involvement of two motives, self-interest and regard for others. However, it remains unknown if these motives are related or distinctly contribute to (dis)honesty, and what are the neural instantiations of these motives. Using a modified Message Game task, in which a Sender sends a dishonest (yet profitable) or honest (less profitable) message to a Receiver, we found that these two motives contributed to dishonesty independently. Furthermore, the two motives involve distinct brain networks: the LPFC tracked potential value to self, whereas the rTPJ tracked potential losses to other, and individual differences in motives modulated these neural responses. Finally, activity in the vmPFC represented a balance of the two motives unique to each participant. Taken together, our results suggest that (dis)honest decisions incorporate at least two separate cognitive and neural processes—valuation of potential profits to self and valuation of potential harm to others.
Rare-earth- and aluminum-free, high strength dilute magnesium alloy for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Alam Md Ershadul , Pal Soupitak , Decker Ray , Ferreri Nicholas C. , Knezevic Marko , Beyerlein Irene. J. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractLightweight, recyclable, and plentiful Mg alloys are receiving increased attention due to an exceptional combination of strength and ductility not possible from pure Mg. Yet, due to their alloying elements, such as rare-earths or aluminum, they are either not economical or biocompatible. Here we present a new rare-earth and aluminum-free magnesium-based alloy, with trace amounts of Zn, Ca, and Mn (≈ 2% by wt.). We show that the dilute alloy exhibits outstanding high strength and high ductility compared to other dilute Mg alloys. By direct comparison with annealed material of the same chemistry and using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution TEM (HR-TEM) and atom probe tomography analyses, we show that the high strength can be attributed to a number of very fine, Zn/Ca-containing nanoscale precipitates, along with ultra-fine grains. These findings show that forming a hierarchy of nanometer precipitates from just miniscule amounts of solute can invoke simultaneous high strength and ductility, producing an affordable, biocompatible Mg alloy.
Inspired by the human placenta: a novel 3D bioprinted membrane system to create barrier models
Authors: Kreuder Anna-Elisabeth , Bolaños-Rosales Aramis , Palmer Christopher , Thomas Alexander , Geiger Michel-Andreas , Lam Tobias , Amler Anna-Klara , Markert Udo R. , Lauster Roland , Kloke Lutz 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBarrier organ models need a scaffold structure to create a two compartment culture. Technical filter membranes used most often as scaffolds may impact cell behaviour and present a barrier themselves, ultimately limiting transferability of test results. In this work we present an alternative for technical filter membrane systems: a 3D bioprinted biological membrane in 24 well format. The biological membrane, based on extracellular matrix (ECM), is highly permeable and presents a natural 3D environment for cell culture. Inspired by the human placenta we established a coculture of a trophoblast-derived cell line (BeWo b30), together with primary placental fibroblasts within the biological membrane (simulating villous stroma) and primary human placental endothelial cells—representing three cellular components of the human placental villus. All cell types maintained their cell type specific marker expression after two weeks of coculture on the biological membrane. In permeability assays the trophoblast layer developed a barrier on the biological membrane, which was even more pronounced when cocultured with fibroblasts. In this work we present a filter membrane free scaffold, we characterize its properties and assess its suitability for cell culture and barrier models. Further we show a novel placenta inspired model in a complex bioprinted coculture. In the absence of an artificial filter membrane, we demonstrate barrier architecture and functionality.
In-situ development of a sandwich microstructure with enhanced ductility by laser reheating of a laser melted titanium alloy
Authors: Chen Xu , Qiu Chunlei 
Published: September 2020

AbstractMetallic additive manufacturing, particularly selective laser melting (SLM), usually involves rapid heating and cooling and steep thermal gradients within melt pools, making it extremely difficult to achieve effective control over microstructure. In this study, we propose a new in-situ approach which involves laser reheating/re-melting of SLM-processed layers to engineer metallic materials. The approach involves alternate laser melting of a powder layer at a high laser power and laser reheating of the newly formed solidified layer at a low or medium laser power. This strategy was applied to Ti-6Al-4V with a range of laser powers being used to reheat/re-melt solidified layers. It was found that the SLM-processed sample without undergoing laser reheating consist of a pure martensitic needle structure whereas those that were subjected to laser reheating/re-melting all consist of horizontal (α + β) bands embedded in martensitic α′ matrix, leading to development of a sandwich microstructure in these samples. Within the (α + β) bands, β exist as nano-sized precipitates or laths and have a Burgers orientation relationship with α matrix, i.e., {0001}⍺//{110}β and ⟨11$$\stackrel{-}{2}$$

2
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0⟩⍺//⟨111⟩β. The width of (α + β) banded structure increased first with increased laser power to a highest value and then decreased with further increased laser power. With the presence of these banded structures, both high strengths and enhanced ductility have been achieved in the SLM-processed samples. The current findings pave the way for the novel laser reheating approach for in-situ microstructural engineering and control during metallic additive manufacturing.
Genesis of solid bitumen
Authors: Sanei Hamed 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThis paper presents a new schematic model for generation and timing of multiple phases of solid bitumen throughout the continuum of organic matter maturation in source and tight reservoir rocks. Five distinct stages in the evolution of solid bitumen are proposed: (1) diagenetic solid bitumen (or degraded bituminite), which is not a secondary maceral resulting from the thermal cracking of kerogen. Instead it is derived from degradation of bituminite in the diagenesis stage (Ro < 0.5%); (2) initial-oil solid bitumen, is a consolidated form of early catagenetically generated bitumen at the incipient oil window (Ro ~ 0.5–0.7%); (3) primary-oil solid bitumen is derived from thermally generated bitumen and crude oil in the primary oil window (Ro ~ 0.7–1.0%); (4) late-oil solid bitumen (solid-wax) is derived from the waxy bitumen separated from the mature paraffinic heavy oil in the primary- and late-oil windows; and (5) pyrobitumen, which is mainly a non-generative solid bitumen, is evolved from thermal cracking of the remaining hydrocarbon residue and other types of solid bitumen in the dry gas window and higher temperature (Ro > 1.4%). This model shows concurrence of multi-populations solid bitumen with oil, bitumen, and other phases of fluid hydrocarbon residue during most of the maturity continuum.
Facile preparation of porous biomass charcoal from peanut shell as adsorbent
Authors: Bai Suzhen , Wang Tiantian , Tian Zhengshan , Cao Kesheng , Li Jitao 
Published: September 2020

AbstractActivated carbons derived from biomass have been proved to be one of the most promising adsorbents due to their abundance, low cost, reproducibility and environmental friendliness. In this study, a simple, facile and effective pyrolysis method was demonstrated to prepare hierarchical porous biomass charcoal by using peanut shells as precursor without chemical activation in an electric muffle furnace. The obtained products hold porous structure and abundant oxygen-containing functional groups, which were mainly due to in-built template of the structure of peanut shell and the preparation process without nitrogen protection, respectively. Interestingly, the obtained biomass charcoal sample with excellent adsorptive property quickly removed Pb2+ (100 mg/L) and methylene blue (50 mg/L) from water with removal efficiency of 96.5% and 97.1%, and removal capacity of 48 mg/g and 24 mg/g, respectively. The synthetic process was simple and economical, and it could be used as a beneficial reference in the recycling of biomass waste.
Sequences of Intonation Units form a ~ 1 Hz rhythm
Authors: Inbar Maya , Grossman Eitan , Landau Ayelet N. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractStudies of speech processing investigate the relationship between temporal structure in speech stimuli and neural activity. Despite clear evidence that the brain tracks speech at low frequencies (~ 1 Hz), it is not well understood what linguistic information gives rise to this rhythm. In this study, we harness linguistic theory to draw attention to Intonation Units (IUs), a fundamental prosodic unit of human language, and characterize their temporal structure as captured in the speech envelope, an acoustic representation relevant to the neural processing of speech. IUs are defined by a specific pattern of syllable delivery, together with resets in pitch and articulatory force. Linguistic studies of spontaneous speech indicate that this prosodic segmentation paces new information in language use across diverse languages. Therefore, IUs provide a universal structural cue for the cognitive dynamics of speech production and comprehension. We study the relation between IUs and periodicities in the speech envelope, applying methods from investigations of neural synchronization. Our sample includes recordings from every-day speech contexts of over 100 speakers and six languages. We find that sequences of IUs form a consistent low-frequency rhythm and constitute a significant periodic cue within the speech envelope. Our findings allow to predict that IUs are utilized by the neural system when tracking speech. The methods we introduce here facilitate testing this prediction in the future (i.e., with physiological data).
Association between maternal gestational weight gain and preterm birth according to body mass index and maternal age in Quzhou, China
Authors: Hu Ying , Wu Qi , Han Luyang , Zou Yuqing , Hong Die , Liu Jia , Zhu Yuying , Zhu Qiumin , Chen Danqing , Qi Lu , Liang Zhaoxia 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe aim of this study is to investigate the association between maternal gestational weight gain (GWG) and preterm birth according to pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and maternal age. We did a cohort, hospital-based study in Quzhou, South China, from 1 Jan 2018 to 30 June 2019. We selected 4274 singleton live births in our analysis, 315 (7.4%) of which were preterm births. In the overall population, excess GWG was significantly associated with a decreased risk of preterm birth compared with adequate GWG (adjusted OR 0.81 [95% CI 0.72–0.91]), and the risk varied by increasing maternal age and pre-pregnancy BMI. Interestingly, underweight women who older than 35 years with excess GWG had significantly increased odds of preterm birth compared with adequate GWG in underweight women aged 20–29 years (2.26 [1.06–4.85]) and normal weight women older than 35 years (2.23 [1.13–4.39]). Additionally, low GWG was positively and significantly associated with preterm birth overall (1.92 [1.47–2.50]). Among normal weight women category, compared with adequate GWG women aged 20–29 years did, those older than 20 years with low GWG, had significantly higher odds of preterm birth, which increased with maternal age (1.80 [1.16–2.79] in 20–29 years, 2.19 [1.23–3.91] in 30–34 years, 3.30 [1.68–6.46] in ≫ 35 years). In conclusion, maternal GWG was significantly associated with the risk of preterm birth, but the risk varied by pre-pregnancy BMI and maternal age.
Efficient MoWO3/VO2/MoS2/Si UV Schottky photodetectors; MoS2 optimization and monoclinic VO2 surface modifications
Authors: Basyooni Mohamed A. , Zaki Shrouk E. , Shaban Mohamed , Eker Yasin Ramazan , Yilmaz Mucahit 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe distinctive properties of strongly correlated oxides provide a variety of possibilities for modulating the properties of 2D transition metal dichalcogenides semiconductors; which represent a new class of superior optical and optoelectronic interfacing semiconductors. We report a novel approach to scaling-up molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) by combining the techniques of chemical and physical vapor deposition (CVD and PVD) and interfacing with a thin layer of monoclinic VO2. MoWO3/VO2/MoS2 photodetectors were manufactured at different sputtering times by depositing molybdenum oxide layers using a PVD technique on p-type silicon substrates followed by a sulphurization process in the CVD chamber. The high quality and the excellent structural and absorption properties of MoWO3/VO2/MoS2/Si with MoS2 deposited for 60 s enables its use as an efficient UV photodetector. The electronically coupled monoclinic VO2 layer on MoS2/Si causes a redshift and intensive MoS2 Raman peaks. Interestingly, the incorporation of VO2 dramatically changes the ratio between A-exciton (ground state exciton) and trion photoluminescence intensities of VO2/(30 s)MoS2/Si from < 1 to > 1. By increasing the deposition time of MoS2 from 60 to 180 s, the relative intensity of the B-exciton/A-exciton increases, whereas the lowest ratio at deposition time of 60 s refers to the high quality and low defect densities of the VO2/(60 s)MoS2/Si structure. Both the VO2/(60 s)MoS2/Si trion and A-exciton peaks have higher intensities compared with (60 s) MoS2/Si structure. The MoWO3/VO2/(60 s)MoS2/Si photodetector displays the highest photocurrent gain of 1.6, 4.32 × 108 Jones detectivity, and ~ 1.0 × 1010 quantum efficiency at 365 nm. Moreover, the surface roughness and grains mapping are studied and a low semiconducting-metallic phase transition is observed at ~ 40 °C.
Mechanism of central hypopnoea induced by organic phosphorus poisoning
Authors: Nomura Kazuhito , Narimatsu Eichi , Inoue Hiroyuki , Kyan Ryoko , Sawamoto Keigo , Uemura Shuji , Kakizaki Ryuichiro , Harada Keisuke 
Published: September 2020

AbstractWhether central apnoea or hypopnoea can be induced by organophosphorus poisoning remains unknown to date. By using the acute brainstem slice method and multi-electrode array system, we established a paraoxon (a typical acetylcholinesterase inhibitor) poisoning model to investigate the time-dependent changes in respiratory burst amplitudes of the pre-Bötzinger complex (respiratory rhythm generator). We then determined whether pralidoxime or atropine, which are antidotes of paraoxon, could counteract the effects of paraoxon. Herein, we showed that paraoxon significantly decreased the respiratory burst amplitude of the pre-Bötzinger complex (p < 0.05). Moreover, pralidoxime and atropine could suppress the decrease in amplitude by paraoxon (p < 0.05). Paraoxon directly impaired the pre-Bötzinger complex, and the findings implied that this impairment caused central apnoea or hypopnoea. Pralidoxime and atropine could therapeutically attenuate the impairment. This study is the first to prove the usefulness of the multi-electrode array method for electrophysiological and toxicological studies in the mammalian brainstem.
Unconditional and conditional analysis of epistasis between tillering QTLs based on single segment substitution lines in rice
Authors: Zhou Huaqian , Yang Weifeng , Ma Shuaipeng , Luan Xin , Zhu Haitao , Wang Aimin , Huang Congling , Rong Biao , Dong Shangzhi , Meng Lijun , Wang Shaokui , Zhang Guiquan , Liu Guifu 
Published: September 2020

AbstractEpistasis plays an important role in manipulating rice tiller number, but epistatic mechanism still remains a challenge. Here we showed the process of epistatic analysis between tillering QTLs. A half diallel mating scheme was conducted based on 6 single segment substitution lines and 9 dual segment pyramiding lines to allow the analysis of 4 epistatic components. Additive-additive, additive-dominance, dominance-additive, and dominance-dominance epistatic effects were estimated at 9 stages of development via unconditional QTL analysis simultaneously. Unconditional QTL effect (QTL cumulative effect before a certain stage) was then divided into several conditional QTL components (QTL net effect in a certain time interval). The results indicated that epistatic interaction was prevalent, all QTL pairs harboring epistasis and one QTL always interacting with other QTLs in various component ways. Epistatic effects were dynamic, occurring mostly within 14d and 21–35d after transplant and exhibited mainly negative effects. The genetic and developmental mechanism on several tillering QTLs was further realized and perhaps was useful for molecular pyramiding breeding and heterosis utilization for improving plant architecture.