bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enforced sialyl‐Lewis‐X (sLeX) display in E‐selectin ligands by exofucosylation is dispensable for CD19‐CAR T‐cell activity and bone marrow homing
Authors: Sánchez‐Martínez Diego , Gutiérrez‐Agüera Francisco , Romecin Paola , Vinyoles Meritxell , Palomo Marta , Tirado Néstor , Zanetti Samanta Romina , Juan Manel , Carlet Michela , Jeremias Irmela , Menéndez Pablo 
Published: February 2021

AbstractCD19‐directed chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) T cells induce impressive rates of complete response in advanced B‐cell malignancies, specially in B‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B‐ALL). However, CAR T‐cell‐treated patients eventually progress due to poor CAR T‐cell persistence and/or disease relapse. The bone marrow (BM) is the primary location for acute leukemia. The rapid/efficient colonization of the BM by systemically infused CD19‐CAR T cells might enhance CAR T‐cell activity and persistence, thus, offering clinical benefits. Circulating cells traffic to BM upon binding of tetrasaccharide sialyl‐Lewis X (sLeX)‐decorated E‐selectin ligands (sialofucosylated) to the E‐selectin receptor expressed in the vascular endothelium. sLeX‐installation in E‐selectin ligands is achieved through an ex vivo fucosylation reaction. Here, we sought to characterize the basal and cell‐autonomous display of sLeX in CAR T‐cells activated using different cytokines, and to assess whether exofucosylation of E‐selectin ligands improves CD19‐CAR T‐cell activity and BM homing. We report that cell‐autonomous sialofucosylation (sLeX display) steadily increases in culture‐ and in vivo‐expanded CAR T cells, and that, the cytokines used during T‐cell activation influence both the degree of such endogenous sialofucosylation and the CD19‐CAR T‐cell efficacy and persistence in vivo. However, glycoengineered enforced sialofucosylation of E‐selectin ligands was dispensable for CD19‐CAR T‐cell activity and BM homing in multiple xenograft models regardless the cytokines employed for T‐cell expansion, thus, representing a dispensable strategy for CD19‐CAR T‐cell therapy.
The Ethics of Repurposing Previously Collected Research Biospecimens in an Infectious Disease Pandemic
Authors: Berkman Benjamin E. , Mastroianni Anna C. , Jamal Leila , Solis Coleman , Taylor Holly A. , Hull Sara Chandros 
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACTIn the early days of a pandemic, repurposing biospecimens from established research projects could prove to be extraordinarily useful in achieving substantial and timely public health benefits. Nonetheless, there are potential ethical and regulatory uncertainties that may impede access to those valuable biospecimens. In this article, we argue that there should be a presumption in favor of using previously collected identifiable research biospecimens without reconsent to directly address an infectious disease pandemic, assuming certain conditions are met. This argument fills a unique yet critical gap in decision‐making where the specific consent accompanying the identifiable biospecimens would not otherwise permit repurposing. Further, it suggests that even if gaining reconsent is feasible, doing so in a fast‐moving crisis is not necessary. This analysis also attempts to address the ethical concerns of public health authorities who already may have the power to use such specimens but are reluctant to do so.
Parasitoid‐mediated indirect interactions between unsuitable and suitable hosts generate apparent predation in microcosm and modeling studies
Authors: Monticelli Lucie S. , Desneux Nicolas , Heimpel George E. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractParasitoids used as biological control agents often parasitize more than a single host species and these hosts tend to vary in suitability for offspring development. The population dynamics of parasitoids and hosts may be altered by these interactions, with outcomes dependent on the levels of suitability and acceptance of both host species. Parasitism of individuals of an unsuitable host species may indirectly increase populations of a suitable host species if eggs laid into unsuitable hosts do not develop into adult parasitoids. In this case, the unsuitable host is acting as an egg sink for parasitoids and this can reduce parasitism of suitable hosts under conditions of egg limitation. We studied parasitoid‐mediated indirect interactions between two aphid hosts,Aphis glycines(the soybean aphid) andA. nerii(the milkweed, or oleander aphid), sharing the parasitoidAphelinus certus. While both of these aphid species are accepted byA. certus, soybean aphid is a much more suitable host than milkweed aphid is. We observed a drastic reduction of parasitoid offspring production (45%) on the suitable host in the presence of the unsuitable host in microcosm assays.Aphelinus certusfemales laid eggs into the unsuitable hosts (Aphis nerii) in the presence of the suitable host leading to egg and/or time limitation and reduced fitness. The impact of these interactions on the equilibrium population sizes of the three interacting species was analyzed using a consumer–resource modeling approach. Both the results from the laboratory experiment and the modeling approaches identifiedapparent predationbetween soybean aphid and milkweed aphid, in which milkweed aphid acts as a sink for parasitoid eggs leading to an increase in the soybean aphid population. The presence of soybean aphids had the opposite effect on milkweed aphid populations as it supported increases in parasitoid abundance and thus reduced the fitness and abundance of this aphid species.
Tetrameric Lanthanide‐Substituted Silicotungstate {Ln8Si4W40} Nanoclusters: Synthesis, Structural Characterization, Electrochemistry, and Catalytic Application for Oxidation of Thioethers
Authors: Khan Imran , Das Vivek , Teillout Anne‐Lucie , Mbomekallé Israël‐Martyr , de Oliveira Pedro , Sahoo Subash Chandra , Hussain Firasat 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAll the title nanoclusters 1–10 with the molecular formula [(Ln2SiW10O38)4(W3O8)(OH)4(H2O)2]26− [LnIII =Sm (1), Eu (2), Gd (3), Tb (4), Dy (5), Ho (6), Er (7), Tm (8), Yb (9), and Y (10)] have been synthesized and isolated as mixed sodium and potassium salts. These nanoclusters are characterized by various analytical techniques such as FT‐IR, UV/Vis, Photoluminescence, Single crystal X‐ray diffraction, Electrochemistry, ICP‐AES and Thermogravimetric analysis, and Powder X‐ray diffraction. The {Ln8Si4W40} complexes show high efficiency and selectivity for the oxidation of thioethers using H2O2 as green oxidant. It is worth mentioning that the catalyst can be recovered even after five cycles of reaction with only a slight loss in its activity.
Ultrafast Synthesis of Wavy Gold‐Silver Alloy Nanowires with Tunable Diameters in the Range of 2‐10 nm via a Seed‐Mediated Co‐Reduction
Authors: Wu Quansen , Zhang Gongguo , Ma Yanyun , Li Mengfan , Liu Feng , Huang Hongwen , Liu Maochang , Zheng Yiqun 
Published: February 2021

AbstractWe report an ultrafast synthesis of wavy gold‐silver (AuAg) nanowires with tunable diameters via a seed‐mediated co‐reduction. The success of current strategy relies on the use of an elevated reaction temperature to accelerate the synthesis to be completed within several minutes and the use of Au seeds with controlled sizes to enable the manipulation over their diameters in the range of 2–10 nm. The presence of chloride‐contained quaternary ammonium surfactant and excessive reductant have been demonstrated to be critical for the high‐yield formation of AuAg products with the unique morphology of wavy nanowire. Due to the advantage in size control, the size effect on the plasmonic behavior of AuAg alloy wavy nanowires is investigated, where the products with sub‐5 nm diameter exhibit a broad shoulder absorbance peak in their spectrum.
Development and validation of the Brief Assessment of Distress about Pain
Authors: Quentin Laura L. , Nelson Cecelia I. , Wright Casey D. , Arias Matthew C. , Mittinty Manasi M. , McNeil Daniel W. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe experience of pain is a complex interaction of somatic, behavioural, affective and cognitive components. Negative psychological states (e.g., anxiety, fear and depression) are intertwined with pain and contribute to poorer outcomes for individuals suffering from chronic and acute pain by exacerbating the overall experience of pain and leading to increased dysfunction, disability, and distress. A need exists for efficient assessment of aversive emotional states that are associated with pain.MethodsA multistage developmental process included expert judges, two undergraduate samples, and a chronic pain patient sample. The 4‐item Brief Assessment of Distress about Pain (BADP) scale was developed to assess anxiety, fear, and depression related to pain, as well as an overall evaluation of distress about pain.ResultsPrincipal components analyses indicated that the BADP consisted of one factor. Inter‐scale correlation coefficients revealed that the BADP was highly related to other measures that assess similar constructs, suggesting evidence for convergent validity. Intra‐scale correlation coefficients indicated that the items of the BADP were only moderately associated with each other. Findings also supported evidence for discriminative validity, test–retest reliability, and internal consistency of the BADP.ConclusionsThe BADP has good psychometric properties as a measure of negative affectivity related to pain. The scale's single negative affectivity item may be useful for screening. The BADP helps address a gap in the literature with regard to a brief measure assessing fear, anxiety, depression, and negative affect in relation to pain. Demonstrated utility in a patient sample indicates the measure is suitable for further clinical study.SignificanceThe BADP provides an efficient, psychometrically‐supported means to assess affective distress (i.e., anxiety, fear, depression, and negative affect) associated with pain.
Pronounced increase in slope instability linked to global warming: A case study from the eastern European Alps
Authors: Savi Sara , Comiti Francesco , Strecker Manfred R. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIn recent decades, slope instability in high‐mountain regions has often been linked to increase in temperature and the associated permafrost degradation and/or the increase in frequency/intensity of rainstorm events. In this context we analyzed the spatiotemporal evolution and potential controlling mechanisms of small‐ to medium‐sized mass movements in a high‐elevation catchment of the Italian Alps (Sulden/Solda basin). We found that slope‐failure events (mostly in the form of rockfalls) have increased since the 2000s, whereas the occurrence of debris flows has increased only since 2010. The current climate‐warming trend registered in the study area apparently increases the elevation of rockfall‐detachment areas by approximately 300 m, mostly controlled by the combined effects of frost‐cracking and permafrost thawing. In contrast, the occurrence of debris flows does not exhibit such an altitudinal shift, as it is primarily driven by extreme precipitation events exceeding the 75th percentile of the intensity‐duration rainfall distribution. Potential debris‐flow events in this environment may additionally be influenced by the accumulation of unconsolidated debris over time, which is then released during extreme rainfall events. Overall, there is evidence that the upper Sulden/Solda basin (above ca. 2500 m above sea level [a.s.l.]), and especially the areas in the proximity of glaciers, have experienced a significant decrease in slope stability since the 2000s, and that an increase in rockfalls and debris flows during spring and summer can be inferred. Our study thus confirms that “forward‐looking” hazard mapping should be undertaken in these increasingly frequented, high‐elevation areas of the Alps, as environmental change has elevated the overall hazard level in these regions.
Medical image fusion using Transfer Learning and L‐BFGS optimization algorithm
Authors: Jiang Jionghui , Feng Xi'an , Hu Zhiwen , Hu Xiaodong , Liu Fen , Huang Hui 
Published: February 2021

AbstractMedical image fusion can effectively combine different images with different parts and complements each other, which is a hotspot in image processing. However, the medical image acquisition equipment usually obtains single image, so it is unable to use dataset to train convolutional neural network to extract stable image features. This paper proposes an approach using the Transfer Learning combined with the Limited Broyden, Fletcher, Goldfarb, and Shanno (L‐BFGS) optimization algorithm to achieve single medical image fusion. The Transfer Learning which includes pre‐trained model and parameters can be used as a feature extractor to extract or compress features in medical images. Firstly, different single medical images were input into the trained VGG16 Transfer Learning parameter model to extract image features, and then the maximum features between different images were obtained through feature comparison. Finally, L‐BFGS optimization algorithm is used to approximate the initial image features to the maximum features, to achieve the fusion effect (the initial image can be any image of the same size and depth as the source image). The experimental results show that the algorithm is effective and very suitable for medical image fusion.
Neoantigen‐based vaccines as a promising strategy in cancer immunotherapeutics
Authors: Koshy Anita G. , Rosenblatt Jacalyn , Avigan David 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe development of cancer vaccines is based on the premise that tumor cells are potentially targetable by host immunity through the effective presentation of tumor‐associated antigens to reactive T‐cell populations. Vaccine efficacy may be limited by the functional properties of effector cells including the lack of high‐affinity T cells to target self‐antigens. In contrast, neoantigens arise from tumor‐specific mutational events that generate epitopes that are potentially seen as foreign by host immunity. As such, neoantigen‐targeted vaccination provides a high level of tumor specificity, promotes greater T‐cell effector function, and minimizes off‐target toxicities. Next‐generation sequencing and high‐throughput computational algorithms have allowed for the identification of neoantigens in solid tumor and hematologic malignancies. Vaccine generation involves the screening of potential epitopes based on HLA restriction and reactivity by the T‐cell repertoire. Early phase studies have demonstrated feasibility of vaccine production and resultant potent immunologic responses. The clinical impact of neoantigen vaccination and its incorporation into combinatorial immunotherapeutic strategies is currently being explored.
Barriers and measures to improve adoption of irrigation technologies: A case study from the Bundaberg region in Queensland, Australia*
Authors: Koech Richard , Haase Michelle , Grima Bree , Taylor Benjamin 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAustralia is the driest continent and is largely reliant on irrigation for efficient agricultural production. Irrigation uses significant volumes of water, and in recent decades many initiatives have been undertaken to improve efficiencies of irrigation systems and management practices. This paper analyses the perceptions and barriers to adoption of irrigation technologies and management practices in agriculture based on a field study undertaken in the Bundaberg region in Queensland, Australia. Overall, most farmers surveyed rated the efficiency of their irrigation systems very highly; nonetheless, more than half the farmers surveyed recognized that their systems and practices had the potential for further improvement through automation. Financial constraints and uncertainty around the economic viability of investing in certain agricultural technologies emerged as major barriers to adoption of available and emerging technologies that could improve irrigation efficiency. This is occasioned by insufficient evidence of the benefits of adopting these innovations. Issues suggested by the respondents for further extension, development and research align closely to known barriers to adoption of agricultural innovations. A key finding and recommendation of this study is that farm‐specific cost–benefit analyses of new irrigation technologies and practices are required to facilitate the decision‐making process for the improvement of irrigation efficiency.
Blue photobiomodulation LED therapy impacts SARS‐CoV‐2 by limiting its replication in Vero cells
Authors: Zupin Luisa , Gratton Rossella , Fontana Francesco , Clemente Libera , Pascolo Lorella , Ruscio Maurizio , Crovella Sergio 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe study of any intervention able to counteract SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic is considerably envisaged. It was previously shown, in in vitro models of infections, that the LED blue light is able to decrease the viral load of HSV‐1 and ZIKV. In our study, LED photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) at blue wavelengths (450, 454 and 470 nm) was tested in an in vitro model of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, employing three experimental settings: SARS‐CoV‐2 was irradiated and then transferred to cells; already infected cells were irradiated; cells were irradiated prior to infection. A decrement of the viral load was observed when previously infected cells were irradiated with all three tested wavelengths and relevant effects were registered especially at 48 hours post‐infection, possibly suggesting that the blue light could interfere with the intracellular viral replication machinery. Our in vitro findings could represent the starting point for translational applications of PBMT as a supportive approach to fight SARS‐CoV‐2.
Effects of the association of the αvβ8 lower legs on integrin ligand binding
Authors: Song Guannan , Luo Bing‐Hao 
Published: February 2021

AbstractMany integrins transmit signals through global conformational changes. However, it is unclear whether integrin αvβ8 adopts a similar mechanism during integrin activation and signaling on the cell surface. Here, we showed that disulfide‐bonded mutants, which prevented integrin αvβ8 lower leg dissociation, bound ligands with similar level as the wild‐type protein, suggesting that αvβ8 ligand binding did not require lower leg disassociation. We further showed that the N‐glycosylation mutant at the interface between the β I and hybrid domains did not affect ligand binding, suggesting that the αvβ8 open headpiece was not present on the cell surface. We proposed that αvβ8 integrin may adopt only one state, that is, the extended conformation with a closed headpiece. Our results showed that two lower legs retained heterodimeric interfaces, and this association might be important for stabilizing integrin in the extended conformation. Therefore, αvβ8 may not transmit bidirectional signals across the plasma membrane but instead may serve as an anchoring site with high affinity and high accessibility for extracellular ligands.
Ultraspeed synthesis of highly fluorescent N‐doped carbon dots for the label‐free detection of manganese (VII)
Authors: Mohammed Areef , Gugulothu Yaku , Bandi Rajkumar , Dadigala Ramakrishna , Utkoor Umesh Kumar 
Published: February 2021

AbstractHere, we report ultraspeed preparation of highly emissive nitrogen‐doped carbon dots (NCDs) using threonine and guanidine hydrochloride by the microwave irradiation method. Experimental conditions such as microwave power, irradiation time, and reactant ratio were varied to achieve high‐quality NCDs. NCDs were thoroughly characterized using transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, UV–visible spectroscopy, and fluorescence spectroscopy. NCDs presented high aqueous solubility, bright emission with a quantum yield of 30%, and excitation‐dependent emission. Investigation of optical properties unveiled their admirable characters of tolerance to photobleaching, high salinity, pH, and long shelf life. Evaluation of their metal ion detection ability unveiled their selective fluorescence quenching response to Mn (VII), and further explorations revealed the application of NCDs as a label‐free probe for Mn (VII) detection. The probe presented a good linear response (R2 = 0.992) in the concentration range of 5–35 μM with a detection limit of 0.66 μM. Mechanistic studies disclosed that the inner filter effect was responsible for fluorescence quenching. The probe presented no significant interference and was successfully applied for the quantification of Mn (VII) in spiked real‐water samples.
IL-38 prevents induction of trained immunity by inhibition of mTOR signaling
Authors: de Graaf Dennis M , Teufel Lisa U , van de Veerdonk Frank L , Joosten Leo A B , Netea Mihai G , Dinarello Charles A , Arts Rob J W 
Published: February 2021

AbstractTrained immunity is the acquisition of a hyperresponsive phenotype by innate immune cells (such as monocytes and macrophages) after an infection or vaccination, a de facto nonspecific memory dependent on epigenetic and metabolic reprogramming of these cells. We have recently shown that induction of trained immunity is dependent on IL-1β. Here, we show that recombinant IL-38, an anti-inflammatory cytokine of the IL-1-family, was able to induce long-term inhibitory changes and reduce the induction of trained immunity by β-glucan in vivo in C57BL/6 mice and ex vivo in their bone marrow cells. IL-38 blocked mTOR signaling and prevented the epigenetic and metabolic changes induced by β-glucan. In healthy subjects, the IL1F10 associated single nucleotide polymorphism rs58965312 correlated with higher plasma IL-38 concentrations and reduced induction of trained immunity by β-glucan ex vivo. These results indicate that IL-38 induces long-term anti-inflammatory changes and also inhibits the induction of trained immunity. Recombinant IL-38 could therefore potentially be used as a therapeutic intervention for diseases characterized by exacerbated trained immunity.
Early development of strike‐slip faulting: palaeoseismic study along the Petersen Mountain fault, northern Walker Lane, Nevada
Authors: De Masi Conni , Koehler Rich , Dee Seth , Keen‐Zebert Amanda 
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACTCharacterising youthful strike‐slip fault systems within transtensional regimes is often complicated by the presence of tectonic geomorphic features produced by normal faulting associated with oblique extension. The Petersen Mountain fault in the northern Walker Lane tectonic province exhibits evidence of both normal and strike‐slip faulting. We present the results of geologic and geomorphic mapping, and palaeoseismic trenching that characterise the fault's style and sense of deformation. The fault consists of two major traces. The western trace displaces colluvial, landslide, and middle to late Pleistocene alluvial fans and is associated with aligned range front saddles, linear drainages, and oversteepened range front slopes. The eastern trace is associated with a low linear bedrock ridge, a narrow graben, right deflected stream channels, and scarps in late Pleistocene alluvial fan deposits. A trench on the eastern trace of the fault exposed a clear juxtaposition of disintegrated granodiorite bedrock against sand and boulder alluvial fan deposits across a steeply east‐dipping fault. The stratigraphic evidence supports the occurrence of at least one late Pleistocene earthquake with a component of lateral displacement. As such, the Petersen Mountain fault accommodates part of the ~7 mm/yr of dextral shear distributed across the northern Walker Lane.