bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Immunogenicity and protective efficacy of a novel bacterium-like particle-based vaccine displaying canine distemper virus antigens in mice and dogs
Authors: Wang Jianzhong , Liu Lina , Zong Xianchun , Wang Chunliu , Zhu Guangmei , Yang Guilian , Jiang Yanlong , Yang Wentao , Huang Haibin , Shi Chunwei , Zeng Yan , Wang Nan , Cao Xin , Wang Chunfeng , Feng Na 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT

Canine distemper virus (CDV) poses a severe threat to both domesticated and wild animals, including multiple carnivores. With the continued expansion of its host range, there is an urgent need for the development of a safer and more effective vaccine. In this study, we developed subunit vaccines based on a bacterium-like particle (BLP) delivery platform containing BLPs-F and BLPs-H, which display the CDV F and H glycoprotein antigens, respectively, using the antigen-protein anchor fusions produced by a recombinant baculovirus insect cell expression system. The combination of BLPs-F and BLPs-H (CDV-BLPs), formulated with colloidal manganese salt [Mn jelly (MnJ)] adjuvant, triggered robust CDV-specific antibody responses and a substantial increase in the number of interferon gamma (IFN-γ)-secreting CD4
+
and CD8
+
T cells in mice. Dogs immunized intramuscularly with this vaccine not only produced CDV-specific IgG but also displayed elevated concentrations of IFN-γ and interleukin 6 in their serum, along with an increase of the CD3
+
CD4
+
and CD3
+
CD8
+
T cell subsets. Consequently, this heightened immune response provided effective protection against disease development and reduced viral shedding levels following challenge with a virulent strain. These findings suggest that this BLP-based subunit vaccine has the potential to become a novel canine distemper vaccine.

IMPORTANCE
Many sensitive species require a safe and effective distemper vaccine. Non-replicating vaccines are preferred. We constructed subunit particles displaying canine distemper virus (CDV) antigens based on a bacterium-like particle (BLP) delivery platform. The CDV-BLPs formulated with theMn jelly adjuvant induced robust humoral and cell-mediated immune responses to CDV in mice and dogs, thereby providing effective protection against a virulent virus challenge. This work is an important step in developing a CDV subunit vaccine.
Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy combined with sequential perioperative toripalimab in locally advanced esophageal squamous cell cancer
Authors: Xu Xin , Sun Zhiyong , Liu Qiang , Zhang Yao , Shen Lei , Zhang Chenpeng , Lin Haiping , Hu Bin , Rong Ling , Chen Haiyan , Wang Xiaohang , Zhao Xiaojing , Bai Yong-Rui , Ye Qing , Ma Xiumei 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundProgrammed death 1 (PD-1) inhibitor demonstrated durable antitumor activity in advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), but the clinical benefit of perioperative immunotherapy in ESCC remains unclear. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) combined with the PD-1 inhibitor toripalimab in patients with resectable ESCC.MethodsFrom July 2020 to July 2022, 21 patients with histopathologically confirmed thoracic ESCC and clinical staged as cT1-4aN1-2M0/cT3-4aN0M0 were enrolled. Eligible patients received radiotherapy (23 fractions of 1.8 Gy, 5 fractions a week) with concurrent chemotherapy of paclitaxel/cisplatin (paclitaxel 45 mg/m2and cisplatin 25 mg/m2) on days 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 and two cycles of toripalimab 240 mg every 3 weeks after nCRT for neoadjuvant therapy before surgery, four cycles of toripalimab 240 mg every 3 weeks for adjuvant therapy after surgery. The primary endpoint was the major pathological response (MPR) rate. The secondary endpoints were safety and survival outcomes.ResultsA total of 21 patients were included, of whom 20 patients underwent surgery, 1 patient refused surgery and another patient was confirmed adenocarcinoma after surgery. The MPR and pathological complete response (pCR) rates were 78.9% (15/19) and 47.4% (9/19) for surgery ESCC patients. 21 patients (100.0%) had any-grade treatment-related adverse events, with the most common being lymphopenia (100.0%), leukopenia (85.7%), neutropenia (52.4%). 14 patients (66.7%) had adverse events of grade 3 with the most common being lymphopenia (66.7%). The maximum standardized uptake value and total lesion glycolysis of positron emission tomography/CT after neoadjuvant therapy well predicted the pathological response. The peripheral CD4+%, CD3+HLA-DR+/CD3+%, CD8+HLA-DR+/CD8+%, and IL-6 were significant differences between pCR and non-pCR groups at different times during neoadjuvant therapy. Three patients had tumor relapse and patients with MPR have longer disease-free survival than non-MPR patients.ConclusionsnCRT combined with perioperative toripalimab is effective and safe for locally advanced resectable ESCC. Long-term survival outcomes remain to be determined.Trial registration numberNCT04437212.
Associations of concomitant medications with immune-related adverse events and survival in advanced cancers treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors: a comprehensive pan-cancer analysis
Authors: Nara Katsuhiko , Taguchi Satoru , Buti Sebastiano , Kawai Taketo , Uemura Yukari , Yamamoto Takehito , Kume Haruki , Takada Tappei 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundWhile concomitant medications can affect the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), few studies have assessed associations of concomitant medications with the occurrence and profile of immune-related adverse events (irAEs).MethodsThis study assessed associations of concomitant medication (antibiotics/proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)/corticosteroids)-based risk model termed the “drug score” with survival and the occurrence and profile of irAEs in 851 patients with advanced cancer treated with ICIs (with or without other agents). The study also assessed the survival impact of the occurrence of irAEs, using a landmark analysis to minimize immortal time bias. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard analyses were conducted for progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).ResultsThe drug score classified patients into three risk groups, with significantly different PFS and OS. Notably, the score’s predictive capability was better in patients treated with ICIs only than in those treated with ICIs plus other agents. The landmark analysis showed that patients who developed irAEs had significantly longer PFS and OS than those without irAEs. Generally, concomitant medications were negatively associated with the occurrence of irAEs, especially endocrine irAEs, whereas PPI use was positively associated with gastrointestinal irAEs, as an exception.ConclusionsUsing a large pan-cancer cohort, the prognostic ability of the drug score was validated, as well as that of the occurrence of irAEs. The negative association between concomitant medications and irAE occurrence could be an indirect measure of the detrimental effect on the immune system induced by one or more concomitant drugs.
Dissecting genetic architecture of rare dystonia: genetic, molecular and clinical insights
Authors: Atasu Burcu , Simón-Sánchez Javier , Hanagasi Hasmet , Bilgic Basar , Hauser Ann-Kathrin , Guven Gamze , Heutink Peter , Gasser Thomas , Lohmann Ebba 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundDystonia is one of the most common movement disorders. To date, the genetic causes of dystonia in populations of European descent have been extensively studied. However, other populations, particularly those from the Middle East, have not been adequately studied. The purpose of this study is to discover the genetic basis of dystonia in a clinically and genetically well-characterised dystonia cohort from Turkey, which harbours poorly studied populations.MethodsExome sequencing analysis was performed in 42 Turkish dystonia families. Using co-expression network (CEN) analysis, identified candidate genes were interrogated for the networks including known dystonia-associated genes and genes further associated with the protein-protein interaction, animal model-based characteristics and clinical findings.ResultsWe identified potentially disease-causing variants in the established dystonia genes (PRKRA, SGCE, KMT2B, SLC2A1, GCH1, THAP1, HPCA, TSPOAP1, AOPEP; n=11 families (26%)), in the uncommon forms of dystonia-associated genes (PCCB, CACNA1A, ALDH5A1, PRKN; n=4 families (10%)) and in the candidate genes prioritised based on the pathogenicity of the variants and CEN-based analyses (n=11 families (21%)). The diagnostic yield was found to be 36%. Several pathways and gene ontologies implicated in immune system, transcription, metabolic pathways, endosomal-lysosomal and neurodevelopmental mechanisms were over-represented in our CEN analysis.ConclusionsHere, using a structured approach, we have characterised a clinically and genetically well-defined dystonia cohort from Turkey, where dystonia has not been widely studied, and provided an uncovered genetic basis, which will facilitate diagnostic dystonia research.
Association between tobacco industry denormalisation beliefs and support for tobacco endgame policies: a population-based study in Hong Kong
Authors: Yao Ying , Cheung Yee Tak Derek , Wu Yongda Socrates , Guo Ziqiu , Chan Sik Kwan , Zhao Sheng Zhi , Tong Henry Sau Chai , Lai Vienna Wai Yin , Lam Tai Hing , Ho Sai Yin , Wang Man Ping 
Published: March 2024

ObjectivesTo examine the associations between tobacco industry denormalisation (TID) beliefs and support for tobacco endgame policies.MethodsA total of 2810 randomly selected adult respondents of population-based tobacco policy-related surveys (2018–2019) were included. TID beliefs (agree vs disagree/unsure) were measured by seven items: tobacco manufacturers ignore health, induce addiction, hide harm, spread false information, lure smoking, interfere with tobacco control policies and should be responsible for health problems. Score of each item was summed up and dichotomised (median=5, >5 strong beliefs; ≤5 weak beliefs). Support for tobacco endgame policies on total bans of tobacco sales (yes/no) and use (yes/no) was reported. Associations between TID beliefs and tobacco endgame policies support across various smoking status were analysed, adjusting for sociodemographics.ResultsFewer smokers (23.3%) had strong beliefs of TID than ex-smokers (48.4%) and never smokers (48.5%) (p<0.001). Support for total bans on tobacco sales (74.6%) and use (76.9%) was lower in smokers (33.3% and 35.3%) than ex-smokers (74.3% and 77.9%) and never smokers (76.0% and 78.3%) (all p values<0.001). An increase in the number of TID beliefs supported was positively associated with support for a total ban on sales (adjusted risk ratio 1.06, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.08, p<0.001) and use (1.06, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.07, p<0.001). The corresponding associations were stronger in smokers than non-smokers (sales: 1.87 vs 1.25, p value for interaction=0.03; use: 1.78 vs 1.21, p value for interaction=0.03).ConclusionStronger TID belief was associated with greater support for total bans on tobacco sales and use. TID intervention may increase support for tobacco endgame, especially in current smokers.
QUEST-DMC superfluid $$^3$$He detector for sub-GeV dark matter
Authors:   QUEST-DMC collaboration, Autti S. , Casey A. , Eng N. , Darvishi N. , Franchini P. , Haley R. P. , Heikkinen P. J. , Jennings A. , Kemp A. , Leason E. , Levitin L. V. , Monroe J. , March-Russel J. , Noble M. T. , Prance J. R. , Rojas X. , Salmon T. , Saunders J. , Smith R. , Thompson M. D. , Tsepelin V. , West S. M. , Whitehead L. , Zavjalov V. V. , Zmeev D. E. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe focus of dark matter searches to date has been on Weakly Interacting Massive Particles (WIMPs) in the GeV/$$c^2$$

c
2

-TeV/$$c^2$$

c
2

mass range. The direct, indirect and collider searches in this mass range have been extensive but ultimately unsuccessful, providing a strong motivation for widening the search outside this range. Here we describe a new concept for a dark matter experiment, employing superfluid $$^3$$

3

He as a detector for dark matter that is close to the mass of the proton, of order 1 GeV/$$c^2$$

c
2

. The QUEST-DMC detector concept is based on quasiparticle detection in a bolometer cell by a nanomechanical resonator. In this paper we develop the energy measurement methodology and detector response model, simulate candidate dark matter signals and expected background interactions, and calculate the sensitivity of such a detector. We project that such a detector can reach sub-eV nuclear recoil energy threshold, opening up new windows on the parameter space of both spin-dependent and spin-independent interactions of light dark matter candidates.
Improving the performance of cryogenic calorimeters with nonlinear multivariate noise cancellation algorithms
Authors: Vetter K. J. , Beretta M. , Capelli C. , Corso F. Del , Hansen E. V. , Huang R. G. , Kolomensky Yu. G. , Marini L. , Nutini I. , Singh V. , Torres A. , Welliver B. , Zimmermann S. , Zucchelli S. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractState-of-the-art physics experiments require high-resolution, low-noise, and low-threshold detectors to achieve competitive scientific results. However, experimental environments invariably introduce sources of noise, such as electrical interference or microphonics. The sources of this environmental noise can often be monitored by adding specially designed “auxiliary devices” (e.g. microphones, accelerometers, seismometers, magnetometers, and antennae). A model can then be constructed to predict the detector noise based on the auxiliary device information, which can then be subtracted from the true detector signal. Here, we present a multivariate noise cancellation algorithm which can be used in a variety of settings to improve the performance of detectors using multiple auxiliary devices. To validate this approach, we apply it to simulated data to remove noise due to electromagnetic interference and microphonic vibrations. We then employ the algorithm to a cryogenic light detector in the laboratory and show an improvement in the detector performance. Finally, we motivate the use of nonlinear terms to better model vibrational contributions to the noise in thermal detectors. We show a further improvement in the performance of a particular channel of the CUORE detector when using the nonlinear algorithm in combination with optimal filtering techniques.
Geodesically complete cyclic cosmologies and entropy
Authors: Pavlović Petar , Sossich Marko 
Published: March 2024

AbstractWe demonstrate that there exists a class of cyclic cosmological models, such that these models can in principle solve the problem of the entropy growth, and are at the same time geodesically complete. We thus show that some recently stated conclusions, according to which cyclic cosmologies solving the problem of entropy growth can not be geodesically complete due to the Borde–Guth–Vilenkin (BGV) theorem, are not justified. We also add a short conceptual discussion on entropy and cyclic cosmology, and present a detailed analysis of entropy density growth during periodic and non-periodic evolution for cyclic cosmologies.
Aerodynamic performance of semi-wing with multiple winglets operating at low- and medium-range Reynolds numbers
Authors: Sethunathan P. , Ramasamy K. K. , Sivasubramaniyam A. P. , Kannan R. 
Published: March 2024

Birds have traits that can induce better aerodynamic efficiency along with high manoeuvring capability during its flight, which could be shared with unmanned aerial vehicles for improving their aerodynamic performances. One such feature of the wing tip, i.e. the primary feathers of the birds could be an effective geometrical feature to reduce the wing tip vortices. This paper presents the bio-inspired wing tip devices, i.e. three-and four-tipped multiple winglets in reducing the strength of vortices emanating from the wing tip of the wing operating in the Reynolds number (Re) of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. Different combinations of both three- and four-tipped multiple winglets have been designed by varying the cant angle of each tip. Numerical simulations were carried out using Ansys-Fluent by solving three-dimensional Reynolds averaged Navier–Stokes formulations coupled with k-[Formula: see text] turbulence model to resolve the features of tip vortices. The simulation clearly indicates that there is a strong correlation between the size of the vortices and the aerodynamic performance parameters such as [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]. The three- and four-tipped multiple winglets are effective in reducing vortex drag by disintegrating large strength vortex which occurs in the tip of straight wing, into few numbers of small strength vortices. When compared to straight wing, three-tipped multiple winglet with the cant angle combination of 50, 30, 10 improves the aerodynamic efficiency by 22% to 23% and the four-tipped winglet with the cant angle combination of 60, 50, 40, 30 enhances the same by 21% to 22% in the Re of [Formula: see text]. Even the longitudinal static stability has seen considerable improvement for four-tipped multiple winglets than three-tipped multiple winglets and straight wing.
Patient Screening for Self‐Expanding Percutaneous Pulmonary Valves Using Virtual Reality
Authors: Zablah Jenny E. , Than Jeannie , Browne Lorna P. , Rodriguez Salvador , Morgan Gareth J. 
Published: March 2024

Background
In recent years, self‐expanding technology to treat pulmonary regurgitation in the native right ventricular outflow tract became Food and Drug Administration approved in the United States and is now routinely used. The current practice for selection of patients who are candidates for these devices includes screening for “anatomic fit,” performed by each of the manufacturing companies. Our study aims to validate the use of virtual reality (VR) as a tool for local physician‐led screening of patients.

Methods and Results
This retrospective study from Children's Hospital Colorado included patients who underwent pulmonary valve replacement and had screening for a Harmony TPV or Alterra Prestent performed between September 2020 and January 2022. The data from the commercial companies’ dedicated analysis for self‐expanding transcatheter pulmonary valve frames evaluation with perimeter analysis were collected. VR simulation was performed blinded by 2 congenital interventional cardiologists using Elucis VR software and an Oculus Quest 2 headset. Among the 27 evaluated cases, the use of a self‐expandable valve was recommended by companies’ dedicated analysis in 23 cases (85.2%), by VR assessment in 26 cases (96.3), and finally implanted in 25 cases (92.6%). Regarding the level of agreement, both modalities (manufacturer and VR) were good at screening‐in patients who received a self‐expanding valve (100% versus 96.1%). When it came to screening‐out the patients, VR presented good capacity to accurately classify nonsuitable patients (50% versus 100%).

Conclusions
Our institutional experience with VR transcatheter pulmonary valve implantation planning accurately predicted clinical outcomes. This paves the way for routine use of VR in patient selection for self‐expanding valve technologies.
Vector Symbolic Finite State Machines in Attractor Neural Networks
Authors: Cotteret Madison , Greatorex Hugh , Ziegler Martin , Chicca Elisabetta 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Hopfield attractor networks are robust distributed models of human memory, but they lack a general mechanism for effecting state-dependent attractor transitions in response to input. We propose construction rules such that an attractor network may implement an arbitrary finite state machine (FSM), where states and stimuli are represented by high-dimensional random vectors and all state transitions are enacted by the attractor network’s dynamics. Numerical simulations show the capacity of the model, in terms of the maximum size of implementable FSM, to be linear in the size of the attractor network for dense bipolar state vectors and approximately quadratic for sparse binary state vectors. We show that the model is robust to imprecise and noisy weights, and so a prime candidate for implementation with high-density but unreliable devices. By endowing attractor networks with the ability to emulate arbitrary FSMs, we propose a plausible path by which FSMs could exist as a distributed computational primitive in biological neural networks.
Tombstones, Stonemasons, and Mental Maps
Authors: Levin Vladimir , Oleshkevich Ekaterina 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
This article proposes a methodology for understanding the business networks and mental maps of Jewish communities in central and eastern Europe from the late nineteenth and first half of the twentieth centuries. The methodology is based on scrupulous documentation of Jewish tombstones, especially the signatures of stonemasons. Through analysis of the signatures found in the Jewish cemeteries of Croatia, geographical networks become apparent, and we can reconstruct the mental maps of Croatian Jews, both in the Austro-Hungarian period and in interwar Yugoslavia. The Jewish cemeteries in some other central European cities serve as comparative material for our discussion.
Animal Protection (husheng) and Ethical Eating Practices in Modern Chinese Buddhism
Authors: Tarocco Francesca 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
This article presents a historical and ethnographic examination of a range of practices connected with the teachings of non-violence and animal protection. I situate Buddhist-inspired vegetarianism in everyday practice rather than referring to clichéd ideas of “identity” and argue that practices connected with ethical eating and the “protection of sentient beings” are useful as a theoretical construct. Conceptualizing vegetarianism as practice can shed light on key aspects of the religious repertoire and the materialities of care that Buddhists can draw from as needed.
Idioms of Dignity and Respect: Addressing Elderly Strangers in Buddhist Monastic Publics in Reformed China
Authors: Shen Yang 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The paper examines the idioms of dignity and respect in addressing elderly individuals within Buddhist monastic publics in reformed China. It analyzes the use of three common address terms—jushi, shixiong, and lao pusa—and other phrasings as observed during fieldwork in Buddhist temples in Eastern and Southern China in the 2010s. By introducing the concept of “Buddhist monastic publics,” the study illuminates the dynamic interplay between a resident monastic life and the casual encounters of temple-goers. Address patterns are contextualized within the historical tension between monastic and lay statuses in a state-centric, Han-majority society, revealing fluctuating boundaries of inclusivity and exclusivity in Han Buddhist temple interactions. Overall, this study offers anthropological insights into the evolving dynamics of respect and recognition within contemporary Chinese Buddhist sociality. It highlights the diversity of discursive forms that inform and shape this social fabric, contributing to an interactionist interpretation of Buddhist temple engagement.