bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ionic Liquid Regenerated Cellulose Membrane Electroless Plated By Silver Layer For ECG Signal Monitoring
Authors: Fu Xueli , Wang Yanping , Wang Wei , Yu Dan
Published: July 2021

Flexible electrodes have attracted the interest of a wide range of people because they can monitor human health signals like ECG, EMG and EEG as wearable devices. However, PDMS-based membrane electrodes have the problem of difficulty in depositing metal layers, while fabric electrodes have high contact impedance. Furthermore, the widely used Ag/AgCl electrodes have the shortcomings of skin inflammation or skin irritation. Therefore, we fabricate a skin-like electrical conductive electrode via electroless silver plating on the surface of regenerated cellulose membrane, in which the cellulose membrane is obtained by the dissolution of cotton fiber with green solvent ionic liquid [Bmim]Cl. The as-prepared biocompatible electrode with low skin-electrode contact impedance can be used as a dry electrode for a long-term period of use. The impedance at 700 Hz is only 8 kΩ/cm2, and the conductivity can reach 252 s/cm. After 5 hours of wear, the skin contact impedance of the electrode was only 10 kΩ/cm2 under 700 Hz(when AgNO3 was used at a concentration of 0.20 mol/L). Importantly, the electrodes not only provide a stable and clear ECG signal, but also offer a high level of comfort and low impedance, when used for long-term health monitoring.
Diagnostic Performance of TE, 2D-SWE And MRE For Liver Fibrosis In Treatment-Naive People With HBV: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis
Authors: Li Mingkai , Wan Sizhe , Wu Xiaoying , Wu Bin
Published: July 2021

Background/aims: To assess the performance of transient elastography (TE), two-dimensional shear wave elastography (2D-SWE), and magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) for staging significant fibrosis and cirrhosis in untreated chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. Methods: Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Library were searched for terms involving CHB, TE, SWE, and MRE. Other etiologies of chronic liver disease (CLD), previous treatment in patients or articles not published in SCI journals were excluded. Hierarchical non-linear models were used to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of TE, 2D-SWE and MRE. Heterogeneity was explored via analysis of threshold effect and meta-regression. Results: Twenty-eight articles with a total of 4540 untreated CHB patients were included. The summary AUROC using TE, 2D-SWE and MRE for predicting significant fibrosis (SF) were 0.84, 0.89, and 0.99, respectively. MRE is more accurate than both TE (P＜0.01) and 2D-SWE (P＜0.01) in staging SF. 2D-SWE is superior to TE in detecting SF (P＜0.01). The summary AUROC employing TE, 2D-SWE and MRE for detecting cirrhosis were 0.9, 0.94, and 0.99, respectively. TE displayed a similar diagnostic accuracy with 2D-SWE in staging cirrhosis (P=0.14). MRE and 2D-SWE are comparable for staging cirrhosis (P=0.08). MRE is superior than TE (P＜0.01) in staging cirrhosis.Conclusion: TE, 2D-SWE, and MRE express acceptable diagnostic accuracies in staging staging significant fibrosis and cirrhosis in untreated CHB patients. Both MRE and 2D-SWE are better choices while the TE can be regarded as a secondary option.
Quantitative Microbial Population Study Reveals Geographical Differences In Bacterial Symbionts of Ixodes Ricinus
Authors: Krawczyk Aleksandra I. , Röttjers Lisa , Fonville Manoj , Takumi Katsuhisa , Takken Willem , Faust Karoline , Sprong Hein
Published: July 2021

Background: Ixodes ricinus ticks vector pathogens that cause serious health concerns. Like in other arthropods, the microbiome may affect the tick’s biology with consequences for pathogen transmission. Here, we explored the bacterial communities of I. ricinus across its developmental stages and six geographic locations by the 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing, combined with quantification of the bacterial load. Results: A wide range of bacterial loads was found. Accurate quantification of low microbial biomass samples permitted comparisons to high biomass samples, despite the presence of contaminating DNA. The bacterial communities of ticks were associated with geographical location rather than life stage, and differences in Rickettsia abundance determined this association. Subsequently, we explored the geographical distribution of four vertically-transmitted symbionts identified in the microbiome analysis. For that, we screened 16,555 nymphs from 19 forest sites for Rickettsia helvetica, Rickettsiella spp., Midichloria mitochondrii, and Spiroplasma ixodetis. The infection rates of all vertically-transmitted symbionts differed between the study sites, and none of them was present in all tested ticks, suggesting facultative associations with I. ricinus. The proportions in which symbionts occurred in populations of I. ricinus were highly variable, but geographically close study sites expressed similar proportions. These patterns were in contrast to what we observed for the horizontally-transmitted pathogens Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Neoehrlichia mikurensis. Lastly, nearly 12% of tested nymphs were free of any targeted microorganisms, which is in line with the microbiome analyses.Conclusions: Our results show that the microbiome of I. ricinus is highly variable, but changes gradually and ticks originating from geographically close forest sites express similar bacterial communities. This suggests that geography-related factors affect the infection rates of vertically-transmitted symbionts in I. ricinus. Since some symbionts, such as R. helvetica can cause disease in humans, we propose that public health investigations consider geographical differences in its infection rates.
Barotropic Energy Conversion During Indian Summer Monsoon: Implication of Central Indian Ocean Mode Simulation in CMIP6
Authors: Qin Jianhuang , Zhou Lei , Meng Ze , Li Baosheng , Lian Tao , Murtugudde Raghu
Published: July 2021

The simulation and prediction of the Indian summer monsoon (ISM) and its intraseasonal component in climate models remain a grand scientific challenge for models. Recently, an intraseasonal mode was proposed over the tropical Indian Ocean, named central Indian Ocean (CIO) mode. The CIO mode index and with monsoon intraseasonal oscillations (MISO) have a high correlation. In this study, the simulations of the CIO mode in the sixth phase of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6) models are examined. Although the coupled ocean-atmosphere feedbacks associated with the CIO mode are not fully reproduced, the results show that a better depiction of the CIO mode in CMIP6 models is favorable for a better simulation of northward-propagating MISO and heavy rainfall during the ISM. Dynamic diagnostics unveil that the rendition of the CIO mode is dominated by kinetic energy conversion from the background to the intraseasonal variability. Furthermore, kinetic energy conversion is controlled by the meridional shear of background zonal winds (\(\frac{\partial \stackrel{-}{u}}{\partial y}\)), which is underestimated in most CMIP6 models, leading to a weak barotropic instability. As a result, a better simulation of \(\frac{\partial \stackrel{-}{u}}{\partial y}\) is required for improving the CIO mode simulation in climate models, which helps to improve the simulation and prediction skill of northward-propagating MISO and monsoonal precipitation.
A Case of Degos Disease Complicated By Constrictive Pericarditis In Remote Phase
Authors: Tadokoro Yuki , Kitamura Tadashi , Horai Tetsuya , Miyaji Kagami
Published: July 2021

Background: Degos disease, also known as malignant atrophic papulosis, is characterized by cutaneous manifestations due to chronic thrombo-obliterative vasculopathy. There have been reports of rare late-onset Degos disease complicated by constrictive pericarditis (CP). We report a case of CP caused by Degos disease that developed 20 years after diagnosis.Case presentation: A 62-year-old woman who has been taking aspirin for 20 years for Degos disease was hospitalized for worsening heart failure. The patient was diagnosed with CP and underwent pericardiectomy. Pathological findings suggested the involvement of Degos disease. The postoperative course was uneventful, and her heart failure and Degos disease did not worsen.Conclusions: This report suggests that Degos disease can cause long-term CP. Aspirin effectively inhibited the progression of Degos disease, and surgical treatment is necessary when heart failure due to CP is refractory to treatment.
The Systematic Development of Attributes And Levels For A Discrete Choice Experiment of HIV Patient Preferences For Long-Acting Antiretroviral Therapies In The United States
Authors: Brah Aaron T. , Barthold Douglas , Hauber Brett , Collier Ann C. , Ho Rodney J.Y. , Marconi Vincent C. , Simoni Jane M. , Graham Susan M.
Published: July 2021

Introduction: Patient preferences for long-acting antiretroviral therapies (LA-ART) should inform development of regimens with optimal adherence and acceptability. We describe a systematic process used to identify attributes and levels for a discrete choice experiment (DCE) designed to elicit preferences for potential LA-ART options in the US. Methods: Our approach was conducted in four stages: data collection, data reduction, removing inappropriate attributes, and optimizing wording. We started with 8 attributes defining potential LA-ART products based on existing literature and knowledge of products in development. We conducted 12 key informant interviews with experts in HIV treatment. The list of attributes, the set of plausible levels for each attribute, and restrictions on combinations of attribute levels were updated iteratively.Results: Despite uncertainty about which products will become available, key informant discussions converged on 4 delivery modes (infusions and patches were not considered immediately feasible) and 6 additional attributes. Treatment effectiveness and frequency of clinical monitoring were dropped. Oral lead-in therapy was split into two attributes: pre-treatment time undetectable and pre-treatment negative reaction testing. We omitted product-specific systemic and local side effects. In addition to mode, the final set of attributes included: frequency of dosing; location of treatment; pain; pre-treatment time undetectable; pre-treatment negative reaction testing; and late-dose leeway.Conclusions: A systematic process successfully captured elements that are both feasible and relevant to evaluating the acceptability of potential LA-ART alternatives to patients.
Engineered Exosomes Derived From Primary M2 Macrophages With Anti-inflammatory And Neuroprotective Properties For The Treatment of Spinal Cord Injury.
Authors: Zhang Chuanjie , Li Daoyong , Hu Hengshuo , Wang Zhe , An Jinyu , Gao Zhanshan , Zhang Kaihua , Mei Xifan , Wu Chao , Tian He
Published: July 2021

Background: Uncontrollable inflammation and nerve cell apoptosis are the most destructive pathological response after spinal cord injury (SCI). So, inflammation suppression combined with neuroprotection is one of the most promising strategies to treat SCI. Engineered exosomes with anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties are promising candidates for the implementation of this strategies for the treatment of SCI. Results: By combining nerve growth factor (NGF) and curcumin (Cur), we prepared stable engineered exosomes of approximately 120 nm from primary M2 macrophages with anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties (Cur@EXs-cl-NGF). Notably, NGF was coupled with EXs by matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9)-cleavable linker to accurately release at the injured site. Through targeted experiments, we found that these exosomes could actively and effectively accumulate at the injured site of SCI mice, which greatly improved the bioavailability of the drugs. Subsequently, Cur@EXs-cl-NGF reached the injured site and could effectively inhibit the uncontrollable inflammatory response to protect the spinal cord from secondary damage; in addition, Cur@EXs-cl-NGF could release NGF into the microenvironment in time to exert a neuroprotective effect against nerve cell damage. Conclusions: A series of in vivo and in vitro experiments showed that the engineered exosomes significantly improved the microenvironment after injury and promoted the recovery of motor function after SCI. We provide a new method for inflammation suppression combined with neuroprotective strategies to treat SCI.
Spatiotemporal Dynamics in Spiking Recurrent Neural Networks Using Modified-Full-FORCE on EEG Signals
Authors: Ioannides Georgios , Kourouklides Ioannis , Astolfi Alessandro
Published: July 2021

Methods on modelling the human brain as a Complex System have increased remarkably in the literature as researchers seek to understand the underlying foundations behind cognition, behaviour, and perception. Computational methods, especially Graph Theory-based methods, have recently contributed significantly in understanding wiring connectivity of the brain, modelling it as a set of nodes connected by edges. Therefore, the brain's spatiotemporal dynamics can be holistically studied by considering a network, which consists of many neurons, represented by nodes. Various models have been proposed for modelling such neurons. A recently proposed method in training such networks, called full-Force, produces networks that perform tasks with fewer neurons and greater noise robustness than previous least-squares approaches (i.e. FORCE method). In this paper, the first direct applicability of a variant of the full-Force method to biologically-motivated Spiking RNNs (SRNNs) is demonstrated. The SRNN is a graph consisting of modules. Each module is modelled as a Small-World Network (SWN), which is a specific type of a biologically-plausible graph. So, the first direct applicability of a variant of the full-Force method to modular SWNs is demonstrated, evaluated through regression and information theoretic metrics. For the first time, the aforementioned method is applied to spiking neuron models and trained on various real-life Electroencephalography (EEG) signals. To the best of the authors' knowledge, all the contributions of this paper are novel. Results show that trained SRNNs match EEG signals almost perfectly, while network dynamics can mimic the target dynamics. This demonstrates that the holistic setup of the network model and the neuron model which are both more biologically plausible than previous work, can be tuned into real biological signal dynamics.
The Relationship Between Energy Expenditure and Physical Functions in Patients Hospitalised For Stroke
Authors: Hobo Kota , Kurita Hideaki , Momose Kimito
Published: July 2021

We assessed the relationship between energy expenditure (EE) and functional independence measure (FIM-M) score, Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and comfortable walking speed (CWS) in patients hospitalised for stroke. The total EE per day (TEE), EE during rehabilitation (REE), and EE during activities other than rehabilitation (OEE) were measured using a single-axis acceleration sensor in 36 patients hospitalised for a first stroke episode. In addition, the relationships between each type of EE and FIM-M, BBS, and CWS were investigated. In these patients (mean age 66.2±10.6 years), the median values of TEE, REE, and OEE were 41.8 kcal, 18.5 kcal, and 16.6 kcal, respectively. Correlations were observed between each EE type and all physical function indices. Following the stratification of patients into two groups (high and low) based on the level of physical function, a significant correlation between EE type and physical function was observed only in the low BBS group. EE was correlated with overall physical function indices, but the trend differed depending on physical ability. When patients were stratified based on ability, there were several groups with no significant correlation. Therefore, many patients were unable to achieve an appropriate EE for their level of physical function.
Alternative Fistula Risk Score and First Postoperative Day Drain Fluid Amylase as Predictors of Pancreatic Fistula After Pancreatoduodenectomy
Authors: Longo Karina Scalabrin , Bassaneze Thiago , Palma Rogério Tadeu , Waisberg Jaques
Published: July 2021

Objectives: The alternative fistula risk score (aFRS) and the first postoperative day drain fluid amylase (DFA) are predictors of the occurrence of clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (CR-POPF). No consensus has been reached on which of the scores is a better predictor; moreover, their combined predictive power remains unclear. To our knowledge, this association had not yet been studied.Methods: This study assessed the predictive effect of aFRS and/or DFA on CR-POPF in a retrospective cohort of 58 patients following PD. The Shapiro-Wilk and the Mann-Whitney tests were applied for assessing the distribution of the samples and for comparing the medians, respectively. The receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve and the confusion matrix were used to analyze the predictive models.Results: The aFRS values were not statistically different between patients in the CR-POPF and non-CR-POPF groups (Mann-Whitney U test: 59.5, p=0.12). The DFA values were statistically different between the CR-POPF and non-CR-POPF groups (Mann-Whitney U test: 27, p=0.004). The aFRS and DFA were independently less predictive for CR-POPF, compared to combined aFRS + DFA.Conclusions: The combined model involving aFRS>20% + DFA≥5,000 U/L was the most effective predictor of CR-POPF occurrence following PD.
Selected by Bioinformatics and Molecular Docking Analysis, Dhea and 2-14,15-Eg are Effective Against Cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Qin Lei , Kuai Jun , Yang Fang , Yang Lu , Sun Peisheng , Zhang Lanfang , Li Guangpeng
Published: July 2021

Object To identify novel targets for the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of cholangiocarcinoma, we screen ideal lead compounds and preclinical drug candidates with MYC inhibitory effect from the ZINC database, and verify the therapeutic effect of Dhea and 2-14,15-Eg on cholangiocarcinoma.Methods The gene expression profiles of GSE132305, GSE89749, and GSE45001 were obtained respectively from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. The DEGs were identified by comparing the gene expression profiles of cholangiocarcinoma and normal tissues. GO, KEGG analysis and PPI network analyses were performed. LibDock, ADME and toxicity prediction, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations were used to identify potential inhibitors of MYC. Moreover, in vitro, MTT assay, colony-forming assay and the scratch assay were performed to verify the therapeutic effect of Dhea and 2-14,15-Eg.Results PPI network analysis showed that ALB, MYC, APOB, IGF1 and KNG1 were hub genes, of which MYC was mainly studied in this study. A battery of computer-aided virtual techniques showed that Dhea and 2-14,15-Eg have lower rodent carcinogenicity, Ames mutagenicity, developmental toxicity potential, and high tolerance to cytochrome P4502D6, as well as could exist stably in natural circumstances. In vitro assays showed that Dhea and 2-14,15-Eg inhibited cholangiocarcinoma cellular viability, proliferation, and migration via inducing cholangiocarcinoma cells apoptosis.Conclusion This study suggested that Dhea and 2-14,15-Eg were novel potential inhibitors of MYC targeting, as well as are a promising drug in dealing with cholangiocarcinoma and have a perspective application.
The Value of Metagenomic Next -Generation Sequence In Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome With Opportunistic Infections
Authors: Liu Li , Yuan Mingjuan , Sun Siqing , Wang Jinrong , Shi Yi , Su Xin
Published: July 2021

Background: Metagenomic next-generation sequence (mNGS) is an emerging powerful pan-pathogen test for the diagnosis of infectious diseases. However, the application of mNGS in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome with opportunistic infections is limited to clinical cases reports and central nervous system infection.In this study, we evaluated the diagnostic value of mNGS in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome(AIDS) with opportunistic infections(OIs).Methods: From January 2018 to February 2021,86 cases were enrolled in this retrospective analysis. All patients underwent mNGS. Clinical data were recorded.Result: In the present study, mNGS identified 76 of 86 infection cases (88.37%).Human betaherpesvirus 5 (CMV) (40.70%), Human gammaherpesvirus 4 (EBV) (40.70%),pneumocystis (31.40%) were the most common pathogens detected. The sensitivity of mNGS (88.37%,76/86) was higher than that of culture (22.10%, 19/86),smear(7%,6/86) and PCR(46.51%,40/86).In the detection of viruses such as (CMV and EBV), the consistency between PCR and mNGS of CMV and EBV was 100%,73.33% respectively. All PCP cases were detected by mNGS. The consistency in detection of talaromyces between culture and mNGS was 75%.mNGS is superior to the common methods such as culture and smear in the detection of mycobacterium tuberculosis and non-mycobacterium tuberculosis. The mNGS findings led to changes in treatment strategies in 47/86 (54.65%) cases. Compared with the patients’treatment before mNGS, patients had lower rate of broad-spectrum antibiotic drugs use during clinical treatment after mNGS 78/86(90.70%) vs 34/86(39.53%)（P<0.0001). Conclusion: mNGS showed a satisfying diagnostic performance in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome with opportunistic infections. mNGS may lead to a more precise antimicrobial treatment and reduced the use of antibiotic medicine.
RBM17 Mediates Evasion of Pro-Leukemic Factors from Splicing-coupled NMD to Enforce Leukemic Stem Cell Maintenance
Authors: Liu Lina , Vujovic Ana , Deshpande Nandan , Sathe Shashank , Anande Govardhan , Xu Joshua , Minden Mark , Yeo Gene , Unnikrishnan Ashwin , Hope Kristin , Lu Yu
Published: July 2021

Chemo-resistance in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients is driven by leukemic stem cells (LSC) resulting in high rates of relapse and low overall survival. Here, we demonstrate that upregulation of the splicing factor, RBM17 preferentially marks and sustains LSCs and directly correlates with shorten patient survival. RBM17 knockdown in primary AML cells leads to myeloid differentiation and impaired colony formation and in vivo engraftment. Integrative multi-omics analyses show that RBM17 repression leads to inclusion of poison exons and production of nonsense-mediated decay (NMD)-sensitive transcripts for pro-leukemic factors and the translation initiation factor, EIF4A2. We show that EIF4A2 is enriched in LSC and its inhibition impairs primary AML progenitor activity. Proteomic analysis of EIF4A2-depleted AML cells shows recapitulation of the RBM17 knockdown biological effects, including pronounced suppression of proteins involved in ribosome biogenesis. Overall, these results provide a rationale to target RBM17 and/or its downstream NMD-sensitive splicing substrates for AML treatment.
N Balance and Requirements Under Different N Management Practices in a No-Till Perennial Rice Cropping System
Authors: Huang Guangfu , Zhang Yujiao , Zhang Shilai , Zhang Jing , Gan Shuxian , Sun Tao , Hu Fengyi
Published: July 2021

Aims: In the absence of tillage, perennial rice is an innovation and supplement to rice production. Evaluating crop N uptake and N requirements and maintaining soil N balance are essential for informing decisions regarding optimal N management and the accessibility of the soil environment benefits of perennial rice cropping systems. Methods: To assess the soil nitrogen cycle and balance, formulate optimal N fertilizer management for perennial rice, a field experiment with four nitrogen rates (N0, N1, N2 and N3 refer to 0, 120, 180 and 240 kg N ha-1, respectively) integrated with three planting densities (D1, D2 and D3 refer to 100×103, 167×103 and 226×103 plants ha-1, respectively) was conducted for two years over four seasons (2016-2017) in southern China. Results: The results showed that N2D3 mode could sustainably produce higher dry matter accumulation (15.15 t ha-1) and grain yields (7.67 t ha-1) over four seasons, showed significantly higher N uptake (201 kg ha-1 each season) and less soil N loss (27.1%). Additionally, the N2D3 mode could reach the optimal N balance (-0.2 kg ha-1) in perennial rice fields with low N requirements (23.9 kg N Mg-1 grain), resulting in higher N use efficiency (NAE: 26.5 kg N kg-1, NRE: 64.9%). Conclusion: In the perennial rice cropping system, 180 kg N ha-1 integrated with 226×103 plants ha-1 resulted in higher grain yields with lower N requirements, higher N use efficiencies, and lower soil N losses, thereby maintaining the soil N balance for sustainable perennial rice production.
Albumin Levels as an Independent Risk Factor for Adverse Outcomes in COVID-19 Patients: A Multicenter Restrospective Study.
Authors: xie congyi , Wang Sijiao , Zhou Jian , Shao Changzhou
Published: July 2021

Backgroud: Studies of risk factors for prognosis of COVID-19 have increased rapidly, but researches about the association between albumin (ALB) levels and COVID-19 clinical outcomes are limited. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between admission albumin levels and adverse outcomes in patients with COVID-19.Methods: This study retrospectively-analyzed 199 COVID-19 patients come from five designated hospitals in Fujian Province between January 22 and February 27, 2020. Clinical characteristics and admission laboratory values were collected. Adverse outcomes were defined as meeting at least one of the following criteria: development of ARDS, respiratory failure, shock, MOF, ICU admissions and in-hospital mortality events.Results: After adjusting for potential confounders (age, sex, BMI, current smoking, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, pulmonary disease, tumor, chronic liver disease, D-dimer, creatinine, CK, leukocytes, neutrophil, LDH, BUN and fibrinogen), a non-linear relationship was detected between ALB and adverse comes, which had an inflection point of 32.6. The odds ratio and the confidence intervals on the left and right sides of the inflection point were 0.204 (0.061 to 0.681) and 0.908 (0.686 to 1.203), respectively. Conclusion: The relationship between ALB and adverse outcomes is non-linear. ALB was negatively correlated with adverse outcomes when ALB was less than 32.6.
Maximum Lesion-To-Contralateral Normal Brain Tissue Ratio of 11C-Methionine PET as a Prognostic Imaging Biomarker for Newly Diagnosed and Untreated Astrocytic Glioma
Authors: Nakajo Kosuke , Uda Takehiro , Kawashima Toshiyuki , Terakawa Yuzo , Ishibashi Kenichi , Tsuyuguchi Naohiro , Tanoue Yuta , Nagahama Atsufumi , Koh Saya , Uda Hiroshi , Sasaki Tsuyoshi , Ohata Kenji , Kanemura Yonehiro , Goto Takeo
Published: July 2021

Purpose: This study aimed whether the uptake of amino tracer positron emissiontomography (PET) can be used as an additional imaging biomarker to estimatethe prognosis of glioma.Methods: Participants comprised 56 adult patients with newly diagnosed and untreated World Health Organization (WHO) gradeⅡ-Ⅳ astrocytic glioma who underwent surgical excision and were evaluated by 11C-methionine PET prior to the surgical excision at Osaka City University Hospital from July 2011 to March 2018. Clinical and imaging studies were retrospectively reviewed based on medical records at our institution.Results: Preoperative Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) only influenced progression-free survival (PFS) (hazard ratio [HR] 0.20; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.10-0.41, p<0.0001), whereas histology (anaplastic astrocytoma: HR 5.30, 95%CI 1.23-22.8, p=0.025; glioblastoma: HR 11.52, 95%CI 2.27-58.47, p=0.0032), preoperative KPS≥80 (HR 0.23, 95%CI 0.09-0.62, p=0.004), maximum lesion-to-contralateral normal brain tissue (LN max)≥4.03 (HR 0.24, 95%CI 0.08-0.71, p=0.01), and isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) status (HR 14.06, 95%CI 1.81-109.2, p=0.011) were factors influencing overall survival (OS) in multivariate Cox regression. OS was shorter in patients with LN max≥ 4.03 (29.3 months) than in patients with LN max<4.03 (not reached; p=0.03). OS differed significantly between patients with IDH mutant/LN max<4.03 and patients with IDH mutant/LN max ≥4.03.Conclusions: LN max using 11C-methionine PET may be used in prognostic markers for newly identified and untreated WHO gradeⅡ-Ⅳ astrocytic glioma.
Ipa1 Improves Rice Drought Tolerance at Seedling Stage Mainly Through Activating Abscisic Acid Pathway
Authors: Zhu Menghao , He Yonggang , Zhu Mingqiang , Ahmad Ayaz , Xu Shuang , He Zijun , Jiang Shan , Huang Jinqiu , Li Zhihui , Liu Shaojia , Hou Xin , Zhang Zhihong
Published: July 2021

Drought is a major abiotic stress to crop production. IPA1 (IDEAL PLANT ARCHITECTURE 1)/OsSPL14 encodes a transcription factor and has been reported to function in both rice ideal plant architecture and biotic resistance. Here, with a pair of IPA1/ipa1-NILs (Near Iso-genic Lines), we found that ipa1 could significantly improve rice drought tolerance at seedling stage. The ipa1 plants had a better-developed root system and smaller leaf stomatal aperture. Analysis of carbon-nitrogen metabolism-associated enzyme activity, gene expression, and metabolic profile indicated that ipa1 could tip the carbon-nitrogen metabolism balance towards an increased carbon metabolism pattern. In both the control and PEG-treated conditions, ABA content in the ipa1 seedlings was significantly higher than that in the IPA1 seedlings. Expression of the ABA biosynthesis genes was detected to be up-regulated, whereas the expression of ABA catabolism genes was down-regulated in the ipa1 seedlings. In addition, based on yeast one-hybrid assay and dual-luciferase assay, IPA1 was found to directly activate the promoter activity of OsHOX12, a transcription factor promoting ABA biosynthesis, and OsNAC52, a positive regulator of the ABA pathway. The expression of OsHOX12 and OsNAC52 was significantly up-regulated in the ipa1 plants. Combined with the previous studies, our results suggested that ipa1 could improve rice seedling drought tolerance mainly through activating the ABA pathway and that regulation of the ipa1-mediated ABA pawthway will be an important strategy for improving drought resistance of rice.
Dissipation-driven Strange Metal Behavior
Authors: Grilli Marco , Caprara Sergio , Castro Carlo Di , Mirarchi Giovanni , Seibold Goetz
Published: July 2021

Anomalous metallic properties are often observed in the proximity of quantum critical points, with violation
of the Fermi Liquid paradigm. We propose a scenario where, near the quantum critical point, dynamical fluctuations of the order parameter with finite correlation length mediate a nearly isotropic scattering among the quasiparticles over the entire Fermi surface. This scattering produces an anomalous metallic behavior, which is extended to the lowest temperatures by an increase of the damping of the fluctuations. We phenomenologically identify one single parameter ruling this increasing damping when the temperature decreases, accounting for both the linear-in-temperature resistivity and the seemingly divergent specific heat observed, e.g., in high-temperature superconducting cuprates and some heavy-fermion metals
Research on Key Technologies of Construction Of Tunnel in Aeolian Stratum: A Case Study of Shenmu No. 1 Tunnel
Authors: YE Fei , Liang Xing , Liang Xiaoming
Published: July 2021

The naturally formed aeolian sand dunes in northern Shaanxi have unique engineering characteristics. Several difficulties restrict the construction of road tunnels under this stratum, such as the poor self-stabilization ability of the surrounding rock, difficultly in injecting grout, and insufficient construction experience. Therefore, in this study, a case study of the Shenmu No. 1 tunnel was conducted to investigate the engineering characteristics of aeolian sand tunnels, compare the grouting effects of commonly used grouting materials, and discuss the reinforcement effects of different construction schemes in aeolian sand tunnels. Based on a field grouting test, it was found that it is difficult to inject ordinary cement grout into an aeolian sand layer; superfine cement grout and modified sodium silicate grout can be injected, but the former has a poor reinforcement effect. Through numerical analysis, it is found that an approach based on a concept of “horizontal jet grouting pile + benching partial excavation method with a temporary invert” is suitable for the construction of tunnels in aeolian sand in China.
Immunodominant NP105-113-B*0702 cytotoxic T cell response controls viral replication and is associated with less severe COVID-19 disease
Authors: Dong Tao , Ogg Graham , Peng Yan-Chun , Felce Suet , Dong Danning , Penkava Frank , Mentzer Alexander , Lao Xuan , Liu Guihai , Yin Zixi , Chen Ji-Li , Lu YongXu , Wellington Dannielle , Wing Peter , Dominey-Foy Delaney , Knight Julian , Jin Chen , Wang Wenbo , Hamid Megat Abd , Fernandes Ricardo , Wang Beibei , Fries Anastasia , Zhuang Xiaodong , Ashley Neil , Rostron Timothy , Waugh Craig , Sopp Paul , Hublitz Philip , Beveridge Ryan , Tan Tiong Kit , Dold Christina , Kwok Andrew , Rich-Griffin Charlotte , Dejnirattisai Wanwisa , Nassiri Isar , Watson Robert , Tong Orion , Taylor Chelsea , Sharma Piyush Kumar , Curion Fabiola , Revale Santiago , Garner Lucy , Jansen Kathrin , Ferreira Ricardo , Attar Moustafa , Fry Jeremy , Russell Rebecca , Stauss Hans , James William , Townsend Alain , Ho Ling-Pei , Mongkolsapaya Juthathip , Klenerman Paul , Screaton Gavin , Dendrou Calliope , Sansom Stephen , Bashford-Rogers Rachael , Chain Benny , Smith Geoffrey , McKeating Jane , Fairfax Benjamin , Bowness Paul , McMichael Andrew
Published: July 2021

NP105-113-B*07:02 specific CD8+ T-cell responses are considered among the most dominant in SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals. We found strong association of this response with mild disease. Analysis of NP105-113-B*07:02 specific T-cell clones and single cell sequencing were performed concurrently, with functional avidity and anti-viral efficacy assessed using an in vitro SARS-CoV-2 infection system, and were correlated with TCR usage, transcriptome signature, and disease severity (acute N=77, convalescent N=52). We demonstrated a beneficial association of NP105-113-B*07:02 specific T-cells in COVID-19 disease progression, linked with expansion of T-cell precursors, high functional avidity and anti-viral effector function. Broad immune memory pools were narrowed post-infection but NP105-113-B*07:02 specific T-cells were maintained 6 months after infection with preserved anti-viral efficacy to the SARS-CoV-2 Victoria strain, as well as new Alpha, Beta and Gamma variants. Our data shows that NP105-113-B*07:02 specific T-cell responses associate with mild disease and high anti-viral efficacy, pointing to inclusion for future vaccine design.
Unveiling the Solubilization of Potassium Mineral Rocks in Organic Acids for Application as K-fertilizer
Authors: Lodi Ludimila A. , Klaic Rodrigo , Bortoletto-Santos Ricardo , Ribeiro Caue , Farinas Cristiane Sanchez
Published: July 2021

Organic acids produced by soil microorganisms can be useful to promote the release of potassium (K) from potassium mineral rocks (KR), but the complexity of low-reactivity minerals limits K solubilization and their use as fertilizer. Here, we investigate the ways that different organic acids (gluconic, oxalic, and citric) can affect the solubilization of potassium minerals, in order to propose process strategies to improve their solubility. For this, evaluations were performed using the model minerals KRpolyhalite (sedimentary mineral), KRfeldspar (igneous mineral), and KCl (commercial fertilizer). For KCl and KRpolyhalite, complete solubilization was achieved using all the organic acids, while for KRfeldspar, the highest K+ solubilization (34.86 mg L-1) was achieved with oxalic acid. The solubility of KRfeldspar was further investigated under submerged cultivation with the filamentous fungus Aspergillus niger, as well as after a mechanochemical grinding treatment. The biotechnological route resulted in solubilized K+ up to 63.2 mg L-1. The mechanochemical route, on the other hand, increased the release of K+ by about 8.6 times (993 mg L-1) compared to the natural mineral, due to the greater fragmentation of the particles after the treatment (with a surface area about 2.5 times higher than for the in natura KRfeldspar). These findings demonstrated the potential of applying biotechnological and mechanochemical routes with organic acids to improve the solubilization of K present in low reactivity mineral rocks, contributing to the use of these minerals as fertilizers in more sustainable agricultural practices.
Dual Controlled Cross - Shaped Broadband Terahertz Absorber Based On Vanadium Oxide - Liquid Crystal Metamaterial
Authors: Ning Renxia , Wang Fei , Huang Wang
Published: July 2021

A low terahertz broadband tunable absorber was proposed, which was mainly composed of vanadium oxide (VO2) film and nematic liquid crystal layer. The simulation results show that the absorption can reach more than 90% in the range of 0.458 THz-1.1492 THz. With the vanadium oxide transited into metal state, the tuning absorber was realized. Since the dielectric constant of the nematic liquid crystal can be adjusted by bias voltage, without changing the intensity of absorption, but a shift in the bandwidth was observed. In addition, the structure designed in this paper was insensitive to incident light polarization and still remained high absorption at 60°. This tunable broadband metamaterial absorber can be used for attenuator and energy harvesting.
Comparison Efficacy of Ultrasound-Guided Needle Release Plus Corticosteroid Injection and Mini-Open Surgery in Patients with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Authors: Zeng Zeng , Lin Nan , Chen Cong-Xian
Published: July 2021

Purpose To compare clinical outcomes of ultrasound-guided needle release with corticosteroid injection versus mini-open surgery in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).Methods From January 2020 to December 2020, 40 patients (40 wrists) with CTS were retrospectively analyzed in this study. Diagnosis was based on clinical symptoms, electro-physiological and ultrasound imaging. 20 wrists were treated with ultrasound-guided needle release plus corticosteroid injection (Group A) and other 20 wrists went mini-open surgery (Group B). We evaluated Boston carpal tunnel questionnaire, electrophysiological parameters (distal motor latency, sensory conduction velocity and sensory nerve action potential of median nerve) and ultrasound parameters (cross-sectional area, flattening ratio and the thicknesses of transverse carpal ligament) both before and 3 months after treatment. Total treatment cost, duration of treatment, healing time and complications were also recorded for two groups.Results Boston carpal tunnel questionnaire, electrophysiologic and ultrasound outcomes at preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively had significant difference for each group (each P༜0.05). There were no complications such as infection, haemorrhage, vascular, nerve or tendon injuries in both groups.Conclusion Ultrasound-guided needle release and mini-open surgery are both effective measures in treating CTS patients. Ultrasound-guided needle release plus corticosteroid injection provides smaller incision, less cost, less time of treatment and faster recovery compared with mini-open surgery. Ultrasound-guided needle release plus corticosteroid injection is better for clinical application
Thermoelectric Properties of Sr1-3x/2Lax/2Smx/2TiO3-δ (0.05 ≤ x ≤ 0.30) Ceramics
Authors: Iyasara Adindu C.
Published: July 2021

Influence of strongly reducing processing atmosphere on Sr-vacancy Sr1-3x/2Lax/2Smx/2TiO3-δ (x = 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20, 0.30) ceramics was investigated. The ceramic powders were prepared by the solid-state reaction (SSR) method, and heat treated in 5 % H2/N2 reducing gas at 1573 K for 6 h and 1773 K for 8 h for calcination and sintering processes, respectively. Thermoelectric properties of Sr1-3x/2Lax/2Smx/2TiO3-δ ceramics were evaluated from 573 to 973 K. Their electrical conductivities increased with carrier concentration and also decreased with temperature, indicating metallic behaviour. The Seebeck coefficients showed n-type behaviour and increased with temperature. Additionally, the total thermal conductivities exhibited low values, with a minimum value, 2.67 W/m. K for x = 0.20 ceramics at 973 K. A maximum thermoelectric figure of merit, ZT = 0.30 at 973 K was reached for Sr0.7La0.1Sm0.1TiO3-δ ceramics, which is 20 % higher than the maximum value reported previously for La-Sm electron doped SrTiO3 ceramics.
Differences in Motor Unit Recruitment Patterns and Low Frequency Oscillation of Discharge Rates between Unilateral and Bilateral Isometric Muscle Contractions.
Authors: Bao Shancheng , Wang Yiyu , Wright David L , Buchanan John J. , Lei Yuming
Published: July 2021

Introduction: Distinct cortical activities contribute to unilateral and bilateral motor control. However, it remains largely unknown whether the behavior of motor neurons differs between unilateral and bilateral isometric force generation. Here, we first investigated motor units (MUs) recruitment patterns during unilateral and bilateral force generation. Considering that the force control is primarily regulated by low-frequency synaptic inputs to motor neurons, we also examined the relation between MU discharge rate and force output during unilateral and bilateral muscle contractions.Methods: Using advanced electromyography (EMG) sensor arrays and spike-triggered averaging techniques, we examined a large population of MUs in the right first dorsal interosseous (FDI) muscle during unilateral and bilateral force tracking tasks. Using the principal component analysis, we analyzed the first common component (FCC) of MU discharge rate to describe the force fluctuations during unilateral and bilateral contractions. Results: We found that MU discharge rate decreased during bilateral compared with unilateral contractions. MU recruitment threshold increased, while the amplitude and duration of MU action potential (MUAP) remained unchanged during bilateral compared with unilateral contractions. We found that the coefficients of variation (CV) for the force and FCC signal increased during bilateral compared with unilateral contractions. Notably, the FCC signal captured a great amount of MU discharge variability, and its CV correlated with the CV of the force signal. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that MU recruitment patterns are altered during bilateral compared with unilateral isometric force generation, likely related to changes at the low-frequency portion of the synaptic drive.
Comparison of closed-form solutions to experimental magnetic force between two cylindrical magnets
Authors: Cheedket Sampart , Sirisathitkul Chitnarong
Published: July 2021

The force between permanent magnets implemented in many engineering devices remains an intriguing problem in basic physics. The variation of magnetic force with the distance x between a pair of magnets cannot usually be approximated as x-4 because of the dipole nature and geometry of magnets. In this work, the force between two identical cylindrical magnets is accurately described by a closed-form solution. The analytical model assumes that the magnets are uniformly magnetized along their length. The calculation, based on the magnetic field exerted by one magnet on the other along the direction of their orientation, shows a reduction in the magnetic force with the distance x and a dependence on the size parameters of magnets. To verify the equation, the experiment was set up by placing two cylindrical neodymium iron boron type magnets in a vertical tube. The repulsive force between the identical upper and lower magnets of 2.5 cm in diameter and 7.5 cm in length was measured from the weight on the top of the upper magnet. The resulting separation between the magnets was recorded as x. The forces measured at x=0.004-0.037 m differ from the values calculated using the analytic solution by -0.55 % to -13.60 %. The calculation also gives rise to a practical remnant magnetic field of 1.206 T. When x is much large than the equation of force is approximated as a simple form proportional to 1/x-4. The finding can be directly used in magnetic levitation as well as applied in calculating magnetic fields and forces in other systems incorporating permanent magnets.
Selection of the right proxy market portfolio for CAPM
Authors: Chaudhary Rashmi , Bakhshi Priti
Published: July 2021

The purpose of the paper is to select the right market proxy for calculating the expected return, since critically evaluating proxies or selecting the correct proxy market portfolio is essential for portfolio management because the change in the market portfolio proxy affects returns. In this study, monthly data of equity indices are evaluated to find out the better market proxy. The indices taken are BSE 30 (Sensex), Nifty 50, BSE 100, BSE 200, and BSE 500. The macroeconomic variables used in the study are industrial production index (IIP), consumer price index (CPI), money supply (M1), and exchange rate in India. To avoid the influence of COVID-19, the research period was from January 2013 to December 2019 to critically evaluate these proxies in order to find the most appropriate market proxy. This paper reveals a noteworthy relationship between stock market returns and macroeconomic factors, while suggesting that the BSE 500 is a better choice for all equity indices, as the index also shows a significant relationship with all macroeconomic variables. BSE500 is a composite index comprising all sectors with low, mid and large cap securities, therefore it reflects the impact of macroeconomic factors most efficiently, taking it as a market proxy. This study was carried out in the context of India and can be replicated for other countries.
Assessment of bankruptcy risks in Czech companies using regression analysis
Authors: Yousaf Muhammad , Bris Petr
Published: July 2021

Bankruptcy is an important topic in academic research and practice. It is a burning issue worldwide in the current COVID-19 situation. The aim of this study is to examine the financial risks of Czech companies. By employing the stepwise regression technique to estimate the financial risks, the p-values of all selected 15 financial ratios (explanatory variables) were calculated. If the p-value of the variable is more than the level of significance, the particular variable is removed from the model and another regression model is calculated. The findings from the stepwise regression revealed that return on capital, current ratio, net working capital turnover rate, and current assets turnover rate have a positive influence on company’s financial health. On the contrary, return on capital employed, asset turnover rate, inventory turnover rate, fixed assets turnover rate, and debt to equity ratio negatively impact the company’s financial health. The findings of this study will be fruitful for managers, policymakers, and investors of the companies to estimate and assess financial risks.
AcknowledgmentsThis study is supported by the Internal Grant Agency (IGA) in Tomas Bata University in Zlin, the Czech Republic, under the projects No IGA/FAME/2021/008 and IGA/FAME/2021/014.
Determination of Ozone or Hypochlorite in Waters Based on Digital Images Analysis Using Same Reagent
Authors: Zampier Lorrayne , Fernando de Oliveira André , Heleno Fernanda , de Queiroz Maria Eliana , Neves Antônio Augusto , Olivo Sergio
Published: July 2021

Ozone and hypochlorite are used for the disinfection of water and is essential to monitor these. In this paper, methods based on digital images were developed to determine these analytes in waters using the malachite green dye. The oxidation of the reagent with ozone was very fast and with hypochlorite occurred in 10 min in pseudo-first-order kinetics. New software called ICCA was developed for the capture and processing of red, green and blue (RGB) data, which is planned for digital image analysis. In addition, the recently proposed parameters analytical resolution and N9 were used to define some study conditions. An evaluation of different response functions and white correction of the webcam were done, having thrown some light on the subject to this theme. Their optimization showed a linear range from 0.6 mg L-1 to 5.0/6.0 mg L-1 (O3/Cl, respectively). The figures of merit were similar for both. The methods were validated and the recoveries achieved were between 85.0 and 96.0% (ozone) and 101.0 and 119.0% (hypochlorite).