bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of memory humoral responses in Hepatitis B vaccine recipients using an in-house B cell Enzyme-Linked Immunospot assay
Authors: Nanyingi Hasifah , Musinguzi Benson , Kato Paul , Bagaya Bernard 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Introduction:
Hepatitis B vaccination has over time provided immense protection to recipients with guidelines endorsing anti-HBsAg titres of ≥ 10IU/ml to correlate with immune protection. hepatitis B surface antibody titres alone may not be a good correlate as it does not measure memory B cells. Protection has been demonstrated in individuals with titres ˂10Ul/ml mediated by memory B cells. Measurement of which isn’t commonly done due to difficulty in detection owing to lack of methods and reagents that allow reliable discrimination of antigen specific cells. This study aimed to establish a B-cell Enzyme-Linked Immunospot (ELISPOT) assay protocol at Virus Research Institute/International Vaccine HIV Vaccine Program (UVRI/IAVI) and evaluate its utility in measuring of hepatitis-B vaccine-induced memory B cells responses among of hepatitis-B virus vaccine recipients.
Methods
A cultured Enzyme-Linked Immunospot method was followed; 7 Peripheral Blood Mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from vaccinated donors with known and detectable Hepatitis B surface antibody titres and 2 unvaccinated donors with no previous exposure or detectable Hepatitis B surface antibody titres were used to ensure optimal assay conditions.
Results
Activation of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear cells using Interleukin 2 and R848 cocktail demonstrated highest and superior induction of antibody secreting cells compared to hepatitis-B virus vaccine specific stimulation and the widely used polyclonal activation method using CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG- ODN), Pokeweed mitogen and Staphylococcus aureus Cowans strain cocktail. Use of Interleukin 2 and R848 cocktail possessed an additional advantage of reduction in activation time with an optimal period established after four days of culture. This was however characterized with the production of up to 100,000 antibody secreting cells/1.0x106 Peripheral Blood Mononuclear cells with no Hepatitis B specific antibody secreting cells.
Conclusions
Our results seemed to suggest that an in-house B cell IgG Enzyme-Linked Immunospot assay may not be the best method to characterize Hepatitis B specific memory B cells. Other Studies to test the use of commercially available B cell epitopes and their validity for use in in-vitro assays could probably help inform efforts to improve the sensitivity of the assay.
Identification and characterization of endo- and exo-hydrolases cleaving the α- and β-D-arabinofuranosidic bonds of lipoarabinomannan and arabinogalactan of Mycobacteria
Authors: Shimokawa Michiko , Ishiwata Akihiro , Kashima Toma , Nakashima Chiho , Li Jiaman , Fukushima Riku , Sawai Naomi , Nakamori Miku , Tanaka Yuuki , Kudo Azusa , Morikami Sae , Iwanaga Nao , Akai Genki , Shimizu Nobutaka , Arakawa Takatoshi , Yamada Chihaya , Kitahara Kanefumi , Tanaka Katsunori , Ito Yukishige , Fushinobu Shinya , Fujita Kiyotaka 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Cell walls of pathogenic and acidophilic bacteria, such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium leprae, comprise lipoarabinomannan and arabinogalactan, which are composed of D-arabinose, the enantiomer of the typical l-arabinose found in plants. Their unusual glycan structures serve to immune-evasive of pathogenic mycobacteria. In this study, we identified four enzymes (two GHxxx endo-d-arabinanases, GH172 exo-α-D-arabinofuranosidase, and GH116 exo-β-D-arabinofuranosidase) from Microbacterium arabinogalactanolyticum that degrade the D-arabinan core structure of lipoarabinomannan and arabinogalactan. These enzymes completely degraded the complex glycans in a concerted manner. Furthermore, based on biochemical characterization using synthetic substrates and X-ray crystallography, we revealed the substrate recognition and anomer-retaining hydrolytic reaction mechanisms of the α- and β-D-arabinofuranosidic bonds in endo- and exo-mode reactions.
Performance of RIS-Aided Nearfield Localization under Beams Approximation from Real Hardware Characterization
Authors: RAHAL Moustafa , Denis Benoit , Keykhosravi Kamran , Keskin Furkan Musa , Uguen Bernard , Alexandropoulos George C. , Wymeersch Henk 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
The technology of reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS) has been showing promising potential in a variety of applications relying on Beyond-5G networks. Reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) can indeed provide fine channel flexibility to improve communication quality of service (QoS) or restore localization capabilities in challenging operating conditions, while conventional approaches fail (e.g., due to insufficient infrastructure, severe radio obstructions). In this paper, we tackle a general low-complexity approach for optimizing the precoders that control such reflective surfaces under hardware constraints. More specifically, it allows the approximation of any desired beam pattern using a pre-characterized look-up table of feasible complex reflection coefficients for each RIS element. The proposed method is first evaluated in terms of beam fidelity for several examples of RIS hardware prototypes. Then, by means of a theoretical bounds analysis, we examine the impact of RIS beams approximation on the performance of near-field downlink positioning in non-line-of-sight conditions, while considering several RIS phase profiles (incl. directional, random and localization-optimal designs). Simulation results in a canonical scenario illustrate how the introduced RIS profile optimization scheme can reliably produce the desired RIS beams under realistic hardware limitations. They also highlight its sensitivity to both the underlying hardware characteristics and the required beam kinds in relation to the specificity of RIS-aided localization applications.
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FNDC5 prevents oxidative stress and neuronal apoptosis after traumatic brain injury through SIRT3-dependent regulation of mitochondrial quality control
Authors: Ge Shunnan , Ge yufeng , wu xun , Cai Yaning , Hu Qing , Wang Jin , Zhang Shenghao , Zhao Baocheng , Cui Wenxing , Wu Yang , Wang Qiang , Feng Tian , Liu Haixiao , Qu Yan 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress are important mechanisms for secondary injury after traumatic brain injury (TBI), which result in progressive pathophysiological exacerbation. Although the Fibronectin type III domain-containing 5 (FNDC5) was reported to repress oxidative stress by retaining mitochondrial biogenesis and dynamics, while its possible role in the secondary injury after TBI remain obscure. In the present study, we observed thatthe level of plasma irisin (the cleavage product of FNDC5) significantly correlated with the neurological outcomes ofTBI patients. Knockout of FNDC5increased the lesion volume and exacerbated apoptosis and neurological deficitsafter TBI in mice, whileFNDC5 overexpression yielded a neuroprotective effect. Moreover, FNDC5 deficiency disrupted mitochondrial dynamics and function. Activation of Sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) alleviated FNDC5 deficiency-induced disruption of mitochondrial dynamics and bioenergetics. In neuron-specific SIRT3 knockout mice, FNDC5failed to attenuateTBI-induced mitochondrial damage and brain injuries. Mechanically, FNDC5 deficiency led to reduced SIRT3 expression via enhanced ubiquitin degradation of transcription factor Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2), which contributed to the hyperacetylation and inactivation of key regulatory proteins of mitochondrial dynamics and function, including OPA1 and SOD2. Finally, engineered RVG29-conjugated nanoparticles were generated to selectively and efficiently deliver irisin to the brain of mice, which yielded a satisfactory curative effect against TBI. In conclusion, FNDC5/irisin exerts a protective role against acute brain injury by promoting SIRT3-dependent mitochondrial quality control and thus represents a potential target for neuroprotection after TBI.
Multiple functions of gibberellin in modulating plant height, stem strength and drought tolerance
Authors: WU HAO , Bai Beibei , Li Haiyan 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Maize is one of the most widely grown crops in the world. Since the increasing demand of maize supply and extreme weather effects on maize yield, breeding of maize varieties possessing increased yield and enhanced tolerance against biotic/abiotic stresses becomes critical. Gibberellin (GA) plays an important role in regulating diverse aspects of plant height, stem growth and plant responses under drought stress. In this study, a dwarf maize mutant was screened from an EMS-induced mutant library of maize B73. The mutated gene was identified to be KS, which transcripts an ent-kaurene synthase (KS) enzyme functioning in the early biosynthesis of GA, the mutant was named as ks3-1. A significant decrease in endogenous GA amount was verified in ks3-1. A significantly decreased stem strength of the ks3-1, compared with that of wild type B73, was found. Significant decreases in the cellulose and lignin content, as well as the number of epidermal cell layers, were further characterized in ks3-1. The expression levels of genes responsible for cellulose and lignin biosynthesis were induced by exogenous GA treatment. Under drought stress conditions, the survival rate of ks3-1 was significantly higher than that of the wild type B73. The survival rate of both wild type B73 and ks3-1decreased significantly after exogenous GA treatment. In conclusion, we summarized that a decreased level of GA in ks3-1 caused a decreased plant height, a decreased stem strength as a result of cell wall defects, and an increased drought tolerance. Our results would shed light on the importance of GA and GA defective mutants in genetic improvement of maize and breeding maize varieties.
Discovery and fine-mapping of lipid traits loci in 125,000 individuals of African ancestry
Authors: Kamiza Abram , Touré Sounkou , Zhou Fend , Soremekun Opeyemi , Cissé Cheickna , Wele Mamadou , Touré Aboubacrine , Nashiru Oyekanmi , Corpas Manuel , Nyirenda Moffat , Crampin Amelia , Shaffer Jeffrey , Doumbia Seydou , Zeggini Eleftheria , Morris Andrew , Asimit Jennifer , Chikowore Tinashe , Fatumo Segun 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Most of the genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for lipid traits focus on single lipid traits. There are limited GWASs evaluating the variants associated with two or more lipid traits in African ancestry. To further identify and localize genetic loci with pleiotropic effects on lipid traits, we conducted a genome-wide meta-analysis, multi-trait analysis of genome-wide association studies (MTAG), and multi-trait fine mapping of up to 125,000 individuals of African ancestry. Our GWAS meta-analysis and MTAG identified four and 14 novel loci associated with lipid traits in individuals of African ancestry, respectively. flashfm multi-trait fine-mapping, which leverages information between the traits, yielded an 18% mean reduction in the 99% credible set size, compared to single-trait fine-mapping with JAM. Moreover, we identified more genetic variants with a posterior probability of causality > 0.9 with flashfm than JAM. In conclusion, we have identified additional novel loci associated with lipid traits in individuals of African ancestry and our flashfm fine-mapping significantly reduced the 99% credible set size to identify the causal genetic variants associated with multiple lipid traits in individuals of African ancestry.
Restoration and Sustainability of Earthen Architecture: Ksar of Khanguet Sidi Nadji in the Algerian Sahara as a Case Study
Authors: Zaghez Imen , Attoui Redha , Saou-Dufrêne Bernadette 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Earthen architecture has a rich history of providing durable and sustainable shelter for humans. However, many of these heritage sites are now facing abandonment and obsolescence. Kasr Khanguet Sidi Nadji in the Algerian Sahara is not exempt from this reality. To address this critical situation, we propose a sustainable, eco-friendly, and cost-effective solution for the restoration of the Ksar that takes into account the needs of its residents and its heritage value. Our approach utilizes the anastylosis method which implies that we reuse original on-site components as building materials whenever possible. We introduce new materials only when necessary after subjecting them to rigorous testing and control. Additionally, we take into account the complex challenges of human, natural, and technical factors involved in the restoration process, offering a practical solution to restore and preserve the earthen heritage of the Ksar while benefiting its residents.
Feeding ecology of the obligate urchin symbiont Dactylopleustes yoshimurai (Crustacea: Amphipoda: Pleustidae) revealed by DNA metabarcoding analysis.
Authors: Kodama Masafumi , Yamazaki Ryoga , Hayakawa Jun , Murata Gakuto , Tomikawa Ko , Kawamura Tomohiko , Kume Gen , Kobari Toru 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Symbiosis includes commensalism, mutualism, and parasitism, however in many symbiotic relationships, it is difficult to determine which type they are in. Since trophic-linkage is a necessary factor to determine this, data on feeding ecology of symbionts is essential to understand symbiont-host relationships. Amphipods of the genus Dactylopleustes are known as obligate urchin symbionts. Though their ecology remains largely unknown, Dactylopleustes was recently reported to aggregate on diseased hosts, suggesting that Dactylopleustes feeds on diseased urchins’ tissues and uses urchins as both a habitat and prey. We investigated by DNA metabarcoding analyses, the feeding ecology of Dactylopleustes yoshimurai in relation to growth and whether host is disease or not. Contrary to our hypothesis, sequence reads from the gut contents were dominated by planktonic copepods regardless of body size or host disease. These results suggest that they mainly feed on copepod fecal pellets deposited on sediments, and do not have a strong trophic-linkage with their host. Large individuals on diseased urchins feed more on urchins than those on healthy urchins. However, their main prey still remains copepods, implying that host disease has a limited effect on the feeding behavior. In conclusion, our study supports this species is not a strong parasite but more of a commensal of urchins.
Models of “Real World” health research: A critical review
Authors: Fitzsimmons Deborah , Ganga Rafaela Neiva , Smith Grahame , Ali Mustafa , Greenop Daz 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Background The increasing call for real world evidence has resulted in a diverse range of studies being conducted using the broad “real world” descriptor. We conducted a critical review of how researchers are incorporating the real world in their evaluation of health innovations. Our aim was to develop a framework to categorise existing research approaches and to establish a more precise lexicon for real world health research models.Methods Five electronic databases were searched in July 2021 (PubMed, MEDLINE, Web-of-Science databases, Cochrane library and SCOPUS) for primary research articles presenting validations, evaluations, evidence or data drawn from real world, pragmatic or realist studies for health related innovations. 1762 records were identified. Two authors independently screened papers by title and abstract (n = 291), followed by a full-text screening (n = 104). 33 included studies were critically reviewed to determine the nature of the “real world” elements used in each of the research studies.Results It was shown that whilst authors used a wide variety of terms to describe their studies, they could be grouped into three categories according to the aim of the study. Two of the categories, the pragmatic study and the proof of concept study were derived from current published definitions. We identify the need for a category that provides evidence on the population using an innovation, rather than as an evaluation of the innovation itself.Conclusions We propose a fourth category – real world validation – and explain why it should be reserved for evidence meeting very specific criteria.
Synthesis and characterization of Related Substances of Ampicillin – A β-Lactam Antibiotics
Authors: suresh chilamkurthi , Devi Dharmasoth Rama , Basavaiah Keloth , Reddy Aaramadaka Sunil Kumar , rao K. V. V. Prasada , Kumar Guduri Anil 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
The present research work narratesthe synthesis, origin and characterization of related substances of Ampicillin trihydrate Viz: Ampicillinyl-d-phenylglycine (Ph. Eur impurity E) & l-Ampicillin (Ph. Eur impurity B). The impurity Ampicillinyl-d-phenylglycine generates during the preparation of Ampicillin trihydrate, amidation may occur with carboxylic acid of Ampicillin with d-phenylglycine to give Ampicillinyl-d-phenylglycine, the impurity l-Ampicillin may arise due to the presence of traces l-phenylglycine methylester in d-phenylglycine methylester hydrochloride which may result in the formation of l-Ampicllin. A facile synthetic process for these impurities was developed from the commercially available raw materials.
Study protocol on effectiveness of yoga practice on Composite Biomarker Age Predictors (yBioAge) in an Elderly Indian Cohort- Two-Armed Open Label Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Majumdar Vijaya , NK Manjunath , Snigdha Atmakur , Chakraborty Prosenjeet , Majumdar Robin 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Introduction: The recent development of robust indices to quantify biological aging, along with the dynamic epidemiological transitions of population aging generate the unmet need to examine the extent up to which potential interventions can delay, halt or temporarily modulate aging trajectories.
Methods and analysis: The study is a two-armed, open label randomised controlled trial. We aim to recruit 166 subjects, aged 60–75 years from the residential communities and old age clubs in Bangalore city, India, who will undergo randomisation into intervention or control arms (1:1). Intervention will include yoga sessions tailored for the older adults, 1 hour per day for 5 days a week, spread for 12 months. Data would be collected at the baseline, 26th week and 52nd week. The primary outcome of the study is estimation in biological age with yoga practice. The secondary outcomes will include cardinal mechanistic indicators of aging- telomere length, interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor receptor II (TNF-RII), high sensitivity c-reactive protein (hsCRP)], insulin signaling [insulin and IGF1], renal function [cystatin], senescence [growth differentiating factor 15 (GDF-15)] and cardiovascular function [N-terminal B-type natriuretic peptides (NT-proBNP)]. Analyses will be by intention-to-treat model.
Ethics & Dissemination: The study is approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee of Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana University, Bangalore (ID:RES/IEC-SVYASA/242/2022). Written informed consent will be obtained from each participant prior to inclusion.
Trial registration number: CTRI/2022/07/044442
Pattern Completion and Rate Remapping in Retrosplenial Cortex
Authors: Navratilova Zaneta , Banerjee Dhruba , Muqolli Fjolla , Zhang Jordan , Gandhi Sunil , McNaughton Bruce 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Principles governing the encoding, storage, and updating of memories in cortical networks are poorly understood. In retrosplenial cortex (RSC), cells respond to the animal’s position as it navigates a real or virtual (VR) linear track. Position correlated cells (PCCs) in RSC require an intact hippocampus to form. To examine whether PCCs undergo pattern completion and remapping like hippocampal cells, neuronal activity in RSC or CA1 was recorded using two-photon calcium imaging in mice running on VR tracks. RSC and CA1 PCC activity underwent global and rate remapping depending on the degree of change to familiar environments. The formation of position correlated fields in both regions required stability across laps; however, once formed, PCCs became robust to object destabilization, indicating pattern completion of the previously formed memory. Thus, memory and remapping properties were conserved between RSC and CA1, suggesting that these functional properties are transmitted to cortex to support memory functions.
Realization of Non-Hermitian Hopf Bundle Matter
Authors: Kim Yung , Park Hee Chul , Kyung Minwook , Lee Kyungmin , Ryu Jung-Wan , You Oubo , Zhang Shuang , Min Bumki , Park Moon Jip 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Line excitations in topological phases are a subject of particular interest because their mutual linking structures encode robust topological information of matter. It has been recently shown that the linking and winding of complex eigenenergy strings can classify one-dimensional non-Hermitian topological matter. However, in higher dimensions, bundles of linked strings can emerge such that every string is mutually linked with all the other strings. Interestingly, despite being an unconventional topological structure, a non-Hermitian Hopf bundle has not been experimentally clarified. Here, we make the first attempt to explore the non-Hermitian Hopf bundle by visualizing the global linking structure of spinor strings in the momentum space of a two-dimensional electric circuit. By exploiting the flexibility of reconfigurable couplings between circuit nodes, we can study the non-Hermitian topological phase transition and gain insight into the intricate structure of the Hopf bundle. Furthermore, we find that the emergence of a higher-order skin effect in real space is accompanied by the linking of spinor strings in momentum space, revealing a bulk-boundary correspondence between the two domains. The proposed non-Hermitian Hopf bundle platform and visualization methodology pave the way to design new topologically robust non-Hermitian phases of matter.
Eliminating Leakage in Volatile Memory with Anti-Ferroelectric Transistors
Authors: Zhong Hongtao , Zheng Zijie , Jiao Leming , Zhou Zuopu , Sun Chen , Ma Xiaoyang , Narayanan Vijaykrishnan , Yang Huazhong , Ni Kai , Gong Xiao , Li Xueqing 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Cache serves as a temporary data memory module in many general-purpose processors and domain-specific accelerators. Its density, power, speed, and reliability play a critical role in enhancing the overall system performance and quality of service. Conventional volatile memories, including static random-access memory (SRAM) and embedded dynamic random-access memory (eDRAM) in the complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor technology, have high performance and good reliability. However, the inherent leakage in both SRAM and eDRAM hinders further improvement towards smaller feature sizes and higher energy efficiency. Although the emerging nonvolatile memories can eliminate the leakage efficiently, the penalties of lower speed and degraded reliability are significant. This article reveals a new opportunity towards leakage-free volatile static memory beyond the known paradigms of existing volatile and nonvolatile memories. By engineering a double-well energy landscape with the assistance of a clamping voltage bias, leakage-free and refresh-free state retention of volatile memory is achieved for the first time. This new memory is highlighted by both the ultra-low leakage of nonvolatile memories and the speed, energy, and reliability advantages of volatile memories. A proof-of-concept memory is demonstrated using in-house anti-ferroelectric field-effect transistors (AFeFETs), delivering an extrapolated endurance of about 1012 cycles, a retention time of over 10 years, and no subthreshold channel leakage current. Such a new concept of AFeFET-based memory enables an improved balance between density, power, and reliability beyond all existing memory solutions.