bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ferroptosis response segregates small cell lung cancer (SCLC) neuroendocrine subtypes
Authors: Bebber Christina M. , Thomas Emily S. , Stroh Jenny , Chen Zhiyi , Androulidaki Ariadne , Schmitt Anna , Höhne Michaela N. , Stüker Lukas , de Pádua Alves Cleidson , Khonsari Armin , Dammert Marcel A. , Parmaksiz Fatma , Tumbrink Hannah L. , Beleggia Filippo , Sos Martin L. , Riemer Jan , George Julie , Brodesser Susanne , Thomas Roman K. , Reinhardt H. Christian , von Karstedt Silvia 
Published: April 2021

AbstractLoss of TP53 and RB1 in treatment-naïve small cell lung cancer (SCLC) suggests selective pressure to inactivate cell death pathways prior to therapy. Yet, which of these pathways remain available in treatment-naïve SCLC is unknown. Here, through systemic analysis of cell death pathway availability in treatment-naïve SCLC, we identify non-neuroendocrine (NE) SCLC to be vulnerable to ferroptosis through subtype-specific lipidome remodeling. While NE SCLC is ferroptosis resistant, it acquires selective addiction to the TRX anti-oxidant pathway. In experimental settings of non-NE/NE intratumoral heterogeneity, non-NE or NE populations are selectively depleted by ferroptosis or TRX pathway inhibition, respectively. Preventing subtype plasticity observed under single pathway targeting, combined treatment kills established non-NE and NE tumors in xenografts, genetically engineered mouse models of SCLC and patient-derived cells, and identifies a patient subset with drastically improved overall survival. These findings reveal cell death pathway mining as a means to identify rational combination therapies for SCLC.
Computational high-throughput screening of alloy nanoclusters for electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution
Authors: Mao Xinnan , Wang Lu , Xu Yafeng , Wang Pengju , Li Youyong , Zhao Jijun 
Published: April 2021

AbstractHere, we report a density functional theory (DFT)-based high-throughput screening method to successfully identify a type of alloy nanoclusters as the electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Totally 7924 candidates of Cu-based alloy clusters of Cu55-nMn (M = Co, Ni, Ru, and Rh) are optimized and evaluated to screening for the promising catalysts. By comparing different structural patterns, Cu-based alloy clusters prefer the core–shell structures with the dopant metal in the core and Cu as the shell atoms. Generally speaking, the HER performance of the Cu-based nanoclusters can be significantly improved by doping transition metals, and the active sites are the bridge sites and three-fold sites on the outer-shell Cu atoms. Considering the structural stability and the electrochemical activity, core–shell CuNi alloy clusters are suggested to be the superior electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution. A descriptor composing of surface charge is proposed to efficiently evaluate the HER activity of the alloy clusters supported by the DFT calculations and machine-learning techniques. Our screening strategy could accelerate the pace of discovery for promising HER electrocatalysts using metal alloy nanoclusters.
Immunofocusing humoral immunity potentiates the functional efficacy of the AnAPN1 malaria transmission-blocking vaccine antigen
Authors: Bender Nicole G. , Khare Prachi , Martinez Juan , Tweedell Rebecca E. , Nyasembe Vincent O. , López-Gutiérrez Borja , Tripathi Abhai , Miller Dustin , Hamerly Timothy , Vela Eric M. , Davis Ryan R. , Howard Randall F. , Nsango Sandrine , Cobb Ronald R. , Harbers Matthias , Dinglasan Rhoel R. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractMalaria transmission-blocking vaccines (TBVs) prevent the completion of the developmental lifecycle of malarial parasites within the mosquito vector, effectively blocking subsequent infections. The mosquito midgut protein Anopheline alanyl aminopeptidase N (AnAPN1) is the leading, mosquito-based TBV antigen. Structure-function studies identified two Class II epitopes that can induce potent transmission-blocking (T-B) antibodies, informing the design of the next-generation AnAPN1. Here, we functionally screened new immunogens and down-selected to the UF6b construct that has two glycine-linked copies of the T-B epitopes. We then established a process for manufacturing UF6b and evaluated in outbred female CD1 mice the immunogenicity of the preclinical product with the human-safe adjuvant Glucopyranosyl Lipid Adjuvant in a liposomal formulation with saponin QS21 (GLA-LSQ). UF6b:GLA-LSQ effectively immunofocused the humoral response to one of the key T-B epitopes resulting in potent T-B activity, underscoring UF6b as a prime TBV candidate to aid in malaria elimination and eradication efforts.
The effect of calcium and magnesium on activity, immunogenicity, and efficacy of a recombinant N1/N2 neuraminidase vaccine
Authors: Giurgea Luca T. , Park Jae-Keun , Walters Kathie-Anne , Scherler Kelsey , Cervantes-Medina Adriana , Freeman Ashley , Rosas Luz Angela , Kash John C. , Taubenberger Jeffery K. , Memoli Matthew J. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractDespite the importance of immunity against neuraminidase (NA), NA content and immunogenicity are neglected in current influenza vaccines. To address this, a recombinant N1/N2 NA vaccine (NAV) was developed. Stability assays were used to determine optimal temperature and buffer conditions for vaccine storage. The effect of divalent cation-related enhancement of NA stability and activity on N1 and N2 immunogenicity and efficacy against viral challenge was assessed. Differences in activity between N1 and N2 and cation-related activity enhancement did not translate into differences in immunogenicity or efficacy. NAV-vaccinated mice showed robust antibody titers against N1 and N2, and after challenge with influenza A (H1N1) virus, decreased viral titers and decreased antiviral and inflammatory responses by transcriptomic analysis. These findings provide guidance for optimal storage and assessment of NA-based vaccines and confirm the importance of NA in influenza vaccination strategies in attenuating viral replication and limiting inflammatory responses necessary to clear infection.
A scenario modeling pipeline for COVID-19 emergency planning
Authors: Lemaitre Joseph C. , Grantz Kyra H. , Kaminsky Joshua , Meredith Hannah R. , Truelove Shaun A. , Lauer Stephen A. , Keegan Lindsay T. , Shah Sam , Wills Josh , Kaminsky Kathryn , Perez-Saez Javier , Lessler Justin , Lee Elizabeth C. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused strain on health systems worldwide due to its high mortality rate and the large portion of cases requiring critical care and mechanical ventilation. During these uncertain times, public health decision makers, from city health departments to federal agencies, sought the use of epidemiological models for decision support in allocating resources, developing non-pharmaceutical interventions, and characterizing the dynamics of COVID-19 in their jurisdictions. In response, we developed a flexible scenario modeling pipeline that could quickly tailor models for decision makers seeking to compare projections of epidemic trajectories and healthcare impacts from multiple intervention scenarios in different locations. Here, we present the components and configurable features of the COVID Scenario Pipeline, with a vignette detailing its current use. We also present model limitations and active areas of development to meet ever-changing decision maker needs.
Unsteady thermal Maxwell power law nanofluid flow subject to forced thermal Marangoni Convection
Authors: Jawad Muhammad , Saeed Anwar , Gul Taza , Shah Zahir , Kumam Poom 
Published: April 2021

AbstractIn the current work, the unsteady thermal flow of Maxwell power-law nanofluid with Welan gum solution on a stretching surface has been considered. The flow is also exposed to Joule heating and magnetic effects. The Marangoni convection equation is also proposed for current investigation in light of the constitutive equations for the Maxwell power law model. For non-dimensionalization, a group of similar variables has been employed to obtain a set of ordinary differential equations. This set of dimensionless equations is then solved with the help of the homotopy analysis method (HAM). It has been established in this work that, the effects of momentum relaxation time upon the thickness of the film is quite obvious in comparison to heat relaxation time. It is also noticed in this work that improvement in the Marangoni convection process leads to a decline in the thickness of the fluid’s film.
Strain driven emergence of topological non-triviality in YPdBi thin films
Authors: Bhardwaj Vishal , Bhattacharya Anupam , Srivastava Shivangi , Khovaylo Vladimir V. , Sannigrahi Jhuma , Banerjee Niladri , Mani Brajesh K. , Chatterjee Ratnamala 
Published: April 2021

AbstractHalf-Heusler compounds exhibit a remarkable variety of emergent properties such as heavy-fermion behaviour, unconventional superconductivity and magnetism. Several of these compounds have been predicted to host topologically non-trivial electronic structures. Remarkably, recent theoretical studies have indicated the possibility to induce non-trivial topological surface states in an otherwise trivial half-Heusler system by strain engineering. Here, using magneto-transport measurements and first principles DFT-based simulations, we demonstrate topological surface states on strained [110] oriented thin films of YPdBi grown on (100) MgO. These topological surface states arise in an otherwise trivial semi-metal purely driven by strain. Furthermore, we observe the onset of superconductivity in these strained films highlighting the possibility of engineering a topological superconducting state. Our results demonstrate the critical role played by strain in engineering novel topological states in thin film systems for developing next-generation spintronic devices.
Monocarborane cluster as a stable fluorine-free calcium battery electrolyte
Authors: Kisu Kazuaki , Kim Sangryun , Shinohara Takara , Zhao Kun , Züttel Andreas , Orimo Shin-ichi 
Published: April 2021

AbstractHigh-energy-density and low-cost calcium (Ca) batteries have been proposed as ‘beyond-Li-ion’ electrochemical energy storage devices. However, they have seen limited progress due to challenges associated with developing electrolytes showing reductive/oxidative stabilities and high ionic conductivities. This paper describes a calcium monocarborane cluster salt in a mixed solvent as a Ca-battery electrolyte with high anodic stability (up to 4 V vs. Ca2+/Ca), high ionic conductivity (4 mS cm−1), and high Coulombic efficiency for Ca plating/stripping at room temperature. The developed electrolyte is a promising candidate for use in room-temperature rechargeable Ca batteries.
Zbp1-positive cells are osteogenic progenitors in periodontal ligament
Authors: Ueda Tsugumi , Iwayama Tomoaki , Tomita Kiwako , Matsumoto Shuji , Iwashita Mizuho , Bhongsatiern Phan , Sakashita Hiromi , Fujihara Chiharu , Takedachi Masahide , Murakami Shinya 
Published: April 2021

AbstractPeriodontal ligament (PDL) possesses a stem/progenitor population to maintain the homeostasis of periodontal tissue. However, transcription factors that regulate this population have not yet been identified. Thus, we aimed to identify a molecule related to the osteogenic differentiation of PDL progenitors using a single cell-based strategy in this study. We first devised a new protocol to isolate PDL cells from the surface of adult murine molars and established 35 new single cell-derived clones from the PDL explant. Among these clones, six clones with high (high clones, n = 3) and low (low clones, n = 3) osteogenic potential were selected. Despite a clear difference in the osteogenic potential of these clones, no significant differences in their cell morphology, progenitor cell marker expression, alkaline phosphatase activity, proliferation rate, and differentiation-related gene and protein expression were observed. RNA-seq analysis of these clones revealed that Z-DNA binding protein-1 (Zbp1) was significantly expressed in the high osteogenic clones, indicating that Zbp1 could be a possible marker and regulator of the osteogenic differentiation of PDL progenitor cells. Zbp1-positive cells were distributed sparsely throughout the PDL. In vitro Zbp1 expression in the PDL clones remained at a high level during osteogenic differentiation. The CRISPR/Cas9 mediated Zbp1 knockout in the high clones resulted in a delay in cell differentiation. On the other hand, Zbp1 overexpression in the low clones promoted cell differentiation. These findings suggested that Zbp1 marked the PDL progenitors with high osteogenic potential and promoted their osteogenic differentiation. Clarifying the mechanism of differentiation of PDL cells by Zbp1 and other factors in future studies will facilitate a better understanding of periodontal tissue homeostasis and repair, possibly leading to the development of novel therapeutic measures.
How peptic ulcer disease could potentially lead to the lifelong, debilitating effects of chronic fatigue syndrome: an insight
Authors: Kuo Chien-Feng , Shi Leiyu , Lin Cheng-Li , Yao Wei-Cheng , Chen Hsiang-Ting , Lio Chon-Fu , Wang Yu-Ting Tina , Su Ching-Huang , Hsu Nai-Wei , Tsai Shin-Yi 
Published: April 2021

AbstractChronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) has been defined as unexplained relapsing or persistent fatigue for at least 6 consecutive months. Immuno-inflammatory pathway, bacterial infection, and other causes play essential roles in CFS. Helicobacter pylori infection is one of the most common causes of foregut inflammation, leading to peptic ulcer disease (PUD). This study aimed to analyze the risk of CFS development between patients with and without PUD. Other related factors were also analyzed. We performed a retrospective, nationwide cohort study identifying patients with or without PUD respectively by analyzing the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database 2000 (LHID2000), Taiwan. The overall incidence of CFS was higher in the PUD cohort than in the non- PUD cohort (HR = 2.01, 95% CI = 1.75–2.30), with the same adjusted HR (aHR) when adjusting for age, sex, and comorbidities. The sex-specific PUD cohort to the non-PUD cohort relative risk of CFS was significant in both genders. The age-specific incidence of CFS showed incidence density increasing with age in both cohorts. There is an increased risk of developing CFS following PUD, especially in females and the aging population. Hopefully, these findings can prevent common infections from progressing to debilitating, chronic conditions such as CFS.
Plasma bilirubin levels are reduced in first-episode psychosis patients and associates to working memory and duration of untreated psychosis
Authors: Becklén Meneca , Orhan Funda , Piehl Fredrik , Cervenka Simon , Sellgren Carl M. , Flyckt Lena , Erhardt Sophie , Fatouros-Bergman Helena 
Published: April 2021

AbstractSchizophrenia is a severe mental disorder and one of its characteristics is cognitive impairments. Findings regarding levels of the heme metabolite and plasma antioxidant bilirubin in schizophrenia are inconclusive. However, a recently published study indicate that low levels of bilirubin may be implicated in the memory impairments seen in the disorder. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the levels of bilirubin in individuals with a first-episode psychosis (FEP) and to examine if bilirubin levels were associated to cognitive impairments, symptoms and duration of untreated psychosis (DUP). Bilirubin levels were reduced in 39 individuals with FEP compared with 20 HC (median [IQR]: 11.0 [9.0–13.0] µM vs. 15.0 [11.5–18.5] µM). In individuals with FEP, bilirubin levels were also positively correlated to two working memory tests (r = 0.40 and r = 0.32) and inversely correlated to DUP (r = − 0.36). Findings were not influenced by confounding factors. The results confirm the antioxidant deficit previously seen in schizophrenia, but also indicate that these changes may be related to DUP. The study also confirms that bilirubin may be implicated in the cognitive deficits that accompanies the disorder, here for the first time presented in individuals with FEP.
Functional traits linked to pathogen prevalence in wild bee communities
Authors: Figueroa Laura L. , Compton Sally , Grab Heather , McArt Scott H. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractReports of pollinator declines have prompted efforts to understand contributing factors and protect vulnerable species. While pathogens can be widespread in bee communities, less is known about factors shaping pathogen prevalence among species. Functional traits are often used to predict susceptibility to stressors, including pathogens, in other species-rich communities. Here, we evaluated the relationship between bee functional traits (body size, phenology, nesting location, sociality, and foraging choice) and prevalence of trypanosomes, neogregarines, and the microsporidian Nosema ceranae in wild bee communities. For the most abundant bee species in our system, Bombus impatiens, we also evaluated the relationship between intra-specific size variation and pathogen prevalence. A trait-based model fit the neogregarine prevalence data better than a taxa-based model, while the taxonomic model provided a better model fit for N. ceranae prevalence, and there was no marked difference between the models for trypanosome prevalence. We found that Augochlorella aurata was more likely to harbor trypanosomes than many other bee taxa. Similarly, we found that bigger bees and those with peak activity later in the season were less likely to harbor trypanosomes, though the effect of size was largely driven by A. aurata. We found no clear intra-specific size patterns for pathogen prevalence in B. impatiens. These results indicate that functional traits are not always better than taxonomic affinity in predicting pathogen prevalence, but can help to explain prevalence depending on the pathogen in species-rich bee communities.
Risk factors for deep surgical site infection after posterior cervical spine surgery in adults: a multicentre observational cohort study
Authors: Ogihara Satoshi , Yamazaki Takashi , Shiibashi Michio , Chikuda Hirotaka , Maruyama Toru , Miyoshi Kota , Inanami Hirohiko , Oshima Yasushi , Azuma Seiichi , Kawamura Naohiro , Yamakawa Kiyofumi , Hara Nobuhiro , Morii Jiro , Okazaki Rentaro , Takeshita Yujiro , Nishimoto Junji , Tanaka Sakae , Saita Kazuo 
Published: April 2021

AbstractSurgical site infection (SSI) is a serious complication following spine surgery and is correlated with significant morbidities, poor clinical outcomes, and increased healthcare costs. Accurately identifying risk factors can help develop strategies to reduce this devastating consequence; however, few multicentre studies have investigated risk factors for SSI following posterior cervical spine surgeries. Between July 2010 and June 2015, we performed an observational cohort study on deep SSI in adult patients who underwent posterior cervical spine surgery at 10 research hospitals. Detailed patient- and procedure-specific potential risk variables were prospectively recorded using a standardised data collection chart and were reviewed retrospectively. Among the 2184 consecutive adult patients enrolled, 28 (1.3%) developed postoperative deep SSI. Multivariable regression analysis revealed 2 statistically significant independent risk factors: occipitocervical surgery (P < 0.001) and male sex (P = 0.024). Subgroup analysis demonstrated that occipitocervical surgery (P = 0.001) was the sole independent risk factor for deep SSI in patients with instrumented fusion. Occipitocervical surgery is a relatively rare procedure; therefore, our findings were based on a large cohort acquired using a multicentre study. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to identify occipitocervical procedure as an independent risk variable for deep SSI after spinal surgery.
Testing average wind speed using sampling plan for Weibull distribution under indeterminacy
Authors: Aslam Muhammad 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe time truncated plan for the Weibull distribution under the indeterminacy is presented. The plan parameters of the proposed plan are determined by fixing the indeterminacy parameter. The plan parameters are given for various values of indeterminacy parameters. From the results, it can be concluded that the values of sample size reduce as indeterminacy values increase. The application of the proposed plan is given using wind speed data. From the wind speed example, it is concluded that the proposed plan is helpful to test the average wind speed at smaller values of sample size as compared to existing sampling plan.
Immune checkpoint molecules B7-H6 and PD-L1 co-pattern the tumor inflammatory microenvironment in human breast cancer
Authors: Cherif Boutheina , Triki Hana , Charfi Slim , Bouzidi Lobna , Kridis Wala Ben , Khanfir Afef , Chaabane Kais , Sellami-Boudawara Tahya , Rebai Ahmed 
Published: April 2021

AbstractB7-H6 and PD-L1 belong to the B7 family co-stimulatory molecules fine-tuning the immune response. The present work investigates the clinical effect of B7-H6 protein expression with PD-L1 status and the infiltration of natural killer cells as potential biomarkers in breast tumor inflammatory microenvironment. The expression levels of B7-H6 protein by cancer cells and immune infiltrating cells in human breast cancer tissues and evaluate their associations with PD-L1 expression, NK cell status, clinical pathological features and prognosis were explored. The immunohistochemistry labeling method was used to assess B7-H6 and PD-L1 proteins expression by cancer and immune cells. The associations between immune checkpoint, major clinical pathological variables and survival rates were analyzed. B7-H6 protein was depicted in both breast and immune cells. Results showed that Tumor B7-H6 expression is highly associated with Her-2 over expression. B7-H6 + immune cells are highly related to the Scarff–Bloom–Richardson grade and associated with PD-L1 expression and NK cells status. Survival analysis revealed a better prognosis in patients with low expression of B7-H6 by cancer cells. Conversely, B7-H6 + immune cells were significantly associated with longer survival. Findings strongly suggest an interaction between B7 molecules that contributes to a particular design of the inflammatory microenvironment. This may influence the efficiency of therapies based on antibodies blocking the PD-L1/PD1 pathway and can explain the detection of clinical benefits only in a fraction of patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors.