bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Systematic evaluation of SARS‐CoV‐2 antigens enables a highly specific and sensitive multiplex serological COVID‐19 assay
Authors: Hober Sophia , Hellström Cecilia , Olofsson Jennie , Andersson Eni , Bergström Sofia , Jernbom Falk August , Bayati Shaghayegh , Mravinacova Sara , Sjöberg Ronald , Yousef Jamil , Skoglund Lovisa , Kanje Sara , Berling Anna , Svensson Anne‐Sophie , Jensen Gabriella , Enstedt Henric , Afshari Delaram , Xu Lan Lan , Zwahlen Martin , von Feilitzen Kalle , Hanke Leo , Murrell Ben , McInerney Gerald , Karlsson Hedestam Gunilla B , Lendel Christofer , Roth Robert G , Skoog Ingmar , Svenungsson Elisabet , Olsson Tomas , Fogdell‐Hahn Anna , Lindroth Ylva , Lundgren Maria , Maleki Kimia T , Lagerqvist Nina , Klingström Jonas , Da Silva Rodrigues Rui , Muschiol Sandra , Bogdanovic Gordana , Arroyo Mühr Laila Sara , Eklund Carina , Lagheden Camilla , Dillner Joakim , Sivertsson Åsa , Havervall Sebastian , Thålin Charlotte , Tegel Hanna , Pin Elisa , Månberg Anna , Hedhammar My , Nilsson Peter 
Published: July 2021

AbstractObjectiveThe COVID‐19 pandemic poses an immense need for accurate, sensitive and high‐throughput clinical tests, and serological assays are needed for both overarching epidemiological studies and evaluating vaccines. Here, we present the development and validation of a high‐throughput multiplex bead‐based serological assay.MethodsMore than 100 representations of SARS‐CoV‐2 proteins were included for initial evaluation, including antigens produced in bacterial and mammalian hosts as well as synthetic peptides. The five best‐performing antigens, three representing the spike glycoprotein and two representing the nucleocapsid protein, were further evaluated for detection of IgG antibodies in samples from 331 COVID‐19 patients and convalescents, and in 2090 negative controls sampled before 2020.ResultsThree antigens were finally selected, represented by a soluble trimeric form and the S1‐domain of the spike glycoprotein as well as by the C‐terminal domain of the nucleocapsid. The sensitivity for these three antigens individually was found to be 99.7%, 99.1% and 99.7%, and the specificity was found to be 98.1%, 98.7% and 95.7%. The best assay performance was although achieved when utilising two antigens in combination, enabling a sensitivity of up to 99.7% combined with a specificity of 100%. Requiring any two of the three antigens resulted in a sensitivity of 99.7% and a specificity of 99.4%.ConclusionThese observations demonstrate that a serological test based on a combination of several SARS‐CoV‐2 antigens enables a highly specific and sensitive multiplex serological COVID‐19 assay.
Blood biomarkers associated to complete pathological response on NSCLC patients treated with neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy included in NADIM clinical trial
Authors: Laza‐Briviesca Raquel , Cruz‐Bermúdez Alberto , Nadal Ernest , Insa Amelia , García‐Campelo María del Rosario , Huidobro Gerardo , Dómine Manuel , Majem Margarita , Rodríguez‐Abreu Delvys , Martínez‐Martí Alex , De Castro Carpeño Javier , Cobo Manuel , López Vivanco Guillermo , Del Barco Edel , Bernabé Caro Reyes , Viñolas Nuria , Barneto Aranda Isidoro , Viteri Santiago , Massuti Bartomeu , Casarrubios Marta , Sierra‐Rodero Belén , Tarín Carlos , García‐Grande Aránzazu , Haymaker Cara , Wistuba Ignacio I. , Romero Atocha , Franco Fernando , Provencio Mariano 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundImmunotherapy is being tested in early‐stage non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and achieving higher rates of complete pathological responses (CPR) as compared to standard of care. Early identification of CPR patients has vital clinical implications. In this study, we focused on basal peripheral immune cells and their treatment‐related changes to find biomarkers associated to CPR.MethodsBlood from 29 stage IIIA NSCLC patients participating in the NADIM trial (NCT03081689) was collected at diagnosis and post neoadjuvant treatment. More than 400 parameters of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) phenotype and plasma soluble factors were analyzed.ResultsNeoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy altered more than 150 immune parameters. At diagnosis, 11 biomarkers associated to CPR were described, with an area under the ROC curve >0.70 and p‐value <.05. CPR patients had significantly higher levels of CD4+PD‐1+ cells, NKG2D, and CD56 expression on T CD56 cells, intensity of CD25 expression on CD4+CD25hi+ cells and CD69 expression on intermediate monocytes; but lower levels of CD3+CD56–CTLA‐4+ cells, CD14++CD16+CTLA‐4+ cells, CTLA‐4 expression on T CD56 cells and lower levels of b‐NGF, NT‐3, and VEGF‐D in plasma compared to non‐CPR. Post treatment, CPR patients had significantly higher levels of CD19 expression on B cells, BCMA, 4‐1BB, MCSF, and PARC and lower levels of MPIF‐1 and Flt‐3L in plasma compared to non‐CPR.ConclusionsPatients achieving CPR seem to have a distinctive peripheral blood immune status at diagnosis, even showing different immune response to treatment. These results reinforce the different biology behind CPR and non‐CPR responses.
Tumor‐derived exosomal BCYRN1 activates WNT5A/VEGF‐C/VEGFR3 feedforward loop to drive lymphatic metastasis of bladder cancer
Authors: Zheng Hanhao , Chen Changhao , Luo Yuming , Yu Min , He Wang , An Mingjie , Gao Bowen , Kong Yao , Ya Yiyao , Lin Yan , Li Yuting , Xie Keji , Huang Jian , Lin Tianxin 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundPatients with lymph node (LN) metastatic bladder cancer (BCa) present with extremely poor prognosis. BCa‐derived exosomes function as crucial bioactive cargo carriers to mediate the signal transduction in tumor microenvironment triggering tumor metastasis. However, the mechanisms underlying exosome‐mediated LN metastasis in BCa are unclear.MethodsWe conducted the high‐throughput sequencing to explore the expression profile of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) in urinary exosomes (urinary‐EXO) from patients with BCa and further evaluated the clinical relevance of exosomal lncRNA BCYRN1 in a larger 210‐case cohort. The functional role of exosomal BCYRN1 was evaluated through the migration and tube formation assays in vitro and the footpad‐popliteal LN metastasis model in vivo. RNA pull‐down assays, luciferase assays, and actinomycin assays were conducted to detect the regulatory mechanism of exosomal BCYRN1.ResultsLncRNA BCYRN1 was substantially upregulated in urinary‐EXO from patients with BCa, and associated with the LN metastasis of BCa. We demonstrated that exosomal BCYRN1 markedly promoted tube formation and migration of human lymphatic endothelial cells (HLECs) in vitro and lymphangiogenesis and LN metastasis of BCa in vivo. Mechanistically, BCYRN1 epigenetically upregulated WNT5A expression by inducing hnRNPA1‐associated H3K4 trimethylation in WNT5A promoter, which activated Wnt/β‐catenin signaling to facilitate the secretion of VEGF‐C in BCa. Moreover, exosomal BCYRN1 was transmitted to HLECs to stabilize the VEGFR3 mRNA and thus formed an hnRNPA1/WNT5A/VEGFR3 feedforward regulatory loop, ultimately promoting the lymphatic metastasis of BCa. Importantly, blocking VEGFR3 with specific inhibitor, SAR131675 significantly impaired exosomal BCYRN1‐induced the LN metastasis in vivo. Clinically, exosomal BCYRN1 was positively associated with the shorter survival of BCa patients and identified as a poor prognostic factor of patients.ConclusionOur results uncover a novel mechanism by which exosomal BCYRN1 synergistically enhances VEGF‐C/VEGFR3 signaling‐induced lymphatic metastasis of BCa, indicating that BCYRN1 may serve as an encouraging therapeutic target for patients with BCa.
Assessing pesticides exposure effects on the reproductive performance of a declining aerial insectivore
Authors: Poisson Marie‐Christine , Garrett Daniel R. , Sigouin Audrey , Bélisle Marc , Garant Dany , Haroune Lounès , Bellenger Jean‐Philippe , Pelletier Fanie 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIn the context of increasing global environmental changes, it has become progressively important to understand the effects of human activity on wildlife populations. Declines in several avian populations have been observed since the 1970s, especially with respect to many farmland and grassland birds, which also include some aerial insectivores. Changes in farming practices referred to as agricultural intensification coincide with these major avian declines. Among those practices, increased pesticide use is hypothesized to be a key driver of avian population declines as it can lead to both toxicological and trophic effects. While numerous laboratory studies report that birds experience acute and chronic effects upon consuming pesticide treated food, little is known about the effects of the exposure to multiple pesticides on wildlife in natural settings. We monitored the breeding activities of Tree Swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) on 40 farms distributed over a gradient of agricultural intensification in southern Québec, Canada, to evaluate the presence of pesticides in their diet and quantify the exposure effects of those compounds on their reproductive performance between 2013 and 2018. We first assessed the presence of 54 active agents (or derivatives) found in pesticides in 2,081 food boluses (insects) delivered to nestlings by parents and documented their spatial distribution within our study area. Second, we assessed the effect of pesticide exposure through food (number of active agents detected and number of contaminated boluses on a given farm for a given year, while controlling for sampling effort) on clutch size as well as hatching and fledging successes and nestling’s mass upon fledging. Pesticides were ubiquitous in our study system and nearly half (46%) of food boluses were contaminated by at least one active agent. Yet we found no relationship between our proxies of food contamination by pesticides and Tree Swallow reproductive performance. More studies are needed to better understand the putative role of pesticides in the decline of farmland birds and aerial insectivores as potential sublethal effects of pesticides can carry over to later life stages and impact fitness.
Experimental evaluation of spatial capture–recapture study design
Authors: Fleming Jill , Grant Evan H. Campbell , Sterrett Sean C. , Sutherland Chris 
Published: July 2021

AbstractA principal challenge impeding strong inference in analyses of wild populations is the lack of robust and long‐term data sets. Recent advancements in analytical tools used in wildlife science may increase our ability to integrate smaller data sets and enhance the statistical power of population estimates. One such advancement, the development of spatial capture–recapture (SCR) methods, explicitly accounts for differences in spatial study designs, making it possible to equate multiple study designs in one analysis. SCR has been shown to be robust to variation in design as long as minimal sampling guidance is adhered to. However, these expectations are based on simulation and have yet to be evaluated in wild populations. Here we conduct a rigorously designed field experiment by manipulating the arrangement of artificial cover objects (ACOs) used to collect data on red‐backed salamanders (Plethodon cinereus) to empirically evaluate the effects of design configuration on inference made using SCR. Our results suggest that, using SCR, estimates of space use and detectability are sensitive to study design configuration, namely the spacing and extent of the array, and that caution is warranted when assigning biological interpretation to these parameters. However, estimates of population density remain robust to design except when the configuration of detectors grossly violates existing recommendations.
Modeling multi‐scale occupancy for monitoring rare and highly mobile species
Authors: Emmet Robert L. , Long Robert A. , Gardner Beth 
Published: July 2021

AbstractOccupancy‐based methods are commonly used to model the distribution, habitat use, and relative abundance of species. In particular, occupancy‐based methods are often recommended for monitoring species, allowing researchers to track population trends using detection–non‐detection data alone. Occupancy models, however, have proven difficult to apply to rare, highly mobile species. Species’ movements outside of sampling areas may lead to violation of the geographic closure assumption of occupancy models and overestimated occupancy probability. Low detection probability may further inflate occupancy probability estimates. We developed a novel continuous‐time, multi‐scale occupancy model to simultaneously account for closure assumption violations and low detection probability. We used a simulation study to test our model relative to a discrete‐time multi‐scale model, and we conducted a power analysis to assess the ability of an instantaneous occupancy parameter to detect trends in abundance, relative to standard occupancy alone. The continuous‐time model was competitive with the discrete‐time model and was generally computationally faster than and outperformed the discrete‐time model when detection probability was low. The instantaneous occupancy parameter outperformed occupancy in terms of power to detect trends when we used an implicit (i.e., estimating occupancy independently in each primary occasion) dynamic occupancy model, but performed no better when we used an explicit (i.e., estimating colonization and extinction) dynamic occupancy model. We applied both discrete‐time and continuous‐time multi‐scale occupancy models to a case study of data collected on wolverines (Gulo gulo) in Washington, USA. We found improved precision in estimates with the continuous‐time model and that asymptotic occupancy of wolverines was high, but short‐term use of any given area was low. Our multi‐scale, continuous‐time occupancy model can be used to detect trends in abundance of rare, highly mobile species, regardless of how occupancy dynamics are modeled. Furthermore, our model can allow for more efficient data collection and analysis than traditional discrete‐time or spatially multi‐scale approaches, as our model uses all available detections and requires only one detector per sampling unit by substituting time for space.
Projectified governance and sustainability transitions: How projects and framework programmes can accelerate transition processes
Authors: Nylén Erkki‐Jussi Antero 
Published: July 2021

AbstractProjects are used in large numbers as a method to steer societal development, especially in contemporary Western societies. This so‐called projectification has relevant socio‐political effects on sustainability transitions, especially from the policy perspective. The aim of this paper is to analyse how projects and policy framework programmes can accelerate transition processes. The paper introduces the concept of a ‘projectified transition policy process’ by synthesising research on projectified governance, transitions and policy processes. The concept's empirical relevance is addressed with a case study analysis focussing on a framework programme that supports nutrient recycling technologies and practices via project funding. The framework programme was the first measure to actualise transition‐driven nutrient recycling policy in Finland, which has been ongoing since 2010. The conceptual exploration and case analysis in this paper show that projects and framework programmes can accelerate transition processes by mobilising actors, creating synergies between them with intermediary actions and producing project outcomes that can be turned into effective transition inputs.
A microfluidic generator of dynamic shear stress and biochemical signals based on autonomously oscillatory flow
Authors: Li Yong‐Jiang , Zhang Wen‐Jia , Zhan Chen‐Lin , Chen Ke‐Jie , Xue Chun‐Dong , Wang Yu , Chen Xiao‐Ming , Qin Kai‐Rong 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBiological cells in vivo typically reside in a dynamic flowing microenvironment with extensive biomechanical and biochemical cues varying in time and space. These dynamic biomechanical and biochemical signals together act to regulate cellular behaviors and functions. Microfluidic technology is an important experimental platform for mimicking extracellular flowing microenvironment in vitro. However, most existing microfluidic chips for generating dynamic shear stress and biochemical signals require expensive, large peripheral pumps and external control systems, unsuitable for being placed inside cell incubators to conduct cell biology experiments. This study has developed a microfluidic generator of dynamic shear stress and biochemical signals based on autonomously oscillatory flow. Further, based on the lumped‐parameter and distributed‐parameter models of multiscale fluid dynamics, the oscillatory flow field and the concentration field of biochemical factors has been simulated at the cell culture region within the designed microfluidic chip. Using the constructed experimental system, the feasibility of the designed microfluidic chip has been validated by simulating biochemical factors with red dye. The simulation results demonstrate that dynamic shear stress and biochemical signals with adjustable period and amplitude can be generated at the cell culture chamber within the microfluidic chip. The amplitudes of dynamic shear stress and biochemical signals is proportional to the pressure difference and inversely proportional to the flow resistance, while their periods are correlated positively with the flow capacity and the flow resistance. The experimental results reveal the feasibility of the designed microfluidic chip. Conclusively, the proposed microfluidic generator based on autonomously oscillatory flow can generate dynamic shear stress and biochemical signals without peripheral pumps and external control systems. In addition to reducing the experimental cost, due to the tiny volume, it is beneficial to be integrated into cell incubators for cell biology experiments. Thus, the proposed microfluidic chip provides a novel experimental platform for cell biology investigations.
Improvement of hydrogen storage characteristics of catalyst free magnesium nanoparticles prepared by wet milling
Authors: Banrejee Seemita , Kumar Asheesh , Ruz Priyanka , Sudarsan Vasanthakumaran 
Published: July 2021

SummaryMagnesium is one of the potential candidates for on‐board hydrogen storage, but slow hydrogenation kinetics and unfavourable thermodynamics limits its practical implementation. To improve the hydrogenation characteristics, nanocrystalline magnesium was prepared by a simple wet milling method without addition of heavy metal catalyst. Compared to micro‐crystalline Mg, developed nanocrystalline Mg exhibits improved hydrogen storage properties showing extended plateau region in the pressure‐composition‐temperature curves with higher hydrogen storage capacity (6.24 wt% at 300°C). Hydrogenation and dehydrogenation kinetics is found to follow Kolmogorov−Johnson−Mehl−Avrami activation energy model confirming the involvement of nucleation‐growth‐impingement mechanism. Prolonged ball milling leads to quite fast hydrogenation kinetics (upto 90% of the saturation value in 15.5 minutes at 250°C) and leads to substantial decrease in the activation barrier. The activation energy for hydrogenation is found to be 68.88 kJ mol−1 for 8 hours ball milled sample. Present study established a simple and scalable method for nanocrystalline Mg, which can undergo reversible hydrogen absorption and desorption with improved performance without using any additional catalyst.
The neural correlates of a central coherence task in young women with anorexia nervosa
Authors: Leslie Monica , Halls Daniel , Leppanen Jenni , Sedgewick Felicity , Lang Katie , Fonville Leon , Simic Mima , Mandy William , Nicholls Dasha , Williams Steven , Tchanturia Kate 
Published: July 2021

AbstractObjectiveHeightened detail‐processing and low levels of central coherence are common in individuals with anorexia nervosa (AN) and predict poorer prognosis. However, it is unclear whether these processing styles predate the disorder or, rather, emerge during later stages of AN. The current study aimed to address this question by investigating central coherence, and the neural correlates of central coherence, in a sample of young women with AN with shorter duration of illness than previous studies recruiting adult samples.MethodsWe recruited 186 participants, including: 73 young women with AN, 45 young women weight‐recovered from AN, and 68 age‐matched controls. Participants completed the Embedded Figures Task during an fMRI scan.ResultsThere were no significant differences between the participant groups in performance accuracy or reaction time. There were no other between‐groups differences in neural response to the Embedded Figures Task.ConclusionsThese findings contrast with evidence from older adults demonstrating differences in the neural underpinning of central coherence amongst participants with AN versus control participants. The current study adds to an increasing literature base demonstrating the resilience of neuropsychological traits and associated brain systems in the early stages of AN.
Effect of characteristics of different wheat flours on the quality of fermented hollow noodles
Authors: Xiong Xiaoqing , Liu Chong , Song Mengkun , Zheng Xueling 
Published: July 2021

AbstractHollow noodles, also known as Kongxin noodles in China, are traditionally hand‐made noodles produced by spontaneous fermentation. It is easy to cook, nutrient‐rich, and delicious. However, it is difficult to realize industrial production by spontaneous fermentation due to its complexity. More recently, new techniques have emerged for producing such noodles industrially using commercial yeasts. However, there are no reports on how to choose the raw materials for making fermented hollow noodles. Therefore, the suitability of eleven local varieties of wheat flour was determined by evaluating their physicochemical, rheological properties, and pasting properties. Flour and dough properties of wheat flour were also correlated with the quality characteristics of hollow noodles. The correlation coefficient data indicated that the color score was negatively correlated with ash content and positively correlated with starch content. Different from ordinary dried noodles, a negative correlation was observed between cooking time (CT) and protein content. Water absorption (NWA) of hollow noodles was negatively affected by extensograph properties. Water absorption of flour (FWA) and extensibility (E) were found to be highly correlated to hollow rate (Hol‐R), indicating that these two indexes could predict the fermentation status of hollow noodles. Results showed that wheat flours with higher swelling index of glutenin (SIG), FWA, E, and pasting temperature (PT) had better dough fermentation power and stability and thus were beneficial to the production of high‐quality hollow noodles. This study provides a simple method for the industrial production of hollow noodles and provides a basis for the selection of raw materials for their production.