bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mesenchymal stromal exosome–functionalized scaffolds induce innate and adaptive immunomodulatory responses toward tissue repair
Authors: Su Ni , Hao Yaoyao , Wang Fang , Hou Wenda , Chen Haifeng , Luo Ying
Published: May 2021

New exosome-laden scaffolds shed light on the immune cell activities that benefit tissue repair.
Yeast volatiles double starvation survival in
Drosophila
Authors: Luo Yuan , Johnson Jacob C. , Chakraborty Tuhin S. , Piontkowski Austin , Gendron Christi M. , Pletcher Scott D.
Published: May 2021

Yeast volatiles double starvation survival in
Drosophila
.
Complex manipulation with a simple robotic hand through contact breaking and caging
Authors: Bircher Walter G. , Morgan Andrew S. , Dollar Aaron M.
Published: May 2021

A simple robotic hand leverages sliding, rolling, and contact breaking of objects and caging for highly dexterous manipulation.
Grasping with kirigami shells
Authors: Yang Yi , Vella Katherine , Holmes Douglas P.
Published: May 2021

A robust approach to grasping combines the mechanics of kirigami with compliant, elastic shells.
Robot mothers in science fiction
Authors: Murphy Robin R.
Published: May 2021

Scifi assumes creating a robot mother will be easy, research indicates otherwise, but both suggest that you might not want one anyway.
The Specificity of the Persistent IgM Neutralizing Antibody Response in Zika Virus Infections among Individuals with Prior Dengue Virus Exposure
Authors: Calvert Amanda E. , Horiuchi Kalanthe , Boroughs Karen L. , Ong Yee T. , Anderson Kimberly M. , Biggerstaff Brad J. , Stone Mars , Simmons Graham , Busch Michael P. , Huang Claire Y.-H.
Published: May 2021

Dengue viruses (DENV) and Zika virus (ZIKV) are related mosquito-borne flaviviruses with similar disease manifestations, vector ecologies, and geographic ranges. The ability to differentiate these viruses serologically is vital due to the teratogenic nature of ZIKV and the potential confounding of preexisting cross-reactive anti-DENV antibodies.
Complete Multipartite Genome Sequence of the Cupriavidus basilensis Type Strain, a 2,6-Dichlorophenol-Degrading Bacterium
Authors: Salvà-Serra Francisco , Donoso Raúl A. , Cho Kyoung Hee , Yoo Ji A , Lee Kihyun , Yoon Seok-Hwan , Piñeiro-Iglesias Beatriz , Moore Edward R. B. , Pérez-Pantoja Danilo
Published: May 2021

We report the complete 8.94-Mb genome sequence of the type strain of
Cupriavidus basilensis
(DSM 11853 = CCUG 49340 = RK1), formed by two chromosomes and six putative plasmids, which offers insights into its chloroaromatic-biodegrading capabilities.
Four Complete Genome Sequences for
Bradyrhizobium
sp. Strains Isolated from an Endemic Australian
Acacia
Legume Reveal Structural Variation
Authors: Chia Ming-Dao , Simonsen Anna K.
Published: May 2021

Bradyrhizobium
sp. strains were isolated from root nodules of the Australian legume,
Acacia acuminata
(Fabaceae). Here, we report the complete genome sequences of four strains using a hybrid long- and short-read assembly approach. The genome sizes range between ∼7.1 Mbp and ∼8.1 Mbp, each with one single circular chromosome. Whole-genome alignments show extensive structural rearrangement.
Near-Complete Genome Sequences of Five Siciniviruses from North America
Authors: Goraichuk Iryna V. , Davis James F. , Parris D. Joshua , Kariithi Henry M. , Afonso Claudio L. , Suarez David L.
Published: May 2021

Here, we report near-complete genome sequences of
Sicinivirus
from U.S. poultry flocks in 2003 to 2005 and Mexico in 2019. They show highest nucleotide identity (84.5 to 85.5%) with other members of the
Sicinivirus
genus. These sequences update knowledge on diversity and contribute to a better understanding of the molecular epidemiology of
Sicinivirus
.
Whole-Genome Sequencing Analysis of Salmonella Isolates from Poultry Farms, a Slaughterhouse, and Retail Stalls in Thailand
Authors: Ong Kar Hui , Aung Kyaw Thu , Chan Sharon C. M. , Chen Swaine L. , Ng Lee Ching , Vongkamjan Kitiya
Published: May 2021

The draft genome sequences of 21
Salmonella
isolates obtained from poultry production chains in Hat Yai City, Songkhla Province, Thailand, were reported in this study. Our study revealed that there was
Salmonella
environmental contamination along poultry production chains and cross-contamination among poultry through inanimate surfaces in the environment.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Deefgea
sp. Strain CFH1-16, Isolated from the Intestine of the Freshwater Fish Hypomesus nipponensis
Authors: Han Ji-Hye
Published: May 2021

We report the draft genome sequence of
Deefgea
sp. strain CFH1-16, isolated from the intestine of a
Hypomesus nipponensis
collected from the Republic of Korea. The genome sequence was assembled into two contigs with 48.2% G+C content. This genome data could improve our understanding of adaptation in the fish intestine.
A hidden Rodinian lithospheric keel beneath Zealandia, Earth’s newly recognized continent
Authors: Turnbull R.E. , Schwartz J.J. , Fiorentini M.L. , Jongens R. , Evans N.J. , Ludwig T. , McDonald B.J. , Klepeis K.A.
Published: May 2021

We present a data set of >1500 in situ O-Hf-U-Pb zircon isotope analyses that document the existence of a concealed Rodinian lithospheric keel beneath continental Zealandia. The new data reveal the presence of a distinct isotopic domain of Paleozoic–Mesozoic plutonic rocks that contain zircon characterized by anomalously low δ18O values (median = +4.1‰) and radiogenic εHf(t) (median = +6.1). The scale (>10,000 km2) and time span (>>250 m.y.) over which plutonic rocks with this anomalously low-δ18O signature were emplaced appear unique in a global context, especially for magmas generated and emplaced along a continental margin. Calculated crustal-residence ages (depleted mantle model, TDM) for this low-δ18O isotope domain range from 1300 to 500 Ma and are interpreted to represent melting of a Precambrian lithospheric keel that was formed and subsequently hydrothermally altered during Rodinian assembly and rifting. Recognition of a concealed Precambrian lithosphere beneath Zealandia and the uniqueness of the pervasive low-δ18O isotope domain link Zealandia to South China, providing a novel test of specific hypotheses of continental block arrangements within Rodinia.
Supplemental Material: Permafrost thaw induced abrupt changes in hydrology and carbon cycling in Lake Wudalianchi, northeastern China
Authors: Yao Yuan , al. et
Published: May 2021

Supplemental information on the study sites, sampling, dating, methods, and significance of proxies.
Corneal oedema with in situ implantable collamer lens: a challenging scenario for descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty
Authors: Joshi Vineet Pramod , Vaddavalli Pravin Krishna
Published: May 2021

A 27-year-old woman had foggy vision and photophobia since 10 months after implantation of implantable collamer lens (ICL STAAR Surgical AG, Nidau, Switzerland) with evidence of corneal decompensation and no cataract formation. Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty in phakic eyes is challenging, considering presence of posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens (IOL), decreasing the space available in anterior chamber to manoeuvre the graft. Need of inferior peripheral iridotomy in presence of central hole technology in ICL depends on the dynamics of full chamber air bubble. At 8 months, vision had improved to 20/20 and normal IOP with well-attached graft, stable phakic IOL and clear lens.
Breast carcinoma metastasising to the gastric wall and the peritoneum: what physicians need to know
Authors: Sohail Abdullah , Khan Ahmad , Gross Alexander , Shah Hamza
Published: May 2021

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the USA and rarely metastasises to the gastric wall. We present a case of a 69-year-old woman with medical history of stage II-B breast cancer who presented with epigastric abdominal pain and black tarry stools. CT scan of the abdomen showed moderate gastric wall thickening and ascites. The patient underwent an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) with endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) for a fine-needle biopsy, which was negative for malignancy. Based on her presentation, we kept a high index of suspicion for peritoneal carcinomatosis and malignancy. The patient underwent laparoscopic wedge resection of the gastric wall with biopsies of gastric wall and peritoneum. Both biopsies confirmed the diagnosis of metastatic invasive lobular breast carcinoma. Our case highlights the importance of diagnostic laparoscopy and EUS in the setting of negative EGD biopsy results with a high suspicion of breast cancer metastasis to gastric wall.
Comparison and impact of COVID-19 for patients with cancer: a survival analysis of fatality rate controlling for age, sex and cancer type
Authors: Li Haiquan , Baldwin Edwin , Zhang Xiang , Kenost Colleen , Luo Wenting , Calhoun Elizabeth A , An Lingling , Bennett Charles L , Lussier Yves A
Published: May 2021

Objectives

Prior research has reported an increased risk of fatality for patients with cancer, but most studies investigated the risk by comparing cancer to non-cancer patients among COVID-19 infections, where cancer might have contributed to the increased risk. This study is to understand COVID-19’s imposed HR of fatality while controlling for covariates, such as age, sex, metastasis status and cancer type.

Methods

We conducted survival analyses of 4606 cancer patients with COVID-19 test results from 16 March to 11 October 2020 in UK Biobank and estimated the overall HR of fatality with and without COVID-19 infection. We also examined the HRs of 13 specific cancer types with at least 100 patients using a stratified analysis.

Results

COVID-19 resulted in an overall HR of 7.76 (95% CI 5.78 to 10.40, p<10−10) by following 4606 patients with cancer for 21 days after the tests. The HR varied among cancer type, with over a 10-fold increase in fatality rate (false discovery rate ≤0.02) for melanoma, haematological malignancies, uterine cancer and kidney cancer. Although COVID-19 imposed a higher risk for localised versus distant metastasis cancers, those of distant metastases yielded higher overall fatality rates due to their multiplicative effects.

Discussion

The results confirmed prior reports for the increased risk of fatality for patients with COVID-19 plus hematological malignancies and demonstrated similar findings of COVID-19 on melanoma, uterine, and kidney cancers.

Conclusion

The results highlight the heightened risk that COVID-19 imposes on localised and haematological cancer patients and the necessity to vaccinate uninfected patients with cancer promptly, particularly for the cancer types most influenced by COVID-19. Results also suggest the importance of timely care for patients with localised cancer, whether they are infected by COVID-19 or not.
Association between extremely high high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and hypertensive retinopathy: results of a cross-sectional study from Kanagawa Investigation of Total Checkup Data from the National Database-6 (KITCHEN-6)
Authors: Nakajima Kei , Higuchi Ryoko , Mizusawa Kaori , Nakamura Teiji
Published: May 2021

Objectives

Doubt has been cast on the atheroprotective effect of very high high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Hypertensive retinopathy (HR) is caused by persistent systemic hypertension. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the association between extremely high HDL-C (EH-HDL) and HR.

Design

A cross-sectional study.

Participants

A total of 4072 general Japanese population aged 40–74 years who underwent regular medical check-ups including fundus examinations.

Outcome measures

HR and clinical parameters including serum HDL-C were investigated. HR was determined by the Keith-Wagener classification and the Scheie classifications for Hypertension and Atherosclerosis (n=4054 available). Serum HDL-C was divided into five categories: 30–49, 50–69, 70–89, 90–109 and ≥110 mg/dL.

Results

Overall, 828 (20.3%) subjects had Keith-Wagener-HR, 578 (14.3%) had hypertension-HR, and 628 (15.5%) had atherosclerosis-HR. Blood pressure decreased as HDL-C level increased, whereas the prevalences of HRs showed U-shaped curves against HDL-C with minimum values for HDL-C 90–109 mg/dL. In logistic regression analyses, EH-HDL ≥110 mg/dL was significantly associated with Keith-Wagener-HR and atherosclerosis-HR, compared with HDL-C 90–109 mg/dL after adjustments for age, sex and systolic blood pressure (OR 3.01, 95% CI 1.45 to 6.27 and OR 2.23, 95% CI 1.03 to 4.86). The hypertension-HR was not significantly associated with EH-HDL regardless of adjustment for the confounding factors (p=0.05–0.08). Although serum HDL-C as a continuous variable was inversely associated with three HRs, which disappeared after adjustment for the confounding factors.

Conclusion

EH-HDL may be associated with HR independently of blood pressure, suggesting that EH-HDL reflects a special atherosclerotic condition.
Brief interventions for older adults (BIO) delivered by non-specialist community health workers to reduce at-risk drinking in primary care: a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Paula Tassiane Cristine Santos , Chagas Camila , Noto Ana Regina , Formigoni Maria Lucia Oliveira Souza , Pereira Tiago Veiga , Ferri Cleusa Pinheiro
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Evidence suggests that brief interventions are effective in reducing alcohol consumption among older adults. However, the effectiveness of these interventions when delivered by community health workers (non-specialists) in a primary healthcare setting is unknown. To our knowledge, this will be the first randomised trial to examine this.

Methods and analysis

Two hundred and forty-two individuals considered at-risk drinkers (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Consumption, AUDIT-C score ≥4) will be recruited and randomly allocated to usual care (waiting-list) or usual care plus an intervention delivered by trained community health workers (non-specialists). Seven primary care units (PCUs) in Sao José dos Campos, Brazil. PCUs are part of the Brazilian public healthcare system (Sistema Único de Saúde).

Follow-up

6 months.

Outcomes

The primary outcome will be the proportion of participants considered at-risk drinkers (AUDIT-C score ≥4). Secondary outcomes will include alcohol consumption in a typical week in the last 30 days (in units per week) assessed by the AUDIT, service use questionnaire, cognitive performance—assessed by The Health and Retirement Study Harmonised Cognitive Assessment, physical activity—assessed by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, depression—assessed by the Geriatric Depression Scale and quality of life—assessed by the Control, Autonomy, Self-realisation and Pleasure-16 instrument. The analysis will be based on intention-to-treat principle.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has been approved by the Ethics Committee of the Universidade Federal de São Paulo, CEP/UNIFESP Project n: 0690/2018; CAAE: 91648618.0.0000.5505. All eligible participants will provide informed consent prior to randomisation. The results of this study will be published in relevant peer-reviewed journals and in conference presentations.

Trial registration number

RBR-8rcxkk.
Neuroinflammation in cognitive decline post-cardiac surgery (the FOCUS study): an observational study protocol
Authors: Peters van Ton Annemieke M , Duindam Harmke B. , van Tuijl Julia , Li Wilson WL , Dieker Hendrik-Jan , Riksen Niels P , Meijer FJ Anton , Kessels Roy PC , Kohn Nils , van der Hoeven Johannes G. , Pickkers Peter , Rijpkema Mark , Abdo Wilson F
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction occurs frequently after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood, but neuroinflammation might play a pivotal role. We hypothesise that systemic inflammation induced by the surgical trauma could activate the innate immune (glial) cells of the brain. This could lead to an exaggerated neuroinflammatory cascade, resulting in neuronal dysfunction and loss of neuronal cells. Therefore, the aims of this study are to assess neuroinflammation in vivo presurgery and postsurgery in patients undergoing major cardiac surgery and investigate whether there is a relationship of neuroinflammation to cognitive outcomes, changes to brain structure and function, and systemic inflammation.

Methods and analysis

The FOCUS study is a prospective, single-centre observational study, including 30 patients undergoing elective on-pump CABG. Translocator protein (TSPO) positron emission tomography neuroimaging will be performed preoperatively and postoperatively using the second generation tracer18F-DPA-714 to assess the neuroinflammatory response. In addition, a comprehensive cerebral MRI will be performed presurgery and postsurgery, in order to discover newly developed brain and vascular wall lesions. Up to 6 months postoperatively, serial extensive neurocognitive assessments will be performed and blood will be obtained to quantify systemic inflammatory responses and peripheral immune cell activation.

Ethics and dissemination

Patients do not benefit directly from engaging in the study, but imaging neuroinflammation is considered safe and no side effects are expected. The study protocol obtained ethical approval by the Medical Research Ethics Committee region Arnhem-Nijmegen. This work will be published in peer-reviewed international medical journals and presented at medical conferences.

Trial registration number

NCT04520802.
Support and follow-up needs of patients discharged from intensive care after severe COVID-19: a mixed-methods study of the views of UK general practitioners and intensive care staff during the pandemic’s first wave
Authors: Castro-Avila Ana Cristina , Jefferson Laura , Dale Veronica , Bloor Karen
Published: May 2021

Objectives

To identify follow-up services planned for patients with COVID-19 discharged from intensive care unit (ICU) and to explore the views of ICU staff and general practitioners (GPs) regarding these patients’ future needs and care coordination.

Design

This is a sequential mixed-methods study using online surveys and semistructured interviews. Interview data were inductively coded and thematically analysed. Survey data were descriptively analysed.

Setting

GP surgeries and acute National Health Service Trusts in the UK.

Participants

GPs and clinicians leading care for patients discharged from ICU.

Primary and secondary outcomes

Usual follow-up practice after ICU discharge, changes in follow-up during the pandemic, and GP awareness of follow-up and support needs of patients discharged from ICU.

Results

We obtained 170 survey responses and conducted 23 interviews. Over 60% of GPs were unaware of the follow-up services generally provided by their local hospitals and whether or not these were functioning during the pandemic. Eighty per cent of ICUs reported some form of follow-up services, with 25% of these suspending provision during the peak of the pandemic and over half modifying their provision (usually to provide the service remotely). Common themes relating to barriers to provision of follow-up were funding complexities, remit and expertise, and communication between ICU and community services. Discharge documentation was described as poor and lacking key information. Both groups mentioned difficulties accessing services in the community and lack of clarity about who was responsible for referrals and follow-up.

Conclusions

The pandemic has highlighted long-standing issues of continuity of care and complex funding streams for post-ICU follow-up care. The large cohort of ICU patients admitted due to COVID-19 highlights the need for improved follow-up services and communication between specialists and GPs, not only for patients with COVID-19, but for all those discharged from ICU.
FENETRE study: quality-assured follow-up of quiescent neovascular age-related macular degeneration by non-medical practitioners: study protocol and statistical analysis plan for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Learoyd Annastazia E , Tufail Adnan , Bunce Catey , Keane Pearse A , Kernohan Ashleigh , Robinson Emily , Jaber Alijazy , Sadiq Saqlain , Harper Robert , Lawrenson John , Vale Luke , Waterman Heather , Douiri Abdel , Balaskas Konstantinos
Published: May 2021

Objective

Management of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) places a high demand on already constrained hospital-based eye services. This study aims to assess the safety and quality of follow-up within the community led by suitably trained non-medical practitioners for the management of quiescent neovascular AMD (QnAMD).

Methods/design

This is a prospective, multisite, randomised clinical trial. 742 participants with QnAMD will be recruited and randomised to either continue hospital-based secondary care or to receive follow-up within a community setting. Participants in both groups will be monitored for disease reactivation over the course of 12 months and referred for treatment as necessary. Outcomes measures will assess the non-inferiority of primary care follow-up accounting for accuracy of the identification of disease reactivation, patient loss to follow-up and accrued costs and the budget impact to the National Health Service.

Ethics and dissemination

Research ethics approval was obtained from the London Bloomsbury Ethics Committee. The results of this study will be disseminated through academic peer-reviewed publications, conferences and collaborations with eye charities to insure the findings reach the appropriate patient populations.

Trial registration number

NCT03893474.
Prenatal Exposure And Child brain and mental Health (PEACH) study: protocol for a cohort study of children and youth with prenatal alcohol exposure
Authors: Lebel Catherine A , Gibbard W. Ben , Tortorelli Christina , Pei Jacqueline , Beaulieu Christian , Bagshawe Mercedes , McMorris Carly A
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), which is caused by prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE), affects an estimated 4% of North Americans, and is the most common preventable cause of intellectual disability. Mental health problems, including anxiety and depression, are experienced by nearly all individuals with FASD. However, there is very limited knowledge about effective mental health treatments for individuals with FASD; effective treatments are hindered in part due to a lack of understanding of the basic neurobiology underlying internalising disorders in youth with FASD.

Methods and analysis

The Prenatal Exposure And Child brain and mental Health (PEACH) study includes children aged 7–18 years. We will use longitudinal neuroimaging (anatomical T1-weighted, diffusion and passive viewing function MRI) and mental health assessments (Behaviour Assessment Scale for Children, Multi-dimensional Anxiety Scale for Children, Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI-2), Kiddie Scale of Affective Disorders) to: (1) characterise brain development trajectories in youth with FASD, (2) determine whether brain alterations mediate increased anxiety and depression in youth with FASD and (3) identify baseline brain features that predict changes of anxiety and depression symptoms over the next 2 years. All of this will be done while considering sex and adverse postnatal experiences, which can significantly impact mental health and brain outcomes. This project will forge new understanding of FASD and mental health from a neurobiological perspective, highlighting key time periods (ie, sensitive windows) and brain regions (ie, that may be susceptible to neurostimulation), while identifying factors that predict individual trajectories of anxiety and depression symptoms.

Ethics and dissemination

This study was approved by the University of Calgary Conjoint Health Research Ethics Board and the University of Alberta Health Research Ethics Board. Study results will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals, at relevant conferences and in conjunction with our knowledge mobilisation partners.
TERT promoter mutations and other prognostic factors in patients with advanced urothelial carcinoma treated with an immune checkpoint inhibitor
Authors: de Kouchkovsky Ivan , Zhang Li , Philip Errol J , Wright Francis , Kim Daniel M , Natesan Divya , Kwon Daniel , Ho Hansen , Ho Son , Chan Emily , Porten Sima P , Wong Anthony C , Desai Arpita , Huang Franklin W , Chou Jonathan , Oh David Y , Pruthi Raj S , Fong Lawrence , Small Eric J , Friedlander Terence W , Koshkin Vadim S
Published: May 2021

Background

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) can achieve durable responses in a subset of patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma (aUC). The use of tumor genomic profiling in clinical practice may help suggest biomarkers to identify patients most likely to benefit from ICI.

Methods

We undertook a retrospective analysis of patients treated with an ICI for aUC at a large academic medical center. Patient clinical and histopathological variables were collected. Responses to treatment were assessed for all patients with at least one post-baseline scan or clear evidence of clinical progression following treatment start. Genomic profiling information was also collected for patients when available. Associations between patient clinical/genomic characteristics and objective response were assessed by logistic regression; associations between the characteristics and progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were examined by Cox regression. Multivariable analyses were performed to identify independent prognostic factors.

Results

We identified 119 aUC patients treated with an ICI from December 2014 to January 2020. Genomic profiling was available for 78 patients. Overall response rate to ICI was 29%, and median OS (mOS) was 13.4 months. Favorable performance status at the start of therapy was associated with improved OS (HR 0.46, p=0.025) after accounting for other covariates. Similarly, the presence of a TERT promoter mutation was an independent predictor of improved PFS (HR 0.38, p=0.012) and OS (HR 0.32, p=0.037) among patients who had genomic profiling available. Patients with both a favorable performance status and a TERT promoter mutation had a particularly good prognosis with mOS of 21.1 months as compared with 7.5 months in all other patients (p=0.03).

Conclusions

The presence of a TERT promoter mutation was an independent predictor of improved OS in a cohort of aUC patients treated with an ICI who had genomic data available. Most of the clinical and laboratory variables previously shown to be prognostic in aUC patients treated with chemotherapy did not have prognostic value among patients treated with an ICI. Genomic profiling may provide important prognostic information and affect clinical decision making in this patient population. Validation of these findings in prospective patient cohorts is needed.
Spatial variation of nitrous oxide fluxes during growing and non-growing seasons at a location subjected to seasonally frozen soils
Authors: Machado Pedro Vitor Ferrari , Farrell Richard E. , Wagner-Riddle Claudia
Published: May 2021

Nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from soils have been widely studied in the literature — mostly with the chamber method — due to the importance of this gas to climate change. Emissions of N2O derive from biological reactions and are controlled by soil parameters, which are by nature heterogeneous (i.e., “hot spots” for N2O emissions) — a source of uncertainty in chamber-based studies. Spatial variation in N2O fluxes has been assessed in the literature, but the information is still needed for contrasting soil management practices (e.g., tillage) and for specific bioclimatic situations [e.g., non-growing seasons (NGS) under cold weather]. Here, we subsampled daily N2O data to assess within-plot and between-block spatial variation from an agronomic experiment under conventional tillage (CT) and no-tillage (NT), identifying if patterns differ between growing seasons (GS) and NGS datasets. Within-plot spatial variation in N2O fluxes was a small source of uncertainties, but half of the comparisons in GS datasets presented a slope different from 1 for the regression of N2O averages from two vs. one chamber per plot — a source of uncertainty mitigated when within-plot duplication occurred during N2O “hot moments”. Between-block spatial variation in N2O emissions was much larger than within-plot errors — an effect more accentuated for NGS and CT than GS and NT datasets. Decreasing the number of sampled blocks resulted in averages that did not represent the N2O daily average of the whole field, but exceptions occurred. The methodology proposed here may be used in other locations, after appropriate verification, for improved planning and maximization of the resources associated with N2O measurements.
Developments and Ongoing Challenges for Analysis of Surface-Bound Proteins
Authors: Weidner Tobias , Castner David G.
Published: May 2021

Proteins at surfaces and interfaces play important roles in the function and performance of materials in applications ranging from diagnostic assays to biomedical devices. To improve the performance of these materials, detailed molecular structure (conformation and orientation) along with the identity and concentrations of the surface-bound proteins on those materials must be determined. This article describes radiolabeling, surface plasmon resonance, quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, secondary ion mass spectrometry, sum frequency generation spectroscopy, and computational techniques along with the information each technique provides for characterizing protein films. A multitechnique approach using both experimental and computation methods is required for these investigations. Although it is now possible to gain much insight into the structure of surface-bound proteins, it is still not possible to obtain the same level of structural detail about proteins on surfaces as can be obtained about proteins in crystals and solutions, especially for large, complex proteins. However, recent results have shown it is possible to obtain detailed structural information (e.g., backbone and side chain orientation) about small peptides (5–20 amino sequences) on surfaces. Current studies are extending these investigations to small proteins such as protein G B1 (∼6 kDa). Approaches for furthering the capabilities for characterizing the molecular structure of surface-bound proteins are proposed.
The Mechanism of Macular Sparing
Authors: Horton Jonathan C. , Economides John R. , Adams Daniel L.
Published: May 2021

Patients with homonymous hemianopia sometimes show preservation of the central visual fields, ranging up to 10°. This phenomenon, known as macular sparing, has sparked perpetual controversy. Two main theories have been offered to explain it. The first theory proposes a dual representation of the macula in each hemisphere. After loss of one occipital lobe, the back-up representation in the remaining occipital lobe is postulated to sustain ipsilateral central vision in the blind hemifield. This theory is supported by studies showing that some midline retinal ganglion cells project to the wrong hemisphere, presumably driving neurons in striate cortex that have ipsilateral receptive fields. However, more recent electrophysiological recordings and neuroimaging studies have cast doubt on this theory by showing only a minuscule ipsilateral field representation in early visual cortical areas. The second theory holds that macular sparing arises because the occipital pole, where the macula is represented, remains perfused after occlusion of the posterior cerebral artery because it receives collateral flow from the middle cerebral artery. An objection to this theory is that it cannot account for reports of macular sparing in patients after loss of an entire occipital lobe. On close scrutiny, such reports turn out to be erroneous, arising from inadequate control of fixation during visual field testing. Patients seem able to detect test stimuli on their blind side within the macula or along the vertical meridian because they make surveillance saccades. A purported treatment for hemianopia, called vision restoration therapy, is based on this error. The dual perfusion theory is supported by anatomical studies showing that the middle cerebral artery perfuses the occipital pole in many individuals.In patients with hemianopia from stroke, neuroimaging shows preservation of the occipital pole when macular sparing is present. The frontier dividing the infarcted territory of the posterior cerebral artery and the preserved territory of the middle cerebral artery is variable, but always falls within the representation of the macula, because the macula is so highly magnified. For physicians, macular sparing was an important neurological sign in acute hemianopia because it signified a posterior cerebral artery occlusion. Modern neuroimaging has supplanted the importance of that clinical sign but at the same time confirmed its validity. For patients, macular sparing remains important because it mitigates the impact of hemianopia and preserves the ability to read fluently.
Radiologists versus Deep Convolutional Neural Networks: A Comparative Study for Diagnosing COVID-19
Authors: Helwan Abdulkader , Ma’aitah Mohammad Khaleel Sallam , Hamdan Hani , Ozsahin Dilber Uzun , Tuncyurek Ozum
Published: May 2021

The reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is still the routinely used test for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). However, according to several reports, RT-PCR showed a low sensitivity and multiple tests may be required to rule out false negative results. Recently, chest computed tomography (CT) has been an efficient tool to diagnose COVID-19 as it is directly affecting the lungs. In this paper, we investigate the application of pre-trained models in diagnosing patients who are positive for COVID-19 and differentiating it from normal patients, who tested negative for coronavirus. The study aims to compare the generalization capabilities of deep learning models with two thoracic radiologists in diagnosing COVID-19 chest CT images. A dataset of 3000 images was obtained from the Near East Hospital, Cyprus, and used to train and to test the three employed pre-trained models. In a test set of 250 images used to evaluate the deep neural networks and the radiologists, it was found that deep networks (ResNet-18, ResNet-50, and DenseNet-201) can outperform the radiologists in terms of higher accuracy (97.8%), sensitivity (98.1%), specificity (97.3%), precision (98.4%), and F1-score (198.25%), in classifying COVID-19 images.
Assessing the Complexity of Intelligent Parks’ Internet of Things Big Data System
Authors: Liu Jialu , Guo Renzhong , Cai Zhiming , Liu Wenjian , Du Wencai
Published: May 2021

Today, intelligence in all walks of life is developing at an unexpectedly fast speed. The complexity of the Internet of Things (IoT) big data system of intelligent parks is analyzed to unify the information transmission of various industries, such as smart transportation, smart library, and smart medicine, thereby diminishing information islands. The traditional IoT systems are analyzed; on this basis, a relay node is added to the transmission path of the data information, and an intelligent park IoT big data system is constructed based on relay cooperation with a total of three hops. Finally, the IoT big data system is simulated and tested to verify its complexity. Results of energy efficiency analysis suggest that when the power dividing factor is 0.5, 0.1, and 0.9, the energy efficiency of the IoT big data system first increases and then decreases as α0 increases, where the maximum value appears when α0 is about 7 J. Results of outage probability analysis demonstrate that the system’s simulation result is basically the same as that of the theoretical result. Under the same environment, the more hop paths the system has, the more the number of relays is; moreover, the larger the fading index m, the better the system performance, and the lower the outage possibility. Results of transmission accuracy analysis reveal that the IoT big data system can provide a result that is the closest to the actual result when the successful data transmission probability is 100%, and the parameter λ values are between 0.01 and 0.05; in the meantime, the delay of successful data transmission is reduced gradually. In summary, the wireless relay cooperation transmission technology can reduce the outage probability and data transmission delay probability of the IoT big data system in the intelligent park by adding the multihop path, thereby improving the system performance. The above results can provide an experimental basis for exploring the complexity of IoT systems in intelligent parks.
[Retracted] NEAT1 siRNA Packed with Chitosan Nanoparticles Regulates the Development of Colon Cancer Cells via lncRNA NEAT1/miR‐377‐3p Axis
Authors: Li Tianyu , Deng Nenghui , Xu Ruimei , Fan Zhihao , He Junli , Zheng Zirun , Deng Hailian , Liao Riyu , Lv Xinqi , Pang Cailian
Published: May 2021

This study was for verifying that transfecting colon cancer cells (CCCs) with lncRNA NEAT1 packed with siRNA chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) can suppress lncRNA NEAT1 and biological behaviors of the cells. siRNA targeting lncRNA NEAT1 expression vector was constructed and then transfected into CCCs after being packed with CNPs. Subsequently, the impact of the transfection on biological behaviors of the cells was evaluated. As a result, with high expression in CCCs, NEAT1 was negatively bound up with miR‐377‐3p in cases with colon cancer (CC), and dual luciferase reporter assay confirmed the potential binding region. Additionally, after downregulating NEAT1 in CCCs, transfection of NEAT1 siRNA packed with CNPs brought a great inhibition on cell proliferation and a promotion on apoptosis, and inhibiting miR‐377‐3p was able to offset the role of silencing NEAT1 in CCCs. Therefore, in our opinion, NEAT1 siRNA packed with CNPs can hinder the growth and metastasis of CCCs by knocking down NEAT1 in CC, and its mechanism may be achieved by targeting miR‐377‐3p, which offers a novel direction for treating CC.
Mechanism of Fire Prevention with Liquid Carbon Dioxide and Application of Long-Distance Pressure-Holding Transportation Technology Based on Shallow Buried and Near-Horizontal Goaf Geological Conditions
Authors: Cao Naifu , Liang Yuntao
Published: May 2021

Shallow burial, very close coal seam groups, and spontaneous combustion are typical characteristics of most coal seams in the Shendong mining area, China. With the continuous extension of the production level of various mines, some mining areas have gradually shown complex production conditions including multiple types of fire forms such as those in coal fields, small kilns, and multilayer mined-out and hidden high-temperature areas, resulting in fire control difficultly and posing threats to safety. With the aim of limiting the above problems, in this work, the liquid carbon dioxide fire prevention technology is focused on. Phase change and migration law of CO2 in the goaf are studied. Through the study on the influence of the use of liquid CO2 on the cooling law of high-temperature coal and on its spontaneous combustion characteristics and through thermal analysis experiments, it was observed that the porosity of loose coal has a significant impact on the cooling effect of carbon dioxide. Moreover, it was emphasized that the higher the CO2 concentration, the higher the rise in temperature of coal oxidation, and the increase of CO2 concentration was able to affect apparent activation of coal oxidation, leading to a theoretical basis to explain the effect of CO2 in inhibiting coal spontaneous combustion. The utilization of Fluent numerical modeling allowed us to simulate the diffusion radius of liquid CO2 injected into the goaf, to study the effective inerting radius of liquid CO2 on the left coal in the goaf. After comprehensive analysis of experiments and numerical simulations, appropriate equipment and process flow are selected and designed. Taking the Huojitujing well of Daliuta Coal Mine in Shendong mining area as the industrial test site, an intelligent pressure-holding transportation of liquid CO2 in the 1000 m transportation pipeline was developed. The surface liquid CO2 infusion capacity was 20 t/h, and the pressure-holding interval at the end of the transportation pipeline was determined to be 1.0–2.3 MPa. The maximum diffusion radius of the mined-out area is 300 m under the effect of positive air flow and self-expansion and diffusion of CO2 gas in the roadway. Under the influence of reverse wind flow and self-expansion and diffusion, the diffusion radius of the goaf is 150 m, and the maximum storage time of gaseous CO2 in the goaf is 27 h. Liquid CO2 was injected into the area with relevant presence of CO, an indicator of possible fires. Practice has proved that, after 65 hours and two perfusion processes, the CO concentration dropped from 790 ppm to 41 ppm, which indicates that liquid CO2 has a significant effect on fire prevention.
Biodiversity of Gut Microbiota: Impact of Various Host and Environmental Factors
Authors: Anwar Haseeb , Iftikhar Arslan , Muzaffar Humaira , Almatroudi Ahmad , Allemailem Khaled S. , Navaid Soha , Saleem Sana , Khurshid Mohsin
Published: May 2021

Human bodies encompass very important symbiotic and mutualistic relationships with tiny creatures known as microbiota. Trillions of these tiny creatures including protozoa, viruses, bacteria, and fungi are present in and on our bodies. They play important roles in various physiological mechanisms of our bodies. In return, our bodies provide them with the habitat and food necessary for their survival. In this review, we comprehend the gut microbial species present in various regions of the gut. We can get benefits from microbiota only if they are present in appropriate concentrations, as if their concentration is altered, it will lead to dysbiosis of microbiota which further contributes to various health ailments. The composition, diversity, and functionality of gut microbiota do not remain static throughout life as they keep on changing over time. In this review, we also reviewed the various biotic and abiotic factors influencing the quantity and quality of these microbiota. These factors serve a significant role in shaping the gut microbiota population.
Experimental Study on the Effect of Expansive Agent on the Durability of Concrete in Civil Air Defense Engineering
Authors: Zhang Junbo , Zhang Jigang , Xiao Weiwei , Wang Qianying , Shao Feng
Published: May 2021

In this study, the effect of 8% UEA the reason why the UEA content is 8% is as follows: the expansion agent content in the actual mix proportion of the project is 8%, which is selected in this test to fit the reality better. expansion agent on the compressive strength, chloride ion penetration resistance, and carbonation resistance of civil air defense concrete were studied by simulating the rapid carbonation and chloride solution immersion of concrete structure in coastal civil air defense engineering environment. The results of this study show that the early compressive strength of concrete decreased by adding the UEA expansion agent and was also affected by the curing time. Moreover, the addition of UEA expansion agent decreased the content of free chloride ions and calcium carbonate in concrete and reduced the early compressive strength of concrete.
Myocarditis Concurrent with Sweet Syndrome: A Presentation of Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Burkeen Christopher G. , Pottinger David , Iragavarapu Chaitanya , Ramlal Reshma , Hildebrandt Gerhard
Published: May 2021

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most common acute leukemia in American adults and portends a poor prognosis if untreated. Commonly, AML presents with symptoms related to concurrent leukopenia, anemia, or thrombocytopenia; however, due to its ability to affect many organ systems in the body, AML can have a highly varied clinical presentation. One such presentation is myocarditis, which is a rarely reported manifestation of AML. Myocarditis can have a varied clinical picture and often requires exclusion of other causes of cardiac dysfunction. Sweet syndrome, also known as acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis, is another presentation of AML; however, it is more commonly associated with AML than cardiac involvement. Sweet syndrome can occur in patients with an already established malignancy or can occur de novo in a patient with previously undiagnosed cancer and, interestingly, can also be accompanied by extracutaneous manifestations, one of which is myocarditis. Herein, we report a case of a 45-year-old male with a history of obesity and depression who presented with chest pain, a tender and diffuse rash, and pancytopenia. Heart catheterization performed at outside institution was negative for coronary artery disease. Cardiac MRI images were compatible with myocarditis. Dermal biopsy of the rash was consistent with sweet syndrome. Peripheral blood flow cytometry and bone marrow biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of AML. He was treated with an induction chemotherapy regimen of 7 days of cytarabine and 3 days of daunorubicin with resolution of his chest pain and skin lesions. The patient had persistent leukemia cells on day 14 postinduction bone marrow biopsy and was treated with high-dose cytarabine reinduction treatment. Bone marrow biopsy with count recovery after reinduction therapy revealed complete response (CR).
A New Approach Customizable Distributed Network Service Discovery System
Authors: Yu Xiangzhan , Hu Zhichao , Xin Yi
Published: May 2021

Computer systems and applications on the internet provide services to outsiders and, at the same time, the vulnerabilities may be exploited by attackers and leak some sensitive private information. To collect and monitor the service information provided by the network environment such as IoT (Internet of Things), vehicular networks, cloud computing, and cloud storage, it is particularly important that a system can provide faster service discovery for discovering and identifying specific network services. The current service discovery systems mainly use port scanning technology, including Nmap, Zmap, and Masscan. However, these technologies hard code the service features and only support common services so that cannot cope with real‐time updates and changing network services. To solve the above problems, this paper proposed a customizable distributed network service discovery system based on stateless scanning technology of Masscan and proposed a customizable interactive pattern set syntax. The system used random destination address technologies to scan for Ipv4 address allocation and used a distributed deployment scheme. Experimental results show that the system has high scanning speed and has high adaptability to new services and special services.