bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Highly conserved, non-human-like, and cross-reactive SARS-CoV-2 T cell epitopes for COVID-19 vaccine design and validation
Authors: Meyers Lauren M. , Gutiérrez Andres H. , Boyle Christine M. , Terry Frances , McGonnigal Bethany G. , Salazar Andres , Princiotta Michael F. , Martin Wiliam D. , De Groot Anne S. , Moise Leonard 
Published: May 2021

AbstractNatural and vaccine-induced SARS-CoV-2 immunity in humans has been described but correlates of protection are not yet defined. T cells support the SARS-CoV-2 antibody response, clear virus-infected cells, and may be required to block transmission. In this study, we identified peptide epitopes associated with SARS-CoV-2 T-cell immunity. Using immunoinformatic methods, T-cell epitopes from spike, membrane, and envelope were selected for maximal HLA-binding potential, coverage of HLA diversity, coverage of circulating virus, and minimal potential cross-reactivity with self. Direct restimulation of PBMCs collected from SARS-CoV-2 convalescents confirmed 66% of predicted epitopes, whereas only 9% were confirmed in naive individuals. However, following a brief period of epitope-specific T-cell expansion, both cohorts demonstrated robust T-cell responses to 97% of epitopes. HLA-DR3 transgenic mouse immunization with peptides co-formulated with poly-ICLC generated a potent Th1-skewed, epitope-specific memory response, alleviating safety concerns of enhanced respiratory disease associated with Th2 induction. Taken together, these epitopes may be used to improve our understanding of natural and vaccine-induced immunity, and to facilitate the development of T-cell-targeted vaccines that harness pre-existing SARS-CoV-2 immunity.
Antigen-specific antibody and polyfunctional T cells generated by respiratory immunization with protective Burkholderia ΔtonB Δhcp1 live attenuated vaccines
Authors: Khakhum Nittaya , Bharaj Preeti , Walker David H. , Torres Alfredo G. , Endsley Janice J. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractMelioidosis, caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei (Bpm), lacks a vaccine. We identify the immune correlates of protection induced by B. mallei ΔtonB Δhcp1 (CLH001) and Bpm ΔtonB Δhcp1 (PBK001) vaccines against inhalational melioidosis. Mucosal immunization with either vaccine generates Bpm-specific IgM and IgG (IgG2b/c > IgG1 > IgG3) antibodies in sera and lungs, and lung IgA antibodies. Sera confers complement-independent bactericidal activity and macrophages opsonophagocytic uptake but is insufficient in passive transfer experiments to provide significant protection. Both vaccines elicit memory Th1 and Th17 CD4+ T-cell responses in lung and spleen after Bpm antigen-specific recall. The PBK001 vaccine is superior in generating respiratory IgA post-boost, anamnestic IgG at challenge, T-cell recall to specific antigen, and development of diverse polyfunctional memory T-cell pools. Analysis of lung histology suggests that potent polyfunctional T-cell memory and/or IL-17 signatures generated with PBK001 vaccination may be associated with moderate lung inflammation post vaccination.
Comparative systematic review and meta-analysis of reactogenicity, immunogenicity and efficacy of vaccines against SARS-CoV-2
Authors: McDonald Ian , Murray Sam M. , Reynolds Catherine J. , Altmann Daniel M. , Boyton Rosemary J. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAs SARS-CoV-2 vaccines are deployed worldwide, a comparative evaluation is important to underpin decision-making. We here report a systematic literature review and meta-analysis of Phase I/II/III human trials and non-human primates (NHP) studies, comparing reactogenicity, immunogenicity and efficacy across different vaccine platforms for comparative evaluation (updated to March 22, 2021). Twenty-three NHP and 32 human studies are included. Vaccines result in mostly mild, self-limiting adverse events. Highest spike neutralizing antibody (nAb) responses are identified for the mRNA-1273-SARS-CoV and adjuvanted NVX-CoV2373-SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. ChAdOx-SARS-CoV-2 produces the highest T cell ELISpot responses. Pre-existing nAb against vaccine viral vector are identified following AdH-5-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, halving immunogenicity. The mRNA vaccines depend on boosting to achieve optimal immunogenicity especially in the elderly. BNT162b2, and mRNA-1273 achieve >94%, rAd26/5 > 91% and ChAdOx-SARS-CoV-2 > 66.7% efficacy. Across different vaccine platforms there are trade-offs between antibody binding, functional nAb titers, T cell frequency, reactogenicity and efficacy. Emergence of variants makes rapid mass rollout of high efficacy vaccines essential to reduce any selective advantage.
Global carbon budget of reservoirs is overturned by the quantification of drawdown areas
Authors: Keller Philipp S. , Marcé Rafael , Obrador Biel , Koschorreck Matthias 
Published: May 2021

AbstractReservoir drawdown areas—where sediment is exposed to the atmosphere due to water-level fluctuations—are hotspots for carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. However, the global extent of drawdown areas is unknown, precluding an accurate assessment of the carbon budget of reservoirs. Here we show, on the basis of satellite observations of 6,794 reservoirs between 1985 and 2015, that 15% of the global reservoir area was dry. Exposure of drawdown areas was most pronounced in reservoirs close to the tropics and shows a complex dependence on climatic (precipitation, temperature) and anthropogenic (water use) drivers. We re-assessed the global carbon emissions from reservoirs by apportioning CO2and methane emissions to water surfaces and drawdown areas using published areal emission rates. The new estimate assigns 26.2 (15–40) (95% confidence interval) TgCO2-C yr−1to drawdown areas, and increases current global CO2emissions from reservoirs by 53% (60.3 (43.2–79.5) TgCO2-C yr−1). Taking into account drawdown areas, the ratio between carbon emissions and carbon burial in sediments is 2.02 (1.04–4.26). This suggests that reservoirs emit more carbon than they bury, challenging the current understanding that reservoirs are net carbon sinks. Thus, consideration of drawdown areas overturns our conception of the role of reservoirs in the carbon cycle.
Exact statistical solution for the hopping transport of trapped charge via finite Markov jump processes
Authors: Pil’nik Andrey A. , Chernov Andrey A. , Islamov Damir R. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIn this study, we developed a discrete theory of the charge transport in thin dielectric films by trapped electrons or holes, that is applicable both for the case of countable and a large number of traps. It was shown that Shockley–Read–Hall-like transport equations, which describe the 1D transport through dielectric layers, might incorrectly describe the charge flow through ultra-thin layers with a countable number of traps, taking into account the injection from and extraction to electrodes (contacts). A comparison with other theoretical models shows a good agreement. The developed model can be applied to one-, two- and three-dimensional systems. The model, formulated in a system of linear algebraic equations, can be implemented in the computational code using different optimized libraries. We demonstrated that analytical solutions can be found for stationary cases for any trap distribution and for the dynamics of system evolution for special cases. These solutions can be used to test the code and for studying the charge transport properties of thin dielectric films.
Surge of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infections linked to single introduction of a virus strain in Myanmar, 2020
Authors: Nyunt Myat Htut , Soe Hnin Ohnmar , Aye Kay Thi , Aung Wah Wah , Kyaw Yi Yi , Kyaw Aung Kyaw , Myat Theingi Win , Latt Aung Zaw , Win Min Min , Win Aye Aye , Htun Yin Min , Zaw Khaing Mar , Ei Phyu Win , Hein Kyaw Thu , San Lai Lai , Oo Nan Aye Thida , Lin Htin , Mon Nan Cho Nwe , Yee Khin Than , Htun Khin Lapyae , Aye Lynn Pa Pa , Ko Yamin Ko , Htoo Thitsar Htet Htet , Aung Kham Mo , Azili Hnin , Han Soe Soe , Zaw Ni Ni , Win Su Mon , Thwe Wai Myat , Aye Thin Thin , Hlaing Myat Su , Minn Wai Yan , Thu Pyae Phyo , Thu Hlaing Myat , Htun Zaw Than 
Published: May 2021

AbstractSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is a major health concern globally. Genomic epidemiology is an important tool to assess the pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Several mutations have been reported by genome analysis of the SARS-CoV-2. In the present study, we investigated the mutational and phylogenetic analysis of 30 whole-genome sequences for the virus's genomic characteristics in the specimens collected in the early phase of the pandemic (March–June, 2020) and the sudden surge of local transmission (August–September, 2020). The four samples in the early phase of infection were B.6 lineage and located within a clade of the samples collected at the same time in Singapore and Malaysia, while five returnees by rescue flights showed the lineage B. 1.36.1 (three from India), B.1.1 (one from India) and B.1.80 (one from China). However, there was no evidence of local spread from these returnees. Further, all 19 whole-genome sequences collected in the sudden surge of local transmission showed lineage B.1.36. The surge of the second wave on SARS-CoV-2 infection was linked to the single-introduction of a variant (B.1.36) that may result from the strict restriction of international travel and containment efforts. These genomic data provides the useful information to disease control and prevention strategy.
Persistence of topological phases in non-Hermitian quantum walks
Authors: Mittal Vikash , Raj Aswathy , Dey Sanjib , Goyal Sandeep K. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractDiscrete-time quantum walks are known to exhibit exotic topological states and phases. Physical realization of quantum walks in a lossy environment may destroy these phases. We investigate the behaviour of topological states in quantum walks in the presence of a lossy environment. The environmental effects in the quantum walk dynamics are addressed using the non-Hermitian Hamiltonian approach. We show that the topological phases of the quantum walks are robust against moderate losses. The topological order in one-dimensional split-step quantum walk persists as long as the Hamiltonian respects exact $${{\mathcal {P}}}{{\mathcal {T}}}$$

P
T

-symmetry. Although the topological nature persists in two-dimensional quantum walks as well, the $${{\mathcal {P}}}{{\mathcal {T}}}$$

P
T

-symmetry has no role to play there. Furthermore, we observe topological phase transition in two-dimensional quantum walks that is induced by losses in the system.
Daily variation of macronutrient concentrations in mature human milk over 3 weeks
Authors: Leghi Gabriela E. , Lai Ching T. , Narayanan Ardra , Netting Merryn J. , Dymock Michael , Rea Alethea , Wlodek Mary E. , Geddes Donna T. , Muhlhausler Beverly S. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractHuman milk (HM) composition is known to be highly variable, both between individuals and across the duration of lactation. It is less clear, however, to what extent fat, lactose and protein concentrations in HM change daily over shorter time periods in mature HM, and no studies have evaluated this to date. The aim of this study was to systematically assess and compare HM macronutrient concentrations in samples collected at different times of day, from left and right breasts and daily across a 3-week period in the same woman. Fifteen lactating women (1.6–4.9 months postpartum) collected daily pre-feed HM samples from both breasts each morning for 21 consecutive days and completed intensive sampling once a week (morning, afternoon and evening samples) during this period. Concentrations of fat, protein and lactose in HM did not differ according to time of day, day of week or breast used for collection. The results of this study suggest that pre-feed samples collected at any point across a 3-week period and from either the left or right breast provide comparable measures of fat, protein and lactose concentrations in mature HM, in pragmatic studies where women are collecting their own HM samples.Clinical trial registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12619000606189).
On the flexible needle insertion into the human liver
Authors: Chiroiu Veturia , Nedelcu Nicoleta , Pisla Doina , Munteanu Ligia , Rugină Cristian 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIn the present research, the navigation of a flexible needle into the human liver in the context of the robotic-assisted intraoperative treatment of the liver tumors, is reported. Cosserat (micropolar) elasticity is applied to describe the interaction between the needle and the human liver. The theory incorporates the local rotation of points and the couple stress (a torque per unit area) as well as the force stress (force per unit area) representing the chiral features of the human liver. To predict the deformation of the needle and the liver, the elastic properties of the human liver have been evaluated. Outcomes reveal that considering smaller deformations of the needle and the liver results in better needle navigation mechanism. The needle geometry can enhance the penetration.
Spinal pain increases the risk of becoming overweight in Danish schoolchildren
Authors: Hestbaek Lise , Aartun Ellen , Côté Pierre , Hartvigsen Jan 
Published: May 2021

AbstractSpinal pain is common in adolescence, and overweight in children and adolescence is an increasing public health problem globally. Since musculoskeletal pain is a known barrier for physical activity which potentially can lead to overweight, the primary objective of this study was to determine if self-reported lifetime spinal pain in 2010 was associated with being overweight or obese in 2012 in a cohort of 1080 normal-weighted Danish children, aged 11–13 years at baseline. Overweight was based on body mass index measured by trained staff. Spinal pain was self-reported by questionnaires during school hours. Estimates were adjusted for relevant covariates. The 2-year incidence rate of overweight was 5.3% (95% CI 3.98–7.58) for children with spinal pain at baseline versus 1.6% (95% CI 0.19–5.45) for children without. There was stepwise and statistically significant increased risk of overweight with increasing frequency of pain and for having pain in more than one part of the spine. Despite the short follow-up time where only 40 children developed overweight, these results indicate that spinal pain might increase the risk of subsequent overweight.
Dehydration-induced earthquakes identified in a subducted oceanic slab beneath Vrancea, Romania
Authors: Ferrand Thomas P. , Manea Elena F. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractVrancea, Eastern Romania, presents a significant intermediate-depth seismicity, between 60 and 170 km depth, i.e. pressures from 2 to 6.5 GPa. A debate has been lasting for decades regarding the nature of the seismic volume, which could correspond to the remnant of a subducted slab of Tethyan lithosphere or a delamination of the Carpathians lithosphere. Here we compile the entire seismicity dataset (≈ 10,000 events with 2 ≤ Mw ≤ 7.9) beneath Vrancea for P > 0.55 GPa (> 20 km) since 1940 and estimate the pressure and temperature associated with each hypocenter. We infer the pressure and temperature, respectively, from a depth-pressure conversion and from the most recent tomography-based thermal model. Pressure–temperature diagrams show to what extent these hypocentral conditions match the thermodynamic stability limits for minerals typical of the uppermost mantle, oceanic crust and lower continental crust. The stability limits of lawsonite, chloritoid, serpentine and talc minerals show particularly good correlations. Overall, the destabilization of both mantle and crustal minerals could participate in explaining the observed seismicity, but mantle minerals appear more likely with more convincing correlations. Most hypocentral conditions match relatively well antigorite dehydration between 2 and 4.5 GPa; at higher pressures, the dehydration of the 10-Å phase provides the best fit. We demonstrate that the Vrancea intermediate-depth seismicity is evidence of the current dehydration of an oceanic slab beneath Romania. Our results are consistent with a recent rollback of a W-dipping oceanic slab, whose current location is explained by limited delamination of the continental Moesian lithosphere between the Tethyan suture zone and Vrancea.
Remarkable plasma-resistance performance by nanocrystalline Y2O3·MgO composite ceramics for semiconductor industry applications
Authors: Oh Hyeon-Myeong , Park Young-Jo , Kim Ha-Neul , Kumar Kundan , Ko Jae-Woong , Lee Chae-Eon , Lee Hyun-Kwuon 
Published: May 2021

AbstractMotivated by recent finding of crystallographic-orientation-dependent etching behavior of sintered ceramics, the plasma resistance of nanocrystalline Y2O3-MgO composite ceramics (YM) was evaluated for the first time. We report a remarkably high plasma etching resistance of nanostructure YM surpassing the plasma resistance of commercially used transparent Y2O3 and MgAl2O4 ceramics. The pore-free YM ceramic with grain sizes of several hundred nm was fabricated by hot press sintering, enabling theoretical maximum densification at low temperature. The insoluble two components effectively suppressed the grain growth by mutual pinning. The engineering implication of the developed YM nanocomposite imparts enhanced mechanical reliability, better cost effectiveness with excellent plasma resistance property over their counterparts in plasma using semiconductor applications.
Transient fixation of L4 vertebra preserves lumbar motion and function in Lenke Type 5C and 6C scoliosis
Authors: Yang Jae-Ho , Shin Jae-Won , Park Sub-Ri , Kim Sun-Kyu , Park Sang-Jun , Min Ji-Hwan , Lee Byoung-Ho , Suk Kyung-Soo , Park Jin-Oh , Moon Seong-Hwan , Lee Hwan-Mo , Kim Hak-Sun 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis study investigated the efficacy of a novel surgical method that relies on the transient fixation of L4 in Lenke Type 5C and 6C adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Thirty-six transient surgically treated L4 fixation patients were retrospectively evaluated. The first surgery involved mechanical correction of scoliosis; the lowest instrumented vertebra (LIV) was L4. After an average of 1.3 years (range, 0.3–3.4), the second surgery to remove transient L4 pedicle screws was performed. Radiographic parameters and SRS-22 scores were measured. Cobb’s angle, coronal balance, LIV tilting angle, and LIV coronal disc angle clearly improved after the first surgery (p < 0.01). After the second surgery, the corrected Cobb angle (p = 0.446) and coronal balance were maintained (p = 0.271). Although L3/S1 lumbar lordosis decreased after the first surgery (p < 0.01), after removal of transient L4 pedicle screws, it recovered slightly (p = 0.03). Similarly, the preoperative L3/4 lateral disc mobility eventually recovered after transient L4 screw removal (p < 0.01). The function domain of the SRS-22 showed better scores after removal of transient L4 screws (p = 0.04). L4 transient fixation surgery is beneficial for Lenke Type 5C and 6C scolioses that do not fully satisfy LIV (L3) criteria. It preserves L3/4 disc motion, increases functional outcomes, and maintains spinal correction and coronal balance.
Admission C-reactive protein concentrations are associated with unfavourable neurological outcome after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest
Authors: Schriefl Christoph , Schoergenhofer Christian , Poppe Michael , Clodi Christian , Mueller Matthias , Ettl Florian , Jilma Bernd , Grafeneder Juergen , Schwameis Michael , Losert Heidrun , Holzer Michael , Sterz Fritz , Zeiner-Schatzl Andrea 
Published: May 2021

AbstractWhether admission C-reactive protein (aCRP) concentrations are associated with neurological outcome after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is controversial. Based on established kinetics of CRP, we hypothesized that aCRP may reflect the pre-arrest state of health and investigated associations with neurological outcome. Prospectively collected data from the Vienna Clinical Cardiac Arrest Registry of the Department of Emergency Medicine were analysed. Adults (≥ 18 years) who suffered a non-traumatic OHCA between January 2013 and December 2018 with return of spontaneous circulation, but without extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation therapy were eligible. The primary endpoint was a composite of unfavourable neurologic function or death (defined as Cerebral Performance Category 3–5) at 30 days. Associations of CRP levels drawn within 30 min of hospital admission were assessed using binary logistic regression. ACRP concentrations were overall low in our population (n = 832), but higher in the unfavourable outcome group [median: 0.44 (quartiles 0.15–1.44) mg/dL vs. 0.26 (0.11–0.62) mg/dL, p < 0.001]. The crude odds ratio for higher aCRP concentrations was 1.19 (95% CI 1.10–1.28, p < 0.001, per mg/dL) to have unfavourable neurological outcome. After multivariate adjustment for traditional prognostication markers the odds ratio of higher aCRP concentrations was 1.13 (95% CI 1.04–1.22, p = 0.002). Sensitivity of aCRP was low, but specificity for unfavourable neurological outcome was 90% for the cut-off at 1.5 mg/dL and 97.5% for 5 mg/dL CRP. In conclusion, high aCRP levels are associated with unfavourable neurological outcome at day 30 after OHCA.
Impact of aging on gene expression response to x-ray irradiation using mouse blood
Authors: Broustas Constantinos G. , Duval Axel J. , Amundson Sally A. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAs a radiation biodosimetry tool, gene expression profiling is being developed using mouse and human peripheral blood models. The impact of dose, dose-rate, and radiation quality has been studied with the goal of predicting radiological tissue injury. In this study, we determined the impact of aging on the gene expression profile of blood from mice exposed to radiation. Young (2 mo) and old (21 mo) male mice were irradiated with 4 Gy x-rays, total RNA was isolated from whole blood 24 h later, and subjected to whole genome microarray analysis. Pathway analysis of differentially expressed genes revealed young mice responded to x-ray exposure by significantly upregulating pathways involved in apoptosis and phagocytosis, a process that eliminates apoptotic cells and preserves tissue homeostasis. In contrast, the functional annotation of senescence was overrepresented among differentially expressed genes from irradiated old mice without enrichment of phagocytosis pathways. Pathways associated with hematologic malignancies were enriched in irradiated old mice compared with irradiated young mice. The fibroblast growth factor signaling pathway was underrepresented in older mice under basal conditions. Similarly, brain-related functions were underrepresented in unirradiated old mice. Thus, age-dependent gene expression differences should be considered when developing gene signatures for use in radiation biodosimetry.