bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Triple Negative Breast Cancer Patients Treated with Radiation Therapy: Improvement in Survival and Local Control With Adjuvant Chemotherapy Compared To Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy – A Hypothesis Generating Report
Authors: Nittala Mary Roselin , Packianathan Satyaseelan , Shultz Gary L. , Roberts Paul , Mundra Eswar K. , Mehta Divyang , Smith Maria L. , Woods William C. , Weatherall Lacey , McKinney Shawn , Craft Barbara S. , Shumaker Grace G. , Morgan Dennis P. , Berry Scott M. , Vijayakumar Srinivasan
Published: July 2021

Background

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) (estrogen receptor (ER) – negative, progesterone receptor (PR) - negative, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) -negative) is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer that is more common in younger women, carries a poorer prognosis and has a greater metastatic potential than receptor positive subtypes. Radiation therapy’s ability to improve outcomes, especially the overall survival is controversial, more so among African American patients. The objective of this study is to evaluate local control and survival rates of TNBC patients treated with radiotherapy (RT) in our institution with a sizeable cohort of African American women.
Methods

This is a retrospective analysis of 67 TNBCs (2007–2017) at an academic state institution who underwent a lumpectomy and /or mastectomy (surgery) followed by adjuvant irradiation to a median total dose of 50 Gy (range 40.5–50.40 Gy). Chemotherapy was administered in a neoadjuvant (32) or adjuvant setting (35). For all 67 TNBCs, local control (LC), overall survival (OS), and disease-free survival (DFS) were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. The significance of survival variables was analyzed using the Cox univariate and multivariate proportional hazards model. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The SPSS 24.0 software was used for data analysis.
Results

The baseline characteristics of all 67 TNBCs were measured with median follow up of 58 months (range 10–142 months). Patients were stratified into two groups (neoadjuvant chemotherapy-RT (32) vs. adjuvant chemotherapy-RT (35)). The five-year rates for LC, DFS and OS were 14.8 % vs. 47.9 % (p = 0.002), 24.2% vs. 53.1 % (p = 0.015), and 65.1% vs. 92.2% (0.002) respectively. On Cox multivariate analysis, patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy were associated with statistically improved significant LC (p = 0.002) and OS (p = 0.002). The variables included were: BMI (p = 0.050), distance travelled (p = 0.027), 8th AJCC TNM staging (p = 0.018) and tumor grade (p = 0.022).
Conclusion

In this hypothesis-generating report, among TNBC patients undergoing RT, adjuvant chemotherapy appears to be better than neoadjuvant chemotherapy in determining the clinical outcomes.
Mitochondrial One-Carbon Flux has a Growth-Independent Role in Promoting Breast Cancer Metastasis
Authors: Kiweler Nicole , Delbrouck Catherine , Neises Laura , Pozdeev Vitaly , Soriano-Baguet Leticia , Xiang Feng , Benzarti Mohaned , Haase Lara , Schmoetten Maryse , Jaeger Christian , Noman Muhammad , Vazquez Alexei , Janji Bassam , Dittmar Gunnar , Brenner Dirk , Letellier Elisabeth , Meiser Johannes
Published: July 2021

Progression of primary cancer to metastatic disease is the most common cause of death in cancer patients with minimal treatment options available. Canonical drugs mainly target the proliferative capacity of cancer cells, which often leaves slow-proliferating, persistent cancer cells unaffected. Thus, we aimed to identify metabolic determinants that enable cell plasticity and foster treatment resistance and tumor escape.
Using a panel of anti-cancer drugs, we uncovered that antifolates, despite inducing strong growth arrest, did not impact the cancer cell’s motility potential, indicating that nucleotide synthesis is dispensable for cell motility. Prolonged treatment even selected for more motile cancer subpopulations. We found that cytosolic inhibition of DHFR by MTX only abrogates cytosolic folate cycle, while mitochondrial one-carbon cycle remains highly active. Despite a decreased cellular demand for biomass production, de novo serine synthesis and formate overflow are increased, suggesting that mitochondria provide a protective environment that allows serine catabolism to support cellular motility during nucleotide synthesis inhibition.
Enhanced motility of growth-arrested cells was reduced by inhibition of PHGDH-dependent de novo serine synthesis and genetic silencing of mitochondrial one-carbon cycle. In vivo targeting of mitochondrial one-carbon cycle and formate overflow strongly and significantly reduced lung metastasis formation in an orthotopic breast cancer model. In summary, we identified mitochondrial serine catabolism as a targetable, growth-independent metabolic vulnerability to limit metastatic progression.
Topologically Protected Quantum Entanglement Emitters
Authors: Wang Jianwei , Dai Tianxiang , Ao Yutian , Bao Jueming , Mao Jun , Chi Yulin , Fu Zhaorong , You Yilong , Chen Xiaojiong , Zhai Chonghao , Tang Bo , Yang Yan , Li Zhihua , Yuan Luqi , Gao Fei , Lin Xiao , Thompson Mark , O'Brien Jeremy , Li Yan , Hu Xiaoyong , Gong Qihuang
Published: July 2021

Entanglement and topology both portray nature at the fundamental level but in different manners. Entangled states of quantum particles are intrinsically sensitive to environment, whereas topological phases of matters represent natural robustness against environmental perturbations. Harnessing topology physics to protect entanglement thus has a great potential for reliable quantum applications. However, generating topologically-protected entanglement remains a significant challenge, which requires operating complex quantum devices in combined extreme conditions. Here we report topologically-protected quantum entanglement emitters, that emit topological Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen entangled state and topological multiphoton entangled state from a monolithically-integrated plug-and-play silicon-photonic chip in ambient conditions. The device emulating a photonic anomalous Floquet insulator allows the generation of up to four-photon topological entangled states at nontrivial edge modes. More importantly, we show that the Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen entanglement emitters can be topologically protected against artificial structure defects, by comparing tomographically measured fidelities of 0.968 ± 0.004 and 0.951 ± 0.01 for the perfect and defected emitters, respectively. Our topologically-protected entanglement emitters may find applications in photonic quantum computation and quantum simulation, and in the study of quantum topological physics.
Molecular Understanding of Energy Storage in Supercapacitors with Porous Graphyne Electrodes: From Semiconductor to Conductor
Authors: Mo Tangming , Wang Zhenxiang , Zeng Liang , Chen Ming , Zhao Yong-Qing , Feng Guang
Published: July 2021

Two-dimensional (2D) porous materials with high specific surface area and ordered morphology exhibit great potential as supercapacitor electrodes. The fundamental understanding of the charge storage and charging dynamics of 2D porous materials can help the optimal design of supercapacitors. Herein, we investigated the energy storage, including the double layer and quantum capacitances, of supercapacitors with typical 2D porous graphynes in the ionic liquid electrolyte by combining molecular dynamics simulation and density functional theory. Simulations revealed that supercapacitors with porous graphyne electrodes could obtain excellent double-layer capacitances, but their total capacitances are limited by the low quantum capacitances. We further predicted boron-/nitrogen-doped graphynes and found that the new porous graphynes turn into good conductors after doping and could achieve a quite high quantum capacitance. The charging dynamics in nanoscale and capacitive performance in macroscale based on the predicted graphyne electrodes were evaluated by combining molecular simulation and transmission line model. Results demonstrate that both outstanding gravimetric and volumetric energy and power densities could be obtained in doped porous graphyne supercapacitors. These findings pave the way for understanding energy storage mechanisms and designing high-performance supercapacitors.
Recent invasion and eradication of two members of the Euwallacea fornicatus species complex (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) from tropical greenhouses in Europe
Authors: Schuler Hannes , Witkowski Radosław , de Vossenberg Bart van , Hoppe Björn , Mittelbach Moritz , Bukovinszki Tibor , Schwembacher Stefan , de Meulengraaf Bas van , Lange Uwe , Rode Sabine , Andriolo Alessandro , Bełka Marta , Mazur Andrzej , Battisti Andrea
Published: July 2021

Ambrosia beetles of the Euwallacea fornicatus species complex are emerging tree pests with a broad host range including important agricultural crops. Native to Southeast Asia, these species were introduced into various countries, where they cause considerable damage to many tree species. Here we report several outbreaks of E. fornicatus s.l. in Europe. The first individuals were found in 2017 in a palm house of a botanical garden in Poznan (Poland) whereas in 2020 an outbreak was detected in a tropical greenhouse in Merano (Italy). In 2021, two additional outbreaks were detected in two greenhouses in Germany, in Erfurt and Berlin. For the latter cases it was possible to trace back the invasion to a distributor of exotic plants in the Netherlands where several infected plants were detected. Molecular analysis show that individuals from Poland and Italy are genetically identical but belong to a different mitochondrial clade than individuals in Germany which are identical to most individuals of two greenhouses in the Netherlands. Moreover, in the two greenhouses in the Netherlands we found beetles that belong to another haplotype of E. fornicatus and two haplotypes of E. perbrevis , a species in the E. fornicatus complex, which has not been previously intercepted in Europe. Our study provides novel insights into the invasion history of E. fornicatus and the first eradication measures in Europe. Considering the high potential of introduction and establishment of Euwallacea ambrosia beetles, particular attention should be paid to monitor the presence of these pests in greenhouses across Europe.
Comparison of Mean Systemic Pressure in Patients with Acute Circulatory Failure Receiving Passive Leg Raising vs. Pneumatic Leg Compression.
Authors: BOONTOTERM PANU , WACHARASINT PETCH , FUENGFOO PUSIT
Published: July 2021

Background: Driving pressure of venous return (VR) is determined by mean systemic pressure (Pms) and central venous pressure (CVP). While passive leg raising (PLR) and pneumatic leg compression PC (PC) can increase VR, there is no study explore the effects of these two procedures on Pms and VR-related hemodynamic variables.Methods: Forty patients with acute circulatory failure were included in this analysis. All patients were performed both PLR and PC, and were measured for Pms, CVP, mean arterial pressure (MAP), cardiac output (CO), VR resistance (RVR), and systemic vascular resistance (SVR) at baseline and immediately after procedures. To minimized carry-on effect, the patients were divided into 2 groups based on procedure sequence which were 1) the patients who received PLR first then PC (PLR-first), and 2) the patients who received PC first then PLR (PC-first). Both groups were waited for washing period before performed 2nd procedure. Primary outcome was difference in Pms between PLR and PC procedure. Secondary outcome were differences in CVP, MAP, CO, RVR, and SVR between PLR and PC procedure.Results: There was no difference in baseline characteristics and no carry-on effect between 2 groups of patients. Compared to baseline, both PLR and PC significantly increased Pms, CVP, MAP, and CO. Compared to PC, PLR more increased Pms (9.0±2.3 vs 4.8±1.7 mmHg, p<0.001), CVP (4.5±1.2 vs. 1.6±0.7 mmHg, p<0.001), MAP (22.5±5.6 vs. 14.4±5.0 mmHg, p<0.001), and CO (1.5±0.5 vs. 0.5±0.2 L/min, p<0.001). PC, but not PLR also significantly increased RVR (16 ± 27.2 dyn.s/cm5, p=0.001) and SVR (78.4 ± 7.2 dyn.s/cm5, p<0.001) .Conclusion: In patients with acute circulatory failure, PLR more increased Pms, CVP, MAP, and CO than PC.
Low-Coverage Whole Genome Sequencing Diagnoses Endometrial Carcinoma from Tampon DNA of Uterine Bleeding Patients
Authors: qiu haifeng , zhang lei , li jing , cao tingting , feng yun , zhang ying , qian ziliang , guo ruixia
Published: July 2021

Background

Endometrial carcinoma (EC) is a disease predominantly affecting postmenopausal women. It accounts for about 5% of abnormal uterine bleeding. It is still challenging to diagnose cancers from uterine bleeding patients. Previously, chromosome aberrations were found to be frequent in EC. Here we employed a low coverage whole genome sequencing technology to investigate chromosome aberrations in tampon-collected DNA of patients with suspicious EC.
Methods

Thirty ECs and 14 benign cases with abnormal bleeding are prospectively recruited. Tampons were used to collect exfoliated cells and DNA extracted from these exfoliated cells was analyzed by a customized bioinformatics workflow, uterine exfoliated cell chromosomal aneuploidy detector (UterCAD).
Results

As our data shown, frequent chromosome copy number variations (CNV) were found in EC patients as compared to non-tumor controls, especially the chromosome 8q gain and 10q gain. Using UterCAD, CNVs were detected in tampon-derived DNA from 83.3% (25/30) EC, which were 80.8% (21/26) EECs and 100% (4/4) USCs. In EEC group, CNVs were found in 81.3% (13/16), 85.7% (6/7), and 66.7% (2/3) patients of stage IA, IB, and II/III, respectively. Moreover, all the 4 USC patients presented significant CNVs.
Conclusions

UterCAD could be a highly specific, robust uterine cancer diagnosis method, with an especially high sensitivity for the more aggressive subtype - serous carcinoma. It may be used as a non-invasive approach for diagnosis and active surveillance in endometrial cancer prior to the use of biopsy, thereby largely reducing the treatment burden on patients.
An Efficient Data Science Technique for IoT Assisted Healthcare Monitoring System using Cloud Computing
Authors: Karthikeyan L. , Arumugam Samydurai
Published: July 2021

In this era of smart healthcare system, patient expects better healthcare support with low cost which satisfy through the innovative process such as internet of things (IoT), cloud computing and data science techniques. Meantime, the healthcare industry faces many problems including the data collection and storage for further progress. For healthcare monitoring system, the data collection and data analytics plays important role to screening the patient health. Therefore, data science techniques and cloud computing are heart for the healthcare system to resists several problems in terms of technical aspects. For further enhancement, efficient data science technique is proposed for IoT assisted healthcare monitoring (DST-HM) system using cloud computing, which improves the data processing efficiency, data accessibility in cloud. The several IoT sensors are used in a personcorpseto collect the real clinical data. The composed data are then maintained in cloud for added data science processing. In DST-HM system, we first introduce a modified data science technique i.e. improved pigeon optimization (IPO) algorithm for grouping the cloud stored data which enhances the prediction rate. Second, we illustrate the optimal feature selection technique for feature extraction and selection. Then, a backtracking search based deep neural network (BS-DNN) is used to classify the healthcare of human. Finally, the performance of proposed system is analyzed through different real-time healthcare dataset and the consequences are comparing with the existing state-of-art healthcare monitoring systems.
Direct observation of the Mottness and p-d orbital hybridization in epitaxial monolayer α-RuCl3
Authors: Wang Zhongjie , Liu Lu , Zheng Haoran , Zhao Meng , Yang Ke , Wang Chunzheng , Yang Fang , Wu Hua , Gao Chun-Lei
Published: July 2021

α-RuCl3, with abundant studies in its bulk phase, has shown the promising potential to approach the two-dimensional Kitaev honeycomb model and to realize the consequential quantum spin liquids. In this material, some ingredients spark off the hunting of quantum spin liquid states: the localized magnetic moments on each Ru3+ ion guaranteed by the Mottness, the Kitaev-type interaction originating from the superexchange path over the p-d bonds, and the nearly two-dimensional nature of the van der Waals coupled honeycomb layers. Here, we worked out the growth art of α-RuCl3 monolayer on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite substrate for the first time, and then studied its electronic structure, particularly the delicate orbital occupations. Through scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy study, the bonding configurations are justified by the features of pronounced t2g-pπ and eg-pσ hybridization, and the Mott nature is unveiled by an ~ 0.6 eV full gap at the Fermi level located in the t2g-pπ level. Our experimental results agree well with the density functional theory calculations of the monolayer system. In accordance with previous theoretical research, the epitaxial monolayer α-RuCl3 system holds high tunability comparing to its bulk phase and provides a novel platform to explore the Kitaev physics.
Identification of Hub Genes Associated with Immune Cells in Dilated Cardiomyopathy via Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis
Authors: Deng Jielin , Jiang Yunqiu , Deng Changjin , jiang hong
Published: July 2021

Background: Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is the most common cardiomyopathy which account for a majority of heart failure. Although massive clinic experiments and gene profiling analyses on DCM have been conducted, the molecular mechanism of DCM associated with immune cells has not been fully elucidated. This study was designed to discover the immune mechanism of DCM using integrative bioinformatics analysis and provide new insights into the pathophysiology of DCM. Methods: The GSE29819 dataset was downloaded, and Cibersort was applied to estimate the relative expression of 22 kinds of immune cells based on 14 samples of 7 DCM patients. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was performed to cluster the 2500 genes with the highest average expression into different modules and explore relationships between modules and immune cell types. Functional enrichment analysis was performed on key genes in significant modules identified by WGCNA and Cibersort. Key genes were then applied to Cytoscape to construct protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified based on DCM and normal controls in GSE29819 through R language. Hub genes were selected based on the DEGs and the genes identified by PPI and then verified via public GEO databases. Results: The yellow and tan modules with 163 genes were identified as the key modules based on top 2500 DCM microarrays, significantly correlated with M1 and M2 macrophages. The intersection of newly screened 17 genes based on 163 key genes through Cytoscape and 2682 DEGs were defined as hub genes including CCT2, CCL2, and TXN. The results were finally verified via GSE116250 datasets.Conclusions: The three hub genes associated with two immune cells identified by comprehensive bioinformatics analysis may play crucial roles in the pathophysiological mechanism of DCM, which provided potential immunological therapeutic targets and new insights into the treatment of DCM.
A Novel Tool for Quantitative Assessment of Lower Limb Proprioception: Demonstration with Young Adults, Elderly and Stroke Survivors
Authors: Mikhaylov Asya , Koren Yogev , Bar-Haim Simona , Nisky Ilana
Published: July 2021

BackgroundStroke and ageing are common causes for proprioceptive impairments. Such impairments may contribute to disabilities in daily living activities, such as walking. Yet, current rehabilitation methods mainly focus on motor disabilities, and often neglect somatosensory impairments. Moreover, clinical methods for proprioception assessment of both the upper and lower limb are subjective and suffer from inconsistency between evaluators, and the majority of the research in quantitative assessment of proprioception focuses on the upper limb. To address these gaps, we present a novel tool for quantitative assessment of proprioception of the lower limb.MethodsWe developed a tool that consists of a magnetic tracking system with magnetic sensors placed on the participants’ toes while the participants were laying on their side. We designed an assessment protocol that includes contralateral position matching tests and ipsilateral position matching tests, and applied them to both lower limbs (N: non-dominant and D: dominant). We validated the tool on three groups of participants: young adults (n=18), elderly (n=8), and stroke survivors (n=5) by comparing the results of the mean absolute error (MAE), bias and the mean variable error (MVE).ResultsWe evaluated the effect of group type, proprioceptive input, task type and their interactions. We compared between young adults and elderly with statistical analysis, and demonstrated the results of the stroke survivors. We found significant differences in MAE and bias between the elderly and young adults in the contralateral tasks, particularly once spatial information is transmitted from the N limb to the D limb, indicating that the ability to transit spatial information contralaterally becomes more challenging with age. The bias also indicated that the contralateral task is more challenging with the groups, independently. ConclusionsUsing contralateral position matching may be an effective way to identify potential somatosensory impairments. In order to avoid a long and unnecessary assessment, we suggested using contralateral position matching as a screening phase in identifying lower limb proprioceptive impairments, followed by ipsilateral position matching only for individuals with impaired results for identifying possible confounds from motor and cognitive impairments.
X-ray Version of Davisson-Germer Experiment
Authors: Pullooru Bhanumoorthy
Published: July 2021

Application of unitcell defined boundary conditions leads to the question on the formation of standing waves within unitcell. We design and propose X-ray version of Davisson-Germer experiment as the answer. In the proposed experiment, a tunable synchrotron beam replaces the variable de Broglie wavelength of incident electron beam. Among the two series of Davisson-Germer peaks from original experiments available in literature, first series shown in figure 1 demonstrates standing wave description and the second series shown in figure 2 demonstrates running wave description. Both running waves and standing waves cannot simultaneously exist within the unitcell and the proposed experiment alone can resolve between the two. The experiment can be conducted on a macromolecular crystal also.
Incomplete recovery to enhance economic growth losses from US hurricanes under global warming
Authors: Otto Christian , Kuhla Kilian , Geiger Tobias , Schewe Jacob , Frieler Katja
Published: July 2021

Ongoing global warming is likely to increase the return frequency of very intense hurricanes in the North Atlantic. Here, we analyse how this frequency increase may impact on economic growth. To this end, we introduce an event-based macroeconomic growth model that allows us to assess how growth depends on the heterogeneity of hurricane impacts, by temporally resolving the economic response dynamics to individual hurricanes making landfall. We calibrate the model to hurricane impacts in the United States and find that economic growth losses scale super-linearly with the heterogeneity of hurricane impacts. We explain this by a disproportional increase of indirect losses with event severity which can lead to an incomplete recovery of the economy between consecutive intense landfall events. Based on two different methods to estimate the frequency increase of intense hurricanes, we estimate annual growth losses to increase by moderate 7% up to 146% in a 2°C world compared to the period 1980-2014. Our modelling suggests that higher insurance coverage may be a viable means to mitigate this climate change-induced increase in growth losses.
Reference data-set driven metabolomics
Authors: Gauglitz Julia , West Kiana , Bittremieux Wout , Williams Candace , Weldon Kelly , Panitchpakdi Morgan , Diottavio Francesca , Aceves Christine , Brown Elizabeth , Sikora Nicole , Jarmusch Alan , Martino Cameron , Tripathi Anupriya , Meehan Michael , Dorrestein Kathleen , Shaffer Justin , Coras Roxana , Vargas Fernando , Goldasich Lindsay DeRight , Schwartz Tara , Bryant MacKenzie , Humphrey Greg , Johnson Abigail , Spengler Katharina , Belda-Ferre Pedro , Diaz Edgar , McDonald Daniel , Zhu Qiyun , Emmanuel Elijah , Wang Mingxun , Marotz Clarisse , Sprecher Kate , RObles Daniela Vargas , Withrow Dana , Ackermann Gail , Herrera Lourdes , Bradford Barry , Marques Lucas Maciel Mauriz , Amaral Juliano Geraldo , Silva Rodrigo Moreira , Veras Flávio Protaso , Cunha Thiago Mattar , Oliveira Rene Donizeti Ribeiro , Louzada-Junior Paulo , Mills Robert , Piotrowski Paulina , Servetas Stephanie , DaSilva Sandra , Jones Christina , Lin Nancy , Lippa Katrice , Jackson Scott , Daouk Rima Kaddurah , Galasko Douglas , Dulai Parambir , Kalashnikova Tatyana , Wittenberg Curt , Gonzalez David , Terkeltaub Robert , Doty Megan , Kim Jae , Rhee Kyung , Beauchamp-Walters Julia , Wright Kenneth , Dominguez-Bello Maria Gloria , Manery Mark , Oliveira Michelli , Boland Brigid , Lopes Norberto , Guma Monica , Swafford Austin , Dutton Rachel , Knight Rob , Dorrestein Pieter
Published: July 2021

Human untargeted metabolomics studies succeed in annotating only ~10% of molecular features. We, therefore, introduce reference data-driven analysis that uses the source data as a pseudo-MS/MS reference library to match against human metabolomics MS/MS data. We demonstrate this approach with food source data, allowing an empirical assessment of dietary patterns from untargeted data but is broadly applicable and provides an additional layer of interpretability to metabolomics data.
A giant chimeric NLR gene confers extreme broad-spectrum resistance to a plant pathogen
Authors: Ma Jianxin , Wang Weidong , Chen Liyang , Fengler Kevin , Bolar Joy , Llaca Victor , Wang Xutong , Clark Chancelor , Fleury Tomara , Myrvold Jon , Oneal David , Dyk Daleen van , Hudson Ashly , Munkvold Jesse , Baumgarten Andy , Thompson Jeff , Cai Guohong , Crasta Oswald , Aggarwal Rajat
Published: July 2021

Phytophthora root and stem rot (PRSR) caused by Phytophthora sojae is the most destructive soybean soil-borne disease worldwide. Discovery of genes conferring broad-spectrum resistance to the pathogen is an urgent need to prevent the outbreak of the disease. Here we show that soybean Rps11 is a 27.7-kb nucleotide-binding site-leucine-rich repeat (NBS-LRR or NLR) gene conferring extreme broad-spectrum resistance to the pathogen. Rps11 is located in a genomic region harboring a cluster of unusually large NLR genes belonging to a single evolutionary lineage that is distinct from all other lineages in the soybean genome, and was derived from rounds of intergenic and intragenic unequal recombination. Such recombination events have resulted in promoter fusion and expansion of the LRR domain that presumably explains such broadness of the resistance spectrum. The NLR gene cluster exhibits drastic structural diversification among phylogenetically representative varieties, including gene copy number variation ranging from five to 23 copies, and absence of allelic copies of Rps11 (i.e., rps11) in any of the non-Rps11-donor varieties examined. Our study thus exemplifies innovative evolution of NLR genes and NLR gene clusters and will accelerate the deployment of Rps11 for soybean protection.
Photonic Crystal-Based Biosensor for Detection of Human Red Blood Cells Parasitized by Plasmodium Falciparum
Authors: Rashidnia Ali , Pakarzadeh H , Hatami Mohsen , Ayyanar Natesan
Published: July 2021

In this paper, a biosensors based on a two-dimensional photonic crystal (2D PhC) waveguide including a ring resonator is designed and simulated based on refractive index changes of red blood cells. The proposed biosensor structure consists of an elliptical photonic crystal ring resonator and two linear waveguides containing silicon nitride rods in a 2D rectangular lattice with circular rods. The biosensor is utilized to detect the stages of the Plasmodium falciparum cycle in red blood cells and to diagnose malaria disease. The proposed design distinguishes with high sensitivity between normal red blood cells and cells infected with Plasmodium falciparum. This biosensor is very compact, consists of gold rods in the air background and works very well at two input central wavelengths of 0.514 μm and 1.55 μm. The finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method is used to simulate and investigate the device. The biosensor is extremely compact which is very suitable for lab-on-chip applications and exhibits higher sensitivity at both input central wavelengths compared with that of previously reported sensors.
Late-stage C–H thiolation via sulfonium salts using β-sulfinylesters as the versatile sulfur source
Authors: Chen Yanhui , Wen Si , Tian Qingyu , Zhang Yuqing , Cheng Guolin
Published: July 2021

Organic sulfides form the core scaffold of a wide range of pharmaceuticals, natural products, and materials, and serve as key intermediates in synthesis. Prior methods to organic sulfides require the use of transition metal (TM) catalysts, prefunctionalized or chelating group-containing substrates, and elevated reaction temperatures. A general TM-free C–H thiolation protocol using readily accessible sulfur source is highly desirable. Herein, we disclose a direct C(sp)–, C(sp2)–, and C(sp3)–H thiolation reaction using β-sulfinylesters as the versatile sulfur source. The key step of this protocol is chemoselective C–S bond cleavage of the sulfonium salts that is in situ formed from the corresponding (hetero)arenes, alkenes, alkynes, and 1,3-dicarboxyl compounds with β-sulfinylesters. The successful capture of acrylate byproduct supports a retro-Michael reaction mechanism. This method is expected to be used widely because of several advantageous aspects including TM-free, mild reaction conditions, and broad substrate scope including drug molecules.
Optical fibre taper-enabled waveguide photoactuators
Authors: Xiao Jianliang , Zhou Tao , Yao Ni , Ma Shuqi , Pan Chenxinyu , Wang Pan , Fu Haoran , Liu Haitao , Pan Jing , Yu Longteng , Wang Shipeng , Yang Wenzhen , Tong Limin , Zhang Lei
Published: July 2021

Photoactuators have attracted tremendous interest yet most of them rely on free-space illumination, which requires a line-of-site low-loss optical path. While waveguide photoactuators can overcome this limitation, their actuating performances are fundamentally restricted by the nature of standard optical fibres. Herein, we demonstrated miniature photoactuators by embedding optical fibre taper (OFT) in a polydimethylsiloxane/Au nanorod-graphene oxide photothermal film. The special geometric features of OFT endow the OFT photoactuator (OPA) with microscale active layer thickness, high energy density and optical coupling efficiency. Hence, OPAs show large bending angles (> 270°), fast response (1.8 s for 180° bending), and low energy consumption (< 0.55 mW/°), significantly exceeding the performance of state-of-the-art waveguide photoactuators. As a proof-of-concept study, biomimetic chameleon tail and tongue are realized. A two-arm soft gripper is further demonstrated for capturing/moving small objects, which is challenging for free-space light-driven photoactuators. This study hopes to pave the way toward a new category of photoactuators.
Network Analysis for Estimating Standardization Trends in Genomics
Authors: Bae Eun Bit , Nam SeJin , Ahn Sun-Ju
Published: July 2021

With the development of biotechnology in genomics, such as droplet digital PCR, sequencing device, gene analysis software, an increase in the clinical application of those new developed technologies in genomics is observed. However, the lack of established international standards regarding the use of genomics in clinics is of concern. To visualize trend of international standards in clinical genomics and explore high demanded sub-specific field, we performed a social network analysis. We searched 16,538 articles using the search keywords, “genomics and standard” and “clinical genomic sequence and standard”. All terms extracted from full text articles were classified into academic and technical categories and conducted general linear model analysis. Assuming from the results, research in the fields of software, proteomics and genetics terminology categories is likely to increase. From our results, such international critical issue of genomics, human genome project in 2003, primary US-FDA approval of sequencing device in 2013, and pandemic state of COVID-19 in 2020, were affected to research of standard in genomics. In further proposal and standardization of new items, summing critical social issues and research trends, we could suggest and considering promising sub-specific field of genomics.
Influence of Metal Transfer Behavior Under Ar And CO2 Shielding Gases On Geometry And Surface Roughness of Single And Multilayer Structures In GMAW-Based Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing of Mild Steel
Authors: Yamaguchi Mitsugu , Komata Rikiya , Furumoto Tatsuaki , Abe Satoshi , Hosokawa Akira
Published: July 2021

Wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) is advantageous for fabricating large-scale metallic components, however, a high geometric accuracy as that of other AM techniques cannot be achieved because of the deposition process with a large layer. This study focuses on the WAAM process based on gas metal arc welding (GMAW). To clarify the influence of shielding gas used to protect a molten metal during fabrication on the geometric accuracy of the built part obtained via the GMAW-based WAAM process, the influence of the metal transfer behavior on the geometry and surface roughness of the fabricated structures was investigated via visualization using a high-speed camera when single and multilayer depositions were performed under different heat inputs and gases. However, when using Ar gas, the heat flux from an arc to the workpiece is relatively low, limiting the depth of the molten pool during welding. The effect of its characteristics on the stair steps that are inevitably produced on the side face of the multilayer structure in the WAAM process was verified, and for a heat input of 1.17 kJ/cm under Ar gas, a higher geometric accuracy of the multilayer structure was obtained without interlayer cooling. The short circuit between the metal droplet and the fabricated surface, where the molten pool is insufficiently formed, resulted in a hump formation. Further, the metal transfer under Ar gas reduced the surface irregularities on the fabricated structure.
Effects of Microplastics on the Feeding Rates of Larvae of a Coastal Fish: Direct Consumption, Trophic Transfer, and Effects on Growth and Survival
Authors: Uy Christine , Johnson Darren
Published: July 2021

Microplastics are now found throughout the world’s oceans, and although many organisms ingest microplastics, less is known about how plastics in seawater may affect key processes such as feeding rate, growth, and survival. We used a series of laboratory experiments to test whether microplastics in seawater affected the feeding rates of larvae of the California Grunion, Leuresthes tenuis. In addition, we tested whether trophic transfer of microplastics from zooplankton to larval fish can occur and affect growth and survival of fish. We measured feeding rates of grunion larvae at various concentrations of 75–90 µm and 125–250 µm polyethylene microplastics and under both still water and turbulent conditions. In these experiments, exposure to microplastics had modest effects on feeding rates, though responses may be somewhat complex. Low concentrations of microplastics increased feeding rates compared to the control, but at higher concentrations, feeding rates were indistinguishable from those in the control group though effects were small compared to natural variation in feeding rates among individual fish. Experiments to test for trophic transfer of microplastics revealed that grunion larvae that were fed brine shrimp exposed to high concentrations of microplastics had lower growth rates and elevated mortality rates. Overall, our results suggest that the direct effects of microplastics on feeding rates of California Grunion during the early larval phase are minor, while the trophic transfer of microplastics from zooplankton to larval fish may have significant effects on their growth and survival.
Molecular Characterization of E. Histolytica Strains Based on the Serine Rich Entamoeba Histolytica Protein (Srehp) And Chitinase Genes.
Authors: Ngobeni Renay , Samie Amidou
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND: Even though E. histolytica is recognized as an effective pathogen, what determines the outcome of this infection is still not well understood. The present study was carried out to determine the genetic characteristics of E. histolytica isolates from two different regions in South Africa. METHOD: Diarrheal and non-diarrheal stool samples were collected from patients of all ages from Giyani and Pretoria. Different PCR protocols were used to identify E. histolytica and amplify the serine rich E. histolytica protein (SREHP) and chitinase genes. The profiles obtained were compared among the different samples.RESULTS: Out of 111 stool samples collected, 51 were positive by either PCR or microscopy and 14 samples were positive by both methods. The serine- rich E. histolytica protein was amplified in 26 samples. Out of the 26 samples (19) different SREHP profiles were obtained. SREHP #2 was obtained in 5 different samples, 4 from Pretoria and 1 from Giyani (2 diarrheal and 3 non-diarrheal). The chitinase gene was amplified from 51 samples and 22 different chitinase profiles were obtained. Of all the profiles, profile #4 was found in 6 different isolates, 5 from Giyani and 1 from Pretoria (3 symptomatic and 3 asymptomatic). However, profile # 18 was only found in formed stools from Giyani. CONCLUSIONS. The results obtained in this study have further confirmed the genetic heterogeneity of E. histolytica for the SREHP and chitinase genes which might have a significant influence in the outcome of amebic infection, depending on the genetic profile of the infecting strain.
Determinants of Contraceptive use on Fertility Reduction in Rwanda
Authors: Muremyi Roger , Mutabazi David
Published: July 2021

Background: Rwanda has shown a rise in the use of contraception from 17% to 52% between 2010 and 2015 due to the promotion of family planning. Despite, the increase in number of contraceptive use there still a high rate of fertility rate which is the increase of population growth in RwandaMethods: In this study, the determinants of contraceptive use on fertility rate reduction in Rwanda was assessed using the data from RDHS 2014/2015 and the sample was constituted with 5,954 household respondents where the targeted population were male between 15-59 years and female between 15-49 years of age, multinomial logistic regression was used to prove the full contribution of contraceptive use to the fertility reduction in the country in order to improve Rwandan’s welfare.Results: The findings from our study, indicated that gender, province, education level are statistically significant , thus (AOR=0.45, CI 95% -.8 561241 to -.6059524 ) indicate that women decreased the adjusted odd ratio on the use of contraceptive use compared to men at 45%., (AOR=1.077, CI95%, 0214347 to .099044) this means that there was an increase of the use of contraceptive use in other provinces compared to those located in Kigali city,( AOR=1.130, CI95%, .0 685488 to .1644038) increase of contraceptive use on the head of household with high level of education compared to those with lower level of education. Conclusion: The people who have higher level of education use contraceptive use compare to other level of education. Finally, policy makers should consider programs to keep girls in schools, at least up to secondary level. Furthermore, sexual and reproductive health programs should be encouraged in the adolescents.
Large regional variability in coastal erosion caused by ENSO
Authors: Vos Kilian , Harley Mitchell , Turner Ian , Splinter Kristen
Published: July 2021

In the Pacific Basin, El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is the dominant mode of interannual climate variability and drives substantial changes in oceanographic forcing, likely having a significant impact on Pacific coastlines. Yet, how sandy coasts respond to these basin-scale changes has to date been limited to a few long-term beach monitoring sites, predominantly on developed coasts. Here we use 35 years of Landsat imagery to map shoreline variability around the Pacific Rim (72,000 beach transects) and identify coherent patterns of beach erosion and accretion controlled by ENSO. We find that approximately one third of all beaches experience significant erosion during El Niño phases, with the Eastern Pacific particularly vulnerable to widespread erosion (most notably during the large 1997/1998 event). In contrast, La Niña events coincide with significant accretion for approximately one quarter of all beaches, although conversely drives substantial erosion in south-east Australia and other localized regions. The significant regional variability in coastal response to ENSO should be considered in light of future projected intensification and shifts in ENSO amplitudes and flavors.
Properties Evaluation of Fe95-xSi5Nix Under the Earth's Inner-Core Conditions: Insight from the Ab-Initio Investigation
Authors: Zidane Mustapha , Salmani El Mehdi , Elmoulat Meryem , EZ-ZAHRAOUY Hamid , Benyoussef Abdelilah
Published: July 2021

In this article we investigate under the same Earth's core conditions, the structural, electronic, and transport properties of Fe-Si-Ni ternary alloys based on Fe and 5% of Si with various concentrations 0%, 15%, 25%, and 40% of element Ni, by means of First-principles calculations. Based on Functional Density Theory (DFT). The Local Density Approximation (LDA) also has been adopted for the potential exchange correlation. We perform the calculation of electronic property at 360 GPa using the software Akai-KKR (machikaneyama), which used the Korringa-Kohn-Rostoker method along with coherent potential approximation (KKR-CPA). Afterward, we calculate the electrical resistivity of impurities formed on the Kubo-Greenwood formula with the vertex correction using SPR-KKR code, which is based on the relativistic polarized spin method. Then, we model the thermal conductivity by electrical resistivity for both varying in the range of 320–360 GPa and 4500-6000k of pressure and temperature, respectively; according to the conditions of the Earth’s inner core ICB using Wiedemann-Franz law. Hence, our results suggest that 85–115 µΩ·cm at 0 K and 320–360 GPa, then 225–285 µΩ·cm at 4500–6000 K and 360 GPa for electrical resistivity, and then 45–55 W·m− 1·K− 1 at 4500–6000 K and 360 GPa of thermal conductivity of Earth’s inner core. Lastly, the thermal and compositional convection is one of the major factors of global magnetic field that is generated by geodynamo driven.
Psychological Effects of COVID-19 on Pregnant Women and New Mothers Living in a US Hotspot
Authors: Nomura Yoko , Kittler Phyllis , Taveras Shantal , Sie Sheow Yun , Nelson Emily , Davey Katherine , Kaushal Riya , Rajendran Khushmand , Gordon Anne , Shereen A. Duke. , Phan Ha
Published: July 2021

Background: This study investigated COVID-19 related psychological distress among expectant and new mothers, with and without infection, in metropolitan New York. It also examined the trajectories of participants' distress during pregnancy and postpartum, and the moderating effect of socioeconomic status (SES). Methods: An online survey was conducted April through June 2020 among expectant and new mothers with infants (<12 months) (N=642). Associations between infection status and psychological symptoms, suicidal ideation, and substance use were examined. Changes in distress related to COVID-19 infection and SES were then examined. Results: We found elevated anxiety and depression among infected compared to uninfected women. Similarly, infected, compared to uninfected women, had elevated risk for suicidal thoughts (quite often, AOR=3.97, sometimes AOR=13.2), and for substance use [alcohol (AOR=3.30); tobacco (AOR=4.54); cannabis (AOR=7.01); heroin (AOR=7.09); cocaine (AOR=10.05)]. Differences in trajectories of distress across pregnancy between the two groups were significant. Among infected women, distress was consistently high throughout. Among uninfected women, it started low and intensified toward the end of pregnancy. SES further moderated the impact of infection on distress. During earlier trimesters, infected/low SES women had greatest, and uninfected/high SES women had lowest, levels of distress. Their trajectories converged nearing childbirth.Conclusions: New and expectant mothers, especially those infected, have suffered substantial psychological distress due to the pandemic. Moreover, SES moderated the trajectory of distress. Infected women who also had low SES experienced the highest distress levels among all groups. Mitigating strategies are imperative to alleviate this distress.
Changes from 1986 to 2018 in the Prevalence of Obesity and Overweight, Metabolic Control and Treatment in Children with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Pastor-Fajardo María Teresa , Fajardo-Giménez María Teresa , Bosch-Giménez Vicente , Pastor-Rosado José
Published: July 2021

Background: In recent decades, a global increase in the prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity has been observed in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes.Methods: This retrospective, cross-sectional, population study examined three groups (1986, 2007, and 2018) of children and adolescents aged <16 years diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Overweight and obesity were defined according to the World Health Organization recommendations.Results: The prevalence of overweight and obesity in diabetic children and adolescents was 30.2% (95% CI: 23.1-38.3). There was a significant increase from 1986 to 2007 (11.9% to 41.7%, p=0.002) and from 1986 to 2018 (11.9% to 34.8%, p=0.012), but no significant differences were found from 2007 to 2018 (41.7% to 34.8%, p=0.492). The age at diagnosis was lower in the group with excess body mass (p=0.037). No significant differences were observed in age (p=0.690), duration of diabetes (p=0.163), distribution according to sex (p=0.452), metabolic control (HbA1c, p=0.909), or insulin units kg/day (p=0.566), in diabetic patients with overweight or obesity. From 2007 to 2018, the use of insulin analogs (p=0.009) and a higher number of insulin doses (p=0.007) increased significantly, with no increase in the prevalence of overweight and obesity.Conclusions: The evolution of the prevalence of overweight and obesity in diabetic children and adolescents during the study period is a reflection of the epidemic of childhood obesity in a global obesogenic environment.
A Highly Efficient Approach to the Synthesis of Complex α-Glycosyl Phosphosaccharides
Authors: Zhu Yugen , Zhang Xiaojuan , Yang Yutong , Ding Jiahao , Zhao Yun , Zhang Hongbin
Published: July 2021

A highly efficient and stereoselective approach to the synthesis of biologically important and complex α-glycosyl phosphosaccharides (GPSs) has been disclosed, employing direct gold(I)-catalyzed glycosylation of the weakly nucleophilic phosphoric acid acceptors. The broad substrate scope is demonstrated with more than 45 examples, including glucose (Glc), xylose, glucouronatose, galactose (Gal), mannose (Man), rhamnose (Rha), fucose (Fuc), 2-N3-2-dexoxymannose (ManN3), 2-N3-2-dexoxyglucose (GlcN3), 2-N3-2-dexoxygalactose (GalN3) and unnatural carbohydrates. Moreover, the glycosyl phosphotriester prepared herein was successfully applied to the one-pot synthesis of a GPS from Leishmania donovani, and an effective preparation of a trisaccharide diphosphate of GPS fragments from Hansenula capsulate via iterative elongation strategy is realized.