bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plasmon resonances management of meta-mirror for combining radar cross section (RCS) reduction and specular reflection with frequency selectivity
Authors: Pesarakloo Ali , Oruji Alireza
Published: September 2021

In this paper using Plasmon Resonances Management (PRM), a bi-functional meta-mirror is proposed in which, the meta-mirror can obtain two opposite properties in two different frequency ranges. In this method, an anisotropic unit cell with polarization conversion property is modified to have two plasmon resonances in both symmetric and anti-symmetric planes in a specific frequency. This allows the unit cell to have the property of unchanged polarization in that frequency. The meta-mirror is composed of this modified unit cell and its mirror as a chessboard arrangement and the incident wave on the meta-mirror is reflected as in-phase in that specific frequency i.e. specular reflection, while as out-of-phase in other frequencies i.e. RCS reduction. The designed meta-mirror in this paper demonstrates the RCS reduction in two side-bands from 4 to 9 GHz and 10.8 to 14.8 GHz while behaving as a specular reflection in the frequency around 10 GHz.
Taxonomic bias in AMP prediction of invertebrate peptides
Authors: Rádai Zoltán , Kiss Johanna , Nagy Nikoletta A.
Published: September 2021

Invertebrate antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are at the forefront in the search for agents of therapeutic utility against multi-resistant microbial pathogens, and in recent years substantial advances took place in the in silico prediction of antimicrobial function of amino acid sequences. A yet neglected aspect is taxonomic bias in the performance of these tools. Owing to differences in the prediction algorithms and used training data sets between tools, and phylogenetic differences in sequence diversity, physicochemical properties and evolved biological functions of AMPs between taxa, notable discrepancies may exist in performance between the currently available prediction tools. Here we tested if there is taxonomic bias in the prediction power in 10 tools with a total of 20 prediction algorithms in 19 invertebrate taxa, using a data set containing 1525 AMP and 3050 non-AMP sequences. We found that most of the tools exhibited considerable variation in performance between tested invertebrate groups. Based on the per-taxa performances and on the variation in performances across taxa we provide guidance in choosing the best-performing prediction tool for all assessed taxa, by listing the highest scoring tool for each of them.
RAS specific protease induces irreversible growth arrest via p27 in several KRAS mutant colorectal cancer cell lines
Authors: Stubbs Caleb K. , Biancucci Marco , Vidimar Vania , Satchell Karla J. F.
Published: September 2021

Ras-specific proteases to degrade RAS within cancer cells are under active development as an innovative strategy to treat tumorigenesis. The naturally occurring biological toxin effector called RAS/RAP1-specific endopeptidase (RRSP) is known to cleave all RAS within a cell, including HRAS, KRAS, NRAS and mutant KRAS G13D. Yet, our understanding of the mechanisms by which RRSP drives growth inhibition are unknown. Here, we demonstrate, using isogenic mouse fibroblasts expressing a single isoform of RAS or mutant KRAS, that RRSP equally inactivates all isoforms of RAS as well as the major oncogenic KRAS mutants. To investigate how RAS processing might lead to varying outcomes in cell fate within cancer cells, we tested RRSP against four colorectal cancer cell lines with a range of cell fates. While cell lines highly susceptible to RRSP (HCT116 and SW1463) undergo apoptosis, RRSP treatment of GP5d and SW620 cells induces G1 cell cycle arrest. In some cell lines, growth effects were dictated by rescued expression of the tumor suppressor protein p27 (Kip1). The ability of RRSP to irreversibly inhibit cancer cell growth highlights the antitumor potential of RRSP, and further warrants investigation as a potential anti-tumor therapeutic.
Association between 9-month isoniazid prophylaxis of latent tuberculosis and severe hepatitis in patients treated with TNF inhibitors
Authors: Lai Edward Chia-Cheng , Liang Hsun-Yin , Huang Ya-Chun , Huang Wei-I. , Chao Pi-Hui , Chen Wen-Wen , Weng Meng-Yu
Published: September 2021

To investigate associations between isoniazid for latent tuberculosis and risk of severe hepatitis, affecting patients with rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis whose treatment includes tumor necrosis factor inhibitors. Our self-controlled case series study analyzed Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Database from 2003 to 2015 to identify RA or AS patients, aged ≥ 20 years, receiving TNF inhibitors and a 9-month single isoniazid treatment. The outcome of interest was hospitalization due to severe hepatitis. We defined risk periods by isoniazid exposure (days): 1–28, 29–56, 57–84, 85–168, 169–252, and 253–280. To compare risk of severe hepatitis in exposed and non-exposed periods, we performed conditional Poisson regressions to generate incidence rate ratios (IRR) and 95% confidence intervals, with adjustment of patients’ baseline covariates including age, sex, HBV, HCV and related medication. Of 54,267 RA patients and 137,889 AS patients identified between 2000 and 2015, 11,221 (20.7%) RA and 4,208 (3.1%) AS patients underwent TNFi therapy, with 722 (5%) receiving isoniazid for latent tuberculosis. We identified 31 incident cases (4.3%) of hospitalization due to severe hepatitis. Of these hospitalization events, 5 occurred in the exposed periods, 25 occurred in the INH unexposed periods, and 1 occurred in the pre-exposure period. Compared with non-exposure, the risk of severe hepatitis was higher in exposed periods (incidence rate ratio [IRR]: 5.1, 95% CI: 1.57–16.55), especially 57–84 days (IRR: 17.29, 95% CI: 3.11–96.25) and 85–168 days (IRR:10.55, 95% CI: 1.90–58.51). The INH related fatal hepatotoxicity was not identified in our study. Our findings suggest an association between risk of severe hepatitis and exposure to isoniazid in patients with RA or AS under TNFi therapy, particularly within the exposed period 57–168 days. A close monitoring of liver function is mandatory to minimize the risk, especially within the first 6 months after initiation of 9 months isoniazid.
Development of a nondiapausing strain of northern corn rootworm with rearing techniques for both diapausing and nondiapausing strains
Authors: Huynh Man P. , Nielson Chad , Wade French B. , Ludwick Dalton C. , Geisert Ryan W. , Pereira Adriano E. , Barry Julie , Meihls Lisa N. , Schneider Sharon K. , Hibbard Bruce E.
Published: September 2021

The northern corn rootworm, Diabrotica barberi Smith & Lawrence, has a univoltine life cycle that typically produces one generation a year. When rearing the northern corn rootworm in the laboratory, in order to break diapause, it is necessary to expose eggs to a five month cold period before raising the temperature. By selective breeding of the small fraction of eggs that hatched without cold within 19–32 days post oviposition, we were able to develop a non-diapausing colony of the northern corn rootworm within five generations of selection. Through selection, the percentages of adult emergence from egg hatch without exposure to cold treatment significantly increased from 0.52% ± 0.07 at generation zero to 29.0% ± 2.47 at generation eight. During this process, we developed an improved method for laboratory rearing of both the newly developed non-diapausing strain as well as the diapausing strain. The development of the non-diapausing colony along with the improvements to the rearing system will allow researchers to produce up to six generations of the northern corn rootworm per year, which would facilitate research and advance our knowledge of this pest at an accelerated rate.
Predictors of attrition among adults in a rural HIV clinic in southern Mozambique: 18-year retrospective study
Authors: Nacarapa Edy , Verdu M. Elisa , Nacarapa Joana , Macuacua Artur , Chongo Bartolomeu , Osorio Dulce , Munyangaju Isabelle , Mugabe Didier , Paredes Roger , Chamarro Ana , Revollo Boris , Alexandre Silvio S. , Simango Mulassua , Torrus Diego , Ramos-Rincon Jose-Manuel
Published: September 2021

HIV remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality for people living in many low-income countries. With an HIV prevalence of 12.4% among people aged over 15 years, Mozambique was ranked in 2019 as one of eight countries with the highest HIV rates in the world. We analyzed routinely collected data from electronical medical records in HIV-infected patients aged 15 years or older and enrolled at Carmelo Hospital of Chokwe in Chokwe from 2002 to 2019. Attrition was defined as individuals who were either reported dead or lost to follow-up (LTFU) (≥ 90 days since the last clinic visit with missed medical pick-up after 3 days of failed calls). Kaplan–Meier survival curves and Cox regression analyses were used to model the incidence and predictors of time to attrition. From January 2002 to December 2019, 16,321 patients were enrolled on antiretroviral therapy (ART): 59.2% were women, and 37.9% were aged 25–34 years old. At the time of the analysis, 7279 (44.6%) were active and on ART. Overall, the 16,321 adults on ART contributed a total of 72,987 person-years of observation. The overall attrition rate was 9.46 per 100 person-years. Cox regression showed a higher risk of attrition in those following an inpatient regimen (hazard ratio [HR] 3.18, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.89–3.50; p < 0.001), having CD4 counts under 50 cells/µL (HR 1.91, 95% CI 1.63–2.24, p < 0.001), receiving anti-TB treatment within 90 days of ART initiation (HR 6.53, 95% CI 5.72–7.45; p < 0.001), classified as WHO clinical stage III (HR 3.75, 95% CI 3.21–4.37; p < 0.001), and having Kaposi’s sarcoma (HR 1.99, 95% CI 1.65–2.39, p < 0.001). Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that patients with CD4 counts of less than 50 cells/µL on ART initiation had a 40% lower chance of survival at 18 years. Low CD4 cell counts, ART initiation as an inpatient, WHO clinical stage III, and anti-tuberculosis treatment within 90 days of ART initiation were strongly associated with attrition. Strengthening HIV testing and ART treatment, improving the diagnosis of tuberculosis before ART initiation, and guaranteed psychosocial support systems are the best tools to reduce patient attrition after starting ART.
Hepatic transcriptome analysis reveals altered lipid metabolism and consequent health indices in chicken supplemented with dietary Bifidobacterium bifidum and mannan-oligosaccharides
Authors: Dev Kapil , Begum Jubeda , Biswas Avishek , Mir Nasir Akbar , Singh Jitendra , Prakash Ravi , Sonowal Joyshikh , Bharali Krishna , Tomar Simmi , Kant Rajiv , Ahlawat Neeraj
Published: September 2021

This study investigated the role of dietary prebiotic mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS), and probioticBifidobacterium bifidum(BFD) in lipid metabolism, deposition, and consequent health indices in broiler chicken. The supplementation of 0.2% MOS along with either 106or 107 CFU BFD/g feed resulted in downregulation of Acetyl-CoA carboxylase, fatty acid synthase, sterolregulatory element binding protein-1, and apolipoprotein B100; and up-regulation of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-α AMP-activated protein kinase α-1, and stearoyl CoA (∆9) desaturase-1 hepatic expression in broiler chicken. The birds supplemented with 0.2% MOS along with either 106or 107 CFU BFD/g feed depicted lower body fat percentage, palmitic acid, stearic acid, and saturated fatty acid contents, whereas, higher palmitoleic acid, oleic acid, and MUFA contents were observed. The ∆9-desaturase indices of chicken meat have shown higher values; and elongase index (only thigh) and thioesterase index have shown lower values in birds supplemented with 0.2% MOS along with either 106or 107 CFU BFD/g feed. The meat health indices such as Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA)/Saturated fatty acids (SFA) ratio, Mono-saturated fatty acids (MUFA)/SFA ratio, unsaturated fatty acids (UFA)/SFA ratio, hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic fatty acid ratio, saturation index, atherogenic index, thrombogenic index, and hypercholesterolemic fatty acid content were positively improved in birds supplemented with 0.2% MOS along with either 106or 107 CFU BFD/g feed. Similarly, the birds supplemented with 0.2% MOS along with either 106or 107 CFU BFD/g feed have shown lower serum triglyceride and total cholesterol levels along with higher high density levels and improved serum health indices cardiac risk ratio, atherogenic coefficient, and, atherogenic index of plasma.
Study of PLSR-BP model for stability assessment of loess slope based on particle swarm optimization
Authors: Gong Bin
Published: September 2021

The assessment of loess slope stability is a highly complex nonlinear problem. There are many factors that influence the stability of loess slopes. Some of them have the characteristic of uncertainty. Meanwhile, the relationship between different factors may be complicated. The existence of multiple correlation will affect the objectivity of stability analysis and prevent the model from making correct judgments. In this paper, the main factors affecting the stability of loess slopes are analyzed by means of the partial least-squares regression (PLSR). After that, two new synthesis variables with better interpretation to the dependent variables are extracted. By this way, the multicollinearity among variables is overcome preferably. Moreover, the BP neural network is further used to determine the nonlinear relationship between the new components and the slope safety factor. Then, a new improved BP model based on the partial least-squares regression, which is initialized by the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm, is developed, i.e., the PLSR-BP model. The network with global convergence capability is simplified and more efficient. The test results of the model show satisfactory precision, which indicates that the model is feasible and effective for stability evaluation of loess slopes.
Diagnostic classification of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and other pneumonias using radiomics features in CT chest images
Authors: Yang Ning , Liu Faming , Li Chunlong , Xiao Wenqing , Xie Shuangcong , Yuan Shuyi , Zuo Wei , Ma Xiaofen , Jiang Guihua
Published: September 2021

We propose a classification method using the radiomics features of CT chest images to identify patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and other pneumonias. The chest CT images of two groups of participants (90 COVID-19 patients who were confirmed as positive by nucleic acid test of RT-PCR and 90 other pneumonias patients) were collected, and the two groups of data were manually drawn to outline the region of interest (ROI) of pneumonias. The radiomics method was used to extract textural features and histogram features of the ROI and obtain a radiomics features vector from each sample. Then, we divided the data into two independent radiomic cohorts for training (70 COVID-19 patients and 70 other pneumonias patients), and validation (20 COVID-19 patients and 20 other pneumonias patients) by using support vector machine (SVM). This model used 20 rounds of tenfold cross-validation for training. Finally, single-shot testing of the final model was performed on the independent validation cohort. In the COVID-19 patients, correlation analysis (multiple comparison correction—Bonferroni correction, P < 0.05/7) was also conducted to determine whether the textural and histogram features were correlated with the laboratory test index of blood, i.e., blood oxygen, white blood cell, lymphocytes, neutrophils, C-reactive protein, hypersensitive C-reactive protein, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. The final model showed good discrimination on the independent validation cohort, with an accuracy of 89.83%, sensitivity of 94.22%, specificity of 85.44%, and AUC of 0.940. This proved that the radiomics features were highly distinguishable, and this SVM model can effectively identify and diagnose patients with COVID-19 and other pneumonias. The correlation analysis results showed that some textural features were positively correlated with WBC, and NE, and also negatively related to SPO2H and NE. Our results showed that radiomic features can classify COVID-19 patients and other pneumonias patients. The SVM model can achieve an excellent diagnosis of COVID-19.
A comparative study on hypofractionated whole-breast irradiation with sequential or simultaneous integrated boost on different positions after breast-conserving surgery
Authors: Yu Ting , Li Yankang , Sun Tao , Xu Min , Wang Wei , Shao Qian , Zhang Yingjie , Li Jianbin , Yu Jinming
Published: September 2021

This study explored the dosimetric difference between hypofractionated whole-breast irradiation (HFWBI) with sequential boost (SEB) and simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) based on supine and prone positions to identify the superior boost mode and superior position. Thirty breast cancer patients eligible for HFWBI after breast-conserving surgery were enrolled. All patients underwent 3DCT simulation scanning in both supine and prone positions. For the SEB-HFWBI plan, the dose prescribed for the planning target volume (PTV) of whole breast (WB) was 2.67 Gy per fraction with a total of 15 fractions, followed by a sequential boost of 3.2 Gy per fraction to the PTV of tumor bed (TB) in 3 fractions. For the SIB-HFWBI plan, the dose prescribed for the PTV of WB was 2.67 Gy per fraction with a total of 15 fractions, with a simultaneously integrated boost of 3.2 Gy per fraction to the PTV of TB with a total of 15 fractions. Regardless of the position, for the PTV of TB, the conformal index (CI) in the SIB-HFWBI plans was greater than those in the SEB-HFWBI plans (T = − 8.114, − 8.114; both P < 0.05). The CI for the PTV of WB increased significantly in the prone position relative to the supine position in both two plans(Z = − 3.340, − 3.501; all P < 0.05). The study suggested that prone SIB-HFWBI might be more suitable for postoperative radiotherapy after breast-conserving surgery for early-stage breast cancer patients.
Study on polyethylene-based carbon fibers obtained by sulfonation under hydrostatic pressure
Authors: Eun Jong Hyun , Lee Joon Seok
Published: September 2021

Polyethylene based carbon fibers were studied using high density polyethylene(HDPE) fibers and linear low density polyethylene(LLDPE) fibers with various melt flow index. The draw ratio of the polyethylene fibers and the sulfonation mechanism were investigated under hydrostatic pressures of 1 and 5 bar in the first time. The influence of the melt flow index of polyethylene and types of polyethylene fibers on the sulfonation reaction was studied. Carbon fibers were prepared through the sulfonation of LLDPE fibers possessing side chains with a high melt flow index. The polyethylene fibers, which exhibited thermoplastic properties and plastic behavior, were cross-linked through the sulfonation process. Their thermal properties and mechanical properties changed to thermoset properties and elastic behavior. Although sulfonation was performed under a hydrostatic pressure of 5 bar, it was difficult to convert the highly oriented polyethylene fibers because of their high crystallinity, but partially oriented polyethylene fibers could be converted to carbon fibers. Therefore, the effect of fiber orientation on fiber crosslinking, which has not been reported in previous literature, has been studied in detail, and a new method of hydrostatic pressure sulfonation has been successful in thermally stabilizing polyethylene fiber. Hydrostatic sulfonation was performed using partially oriented LLDPE fibers with a melt flow index of 20 at 130 °C for 2.5 h under a hydrostatic pressure of 5 bar. The resulting fibers were carbonized under the following conditions: 1000 °C, 5 °C/min, and five minutes. Carbon fibers with a tensile strength of 2.03 GPa, a tensile modulus of 143.63 GPa, and an elongation at break of 1.42% were prepared.
The carbon components in indoor and outdoor PM2.5 in winter of Tianjin
Authors: Wang Baoqing , Li Yinuo , Tang Zhenzhen , Cai Ningning
Published: September 2021

To study the carbon components in indoor and outdoor PM2.5, the samples of PM2.5 were collected from Nankai University in December 2015. The contents of eight carbon components were analyzed to use the thermo-optical reflection method. The results indicated that organic carbon (OC) mass concentration was 17.01, 19.48 and 18.92 µg/m3 in outdoor, dormitory and laboratory; elemental carbon (EC) mass concentration was 7.97, 3.56 and 3.53 µg/m3 in outdoor, dormitory and laboratory; and the total carbon aerosol was the proportion of more than 23% of PM2.5 samples. Lower wind speed and higher relative humidity were helpful to the accumulation of PM2.5. The ratio of OC/EC was > 2, and the SOC/OC ratio was > 30%, indicating that SOC was a crucial component indoors and outdoors. About 72% and 85% of the outdoor OC entering dormitory and laboratory environment, and about 59% and 71% of the outdoor EC entering dormitory and laboratory environment. Factor analysis of the eight carbon fractions indicated that the sources of OC and EC in outdoor, dormitory and laboratory is different.
Distributions of straw-derived carbon in Mollisol’s aggregates under different fertilization practices
Authors: Ge Zhuang , An Tingting , Bol Roland , Li Shuangyi , Zhu Ping , Peng Chang , Xu Yingde , Cheng Na , Li Tingyu , Wu Yihui , Xie Ninghui , Wang Jingkuan
Published: September 2021

Straw incorporation is an effective measure for increasing soil organic carbon (SOC) thereby improving soil quality and crop productivity. However, quantitative assessments of the transformation and distribution of exogenous carbon (C) in soil aggregates under various field fertilization practices have been lacking. In this study, we collected topsoil samples (0–20 cm) from three fertilization treatments (no fertilization control, CK; inorganic fertilizer, IF; inorganic fertilizer plus manure, IFM) at a 29-year long-term Mollisol experiment in Northeast China. We then mixed the soil samples with 13C-labeled maize straw (δ13C = 246.9‰), referred as CKS, IFS, and IFMS, and incubated them in-situ for 360 days. Initial and incubated soil samples were separated into four aggregate fractions (> 2, 1–2, 0.25–1, and < 0.25 mm) using the dry-sieving method, which counted 18%, 17%, 45%, and 21% (averages from the three initial soil samples), respectively. Organic C content was highest in 0.25–1 mm aggregate (6.9–9.6 g kg−1) prior to incubation, followed by > 2 mm aggregates (2.2–5.8 g kg−1), 1–2 mm aggregates (2.4–4.6 g kg−1), and < 0.25 mm aggregates (3.3–4.5 g kg−1). After 360-day incubation with straw incorporation, organic C content was 2.3–4.5 g kg−1, 2.9–5.0 g kg−1, 7.2–11 g kg−1 and 1.8–3.0 g kg−1 in > 2, 1–2, 0.25–1, and < 0.25 mm aggregates, respectively, with the highest in the IFMS treatment. Straw-derived C content was 0.02–0.05 g kg−1, 0.03–0.04 g kg−1, 0.11–0.13 g kg−1, and 0.05–0.10 g kg−1 in > 2, 1–2, 0.25–1, and < 0.25 mm aggregates, respectively. The relative distribution of straw-derived C was highest (40–49%) in 0.25–1 mm aggregate, followed by < 0.25 mm aggregates (21–31%), 1–2 mm aggregates (13–15%), and > 2 mm aggregates (9.4–16%). During the incubation, the relative distribution of straw-derived C exhibited a decrease in > 2 mm and 1–2 mm aggregates, but an increase in the < 0.25 mm aggregate. At the end of incubation, the relative distribution of straw-derived C showed a decrease in the 0.25–1 mm aggregate but an increase in the < 0.25 mm aggregate under the IFMS treatment. This study indicates that more straw-derived C would be accumulated in smaller aggregates over longer period in Mollisols, and combined inorganic and organic fertilization is an effective measure for C sequestration in Northeast China.
Development and validation of a novel HILIC method for the quantification of low-levels of cuprizone in cuprizone-containing chow
Authors: Zheng Fengmei , Lin Yiqing , Boulas Pierre
Published: September 2021

Cuprizone is an amide compound that has been wildly used in various animal studies, such as in the investigation of remyelination in mouse model. It is important to control the amount of cuprizone dosed in animals to be consistent as different amounts may lead to different clinical observations. Cuprizone is usually administrated as a minor component (i.e., 0.3%) of a mixture with powdered or pelleted rodent chow. Its low content, combined with the complex nature of chow, represents a significant challenge for the quantification of cuprizone in the mixture. To the best of our knowledge, no method has been reported in the literature so far. In this study, a simple, selective, and sensitive hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatographic method was developed for the quantification of cuprizone in cuprizone pre-clinical formulations. The analytical method comprises a fast ultrasound assisted extraction with acetonitrile/water as a solvent followed by gradient separation using a Waters Xbridge HILIC column with 0.1% TFA in water and acetonitrile as mobile phases and UV detection at 220 nm. The specificity, linearity, accuracy, repeatability, and limit of quantitation (LOQ) of the method were established. The method was determined to be linear in the range of 10–200 μg/mL. Accuracy was assessed by spiking a chow placebo with various amounts of a cuprizone reference standard to achieve target concentration levels and the recoveries were within the acceptance criterion of 90–110% of the target concentrations. Repeatability was demonstrated at the nominal concentration of 100 µg/mL and LOQ level of 2.5 μg/mL. This method has been demonstrated to be suitable for its intended use and has been successfully applied to the quantification of low levels of cuprizone in chow formulations. It was found that the cuprizone content in chow could varied significantly between batches and the potential causes of the variability were investigated.
Upward trends in new, rifampicin-resistant and concurrent extrapulmonary tuberculosis cases in northern Guizhou Province of China
Authors: Chen Ling , Fu Xuefeng , Tian Peng , Li Qing , Lei Dan , Peng Zhangli , Liu Quanxian , Li Nana , Zhang Jianyong , Xu Peng , Zhang Hong
Published: September 2021

Similar to global trends, the incidence rate of tuberculosis (TB) in China declined from 2000 to 2018. In this study, we aimed to evaluate TB trends in northern Guizhou Province and identify risk factors associated with rifampicin-resistant (RR) and concurrent extrapulmonary TB (EPTB). We analyzed data of TB patients hospitalized in Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University from 2011 to 2018, and assessed correlations between demographic characteristics of patients and RR-TB as well as concurrent EPTB. Our results showed that numbers of new, retreated, RR-TB and concurrent EPTB cases increased gradually from 2011 to 2018. Retreated patients had the highest odds of RR-TB but a lower likelihood of concurrent EPTB compared to new patients. Patients between 21 and 40 years of age had a higher likelihood of RR-TB compared to those 20 years and younger. Female patients and patients from Bijie city as well as the Miao ethnic minority had higher odds of concurrent EPTB. In summary, our data demonstrate upward trends in new, rifampicin-resistant and concurrent extrapulmonary TB cases in northern Guizhou Province of China, which should not be overlooked especially during and post the COVID-19 pandemic because TB is a greater long-term global health threat than COVID-19.
Novel niobium-doped titanium oxide towards electrochemical destruction of forever chemicals
Authors: Ko Jesse S. , Le Nam Q. , Schlesinger Danielle R. , Zhang Dajie , Johnson James K. , Xia Zhiyong
Published: September 2021

Electrochemical advanced oxidative processes (EAOP) are a promising route to destroy recalcitrant organic contaminants such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water. Central to EAOP are catalysis-induced reactive free radicals for breaking the carbon fluorine bonds in PFAS. Generating these reactive species electrochemically at electrodes provides an advantage over other oxidation processes that rely on chemicals or other harsh conditions. Herein, we report on the performance of niobium (Nb) doped rutile titanium oxide (TiO2) as a novel EAOP catalytic material, combining theoretical modeling with experimental synthesis and characterization. Calculations based on density functional theory are used to predict the overpotential for oxygen evolution at these candidate electrodes, which must be high in order to oxidize PFAS. The results indicate a non-monotonic trend in which Nb doping below 6.25 at.% is expected to reduce performance relative to TiO2, while higher concentrations up to 12.5 at.% lead to increased performance, approaching that of state-of-the-art Magnéli Ti4O7. TiO2samples were synthesized with Nb doping concentration at 10 at.%, heat treated at temperatures from 800 to 1100 °C, and found to exhibit high oxidative stability and high generation of reactive oxygen free radical species. The capability of Nb-doped TiO2to destroy two common species of PFAS in challenge water was tested, and moderate reduction by ~ 30% was observed, comparable to that of Ti4O7using a simple three-electrode configuration. We conclude that Nb-doped TiO2is a promising alternative EAOP catalytic material with increased activity towards generating reactive oxygen species and warrants further development for electrochemically destroying PFAS contaminants.
Revealing alarming changes in spatial coverage of joint hot and wet extremes across India
Authors: Dash Subhasmita , Maity Rajib
Published: September 2021

Compared to any single hydroclimatic variable, joint extremes of multiple variables impact more heavily on the society and ecosystem. In this study, we developed new joint extreme indices (JEIs) using temperature and precipitation, and investigated its spatio-temporal variation with observed records across Indian mainland. Analysis shows an alarming rate of change in the spatial extent of some of the joint extreme phenomena, tending to remain above normal. For example, above normalhot nights and wet daysevents expands at a rate of 0.61% per year considering entire Indian mainland. If the historical trend continues at the same rate, consecutivecold and wet dayevents will drop below the threshold of mean value observed in the base line period (1981–2010) everywhere in the country by the end of the twenty-first century. In contrast, the entire country will be covered byhot nights and wet daysevents only (frequency of occurrence will cross the threshold of mean value observed in the base line period). This observation is also supported by the CMIP6 climate model outputs. It is further revealed that extremes of any single variable, i.e. either precipitation or temperature (e.g., Extreme Wet Days, Consecutive Wet Days, Hot Nights, and Cold Spell Duration Index), do not manifest such an alarming spatial expansion/contraction. This indicates that the consideration of the joint indices of hydroclimatic variables is more informative for the climate change impact analysis.
Pharmacological inhibition of cryptochrome and REV-ERB promotes DNA repair and cell cycle arrest in cisplatin-treated human cells
Authors: Anabtawi Nadeen , Cvammen William , Kemp Michael G.
Published: September 2021

Nucleotide excision repair (NER) and cell cycle checkpoints impact the ability of the anti-cancer drug cisplatin to inhibit cell proliferation and induce cell death. Genetic studies have shown that both NER and cell cycle progression are impacted by the circadian clock, which has emerged as a novel pharmacological target for the treatment of various disease states. In this study, cultured human cell lines were treated with combinations of cisplatin and the circadian clock modulating compounds KS15 and SR8278, which enhance circadian clock transcriptional output by inhibiting the activities of the cryptochrome and REV-ERB proteins, respectively. Treatment of cells with KS15 and SR8278 protected cells against the anti-proliferative effects of cisplatin and increased the expression of NER factor XPA and cell cycle regulators Wee1 and p21 at the mRNA and protein level. Correlated with these molecular changes, KS15 and SR8278 treatment resulted in fewer unrepaired cisplatin–DNA adducts in genomic DNA and a higher fraction of cells in the G1 phase of the cell cycle. Thus, the use of pharmacological agents targeting the circadian clock could be a novel approach to modulate the responses of normal and cancer cells to cisplatin chemotherapy regimens.
Frequency multiplexed coherent φ-OTDR
Authors: Ogden Hannah M. , Murray Matthew J. , Murray Joseph B. , Kirkendall Clay , Redding Brandon
Published: September 2021

We present a comprehensive analysis of a frequency multiplexed phase-measuring φ-OTDR sensor platform. The system uses a train of frequency-shifted pulses to increase the average power injected into the fiber and provide a diversity of uncorrelated Rayleigh backscattering measurements. Through a combination of simulations, numerical analysis, and experimental measurements, we show that this approach not only enables lower noise and mitigates interference fading, but also improves the sensor linearity. We investigate the sensor dependence on the length of the pulse train and characterize the sensor performance as a function of range, demonstrating operation from 1 to 50 km. Despite its relative simplicity, this platform enables state-of-the-art performance, including low crosstalk, high linearity, and a minimum detectable strain of only 0.6 p$$\varepsilon /\sqrt{\text{Hz}}$$

ε
/

Hz

in a 10 km fiber with 10 m spatial resolution and a bandwidth of 5 kHz.
Detecting antimicrobial resistance in Escherichia coli using benchtop attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and machine learning
Authors: Wijesinghe Hewa G. S. , Hare Dominic J. , Mohamed Ahmed , Shah Alok K. , Harris Patrick N. A. , Hill Michelle M.
Published: September 2021

ATR–FTIR with a machine learning model predicts ESBL genotype of unknown E. coli strains with 86.5% AUC.
Determination of antimalarial drugs in pharmaceutical formulations and human blood by liquid chromatography: a review
Authors: Penna Eduarda Alves , de Souza Jéssica Cordeiro Queiroz , de Oliveira Marcone Augusto Leal , Chellini Paula Rocha
Published: September 2021

The evolution of different analytical methods that have been applied to the determination of antimalarial drugs in pharmaceutical formulations and human blood by liquid chromatography.
Mixed-dimensional membranes: chemistry and structure–property relationships
Authors: Liu Yanan , Coppens Marc-Olivier , Jiang Zhongyi
Published: September 2021

This review highlights the design and construction of mixed-dimensional membranes (MDMs) and their applications in molecular separations, ionic separations and oil/water separations.
Structure-guided evolution of a ketoreductase for efficient and stereoselective bioreduction of bulky α-amino β-keto esters
Authors: Tang Jiawei , Chen Liuqing , Zhang Luwen , Ni Guowei , Yu Jun , Wang Hongyi , Zhang Fuli , Yuan Shuguang , Feng Meiqing , Chen Shaoxin
Published: September 2021

Chiral vicinal amino alcohols were generated with excellent stereoselectivity and high conversion from bulky α-amino β-keto esters by an engineered ketoreductase called M30.
A family of lanthanide metal–organic frameworks based on a redox-active tetrathiafulvalene-dicarboxylate ligand showing slow relaxation of magnetisation and electronic conductivity
Authors: Hu Jun-Jie , Li Yu-Guang , Wen He-Rui , Liu Sui-Jun , Peng Yan , Liu Cai-Ming
Published: September 2021

Family of isomorphic Ln-MOFs based on redox-active tetrathiafulvalene ligand were synthesized. And their electronic conductivity and slow magnetic relaxation behavior are significantly changed after oxidation.
Manganese and iron PCP pincer complexes – the influence of sterics on structure and reactivity
Authors: Eder Wolfgang , Himmelbauer Daniel , Stöger Berthold , Veiros Luis F. , Pignitter Marc , Kirchner Karl
Published: September 2021

The syntheses of various manganese and iron complexes featuring PCP pincer ligands consisting of a benzene backbone onto which phosphine donors are attachedviaO, or CH2linkers is described.
Trimetallic coordination cage formation for nitrate encapsulation: transformation of kinetic products into thermodynamic products
Authors: Lim Sang Woo , Moon Heehun , Kim Dongwon , Jung Ok-Sang
Published: September 2021

The self-assembly of Pd(NO3)2 with 1,3-bis(dimethyl(pyridin-4-yl)silyl)propane (L) initially produces the nitrate-encapsulated cage [(NO3)@Pd3L6] via the spiro-type macrocyclic kinetic product.
Interaction process between gaseous CH3I and NaCl particles: implication for iodine dispersion in the atmosphere
Authors: Houjeij Hanaa , Gregoire Anne-Cécile , Le Bourdon Gwenaëlle , Cantrel Laurent , Sobanska Sophie
Published: September 2021

Gaseous iodomethane (CH3I) once emitted in the atmosphere will interact very little with sea salt aerosol particles. However, a low amount of CH3I is irreversibly adsorbed at the particle surface.
Porous organic polymers as metal free heterogeneous organocatalysts
Authors: Debruyne Maarten , Van Speybroeck Veronique , Van Der Voort Pascal , Stevens Christian V.
Published: September 2021

This review addresses the current literature on porous organic polymers (POPs) as a new class of metal free green heterogeneous catalysts.
Synthesis of mesoporous Pt@SAPO-11 via in situ encapsulation for the decarboxylation of oleic acid to prepare C8–C17 alkanes
Authors: Liu Xiaolong , Ma Jingye , Yuan Hong
Published: September 2021

The 1.0 wt% Pt@SAPO-11 catalyst was prepared by an in situ encapsulation method and used to catalyze the decarboxylation of oleic acid to C8–C17 alkanes. A reaction yield of 80.8% was achieved after 4 h at 340 °C.
Mechanically strong multifunctional three-dimensional crosslinked aramid nanofiber/reduced holey graphene oxide and aramid nanofiber/reduced holey graphene oxide/polyaniline hydrogels and derived films
Authors: Zou Yubo , Chen Zeyu , Peng Zhiyuan , Yu Chuying , Zhong Wenbin
Published: September 2021

A strategy to construct covalent bonds towards obtaining aramid nanofiber composite hydrogels is proposed. As-prepared hydrogel based materials are promising in oil pollution removal, optical filters and flexible load-bearing energy storage devices.
Near-infrared light-responsive hybrid hydrogels for the synergistic chemo-photothermal therapy of oral cancer
Authors: Wu Yongzhi , Chen Fangman , Huang Nengwen , Li Jinjin , Wu Chenzhou , Tan Bowen , Liu Yunkun , Li Longjiang , Yang Chao , Shao Dan , Liao Jinfeng
Published: September 2021

A near-infrared light-responsive hybrid hydrogel was injected in the tumor site. IR820 could not only produce local heat for photothermal therapy, but also generate singlet oxygen to induce the degradation of MSNs for controllable drug release.
Access to acridones by tandem copper(i)-catalyzed electrophilic amination/Ag(i)-mediated oxidative annulation of anthranils with arylboronic acids
Authors: Jiang Chun-Yong , Xie Hui , Huang Zhuo-Jun , Liang Jing-Yi , Huang Yan-Xia , Liang Qiu-Ping , Zeng Jun-Yi , Zhou Binhua , Zhang Shang-Shi , Shu Bing
Published: September 2021

An efficient and practical approach for the synthesis of medicinally important acridones was developed from anthranils and arylboronic acids by a tandem copper(i)-catalyzed electrophilic amination/Ag(i)-mediated oxidative annulation strategy.
Hydrophilic and hydrophobic carboxamide pincers as anion hosts
Authors: Lohrman Jessica , Pramanik Subhamay , Kaur Sandeep , Telikepalli Hanumaiah , Day Victor W. , Bowman-James Kristin
Published: September 2021

“Bare bones” pyridine dicarboxamide and pyrazine tetracarboxamide pincer frameworks were used to probe supramolecular anion binding. The influence of hydrophilic vs. hydrophobic environments and the potential for synergistic interactions in the ditopic hosts were explored.
Photocrosslinking of DNA using 4-methylpyranocarbazole nucleoside with thymine base selectivity
Authors: Mihara Jun-ichi , Fujimoto Kenzo
Published: September 2021

MEPK can selectively photocrosslink to thymine bases in a complementary nucleic acid strand.
Removal of methylene blue dye using nano zerovalent iron, nanoclay and iron impregnated nanoclay – a comparative study
Authors: Tarekegn Mekonnen Maschal , Balakrishnan Raj Mohan , Hiruy Andualem Mekonnen , Dekebo Ahmed Hussen
Published: September 2021

There has been an increasing challenge from the emission of methylene blue (MB) dye-containing wastewater and its management methods in industry.
Synthesis and characterization of a mononuclear zinc(ii) Schiff base complex: on the importance of C–H⋯π interactions
Authors: Basak Tanmoy , Frontera Antonio , Chattopadhyay Shouvik
Published: September 2021

The strength of the C–H⋯π interaction in the solid state of [ZnL(H2O)]·H2O has been evaluated using DFT calculations and also analysed using the MEP surface and NCI plot index computational tool.
A freeze–thaw PVA hydrogel loaded with guava leaf extract: physical and antibacterial properties
Authors: Waresindo William Xaveriano , Luthfianti Halida Rahmi , Edikresnha Dhewa , Suciati Tri , Noor Fatimah Arofiati , Khairurrijal Khairurrijal
Published: September 2021

A polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel loaded with guava leaf extract (GLE) has potential applications as a wound dressing with good antibacterial activity.
The SARS-CoV-2 B.1.618 variant slightly alters the spike RBD–ACE2 binding affinity and is an antibody escaping variant: a computational structural perspective
Authors: Khan Abbas , Gui Jianjun , Ahmad Waqar , Haq Inamul , Shahid Marukh , Khan Awais Ahmed , Shah Abdullah , Khan Arsala , Ali Liaqat , Anwar Zeeshan , Safdar Muhammad , Abubaker Jehad , Uddin N. Nizam , Cao Liqiang , Wei Dong-Qing , Mohammad Anwar
Published: September 2021

This study explored the binding patterns of the wild type and B.1.618 variant using which revealed that the B.1.618 variant possess a stronger binding affinity for the host ACE2 and escape the neutralizing antibodies.
Novel hydrophobic deep eutectic solvent for vortex-assisted liquid phase microextraction of common acaricides in fruit juice followed by HPLC-UV determination
Authors: Rostami-Javanroudi Setareh , Moradi Masoud , Sharafi Kiomars , Fattahi Nazir
Published: September 2021

In this research, several novel hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents (DESs) were prepared using methyltrioctylammonium chloride (MTOAC) as the hydrogen bond acceptor (HBA) and different types of straight chain alcohols as hydrogen bond donors (HBDs).
Synthesis, characterization, and theoretical studies of the photovoltaic properties of novel reactive azonitrobenzaldehyde derivatives
Authors: Louis Hitler , Onyebuenyi Izubundu B. , Odey Joseph O. , Igbalagh Azuaga T. , Mbonu MaryJane T. , Eno Ededet A. , Pembere Anthony M. S. , Offiong Offiong E.
Published: September 2021

Four novel reactive azo-dyes were experimentally synthesized from p-aminobenzaldehyde, 4-amino-3-nitrobenzaldehyde, and aniline through series of condensation and coupling reactions, and their properties were assessed for possible application in dye-sensitized solar cells.
Actinide arene-metalates: ion pairing effects on the electronic structure of unsupported uranium–arenide sandwich complexes
Authors: Murillo Jesse , Bhowmick Rina , Harriman Katie L. M. , Gomez-Torres Alejandra , Wright Joshua , Meulenberg Robert W. , Miró Pere , Metta-Magaña Alejandro , Murugesu Muralee , Vlaisavljevich Bess , Fortier Skye
Published: September 2021

Use of Chatt metal-arene protocols with uranium leads to the synthesis of the first well-characterized, unsupported actinide–arenide sandwich complexes. The electronic structures of the actinide centres show a key sensitivity to ion pairing effects.
Ring-opening and ring-expansion reactions of carborane-fused borirane
Authors: Wang Hanqiang , Zhang Jie , Xie Zuowei
Published: September 2021

Carborane-fused borirane can not only engage in ring-opening reactions with different types of Lewis acids, but also undergo ring-expansion reactions with unsaturated molecules such as PhCHO, CO2 and PhCN to give five-membered boracycles.
Network structure of swollen iodine-doped poly(vinyl alcohol) amorphous domain as characterized by low field NMR
Authors: Li Yahui , Yang Junsheng , Cheng Hong , Cai Linkun , Ye Ke , Xia Zhijie , Zhang Qianlei , Wang Daoliang , Chen Wei
Published: September 2021

The formation process of the PVA–iodine complexes, as revealed by the intrachain dynamics of swollen iodine-doped poly(vinyl alcohol).
Factors controlling oxophilicity and carbophilicity of transition metals and main group metals
Authors: Kayode Gbolade O. , Montemore Matthew M.
Published: September 2021

Adsorption energies and formation energies across both transition metals and main group metals can be predicted with a linear model that includes metal s-adsorbate interactions, metal d-adsorbate interactions, and ionic interactions.
B-Ring-extended flavonol-based photoCORM: activated by cysteine-ratiometric fluorescence sensing and accurate control of linear CO release
Authors: Sun Ying-Ji , Yu Chao
Published: September 2021

This study is the first to combine a B-ring-extended flavonol-based ratiometric fluorescent probe (for the effective sensing and imaging of Cys in vivo) with a photoCORM (Cys activated, visible light-triggered, accurate control of linear CO release).
Enhanced reversible solid-state photoswitching of a cationic dithienylethene assembled with a polyoxometalate unit
Authors: Bolle P. , Menet C. , Puget M. , Serier-Brault H. , Katao S. , Guerchais V. , Boucher F. , Kawai T. , Boixel J. , Dessapt R.
Published: September 2021

The coupling of a cationic dithienylethene and a polyoxometalate in the first crystallized supramolecular assembly improves the photoswitching of the organic molecule in the solid state.
A cationic conjugated polymer with high 808 nm NIR-triggered photothermal conversion for antibacterial treatment
Authors: Zhang Chen , Wang Kaige , Guo Xueyuan , Tang Yanli
Published: September 2021

A cationic water-soluble conjugated polymer with a D–A structure demonstrated high photothermal conversion efficiency and effective antibacterial ability under 808 nm irradiation.
Counseling in Aphasia: Information and Strategies for Speech-Language Pathologists
Authors: Sandberg Chaleece W. , Nadermann Kristen , Parker Lauren , Kubat Anne Marie , Conyers Liza M.
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this tutorial is to provide an overview of mental health concerns of persons with aphasia (PWAs), strategies that speech-language pathologists (SLPs) can use to address the mental health concerns of PWAs within their scope of practice, guidance related to how SLPs can help facilitate access to appropriate mental health services, and suggestions for the future of pre- and postcertification education regarding counseling in aphasia for SLPs.

Method

This tutorial begins with a case study that is used as a reference point throughout the tutorial. It then introduces the gap in mental health services for PWAs that prompted this work, walks SLPs through common mental health concerns PWAs experience, and provides guidance for SLPs related to counseling techniques they can utilize within their sessions and referral to counseling professionals. We end by reiterating the need for more mental health awareness and training for SLPs and suggestions for incorporating more training related to addressing client mental health concerns and developing effective collaborations with rehabilitation and mental health counselors, as needed.

Conclusions

The mental health needs of PWAs are not being met. This is partly due to a lack of training in counseling for SLPs and a lack of training in communication techniques for rehabilitation and mental health counselors. With this tutorial, we hope to bring more awareness to the current need for mental health services for PWAs and to provide SLPs with some tools for addressing these needs among their clientele.