bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Immunogenicity and protective efficacy of a recombinant protein subunit vaccine and an inactivated vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 variants in non-human primates
Authors: He Qian , Mao Qunying , Peng Xiaozhong , He Zhanlong , Lu Shuaiyao , Zhang Jialu , Gao Fan , Bian Lianlian , An Chaoqiang , Yu Wenhai , Yang Fengmei , Zhou Yanan , Yang Yun , Li Yanyan , Yuan Yadi , Yan Xujia , Yang Jinghuan , Wu Xing , Huang Weijin , Li Changgui , Wang Junzhi , Liang Zhenglun , Xu Miao 
Published: March 2022

AbstractEmerging SARS-CoV-2 variants and the gradually decreasing neutralizing antibodies over time post vaccination have led to an increase in incidents of breakthrough infection across the world. To investigate the potential protective effect of the recombinant protein subunit COVID-19 vaccine targeting receptor-binding domain (RBD) (PS-RBD) and whole inactivated virus particle vaccine (IV) against the variant strains, in this study, rhesus macaques were immunized with PS-RBD or IV vaccine, followed by a Beta variant (B.1.351) challenge. Although neutralizing activity against the Beta variant was reduced compared with that against the prototype, the decreased viral load in both upper and lower respiratory tracts, milder pathological changes, and downregulated inflammatory cytokine levels in lung tissues after challenge demonstrated that PS-RBD and IV still provided effective protection against the Beta variant in the macaque model. Furthermore, PS-RBD-induced macaque sera possessed general binding and neutralizing activity to Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Omicron variants in our study, though the neutralizing antibody (NAb) titers declined by varying degrees, demonstrating potential protection of PS-RBD against current circulating variants of concern (VOCs). Interestingly, although the IV vaccine-induced extremely low neutralizing antibody titers against the Beta variant, it still showed reduction for viral load and significantly alleviated pathological change. Other correlates of vaccine-induced protection (CoP) like antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and immune memory were both confirmed to be existing in IV vaccinated group and possibly be involved in the protective mechanism.
Kinase activity profiling identifies putative downstream targets of cGMP/PKG signaling in inherited retinal neurodegeneration
Authors: Roy Akanksha , Tolone Arianna , Hilhorst Riet , Groten John , Tomar Tushar , Paquet-Durand François 
Published: March 2022

AbstractInherited retinal diseases (IRDs) are a group of neurodegenerative disorders that lead to photoreceptor cell death and eventually blindness. IRDs are characterised by a high genetic heterogeneity, making it imperative to design mutation-independent therapies. Mutations in a number of IRD disease genes have been associated with a rise of cyclic 3’,5’-guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels in photoreceptors. Accordingly, the cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) has emerged as a new potential target for the mutation-independent treatment of IRDs. However, the substrates of PKG and the downstream degenerative pathways triggered by its activity have yet to be determined. Here, we performed kinome activity profiling of different murine organotypic retinal explant cultures (diseased rd1 and wild-type controls) using multiplex peptide microarrays to identify proteins whose phosphorylation was significantly altered by PKG activity. In addition, we tested the downstream effect of a known PKG inhibitor CN03 in these organotypic retina cultures. Among the PKG substrates were potassium channels belonging to the Kv1 family (KCNA3, KCNA6), cyclic AMP-responsive element-binding protein 1 (CREB1), DNA topoisomerase 2-α (TOP2A), 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-biphosphatase 3 (F263), and the glutamate ionotropic receptor kainate 2 (GRIK2). The retinal expression of these PKG targets was further confirmed by immunofluorescence and could be assigned to various neuronal cell types, including photoreceptors, horizontal cells, and ganglion cells. Taken together, this study confirmed the key role of PKG in photoreceptor cell death and identified new downstream targets of cGMP/PKG signalling that will improve the understanding of the degenerative mechanisms underlying IRDs.
Changes to gut amino acid transporters and microbiome associated with increased E/I ratio in Chd8+/− mouse model of ASD-like behavior
Authors: Yu You , Zhang Bing , Ji Peifeng , Zuo Zhenqiang , Huang Yongxi , Wang Ning , Liu Chang , Liu Shuang-Jiang , Zhao Fangqing 
Published: March 2022

AbstractAutism spectrum disorder (ASD), a group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by social communication deficits and stereotyped behaviors, may be associated with changes to the gut microbiota. However, how gut commensal bacteria modulate brain function in ASD remains unclear. Here, we used chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein 8 (CHD8) haploinsufficient mice as a model of ASD to elucidate the pathways through which the host and gut microbiota interact with each other. We found that increased levels of amino acid transporters in the intestines of the mouse model of ASD contribute to the high level of serum glutamine and the increased excitation/inhibition (E/I) ratio in the brain. In addition, elevated α-defensin levels in the haploinsufficient mice resulted in dysregulation of the gut microbiota characterized by a reduced abundance of Bacteroides. Furthermore, supplementation with Bacteroides uniformis improved the ASD-like behaviors and restored the E/I ratio in the brain by decreasing intestinal amino acid transport and the serum glutamine levels. Our study demonstrates associations between changes in the gut microbiota and amino acid transporters, and ASD-like behavioral and electrophysiology phenotypes, in a mouse model.
Causal networks of phytoplankton diversity and biomass are modulated by environmental context
Authors: Chang Chun-Wei , Miki Takeshi , Ye Hao , Souissi Sami , Adrian Rita , Anneville Orlane , Agasild Helen , Ban Syuhei , Be’eri-Shlevin Yaron , Chiang Yin-Ru , Feuchtmayr Heidrun , Gal Gideon , Ichise Satoshi , Kagami Maiko , Kumagai Michio , Liu Xin , Matsuzaki Shin-Ichiro S. , Manca Marina M. , Nõges Peeter , Piscia Roberta , Rogora Michela , Shiah Fuh-Kwo , Thackeray Stephen J. , Widdicombe Claire E. , Wu Jiunn-Tzong , Zohary Tamar , Hsieh Chih-hao 
Published: March 2022

AbstractUntangling causal links and feedbacks among biodiversity, ecosystem functioning, and environmental factors is challenging due to their complex and context-dependent interactions (e.g., a nutrient-dependent relationship between diversity and biomass). Consequently, studies that only consider separable, unidirectional effects can produce divergent conclusions and equivocal ecological implications. To address this complexity, we use empirical dynamic modeling to assemble causal networks for 19 natural aquatic ecosystems (N24◦~N58◦) and quantified strengths of feedbacks among phytoplankton diversity, phytoplankton biomass, and environmental factors. Through a cross-system comparison, we identify macroecological patterns; in more diverse, oligotrophic ecosystems, biodiversity effects are more important than environmental effects (nutrients and temperature) as drivers of biomass. Furthermore, feedback strengths vary with productivity. In warm, productive systems, strong nitrate-mediated feedbacks usually prevail, whereas there are strong, phosphate-mediated feedbacks in cold, less productive systems. Our findings, based on recovered feedbacks, highlight the importance of a network view in future ecosystem management.
Anisotropic fluid with phototunable dielectric permittivity
Authors: Nishikawa Hiroya , Sano Koki , Araoka Fumito 
Published: March 2022

AbstractDielectric permittivity, a measure of polarisability, is a fundamental parameter that dominates various physical phenomena and properties of materials. However, it remains a challenge to control the dielectric permittivity of materials reversibly over a large range. Herein, we report an anisotropic fluid with photoresponsive dielectric permittivity (200 < ε < 18,000) consisting of a fluorinated liquid-crystalline molecule (96 wt%) and an azobenzene-tethered phototrigger (4 wt%). The reversible trans-cis isomerisation of the phototrigger under blue and green light irradiation causes a switch between two liquid-crystalline phases that exhibit different dielectric permittivities, with a rapid response time (<30 s) and excellent reversibility (~100 cycles). This anisotropic fluid can be used as a flexible photovariable capacitor that, for example, allows the reversible modulation of the sound frequency over a wide range (100 < f < 8500 Hz) in a remote manner using blue and green wavelengths.
Optical sensors for operando stress monitoring in lithium-based batteries containing solid-state or liquid electrolytes
Authors: Albero Blanquer Laura , Marchini Florencia , Seitz Jan Roman , Daher Nour , Bétermier Fanny , Huang Jiaqiang , Gervillié Charlotte , Tarascon Jean-Marie 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe study of chemo-mechanical stress taking place in the electrodes of a battery during cycling is of paramount importance to extend the lifetime of the device. This aspect is particularly relevant for all-solid-state batteries where the stress can be transmitted across the device due to the stiff nature of the solid electrolyte. However, stress monitoring generally relies on sensors located outside of the battery, therefore providing information only at device level and failing to detect local changes. Here, we report a method to investigate the chemo-mechanical stress occurring at both positive and negative electrodes and at the electrode/electrolyte interface during battery operation. To such effect, optical fiber Bragg grating sensors were embedded inside coin and Swagelok cells containing either liquid or solid-state electrolyte. The optical signal was monitored during battery cycling, further translated into stress and correlated with the voltage profile. This work proposes an operando technique for stress monitoring with potential use in cell diagnosis and battery design.
Surface-ligand-induced crystallographic disorder–order transition in oriented attachment for the tuneable assembly of mesocrystals
Authors: Park Bum Chul , Ko Min Jun , Kim Young Kwang , Kim Gyu Won , Kim Myeong Soo , Koo Thomas Myeongseok , Fu Hong En , Kim Young Keun 
Published: March 2022

AbstractIn the crystallisation of nanomaterials, an assembly-based mechanism termed ‘oriented attachment’ (OA) has recently been recognised as an alternative mechanism of crystal growth that cannot be explained by the classical theory. However, attachment alignment during OA is not currently tuneable because its mechanism is poorly understood. Here, we identify the crystallographic disorder-order transitions in the OA of magnetite (Fe3O4) mesocrystals depending on the types of organic surface ligands on the building blocks, which produce different grain structures. We find that alignment variations induced by different surface ligands are guided by surface energy anisotropy reduction and surface deformation. Further, we determine the effects of alignment-dependent magnetic interactions between building blocks on the global magnetic properties of mesocrystals and their chains. These results revisit the driving force of OA and provide an approach for chemically controlling the crystallographic order in colloidal nanocrystalline materials directly related to grain engineering.
Socioeconomic disparities and household crowding in association with the fecal microbiome of school-age children
Authors: Lapidot Yelena , Reshef Leah , Maya Mayan , Cohen Dani , Gophna Uri , Muhsen Khitam 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe development of the gut microbiome occurs mainly during the first years of life; however, little is known on the role of environmental and socioeconomic exposures, particularly within the household, in shaping the microbial ecology through childhood. We characterized differences in the gut microbiome of school-age healthy children, in association with socioeconomic disparities and household crowding. Stool samples were analyzed from 176 Israeli Arab children aged six to nine years from three villages of different socioeconomic status (SES). Sociodemographic data were collected through interviews with the mothers. We used 16 S rRNA gene sequencing to characterize the gut microbiome, including an inferred analysis of metabolic pathways. Differential analysis was performed using the analysis of the composition of microbiomes (ANCOM), with adjustment for covariates. An analysis of inferred metagenome functions was performed implementing PICRUSt2. Gut microbiome composition differed across the villages, with the largest difference attributed to socioeconomic disparities, with household crowding index being a significant explanatory variable. Living in a low SES village and high household crowding were associated with increased bacterial richness and compositional differences, including an over-representation of Prevotella copri and depleted Bifidobacterium. Secondary bile acid synthesis, d-glutamine and d-glutamate metabolism and Biotin metabolism were decreased in the lower SES village. In summary, residential SES is a strong determinant of the gut microbiome in healthy school-age children, mediated by household crowding and characterized by increased bacterial richness and substantial taxonomic and metabolic differences. Further research is necessary to explore possible implications of SES-related microbiome differences on children’s health and development.
Thermal property and failure behaviors of Gd doped LaZrCeO coatings with feathery microstructure
Authors: Shen Zaoyu , Liu Guanxi , He Limin , Mu Rende , Dai Jianwei 
Published: March 2022

AbstractLaZrCeO coatings are promising candidates to substitute Y2O3-stabilized ZrO2 in advanced gas turbine engines. In this study, Gd doped LaZrCeO coatings were deposited by electron beam physical vapor deposition. This study focuses on the phase, microstructure, thermal property, and thermal durability of (La1-xGdx)2(Zr0.7Ce0.3)2O7 coatings. The as-deposited coatings show relatively good thermal shock life and thermal cycling life. The broken regions are observed on the interface of thermal barrier coatings. The failure behaviors are relevant with crack evolution and thermally grown oxide growth. This study might guide the investigation of advanced coatings under high temperature.
Aberrant dopamine transporter and functional connectivity patterns in LRRK2 and GBA mutation carriers
Authors: Droby Amgad , Artzi Moran , Lerman Hedva , Hutchison R. Matthew , Bashat Dafna Ben , Omer Nurit , Gurevich Tanya , Orr-Urtreger Avi , Cohen Batsheva , Cedarbaum Jesse M. , Sapir Einat Even , Giladi Nir , Mirelman Anat , Thaler Avner 
Published: March 2022

AbstractNon-manifesting carriers (NMCs) of Parkinson’s disease (PD)-related mutations such as LRRK2 and GBA are at an increased risk for developing PD. Dopamine transporter (DaT)-spectral positron emission computed tomography is widely used for capturing functional nigrostriatal dopaminergic activity. However, it does not reflect other ongoing neuronal processes; especially in the prodromal stages of the disease. Resting-state fMRI (rs-fMRI) has been proposed as a mode for assessing functional alterations associated with PD, but its relation to dopaminergic deficiency remains unclear. We aimed to study the association between presynaptic striatal dopamine uptake and functional connectivity (FC) patterns among healthy first-degree relatives of PD patients with mutations in LRRK2 and GBA genes. N = 85 healthy first-degree subjects were enrolled and genotyped. All participants underwent DaT and rs-fMRI scans, as well as a comprehensive clinical assessment battery. Between-group differences in FC within striatal regions were investigated and compared with striatal binding ratios (SBR). N = 26 GBA-NMCs, N = 25 LRRK2-NMCs, and N = 34 age-matched nonmanifesting noncarriers (NM-NCs) were included in each study group based on genetic status. While genetically-defined groups were similar across clinical measures, LRRK2-NMCs demonstrated lower SBR in the right putamen compared with NM-NCs, and higher right putamen FC compared to GBA-NMCs. In this group, higher striatal FC was associated with increased risk for PD. The observed differential SBR and FC patterns among LRRK2-NMCs and GBA-NMCs indicate that DaTscan and FC assessments might offer a more sensitive prediction of the risk for PD in the pre-clinical stages of the disease.
Global correlation and local information flows in controllable non-Markovian open quantum dynamics
Authors: Chen Xin-Yu , Zhang Na-Na , He Wan-Ting , Kong Xiang-Yu , Tao Ming-Jie , Deng Fu-Guo , Ai Qing , Long Gui-Lu 
Published: March 2022

AbstractIn a fully-controllable experiment platform for studying non-Markovian open quantum dynamics, we show that the non-Markovianity could be investigated from the global and local aspects. By mixing random unitary dynamics, we demonstrate non-Markovian and Markovian open quantum dynamics. From the global point of view, by tuning the base frequency we demonstrate the transition from the Markovianity to the non-Markovianity as measured by the quantum mutual information (QMI). In a Markovian open quantum process, the QMI decays monotonically, while it may rise temporarily in a non-Markovian process. However, under some circumstances, it is not sufficient to globally investigate the non-Markovianity of the open quantum dynamics. As an essential supplement, we further utilize the quantum Fisher information (QFI) flow to locally characterize the non-Markovianity in different channels. We demonstrate that the QMI in combination with the QFI flow are capable of measuring the non-Markovianity for a multi-channel open quantum dynamics.
Thermal transport investigation and shear drag at solid–liquid interface of modified permeable radiative-SRID subject to Darcy–Forchheimer fluid flow composed by γ-nanomaterial
Authors: Adnan  , Ashraf Waqas , Khan Ilyas , Andualem M. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe modern world moves towards the art of nanotechnology which is impossible without the analysis of thermal performance and thermophysical featuring of nanofluids. Therefore, a case study for Darcy–Forchheimer Flow (DFF) (γ-Al2O3/H2O)nf over a permeable Stretching Rotating Inclined Disk (SRID) under the impacts of thermal radiation and viscus dissipation is organized. The nanofluid is synthesized by novel γ-aluminum nanomaterial and pure water. Then, the problem is formulated properly via similarity equations by inducing empirical correlations of (γ-Al2O3/H2O)nf with their thermophysical attributes. A numerical algorithm is successfully implemented for mathematical analysis and furnished the results for DFF of (γ-Al2O3/H2O)nf. It is inspected that the Fr opposes the motion and the fluid moves promptly by increasing the strength of stretching parameter. The temperature of (γ-Al2O3/H2O)nf enhances due to higher dissipation and fraction factor favors the thermophysical attributes of (γ-Al2O3/H2O)nf. Therefore, the nanofluid has high thermal performance rate and would be better for industrial and engineering purposes.
Early neuroimaging and delayed neurological sequelae in carbon monoxide poisoning: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ahn Chiwon , Oh Jaehoon , Kim Chan Woong , Lee Heekyung , Lim Tae Ho , Kang Hyunggoo 
Published: March 2022

AbstractWe aimed to assess the evidence regarding the usefulness of brain imaging as a diagnostic tool for delayed neurological sequelae (DNS) in patients with acute carbon monoxide poisoning (COP). Observational studies that included adult patients with COP and DNS were retrieved from Embase, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library databases in December 2020 and pooled using a random-effects model. Seventeen studies were systematically reviewed. Eight and seven studies on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT), respectively, underwent meta-analysis. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of MRI for diagnosis of DNS were 70.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] 64.8–76.3%, I2 = 0%) and 84.2% (95% CI 80.1–87.6%, I2 = 63%), respectively. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of CT were 72.9% (95% CI 62.5–81.3%, I2 = 8%) and 78.2% (95% CI 74.4–87.1%, I2 = 91%), respectively. The areas under the curve for MRI and CT were 0.81 (standard error, 0.08; Q* = 0.74) and 0.80 (standard error, 0.05, Q* = 0.74), respectively. The results indicate that detecting abnormal brain lesions using MRI or CT may assist in diagnosing DNS in acute COP patients.
Investigating the effects of statins on ischemic heart disease allowing for effects on body mass index: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Li Shun , Schooling C. M. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractDespite effective lipid reduction and corresponding benefits for cardiovascular disease prevention and treatment, statins have pleiotropic effects potentially increasing the risk of ischemic heart disease (IHD), particularly by increasing body mass index (BMI). We assessed whether the effects of genetically mimicked statins on IHD were strengthened by adjusting for BMI in men and women. We also assessed if increasing BMI was specific to statins in comparison to other major lipid-lowering treatments in current use, i.e., proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors and ezetimibe. Using univariable and multivariable Mendelian randomization (MR) we found genetically mimicked effects of statins increased BMI (0.33, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.28 to 0.38), but genetically mimicked PCSK9 inhibitors and ezetimibe did not. Genetically mimicked effects of statins on IHD reduction in both sexes (odds ratio (OR) 0.55 per unit decrease in effect size of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.40 to 0.76), was largely similar after adjusting for BMI, in both men (OR 0.48, 95% CI 0.38 to 0.61) and women (OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.53 to 0.82). Compared with variations in PCSK9 and NPC1L1, only variation in HMGCR was associated with higher BMI. The effects on IHD of mimicking statins were similar after adjusting for BMI in both men and women. The BMI increase due to statins does not seem to be a concern as regards the protective effects of statins on IHD, however other factors driving BMI and the protective effects of statins could be.
A spatiotemporal data mining study to identify high-risk neighborhoods for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) incidents
Authors: Wong Paulina Pui-yun , Low Chien-Tat , Cai Wenhui , Leung Kelvin Tak-yiu , Lai Poh-Chin 
Published: March 2022

AbstractOut-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is a worldwide health problem. The aim of the study is to utilize the territorial-wide OHCA data of Hong Kong in 2012–2015 to examine its spatiotemporal pattern and high-risk neighborhoods. Three techniques for spatiotemporal data mining (SaTScan’s spatial scan statistic, Local Moran’s I, and Getis Ord Gi*) were used to extract high-risk neighborhoods of OHCA occurrence and identify local clusters/hotspots. By capitalizing on the strengths of these methods, the results were then triangulated to reveal “truly” high-risk OHCA clusters. The final clusters for all ages and the elderly 65+ groups exhibited relatively similar patterns. All ages groups were mainly distributed in the urbanized neighborhoods throughout Kowloon. More diverse distribution primarily in less accessible areas was observed among the elderly group. All outcomes were further converted into an index for easy interpretation by the general public. Noticing the spatial mismatches between hospitals and ambulance depots (representing supplies) and high-risk neighborhoods (representing demands), this setback should be addressed along with public education and strategic ambulance deployment plan to shorten response time and improve OHCA survival rate. This study offers policymakers and EMS providers essential spatial evidence to assist with emergency healthcare planning and informed decision-making.