bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Time-Trend Survival Analysis of Elderly Resectable Pancreatic Cancer Patients
Authors: Jing Rui , Shang Yuru , Li Bing , Bai Xiaodong , Shao Guangrui
Published: February 2021

Background: The time-trend in the survival of elderly pancreatic cancer patients was still unclear. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare the survival benefit of young and elderly pancreatic cancer patients by a time-trend analysis. Methods: From 2004-2013, we obtained 5,341 of young patients (< 80 years) and 569 elderly patients (≥ 80 years) from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database, and the overall survival of these patients were analyzed by Kaplan-Meier estimator. The independent factors which could predict the survival of patients were determined by cox proportional hazards model.Results: We observed that the median overall survival of the young patients in 2004-2008 cohort was significantly (P < 0.001) increased when compared to that in the 2009-2013 cohort. However, we did not observe the survival benefit for the elderly patients. The Cox proportional hazards model demonstrated that the tumor size, lymph node ratio, grade, and AJCC TNM stage were independent factors of survival. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that compared to 2004-2008, the survival of elderly patients in 2009-2013 was not significantly improved. Thus, the clinicians still need to administer more care to elderly patients.
Development of new tools to study lipidated mammalian ATG8
Authors: Park Sang-Won , Jeon Pureum , Yamasaki Akinori , Lee Hye Eun , Mun Ji Young , Jun Yong-Woo , Park Ju-Hui , Lee Seung-Hwan , Lee Soo-Kyeong , Song Hyun Kyu , Lee You-Kyung , Lazarou Michael , Cho Dong-Hyung , Komatsu Masaaki , Noda Nobuo , Jang Deok-Jin , Lee Jin-A
Published: February 2021

Mammals conserve multiple mammalian ATG8 proteins (mATG8s) consisting of γ-aminobutyric acid receptor-associated protein (GABARAP) and microtubule-associated protein 1 light-chain 3 (LC3) subfamilies that tightly bind to the autophagic membranes in a lipidated form. They are crucial in selective autophagy and recruit proteins bearing LC3-interacting region (LIR) motifs. However, because limited research tools are available, information about the specific roles of each lipidated mATG8 in selective autophagy is scarce. Here, we identified LIR motifs specific to the lipidated form of each mATG8 and characterized the residues critical for their selective interaction using cell-based assays and structural analyses. Then, we used these selective LIR motifs to develop probes and irreversible deconjugases that targeted selective lipidated mATG8s in the autophagic membrane, revealing that lipidated GABARAP subfamily proteins regulate aggrephagy of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-linked protein aggregates. Our tools will be useful in elucidating the functional significance of each mATG8 protein in autophagy research.
Camel and Small Ruminant Based Pastoralism in Ethiopia: Recent Trends and Future Prospects
Authors: Teklegiorgis Shewakena , Yirga Fikadu
Published: February 2021

In Ethiopia, camel and shoat production are common pastoralism practices in three major pastoralist regions of Afar, Somali, and Borena. This review was aimed to indicate the recent trend and future prospect of camel and small ruminant production and the possible modifiers and the pros and cons of the practices in the pastoral area of Ethiopia. The data was collected from different researches conducted each year. The data was also organized in terms of the number of camel and shoat per household each year (2010-2020) and analyzed using trend and forecasting analysis model by SPSS software. There has been an increment of camel Tropical Livestock Unit (TLU) per household from 2.78, 13 and 9 to 37, 28, and 28 between the years 2010-2020 in Borena, Afar and Somali respectively and will increase to 45, 45, and 35 by 2030, respectively. In the whole pastoralist regions, the number of camels TLU per household has increased from 2.8 to 31 between the years 2010-2020 and will increase to 50 TLU per household by 2030. Moreover, the number of goats and sheep has increased from 1.4 and 0.91 TLU per household to 2.45 and 2.46, respectively between the years 2010-2020 and the predicted model indicates that it will increase to 2 and 3.4 TLU per household by 2030. Climate change, drought and adaptation responses were the major drivers. Climate change coping and livelihood income improvements were the pros of the trend, while the reduction of cattle population and impact on the conservation of valuable indigenous cattle were the cons of the practice.
Risk-targeted Maps for Spain
Authors: Kharazian Alireza , Molina Sergio , Galiana-Merino Juan Jose , Agea-Medina Noelia
Published: February 2021

Many studies have demonstrated that the design of structures in the region through the uniform hazard principle does not guarantee the uniform collapse risk. Even in those regions with similar PGAs corresponding to the same mean return period, the seismic risk in terms of failure probability will be significantly different due to the structural capacity uncertainty. In this paper, the newly introduced method, known as risk targeting, is being explored in Spain using the recently updated seismic hazard map. Since risk targeting involves multiple input parameters such as model parameters of fragility curves, their variability is considered through their probability distribution corresponding to the RC moment frame building, which is the most common typology in Spain. The influence of variation of these parameters on the risk results are investigated and different assumptions for estimating the model parameters of fragility curves are illustrated. These assumptions are included in a fixed fragility curve (generic) or building-site-specific fragility curves. Different acceptable risk levels (i.e., collapse and yielding) were considered concerning the Spain seismicity level. Finally, the maps for risk-targeted design ground motion and risk coefficient are presented. It was outlined since the shape of the hazard curve across Spain is different and considering the uncertainty of structural capacity; the employment of risk-targeted analysis led to the modifications for existing design ground motions. Moreover, it was found that using the building- and site-specific fragility curves could provide better results.
The Effects of Self-Management Interventions on Depressive Symptoms In Adults With Chronic Physical Disease(S) Experiencing Depressive Symptomatology: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis
Authors: Brahim Lydia Ould , Lambert Sylvie , Feeley Nancy , Coumoundouros Chelsea , Schaffler Jamie , McCusker Jane , Moodie Erica , Kayser John , Kolne Kendall , Belzile Eric , Genest Christine
Published: February 2021

Background: Chronic diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide. It is estimated that 20% of adults with chronic physical diseases experience concomitant depression, increasing their risk of morbidity and mortality. Low intensity psychosocial interventions, such as self-management (SM), are part of recommended treatment; however, no systematic review has evaluated the effects of depression SM interventions for this population. Objectives: The primary objective was to examine the effect of SM interventions on reducing depressive symptomatology in adults with chronic disease(s) and co-occurring depressive symptoms. Secondary objectives were to evaluate the effect of these interventions on improving other psychosocial and physiological outcomes (e.g., anxiety, glycemic control) and to assess potential differential effect based on key participant and intervention characteristics (e.g., chronic disease, provider). Methods: Studies comparing depression SM interventions to a control group were identified through a) systematic searches of databases to June 2018 [MEDLINE (1946 -), EMBASE (1996 -), PsycINFO (1967 -), CINAHL (1984 -)] and b) secondary ‘snowball’ search strategies. The methodological quality of included studies was critically reviewed. Screening of all titles, abstracts, and full texts for eligibility was assessed independently by two authors. Data were extracted by one author and verified by a second. Results: Fifteen studies were retained: 12 for meta-analysis and three for descriptive review. In total, these trials included 2064 participants and most commonly evaluated interventions for people with cancer (n = 7) or diabetes (n = 4). From baseline to < 6 months (T1), the pooled mean effect size was -0.47 [95% CI -0.73, -0.21] as compared to control groups for the primary outcome of depression and -0.53 [95% CI -0.91, -0.15] at ≥ 6-months (T2). Results were also significant for anxiety (T1 and T2) and glycemic control (T2). SM skills of decision-making and taking action were significant moderators of depression at T1. Conclusion: SM interventions show promise in improving depression and anxiety in those with concomitant chronic physical disease. The findings may contribute to the development of future SM interventions and delivering evidence-based care to this population. Further high-quality RCTs are needed to identify sources of heterogeneity and investigate key intervention components. Prospero registration: CRD42019132215
Long-Term Follow-up Results of Fluorescence and Blue Dye Guided Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Early Breast Cancer
Authors: Wang Chaobin , Tong Fuzhong , Cao Yingming , Liu Peng , Zhou Bo , Liu Hongjun , Cheng Lin , Liu Miao , Guo Jiajia , Xie Fei , Yang Houpu , Wang Siyuan , Wang Shu , Peng Yuan
Published: February 2021

Purpose This study aimed to assess the value of the combination of indocyanine green (ICG) and methylene blue (MB) dye in early breast cancer patients undergoing sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB).Methods Between January 2011 and December 2015, 1061 early breast cancer patients underwent SLNB were included. SLNB was performed for enrolled patients by injection of both ICG and MB. Detection rate, positivity, and number of sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) by ICG and MB were analysed. Axillary recurrence and arm lymphedema at 5.6 years follow-up were reported.Results The combination of ICG and MB resulted in a very high detection rate of 99.6%, the median number of sentinel lymph nodes was 3. A total of 374 histologically confirmed positive SLNs were detected in 237 patients, 96.6% of the positive patients and 94.1% of the positive nodes could be identified by the combination of ICG and MB. After a median follow-up of 5.6 (2 to 9.3) years, 0.64% of patients with negative SLNs had ipsilateral axillary recurrence, and the incidence of arm lymphedema was 2.1%. Conclusions Although the missing isotope control weakens the interpretation of the findings, the dual tracing modality of ICG and MB, without involvement of radioactive isotopes, was an effective method for SLNB in patients with early breast cancer.
A Comparative Study of Hemispherical Solar Stills With Various Modifications to Obtain Modified and Inexpensive Stills Models 
Authors: Attia Mohammed El Hadi , kabeel abd elnaby , Abdelgaied Mohamed , Abdelaziz Gamal B.
Published: February 2021

This study is intended to comparative and analyze the operational performances of the conventional hemispherical solar still (CHSS), hemispherical solar still with glass cover cooling (HSS-C), and hemispherical solar still with CuO-water based nanofluid (HSS-N). To Obtain the best modifications that achieve the highest productivity with the lower inexpensive. The conventional hemispherical still (CHSS) was utilized as the reference case to investigate the best modification. In the first modification, CuO nanoparticles with three different concentrations (0.1, 0.2, and 0.3%) were added to the basin water, to increase the intensity of absorbed solar energy, improve the thermal properties of basin fluid, and then increase the rate of vapor generation inside the distillation basin. In the second modification, water film glass cooling technology with three different flow rates (1.5, 2, and 2.5 L/h) was utilized to increase the water vapor condensation rate. The experiments test of the three distillers (CHSS, HSS-N, and HSS-C) was conducted at the same weather conditions at 1 cm basin fluid depth. The average daily accumulative yield of CHSS is 3.85 L/m2/day, while the daily accumulative yield of HSS-N increases to 5.75, 6.40, and 6.80 L/m2/day with improvement 49.3, 66.2, and 76.6% at volume fraction 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3%, respectively. Also, the daily accumulative yield of HSS-C increases to 4.9, 5.35, and 5.7 L/m2/day with improvements of 27.3, 39, and 48% at water film flow rates of 1.5, 2, and 2.5 L/h, respectively. The cost of distilled water produced from CHSS is 0.0106 $/L, while the utilization of HSS-C (2.5 L/h) and HSS-N (0.3%) reduces the cost of distilled water to 0.0072 and 0.0066 $/L, respectively. Based on accumulative yield and economic analyzes, it is recommended that utilized the modified HSS-N (0.3% volume fraction) to achieving the highest accumulative yield and the lowest price of the produced distilled water.
Reflections on Preventive and Therapeutic Strategies on Metastatic Germinoma in Abdomen: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Zuo Chenghai , Li Yuhong , Feng Hua , li wenyan , Chen Jingyu
Published: February 2021

Background: We are introducing a case in which a patient of cranial germinoma developed peritoneal metastasis after ventriculo-peritoneal shunt and chemoradiotherapy. It would enlighten us to investigate the optimization of treatment on cranial germinoma when hydrocephalus exists to avoid peritoneal metastasis via shunt. Also, it required further investigations into the agent use in chemotherapy for metastatic germinoma. Case presentation: The patient presented with severe obstructive hydrocephalus so that shunt was processed promptly. He then underwent chemoradiotherapy and tumor in pineal region diminished significantly. Unexpectedly, the patient began to complain of abdominal distention 4 months after the treatment and peritoneal metastasis of germinoma was confirmed. Finally, chemotherapy successfully treated the metastatic tumor as exhibited in the latest examinations.Conclusions: This is a rare case we met amongst patients with cranial germinoma. It inspired us to reflect on the treatment optimization of cranial germinoma with hydrocephalus and standardization of agent use in metastatic germinoma.
Effect of Source-Substrate Distance on Transparent Electrode Properties of the Spray-Cast Aluminium Doped Zinc Oxide Thin Films
Authors: Devasia Sebin , Athma P V , Raphael Rakhy , Jose Anumol , I Anila E
Published: February 2021

The wide band gap zinc oxide is a potential metal oxide that has been widely used in optoelectronic applications. The zinc oxide thin films demonstrates excellent conductivity and transparency enabling them for transparent electrode applications. The aluminium doping is an efficient route in further improving the conductivity without compromising the transparency and scalable spray pyrolysis is an effective approach in realizing high quality thin films. Our current study focuses on the effects of distance between the substrate and spray nozzle on the structural, morphological, optical, and electrical properties of aluminium doped zinc oxide. Our results suggests that this spray parameter has appreciable impact on the thin film properties and can be optimized for tuning properties. We explain this in detail backed by the characterization of thin films by X-ray diffraction, Atomic Force Microscopy, UV-Vis-NIR spectroscopy, Photoluminescence and Hall effect measurements.
Effects of Impurity on Void Formation at Interface between Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu and Cu Electroplated Film
Authors: Chiang Ping-Chen , Shen Yu-An , Chen Chih-Ming
Published: February 2021

Void formation is a critical reliability concern for solder joints in electronic packaging. The control of microstructures and impurity quantities in Cu electroplated films significantly affects the void formation at the joint interface, but the studies for their comparison are seldom. In this study, three Cu films (termed as A, B, and C) are fabricated using an electroplating process. The Cu A film has a facted grain texture embedded with twins while Cu B and C have a similar columnar texture. After thermal aging at 200°C for 1000 h, the SAC 305 (Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu) solder joints with Cu A and B exhibit a robust interfacial structure without voids. However, microstructural collapse is observed in the solder joint of SAC 305/Cu C, where many crevives parallel to the interface are formed. Based on the microanalysis, the concentration of impurity is higher in the Cu C film than those in Cu A and B. Moreover, discrete voids rather than continuous crevices are presented in the SAC305/Cu C system when the impurity concentration in Cu C is reduced. The findings demonstrate that the impurity control in the Cu electroplated film is critical for the control of void/crevice formation in the electronic solder joints.
Operational and Environmental Comparison of Two Felling and Piling Alternatives for Whole Tree Thinnings in Quercus Coppices for Bioenergy Use
Authors: Tolosana Eduardo , Laina Rubén , Spinelli Raffaele , Aminti Giovanni , López-Vicens Ignacio
Published: February 2021

A comparative study of motor-manual and mechanized felling and bunching was conducted when thinning dense coppice stands of the two most important oak species in Spain to obtain biomass for bioenergy use. In particular, the study matched chainsaw felling and manual piling against the work of a drive-to-tree feller-buncher in the very same sites. Productivity functions for felling and piling are fitted for each species. The derived unit cost functions show that the felling-bunching costs are lower for the motor-manual option in both species stands, particularly for the smaller tree sizes. Nevertheless, when the strongly reduced loading times in forwarding associated to the mechanization are taken into account, the total harvesting cost is often lower for the mechanized option. That is true for all tree sizes Q. ilex, and for trees larger than 13 cm diameter at breast height (DBH) for Q. pyrenaica. Residual stand damage was low to moderate, but always significantly greater for the mechanized option compared with the motormanual one. Soil damage was very low for both alternatives. The stumps experimented significantly greater damages in the mechanized felling and bunching, but further research is needed to determine if those damages have any impact on stump mortality, sprouting capability and future plants vigor. The greater productivity and level of tree damages found in Q.ilex when compared to Q. pyrenaica are likely due to the narrower and lighter crown of the latter.
Detection of cytogenomic abnormalities by OncoScan microarray assay for products of conception from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded and fresh fetal tissues
Authors: Wen Jiadi , Grommisch Brittany , DiAdamo Autumn , Chai Hongyan , Ng Sok Meng Evelyn , Hui Pei , Bale Allen , Mak Winifred , Wang Guilin , Li Peining
Published: February 2021

Background

The OncoScan microarray assay (OMA) using highly multiplexed molecular inversion probes for single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) loci enabled the detection of cytogenomic abnormalities of chromosomal imbalances and pathogenic copy number variants (pCNV). The small size of molecular inversion probes is optimal for SNP genotyping of fragmented DNA from fixed tissues. This retrospective study evaluated the clinical utility of OMA as a uniform platform to detect cytogenomic abnormalities for pregnancy loss from fresh and fixed tissues of products of conception (POC).

Results

Fresh specimens of POC were routinely subjected to cell culture and then analyzed by karyotyping. POC specimens with a normal karyotype (NK) or culture failure (CF) and from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues were subjected to DNA extraction for OMA. The abnormality detection rate (ADR) by OMA on 94 cases of POC-NK, 38 cases of POC-CF, and 35 cases of POC-FFPE tissues were 2% (2/94), 26% (10/38), and 57% (20/35), respectively. The detected cytogenomic abnormalities of aneuploidies, triploidies and pCNV accounted for 50%, 40% and 10% in POC-CF and 85%, 10% and 5% in POC-FFPE, respectively. False negative result from cultured maternal cells and maternal cell contamination (MCC) were each detected in one case. OMA on two cases with unbalanced structural chromosome abnormalities further defined genomic imbalances and breakpoints.

Conclusion

OMA on POC-CF and POC-FFPE showed a high diagnostic yield of cytogenomic abnormalities. This approach circumvented the obstacles of CF from fresh specimens and fragmented DNA from fixed tissues and provided a reliable and effective platform for detecting cytogenomic abnormalities and monitoring true fetal result from MCC.
Statistical characteristics of the spatial distribution of wind and snow in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region
Authors: Yu Xuetao , Liu Mengke , Wang Junyu , Liu Qingkuan , Bu Jianqing
Published: February 2021

At present, the wind and snow loads are calculated independently when determining the design specifications for building structures. Yet, when snow drifting occurs, the basic wind and snow pressures exist almost simultaneously. Therefore, building specifications based on the independent calculations of the wind and snow loads cannot be used effectively in areas that are severely impacted by snow drifting. Some parts of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China have suffered particularly severe snow drifting natural disasters. In this paper, we offer an analysis of the statistical characteristics of the spatial distribution of wind and snow in this region. In particular, we extract the values of the combined distribution of the wind and snowfall in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China by using parameters such as snowfall intensity, snowfall amount, wind speed, and wind direction as indicators that show the snow drifting disasters. This study found that, after heavy snowfall events, the accumulative wind scale is high and the accumulative snowfall is large in the Altay, the Bortala Mongol Autonomous, and the Tacheng Prefectures of northern Xinjiang, and the Kizilsu Kirghiz Autonomous Prefecture of western Xinjiang. It has an important practical significance for the design of building structures and the treatment of snow drifting disasters.
Too Long to Wait: South Asian Migrants’ Experiences of Accessing Health Services in Australia
Authors: Adhikari Manju , Kaphle Sabitra , Dhakal Yamuna , Duwadi Sabina , Subedi Rajan , Shakya Sonu , Tamang Sunil , Khadka Mukesh
Published: February 2021

Background: Migrants settling in a new country experience multiple complexity to navigate health systems and ways of living. In South Asia, migrating to developed countries for better life opportunities has been the ongoing trend and migration to Australia has significantly increased in recent years. The lower utilisation services and higher risks of chronic diseases among South Asian migrants has been an ongoing challenge for the health system to tackle and little is known why these groups of population do not access services. This study aimed to explore the factors influencing experiences of accessing health services by South Asian migrants in Australia. Methods: Using mixed method design, 62 online surveys and 14 in-depth interviews were conducted with participants from four countries of South Asia - Nepal, India, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka. Participants were recruited using a purposive snowball sampling approach following the standard ethical process. Survey data were analysed descriptively in SPSS to derive relationships between variables. Interview data were recorded, transcribed, and analysed thematically. Results: South Asian migrants experienced various complexities while accessing health services in Australia. Experiences of accessing health services highlighted a number of factors; long waiting periods to access public health services, expensive nature of private health services and communication problems due to socio-cultural differences. While these migrants have comparatively better experiences about the services in Australia than in their home country, they have expectations for affordable, timely, respectful, and culturally friendly services. South Asian migrants shared the possibility of making services accessible to them by investing more resources in the health sectors, so they can receive the expected quality of care in public settings. Conclusions: Limited evidence is available to understand the factors leading to lower utilisation of services and higher risks of chronic diseases among South Asian migrants. So, this study highlighted numbers of social, cultural, financial, and institutional factors that are critical to design appropriate health service strategies. This study recommended incorporating a collaborative and culturally competent model of care to increase access to services which can further help to reduce existing disparities in health outcomes among migrant populations.
COVA1-18 neutralizing antibody protects against SARS-CoV-2 in three preclinical models
Authors: Maisonnasse Pauline , Aldon Yoann , Marc Aurélien , Marlin Romain , Dereuddre-Bosquet Nathalie , Kuzmina Natalia , Freyn Alec , Snitselaar Jonne , Gonçalves Antonio , Caniels Tom , Burger Judith , Poniman Meliawati , Chesnais Virginie , Diry Ségolène , Iershov Anton , Ronk Adam , Jangra Sonia , Rathnasinghe Raveen , Brouwer Philip , Bijl Tom , Schooten Jelle van , Brinkkemper Mitch , Liu Hejun , Yuan Meng , Mire Chad , Breemen Mariëlle van , Contreras Vanessa , Naninck Thibaut , Lemaitre Julien , Kahlaoui Nidhal , Relouzat Francis , Chapon Catherine , Fang Raphael Ho Tsong , McDanal Charlene , Osei-Twum Mary , St-Amant Natalie , Gagnon Luc , Montefiori David , Wilson Ian , Ginoux Eric , de Bree Godelieve , Garcia-Sastre Adolfo , Schotsaert Michael , Coughlan Lynda , Bukreyev Alexander , Werf Sylvie van der , Guedj Jeremie , Sanders Rogier , Gils Marit van , Grand Roger Le
Published: February 2021

One year into the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), effective treatments are still needed1–3. Monoclonal antibodies, given alone or as part of a therapeutic cocktail, have shown promising results in patients, raising the hope that they could play an important role in preventing clinical deterioration in severely ill or in exposed, high risk individuals4–6. Here, we evaluated the prophylactic and therapeutic effect of COVA1-18 in vivo, a neutralizing antibody isolated from a convalescent patient7 and highly potent against the B.1.1.7. isolate8,9. In both prophylactic and therapeutic settings, SARS-CoV-2 remained undetectable in the lungs of COVA1-18 treated hACE2 mice. Therapeutic treatment also caused a dramatic reduction in viral loads in the lungs of Syrian hamsters. When administered at 10 mg kg− 1 one day prior to a high dose SARS-CoV-2 challenge in cynomolgus macaques, COVA1-18 had a very strong antiviral activity in the upper respiratory compartments with an estimated reduction in viral infectivity of more than 95%, and prevented lymphopenia and extensive lung lesions. Modelling and experimental findings demonstrate that COVA1-18 has a strong antiviral activity in three different preclinical models and could be a valuable candidate for further clinical evaluation.
Three dimensional acoustic tweezers with acoustic vortex streaming
Authors: Li Junfei , Crivoi Alexandru , Peng Xiuyuan , Shen Lu , Pu Yunjiao , Fan Zheng , Cummer Steven
Published: February 2021

Acoustic tweezers use ultrasound for contact-free manipulation of particles from millimeter to sub-micrometer scale. Particle trapping originated in either radiation forces or acoustic streaming fields. Acoustic tweezers based on single-beam focused acoustic vortices have attracted considerable attention due to their selective trapping capability, but have proven difficult to use for 3D trapping without a complex transducer array and significant constraints on the trapped particle properties. Here we demonstrate the first 3D acoustic tweezer that uses a single transducer and combines the radiation force for trapping in two dimensions with the streaming force to provide levitation in the third dimension. The idea is demonstrated in both simulation and experiments, and the achieved levitation force reaches three orders of magnitude larger than for previous 3D trapping. This hybrid acoustic tweezer that integrates acoustic streaming adds a new twist to the approach and expands the range of particles that can be manipulated.
Time-varying associations between COVID-19 case incidence and community-level sociodemographic, occupational, environmental, and mobility risk factors in Massachusetts
Authors: Tieskens Koen , Patil Prasad , Levy Jonathan I. , Brochu Paige , Lane Kevin J. , Fabian M. Patricia , Carnes Fei , Haley Beth M. , Spangler Keith R. , Leibler Jessica H.
Published: February 2021

Background: Associations between community-level risk factors and COVID-19 incidence are used to identify vulnerable subpopulations and target interventions, but the variability of these associations over time remains largely unknown. We evaluated variability in the associations between community-level predictors and COVID-19 case incidence in 351 cities and towns in Massachusetts from March to October 2020. Methods: Using publicly available sociodemographic, occupational, environmental, and mobility datasets, we developed mixed-effect, adjusted Poisson regression models to depict associations between these variables and town-level COVID-19 case incidence data across five distinct time periods. We examined town-level demographic variables, including z-scores of percent Black, Latinx, over 80 years and undergraduate students, as well as factors related to occupation, housing density, economic vulnerability, air pollution (PM2.5), and institutional facilities.Results: Associations between key predictor variables and town-level incidence varied across the five time periods. We observed reductions over time in the association with percentage Black residents (IRR=1.12 CI=(1.12-1.13) in spring, IRR=1.01 CI=(1.00-1.01) in fall). The association with number of long-term care facility beds per capita also decreased over time (IRR=1.28 CI=(1.26-1.31) in spring, IRR=1.07 CI=(1.05-1.09)in fall). Controlling for other factors, towns with higher percentages of essential workers experienced elevated incidence of COVID-19 throughout the pandemic (e.g., IRR=1.30 CI=(1.27-1.33) in spring, IRR=1.20, CI=(1.17-1.22) in fall). Towns with higher percentages of Latinx residents also had sustained elevated incidence over time (e.g., IRR=1.19 CI=(1.18-1.21) in spring, IRR=1.14 CI=(1.13-1.15) in fall). Conclusions: Town-level COVID-19 risk factors vary with time. In Massachusetts, racial (but not ethnic) disparities in COVID-19 incidence have decreased over time, perhaps indicating greater success in risk mitigation in selected communities. Our approach can be used to evaluate effectiveness of public health interventions and target specific mitigation efforts on the community level.
Co-immobilized Alcohol Dehydrogenase and Glucose Dehydrogenase with Resin Extraction for Continuous Production of Chiral Diaryl Alcohol
Authors: Zhou Jieyu , Wu Yanfei , Zhang Qingye , Xu Guochao , NI YE
Published: February 2021

Ni2+-functionalized porous ceramic/agarose composite beads (Ni-NTA Cerose) can be used as carrier materials to immobilize enzymes harboring a metal affinity tag. Here, a 6×His-tag fusion alcohol dehydrogenase Mu-S5 and glucose dehydrogenase from Bacillus megaterium (BmGDH) were co-immobilized on Ni-NTA Cerose to construct a packed bed reactor (PBR) for the continuous synthesis of the chiral intermediate (S)-(4-chlorophenyl)-(pyridin-2-yl) methanol [(S)-CPMA]. NADPH recycling and in situ product adsorption was achieved simultaneously by assembling a D101 macroporous resin column after the PBR. Using an optimum enzyme activity ration of 2:1 (Mu-S5: BmGDH) and hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin as co-solvent, a space-time yield of 1,560 g/(L·d) could be achieved in the first three days at a flow rate of 5 mL/min and substrate concentration of 10 mM. With simplified selective adsorption and extraction procedures, (S)-CPMA was obtained in 84% isolated yield.
Machine learning to predict quasicrystals from chemical compositions
Authors: Liu Chang , Fujita Erina , Katsura Yukari , Inada Yuki , Ishikawa Asuka , Tamura Ryuji , Kimura Kaoru , Yoshida Ryo
Published: February 2021

Quasicrystals have emerged as a new class of solid-state materials that have long-range order without periodicity, exhibiting rotational symmetries that are disallowed for periodic crystals in most cases. To date, hundreds of new quasicrystals have been found, leading to the discovery of many new and exciting phenomena. However, the pace of the discovery of new quasicrystals has slowed in recent years, largely owing to the lack of clear guiding principles for the synthesis of new quasicrystals. Here, we show that the discovery of new quasicrystals can be accelerated with a simple machine learning workflow. With a list of the chemical compositions of known quasicrystals, approximant crystals, and ordinary crystals, we trained a prediction model to solve the three-class classification task and evaluated its predictability compared to the observed phase diagrams of ternary aluminum systems. The validation experiments strongly support the superior predictive power of machine learning, with the precision and recall of the phase prediction task reaching approximately 0.793 and 0.714, respectively. Furthermore, analyzing the input--output relationships black-boxed into the model, we identified nontrivial empirical equations interpretable by humans that describe conditions necessary for quasicrystal formation.
Simulation of Indian summer monsoon rainfall, interannual variability and teleconnections: Evaluation of CMIP6 models
Authors: Rajendran Kavirajan , Surendran Sajani , Varghese Stella Jes , Sathyanath Anjali
Published: February 2021

We analyse the performance of global climate models of 6th generation of Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6) in simulating climatological summer monsoon rainfall over India, interannual variability (IAV) of all-India summer monsoon rainfall (ISMR) and its teleconnections with rainfall variability over equatorial Pacific and Indian Oceans. The multimodel ensemble mean (MME) of 61 CMIP6 models shows the best skill in simulating mean monsoon rainfall over India compared to the MMEs of 6th generation atmosphere-only models (AMIP6) and the previous generations of Atmospheric and Coupled Model Intercomparison Projects (AMIPs and CMIPs). Systematic improvement and reduction in bias are evident from lower to higher AMIPs/CMIPs. Still, there exists dry bias over a narrow region of the monsoon zone of central India besides wet and cold bias over the surrounding oceans. The persistence of errors in atmosphere-only models hints that the source of errors could be with atmosphere models. Fifteen CMIP6 models selected through objective criteria, perform the best in simulating mean monsoon, IAV of ISMR, the strong inverse relationship between ISMR and Boreal summer El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), and the inverse relationship between all-India rainfall and north-west tropical Pacific rainfall in June. Several models reproduce the dipole structure of Equatorial Indian Ocean Oscillation (EQUINOO) with the centres over western and eastern equatorial Indian Ocean. But, ISMR-EQUINOO relationship in many of them is opposite to the observed. Our analysis implies the need for capturing ISMR-EQUINOO link to improve the simulation of IAV of ISMR which is crucial for reliable monsoon prediction and projection.
Machine learning uncovers aerosol size information from chemistry and meteorology to quantify potential cloud-forming particles
Authors: Nair Arshad , Yu Fangqun , Jost Pedro Campuzano , DeMott Paul , Levin Ezra , Jimenez Jose , Peischl Jeff , Pollack Ilana , Fredrickson Carley , Beyersdorf Andreas , Nault Benjamin , Park Minsu , Yum Seong Soo , Palm Brett , Xu Lu , Bourgeois Ilann , Anderson Bruce , Nenes Athanasios , Ziemba Luke , Moore Richard H , Lee Taehyoung , Park Taehyun , Thompson Chelsea , Flocke Frank , Huey Lewis , Kim Michelle , Peng Qiaoyun
Published: February 2021

Cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) are mediators of aerosol–cloud interactions, which contribute to the largest uncertainty in climate change prediction. Here, we present a machine learning/artificial intelligence model that quantifies CCN from variables of aerosol composition, atmospheric trace gases, and meteorology. Comprehensive multi-campaign airborne measurements, covering varied physicochemical regimes in the troposphere, confirm the validity of and help probe the inner workings of this machine learning model: revealing for the first time that different ranges of atmospheric aerosol composition and mass correspond to distinct aerosol number size distributions. Machine learning extracts this information, important for accurate quantification of CCN, additionally from both chemistry and meteorology. This can provide a physicochemically explainable, computationally efficient, robust machine learning pathway in global climate models that only resolve aerosol composition; potentially mitigating the uncertainty of effective radiative forcing due to aerosol–cloud interactions (ERFaci) and improving confidence in assessment of anthropogenic contributions and climate change projections.
The clinical application of kangaroo mother care in neonates after surgery for duodenal obstruction
Authors: Zhu Li-Bo , Xu Yan-Hua , Li Jin-Fen , Hu Xue , Lu Chun-Yan , Li Rui-Lan , Shi Cai-Ping , Yuan Mei
Published: February 2021

Background: The present study aimed to explore the effectiveness of clinical application of kangaroo mother care (KMC) in neonates after surgery for duodenal obstruction in achieving total enteral nutrition (TEN) and shortening the length of hospital stay.Methods: A prospective study of 60 cases of surgery for duodenal obstruction in pediatric patients in the neonatal intensive care unit of Kunming Children's Hospital between January 2018 and December 2019 was conducted. The study subjects included 15 cases with intestinal malrotation, 18 cases with circular pancreas, 10 cases with a duodenal septum, and 17 cases with duodenal atresia or duodenal stenosis. According to the single and double numbers of the operation date, the subjects were randomly divided into the control group and observation group, with 30 cases in each group. The conventional care of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) was carried out in the control group, and KMC based on ERAS conventional care was implemented in the observation group. The difference in the duration to achieve TEN and the length of hospital stay between the two groups of patients after care was compared and analyzed.Results: The average duration to achieve TEN for neonates with duodenal obstruction in the control group was 14.23 ± 3.17 days, while that in the observation group was 12.27 ± 1.15 days. The average length of hospital stay in the control group was 17.22 ± 4.71 days, while that in the observation group was 13.34 ± 2.70 days. There was a significant difference in the duration to achieve TEN and the average length of hospital stay between the two groups (P < 0.05). The duration to achieve TEN and the length of hospital stay in pediatric patients were significantly shorter in the observation group than in the control group.Conclusions: KMC has important clinical significance and application value in shortening the duration to achieve TEN and the length of hospital stay in neonates after surgery for duodenal obstruction.
Spatiotemporal heterogeneity of glioblastoma is dictated by microenvironmental interference
Authors: Heiland Dieter ,   Vidhya Ravi1, Will Paulina , Kekelhaus Jan , Sun Na , Joseph Kevin , Salié Henrike , von Ehr Jasmin , Vollmer Lea , Benotmane Jasim , Neidert Nicolas , Follo Marie , Scherer Florian , Goeldner Jonathan , Behringer Simon , Franco Pamela , Hofmann Ulrich , Fung Christian , Beck Jürgen , Sankowski Roman , Prinz Marco , Killmer Saskia , Bengsch Bertram , Walch Axel , Delev Daniel , Schnell Oliver
Published: February 2021

Glioblastomas are highly malignant tumors of the central nervous system. Evidence suggests that these tumors display large intra- and inter-patient heterogeneity hallmarked by subclonal diversity and dynamic adaptation amid developmental hierarchies. However, the source for dynamic reorganization of cellular states within their spatial context remains elusive. Here, we in-depth characterized glioblastomas by spatially resolved transcriptomics, metabolomics and proteomics. By deciphering exclusive and shared transcriptional programs across patients, we inferred that glioblastomas develop along defined neural lineages and adapt to inflammatory or metabolic stimuli reminiscent of reactive transformation in mature astrocytes. Metabolic profiling and imaging mass cytometry supported the assumption that tumor heterogeneity is dictated by microenvironmental alterations. Analysis of copy number variation (CNV) revealed a spatially cohesive organization of subclones associated with reactive transcriptional programs, confirming that environmental stress gives rise to selection pressure. Deconvolution of age-dependent transcriptional programs in malignant and non-malignant specimens identified the aging environment as the major driver of inflammatory transformation in GBM, suggesting that tumor cells adopt transcriptional programs similar to inflammatory transformation in astrocytes. Glioblastoma stem cells implanted into human neocortical slices of varying age levels, independently confirmed that the ageing environment dynamically shapes the intratumoral heterogeneity towards reactive transcriptional programs. Our findings provide insights into the spatial architecture of glioblastoma, suggesting that both locally inherent tumor as well as global alterations of the tumor microenvironment shape its transcriptional heterogeneity. Global age-related inflammation in the human brain is driving distinct transcriptional transformation in glioblastomas, which requires an adjustment of the currently prevailing glioma models.
Atypical Deletion of Williams-beuren Syndrome Reveals the Mechanism of Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Authors: Zhou Jianrong , Zheng Ying , Liang Guiying , Qin Xianyu , Yang Hang , Chen Shaoxian , Ge Tongkai , Huang Shufang , Zhang Kai , Zhou Xianwu , Xu Xiaoli , Weng Pengju , Zhang Yong , Li Ping , Wang Shushui , Zhuang Jian , Wu Yueheng , Chen Jimei
Published: February 2021

Background The Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS) is a multiple phylogenetic disorder, caused by the hemizygous deletion of 1.55 to 1.84 Mb on chromosome 7q11.23, which encodes a fragment of 26 to 28 genes. Among these genes, the deletion of the elastin (ELN) gene haplotype is the main cause of cardiovascular abnormalities. Other genes, such as CLIP2, GTF2IRD1, and GTF2I, may be associated with specific cognitive and craniofacial features. However, genes associated with specific neurocognitive phenotypes are still controversially discussed. The purpose of this study is to further explore the mechanism of neurodevelopmental disorders in patients with Williams-Beuren syndrome.Patients and methods Patients who had been diagnosed with WBS were recruited. The deletion was precisely defined by chromosome microarray analysis and the clinical phenotype was evaluated. Results This study identified nine patients with atypical deletions from 111 patients with WBS. One patient had normal neurodevelopmental with deletion of Williams-Beuren syndrome chromosomal region (WBSCR) telomere side genes, including GTF2I and GTF2IRD1, while another patient retained these genes but showed neurodevelopmental abnormalities. Seven of the eight patients with the WBSCR22 gene deletion developed growth restriction.Conclusions By comparing the genotype and phenotype of patients with typical deletions and atypical deletions, the deletion of GTF2I and GTF2IRD1 genes alone insufficient to induce typical neurocognitive phenotypes in WBS patients. The BAZ1B, FZD9, and STX1A genes may play an important role in the neurodevelopment of patients with WBS. Furthermore, the deletion of the WBSCR22 gene may be the main cause of physical growth restriction in WBS patients.
Adsorption of tylosin in wastewater by iron-rich farmland soil and the effect of iron reduction and common cations
Authors: Lin Luoying , Hu Xingbao , Liang Jianming , Huang Zhujiang , Yu Guangwei , Chong Yunxiao
Published: February 2021

Livestock wastewater reused in farmland may cause tylosin to stay in farmland soil. Under the influence of some factors, such as irrigation and fertilization, tylosin may desorb and diffuse into the water environment. Batch adsorption experiments and soil column flooding experiments were set up to investigate the effects of several cations and iron reduction on the adsorption, desorption and oxidation removal of tylosin in iron-rich farmland soils (red soil). The results showed that tylosin can be adsorbed by the red soil. The coexistence of these cations significantly reduced its adsorption capacity. The order of influence was as follows: Ca2+ > Mg2+ > K+ > > Na+. This means that some agricultural farming measures, such as the application of chemical fertilizers, would release the adsorbed tylosin into the farmland. Anaerobic iron reduction and massive production of ferrous ions did not affect the adsorption and desorption of tylosin in the red soil column. Moreover, the ferrous iron could activate persulfate to generate hydroxyl radicals and sulfate radicals which oxidized and removed the tylosin adsorbed in the soil column. Therefore, the iron reduction that occurred during flooding was not a factor causing tylosin release, which provided a way for tylosin in iron-rich farmland soils to be oxidized and removed.