bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of potential mediators of artemisinin resistance in African isolates of Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Owoloye Afolabi , Olufemi Michael Juwon , Idowu Emmanuel Taiwo , Oyebola Kolapo Muyiwa
Published: July 2021

The devastating public health impact of malaria has prompted the need for effective interventions. Malaria control gained traction after the introduction of artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs). However, the emergence of artemisinin (ART) resistance in South-East Asia and reports of delayed parasite sensitivity to ACTs in African parasites signal an imminent treatment failure. Monitoring the prevalence of mutations associated with artemisinin resistance in African populations is required to stop resistance in its tracks. Plasmodium falciparum Kelch-13 (Pfk13), Pfcoronin and PfATPase6 gene mutations have been associated with ART resistance. In this review, we collated findings from published research articles to establish the prevalence of Pfk13, Pfcoronin and PfATPase6 polymorphisms in Africa. We searched PubMed, Embase and Google Scholar for relevant articles reporting polymorphisms in these genes across Africa between 2014 to 2021. Seventy-two studies which passed the inclusion criteria reported 739 single nucleotide polymorphisms (331 unique variants) from 34,353 samples collected in 26 African countries. Four validated Pfk13 resistant markers linked with delayed parasite clearance were identified in Africa: R561H in Rwanda and Tanzania, M476I in Tanzania, and F446I in Mali, and P553L in Angola. In Tanzania, three (L263E, E431K, and S769N) of the four mutations (L263E, E431K, A623E, and S769N) in PfATPase6 gene previously associated with delayed parasite clearance in presence of artemisinin were reported. Pfcoronin polymorphisms were reported in Senegal, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya and Congo, with P76S being the most prevalent Pfcoronin mutation. Our findings demonstrate independent emergence and widespread distribution of Pfk13, Pfcoronin and PfATPase6 mutations in Africa. Understanding the phenotypic consequences of these mutations can provide information on the efficacy status of artemisinin-based treatment of malaria in Africa.
Usage of Compromised Lung Volume in Monitoring Steroid Therapy on Severe COVID-19
Authors: Su Ying , Qiu Ze-song , Chen Jun , Ju Min-jie , Ma Guo-guang , He Jin-wei , Yu Shen-ji , Liu Kai , Lure Fleming Y. M. , Tu Guo-wei , Zhang Yu-yao , Luo Zhe
Published: July 2021

BackgroundQuantitative computed tomography (QCT) analysis may serve as a tool for assessing the severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and for monitoring its progress. The present study aimed to assess the association between steroid therapy and quantitative CT parameters in a longitudinal cohort with COVID-19.MethodsBetween February 7 and February 17, 2020, 300 chest CT scans from 72 patients with severe COVID-19 were retrospectively collected and classified into five stages according to the interval between hospital admission and follow-up CT scans: Stage 1 (at admission); Stage 2 (3–7 days); Stage 3 (8–14 days); Stage 4 (15–21 days); and Stage 5 (22–31 days). QCT was performed using a threshold-based quantitative analysis to segment the lung according to different Hounsfield unit (HU) intervals. The primary outcomes were changes in percentage of compromised lung volume (%CL, –500 to 100 HU) at different stages. Multivariate Generalized Estimating Equations were performed after adjusting for potential confounders.ResultsOf 72 patients, 31 patients (43.1%) received steroid therapy. Steroid therapy was associated with a decrease in %CL (-3.27% [95% CI, -5.86 to -0.68, P = 0.01]) after adjusting for duration and baseline %CL. Associations between steroid therapy and changes in %CL varied between different stages or baseline %CL (all interactions, P < 0.01). Steroid therapy was associated with decrease in %CL after stage 3 (all P < 0.05), but not at stage 2. Similarly, steroid therapy was associated with a more significant decrease in %CL in the high CL group (P < 0.05), but not in the low CL group.ConclusionsSteroid administration was independently associated with a decrease in %CL, with interaction by duration or disease severity in a longitudinal cohort. The quantitative CT parameters, particularly compromised lung volume, may provide a useful tool to monitor COVID-19 progression during the treatment process. Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT04953247. Registered July 7, 2021, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04953247
Synthesis and Characterization of Compounds Based on Carbazole and Sulfone Groups
Authors: jia huixian , Feng Chenghong , Han Wanfei , Xue Yan , Jin Yanren , Li Dongfeng
Published: July 2021

Two compounds containing carbazole and sulfone groups with different alkyl chain lengths have been designed and synthesized. The sulfone group has strong absorption characteristics and the alkoxy chain and carbazole group are electron-rich, forming D-δ-A-type symmetrical molecules. The molecules have the characteristics of charge transfer and high thermal stability, and the molecules stack to form a layered staggered stack, reducing the intermolecular π–π interactions. The target compounds also exhibit strong ultraviolet-fluorescent emission in the solid state at room temperature, and they are expected to be good luminescent materials.
Information Transmission among Multiple Investors: A Micro Perspective Revealed by Motifs
Authors: Li Jie , Zhang Yongjie , Wang Lidan
Published: July 2021

We build the shareholderco-holding network(SCN)based on common shareholding data from 2007 to 2017.Considering the node attributes and the link weights, we reveal the basic structure and dynamic evolution of the SCN from two aspects: motif identification and motif evolution.Research on motifidentificationshows that although closed motifs have a low proportion, they are statistically significant.Further,research on the motif evolution shows that all motif structures have a higher tendency to disappear. The motifs containing financial investment company shareholders tend to disappear, while the motifs containing general corporate shareholders tend to remain unchanged during the evolution process.In short, we have developed the local motif structure of the SCN, which helps understand how information is transmitted among multiple investors.
Endovascular Treatment of Brain Arteriovenous Malformations mainly fed by the Anterior Cerebral Artery
Authors: Hou Kun , Yu Jinlu
Published: July 2021

Background: There have been few studies on endovascular treatment (EVT) of the brain arteriovenous malformations (BAVMs) involving the anterior cerebral artery (ACA). Methods and materials: This study continuously enrolled 60 patients with ACA-BAVMs treated with EVT. ACA-BAVMs were divided into three types: type I BAVMs were those located below and in front of the corpus callosum genu, type II BAVMs were those located in the upper area of the corpus callosum from the genu to the anterior trunk, and type III BAVMs were those located in the upper area from the anterior trunk to the splenium of the corpus callosum. Results: The patients were aged 10 to 72 years (mean, 35.4 ±17.0 years) and included 28 females (46.7%, 28/60). BAVMs were type I (15%, 9/60), type II (25%, 15/60), and type III (60%, 36/60). Statistical analysis showed that posterior cerebral artery (PCA) tended to be involved in type II and III BAVMs. For EVT, immediate complete or nearly complete embolization was achieved in 34 (56.7%, 34/60) cases. During EVT, there were 3 cases of intraoperative bleeding (5%, 3/60), which tended to occur in type I and II ACA-BAVMs. At discharge, 80% of patients had a GOS score of 5. During the follow-up, 89.3% of patients had mRS scores of 0 and 1. Conclusion: This study showed that EVT carries a risk of intraoperative bleeding for type I and II BAVMs, for type II and III BAVMs, the PCA can often be involved in EVT. In general, EVT can result in a good prognosis for ACA-BAVMs.
Are Protected Areas Effective In the Conservation of Priority Areas for Freshwater Insects In Brazil?
Authors: Dias-Silva Karina , Vieira Thiago , Moreira Felipe Ferraz Figueiredo , Juen Leandro , Hamada Neusa
Published: July 2021

Biodiversity conservation has faced many challenges, especially the conversion of natural areas that compete with use for agriculture, energy production and mineral extraction. This problem is further aggravated by lack of knowledge of the biodiversity that exists and the geographical distribution of different groups. The objectives of our study were to examine the distributional pattern of Gerromorpha diversity in Brazil, create a map of conservation priority areas, measure the importance level of the current network of protected areas, and identify the size thresholds in geographical distributions that would allow species to be protected. We used species occurrences from the Water Bugs Distributional Database, and we used 19 bioclimatic variables to build models of the potential distributions of species using the MaxEnt program. Using the potential model results, we calculated diversity metrics and overlapped them with the current state and federal “conservation units” (protected areas for biodiversity) in Brazil. Total beta diversity and turnover portions were separated into two faunistic groups, one in northern and the other in southern Brazil. The Amazon has higher beta diversity than what was predicted by the null models. We detected a positive relationship between species distribution area and occurrence in conservation units. Conservation units with less than 250 km² do not protect Gerromorpha species. We reinforce the necessity of formulating new conservation strategies for this group, contemplating species with both restricted and ample distributions, because rare and specialist species are the most harmed by habitat reduction, given that they are more sensitive to environmental disturbance.
Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm based on a New Local Search Approach for Parameter Estimation of Photovoltaic Systems
Authors: TEFEK Mehmet fatih Fatih
Published: July 2021

In this study, an ABC-Local Search (ABC-Ls) method was proposed by including a new local search procedure into the standard artificial bee colony (ABC) algorithm to perform the parameter estimation of photovoltaic systems (PV). The aim of the proposed ABC-Ls method was to improve the exploration capability of the standard ABC with a new local search procedure in addition to the exploitation and exploration balance of the standard ABC algorithm. The proposed ABC-Ls method was first tested on 15 well-known benchmark functions in the literature. After obtaining successful results on the benchmark tests, the proposed ABC-Ls method was applied to the single diode, double diode and PV modules of PV systems for parameter estimations. The success of the ABC-Ls method was compared with the algorithms commonly used in the literature such as genetic algorithm (GA), particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm and standard ABC algorithm, and the comparison results were presented in tables and graphics in detail. It was found that the ABC-Ls method was more successful and achieved better results compared to GA, PSO and standard ABC. It was determined that the ABC-LS method performed similar or better PV parameter estimation compared to other studies in the literature.
Neutral Electrolyzed Water (SES) for Nasopharyngeal and Oropharyngeal Rinses Prevented COVID-19 in Front-Line Health Professionals: A Randomized, Open-Label, Controlled Trial in a General Hospital in Mexico City.
Authors: Gutiérrez-García Rafael , Cerda-Ángeles Juan Carlos De la , Cabrera-Licona Ariana , Delgado-Enciso Iván , Mervitch-Sigal Nicolás , Paz-Michel Brenda
Published: July 2021

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-COV-2 virus, has destabilized society all around the world and is predicted to take a long time to be overcome. The worldwide efforts that healthcare professionals are making is well known, and the high risk of illness and death that front-line staff experience on a daily basis is a reality as well. Despite well-defined protocols for the use of personal protective equipment, many nurses and doctors are still getting sick and dying. It is well known that vaccination is still faraway to be achieved worldwide and that new variants are emerging, so additional protective measures must be explored. This study investigated the effectivity of a neutral electrolyzed water (SES) to reduce the risk of COVID-19 disease in front-line medical staff, when it was used for nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal rinses (prophylactic protocol).Methods: A prospective open-label, randomized controlled clinical trial was performed in front-line medical staff from the general hospital Enrique Cabrera in México City. One hundred and seventy volunteers were enrolled and equally divided in control group and SES group. All members of the trial wore the adequate personal protection equipment at all times while performing their duties, as required by standard COVID-19 safety protocols. Additionally, the SES group participants followed a prophylactic protocol with SES (oral and nasal rinses, three times a day for 4 weeks). All participants were monitored for COVID-19 symptoms and disease in a time-frame of 4 weeks and the incidence of illness per group was registered. The relative risk of disease, associated with each treatment was calculated. Results: The presence of COVID-19 positive cases, in the group that received the nasal and oral rinses with SES was 1.2%, while in the group that did not do the SES rinses (control group), it was 12.7% (p= 0.0039 and RR= 0.09405; 95%, CI of 0.01231-0.7183). The prophylactic protocol was demonstrated as a protective factor for developing the disease. Conclusions: Nasal and oral rinses with SES may be an efficient alternative to reinforce the protective measures against COVID-19 disease and should be further investigated. Trial registration: RPCEC00000357. Retrospectively registered, March, 16, 2021. https://rpcec.sld.cu/en/trials/RPCEC00000357-En/revisions/5137/view
FERARI and cargo adaptors coordinate cargo flow through sorting endosomes
Authors: Solinger Jachen , Rashid Harun-Or , Spang Anne
Published: July 2021

Cellular organization, compartmentalization and cell-to-cell communication are crucially dependent on endosomal pathways. Sorting endosomes provide a transit point for various trafficking pathways and decide the fate of proteins: recycling, secretion or degradation. FERARI (Factors for Endosome Recycling and Rab Interactions) plays a key role in shaping these compartments and coordinates Rab GTPase function with membrane fusion and fission of vesicles through a kiss-and-run mechanism. Here we show that cargo concentration in sorting endosomes determines the length of the kiss between Rab11 and SNX1 structures, presumably by clogging the fusion stalk. Cargo flow from sorting endosomes into Rab11 structures relies on the cargo adaptor SNX6, while cargo retention in the Rab11 endosome is dependent on AP1. Similar to Rab11, Rab5 and Rab10 positive endosomes also interact with the SNX1 tubular network through FERARI-dependent kiss-and-run. We propose that FERARI, together with cargo adaptors, coordinates the vectorial flow of cargo through sorting endosomes.
Evidence of Finite Magneto-electric Coupling in SmFeO3 – PbTiO3 Solid Solutions
Authors: Arora Mehak , Kaur Shubhpreet , aggarwal Kanika , Kumar Sunil , Malhi Parambir Singh , Singh Mandeep , Singh Anupinder
Published: July 2021

Present work investigates the detailed multiferroic properties of Pb1 − xSmxTi1−xFexO3, (x = 0.21, 0.22, 0.23, 0.24 and 0.25) synthesize through solid state reaction route. The structural, dielectric, ferroelectric and magnetic properties were measured. A sincere study is carried out to detect the magneto-electric coupling in all the samples through magneto-dielectric, magnetization after electric poling and magneto-pe response. The maximum value of coupling coefficient (γ) and magneto-dielectric response (MDR) of sample x = 0.24 has shown by magneto-dielectric properties and magnetization after electric poling whereas magneto-pe has shown that all the samples possess multiferroic nature.
Modulation of Spin Dynamics in Ni/Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-PbTiO3 Multiferroic Heterostructure
Authors: Xu Hang , Wang Bo , Qi Ji , Liu Mei , Teng Fei , Hu Linglong , Zhang Yuan , Qu Chaoqun , Feng Ming
Published: July 2021

Motivated by the fast-developing spin dynamics in ferromagnetic/piezoelectric structures, this work attempts to manipulate magnonics (spin dynamics) by the converse magnetoelectric (ME) coupling. Herein, electric field (E-field) tuning magnetism, especially the surface spin wave, is accomplished in Ni/0.7Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-0.3PbTiO3 (PMN-PT) multiferroic heterostructures. The Kerr signal (∝magnetization) changes of Ni film are observed when direct current (DC) or alternative current (AC) voltage is applied to PMN-PT substrate, where the signal can be modulated breezily even with no extra magnetic field (H-field) is needed in AC-mode measurement. Deserved to be mentioned, an “1” (i.e., “on”) and “0” (i.e., “off”) surface spin wave switch upon applying an E-field is created at room temperature. In addition, the magnetic anisotropy of heterostructures has been investigated by E-field induced ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) shift, and a large 490 Oe shift of FMR is determined at the angle of 45° between H-field and heterostructure plane.
Investigation of Phase Formation and Electrical Properties of Fe-Doped PZT Ceramics
Authors: DUMITRU Alina Iulia , VELCIU Georgeta , PATROI Delia , PINTEA Jana , MARINESCU Virgil , DUMITRU Tudor-Gabriel , Peter Ildiko
Published: July 2021

In this paper, some compositions described by the general formula Pb(ZrxTi1-x)0.99Fe0.01O3 have been considered and investigated. The compositions considered have been obtained by solid state reaction technique, where x corresponds to 0.42, 0.52 and 0.58. Sintering has been performed for 2 hours at temperatures between 1100oC and 1250oC. The influence of the sintering temperature on the microstructure and on the hysteresis loops of Fe3+ doped Pb(ZrxTi1-x)O3 system has been investigated. The crystallographic phase and microstucture of the sintered compositions have been studied in detail using X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The experimental results obtained by XRD have revealed that all the sintered samples have a perovskite structure. In order to correlate the behavior of the sintered materials to their microscopic structure, the domain structures have been defined by SEM. The dielectric properties, as relative dielectric permittivity (εr) and dielectric loss (tan δ) have been measured. The hysteresis loops at room temperature of all un-poled sintered compositions reveal a similar behaviour with “hard” PZT ceramics. The piezoelectric properties like electromechanical coupling factor (kp) have been investigated after polarization.
Investigation on Microstructure, Wave Absorbing Properties and High Temperature Stability for (Mg0.2Ni0.2Co0.2Cu0.2Zn0.2)O High-entropy Ceramics
Authors: Bao Shen , Chen Yongqiang , Hu Fei yue , Wang Xiao han , Fan B.B. , Wang Hailong , Shao Gang , Min Zhiyu , Zhang Rui , Wang Xiaohui
Published: July 2021

In this work, high entropy (Mg0.2Ni0.2Co0.2Cu0.2Zn0.2)O ceramics were fabricated with three different precursors by conventional sintering method. SEM and XRD analyses revealed the microstructure is related to the precursors while the phase composition is independent with the precursors. Compared with S1 and S2 samples, the S3 samples show well distributed small pores located inside the grain or at the grain boundary. While all the samples exhibit a single rock salt phase. The RL values could reach to -30.5 dB (S3) at 6.8 GHz under the thickness of 4.0 mm, the excellent microwave absorbing properties stem from the bonding interface defects, the micro-pores and many grain boundaries. The (Mg0.2Ni0.2Co0.2Cu0.2Zn0.2)O ceramics keep stable under 1200 oC for S3. The results demonstrate that (Mg0.2Ni0.2Co0.2Cu0.2Zn0.2)O ceramics may be a promising candidate for microwave absorption materials at high temperature.
Catalase deficiency facilitates the shuttling of free fatty acid to brown adipose tissue through lipolysis mediated by ROS during sustained fasting
Authors: Dutta Raghbendra Kumar , Lee Joon No , Maharjan Yunash , Park Channy , Choe Seong-Kyu , Ho Ye-Shih , Park Raekil
Published: July 2021

Background
Fatty acids (FA) derived from adipose tissue and liver serve as the main fuel in thermogenesis of brown adipose tissue (BAT). Catalase, a peroxisomal enzyme, plays an important role in maintaining intracellular redox homeostasis by decomposing hydrogen peroxide to either water or oxygen that oxidize and provide fuel for cellular metabolism. Although the antioxidant enzymatic activity of catalase is well known, its role in the metabolism and maintenance of energy homeostasis has not yet been revealed. The present study investigated the role of catalase in lipid metabolism and thermogenesis during nutrient deprivation in catalase-knockout (KO) mice.
Results
We found that hepatic triglyceride accumulation in KO mice decreased during sustained fasting due to lipolysis through reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in adipocytes. Furthermore, the free FA released from lipolysis were shuttled to BAT through the activation of CD36 and catabolized by lipoprotein lipase in KO mice during sustained fasting. Although the exact mechanism for the activation of the FA receptor enzyme is still unclear, we found that ROS generation in adipocytes mediated the shuttling of FA to BAT.
Conclusions
Taken together, our findings uncover the novel role of catalase in lipid metabolism and thermogenesis in BAT, which may be useful in understanding metabolic dysfunction.
Synergistic interaction of renewable nipagin and eugenol for high performance aromatic copoly(ether ester) materials
Authors: Hu Keling , Sui Huachao , Zhao Dongping
Published: July 2021

Naturally occurring nipagin and eugenol were used as the collaborative starting materials for poly(ether ester) materials. In this study, two series of nipagin and eugenol-derived copoly(ether ester)s, PHN11-xE1x and PHN11-xE2x (x = 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%), were prepared with renewable 1,6-hexanediol as a comonomer. The nipagin-derived component acts as the renewable surrogate of petroleum-based dimethyl terephthalate (DMT), while the eugenol-derived component acts as the cooperative property modifier of parent homopoly(ether ester) PHN1. 1,6-Hexanediol was chosen as the spacer because of its renewability and short chain to enhance the glass transition temperatures (Tgs) of materials. The molecular weights and chemical structures were confirmed by gel permeation chromatograph (GPC), NMR and FTIR spectroscopies. Thermal and crystalline properties were studied by thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) and wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WXRD). The tensile assays were conducted to evaluate the mechanical properties. The results suggest that properties of such kind of poly(ether ester)s can be finely tuned by the relative content of two components. Synergistic interaction of two structurally distinctive parts endows the materials with high performance.
The Impact of Highly Paramagnetic Dy3+ Cations On Magnetic and Electrical Behaviour of Nanocrystalline Mnfe2o4
Authors: Baig Mirza Mahmood , Zulfiqar Sonia , Yousuf Muhammad Asif , Touqeer Muhammad , Agboola Philips O , Haider Sajjad , Shakir Imran , Warsi M. F.
Published: July 2021

In this paper, the detailed study of magnetic properties of Dy3+ substituted soft manganese ferrite (MnFe2O4) nanoparticles with varied contents of Dy3+ ions (0.00 ≤ x ≤ 0.16) was carried out by vibrating sample magnetometery (VSM) at room temperature. The synthesis of reported magnetic materials was carried out via facile wet chemical route. Structural characterization was investigated via X-ray diffraction and infra-red spectroscopy. Exploration of magnetic measurements revealed an irregular behavior in the values of saturation magnetization (Ms), remanent magnetization (Mr), and coercivity (Hc) depending upon the concentration of rare-earth ions (Dy3+). The fluctuations in the values of Ms, Mr, and Hc may be associated with the modifications in the spin-exchange interactions caused by structural changes due to the substitution of rare-earth ions (Dy3+). DC electrical resistivity values were recorded and were found to be increased with increased Dy3+ contents. The soft magnetic nature of Dy3+ substituted MnFe2O4 spinel ferrites nanoparticles suggested their possible utilization in switching mode power supplies, recording media, spintronics, and many other advanced technological devices.
Positive Regional Sea Level Anomalies in Southern Brazil Due to Changes in Austral Atmospheric Circulation
Authors: Schossler Venisse , Aquino Francisco , Simões Jefferson , Reis Pedro , Viana Denilson
Published: July 2021

Pressure gradients and winds play an important role in Southern Hemisphere (SH) sea levels, which are currently associated with the positive trend of the Southern Annular Mode (SAM). This study investigated regional sea level anomalies (SLAs) in the southern coast Brazil using altimeter data (1993–2019), post-processed by the X-TRACK (CTOH/LEGOS). We observed a negative SLA from 1993 to 2009 and a positive SLA from 2010 to 2019, with upward trends throughout the evaluation period. We analyzed wind stress curl, pressure, and wind fields at sea level (FNMOC and ERA 5, respectively) in addition to sea surface temperature and height anomalies (SSTA/SSHA-OISST) in the South Atlantic Ocean (SAO) for 1993–2009 and 2010–2019. In relation to the first period, the second shows the enhancement in Hadley and Walker cells and trade winds, in addition to greater SSTA and SSHA in SAO. The SAO subtropical gyre and zonal winds at 45°S contribute to the intensification of the western boundary current. A greater pressure gradient between the SAO surface and the southeast of South America is noteworthy. Regionally, the positive SAM brings an increase in sea level to the study area, caused by greater wind stress and variability in heat flows.
Elective Neck Dissection can Improve the Overall Survival and Cancer-Specific Survival of T3cN0M0 Glottic Squamous Cell Cancer
Authors: Cai Zhimou , Chen Lin , Zhang Jiangwei , Wen Yihui , Lei Wen-bin
Published: July 2021

How to treat clinically node-negative (cN0) neck in larynx squamous cell cancer (LSCC) has been subject to considerable discussion. The role of elective neck dissection (END) in patients with T3 glottic squamous cell cancer (GSCC) with cN0 is remain unclear. The objective of this study is to elucidate the role of END in improve the outcome of T3cN0M0 GSCC. Patients with T3cN0M0 GSCC in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database (SEER) from 2004 to 2015 were extracted and stratified into END and Non-END cohorts, we found that only 22–58% T3cN0M0 GSCC were performed with END. After Propensity score matching (PSM), END cohort had better overall survival (OS) (median survival time: 93 vs 40 months, respectively; p < 0.0001) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) (HR 0.40, 95%CI 0.26 to 0.64, p = 0.0012) than non-END cohort. In addition, Subgroup analysis also indicated END cohort had better OS or CSS than non-END cohort.This study demonstrated that in patients with T3cN0M0 GSCC, END significantly associated with better survival outcomes compared with non-END.
Iranians' beliefs about COVID-19: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Hamidzadeh Yousef , Niri Mehdi Vosoughi , Zandian Hamed , Dargahi Abdollah , Nasiri khadijeh , Mohammadi Elahe , Clark Cain C. T. , Aghamohammadi Vahideh
Published: July 2021

Background

We sought to investigate people's beliefs, decision dynamics, and future consequences of the current COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods

The present cross-sectional study was conducted from January 10th to April 30th, 2020. The data collection tool was a researcher-made electronic questionnaire that was designed in Porsline.com. The test-retest reliability of the questionnaire was good, and consisted of three sections: introduction, demographic characteristics, and belief questions about COVID-19.
Results

In 17 of the 43 beliefs, more than two-thirds of the subjects chose the "correct belief", and less than one-third chose the "I have no idea" or "I disagree" options. There was a significant correlation between age, gender, education, residential area, occupational status and correct belief about COVID-19.
Conclusions

Accurate knowledge of policymakers, managers, health care workers, and the public, beliefs about COVID-19 is important in promoting community health and disease prevention.
A Mathematic Method to Adjust MLC Leaf End Position for Accuracy Dose Calculation in Carbon Ion Beam Radiation Therapy Treatment Planning System
Authors: Zhang Yan-Shan , Ye Yan-Cheng , Wu Jia-Ming
Published: July 2021

IntroductionWe present a mathematic method to adjust the leaf end position for dose calculation correction in carbon ion radiation therapy treatment planning system. Methods and MaterialsA struggling range algorism of 400 MeV/n carbon ion beam in nine different multi-leaf collimator (MLC) materials was conducted to calculate the dose 50% point in order to derive the offset corrections in carbon ion treatment planning system (ciPlan). The visualized light field edge position in treatment planning system is denoted as Xtang.p and MLC position (Xmlc.p) is defined as the source to leaf end mid-point projection on axis for monitor unit calculation. The virtual source position of an energy at 400 MeV/n and struggling range in MLC at different field sizes were used to calculate the dose 50% position on axis. On-axis MLC offset (correction) could then be obtained from the position corresponding to 50% of the central axis dose minus the Xmlc.p MLC position. ResultsThe precise MLC position in carbon ion treatment planning system can be used an offset to do the correction. The offset correction of pure tungsten is the smallest among the others due to its shortest struggling range of carbon ion beam in MLC. The positions of 50% dose of all MLC materials are always located in between Xtang.p and Xmlc.p under the largest field of 12 cm by 12 cm. ConclusionsMLC offset should be adjusted carefully at different field size in treatment planning system especially of its small penumbra characteristic in carbon ion beam. It is necessary to find out the dose 50% position for adjusting MLC leaf edge on-axis location in the treatment planning system to reduce dose calculation error.
Investigation on the Correlation Between Humanistic Care Ability and Emotional Intelligence of Hospital Staff
Authors: Ma Jingjing , Peng Wentao , Pan Jihong
Published: July 2021

Background: There are different degrees of flaws in the knowledge structure of humanistic medicine of medical staff. The level of emotional intelligence of medical staff affects their career development as well as the doctor-patient relationship. Currently, there is a scarcity of relevant literature on the humanistic care ability and emotional intelligence of medical staff at home and abroad. Here, we tried to investigate this aspect of healthcare.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the staff of West China Second University Hospital Sichuan University in April 2020. We used the Caring Ability Inventory (CAI) and Wong and Law Emotional Intelligence Scale (WLEIS) to conduct this analysis.Results: A total of 3641 questionnaires were distributed, and 769 (21.12%) were recovered. The total average score of the humanistic care ability of hospital staff was (197.77 ± 20.30), which was lower than the international norm. The total average score of emotional intelligence was (84.21±13.48). The CAI score was higher in females than in males; the scores of CAI and WLEIS of the students who choose their own major because of their own interests were higher than those of other reasons; the scores of CAI and WLEIS of those who had received more comprehensive and in-depth humanistic care training were higher than those who had not; the CAI scores of those who had participated in volunteer service activities were higher than those who had not; the WLEIS score of the pediatric staff was higher than that of outpatient and emergency staff, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Pearson correlation analysis showed that the total score of emotional intelligence, self-emotion evaluation and expression, self-emotion management, self-emotion application, recognition of other’s emotions, and humanistic care ability of hospital staff were positively correlated (P < 0.001).Conclusion: The development of internal factors of emotional intelligence of hospital staff was unbalanced, and humanistic care ability was at a lower level. Emotional intelligence was positively correlated to humanistic care ability.
SARS CoV 2 Infection Fatality Rate Estimates for South Africa
Authors: Mhlanga Laurette , Vermeulen Marion , Grebe Eduard , Welte Alex
Published: July 2021

This is a brief report. The intention is simply to communicate findings and thereby trigger discussion and further work – not to provide a substantial contextual, comparative, or interpretive narrative.
Surface And Aloft NO2 Pollution Over The Greater Tokyo Area Observed By Ground-Based And MAX-DOAS Measurements Bridged By Regional Air Quality Modeling
Authors: Itahashi Syuichi , Irie Hitoshi
Published: July 2021

To advance our understanding of surface and aloft nitrogen dioxide (NO2) pollution, this study extensively evaluated NO2 concentrations simulated by the regional air quality modeling system with a horizontal grid resolution of 1.3 km by using the Atmospheric Environmental Regional Observation System (AEROS) ground-based observation network and aloft measurement by multi-axis differential optical absorption spectroscopy (MAX-DOAS) over the greater Tokyo area. Observations are usually limited to the surface level, and gaps remain in our understanding of the behavior of air pollutants above the near-surface layer, particularly within the planetary boundary layer (PBL). Therefore, MAX-DOAS measurement was used, which observes scattered sunlight in the ultraviolet/visible range at several elevation angles between the horizon and zenith to determine the aloft NO2 pollution averaged over 0-1 km. In total, four MAX-DOAS measurement systems at Chiba University (35.63°N, 140.10°E) systematically covered the north, east, west, and south directions to capture the aloft NO2 pollution over the greater Tokyo area. The target period was Chiba-Campaign 2015 conducted from 9 to 23 November 2015. The evaluations showed that the air quality modeling system can generally capture the observed behavior of both surface and aloft NO2 pollution in terms of spatial and temporal coverage. The diurnal variation, which typically showed an increase from evening to early morning without daylight and a decrease during the daytime, was also captured by the model. During Chiba-Campaign 2015, two cases of episodic higher NO2 concentration were identified: one during the nighttime and the other during the daytime as different diurnal patterns. These were related to a stagnant wind field, with the latter also connected to a lower PBL height in cloudy conditions. Comparison of the modeled surface and aloft NO2 concentrations showed that aloft NO2 concentration exhibited a strong linear correlation with surface NO2 concentration, with the aloft value scaled to 0.4-0.5-fold the surface value, irrespective of whether the day was clean or polluted. This scaling value was lower during the nighttime and higher during the daytime. Based on this synergetic analysis of surface and aloft observation bridged by modeling simulation, this study contributes to fostering understanding of aloft NO2 pollution.
Activation of the EGFR-PI3K-CaM Pathway by PRL-1 Ameliorates Liver Cirrhosis via ER Stress-dependent Calcium
Authors: Kim Se Ho , Kim Jae Yeon , Park Soo Young , Jeong Won Tae , Kim Jin Man , Bae Si Hyun , Kim Gi Jin
Published: July 2021

Background: Accumulation of cholesterol and depletion of calcium induce hepatic injury through the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response. ER stress regulates the calcium imbalance between the ER and mitochondria. Previously, we reported that phosphatase of regenerating liver-1 (PRL-1)-overexpressing placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells (PD-MSCsPRL-1) promoted liver regeneration through mitochondrial dynamics in a cirrhotic rat model. However, whether PRL-1 is involved in ER stress-dependent calcium is unclear. So, we demonstrated that PD-MSCsPRL-1 improves hepatic functions by regulating ER stress and calcium channels in a rat model of bile duct ligation (BDL). Methods: Liver cirrhosis was induced in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats using surgically induced BDL for 10 days. PD-MSCs and PD-MSCsPRL-1 (2x106 cells) were intravenously administered to animals, and their therapeutic effects were analyzed. WB-F344 cells exposed to thapsigargin (TG) were cocultured with PD-MSCs or PD-MSCsPRL-1. Results: ER stress markers (e.g., eIF2α, ATF4, and CHOP) were increased in the non-transplantation group (NTx) compared with the control group. PD-MSCsPRL-1 significantly decreased ER stress markers compared to NTx and induced dynamic changes in calcium channel markers (e.g., SERCA2b, IP3R, MCU, and VDAC1) (*p<0.05). In TG-treated WB-F344 cells, cocultivation with PD-MSCsPRL-1 decreased cytosolic CaM expression and cytosolic and mitochondrial Ca2+ concentrations; however, the ER Ca2+ concentration was increased compared to that in PD-MSCs (*p<0.05). Additionally, PRL-1 through epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) activated phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) signaling, resulting in calcium increases via CaM expression. Conclusions: These findings suggest that PD-MSCsPRL-1 improved hepatic functions through calcium changes and attenuated ER stress in a BDL-injured rat model. Therefore, these results provide useful data for the development of next-generation MSC-based stem cell therapy for regenerative medicine in chronic liver disease.
Mass energy and momentum in the special relativity with variable speed of light
Authors: Dong Na , Jun Dong
Published: July 2021

On the basis of establishing the special theory of relativity with variable speed of light and obtaining the step function relationship between mass and speed, this article further seeks the proper collocations of mass, energy and momentum allowed by the "ontology" of moving masses which are in various stages of motion properties or in different physical environments. Three ontology collocation types are obtained. If we consider the basic fact that the lower the energy, the more stable it is, the real physical world ranges from astrophysics issues such as white dwarfs, red giants, and celestial space speeds, to the various light and heavy elementary particles existence, combination and performance，which qualitative knowledge can all be derived from the "ontology collocation ". Two of these three types of collocations are derived from the mass-velocity step function relationship contented of quantum properties, so all the quantum phenomena of modern physics will not be obliterated. It is hoped that the modern physics knowledge accumulated in the laboratory and the scattered various theories will be explained under the dominance of a classic theory. The article also deduced the conversion relationship between the inertial system S and S’ of the three collocation types of mass, energy and momentum of the moving mass. Derive the upgrade and downgrade law of the complete special relativity system, this also greatly expands the way to understand modern physics from the theory of relativity.
A Superior Seismic Data Preprocessing Technique to Improve the Resolution of Surface wave Velocity Spectrums
Authors: Naskar Tarun , Bhaumik Mrinal , Mukherjee Sayan
Published: July 2021

A high-resolution surface wave velocity spectrum, also known as dispersion image, is of paramount importance for any seismic survey to accurately predict subsurface earth’s properties. The presence of diversified noise in the field acquisition and dissimilar attenuation due to mechanical and radial damping makes it challenging for different wavefield transformation algorithm to produce a detailed and precise velocity spectrum. Standard seismic data preprocessing technique like trace normalisation or bandpass filter fails to address all issues appropriately. Here we have presented a new superior preprocessing technique that can eradicate most of the shortcomings adequately. Experimental field data and published results are used to demonstrate the accuracy of the proposed method. The proposed method also found to produce superior results when compared against the popular commercially available software package Surfseis 6. Overall, the proposed method improves the quality of the velocity spectrum significantly, and it produces a sharper dispersion image even for the extremely noisy data. The work presented here enhances our ability to interpret the surface wave data precisely and help explore accurate properties of the subsurface earth.
The Impact of School Opening Model on SARS-CoV-2 Community Incidence and Mortality: A Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Ertem Zeynep , Schechter-Perkins Elissa , Oster Emily , Berg Polly van den , Epshtein Isabella , Chaiyakunapruk Nathorn , Wilson Fernando , Perenchevich Elli , Pettey Warren , Branch-Elliman Westyn , Nelson Richard
Published: July 2021

The role that in-person schooling contributes to community incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infections and deaths remains unknown. We conducted an event study evaluating the effect of in-person school on SARS-CoV-2 cases and deaths per 100,000 persons during the 12-weeks following school opening, stratified by US Census region. There was no impact of in-person school opening and COVID-19 deaths. In most regions, COVID-19 incidence rates were not statistically different in counties with in-person versus remote school modes. However, in the South, there was a significant and sustained increase in cases per week among counties that opened for in-person learning versus remote learning, with weekly effects ranging from 7.8 (95% CI: 1.2-14.5) to 18.9 (95% CI: 7.9-29.9) additional cases per 100,000, driven by increases among 0-9 year olds and adults.
Acoustic Möbius insulators from projective symmetry
Authors: Qiu Chunyin , Li Tianzi , Du Juan , Zhang Qicheng , Li Yitong , Fan Xiying , Zhang Fan
Published: July 2021

Symmetry plays a critical role in classifying phases of matter. This is exemplified by how crystalline symmetries enrich the topological classification of materials and enable unconventional phenomena in topologically nontrivial ones. After an extensive study over the past decade, the list of topological crystalline insulators and semimetals seems to be exhaustive and concluded. However, in the presence of gauge symmetry, common but not limited to artificial crystals, the algebraic structure of crystalline symmetries needs to be projectively represented, giving rise to unprecedented topological physics. Here we demonstrate this novel idea by exploiting a projective translation symmetry and constructing a variety of Möbius-twisted topological phases. Experimentally, we realize two Möbius insulators in acoustic crystals for the first time: a two-dimensional one of first-order band topology and a three-dimensional one of higher-order band topology. We observe unambiguously the peculiar Möbius edge and hinge states via real-space visualization of their localiztions, momentum-space spectroscopy of their 4π periodicity, and phase-space winding of their projective translation eigenvalues. Not only does our work open a new avenue for artificial systems under the interplay between gauge and crystalline symmetries, but it also initializes a new framework for topological physics from projective symmetry.
A novel adsorbent features like EDTA synthesized in situ by chemically modified cellulose and its behavior in metal ions adsorption from aqueous solution
Authors: Hu Tao , Hu Xiaoli , Tang Cheng , Liu Dan
Published: July 2021

This paper describes the synthesis of a novel chelating material derived from cellulose, and its heavy metal ions adsorption behavior from aqueous solution. The first section of this paper reports the chemical grafting of cellulose, that aminoacetic acid groups were grafted into the cellulose, resulted a novel yet unreported modified cellulose derivative N,N-(dicarboxymethylaminoethyl, carboxymethyl) aminoethylamine carboxymethyl cellulose amide. This obtained adsorbent was characterized by elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy (IR) and Solid State Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (SSNMR) 13 C NMR spectroscopy. In the second section, adsorption behaviors such as kinetic study, adsorption isotherms of the adsorbent for Cu 2+ and Pb 2+ single metal ions from aqueous solution, and adsorption capacity for Ba 2+ , Mg 2+ , Mn 2+ , Co 2+ , Zn 2+ , Pb 2+ , Ni 2+ and Cu 2+ , and the competitive adsorption of this adsorbent between ions were evaluated by ICP spectroscopy.
In vivo optogenetics reveals control of cochlear sensitivity by supporting cells
Authors: Lukashkina Victoria , Levic Snezana , Simões Patricio , Xu Zhenhang , DiGuiseppi Joseph , Zuo Jian , Lukashkin Andrei , Russell Ian
Published: July 2021

Cochlear sensitivity, essential for communication and exploiting the acoustic environment, is due to the sensory-motor outer hair cells (OHCs) that operate in the structural scaffold of supporting cells and extracellular spaces in the cochlear organ of Corti (OoC). It is unclear whether supporting cells (e.g., Deiters cells [DCs] and outer pillar cells [OPCs]) control cochlear sensitivity in vivo. Here we employed optogenetics to measure in vivo sound-induced cochlear mechanical and electrical responses, and ex vivo light-induced DC electrical responses in the OoC of mice that conditionally expressed channelrhodopsins (ChR2) specifically in DCs and OPCs. Illumination activated a nonselective ChR2 cation conductance and depolarized the DCs. This transient action reversibly blocked continuous, normally occurring, minor adjustments of tone-evoked basilar membrane displacements, and OHC voltage responses to tones at and close to their characteristic frequency, and speeded recovery from temporary acoustic desensitization. This is the first direct evidence for the interdependency of the structural, mechanical, and electrochemical arrangement of OHCs and OoC supporting cells which together fine control cochlear sensitivity.