bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multivalent S2-subunit Vaccines Provide Broad Protection Against Clade 1 Sarbecoviruses
Authors: Kane Ravi , Halfmann Peter , Patel Raj , Loeffler Kathryn , Yasuhara Atsuhiro , de Velde Lee-Ann Van , Yang Jie , Chervin Jordan , Troxell Chloe , Huang Min , Zheng Naiying , Wright Elizabeth , Thomas Paul , Wilson Patrick , Kawaoka Yoshihiro 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The continuing emergence of immune evasive SARS-CoV-2 variants and the previous SARS-CoV-1 outbreak have accentuated the need for broadly protective sarbecovirus vaccines. Targeting the conserved S2-subunit of SARS-CoV-2 is a particularly promising approach to elicit broad protection. Here, expanding on our previous work with S2-based vaccines, we developed a nanoparticle vaccine displaying multiple copies of the SARS-CoV-1 S2 subunit. This vaccine alone, or as a cocktail with a SARS-CoV-2 S2 subunit vaccine, protected transgenic K18-hACE2 mice from challenges with Omicron subvariant XBB as well as several sarbecoviruses identified as having pandemic potential including the bat sarbecovirus WIV1, BANAL-236, and a pangolin sarbecovirus. Challenge studies in Fc-g receptor knockout mice revealed that antibody-based cellular effector mechanisms played a role in protection elicited by these vaccines. These results demonstrate that our S2-based vaccines provide broad protection against clade 1 sarbecoviruses and offer insight into the mechanistic basis for protection.
Exploring extreme-rainfall forcings over Tucumán (Argentina) in the last 108 years and an extension to Subtropical South America
Authors: Medina Franco D. , Zossi Bruno S. , Elias Ana G. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

In this work the maximum daily rainfall (Rx1) is analyzed based on the longest and highest-quality daily precipitation record available in Northwestern Argentina (NWA). Rx1 is a proxy of the daily-rainfall intensity and, thus, the analysis is useful due to their relation to the flood events. The selected series has a length of 108 years and corresponds to San Miguel de Tucumán (TUC, 26.8°S, 65.2°W), a city located in Subtropical South America (SSA). The methodology proposed was detecting the period of minimum p-value (PmPV) in the linear correlation coefficients to determine closer relationships between Rx1 and large-scale climate forcings. Results show a transition from a stronger Rx1-El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) association in 1945–1974 to a tighter Rx1-Southern Annular Mode (SAM) relationship in 1974–2007. The PmPV of ENSO indices aligns with the cold PDO phase, while SAM's PmPV coincides with a warm PDO phase, highlighting their significant impact on Rx1 relationships. On the other hand, using HadEX3 and ERA5 data, it was shown that the results are consistent over part of SSA respecting Rx1 and atmospheric variables behavior. Analysis reveals a shifting Rx1-ENSO relationship over NWA in contrast with the observed in eastern Argentina. Also, a positive association Rx1-SAM over NWA, western Paraguay, eastern Bolivia and central Brazil during the PDO positive phase was found. We show that changes in Rx1 arise in response to changes in ENSO and SAM teleconnections driven by PDO. Thus, this study underscores the role of global variability in driving regional extreme precipitation.
Environmental Conditions in the Pre-jenkyns Event Times (Late Pliensbachian – Early Toarcian) in the Southiberian Palaeomargin (Betic External Zones, Southern Spain)
Authors: Nieto Luis M. , Ayadi Chaima , Fraguas Agela , Molina José Miguel , Reolid Matías 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Three stratigraphic sections of the Betic External Zones have been studied, two from the Median Subbetic (PEL and PR) and one from the External Subbetic (CE). The upper Pliensbachian materials and the transition to the lower Toarcian have been dated with calcareous nannofossils in PEL and PR in this paper, while in the CE section, previous ammonite and nannofossil biostratigraphies have been considered. The dominant facies are alternance of marly limestone - marl, although in the CE section, the Toarcian is represented by marls, where the Jenkyns Event has been recorded. In terms of ichnofossils, in the PEL section Macaronichnus predominates. In the PR and CE sections, the ichnoassemblages are dominated by Planolites, Thalassinoides and Chondrites. Therefore, the facies and ichnofacies observed were generated in pelagic or hemipelagic marine environments. Analysis of the correlation between δ13C and δ18O and of each of them with Sr and Fe/Ca and Sr/Ca, as well as the Z-factor, indicate that the geochemical signal has not been modified by diagenesis. In the PEL and PR sections, the δ13C and δ18O ratios do not allow to clearly identify isotopic events, except in CE where the Jenkyns Event was recorded. The proxies used to study detritism (Zr/Rb, Sr/Cu, CIA and C-value) show trends opposite to those detected in other Tethys sections and even between them. These peculiarities in the geochemical data are interpreted as the result of the opening of the Hispanic Corridor, the mixing of Panthalassa and Tethys seawaters and extensional tectonics, which favoured the development of half grabens with significant differential subsidence, especially during the NJT5b Subzone (latest Pliensbachian). These half grabens could be affected by contourite currents according to the Macaronichnus assemblage in some of these sections.
An experimental test of environmental filtering in zooplankton pond communities
Authors: Parry Victor , Pawlak Julia , Tiedemann Ralph , Weithoff Guntram 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Understanding the assembly of communities in separate patches with restricted connectivity is a central goal in spatial community ecology. In such meta-communities, several processes structure the local communities. Besides dispersal/drift and local processes, environmental filtering is often regarded as one important driver which refers to specific environmental characteristics of different patches that restrict the colonization and/or persistence of individual species. An aquatic example of a meta-community is a set of ponds scattered in the landscape. Many aquatic organisms disperse passively among ponds. As dispersal rates increase in a metacommunity, local environmental conditions primarily shape the zooplankton community structure. Local dynamics prevail and species generally exist in habitats where they are highly adapted to and in a few places where they are sub-optimally adapted (species sorting). Under high dispersal rates, spatial dynamics are more important to local densities than temporal, within-lake dynamics by frequently providing individual patches with immigrants (mass effects). We examine the influence of environmental filtering on the zooplankton community structure in a group of ponds within an agricultural landscape. We used an experimental approach to directly quantify environmental filtering and the potential local adaptation of individual species. We sampled four ponds in an agricultural matrix and measured the performance of the zooplankton community in their home and away environment. Common garden experiments revealed that the zooplankton communities developed differently in their home and away environment and there might have been some degree of local adaptation as some species were better adapted/had a higher fitness to their home habitat than away. However, the opposite case, lower abundance at home than away, was also found for some species. Thus, we found environmental filtering on the community level, but no consistent sign for local adaptation.
Venous excess ultrasonography (VExUS) captures dynamic changes in volume status surrounding hemodialysis: A multicenter prospective observational study
Authors: Leyba Katarina , Longino August , Ormesher Ryen , Krienke Mary , Ochten Natalie Van , Zimmerman Katherine , McCormack Luke , Martin Katharine , Thai Theresa , Furgeson Seth , Teitelbaum Isaac , Burke Joseph , Douglas Ivor , Gill Edward 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: The evaluation of volume status is essential to clinical decision-making, yet multiple studies have shown that physical exam does not reliably estimate a patient’s intravascular volume. Venous excess ultrasound score (VExUS) is an emerging volume assessment tool that utilizes inferior vena cava (IVC) diameter and pulse-wave Doppler waveforms of the portal, hepatic and renal veins to evaluate venous congestion. A point-of-care ultrasound exam initially developed by Beaubein-Souligny et al., VExUS represents a reproducible, non-invasive and accurate means of assessing intravascular congestion. VExUS has recently been validated against RHC—the gold-standard of hemodynamic evaluation for volume assessment. While VExUS scores were shown to correlate with elevated cardiac filling pressures (i.e., right atrial pressure (RAP) and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP)) at a static point in time, the ability of VExUS to capture dynamic changes in volume status has yet to be elucidated. We hypothesized that paired VExUS examinations performed before and after hemodialysis (HD) would reflect changes in venous congestion in a diverse patient population.
Methods: Inpatients with end-stage renal disease undergoing intermittent HD were evaluated with transabdominal VExUS and lung ultrasonography before and following HD. Paired t-tests were conducted to assess differences between pre-HD and post-HD VExUS scores, B-line scores and dyspnea scores.
Results: Fifty-six patients were screened for inclusion in this study. Ten were excluded due to insufficient image quality or incomplete exams, and forty-six patients (ninety-two paired ultrasound exams) were included in the final analysis. Paired t-test analysis of pre-HD and post-HD VExUS scores revealed a mean VExUS grade change of 0.82 (p<0.001) on a VExUS scale ranging from 0 to 4. The mean difference in B-line score following HD was 0.8 (p=0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in subjective dyspnea score (p=0.41).
Conclusions: Large-volume fluid removal with HD was represented by changes in VExUS score, highlighting the utility of the VExUS exam to capture dynamic shifts in intravascular volume status. Future studies should evaluate change in VExUS grade with intravenous fluid or diuretic administration, with the ultimate goal of evaluating the capacity of a standardized bedside ultrasound protocol to guide inpatient volume optimization.
Strain evolution from ferroelectric to relaxor state in BiFeO3-BaTiO3 based ceramics
Authors: Wang Ke , Feng Jiaqing , Tao Hong , Ma Jian , Wu Bo 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

BiFeO3 (BF)-based lead-free piezoelectric ceramics have been already widely exploited. In order to reduce the leakage current and resolve the problem of difficult polarization, BaTiO3 (BT) has been added to form the BiFeO3-BaTiO3(BF-BT) solid solution. The piezoelectric and ferroelectric properties have been greatly improved with modified phase structure and relaxor characteristics of BF-BT ceramics by ions doping. The mechanism of strain response from the ferroelectric to relaxor state in BF-BT based ceramics has not been thoroughly investigated. This work emphasizes on the evolution of strain from ferroelectric-relaxor state in (0.67-x)BF-0.33BT-xBMZ ceramics. Three states of ferroelectric-relaxor with strengthening relaxor are constructed via increasing Pm3m and reducing R3m symmetry. A tendency of increasing first and then decreasing is obtained for Suni and Spos with enhanced relaxor behavior along with a maximum strain (Suni = 0.25%, Spos = 0.24%) for x = 0.04, due to the promoted domain switching and strong random field with appropriate polar nanoregions merged into long-range ordered matrix. And the strain gradually increases with elevating temperature due to the improved polarization and growing ferroelectric domain. This study reveals the contribution of structure modification to piezoelectric response, promoting the development of lead-free piezoelectrics.
CtMYB1 regulate flavonoid biosynthesis in safflower flower by binding the CAACCA elements
Authors: Zhou YanXun , Wang Jie , Peng YanNi , Chen Chao , Xian Bin , Xi ZiQing , Ren ChaoXiang , Pei Jin , Chen Jiang 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) is a valuable crop known for its flowers, which are rich in flavonoids and are used for promoting blood circulation and preventing atherosclerosis. However, the molecular regulation of flavonoid biosynthesis in safflower is still poorly understood. In this study, we identified a AtMYB12 homologous gene, CtMYB1, in safflower and characterized its sequence. The flower protoplast transient expression system and virus-induced gene silence (VIGS) technique were established in safflower and we tested the role of CtMYB1 in the regulation of flavonoid biosynthesis.
Results
Flower protoplast transient expression showed that flavonoid biosynthesis genes CtC4H2, CtF3H4, and CtHCT12 were upregulated after transfection with CtMYB1. Meanwhile, VIGS showed that the transfected petals were lighter in color, and there was a decrease in the amount of the major component Hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) compared to the control. Additionally, the interaction analysis by the use of Biacore system revealed that CtMYB1 can bind to the CAACCA element of flavonoid biosynthesis genes promoters.
Conclusions
CtMYB1 can regulate flavonoid biosynthesis in safflower flower by binding the CAACCA elements of flavonoid biosynthesis related genes promoters,which shed light on the molecular regulation of flavonoid biosynthesis in safflower.The establishment of the flower protoplast expression system and VIGS in safflower provide a valuable tool for studying gene function, particularly those involved in the regulation and biosynthesis of-active compounds of safflower.
Lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic to strengthen NCD care and policy in humanitarian settings: a mixed methods study exploring humanitarian actors’ experiences.
Authors: Ansbro Éimhín , Heller Olivia , Vijayasingham Lavanya , Caroline Favas , Rintjema Jacqueline , Chase-Vilchez Alyssa , Stein Claire , Rita Issa , Sanga Leah , Murphy Adrianna , Perel Pablo 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
The COVID-19 pandemic and response severely impacted people living with non-communicable diseases (PLWNCDs) globally. It exacerbated pre-existing health inequalities, severely disrupted access to care, and worsened clinical outcomes for PLWNCDs, who were at higher risk of morbidity and mortality from the virus. The pandemic’s effects were likely magnified in humanitarian settings, where there were pre-existing gaps in continuity of care for non-communicable diseases (NCDs). We sought to explore factors affecting implementation of NCD care in crises settings during the COVID-19 pandemic and the adaptations made to support implementation.
Methods
Guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research, we undertook an online survey of 98 humanitarian actors from multiple regions and organization types (March-July 2021), followed by in-depth interviews with 13 purposively selected survey respondents (October-December, 2021). Survey data were analysed using descriptive statistics, while interview data were analysed both deductively and inductively.
Results
Initially, humanitarian actors faced challenges influenced by external actors’ priorities, such as deprioritisation of NCD care by governments, travel restrictions and supply chain interruptions. With each infection wave and lockdown, humanitarian actors were better able to adapt and maintain NCD services. The availability of COVID-19 vaccines was a positive turning point, especially for the risk management of people with NCDs and protection of health workers. Key findings include that, despite pre-existing challenges, humanitarian actors largely continued NCD services during the crisis. Enabling factors that supported continuity of NCD services included the ability to quickly pivot to remote means of communication with PLWNCDs, flexibility in medicine dispensing, and successful advocacy to prioritize NCD management within health systems. Key lessons learned included the importance of partnerships and cooperation with other health actors and the mobilisation or repurposing of community health workers/volunteer networks.
Conclusions
The COVID-19 experience should prompt national and global health stakeholders to strengthen inclusion of NCDs in emergency preparedness, response, and resilience planning, building on lessons learned around remote care provision adapted to PLWNCDs severity, integrating community health workers, providing context-adapted PLWNCDs information and combating misinformation and strengthening cross-sectoral partnerships.
Long noncoding RNA LINC01842 enhances disulfidptosis resistance and promotes glioma progression via IQGAP1
Authors: Zhang Fuguang , Wang Heng , Zheng Weiqian , Wang Dinghao , Yan Chuangnan , Chen Shuxin , Xu Hongwu 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) is widely present in cells and is demonstrated to play vital roles in the development and progression of glioma. However, the biological roles and function mechanisms of LINC01842 in glioma are not yet clear. This study aims to elucidate the potential role of LINC01842 in glioma, specifically its association with disulfidptosis.
Methods: We obtained sequencing data from The Cancer Gene Atlas (TCGA). Correction analysis was applied to select disulfidptosis-related lncRNAs (DRLs). Prognosis-associated DRLs were identified by least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and support vector machine (SVM). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to screen our target gene LINC01842. Subsequently, expression of LINC01842, IQGAP1and SLC7A11 in glioma cell lines was detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Additionally, CCK8 experiments and wound healing assays were performed to assess cell viability, migration, and invasion. Finally, online database predictions were used to validate the drug sensitivity of glioma.
Results: LINC01842 was more highly expressed in high-grade gliomas, and glioma patients with high expression level of LINC01842 had poorer survival. Additionally, tumor cells with high expression of LINC01842 exhibited stronger tumor characteristics, such as migratory and invasive abilities, as well as tolerance to disulfidptosis. Furthermore, strong binding between LINC01842 and the disulfidptosis-related gene IQGAP1 could be predicted, and their expression levels were positively correlated. Ultimately, drug sensitivity analysis suggested glioma patients with high expression level of LINC01842 were sensitive to eight drugs.
Conclusion: High expression of LINC01842 is associated with poor prognosis in glioma patients. By interacting with IQGAP1, the resistance to disulfidptosis of LINC0182 was stronger in glioma, which promotes the progression of glioma. Eight discovered sensitive drugs provided important clues for personalized treatment of glioma.
A Nonlinear Acoustic--Flame Synchronization Model for Thermoacoustic Instability in a Bluffbody-Stabilized Combustor
Authors: kumar Swarnalatha Kathalagiri Vasantha , Rani Sarma L. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

A nonlinear coupled-oscillator model is developed that can predict the various stages of synchronization between the acoustic and heat-release oscillations in the lead-up to thermoacoustic instability in a dump combustor with a bluffbody-anchored flame. The flame is perturbed by vortices shed from the shear layer formed at the combustor dump plane. The resulting heat-release-rate fluctuations generate acoustic waves that travel upstream and interact with the shear layer, thereby modulating the vortex shedding process and closing the feedback loop. Coupled nonlinear equations governing the temporal evolution of pressure and heat-release-rate fluctuations are derived and evolved along with an equation for the build-up of circulation at the dump plane, as well as an equation for vortex advection. The effects of vortex impingement on the flame are modeled as a localized, instantaneous source term in the flame oscillator equation. With the mean flow velocity $\Bar{u}$ as the control parameter, the nonlinear model is applied to investigate the acoustic--flame--vortex interactions. For smaller $\Bar{u}$, chaotic combustion noise is observed with essentially no synchronization between the pressure and heat-release-rate fluctuations, $p'$ and $\dot{q}'$, respectively. As $\Bar{u}$ is increased, intermittent bursts of periodic fluctuations are seen in $p'$ and $\dot{q}'$, which is followed by a weakly periodic state with only frequency synchronization. Eventually, when $\Bar{u}$ exceeds a critical value, limit-cycle oscillations are seen with both frequency and amplitude synchronization between $p'$ and $\dot{q}'$ (also known as generalized synchronization). Thus, the model qualitatively captures the successive stages of acoustic--flame coupling seen in the experiments of \citet{pawar2017}. Furthermore, the derived nonlinear equations accurately predict the natural frequencies of the pressure and heat-release oscillators, as well as the lock-on frequency of the two oscillators with vortex shedding.
Genomic Analysis of Circulating Influenza Virus from 2016 in Nepal
Authors: Jha Bimalesh Kumar , Katuwal Nishan , Manandhar Krishna Das 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Influenza constitutes a contagious viral infection primarily attributed to influenza viruses A or B, predominantly affecting the upper respiratory system. The rapid evolution of influenza viruses results in substantial variability. Type A encompasses 16 highly variable hemagglutinins (H1 to H16) and 9 distinct NAs (N1 to N9). Conversely, influenza type B lacks subtypes owing to fixed, albeit small, antigenic variabilities. Given the swift evolution and diversification, comprehendinggenomic epidemiology becomes imperative for discerning emerging strains and trackingtransmission.
Objectives
This study delves into the genomic analysis of various sequences of H1N1 and Influenza type B, isolated from Nepal and deposited in the Global Initiative on Sharing Avian Influenza Data (GISAID).
Methods
The viral genomic material, after extraction, were sent to National Institute of Infectious Disease, Japan for whole genome sequencing in 2016. The sequences were subsequently submitted to GISAID. The H1N1 virus genomes (n=18) in this study were investigated against the reference genome A/California/07/2009 (GenBank: CY121680). Similarly, Influenza Type B virus genomes (n=27) were examined against reference genome B/Brisbane/60/2008 (GenBank: KX058884) and B/Wisconsin/01/2010 (GenBank: JN993010). Mutational analyses were performed using Nextclade, followed by an investigation into the mutations present in the sequences. Finally, phylogenetic analysis was conducted using the Nextclade and CLUSTAL Omega.
Results
Out of the 18 HA genome segments of H1N1, all (n=12) except 6 isolates belonged to clade 6B, while the remainder were of clade 6B.1. For Influenza Type B, all 27 HA genome segments were classified under clade V1A when compared to B/Brisbane/60/2008. Similarly, in comparison to the reference genome B/Wisconsin/01/2010 (genbank: JN993010), all (n=23) except 4 isolates were of clade Y3, while the rest were of clade Y2.
Conclusion
The analysis of the HA1 (sub-segment of HA) proves valuable for strain identification based on mutations. The HA segment in influenza type A exhibits the fastest mutation rate, influencing virulence, while mutations in NA are associated with drug resistance. Given the heightened risk of influenza outbreaks due to emerging mutations, assortments, and drug resistance, vigilance in monitoring mutations in these segments are crucial.