bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Behavioral Sensitization Induced by Methamphetamine Causes Differential Alterations in Gene Expression and Histone Acetylation of the Prefrontal Cortex in Rats
Authors: Li Hui , Chen Jing-An , Ding Qian-Zhi , Lu Guan-Yi , Wu Ning , Su Rui-Bin , Li Fei , Li Jin 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Methamphetamine (METH) is one of the most widely abused illicit substances worldwide; unfortunately, its addiction mechanism remains unclear. Based on accumulating evidence, changes in gene expression and chromatin modifications might be related to the persistent effects of METH on the brain. In the present study, we took advantage of METH-induced behavioral sensitization as an animal model that reflects some aspects of drug addiction and examined the changes in gene expression and histone acetylation in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of adult rats.Methods: We conducted mRNA microarray and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) coupled to DNA microarray (ChIP-chip) analyses to screen and identify changes in transcript levels and histone acetylation patterns. Functional enrichment analyses, including Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses, were performed to analyze the differentially expressed genes. We then further identified alterations in ANP32A (acidic leucine-rich nuclear phosphoprotein-32A) and POU3F2 (POU domain, class 3, transcription factor 2) using qPCR and ChIP-PCR assays.Results: In the rat model of METH-induced behavioral sensitization, METH challenge caused 275 differentially expressed genes and a number of hyperacetylated genes (821 genes with H3 acetylation and 10 genes with H4 acetylation). Based on mRNA microarray and GO and KEGG enrichment analyses, 24 genes may be involved in METH-induced behavioral sensitization, and 7 were confirmed using qPCR. We further examined the alterations in the levels of the ANP32A and POU3F2 transcripts and histone acetylation at different periods of METH-induced behavioral sensitization. H4 hyperacetylation contributed to the increased levels of ANP32A mRNA and H3/H4 hyperacetylation contributed to the increased levels of POU3F2 mRNA induced by METH challenge-induced behavioral sensitization, but not by acute METH exposure.Conclusions: The present results revealed alterations in transcription and histone acetylation in the rat PFC by METH exposure and provided evidence that modifications of histone acetylation contributed to the alterations in gene expression caused by METH-induced behavioral sensitization.
Etiology, clinical characteristics and coinfection status of bronchiolitis in Suzhou
Authors: Tan Jiahong , Wu Jinfeng , Jiang Wujun , Huang Li , Ji Wei , Yan Yongdong , Wang Meijuan , Shao Xuejun 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Bronchiolitis is a clinical syndrome commonly encountered in practice, particularly among infants and young children. To investigate the prevalence of pathogens in hospitalized children with bronchiolitis and study the clinical characteristics of bronchiolitis with or without coinfections. Methods: We investigated the respiratory specimens and clinical data of 1012 children with bronchiolitis who were treated at the Children’s Hospital of Soochow University between November 2011 and December 2018. The nasopharyngeal aspirates were examined to detect viruses by direct immunofluorescence assay or polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) was tested by PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Of the 1134 children less than 2 years with bronchiolitis, 122 were excluded by exclusion criteria. Causative pathogen was detected in 83.4% (842 of 1012). The majority of these (614 [72.9%] of 842) were single virus infection. The most common pathogens detected were respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) (44.4%), MP (15.6%), and human rhinovirus (HRV) (14.4%). Coinfection was identified in 13.5% (137 of 1012) of the patients. Coinfection included mixed virus infection and virus infection with MP infection. Children with single virus infection had a higher rate of oxygen therapy compared with single MP infection. Conclusions: The most common pathogen detected in children with bronchiolitis is RSV, followed by MP and HRV. Coinfection leads to a longer period of illness, increased severity of the symptoms and increased risk of hypoxemia.
Early Patellofemoral Articular Cartilage Degeneration in a Rat Model of Patellar Instability is Associated with Activation of the NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Authors: Lin Wei , Kang Huijun , Dai Yike , Niu Yingzhen , Yang Guangmin , Niu Jinghui , Li Ming , Wang Fei 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Patellar instability (PI) often increases the possibility of lateral patellar dislocation and early osteoarthritis. The molecular mechanism of early articular cartilage degeneration during patellofemoral osteoarthritis (PFOA) still requires further investigation. However, it is known that the NF-κB signaling pathway plays an important role in articular cartilage degeneration. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the NF-κB signaling pathway and patellofemoral joint cartilage degeneration. Methods: We established a rat model of PI-induced PFOA. Female 4-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats (n=120) were randomly divided into two groups: the PI (n=60) and control group (n=60). The distal femurs of the PI and control group were isolated and compared 4, 8, and 12 weeks after surgery. The morphological structure of the trochlear cartilage and subchondral bone were evaluated by micro-computed tomography and histology. The expression of NF-κB, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-13, collagen X, and TNF-ɑ were evaluated by immunohistochemistry and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results: In the PI group, subchondral bone loss and cartilage degeneration were found 4 weeks after surgery. Compared with the control group, the protein and mRNA expression of NF-κB and TNF-ɑ were significantly increased 4, 8, and 12 weeks after surgery in the PI group. In addition, the markers of cartilage degeneration MMP-13 and collagen X were more highly expressed in the PI group compared with the control group at different time points after surgery.Conclusions: This study has demonstrated that early patellofemoral joint cartilage degeneration can be caused by PI in growing rats, accompanied by significant subchondral bone loss and cartilage degeneration. In addition, the degeneration of articular cartilage may be associated with the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway and can deteriorate with time as a result of PI.
Low-cost, scalable, highly stable Si-based metal-insulator-semiconductor photoanodes for water oxidation fabricated using thin-film reactions and electrodeposition
Authors: Lee Soonil , Ji Li , Yu Edward 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS) structures have been widely used in Si-based solar water-splitting photoelectrodes to protect the Si layer from corrosion. Typically, there is a tradeoff between efficiency and stability when optimizing insulator thickness. Moreover, lithographic patterning is often required for fabricating MIS photoelectrodes. In this study, we demonstrate improved Si-based MIS photoanodes with thick insulating layers fabricated using thin-film reactions to create localized conduction paths through the insulator and electrodeposition to form metal catalyst islands. These fabrication approaches are low-cost and highly scalable, and yielded MIS photoanodes with low onset potential, high saturation current density, and excellent stability. By combining this approach with a p+n-Si buried junction, further improved oxygen evolution reaction (OER) performance was achieved with an onset potential of 0.7 V versus RHE and saturation current density of 32 mA/cm2. Moreover, in stability testing in 1M KOH aqueous solution, a constant photocurrent density of ~ 22 mA/cm2 was maintained at 1.3 V versus RHE for 7 days.
Non-contact Local Conductivity Measurement of Metallic Nanowires Based on Semi-near-field Reflection of Microwave Atomic Force Microscopy
Authors: Tong Bo , Hirabayashi Takahiro , Toku Yuhki , Morita Yasuyuki , Ju Yang 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
In this study, a non-contact and quantitative evaluation method was developed to measure the conductivity of metallic nanowires with a nanometer-scale spatial resolution. A coaxial probe was experimentally fabricated; using this probe, microwave images of the Al, Ag, and Cu nanowires and their topography images were simultaneously obtained via microwave atomic force microscopy (M-AFM) in the non-contact mode. A semi-near-field reflection model was established to describe the spatial distribution of a microwave between the tip of the probe and the sample. The local conductivities of metallic nanowires on the nanometer-scale can be quantitatively evaluated in a single scan, using a metal strip substrate to calibrate the reflection signal.
Truly Sparse Neural Networks at Scale
Authors: Curci Selima , Mocanu Decebal Constantin , Pechenizkiy Mykola 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Recently, sparse training methods have started to be established as a de facto approach for training and inference efficiency in artificial neural networks. Yet, this efficiency is just in theory. In practice, everyone uses a binary mask to simulate sparsity since the typical deep learning software and hardware are optimized for dense matrix operations. In this paper, we take an orthogonal approach, and we show that we can train truly sparse neural networks to harvest their full potential. To achieve this goal, we introduce three novel contributions, specially designed for sparse neural networks: (1) a parallel training algorithm and its corresponding sparse implementation from scratch, (2) an activation function with non-trainable parameters to favour the gradient flow, and (3) a hidden neurons importance metric to eliminate redundancies. All in one, we are able to break the record and to train the largest neural network ever trained in terms of representational power -- reaching the bat brain size. The results show that our approach has state-of-the-art performance while opening the path for an environmentally friendly artificial intelligence era.
Direct propylene epoxidation with oxygen enabled by photo-electro-heterogeneous catalytic system
Authors: Ko Myohwa , Kim Yongseon , Woo Jinwoo , Mehrotra Rashmi , Sharma Pankaj , Kim Jinjong , Jeong Hu Young , Joo Sang Hoon , Jang Ji-Wook , Kwak Ja Hun 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Propylene oxide (PO) is a crucial feedstock in the plastic industry. The direct epoxidation of propylene using O2 is considered to be the most promising means of producing PO, but it remains challenging. Here, we report on an integrated photo-electro-heterogeneous catalytic system for propylene epoxidation with O2. Bismuth vanadate (or TiO2) photocatalyst and Co-based electrocatalyst produce H2O2 and titanium silicalite-1 heterogeneous catalyst epoxidises propylene to PO with the in situ generated H2O2. This system enables PO production with O2 as the sole oxidising agent under light irradiation without using H2, a sacrificial agent, or external bias. It stably produces PO for 24 h with high selectivity (≥ 98%) under ambient conditions. These results demonstrate the potential of this new catalytic system to produce chemical compounds in an environmentally benign manner.
ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 protection against SARS-CoV-2 in rhesus macaque and ferret challenge models
Authors: Lambe Teresa , Spencer Alexandra , Thomas Kelly , Thomas Stephen , White Andrew , Humphries Holly , Wright Daniel , Thakur Nazia , Conceicao Carina , Alden Leonie , Allen Lauren , Aram Marilyn , Bewley Kevin , Brunt Emily , Brown Phillip , Cavell Breeze , Cobb Rebecca , Fotheringham Susan , Gilbride Ciaran , Harris Debbie , Ho Catherine , Hunter Laura , Kennard Chelsea , Leung Stephanie , Lucas V , Ngabo Didier , Ryan Kathryn , Sharpe Hannah , Sarfas Charlotte , Sibley Laura , Slack Gillian , Ulaszewska Marta , wand Nadina , Wiblin Nathan , Gleeson Fergus , Bailey Dalan , Sharpe Sally , Charlton Sue , Salguero Francisco , Carroll Miles , Gilbert Sarah 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 are urgently required. Here we report detailed immune profiling after ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (AZD1222) and subsequent challenge in two animal models of SARS-CoV-2 mediated disease. We demonstrate in rhesus macaques the lung pathology caused by SARS-CoV-2 mediated pneumonia is reduced by prior vaccination with ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 which induced neutralising antibody responses after a single intramuscular administration. In a second animal model, ferrets, ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 reduced both virus shedding and lung pathology. Antibody titers were boosted by a second dose. Data from these challenge models and the detailed immune profiling, support the continued clinical evaluation of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19.
Induction of Th1/Th2-Balanced Protection Against SARS-CoV-2 Through Mucosal Delivery of An Adenovirus Vaccine Expressing an Engineered Spike Protein
Authors: Chung Nai-Hsiang , Chen Ying-Chin , Yang Shiu-Ju , Lin Yu-Ching , Dou Horng-Yunn , Liao Ching-Len , Chow Yen-Hung 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
We developed a series of recombinant human type 5 adenoviruses that express the full-length or membrane-truncated spike protein (S) of SARS-CoV-2 (AdCoV2-S or AdCoV2-SdTM, respectively). We tested the immunoprotective efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 via intranasal (i.n.) or subcutaneous (s.c.) immunization in a rodent model following two-dose immunizations. Mucosal delivery of adenovirus (Ad) vaccines could induce anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgA in the serum and in the mucosal, respectively as indicated by vaginal wash (vw). Serum anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG but not IgA was induced in the vw by s.c. injection of AdCoV2-S. Intranasal administration of AdCoV2-S was able to induce higher anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels than s.c. injection. Immunization with AdCoV2-SdTM induced a lower antibody response than AdCoV2-S. In addition, the degree of neutralization of clinically isolated SARS-CoV-2 in the serum correlated with the above anti-SARS-CoV-2 responses; the most potent neutralizing activity was observed in the AdCoV2-S i.n. group, and less viral neutralizing activity was observed in response to AdCoV2-S s.c. and AdCoV2dTM i.n. Novelty, S-specific IgG1 which represented Th2-mediated humoral response was dominantly induced in Ad i.n.-immunized serum in contrast to more IgG2a which represented Th1-mediated cellular response found in Ad s.c.-immunized serum. The activation of S-specific IFN-ɣ and IL-4 in Th1 and Th2 cells, respectively, was observed in the AdCoV2s i.n. and s.c. groups, indicating the Th1/Th2-balenced immunity was activated. During the protection study, two doses of i.n. AdCoV2-S or i.n. AdCoV2-SdTM significantly prevented body weight loss and reduced pulmonary viral loads in hamsters. A significant reduction in inflammation in the lungs was observed in AdCoV-S-immunized hamsters following a SARS-CoV-2 challenge. It correlated to Th1 cytokine but no inflammatory cytokines secretions found in i.n. AdCoV-immunized respiratory tract. These results indicate that intranasal delivery of AdCoV2-S vaccines is safe and potent at preventing SARS-CoV-2 infections.
The Risk of Clinical Complications and Death among Pregnant Women with COVID-19&nbsp;
Authors: Qeadan Fares , Mensah Nana , Tingey Benjamin , Stanford Joseph 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Pregnant women are potentially a high-risk population during infectious disease outbreaks such as COVID-19, because of physiologic immune suppression in pregnancy. However, data on the morbidity and mortality of COVID-19 among pregnant women, compared to nonpregnant women, are sparse and inconclusive. We sought to assess the impact of pregnancy on COVID-19 associated morbidity and mortality, with particular attention to the impact of pre-existing comorbidity.Methods: We used retrospective data from January through June 2020 on female patients aged 18-44 years old utilizing the Cerner COVID-19 de-identified cohort. We used mixed-effects logistic and exponential regression models to evaluate the risk of hospitalization, maximum hospital length of stay (LOS), moderate ventilator dependence, invasive ventilator dependence, and death for pregnant women while adjusting for age, race/ethnicity, insurance, Elixhauser AHRQ weighted Comorbidity Index, diabetes history, medication, and accounting for clustering of results in similar zip-code regions. Results: Out of 22,493 female patients with identified COVID-19, 7.2% (n=1,609) were pregnant. Crude results indicate that pregnant women, compared to non-pregnant women, had higher rates of hospitalization (60.5% vs. 17.0%, P<0.001), higher mean maximum LOS (0.15 day vs. 0.08 day, P<0.001) among those who stayed <1 day, lower mean maximum LOS (2.55 days vs. 3.32 days, P<0.001) among those who stayed ≥1 day, and higher moderate ventilator dependence use (1.7% vs. 0.7%, P<0.001) but showed no significant differences in rates of invasive ventilator dependence or death. After adjusting for potentially confounding variables, pregnant women, compared to non-pregnant women, saw higher odds in hospitalization (aOR: 12.26; 95% CI (10.69, 14.06)), moderate ventilator dependence (aOR: 2.35; 95% CI (1.48, 3.74)), higher maximum LOS among those who stayed <1 day, and lower maximum LOS among those who stayed ≥1 day. No significant associations were found with invasive ventilator dependence or death. For moderate ventilator dependence, differences were seen among age and race/ethnicity groups.Conclusions: Among women with COVID-19 disease, pregnancy confers substantial additional risk of morbidity, but no difference in mortality. Knowing these variabilities in the risk is essential to inform decision-makers and guide clinical recommendations for the management of COVID-19 in pregnant women.
High-resolution characterization of gene function using single-cell CRISPR tiling screen
Authors: Yang Lu , Chan Anthony , Miyashita Kazuya , Delaney Christopher , Wang Xi , Li Hongzhi , Pokharel Sheela , Li Sandra , Li Mingli , Xu Xiaobao , Lu Wei , Liu Qiao , Mattson Nicole , Chen Kevin , Wang Jinhui , Yuan Yate-Ching , Horne David , Rosen Steven , Soto-Feliciano Yadira , Feng Zhaohui , Hoshii Takayuki , Xiao Gang , Müschen Markus , Chen Jianjun , Armstrong Scott , Chen Chun-Wei 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Identification of novel functional domains and characterization of detailed regulatory mechanisms in cancer-driving genes is critical for advanced cancer therapy. To date, CRISPR (clustered, regularly interspaced, short palindromic repeats) gene editing has primarily been applied to defining the role of individual genes. Recently, high-density mutagenesis via CRISPR tiling of gene-coding exons has been demonstrated to identify functional regions in genes. Furthermore, breakthroughs in combining CRISPR library screens with single-cell droplet RNA sequencing (sc-RNAseq) platforms have revealed the capacity to monitor gene expression changes upon genetic perturbations at single-cell resolution (e.g., Perturb-seq, CRISP-seq, CROP-seq). Here, we present “sc-Tiling,” which integrates a CRISPR gene-tiling screen with single-cell transcriptomic and protein structural analyses. Distinct from other reported single-cell CRISPR screens focused on observing gene function and gene-to-gene/enhancer-to-gene regulation, sc-Tiling enables the capacity to identify regulatory mechanisms within a gene-coding region that dictate gene activity and therapeutic response.
Effect of isometric exercises on the masseter muscle in older adults with missing dentition: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Takano Satoru , Yamaguchi Kohei , Nakagawa Kazuharu , Yoshimi Kanako , Nakane Ayako , Tohara Haruka , Okumura Takuma 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Maintaining oral function is important in older individuals with missing teeth for leading a healthy and independent life. This study aimed to evaluate whether simple isometric exercises can maintain and improve oral function (maximum occlusal force [MOF], masticatory ability [MA]) and masticatory muscle properties (masseter muscle thickness [MMT] and echo intensity [MMEI]) in older adults in the maintenance phase of removable prosthetic treatment. Participants were randomly allocated into intervention and control groups. The intervention group was instructed to perform maximum clenching for 10 s, whereas the control group was instructed to tap the teeth at an arbitrary speed for 10 s. Both were repeated five times at an interval of 5 s between each activity and twice a day for 4 weeks. The outcomes were measured after a month of exercise. The intervention group showed significant improvement in MOF, MMT during contraction, and MMEI during contraction. There was no significant difference in the MA and MMEI at rest. In the control group, no improvement was observed in any of the parameters. When the isometric exercises were performed using a mouthpiece, there was improvement in oral function and masseter muscle properties in older individuals with Eichner B status who used dentures.
Increased lethality in Influenza and SARS-CoV-2 co-infection is prevented by influenza immunity but not SARS-CoV-2 immunity
Authors: Achdout Hagit , Vitner Einat B. , Politi Boaz , Melamed Sharon , Yahalom-Ronen Yfat , Tamir Hadas , Erez Noam , Avraham Roy , Cherry Lilach , Makdasi Efi , Gur Didi , Aftalion Moshe , Vagima Yaron , Paran Nir , Israely Tomer 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the cause for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic1. The continued spread of SARS-CoV-2 along with the imminent flu season increase the probability of influenza-SARS-CoV-2 dual infection which might result in a severe disease. In this study, we examined the disease outcome of influenza A virus (IAV) and SARS-CoV-2 co-infection in K18-hACE2 mice. Our data indicates that IAV-infected mice are more susceptible to develop severe disease upon co-infection with SARS-CoV-2 two days post influenza infection. This co-infection results in severe morbidity and nearly uniform fatality as compared to the non-fatal influenza disease, or the partial fatality of SARS-CoV-2 alone. Co-infection was associated with elevated influenza viral load in respiratory organs. Remarkably, prior immunity to influenza, but not to SARS-CoV-2, prevented the severe disease and mortality. These data provide an experimental support that flu intervention by prior vaccination may be valuable in reducing the risk of sever Flu - SARS-CoV-2 comorbidity, and highlight the importance of vaccination.