bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Carbon footprints of the equity portfolios of Chinese fund firms
Authors: Wang Jinglei , Guan Dabo , Zhang Zengkai , Chen Danbo , Yu Xiang 
Published: August 2023

AbstractUnder the dual carbon goals in China, the transition to a net-zero carbon economy requires massive amounts of capital, which must be provided and facilitated by financial institutions. Yet, there are no unified, publicly available disclosures of the investment carbon footprint of Chinese financial institutions, leaving them facing great climate-related risks. Here we demonstrate that the aggregated financed emissions show an upward trend from 2015, and the investment portfolios are more exposed to carbon-intensive assets, based on the equity portfolios of China’s 105 fund firms. We further explore the decarbonization potential for fund firms and show that sustainability-aware fund firms are characterized by financed emission reductions and carbon efficiency gains. To fulfill sustainable investing, China’s institutional investors should focus on investment allocations shifting to high-tech sectors and target the improvement of self-reported carbon emissions.
Preclinical evaluation of manufacturable SARS-CoV-2 spike virus-like particles produced in Chinese Hamster Ovary cells
Authors: Alpuche-Lazcano Sergio P. , Stuible Matthew , Akache Bassel , Tran Anh , Kelly John , Hrapovic Sabahudin , Robotham Anna , Haqqani Arsalan , Star Alexandra , Renner Tyler M. , Blouin Julie , Maltais Jean-Sébastien , Cass Brian , Cui Kai , Cho Jae-Young , Wang Xinyu , Zoubchenok Daria , Dudani Renu , Duque Diana , McCluskie Michael J. , Durocher Yves 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, novel vaccines need to be developed that are readily manufacturable and provide clinical efficacy against emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants. Virus-like particles (VLPs) presenting the spike antigen at their surface offer remarkable benefits over other vaccine antigen formats; however, current SARS-CoV-2 VLP vaccines candidates in clinical development suffer from challenges including low volumetric productivity, poor spike antigen density, expression platform-driven divergent protein glycosylation and complex upstream/downstream processing requirements. Despite their extensive use for therapeutic protein manufacturing and proven ability to produce enveloped VLPs, Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells are rarely used for the commercial production of VLP-based vaccines.

Methods
Using CHO cells, we aimed to produce VLPs displaying the full-length SARS-CoV-2 spike. Affinity chromatography was used to capture VLPs released in the culture medium from engineered CHO cells expressing spike. The structure, protein content, and glycosylation of spikes in VLPs were characterized by several biochemical and biophysical methods. In vivo, the generation of neutralizing antibodies and protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection was tested in mouse and hamster models.

Results
We demonstrate that spike overexpression in CHO cells is sufficient by itself to generate high VLP titers. These VLPs are evocative of the native virus but with at least three-fold higher spike density. In vivo, purified VLPs elicit strong humoral and cellular immunity at nanogram dose levels which grant protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Conclusions
Our results show that CHO cells are amenable to efficient manufacturing of high titers of a potently immunogenic spike protein-based VLP vaccine antigen.
Perceptual Learning of Dysarthria in Adolescence
Authors: Borrie Stephanie A. , Hepworth Taylor J. , Wynn Camille J. , Hustad Katherine C. , Barrett Tyson S. , Lansford Kaitlin L. 
Published: August 2023

Purpose:
As evidenced by perceptual learning studies involving adult listeners and speakers with dysarthria, adaptation to dysarthric speech is driven by signal predictability (speaker property) and a flexible speech perception system (listener property). Here, we extend adaptation investigations to adolescent populations and examine whether adult and adolescent listeners can learn to better understand an adolescent speaker with dysarthria.

Method:

Classified by developmental stage, adult (
n
= 42) and adolescent (
n
= 40) listeners completed a three-phase perceptual learning protocol (pretest, familiarization, and posttest). During pretest and posttest, all listeners transcribed speech produced by a 13-year-old adolescent with spastic dysarthria associated with cerebral palsy. During familiarization, half of the adult and adolescent listeners engaged in structured familiarization (audio and lexical feedback) with the speech of the adolescent speaker with dysarthria; and the other half, with the speech of a neurotypical adolescent speaker (control).

Results:
Intelligibility scores increased from pretest to posttest for all listeners. However, listeners who received dysarthria familiarization achieved greater intelligibility improvements than those who received control familiarization. Furthermore, there was a significant effect of developmental stage, where the adults achieved greater intelligibility improvements relative to the adolescents.

Conclusions:
This study provides the first tranche of evidence that adolescent dysarthric speech is learnable—a finding that holds even for adolescent listeners whose speech perception systems are not yet fully developed. Given the formative role that social interactions play during adolescence, these findings of improved intelligibility afford important clinical implications.
Power allocation optimization for hybrid information and energy transfer with massive MIMO downlink
Authors: Sun Wenfeng , Li Jizhong 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThis paper investigates the power allocation in a massive multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) downlink system, where the base station (BS) simultaneously transmits information and energy to information terminals and energy terminals without resorting to any wireless energy harvesting (EH) protocol, respectively. First, with respect to this system, the closed‐form expressions of achievable rate and harvested energy are, respectively, derived for Rayleigh fading channels. Then, from these expressions, three optimization problems are formulated based on quality‐of‐service (QoS) requirements, with the purposes of maximizing achievable sum rate, harvested sum energy and joint QoS requirements, respectively. The optimization problem of maximizing achievable sum rate is transformed into a sequence of geometric programmings (GPs), which can be solved efficiently with standard convex optimization tools. The optimization problem of maximizing harvested sum energy is proved to be solvable as a linear program. The optimization problem of maximizing joint QoS requirements is shown to be a multi‐objective optimization problem (MOOP) and solved by a one‐dimensional search based on GP. Finally, numerical results manifest that the proposed power allocation algorithms can provide good system performances of achievable sum rate and harvested sum energy, and jointly guarantee QoS fairness in terms of achievable rate and harvested energy.
MWC 656 is unlikely to contain a black hole
Authors: Janssens S. , Shenar T. , Degenaar N. , Bodensteiner J. , Sana H. , Audenaert J. , Frost A. J. 
Published: August 2023

Contact. MWC 656 was reported to be the first known Be star with a black-hole (BH) companion on a 60 d period. The mass of the proposed BH companion is estimated to be between 4 and 7 M⊙. This estimate is based on radial velocity (RV) measurements derived from the Fe IIλ4583 emission line of the Be star disc and from the He IIλ4686 emission line, assumed to be formed in a disc around the putative BH.
Aims. Using new high-resolution spectroscopic data, we investigate whether MWC 656 truly contains a BH.
Methods. We used the cross-correlation method to calculate the RVs of both the Be star and the He IIλ4686 emission line to derive a new orbital solution. We also used a spectral disentangling method to look for the spectral signature of a companion.
Results. We derived an orbital period of 59.028 ± 0.011 d and a mass ratio of q = MHe II/MBe = 0.12 ± 0.03, much lower than the previously reported value of q = 0.41 ± 0.07. By adopting a mass for the Be star of MBe = 7.8 ± 2.0 M⊙, the mass of the companion is 0.94 ± 0.34 M⊙. For the upper limit of MBe = 16 M⊙ and q = 0.15, the mass of the companion is 2.4 M⊙. Performing the disentangling on mock spectra shows that the spectral signature of a non-degenerate stellar companion with such a low mass cannot be retrieved using our data.
Conclusions. Our measurements do not support the presence of a BH companion in MWC 656. Rather, the derived upper limit on the mass of the companion indicates that it is either a neutron star, a white dwarf, or a hot helium star. Far-UV data will aid in rejecting or confirming a hot helium-star companion.
Heparin Resistance in the Pre-Cardiotomy Patient
Authors: Rivard Dennis C. 
Published: August 2023

Patients who undergo heart surgery utilizing cardiopulmonary bypass are systematically anticoagulated with heparin. Heparin is also used for anticoagulation in patients with myocardial infarctions. A discrepancy has been observed in reactivity to heparin in the operating room between patients who are on intravenous heparin and those who are not.
A comparison study utilizing 40 patients was performed. Group A consisted of 20 patients who had no heparin therapy history preoperatively. Group B consisted of 20 patients who had been on intravenous heparin therapy for up to four hours prior to their surgery. All patients were coronary artery bypass grafting candidates and were heparinized for cardiopulmonary bypass, utilizing a 3000u/kg protocol with a target activated clotting time (ACT) of 480 seconds. Heparin lot numbers were evenly distributed between the two groups.
Group A demonstrated a mean post heparin bolus ACT or 541 seconds, while group B showed a mean ACT or 358 seconds. The nonheparin therapy patients required a mean additional perioperative heparin dose of 3,800 units to maintain the ACT above 480 seconds. The heparin therapy patients had a mean additional dose or 16,500 units.
Patients who receive IV heparin therapy prior to cardiopulmonary bypass may require additional heparin to adequately anticoagulate them for extracorporeal circulation.
An Investigation Into the Influence of the pH of a Cardioplegic Solution on Markers of Myocardial Damage
Authors: Whittaker S. , Sergeant V. , Illingworth J.A. , Stoodley K. , Davies G.A. 
Published: August 2023

Although crystalloid cardioplegic solutions are generally buffered to be alkalotic, some workers have advocated the use of an acidotic solution. In order to evaluate the influence of the pH of a crystalloid cardioplegic solution on post-ischaemic markers of myocardial injury, we studied 30 rat hearts using an isolated perfused heart model, with a one hour ischaemic arrest at 20°C following single dose cardioplegia.
The pH of the cardioplegic solution was varied by adjusting the pCO2. Six pH levels were studied with five hearts at each level, (group 1 pH = 7.0102 ±0.0106 (±SEM) group 2 = 7.2044 ±0.0077, group 3 = 7.4074 ±0.0068, group 4 = 7.6082 ±0.0071, group 5 = 7.8010 ±0.0082, group 6 = 8.0352 ±0.0129).
Pre-arrest (control) and post-arrest coronary effluent enzyme levels, heart rate, coronary vascular resistance and ECG score were determined. In addition, times to spontaneous defibrillation were noted. There were no statistically significant differences between the control values.
The mean time in seconds from institution of reperfusion to spontaneous defibrillation in groups 1 to 6 respectively were 67.6 ±2.379, 62 ±1.949, 62 ±1.483 52.4 ±3.326, 58.6 ±1.631 and 55 ±2.55 (p<0.01 Kruskal-Wallis Test). Post-arrest mean heart rates were 190 (one heart only), 203.33 ±26.034, 217.5 ±17.017, 235 ±26.552, 214 ±16 and 208 ±15.29 (NS). The post-arrest mean ECG scores were 2.4 ±0.5099, 1.2 ±0.5831, 1.2 ±0.7348, 0.2 ±0.2, 0.6 ±0.2449 and 0.6 ±0.2449. (NS). Of note is that ECG scores of two or more were only seen in groups 1, 2 and 3. Post-arrest mean coronary vascular resistances were 134.6 ±18.819, 118.6 ±6.653, 78 ±4.461, 65.8 ±2.01, 68 ±1.342 and 72.2 ±5.774 (p<0.001). Post-arrest coronary effluent mean creatine phosphokinase levels were 703.21 ±149.97, 152.34 ±27.959, 141.11 ±12.67 ,80.568 ±16.025, 88.854 ±17.391 and 88.108 ±17.225 (p<0.005). Post-arrest coronary effluent mean lactate dehydrogenase levels were 244.02 ±60.516, 192.46 ±68.234, 141.66 ±56.317, 25.55 ±10.974, 41.366 ±4.428 and 35.2 ±8.473 (p<0.001).
Clinical Trials of a New Infant Membrane Oxygenator
Authors: Merrill J. , Akers T. , Sutton RG , Riley JB , Sade RM , Crawford FA 
Published: August 2023

Clinical trials of a new infant/pediatric hollow fiber membrane oxygenator were performed at the Medical University of South Carolina with parental consent. The oxygenator has a static priming volume of 170 ml with a rated blood flow of 2.5 1/min. Circuit priming volumes ranged from 800 to 1000 ml. The oxygenator was used on 15 infant/pediatric patients ranging from five days to 10.4 years of age, with BSAs of 0.2 to 1.01 m2.
Results show no significant differences in plasma-free hemoglobin or platelet counts between pre-op and fourth day postop. Statistical analysis of the clinical data were used to produce theoretical (TH) and clinical (CL) multiple linear regression equations which enable the perfusionist to predict the minimal FiO2 and gas flow (GF) for desired PaO2 and alpha stat PaCO2.

TH-FiO2 TH-GF CL-FiO2 CL-GF
r=.91 r=.80 r=.89 r=.79
(p < 0.0001 for all values)

This oxygenator can be safely used for a relatively large range (3 to 25 kg) of infant and pediatric patients with statistically predictable results.
The Heart-Lung Pump/Human Interface: A Real Time Microcomputer-Based Simulation
Authors: Davis Richard B. 
Published: August 2023

A microcomputer based simulation of the important processes which occur during cardiopulmonary bypass has been developed for preclinical practice for perfusion technologist trainees. The interface to the computer is through a custom designed electronic console with controls for five pump heads, heat exchanger water temperature, gas flow and content, oxygenator and cardiotomy reservoir heights, clamp detection for flow control and variable venous clamping. A keypad is provided for menu driven entry of patient characteristics, timer control, data requests, drug and fluid administration and perfusion system data.
The system operates in real time with waveform and digital data displays of information typically available to the perfusion technologist clinically. The timing and accuracy of the presented information is controlled by the program and patient responses calculated with randomly selected deviations.
Major components of the simulation have been compared to clinical data. Mean error for oxygen content was 0.67%, for CO2 transfer -0.014ml/l/min and for heat exchanger performance -0.018°C. The simulation has been used for preclinical student training and found to be effective for both practice and student evaluation.
Thrombocytopenia Absent Radius (TAR)-Syndrome: From Current Genetics to Patient Self-Empowerment
Authors: Strauss Gabriele , Mott Kristina , Klopocki Eva , Schulze Harald 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThrombocytopenia absent radius (TAR) syndrome is a rare form of hereditary thrombocytopenia associated with a bilateral radial aplasia. TAR syndrome is genetically defined by the combination of a microdeletion on chromosome 1 which includes the gene RBM8A, and a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the second RBM8A allele. While most patients with TAR syndrome harbor a SNP in either the 5′ UTR region or in intron 1 of RBM8A, further SNPs associated with TAR syndrome are still being identified. Here, we report on the current understanding of the genetic basis, diagnosis, and therapy of TAR syndrome and discuss patient self-empowerment by enabling networking and exchange between affected individuals and families.
State-of-the-Art Targeted High-Throughput Sequencing for Detecting Inherited Platelet Disorders
Authors: Gebetsberger Jennifer , Mott Kristina , Bernar Aline , Klopocki Eva , Streif Werner , Schulze Harald 
Published: August 2023

AbstractInherited platelet disorders (IPDs) are a heterogeneous group of rare entities caused by molecular divergence in genes relevant for platelet formation and function. A rational diagnostic approach is necessary to counsel and treat patients with IPDs. With the introduction of high-throughput sequencing at the beginning of this millennium, a more accurate diagnosis of IPDs has become available. We discuss advantages and limitations of genetic testing, technical issues, and ethical aspects. Additionally, we provide information on the clinical significance of different classes of variants and how they are correctly reported.
A Golden Synthetic Approach to 2-(1H-Pyrrol-1-yl)anilines and Pyrrolo[1,2-a]quinoxalines through a Gold Carbene Intermediate
Authors: Menges Nurettin , Tasdemir Volkan , Genç Hasan 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe pyrrolo[1,2-a]quinoxaline skeleton has significant potential for many biological and optical applications. Hence, in this study, unconjugated ynone derivatives were treated with 1,2-diaminoarenes in a gold-catalyzed cyclization to give 2-(1H-pyrrol-1-yl)anilines, which are valuable starting materials, and pyrrolo[1,2-a]quinoxalines by a one-pot and single-step approach. A reaction mechanism for the formation of the pyrrolo[1,2-a]quinoxaline skeleton featuring a key gold carbene intermediate is proposed. On the other hand, the methyl group on the C-2 position of the 2-(1H-pyrrol-1-yl)anilines was oxidized by SeO2 to give the pyrrolo[1,2-a]quinoxaline skeleton, resulting in 14 different pyrrolo[1,2-a]quinoxaline derivatives.
Frozen Elephant Trunk for Acute Type A Dissection: Is Risk from Procedure or Patient Characteristics?
Authors: Wilson King R. , Carroll Adam M. , Higa Kelly C. , Cleveland Joseph C. , Rove Jessica Y. , Aftab Muhammad , Brett Reece Thomas 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background The initial goal of acute Type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) repair remains to get the patient off the table safely. More extensive repair is being pushed at the index operation with the frozen elephant trunk (FET) operation, but outcomes are suggested to be worse. However, we hypothesize that the risk associated with the FET in ATAAD is from the patient presenting factors rather than the operation itself.
Methods A retrospective review of a single institution prospective database from 2015 to 2021 was performed. Two cohorts were created based on the indication for FET: evidence of radiographic malperfusion (n = 44) or clinical malperfusion (n = 31). Data were analyzed for preoperative characteristics, intraoperative characteristics, and postoperative outcomes. Statistical univariate analysis was performed with chi-square analysis and t-tests with significance determined at an alpha level of 0.05.
Results Preoperative characteristics were similar in each group, independent of malperfusion markers. The intraoperative characteristics were similar, except the clinical malperfusion group had more packed red blood cells and cryoprecipitate given. The clinical malperfusion group had longer intensive care unit length of stay (p < 0.001), more postoperative strokes (p < 0.001), more reoperations (p <0.0001), and higher mortality rate (p = 0.0003).
Conclusion These data suggest that clinical malperfusion increases the risk of major complications and death. However, full arch replacement with FET in the absence of clinical malperfusion does not appear to add risk to the operation for ATAAD. Patients with increased risk of distal degeneration should be considered for more aggressive replacement to avoid subsequent arch replacement.
A Potential Antibody–Drug Conjugate Targeting Human LIV1 for the Treatment of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Zhang Wei , Liu Hong , Zhuang Wei-Liang , Li Yuan , Xie Li-Ping , Hu You-Jia 
Published: August 2023

AbstractTriple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), which accounts for 15 to 20% of incidents of breast cancer, is the only breast cancer subtype that lacks targeted treatments. It was reported in the literature that LIV1 was highly expressed in TNBC and other solid tumors. This makes LIV1 a potential target for the treatment of TNBC. This study aimed to develop an anti-LIV1 antibody for the treatment of TNBC. In this study, a novel anti-LIV1 antibody Ab1120 was developed and conjugated with monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE) to obtain the antibody–drug conjugate, Ab1120-vcMMAE. The Cell Counting Kit-8 method was used to assess the killing effect of the antibody–drug conjugate on cell lines MDA-MB−231 (high LIV1 expression of breast cancer cell line), MDA-MB-468 (low LIV1 expression of breast cell line), and 293C18 (LIV1-negative human embryonic kidney cell). The antitumor effect of Ab1120-vcMMAE on an MDA-MB-231 xenograft model was determined by evaluating the tumor volume and body weight after its treatment. In vitro analysis showed that Ab1120-vcMMAE is a potent inhibitor against the proliferation of a LIV1 overexpression cell line. The in vivo results demonstrated its antitumor activity in the cell-derived xenograft breast tumor mouse model. The results of this study suggest that Ab1120-vcMMAE may be used as a new therapeutic drug for patients with LIV1 high-expression breast cancer.
Congenital Bilateral Radio-Humeral Synostosis*
Authors: Yadav V.N.S. , Mall B. 
Published: August 2023

SummaryA rare case of congenital bilateral undifferentiated elbow with radiohumeral synostosis, with bilateral absence of ulnar ray components in the forearm and hand, with deformities of hands i.e. syndactyly in left hand fingers and hypoplasia of thumb with webbing of first space in the right hand, in a 3 years old female child, is being reported in this communication.
Micro-Angiographic Studies of End-to End Anastomosis of Femoral Artery in Rats*
Authors: Tripathi F.M. , Chaudhury A.K. , Rai D.K. 
Published: August 2023

SummaryFifteen albino rats each weighing 300 to 400 gms were selected for micro angiographic studies. Microsurgical end-to-end femoral vein anastomosis was carried out and cream-o-bar 50% aqueous suspension was injected with the help of a D.K. Injector. A patency rate of 73% was achieved in the six week follow up study. Results of angiographic changes observed in the vascular lumen following anastomosis have been analysed and are being presented.
Spectrally shaped and pulse-by-pulse multiplexed multimode squeezed states of light
Authors: Kouadou Tiphaine , Sansavini F. , Ansquer M. , Henaff J. , Treps N. , Parigi V. 
Published: August 2023

Spectral- and time-multiplexing are currently explored to generate large multipartite quantum states of light for quantum technologies. In the continuous variable approach, the deterministic generation of scalable entangled states requires the generation of a scalable number of squeezed modes. Here, we demonstrate the simultaneous generation of 21 squeezed spectral modes at the repetition rate of our laser, i.e., 156 MHz. We exploit the full repetition rate and the pulse shaping of a femtosecond light source to combine, for the first time, frequency- and time-multiplexing in multimode squeezing. This paves the way for the implementation of multipartite entangled states that are both scalable and fully reconfigurable.