bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Insights in Chloroquine Action: Perspectives and Implications in Malaria and COVID‐19
Authors: Pillat Micheli Mainardi , Krüger Arne , Guimarães Lara Mendes Ferreira , Lameu Claudiana , de Souza Edmarcia Elisa , Wrenger Carsten , Ulrich Henning
Published: July 2020

Malaria is a threat to human mankind and kills about half a million people every year. On the other hand, COVID‐19 resulted in several hundred thousand deaths since December 2019 and remains without an efficient and safe treatment. The antimalarials chloroquine (CQ) and its analog, hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), have been tested for COVID‐19 treatment, and several conflicting evidence has been obtained. Therefore, the aim of this review was to summarize the evidence regarding action mechanisms of these compounds against Plasmodium and SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, together with cytometry applications. CQ and HCQ act on the renin angiotensin system, with possible implications on the cardiorespiratory system. In this context, flow and image cytometry emerge as powerful technologies to investigate the mechanism of therapeutic candidates, as well as for the identification of the immune response and prognostics of disease severity. Data from the large randomized trials support the conclusion that CQ and HCQ do not provide any clinical improvements in disease severity and progression of SARS‐CoV‐2 patients, as well as they do not present any solid evidence of increased serious side effects. These drugs are safe and effective antimalarials agents, but in SARS‐CoV‐2 patients, they need further studies in the context of clinical trials. © 2020 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Mass‐Added Density Modulation for Sorting Cells Based on Differential Surface Protein Levels
Authors: Sarnik Sylvia A. , Sutermaster Bryan A. , Darling Eric M.
Published: July 2020

Cell sorting is a powerful tool in basic research and therapeutic enrichment. However, common cell sorting methods, such as fluorescence‐activated cell sorting (FACS) and magnetic‐activated cell sorting (MACS) have significant limitations, such as generally low cell yields or restriction to binary separation, respectively. To address these limitations, we developed a two‐step cell sorting method called mass‐added density centrifugation (MADC) to enable nonbinary separation of large cell numbers based on surface protein levels. In the first MADC step (mass‐adding), antibody‐directed massive microparticles bind target surface proteins to modulate single‐cell density proportionally to target protein level. Second, microparticle‐laden cells are subjected to discontinuous density gradient centrifugation, whereby they separate into discrete density bands which can be isolated for downstream use. MADC will prove especially advantageous for obtaining sufficient cell numbers for protein analyses from large source populations, and it is a fast process that can facilitate live cell enrichment for therapies that require tens of millions of cells. Here, we demonstrate MADC's utility for both live and fixed cell sorts of multiple cell types based on abundance of an example target protein, CD44. CD44 quantity in separated cell groups was assayed with western blots and correlated with modulated cell density. This novel sorting method enables rapid, nonbinary isolation of large quantities of cells based on surface protein levels and should prove useful in both basic science and therapeutic applications. © 2020 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Off‐grid DoA estimation method of wideband signals
Authors: Eghbali Yasoub , Ferdosizade Naeiny Mahmoud
Published: July 2020

In this paper, an off‐grid direction of arrival (DoA) estimation method is proposed for wideband signals. This method is based on the sparse representation (SR) of the array covariance matrix. Similar to the time domain DoA estimation methods, the correlation function of the sources was assumed to be the same and known. A new measurement vector is obtained using the lower‐left triangular elements of the covariance matrix. The DoAs are estimated by quantizing the entire range of continuous angle space into discrete grid points. However, the exact DoAs may be located between two grid points; therefore, this estimation has errors. The accuracy of DoA estimation is improved by the minimization of the difference between the new measurement vector and its estimated values. Simulation results revealed that the proposed method can enhance the DoA estimation accuracy of wideband signals.
Data analysis and management system design of contaminated site based on intelligent data acquisition vehicle and 5G communication
Authors: Zhang Shuyuan , Cheng Quanguo
Published: July 2020

The integration of information is an important feature of the fourth industrial revolution, and the interconnection of all things is permeating the world at an amazing speed. In 2019, 5G communication technology has started to be commercialized in the world. Its high transmission speed, low delay, high reliability, and other technical features provide technical support for the application of intelligent driving vehicle technology. In a specific environment, such as tunnels, deserts, and dangerous areas, if the traditional manual method is used to collect environmental data, it is difficult to achieve, and the operability is not strong, and even there will be security risks. Intelligent car has intelligent mechanism such as identification, detection, and environmental data collection, it can replace human work in bad conditions, and it has broad application prospects. Compared with the traditional manual acquisition method, the intelligent data acquisition vehicle is more operable and practical, the difficulty of environmental data acquisition is greatly reduced, and the implementation cost is generally lower than the manual acquisition method. In this paper, an intelligent collection vehicle system based on 5G communication technology is constructed and applied to the data analysis of polluted sites. At the same time, this paper constructs a data analysis and management system based on hardware structure. The experimental results show that the method proposed in this paper can effectively analyze the data of polluted sites and has strong practicability.
Classifying biogeographic realms of the endemic fauna in the Afro‐Arabian region
Authors: Soultan Alaaeldin , Wikelski Martin , Safi Kamran
Published: July 2020

Aim

Understanding diversity patterns and identifying the environmental factors that shape these patterns are essential for ecology and conservation. The Afro‐Arabian region comprises one of the most important biogeographic areas connecting continents. Yet, little emphasis has been put on understanding its endemic fauna in relation to its biogeographic realms. Our objective is to fill the gaps in knowledge on diversity patterns and biogeography that are essential for prioritizing the overdue conservation efforts.

Location

The study area covers mostly the hot desert climate region in North Africa and Arabia, and includes the Mediterranean, Sahel, and Ethiopian highlands (hereafter “Afro‐Arabian region”).

Methods

We used distribution maps developed by IUCN and BirdLife for species endemic to the Afro‐Arabian region belonging to the four tetrapod classes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals, to identify the endemic richness hotspots. We then used multivariate analyses to delineate biogeographic regions and evaluate their relationship with the environmental factors.

Results

Our study reveals a complex map of the richness hotspots for the endemic tetrapod classes. The main hotspots of endemism were concentrated at the margins of the study area, along the Mediterranean coast, Ethiopian highlands, and along the Red Sea Mountains. We propose classifying the Afro‐Arabian region into three discrete biogeographic realms for endemic amphibians, four for reptiles and birds, and five discrete biogeographic realms for endemic mammals. The identified realms are defined by their environmental conditions and the historical geological processes.

Main conclusions

Richness hotspots of endemic tetrapod classes were heterogeneously distributed in the Afro‐Arabian region. Our results support the hypothesis that species diversity patterns and endemism have been shaped by the environmental conditions and the paleogeographic processes. Each of the identified bioregions is associated with a characteristic set of tetrapod species. Our results are a benchmark for assessing the effectiveness of the protected areas and for implementing conservation plans for biodiversity.
Water availability as a major climatic driver of taxonomic and functional diversity in a desert reptile community
Authors: Chiacchio Michele , Grimm‐Seyfarth Annegret , Henle Klaus , Mihoub Jean‐Baptiste
Published: July 2020

The impact of climate change is considered to be particularly important in arid environments where ectotherm species constitute the majority of vertebrates. Surprisingly, most studies dealing with the response of reptiles to climate change focus only on a few species. Here, we used a 30‐yr monitoring dataset to assess the consequences of climatic variations on a desert reptile community in eastern Australia. Community structure was measured in three habitat plots differing in flood regime using a range of metrics: the number of individuals and species, alpha biodiversity indices, species turnover, functional diversity, and an indicator describing the change in the critical maximum temperature of the community. Although the functional groups of species sharing similar traits were not clustered by habitat plots, diversity indices were highly plot‐specific. Community composition significantly shifted over time toward higher abundance of individuals for species tolerant to heat in two plots, whereas we found an opposite trend in the third plot. Importantly, the response patterns of the different diversity indices to climatic parameters were not uniform. Yet, water‐related parameters were overall more influential than temperature. A decrease in water availability paired with rising temperatures may have strongly negative impacts. We stress that combining different diversity metrics is critical to better grasp the complexity of community responses to climate change and that predicting future changes in reptile communities of deserts needs to account for the complementarity of different sources of water supply such as those resulting from the dynamics of local rainfalls with flood regime.
Oxygen Vacancy‐induced Electron Density Tuning of Fe3O4 for Enhanced Oxygen Evolution Catalysis
Authors: Gao Lulu , Tang Chongyang , Liu Jiangchao , He Lanli , Wang Hongbo , Ke Zunjian , Li Wenqing , Jiang Changzhong , He Dong , Cheng Li , Xiao Xiangheng
Published: July 2020

Despite the tremendous efforts devoted to enhancing the activity of oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts, there is still a huge challenge to deeply understand the electronic structure characteristics of transition metal oxide to guide the design of more active catalysts. Herein, Fe3O4 with oxygen vacancies (Fe3O4‐Vac) was synthesized via Ar ion irradiation method and its OER activity was greatly improved by properly modulating the electron density around Fe atoms. The electron density of Fe3O4‐Vac around Fe atoms increased compared to that of Fe3O4 according to the characterization of synchrotron‐based X‐ray absorption near‐edge structure (XANES), extended X‐ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectra, and density functional theory (DFT) calculation. Moreover, the DFT results indicate the enhancement of the desorption of HOO* groups which significantly reduced the OER reaction barrier. Fe3O4‐Vac catalyst shows an overpotential of 353 mV, lower than that of FeOOH (853 mV) and Fe3O4 (415 mV) at 10 mA cm−2, and a low Tafel slope of 50 mV dec−1 in 1 M KOH, which was even better than commercial RuO2 at high potential. This modulation approach provides us with valuable insights for exploring efficient and robust water‐splitting electrocatalysts.
Evidence for an involvement of the ubiquitin‐like modifier ISG15 in MHC class I antigen presentation
Authors: Held Tobias , Basler Michael , Knobeloch Klaus‐Peter , Groettrup Marcus
Published: July 2020

The IFN stimulated gene 15 (ISG15) encodes a 15‐kDa ubiquitin‐like protein, that is induced by type I IFNs and is conjugated to the bulk of newly synthesized polypeptides at the ribosome. ISG15 functions as an antiviral molecule possibly by being covalently conjugated to viral proteins and disturbing virus particle assembly. Here, we have investigated the effect of ISGylation on degradation and antigen presentation of viral and cellular proteins. ISGylation did not induce proteasomal degradation of bulk ISG15 target proteins neither after overexpressing ISG15 nor after induction by IFN‐β. The MHC class I cell surface expression of splenocytes derived from ISG15‐deficient mice or mice lacking the catalytic activity of the major de‐ISGylating enzyme USP18 was unaltered as compared to WT mice. Fusion of ubiquitin or FAT10 to the long‐lived nucleoprotein (NP) of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus accelerated the proteasomal degradation of NP while fusion to ISG15 did not detectably speed up NP degradation. Nevertheless, MHC‐I restricted presentation of two epitopes of NP were markedly enhanced when it was fused to ISG15 similarly to fusion with ubiquitin or FAT10. Thus, we provide evidence that ISG15 can enhance the presentation of antigens on MHC‐I most likely by promoting co‐translational antigen processing.
Synthesis, Structure and Properties of Fused π‐Extended Acridone Derivatives
Authors: Gao Hongshuai , Zhang Gang
Published: July 2020

Benzene‐ and naphthalene‐fused acridone derivatives with hexyl and phenyl groups at the amino position were synthesized and their properties were investigated experimentally and computationally. All the structures of these fused π‐extended acridone derivatives were unambiguously confirmed by single‐crystal X‐ray analysis, which revealed the presence of face‐to‐face π–π stackings along the acridone moiety and the intermolecular hydrogen bond‐directed molecular packings of the phenyl‐substituted acridone derivatives in the crystals. Moreover, the dimerization of linearly fused acridone derivative was observed after storing the crystals over months. The benzene ring at the turning point of the angularly fused acridone derivatives contained relatively longer and shorter C–C bonds, which affected the molecular conjugation, as confirmed by the results of photophysical characterization and the study of the aromaticity. Mobility calculations based on the molecular packings in the single crystals showed that the linearly fused acridone derivatives bearing better electron and hole mobilities are good candidates of organic functional materials.
Urazine – a Long Established Heterocycle and Energetic Chameleon
Authors: Klapötke Thomas M. , Krumm Burkhard , Riedelsheimer Christian , Stierstorfer Jörg , Unger Cornelia C. , Wurzenberger Maximilian H. H.
Published: July 2020

Urazine is an easily accessible heterocycle from low‐cost starting materials. In this contribution a colorful palette of reactions is presented: anionic and cationic salt formation, complexation to a transition metal, and condensation with trinitroethanol. The structures of the resulting compounds were analyzed using X‐ray diffraction studies, furthermore, the materials were thoroughly characterized using NMR spectroscopy, vibrational analysis, as well as elemental analysis. Depending on the field of application further investigations as energetic materials were carried out, including hot plate and hot needle, small‐scale shock reactivity test (SSRT), laser initiation tests, and the estimation of the performance parameters using EXPLO5 V6.03 and Gaussian 09.
Consider higher education opportunities after COVID‐19
Authors: Dennis Marguerite J.
Published: July 2020

Higher education, both domestically and internationally, has been disrupted. Forecasts for the long‐shadow implications of COVID‐19 range from a six‐month to a five‐year disruption. Forecasts predict anywhere from a 15 to 25% decline in enrollment, depending on the part of the world. This virus has put the spotlight on antiquated financial models, rigid admission and registration procedures, and dismal student progression and graduation rates.
Management practices for West syndrome in South Asia: A survey study and meta‐analysis
Authors: Madaan Priyanka , Chand Prem , Linn Kyaw , Wanigasinghe Jithangi , Lhamu Mynak Mimi , Poudel Prakash , Riikonen Raili , Kumar Amit , Dhir Pooja , Negi Sandeep , Sahu Jitendra Kumar
Published: July 2020

Objectives

Considering the dearth of literature on West syndrome (WS) from South Asian countries, this study aimed to evaluate the management practices in South Asia by an online survey and meta‐analysis.

Methods

An online questionnaire was sent to 223 pediatric neurologists/pediatricians in India, Pakistan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal, and Bangladesh. Their responses were evaluated and supplemented by a meta‐analysis.

Results

Of 125 responses received (response rate: 56%), around 60% of responders observed male preponderance and an approximate lead‐time‐to‐treatment (LTTT) of 4‐12 weeks. The commonest etiology observed was a static structural insult (88.6% of responders). Most commonly used first‐line drug (country‐wise) was as follows: India—adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH, 50%); Pakistan—oral steroids (45.5%); Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Nepal—oral steroids (94.4%); Bangladesh—ACTH (2/2); Bhutan—vigabatrin (3/5). ACTH and vigabatrin are not available in Myanmar and Nepal. The most commonly used regime for ACTH was maximal‐dose‐at‐initiation‐regime in India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh and gradually escalating‐regime in Pakistan. Maximum dose of prednisolone was variable—most common response from India: 3‐4 mg/kg/d; Pakistan, Bhutan, and Bangladesh: 2 mg/kg/d; Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Myanmar: 5‐8 mg/kg/d or 60 mg/d. The total duration of hormonal therapy (including tapering) ranged from 4 to 12 weeks (67/91). Most responders considered cessation of spasms for four weeks as complete response (54/111) and advised electroencephalography (EEG; 104/123) to check for hypsarrhythmia resolution. Difficult access to pediatric EEG in Bhutan and Nepal is concerning. More than 95% of responders felt a need for more awareness. The meta‐analysis supported the preponderance of male gender (68%; confidence interval [CI]: 64%‐73%), structural etiology(80%; CI 73%‐86%), longer LTTT (2.4 months; CI 2.1‐2.6 months), and low response rate to hormonal therapy(18% and 28% for ACTH and oral steroids respectively) in WS in South Asia.

Significance

This study highlights the practices and challenges in the management of WS in South Asia. These include a preponderance of male gender and structural etiology, a longer LTTT, difficult access to pediatric EEG, nonavailability of ACTH and vigabatrin in some countries, and low effectiveness of hormonal therapy in this region.
Sign‐bit shaping using polar codes
Authors: İşcan Onurcan , Böhnke Ronald , Xu Wen
Published: July 2020

A new polar coding scheme for higher order modulation is presented. The proposed scheme is based on multi‐level coding (MLC) with natural binary labeling, where the highest bit‐level (called the sign‐bit) is generated depending on the previous bit‐levels such that the modulated symbols approach to a target distribution to reduce shaping loss. With polar codes, the scheme can be realized by replacing the polar encoder in the sign‐bit level by a successive cancellation (SC) decoder so that the overall complexity does not increase compared to a conventional MLC scheme. Numerical simulations show that compared to conventional transmission with uniform symbol distribution, significant performance improvements can be obtained using such a sign‐bit shaping scheme. By employing more complex decoders, such as the SC list (SCL) decoder which can operate across bit levels, the proposed scheme can outperform Gallager's random coding bound.
Particle deposition and sensory drive
Authors: Poindexter Stephanie A. , Garrett Eva C.
Published: July 2020

The mutualism between chemical cues emitted into the air and variations in how primates respond to them using olfaction has demonstrated aspects of species‐specific adaptations. Building on this mutualism we can look at particle deposition as another means to understanding how various environments may have elicited biological changes that enable efficient communication. Research on particle movement and deposition within the nasal cavity is largely based on questions about health as it relates to drug delivery systems and overall olfactory function in modern humans. With increased access to 3D models and the use of computational fluid dynamic analysis, researchers have been able to simulate site‐specific deposition, to determine what particles are making it through the nasal cavity to the main olfactory epithelium, which ultimately leads to processing in the olfactory bulb. Here we discuss particle deposition research, sensory drive and their potential applications to evolutionary anthropology.
Development and optimization of spray‐dried functional oil microcapsules: Oxidation stability and release kinetics
Authors: Yue Hao , Qiu Bin , Jia Min , Liu Jie , Wang Jing , Huang Fenghong , Xu Tongcheng
Published: July 2020

This study aimed to optimize the microencapsulation method for a functional oil using high amylose corn starch (HACS) and assessed its structure and antioxidant capacity. The results showed that the optimal microencapsulation condition is achieved by using 28.5% of functional oil, 15.75% of HACS, and 57.86% of proportion of monoglyceride in emulsifier with 94.86% microencapsulation efficiency. Scanning electron microscopy and particle size measurement showed that the functional oil microcapsules were uniform size, smooth surface, spherical shape, and without cracks in the wall of the capsules. In vitro oil release of microencapsulates results showed that microencapsulated functional oil containing HACS has a better sustained release effect. The microcapsules containing HACS exhibited a lower lipid oxidation rate during storage. In conclusion, microencapsulation of HACS as wall material improved the stability of functional oil and this formulation of microcapsules was satisfactorily applied in powdered food for diabetic patients.
Application of salivary noncoding microRNAs for the diagnosis of oral cancers
Authors: Deutsch Fiona T. , Khoury Samantha J. , Sunwoo John B. , Elliott Michael S. , Tran Nham T.
Published: July 2020

Oral cancer is on the rise globally and survival rates, despite improvements in clinical care, have not significantly improved. Early detection followed by immediate intervention is key to improving patient outcomes. The use of biomarkers has changed the diagnostic landscape for many cancers. For oral cancers, visual inspection followed by a tissue biopsy is standard practice. The discovery of microRNAs as potential biomarkers has attracted clinical interest but several challenges remain. These microRNAs can be found in bodily fluids such as blood and saliva which have been investigated as potential sources of biomarker discovery. As oral cancer is localized within the oral cavity, saliva may contain clinically relevant molecular markers for disease detection. Our review provides an outline of the current advances for the application of salivary microRNAs in oral cancer. We also provide a technical guide for the processing of salivary RNAs to ensure accurate clinical measurement and validation.
Neurotoxicity of metal‐containing nanoparticles and implications in glial cells
Authors: Chang Xiaoru , Li Jiangyan , Niu Shuyan , Xue Yuying , Tang Meng
Published: July 2020

With the development of nanotechnology, metal‐containing nanoparticles are used widely in the diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of central nervous system (CNS) diseases. The neurotoxicity of these nanoparticles has drawn attention. Glial cells (particularly microglial cells and astrocytes) have important functions in the CNS. Neural disorders are related to functional/histologic damage to glial cells. Dysfunctions of microglial cells or astrocytes injure the brain, and cause the neurodegeneration seen in Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. We have summarized the route of access of metal‐containing nanoparticles to the CNS, as well as their neurotoxicity and potential molecular mechanisms involved in glial cells. Metal‐containing nanoparticles cross or bypass the blood‐brain barrier, access the CNS and cause neurotoxicity. The potential mechanisms are related to inflammation, oxidative stress, DNA and/or mitochondrial damage and cell death, all of which are mediated by microglial cell activation, inflammatory factor release, generation of reactive oxygen species, apoptosis and/or autophagy in glial cells. Moreover, these processes increase the burden of the CNS and even accelerate the occurrence or development of neurodegenerative diseases. Some important signaling pathways involved in the mechanism of neurotoxicity in glial cells caused by nanoparticles are also discussed.
Co‐occurrence characteristics of antibiotics and estrogens and their relationships in a lake system affected by wastewater
Authors: Zhang Fengsong , Yang Linsheng , Wang Huaxin
Published: July 2020

Antibiotics and estrogens are recognized as emerging contaminants in the water environment because of their potentially adverse effects on aquatic ecosystems. The concentrations of four steroid estrogens (17α‐estradiol, 17β‐estradiol, estrone, and estriol) and eight antibiotics (norfloxacin, levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, enrofloxacin, metronidazole, sulfapyridine, doxycycline, and sulfamethoxazole) in the Chaohu Lake basin in Anhui province, China, were analyzed along with adjacent wastewater. The levels of the target antibiotics and estrogens were below detection limits (not detected [nd])–89.86 and nd–118.09 ng L−1, respectively, in the lake water. All of the target antibiotics and estrogens were detected in sediment, and the concentrations ranged widely (nd–35,544 and nd–16,344 ng kg−1, respectively). Antibiotics and estrogens varied spatially in the study area and mostly came from untreated wastewater. Antibiotics and estrogens were associated with water parameters such as pH and total nitrogen. A significant positive correlation was observed between estriol and levofloxacin concentrations (r = .65; p < .01), indicating that levofloxacin from the same source might have inhibited the microbiological degradation of estriol in the surface water. Overall, the estrogens pose a more severe risk than antibiotics to the Chaohu Lake system. However, co‐occurrence of antibiotics may affect the fate of estrogens in the same lake media. More attention should be given to estrogens than to antibiotics in wastewater‐affected lake systems.
Bone marrow infiltration pattern in patients with intravascular large B‐cell lymphoma diagnosed by random skin biopsy
Authors: Matsue Kosei , Abe Yoshiaki , Narita Kentaro , Kobayashi Hiroki , Kitadate Akihiro , Miura Daisuke , Takeuchi Masami , Takeuchi Kengo
Published: July 2020

We retrospectively analyzed bone marrow (BM) infiltration pattern in consecutive 30 intravascular large B‐cell lymphoma (IVLBCL) patients diagnosed by random skin biopsy (RSB). BM infiltration of lymphoma was observed in 18 patients (60.0%), including five patients with the intrasinusoidal pattern with minimal extravasation, eight patients with the mixed of intrasinusoidal and scattered/interstitial or nodular infiltration, and five patients with the nodular/diffuse pattern. Twelve patients were negative for lymphoma infiltration. BM histology of patients with IVLBCL were diverse and frequently discordant with those of other site of IVLBCL lesions. BM biopsy had a poorer diagnostic performance for detecting intravascular features.
Will differentiated care for stable HIV patients reduce healthcare systems costs?
Authors: Larson Bruce A , Pascoe Sophie JS , Huber Amy , Long Lawrence C , Murphy Joshua , Miot Jacqui , Fox Matthew P , Fraser‐Hurt Nicole , Rosen Sydney
Published: July 2020

Introduction

South Africa’s National Department of Health launched the National Adherence Guidelines for Chronic Diseases in 2015. These guidelines include adherence clubs (AC) and decentralized medication delivery (DMD) as two differentiated models of care for stable HIV patients on antiretroviral therapy. While the adherence guidelines do not suggest that provider costs (costs to the healthcare system for medications, laboratory tests and visits to clinics or alternative locations) for stable patients in these differentiated models of care will be lower than conventional, clinic‐based care, recent modelling exercises suggest that such differentiated models could substantially reduce provider costs. In the context of continued implementation of the guidelines, we discuss the conditions under which provider costs of care for stable HIV patients could fall, or rise, with AC and DMD models of care in South Africa.

Discussion

In prior studies of HIV care and treatment costs, three main cost categories are antiretroviral medications, laboratory tests and general interaction costs based on encounters with health workers. Stable patients are likely to be on the national first‐line regimen (Tenofovir/Entricitabine/Efavarinz (TDF/FTC/EFV)), so no difference in the costs of medications is expected. Laboratory testing guidelines for stable patients are the same regardless of the model of care, so no difference in laboratory costs is expected as well. Based on existing information regarding the costs of clinic visits, AC visits and DMD drug pickups, we expect that for some clinics, visit costs for DMD or AC models of care could be less, but modestly so, than for conventional, clinic‐based care. For other clinics, however, DMD or AC models could have higher visit costs (see Table 2).

Conclusions

The standard of care for stable patients has already been “differentiated” for years in South Africa, prior to the roll out of the new adherence guidelines. AC and DMD models of care, when implemented as envisioned in the guidelines, are unlikely to generate substantive reductions or increases in provider costs of care.
Stochastic process of extreme rainless periods in Serbia
Authors: Srdjevic Bojan , Srdjevic Zorica , Benka Pavel
Published: July 2020

This paper analyses extreme rainless periods for the territory of Serbia in southeast Europe. Treated as meteorological droughts from an agriculture perspective, the number of rainless periods longer than 20 days as well as their distributions is examined for the growing season (April–September) using data from a period of 50 years. The related stochastic process is modelled via the Zelenhasic–Todorovic (ZT) method for 20 evenly distributed locations across Serbia and important results are mapped in a geographic information system (GIS) environment. The principal components of the process are the number of rainless periods following a Poisson distribution, the theoretical exponential distribution of all droughts' duration and the theoretical double exponential distribution of the (yearly) longest drought's duration. These components are significant for agriculture under climate change because frequent and long‐lasting periods without or with very small amounts of rainfall (e.g., 3 mm·m−2·day−1) have a negative impact on crop production and require additional agricultural measures. This study shows that rainless periods long up to 45 days can be expected every 5 years. Extremely long droughts up to 75 days can be expected every 100 years. The saturation effect, visible if the distribution functions of the longest rainless periods are analysed for different return periods (100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 2 years) at different locations in Serbia, illustrates that droughts of longer than approximately 55 days may occur every 50 years, while shorter droughts (30–33 days) may be expected every second year. Through quantifying the spatial and temporal distribution of rainless periods across Serbia, this work demonstrates that periods without rain are at least equally important as periods with rain. As both are aspects of a unique climate variability process, they influence agriculture and other socio‐economic sectors and have major impacts on the reliability, resilience and vulnerability of production systems, industries and services.
The Role of Vocal Fold Bowing on Cough and Swallowing Dysfunction in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy
Authors: Enver Necati , Borders James C. , Curtis James A. , Sevitz Jordanna S. , Vanegas‐Arroyave Nora , Troche Michelle S.
Published: July 2020

Objectives

Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is a neurodegenerative disease which results in cough and swallowing dysfunction and aspiration pneumonia. Relationships among vocal fold atrophy, cough, and swallowing have been identified in related diseases, but remain unknown in PSP. This study examined: 1) the prevalence of vocal fold bowing in PSP, and 2) the influence of vocal fold bowing on cough and swallowing in PSP.

Study Design

Prospective Cohort Study.

Methods

Twenty‐three participants with PSP completed instrumental assessments of cough and swallowing. Vocal fold bowing (BI) and swallowing safety (PAS) was assessed using flexible laryngoscopy. Measures of cough effectiveness were obtained using spirometry. Statistical analyses were used to determine the frequency of mild–moderate (BI > 0) and severe (BI > 12.2) bowing, and to assess the influence of BI on PAS and cough effectiveness in PSP.

Results

Fifty‐two percent (n = 12) of participants exhibited severe bowing while 48% (n = 11) exhibited mild‐to‐moderate bowing. Voluntary cough peak expiratory flow rate (P = .01), as well as reflex (P = .02) and voluntary (P = .005) cough volume acceleration were lower for participants with severe BI when compared to mild‐to‐moderate BI. However, BI did not influence PAS (P > .05).

Conclusions

Findings from this study suggest that vocal fold bowing is highly prevalent in PSP and associated with reduced reflex and voluntary cough effectiveness. These findings provide insight into the pathophysiology of compromised airway protection in this patient population. Future studies should examine vocal fold atrophy as a treatment target for behavioral and medical intervention in PSP.

Level of Evidence

3 (Prospective Observational Study) Laryngoscope, 131:1217–1222, 2021
Analysing the research performance of province‐level administrative regions in China
Authors: Zhang Guijie , Wei Fangfang
Published: July 2020

This paper conducts a comparative study of the scientific publications of the 31 province‐level regions of Mainland China during 2006–2018. The main results are as follows. First, the four indices, ordered by total number of papers indexed, across all provinces, are the Science Citation Index (SCI), Chinese Science Citation Database (CSCD), Chinese Social Science Citation Index (CSSCI), and Social Science Citation Index (SSCI). The number of international publications from these regions shows an increasing trend, while the number of domestic research outputs shows a fluctuating trend. Second, the international and domestic publications produced by these regions greatly improved over the study period. Third, different regions vary greatly not only in research output but also in research preference. The top five preferred disciplines of international and domestic academic achievement are very different; the former all belong to the natural sciences, while more than 7 of 10 of the latter belong to the social sciences. Moreover, the adjacency matrices of the similarity of the 31 regions show that there is some correlation between the research spotlight of a region and its economic and cultural patterns. In general, scientific research in China has developed rapidly in recent years, and different regions vary greatly not only in research achievement but also in research preference.

Key points

Scientific output is unevenly distributed between Chinese provinces, with Beijing, Jiangsu, Shanghai, Hubei, and Shaanxi each contributing almost half total output.

The majority of Chinese‐authored articles in international journals are in STM areas, with national journals capturing the majority of social science articles.

Beijing has the highest number of articles in Q1 and Q2 journals within Web of Science, followed by Jiangsu and then Shanghai.

The different regions of china specialize in different academic disciplines, with some universities excelling social sciences and others in pure and applied sciences.
Sound levels with aural suctioning: Effects of suction size, canal moisture, and distance from the eardrum
Authors: Young Allen , Reeve Nathaniel H. , Yang Albert , Kahane Jacob , Cross Chad , Albanese Anita , Ng Matthew
Published: July 2020

Objective

To determine sound levels resulting from aural suctioning of the external auditory canal.

Methods

Unweighted decibels (dB) and A‐weighted decibels (dBA) sound pressure level measurements were recorded using a retrotympanic microphone in cadaveric human temporal bones. Sound measurements were made with common otologic suctions, size 3, 5, and 7 French, within the external ear canal at the tympanic membrane, 5, and 10 mm from the tympanic membrane in the dry condition. In the wet condition, the ear canal was filled with fluid and completely suctioned clear to determine sound effects of suctioning liquid from the ear canal.

Results

Sound levels generated from ear canal suctioning ranged from 68.3 to 97 dB and 62.6 to 95.1 dBA. Otologic suctions positioned closer to the tympanic membrane resulted in louder sound levels, but was not statistically significant (P > .05). Using larger diameter suctions generated louder dB and dBA sound levels (P < .001) and the addition of liquid in the ear canal during the suction process generated louder dB and dBA sound levels (P < .001).

Conclusions

Smaller caliber suction sizes and nonsuctioning techniques should be utilized for in‐office aural toilet to reduce noise trauma and patient discomfort.

Level of evidence

5
Engineering of the Second‐Harmonic Emission Directionality with III–V Semiconductor Rod Nanoantennas
Authors: Saerens Grégoire , Tang Iek , Petrov Mihail I. , Frizyuk Kristina , Renaut Claude , Timpu Flavia , Reig Escalé Marc , Shtrom Igor , Bouravleuv Alexey , Cirlin George , Grange Rachel , Timofeeva Maria
Published: July 2020

The ability to engineer nonlinear optical emission from nanostructures is a key challenge to create efficient and compact components for integrated devices. This paper shows a method to control and manipulate the directionality of second‐harmonic generation emission by engineering geometry and position of rod nanoantennas. Single and dimer nanoantennas are fabricated by slicing III–V semiconductor nanowires with focused ion beam milling. The nonlinear optical response of nanoantennas is tailored by adjusting their length and position to achieve a targeted phase difference. The studied GaAs nanoantennas have a wurtzite structure that allows to achieve preferable directions for the second‐harmonic emission compared to a typical bulk zinc blende structure from top‐down fabricated nanostructures. Wurtzite nanoantennas provide a pure electric dipole response at the second‐harmonic wavelength, which together with pi‐phase control of emitted light is used for designing nonlinear emission patterns. The simulation results show how to redirect the second‐harmonic beam up to 30° and how to tailor the emission profile by adding elements. This method of second‐harmonic generation manipulation and phase array engineering can be applied to different types of nanowires and nanostructures. Nonlinear beam steering with structures from nanowires will foster the creation of compact optical components for integrated circuits.
Design Considerations for Energy Efficient DWDM PAM4 Transceivers Employing Avalanche Photodiodes
Authors: Kumar Ankur , Huang Zhihong , Zeng Xiaoge , Wang Binhao , Liang Di , Sorin Wayne , Fiorentino Marco , Beausoleil Raymond G. , Palermo Samuel
Published: July 2020

An effective approach to increase per‐fiber bandwidth is to combine per‐wavelength four‐level pulse amplitude modulation (PAM4) with dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM). Silicon photonic transceivers based on microring resonator modulators and drop filters can allow for an efficient realization of this. Utilizing avalanche photodiodes (APDs) in the receiver front‐ends of these transceivers can significantly improve sensitivity, allowing for reduced source laser power and overall improved power efficiency. This paper analyzes the optical‐modulation amplitude (OMA) sensitivity of these APD‐based PAM4 receivers in a silicon photonic DWDM link. A comprehensive link budget is considered that takes into account various system losses and relevant noise sources. Modeling with a developed APD that has a maximum 230 GHz gain‐bandwidth product predicts sensitivity improvements at 32 to 64 Gb s−1 PAM4 ranging from 9.8 to 12 dB relative to a conventional p‐i‐n photodiode. Scaling the APD gain‐bandwidth to 310 GHz allows support of 112 Gb s−1 with −13.2 dBm OMA sensitivity at a BER of with an APD gain of 10. Utilizing the presented architecture, link budget analysis predicts a 9.5x reduction in laser power with APDs and that 38 mW source laser optical power can support a four‐channel DWDM link operating at an aggregate 448 Gb s−1 data rate.
HINT: BECOMING A LEADER DOESN'T HAVE TO BE DAUNTING
Authors: Goldin Kara
Published: July 2020

This is the story of how I overcame a seemingly endless series of no's and you cant's and it's impossible's to create a unique product, build a thriving company, compete with some of the biggest beverage companies on the planet—and live a life filled with rich experience and constant learning. Today, Hint Water is the #1 flavored water in the United States. I call myself an accidental entrepreneur because I came to the world of start‐ups differently than a lot of other entrepreneurs. Founding a company was never my goal. I didn't go to business school. I was in my mid‐thirties when I founded Hint. In addition to the troubles that are personal and directly related to your business, you will also have to deal with challenges and setbacks that are not of your own making and not within your control. We've gotten Hint through deep recession, political upheaval, competitive challenge, a pandemic, and more. If you want to live in a world where things are different, you sometimes have to do things that others consider foolish, but that you think of as bold, life‐changing, and valuable.
New insights into the stress corrosion cracking of carbon steel in ethanolic media
Authors: Ashrafriahi Ali , Ebrahimy Amir Forrozan , Ramsundar Vindel , Korinek Andreas , Newman Roger
Published: July 2020

Potentiostatic slow strain rate testing was conducted on stress corrosion cracking (SCC) test specimens exposed to ethanolic environments prepared from pure dehydrated ethanol. The mechanism of SCC in such environments is not well‐understood. Cracks of various types—intergranular and transgranular open cracks, and sharp closed transgranular cracks—were found by altering several testing parameters. The presence of chloride was found to be essential for crack initiation. A scanning electron microscope examination indicated that an “anodic” cracking mechanism, not necessarily slip dissolution, was most likely operating at high elongations. Sharp, closed transgranular cracks, with a maximum depth of 4 µm, were detected at elongations below 3% in ethanol solutions containing 2.5‐mM LiCl. A focused ion beam was used to extract such a transgranular crack tip for analytical transmission electron microscopy using electron energy loss spectroscopy, which confirmed that the crack was in a ferrite grain. The sharp closed transgranular cracks seem to ally with the cracks observed in CO–CO2–H2O and anhydrous ammonia environments, which are proposed to grow by unique cleavage mechanisms. The possibility of embrittlement by carbon interstitials produced by ethanol electro‐oxidation within the crack is discussed.
Facile Synthesis of Novel Thermo‐Responsive Polyvalerolactones with Tunable LCSTs
Authors: Yiu Asteria , Simchuk Daniel , Hao Jing
Published: July 2020

Thermoresponsive polymers have emerged as promising candidates for biomedical applications. Seven novel oligoethylene glycol (OEG) functionalized polyvalerolactones P1–P7 are synthesized from poly(α‐allyl‐δ‐valerolactone) via thiol‐ene addition post‐polymerization modification. All seven polymers exhibit thermoresponsive behavior with lower critical solution temperatures (LCSTs) ranging from 13.8 to 92.2 °C. Polymers P5–P7 are synthesized via thiol‐ene addition reaction using two thiol mixtures at three different ratios. LCSTs of P5–P7 fall in between those of P1 and P2, and exhibit a linear relationship, indicating a tunable thermoresponsive system. This newly developed system offers great control for a desired thermoresponsive biocompatible, biodegradable polymeric system with desired LCSTs.
Ionic (Co)Organocatalyst with (Thio)Urea Anion and Tetra‑n‑butyl Ammonium Cation for the Polymerization of γ‐Butyrolactone
Authors: Fang Ge , Zhe Wang , Yanyun Zhu , Xiaowu Wang
Published: July 2020

An effective ionic organocatalyst system is developed for the challenging ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of γ‐butyrolactone (GBL) at low temperature. The catalysts are prepared by dehydration reaction between tetra‐n‐butyl ammonium hydroxide (TBAOH) and (thio)ureas at ambient temperature, and utilized with or without extra benzyl alcohol (BnOH) initiator. The solid‐state structure of TUA‐3 comprising thiourea anion is characterized by X‐ray diffraction analysis. Typically, a mixture of cyclic and linear poly(GBL) with low molecular weights (5000–1600 g mol−1) and slightly narrow molecular distribution Ð (1.2–1.4) is obtained by single base with/without combination with (thio)ureas. Interestingly, solely linear high‐molecular‐weight poly(GBL) (10 400 g mol−1) can be achieved by a synergistic effect of TBAOH/N,N′‐isopropylthiourea in the presence of BnOH. The obtained poly(GBL) is characterized with NMR spectroscopy and matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectroscopy (MALDI‐TOF MS). Mechanistic studies reveal different polymerization initiation steps in this reported catalyst system, which leads to poly(GBL) with divergent end groups.
Effects of rotation speed and dwell time on the mechanical properties and microstructure of dissimilar aluminum‐titanium alloys by friction stir spot welding (FSSW)
Authors: Asmael M.B.A. , Glaissa M.A.A.
Published: July 2020

In this study, the effects of rotation speed and dwell time on the mechanical properties and microstructure of friction stir spot welded joints of dissimilar aluminum and titanium alloys were investigated. Aluminum AA6061 and titanium Ti‐6Al‐4 V alloys were selected as the work piece. The joint quality, mechanical behavior, and microstructural evolution in the welded regions were considerably affected by the welding parameters. The results of scanning electron microscopy showed the formation of Ti3Al intermetallic compounds near the thermomechanical affected zone, which significantly affected the properties of the welding joint. Maximum tensile shear load was produced at 1000 min−1 and 10 s dwell time. Moreover, the welding joint microhardness was improved with increasing the rotation speed.