bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The global threat from plastic pollution
Authors: MacLeod Matthew , Arp Hans Peter H. , Tekman Mine B. , Jahnke Annika
Published: July 2021

Plastic pollution accumulating in an area of the environment is considered “poorly reversible” if natural mineralization processes occurring there are slow and engineered remediation solutions are improbable. Should negative outcomes in these areas arise as a consequence of plastic pollution, they will be practically irreversible. Potential impacts from poorly reversible plastic pollution include changes to carbon and nutrient cycles; habitat changes within soils, sediments, and aquatic ecosystems; co-occurring biological impacts on endangered or keystone species; ecotoxicity; and related societal impacts. The rational response to the global threat posed by accumulating and poorly reversible plastic pollution is to rapidly reduce plastic emissions through reductions in consumption of virgin plastic materials, along with internationally coordinated strategies for waste management.
Ultrapotent antibodies against diverse and highly transmissible SARS-CoV-2 variants
Authors: Wang Lingshu , Zhou Tongqing , Zhang Yi , Yang Eun Sung , Schramm Chaim A. , Shi Wei , Pegu Amarendra , Oloniniyi Olamide K. , Henry Amy R. , Darko Samuel , Narpala Sandeep R. , Hatcher Christian , Martinez David R. , Tsybovsky Yaroslav , Phung Emily , Abiona Olubukola M. , Antia Avan , Cale Evan M. , Chang Lauren A. , Choe Misook , Corbett Kizzmekia S. , Davis Rachel L. , DiPiazza Anthony T. , Gordon Ingelise J. , Hait Sabrina Helmold , Hermanus Tandile , Kgagudi Prudence , Laboune Farida , Leung Kwanyee , Liu Tracy , Mason Rosemarie D. , Nazzari Alexandra F. , Novik Laura , O’Connell Sarah , O’Dell Sijy , Olia Adam S. , Schmidt Stephen D. , Stephens Tyler , Stringham Christopher D. , Talana Chloe Adrienna , Teng I-Ting , Wagner Danielle A. , Widge Alicia T. , Zhang Baoshan , Roederer Mario , Ledgerwood Julie E. , Ruckwardt Tracy J. , Gaudinski Martin R. , Moore Penny L. , Doria-Rose Nicole A. , Baric Ralph S. , Graham Barney S. , McDermott Adrian B. , Douek Daniel C. , Kwong Peter D. , Mascola John R. , Sullivan Nancy J. , Misasi John
Published: July 2021

Defenses against SARS-CoV-2 variants

Our key defense against the COVID-19 pandemic is neutralizing antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 virus elicited by natural infection or vaccination. Recent emerging viral variants have raised concern because of their potential to escape antibody neutralization. Wang
et al
. identified four antibodies from early-outbreak convalescent donors that are potent against 23 variants, including variants of concern, and characterized their binding to the spike protein of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Yuan
et al
. examined the impact of emerging mutations in the receptor-binding domain of the spike protein on binding to the host receptor ACE2 and to a range of antibodies. These studies may be helpful for developing more broadly effective vaccines and therapeutic antibodies. —VV
SARS-CoV-2 immune evasion by the B.1.427/B.1.429 variant of concern
Authors: McCallum Matthew , Bassi Jessica , De Marco Anna , Chen Alex , Walls Alexandra C. , Di Iulio Julia , Tortorici M. Alejandra , Navarro Mary-Jane , Silacci-Fregni Chiara , Saliba Christian , Sprouse Kaitlin R. , Agostini Maria , Pinto Dora , Culap Katja , Bianchi Siro , Jaconi Stefano , Cameroni Elisabetta , Bowen John E. , Tilles Sasha W. , Pizzuto Matteo Samuele , Guastalla Sonja Bernasconi , Bona Giovanni , Pellanda Alessandra Franzetti , Garzoni Christian , Van Voorhis Wesley C. , Rosen Laura E. , Snell Gyorgy , Telenti Amalio , Virgin Herbert W. , Piccoli Luca , Corti Davide , Veesler David
Published: July 2021

SARS-CoV-2 from alpha to epsilon

As battles to contain the COVID-19 pandemic continue, attention is focused on emerging variants of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus that have been deemed variants of concern because they are resistant to antibodies elicited by infection or vaccination or they increase transmissibility or disease severity. Three papers used functional and structural studies to explore how mutations in the viral spike protein affect its ability to infect host cells and to evade host immunity. Gobeil
et al
. looked at a variant spike protein involved in transmission between minks and humans, as well as the B1.1.7 (alpha), B.1.351 (beta), and P1 (gamma) spike variants; Cai
et al
. focused on the alpha and beta variants; and McCallum
et al
. discuss the properties of the spike protein from the B1.1.427/B.1.429 (epsilon) variant. Together, these papers show a balance among mutations that enhance stability, those that increase binding to the human receptor ACE2, and those that confer resistance to neutralizing antibodies. —VV
Draft Genome Sequence of
Arthrobacter
sp. Strain 260, Isolated from a Uranium Tailings Management Facility in Northern Saskatchewan, Canada
Authors: Grigoryan Alexander A. , Bondici Viorica F. , Kryachko Yuriy , Khan Nurul H. , Lawrence John R. , Singh Sanjit , Wolfaardt Gideon M. , Withana Gamage Niradha , Shetty Deeksha , Korber Darren R.
Published: July 2021

The 3.9-Mbp draft genome sequence of
Arthrobacter
sp. strain 260, which was isolated from a uranium tailings management facility, is reported. The sequence may help determine the bioremediation potential of this strain and facilitate further research aimed at a better understanding of the hypertolerance of this genus to extreme conditions.
Draft Genome Assemblies of Two Cryptosporidium hominis Isolates from New Zealand
Authors: Knox M. A. , Garcia-R J. C. , Hayman D. T. S.
Published: July 2021

Cryptosporidium hominis
is a protozoan parasite that causes gastrointestinal disease in humans worldwide. Here, we report on draft whole-genome sequences of two clinical isolates of
C. hominis
that were purified from patients with cryptosporidiosis in New Zealand.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Veterinary Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolate, Pa12
Authors: Nakamura Keisuke , Fujiki Jumpei , Furusawa Takaaki , Nakamura Tomohiro , Gondaira Satoshi , Sasaki Michihito , Usui Masaru , Higuchi Hidetoshi , Sawa Hirofumi , Tamura Yutaka , Iwano Hidetomo
Published: July 2021

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
causes various opportunistic infections in animals. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of
P. aeruginosa
strain Pa12, a fluoroquinolone-resistant isolate from a canine skin lesion. To expand the molecular antimicrobial characteristics of the isolate, the whole Pa12 genome was sequenced and assembled via long- and short-read platforms.
Refining the Paleoproterozoic tectonothermal history of the Penokean Orogen: New U-Pb age constraints from the Pembine-Wausau terrane, Wisconsin, USA
Authors: Zi Jian-Wei , Sheppard Stephen , Muhling Janet R. , Rasmussen Birger
Published: July 2021

An enduring problem in the assembly of Laurentia is uncertainty about the nature and timing of magmatism, deformation, and metamorphism in the Paleoproterozoic Wisconsin magmatic terranes, which have been variously interpreted as an intra-oceanic arc, foredeep or continental back-arc. Resolving these competing models is difficult due in part to a lack of a robust time-frame for magmatism in the terranes. The northeast part of the terranes in northern Wisconsin (USA) comprise mafic and felsic volcanic rocks and syn-volcanic granites thought to have been emplaced and metamorphosed during the 1890–1830 Ma Penokean orogeny. New in situ U-Pb geochronology of igneous zircon from the volcanic rocks (Beecher Formation), and from two tonalitic plutons (the Dunbar Gneiss and Newingham Tonalite) intruding the volcanic rocks, yielded crystallization ages ranging from 1847 ± 10 Ma to 1842 ± 7 Ma (95% confidence). Thus, these rocks record a magmatic episode that is synchronous with bimodal volcanism in the Wausau domain and Marshfield terrane farther south. Our results, integrated with published data into a time-space diagram, highlight two bimodal magmatic cycles, the first at 1890–1860 Ma and the second at 1845–1830 Ma, developed on extended crust of the Superior Craton. The magmatic episodes are broadly synchronous with volcanogenic massive sulfide mineralization and deposition of Lake Superior banded iron formations. Our data and interpretation are consistent with the Penokean orogeny marking west Pacific-style accretionary orogenesis involving lithospheric extension of the continental margin, punctuated by transient crustal shortening that was accommodated by folding and thrusting of the arc-back-arc system. The model explains the shared magmatic history of the Pembine-Wausau and Marshfield terranes. Our study also reveals an overprinting metamorphic event recorded by reset zircon and new monazite growth dated at 1775 ± 10 Ma suggesting that the main metamorphic event in the terranes is related to the Yavapai-interval accretion rather than the Penokean orogeny.
Mediastinal pancreatic pseudocyst masquerading as diffuse alveolar haemorrhage
Authors: Clark Heather Lynn , Illipparambil Lijo C , Khurana Sandhya
Published: July 2021

Pancreatic pseudocyst formation with extension into the mediastinum is an uncommon complication of pancreatitis that can result in numerous pulmonary and cardiac complications. We present a case of a 56-year-old man with a history of recurrent pancreatitis who presented with haemoptysis. His initial workup was consistent with diffuse alveolar haemorrhage for which he was treated with glucocorticoids. After failure to improve, further imaging demonstrated a complex fluid collection in the mediastinum consistent with extension of his pre-existing pancreatic pseudocyst, leading to erosion into the right lower lobe of the lung. This case highlights a rare pulmonary complication of pancreatitis and underscores the importance of proper identification of this condition to guide successful management.
Factors affecting the resolution of acute non-infectious anterior scleritis
Authors: Abdel-Aty Ahmad , Kombo Ninani
Published: July 2021

Background/aims

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-⍺) inhibitors are increasingly being used to treat scleritis, however, their efficacy has not been compared to older treatments. Additionally, few studies have assessed differences in the course of scleritis among different patient groups. We identify demographic factors, comorbidities and treatments associated with the resolution of acute scleritis.

Methods

The records of patients with non-infectious anterior scleritis who presented between 1 January 2013 and 1 January 2018 were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

A total of 141 patients (169 eyes) with anterior scleritis were identified. 92.9% had diffuse anterior scleritis, 5.0% had nodular anterior scleritis and 2.1% had necrotising scleritis. Topical corticosteroids were used in 66.7% of patients, systemic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in 48.9% and systemic corticosteroids in 37.6%. Non-corticosteroid immunomodulatory therapies were required in 37.6% of patients. In a Cox proportionate hazards model, factors positively associated with the resolution of an episode of scleritis included NSAID use (HR=2.145; 95% CI 1.200 to 3.832), Hispanic race (HR=2.991; 95% CI 1.115 to 7.341) and lupus erythematous (HR=6.175; 95% CI 1.774 to 21.489). Bilateral scleritis was negatively associated with resolution (HR=0.437; 95% CI 0.196 to 0.972). TNF-⍺ inhibitors (HR=3.346; 95% CI 1.277–8.763), NSAID use (HR=2.558; 95% CI 1.383 to 4.729), lupus erythematosus (HR=5.251; 95% CI 1.478 to 18.659) and Hispanic race (HR=3.198; 95% CI 1.022 to 10.005) were significantly positively associated with steroid sparing resolution.

Conclusion

Patient characteristics including a lupus diagnosis and Hispanic race were associated with faster times to symptom resolution and steroid sparing resolution, as were treatments including systemic NSAIDs and TNF-⍺ inhibitors. Due to limitations in the available data, this analysis did not account for disease severity. Future prospective studies will further elucidate the relationship between these factors and patient outcomes.
Operationalising outpatient antimicrobial stewardship to reduce system-wide antibiotics for acute bronchitis
Authors: Johnson Morgan Clouse , Hulgan Todd , Cooke Robin G , Kleinpell Ruth , Roumie Christianne , Callaway-Lane Carol , Mitchell Lauren D , Hathaway Jacob , Dittus Robert , Staub Milner
Published: July 2021

Background

Antibiotics are not recommended for treatment of acute uncomplicated bronchitis (AUB), but are often prescribed (85% of AUB visits within the Veterans Affairs nationally). This quality improvement project aimed to decrease antibiotic prescribing for AUB in community-based outpatient centres from 65% to <32% by April 2020.

Methods

From January to December 2018, community-based outpatient clinics’ 6 months’ average of prescribed antibiotics for AUB and upper respiratory infections was 63% (667 of 1054) and 64.6% (314 of 486) when reviewing the last 6 months. Seven plan–do–study–act (PDSA) cycles were implemented by an interprofessional antimicrobial stewardship team between January 2019 and March 2020. Balancing measures were a return patient phone call or visit within 4 weeks for the same complaint. Χ2tests and statistical process control charts using Western Electric rules were used to analyse intervention data.

Results

The AUB antibiotic prescribing rate decreased from 64.6% (314 of 486) in the 6 months prior to the intervention to 36.8% (154 of 418) in the final 6 months of the intervention. No change was seen in balancing measures. The largest reduction in antibiotic prescribing was seen after implementation of PDSA 6 in which 14 high prescribers were identified and targeted for individualised reviews of encounters of patients with AUB with an antimicrobial steward.

Conclusions

Operational implementation of successful stewardship interventions is challenging and differs from the traditional implementation study environment. As a nascent outpatient stewardship programme with limited resources and no additional intervention funding, we successfully reduced antibiotic prescribing from 64.6% to 36.8%, a reduction of 43% from baseline. The most success was seen with targeted education of high prescribers.
Distributed Graph Processing System and Processing-in-memory Architecture with Precise Loop-carried Dependency Guarantee
Authors: Zhuo Youwei , Chen Jingji , Rao Gengyu , Luo Qinyi , Wang Yanzhi , Yang Hailong , Qian Depei , Qian Xuehai
Published: July 2021

To hide the complexity of the underlying system, graph processing frameworks ask programmers to specify graph computations in user-defined functions (UDFs) of graph-oriented programming model. Due to the nature of distributed execution, current frameworks cannot precisely enforce the semantics of UDFs, leading to unnecessary computation and communication. It exemplifies a gap between programming model and runtime execution. This article proposes novel graph processing frameworks for distributed system and Processing-in-memory (PIM) architecture that precisely enforces loop-carried dependency; i.e., when a condition is satisfied by a neighbor, all following neighbors can be skipped. Our approach instruments the UDFs to express the loop-carried dependency, then the distributed execution framework enforces the precise semantics by performing dependency propagation dynamically. Enforcing loop-carried dependency requires the sequential processing of the neighbors of each vertex distributed in different nodes. We propose to circulant scheduling in the framework to allow different nodes to process disjoint sets of edges/vertices in parallel while satisfying the sequential requirement. The technique achieves an excellent trade-off between precise semantics and parallelism—the benefits of eliminating unnecessary computation and communication offset the reduced parallelism. We implement a new distributed graph processing framework SympleGraph, and two variants of runtime systems—
GraphS
and
GraphSR
—for PIM-based graph processing architecture, which significantly outperform the state-of-the-art.
Cell Biology of Canonical Wnt Signaling
Authors: Albrecht Lauren V. , Tejeda-Muñoz Nydia , De Robertis Edward M.
Published: July 2021

Wnt signaling has multiple functions beyond the transcriptional effects of β-catenin stabilization. We review recent investigations that uncover new cell physiological effects through the regulation of Wnt receptor endocytosis, Wnt-induced stabilization of proteins (Wnt-STOP), macropinocytosis, increase in lysosomal activity, and metabolic changes. Many of these growth-promoting effects of canonical Wnt occur within minutes and are independent of new protein synthesis. A key element is the sequestration of glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) inside multivesicular bodies and lysosomes. Twenty percent of human proteins contain consecutive GSK3 phosphorylation motifs, which in the absence of Wnt can form phosphodegrons for polyubiquitination and proteasomal degradation. Wnt signaling by either the pharmacological inhibition of GSK3 or the loss of tumor-suppressor proteins, such as adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) and Axin1, increases lysosomal acidification, anabolic metabolites, and macropinocytosis, which is normally repressed by the GSK3-Axin1-APC destruction complex. The combination of these cell physiological effects drives cell growth.
Tyrosinase Inhibitors from the Stems of Streblus Ilicifolius
Authors: Nguyen Nhan T. , Dang Phu H. , Nguyen Hai X. , Do Truong N. V. , Le Tho H. , Le Tuyen Q. H. , Nguyen Mai T. T.
Published: July 2021

Two new stilbene derivatives, named strebluses C and D, were isolated from the EtOAc-soluble fraction of the stems of Streblus ilicifolius (Moraceae). Its absolute configuration was elucidated based on NMR spectroscopic data interpretation and optical rotation calculation. Streblus C possesses strong tyrosinase inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of 0.01 μM. Docking studies of 1 and 2 with oxy-tyrosinase were carried out to analyze their interactions. The analysis of the docked poses confirmed that 1 showed better binding affinity for oxy-tyrosinase than that of 2.
Reduction of Lipid-Core Burden Index in Nonculprit Lesions at Follow-Up after ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction: A Randomized Study of Bioresorbable Vascular Scaffold versus Optimal Medical Therapy
Authors: Kefer Joelle , Chenu Patrick , Gurné Olivier , Maes Frederic , Tamakloé Théophile , Beauloye Christophe
Published: July 2021

Background. Non-flow-limiting nonculprit lesions (NCL) that contain a large lipid-rich necrotic core (nonculprit lipid-rich plaques (NC-LRP)) are most likely to cause recurrent acute coronary syndrome after ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) detects LRPs using the maximum 4 mm lipid-core burden index (maxLCBI4 mm). Few data are available regarding NIRS-guided therapy of these NC-LRPs, which are a potential target for preventive stenting. Bioresorbable vascular scaffold (BVS) provides local drug delivery and could facilitate plaque passivation after resorption. This study sought to assess the safety of BVS implantation in NC-LRPs and its efficacy in reducing maxLCBI4 mm at 2-year follow-up after STEMI. Methods and Results. In total, 33 non-flow-limiting NCLs from 29 STEMI patients were included in this study. Of these, 15 were LRPs and were randomly assigned to either the BVS + optimal medical therapy (OMT) arm (group 1; N = 7) or the OMT arm (group 2; N = 8). At baseline, there were no differences in plaque characteristics between groups (fractional flow reserve: 0.85 ± 0.04 vs. 0.89 ± 0.06; diameter stenosis (DS): 43.4 ± 8 vs. 40.1 ± 10.7%; plaque burden 54.98 ± 5.8 vs. 49.76 ± 8.31%; and maxLCBI4 mm 402 [348; 564] vs. 373 [298; 516];

p
=
N
S

for all comparisons between groups 1 and 2, respectively). Seven BVSs were implanted 3 ± 1 days after STEMI in six patients, without complications. At angiographic follow-up (712 [657; 740] days), a significant and similar reduction of maxLCBI4 mm was observed in both groups, with a median change of 306 [257; 377] in group 1 vs. 300 [278; 346] in group 2

p
=
0.44

. DS was significantly lower in group 1 vs. group 2 (19.8 ± 7 vs. 41.7 ± 13%,

p
=
0.003

), while plaque burden remained unchanged in both groups. Overall survival was 100%, target lesion failure was 13%, and stent thrombosis was 0%. Conclusions. BVS + OMT and OMT appear as similarly safe and effective in reducing maxLCBI4mm in NC-LRPs at 2-year follow-up after STEMI.
The Determinants of the Nondefaultable Spreads of Corporate Bonds: Evidence from China
Authors: Yang Baochen , Wu Zijian , Su Yunpeng
Published: July 2021

This study investigates the factors impacting the price difference between the interbank market and the exchange market for the same bond using a large transaction dataset from July 2006 to June 2016 in China. We find that market liquidity and macrofactors mainly affect the price difference between the two markets for the same bond. And individual bond liquidity explains only a small part of the price difference. We also find that the interaction between liquidity and credit risk is an important factor affecting the price difference, and the effect is greater during financial crisis.
Trustworthy Image Fusion with Deep Learning for Wireless Applications
Authors: Zhang Chao , Hu Haojin , Tai Yonghang , Yun Lijun , Zhang Jun
Published: July 2021

To fuse infrared and visible images in wireless applications, the extraction and transmission of characteristic information security is an important task. The fused image quality depends on the effectiveness of feature extraction and the transmission of image pair characteristics. However, most fusion approaches based on deep learning do not make effective use of the features for image fusion, which results in missing semantic content in the fused image. In this paper, a novel trustworthy image fusion method is proposed to address these issues, which applies convolutional neural networks for feature extraction and blockchain technology to protect sensitive information. The new method can effectively reduce the loss of feature information by making the output of the feature extraction network in each convolutional layer to be fed to the next layer along with the production of the previous layer, and in order to ensure the similarity between the fused image and the original image, the original input image feature map is used as the input of the reconstruction network in the image reconstruction network. Compared to other methods, the experimental results show that our proposed method can achieve better quality and satisfy human perception.
Psychological Contracts and Employee Innovative Behaviours: A Moderated Mediation Effect Model
Authors: Li Huihui , Xu Congwei , Zheng Huizhen
Published: July 2021

According to Bakker and Demerouti’s work demand resource theory, abundant work resources can stimulate an individual’s initiative to the maximum extent and finally achieve ideal work results. However, few scholars have discussed if psychological states could affect work resources. We believe that relationship embeddedness is an important work resource in the context of Chinese human relationship culture. A low degree of embeddedness among employees would affect employees’ recognition of their organizations and reduce their motivation for voluntary innovative behaviours. This study was to provide empirical evidence on the relationship between psychological contracts and employee innovative behaviours as well as the mediating role and moderating role of relational embeddedness and organizational tenure. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was adopted. Primary data were collected by a structured questionnaire targeting the employees in China. To test the hypotheses, data collected from 402 enterprise employees were used for a regression analysis in AMOS (version 22). We found that there is a significant positive correlation between psychological contract and employee innovation behaviour, while embedding strength and embedding quality mediated the influence of psychological contracts on employee innovative behaviours. Organizational tenure moderated the strength of the relationship between psychological contracts and employee innovative behaviours via embedding strength and embedding quality.
A Random Label and Lightweight Hash‐Based Security Authentication Mechanism for a UAV Swarm
Authors: Hu Feng , Qian Hongyan , Liu Liangjun
Published: July 2021

Nowadays, the application of a UAV swarm is becoming more and more widespread in the military field, and more and more attention is paid to the security of mission resource allocation. However, the relay node forwarding in the wireless transmission process brings greater risks to data leakage, and the computing power and energy of the UAV consumption is limited, so a lighter solution is required. This paper proposes a mechanism for the safe allocation of UAV swarm mission resources based on random labels. Each task has a random label to solve the problem of database security and wireless transmission security in the process of UAV task assignment. Furthermore, a lightweight stream cipher encryption scheme is illustrated to ensure the security of the UAV database. The irreversible hash function SHA‐256 and the lightweight foam structure hash function SPONGENT‐128 are used to generate random labels and then allocate task resources. In the case of energy consumption, it reduces the possibility of the enemy successfully obtaining private data. The simulation results show that the scheme has good performance in terms of security and has better performance than existing methods in terms of throughput and delay, without increasing too much energy consumption.
Experimental Investigation on Cyclic Huff-n-Puff with Surfactants Based on Complex Fracture Networks in Water-Wet Oil Reservoirs with Extralow Permeability
Authors: Cao Bao , Wei Pu , Tian Fuchun , Yan Yang , Xie Kun , Cao Weijia , Liu Xuewei , Lu Xiangguo , Li Yu , Li Hongru
Published: July 2021

The injection from a well to other wells can be difficult in extralow-permeability oil reservoirs. In order to address this issue, a method of cyclic huff-n-puff with surfactants based on complex fracture networks for a single horizontal well was proposed and then investigated in terms of the effects of injection and fracture parameters on the oil recovery in water-wet extralow-permeability models. Firstly, the interfacial tension (IFT) and contact angle with different surfactant concentrations were measured to determine the basic properties of the surfactants. Then, the experiments of huff-n-puff with surfactants at different threshold injection pressures and soaking time were carried out to determine the oil increasing effects and analyze the pore-scale (micropores, mesopores, and macropores) mechanisms by combining the technology of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), which showed that the recovery increased with threshold injection pressure mostly in mesopores and macropores, while that increased with soaking time mostly in micropores. Eventually, the experiments of cyclic huff-n-puff based on different fracture distributions were conducted in six plate-fractured models to investigate the effects of surfactants, primary fracture, and secondary fracture on each cycle of huff-n-puff. Cyclic huff-n-puff with surfactants assisted by complex fracture networks including both primary and secondary fractures would bring to a higher oil recovery. However, other methods should be taken after several cycles of huff-n-puff due to the rapid reduction of oil recovery of each cycle. The findings for the proposed method should provide a meaningful guide to the development of extralow-permeability oil reservoirs.
A Composite Algorithm for Numerical Solutions of Two-Dimensional Coupled Burgers’ Equations
Authors: Kumar Vikas , Singh Sukhveer , Koksal Mehmet Emir
Published: July 2021

In this study, a new composite algorithm with the help of the finite difference and the modified cubic trigonometric B-spline differential quadrature method is developed. The developed method was applied to two-dimensional coupled Burgers’ equation with initial and Dirichlet boundary conditions for computational modeling. The established algorithm is better than the traditional differential quadrature algorithm proposed in literature due to more smoothness of cubic trigonometric B-spline functions. In the development of the algorithm, the first step is semidiscretization in time with the forward finite difference method. Furthermore, the obtained system is fully discretized by the modified cubic trigonometric B-spline differential quadrature method. Finally, we obtain coupled Lyapunov systems of linear equations, which are analyzed by the MATLAB solver for the system. Moreover, comparative study of these solutions with the numerical and exact solutions which are appeared in the literature is also discussed. Finally, it is found that there is good suitability between exact solutions and numerical solutions obtained by the developed composite algorithm. The technique can be extended for various multidimensional Burgers’ equations after some modifications.
Response of Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to Potassium (K) and Blended NPS Fertilizer Rates in the Nitisols of Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Tesfaye Tigist , Laekemariam Fanuel , Habte Abera
Published: July 2021

Wheat is the most important cereal crop ranking 4th in total grain production and area coverage in Ethiopia. However, its productivity is low compared to the yield obtained under the research station. Multinutrient deficiency, low/no chemical fertilizer usage, and poor management practices are among the major constraints. Thus, response of bread wheat to NPS and K fertilizer rates was evaluated in the nitisols at Kokate, Wolaita Sodo, Southern Ethiopia, in 2016. Four rates of KCl (0-0-60) (0, 25, 50, and 75 kg·ha−1) and five blended NPS (19N-38P2O5-7S) rates (0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 kg·ha−1) were investigated using randomized complete block design with factorial arrangement involving three replications. Soil physical and chemical properties, crop phenology, growth parameters, yield components, and yield data were collected. Analysis of variance showed that crop phenology, productive tillers, and straw yield were significantly affected by KCl and NPS fertilizer rates; however, most of growth parameters, yield components, grain yield, and agronomic efficiency were influenced by the interaction effects of KCl and NPS fertilizers. Combined application of 50 kg·ha−1 KCl and 150 kg·ha−1 NPS resulted in highest growth, yield component, grain yield, agronomic efficiency, and economic return, whereas the lowest measured values were recorded from unfertilized plots. The maximum grain yield (4.34 t ha−1) that was recorded from 50 kg·ha−1 KCl and 150 kg·ha−1 NPS was 8.86-fold higher than the minimum yield (0.44 t ha−1) from the control. It is concluded that 50 kg·ha−1 KCl and 150 kg·ha−1 NPS are suggested for better agronomic and economic performance of wheat. As NPS was tested in the blended form, the individual and interaction effects of nutrients under investigation are suggested as future research areas. Additional investigation over season and location is also recommended.
Novel Stability Results for Caputo Fractional Differential Equations
Authors: Ben Makhlouf Abdellatif , El-Hady El-Sayed
Published: July 2021

Modelling some diseases with large mortality rates worldwide, such as COVID-19 and cancer is crucial. Fractional differential equations are being extensively used in such modelling stages. However, exact analytical solutions for the solutions of such kind of equations are not reachable. Therefore, close exact solutions are of interests in many scientific investigations. The theory of stability in the sense of Ulam and Ulam–Hyers–Rassias provides such close exact solutions. So, this study presents stability results of some Caputo fractional differential equations in the sense of Ulam–Hyers, Ulam–Hyers–Rassias, and generalized Ulam–Hyers–Rassias. Two examples are introduced at the end to show the validity of our results. In this way, we generalize several recent interesting results.
Landing Trajectory Generation and Energy Optimization for Unmanned Lunar Mission
Authors: Islam Md. Shofiqul , Mehedi Ibrahim M.
Published: July 2021

The moon is recognized as an important destination for space science and exploration. To find a satisfactory answer for the mystery of the universe and to make use of the lunar resources for the welfare of human beings, several space agencies are planning manned and unmanned missions on the moon. As a result, the concept of lunar vehicles has begun with an advanced descent scheme to execute a precise and safe landing on the surface of the moon. On the contrary, the energy budget is an important issue for any space mission. To reduce the cost of a space mission, it is necessary to design the vehicle trajectory based on optimized energy resources. Fuel is the main energy in a space mission. Therefore, a fuel-optimized energy generation technique is focused on this research. The design of an algorithm that generates a real-time trajectory for the descent and landing of a lunar probe is critical to ensuring a successful lunar landing mission. A scheme of dual-step trajectory generation for lunar descent is also investigated in this paper. In the algorithm developing process, the thrust-to-mass ratio is considered as a principle variable. Algorithm design along with mathematical modeling and simulation results are described in detail. In addition, the proposed method for generating reference trajectory profiles is also analyzed for fuel consumption and robustness.
PIA and PPIA for Interpolating Points and Derivatives at Endpoints by Bézier Curves
Authors: Yi Yeqing , Hu Lijuan , Liu Chengzhi
Published: July 2021

In this study, we are concerned with the interpolation problem that interpolates not only a given set of points but also derivatives at endpoints by using Bézier curves. The progressive iterative approximation (PIA) is proposed to interpolate the given points and derivatives. To speed up the convergence rate of PIA, we exploit the preconditioned PIA (PPIA), in which the diagonally compensated reduction is used to construct the preconditioner. The convergence of PIA and PPIA is also analyzed in this study. The proposed PPIA is applied to approximate higher order or/and rational Bézier curves. Numerical examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
Monocular Vision Ranging and Camera Focal Length Calibration
Authors: Xue Lixia , Li Meian , Fan Liang , Sun Aixia , Gao Tian
Published: July 2021

The camera calibration in monocular vision represents the relationship between the pixels’ units which is obtained from a camera and the object in the real world. As an essential procedure, camera calibration calculates the three-dimensional geometric information from the captured two-dimensional images. Therefore, a modified camera calibration method based on polynomial regression is proposed to simplify. In this method, a parameter vector is obtained by pixel coordinates of obstacles and corresponding distance values using polynomial regression. The set of parameter’s vectors can measure the distance between the camera and the ground object in the field of vision under the camera’s posture and position. The experimental results show that the lowest accuracy of this focal length calibration method for measurement is 97.09%, and the average accuracy was 99.02%.
Síndrome hematofagocítico como manifestación inicial de linfoma de Hodgkin clásico
Authors: Feuerhake González Teo , Valbuena Jose R. , Sarmiento Mauricio
Published: July 2021

Introducción: las histiocitosis son un grupo heterogéneo de enfermedades; una de ellas es el síndrome hematofagocítico (SHF). Sus causas pueden ser infecciosas, neoplásicas, autoinmunes o relacionadas a inmunodeficiencias adquiridas; el linfoma de Hodgkin clásico (LHc) es una causa poco frecuente. Se reporta el caso de un hombre inmunodeprimido de 35 años que ingresa al hospital febril y con insuficiencia respiratoria grave.
Métodos: se recopiló información clínica pertinente y se revisó material de biopsia estudiado con tinción de hematoxilina – eosina, técnica inmunohistoquímica e hibridación in situ cromogénica. Resultados: estudios de laboratorio muestran pancitopenia, alteración de pruebas hepáticas, hipertrigliceridemia, hipoalbuminemia e hiperferritinemia. El estudio de médula ósea hematopoyética con mielograma y biopsia muestran hallazgos compatibles con LHc, signos de hemofagocitosis e infección por virus Epstein-Barr (VEB). Se diagnostica SHF como primera manifestación de LHc e infección por VEB. Conclusiones: a la fecha, se describen 74 pacientes reportados con SHF como manifestación de LHc; en el 84% fue su primera manifestación. Si bien la presentación clínica presentada es infrecuente, se ha propuesto una asociación en hombres con inmunodeficiencia, SHF, LHc e infección por VEB; por lo que se sugiere una alta sospecha diagnóstica.
Limb length in bariatric surgery of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB): An integrative review
Authors: Landal Cavassin Bruno , Cabral Brandalizze Carolina
Published: July 2021

Introduction:  Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is considered the gold standard surgical technique for obesity. The variation in limb length may be related to metabolic improvement and nutritional deficiencies. However, the ideal measurement still a controversial subject in the literature. This study aims to perform an integrative literature review and associate the optimal limb length, considering the maximum weight loss with the minimum nutritional complications. Methods: Integrative literature review conducted using electronic searches (1992 - 2020) in databases MEDLINE/Pubmed and BVS (Biblioteca Virtual da Saúde)/LILACS, through the terms "(bariatric surgery) AND (limb length)". A total of 340 articles were found, 26 articles were included in this review. Results: Current evidence supports using shorter limb lengths in patients with BMI < 50 kg/m2, and longer limbs in patients with severe type 2 diabetes mellitus and/or dyslipidemia or superobese patients (BMI >= 50 kg/m2), considering the benefits in comorbidities resolution. A shorter common limb increases the incidence of nutritional disorders. There is a wide variation in jejunoileal length among patients. Conclusion: Measuring the intraoperative jejunoileal length and individualizing the surgery may bring benefits in weight loss, comorbidities resolution, and reduce the incidence of nutritional disorders. However, more randomized controlled trials are needed on this topic.
Avances y desafíos en las vacunas el para control de la pandemia por COVID-19
Authors: Weinstein Caroline , Andresen Max , Corrales Raúl , Gallardo Jorge , Noriega Viviana , Sánchez Eliana
Published: July 2021

Desde diciembre de 2020 a la fecha se ha observado un notable avance en la diversidad de vacunas para combatir la COVID-19 que han recibido la aprobación para uso de emergencia en Chile y en el mundo.  Nunca en la historia se ha ofrecido tal variedad de plataformas para una misma enfermedad infecciosa, demostrando que el desastre pandémico pudo empujar el avance de desarrollos científico-tecnológicos que se encontraban ad-portas de alcanzar el mercado farmacéutico. Es así como a la fecha, en Chile, han recibido aprobación para uso de emergencia, vacunas basadas en la estrategia convencional constituida por virus completo inactivado (Coronavac de Sinovac), en vectores adenovirales que codifican para la proteína S (ChAdOx1 nCOVID-1 de Astrazeneca, Convidencia de Cansino y Jansen de Johnson y Johnson) y nanopartículas lipídicas que transportan el mRNA que codifica para la misma proteína S (BNT162b mRNA de Pfizer/Biontech)(Chung et al., 2021).
A Rare Cancer Opportunity
Authors: Lacey James V.
Published: July 2021

In this issue of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, Gallicchio and colleagues analyze recent rare-cancers research and suggest broad themes for accelerating progress in this important area. Whether the type of portfolio creation and portfolio management strategies that have worked for common cancers also work best for rare cancers warrants asking. This commentary argues for consideration of additional approaches. Incorporating principles and successes from large-scale network-based clinical trials and from advocacy-based research, and new ways to approach consortia, might accelerate the quantity and improve the quality of future rare-cancer research. Rare cancers significantly influence the overall cancer burden and cancer disparities. Creative community-based approaches to improve rare-cancers research should be considered.

See related article by Gallichio et al., p. 1305
The 9th Symposium on Global Cancer Research: Looking Back and Charting a Path Forward in Global Cancer Control
Authors: Duncan Kalina , Allen Carl E. , Anandasabapathy Sharmila , Baker Ellen , Bourlon María T. , Eldridge Linsey , Garton Elise M. , Ghosh Shubhra , Hatcher Rashieda J. , Hidalgo Catherine , Lorenzoni Cesaltina , Martin Keith , Mutebi Miriam , Cobb Dalal Najjar , Newman Lisa A. , Paz-Soldan Valerie A. , Pearlman Paul C. , Prakash Laura , Rositch Anne F. , Smith Jenna , Varon Melissa Lopez , Cira Mishka K.
Published: July 2021

The NCI Center for Global Health convened the 9th Annual Symposium on Global Cancer Research as a virtual 2-day meeting alongside the Consortium of Universities for Global Health Annual Conference, March 10–11, 2021. The virtual format allowed for diverse and inclusive participation by over 400 attendees from 70 countries, 25+ speakers from 12 countries, and sharing of research conducted in 68 countries. The highly interactive 2-day program explored the science and complex considerations around resilience and equity in global cancer research and control. The Symposium convened individuals working in global oncology to discuss trends in global cancer research and control and map out collaborative efforts to move the field forward. The accepted scientific abstracts are published in this special supplement of AACR Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers, and Prevention.
Circulating HPV DNA as a Marker for Early Detection of Relapse in Patients with Cervical Cancer
Authors: Jeannot Emmanuelle , Latouche Aurélien , Bonneau Claire , Calméjane Marie-Ange , Beaufort Corine , Ruigrok-Ritstier Kirsten , Bataillon Guillaume , Larbi Chérif Linda , Dupain Célia , Lecerf Charlotte , Popovic Marina , de la Rochefordière Anne , Lecuru Fabrice , Fourchotte Virginie , Jordanova Ekaterina S. , von der Leyen Heiko , Tran-Perennou Carine , Legrier Marie-Emmanuelle , Dureau Sylvain , Raizonville Laurence , Bello Roufai Diana , Le Tourneau Christophe , Bièche Ivan , Rouzier Roman , Berns Els M.J.J. , Kamal Maud , Scholl Suzy
Published: July 2021

Purpose:

Almost all cervical cancers are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) and patients with advanced stage are at high risk for relapse. Circulating HPV DNA (HPV ctDNA) may serve as a residual tumor marker at the end of chemoradiation or to predict relapse during the follow-up period.

Experimental Design:

We analyzed serum samples from 94 HPV16- or HPV18-related CCs from the BioRAIDs prospective cohort. Samples were collected before and after treatment and during an 18-month follow-up period. Using digital droplet PCR (ddPCR), we assessed the relevance of circulating HPV E7 gene as a marker for residual disease compared to HPV integration site and PIK3CA mutations. Finally, the prognostic impact of circulating HPV E7 gene was assessed with its prediction value of relapse.

Results:

HPV E7 gene was the most sensitive tumor marker, superior to both HPV integration sites and PIK3CA mutations in serum. Circulating HPV DNA (HPV ctDNA) was detected in 63% (59/94) of patients, before treatment. HPV ctDNA detection in serum sample was associated with high FIGO stage (P = 0.02) and para-aortic lymph node involvement (P = 0.01). The level of HPV ctDNA was positively correlated with HPV copy number in the tumor (R = 0.39, P < 0.001). Complete clearance of HPV ctDNA by the end of treatment was significantly associated with a longer PFS (P < 0.0001). Patients with persistent HPV ctDNA in serum relapsed with a median time of 10 months (range, 2–15) from HPV ctDNA detection.

Conclusions:

HPV ctDNA detection is a useful marker to predict relapse in cervical cancer.

See related commentary by Wentzensen and Clarke, p. 5733
A Personalized Mass Spectrometry–Based Assay to Monitor M-Protein in Patients with Multiple Myeloma (EasyM)
Authors: Liyasova Mariya , McDonald Zac , Taylor Paul , Gorospe Kathleen , Xu Xin , Yao Chenyu , Liu Qixin , Yang Liqiang , Atenafu Eshetu G. , Piza Giovanni , Ma Bin , Reece Donna , Trudel Suzanne
Published: July 2021

Purpose:

M-protein is a well-established biomarker used for multiple myeloma monitoring. Current improvements in multiple myeloma treatment created the need to monitor minimal residual disease (MRD) with high sensitivity. Measuring residual levels of M-protein in serum by MS was established as a sensitive assay for disease monitoring. In this study we evaluated the performance of EasyM—a noninvasive, sensitive, MS-based assay for M-protein monitoring.

Experimental Design:

Twenty-six patients enrolled in MCRN-001 clinical trial of two high-dose alkylating agents as conditioning followed by lenalidomide maintenance were selected for the study. All selected patients achieved complete responses (CR) during treatment, whereas five experienced progressive disease on study. The M-protein of each patient was first sequenced from the diagnostic serum using our de novo protein sequencing platform. The patient-specific M-protein peptides were then measured by targeted MS assay to monitor the response to treatment.

Results:

The M-protein doubling over 6 months measured by EasyM could predict the relapse in 4 of 5 relapsed patients 2 to 11 months earlier than conventional testing. In 21 disease-free patients, the M-protein was still detectable by EasyM despite normal FLC and MRD negativity. Importantly, of 72 MRD negative samples with CR status, 62 were positive by EasyM. The best sensitivity achieved by EasyM, detecting 0.58 mg/L of M-protein, was 1,000- and 200-fold higher compared with serum protein electrophoresis and immunofixation electrophoresis, respectively.

Conclusions:

EasyM was demonstrated to be a noninvasive, sensitive assay with superior performance compared with other assays, making it ideal for multiple myeloma monitoring and relapse prediction.