bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of earthworm Eisenia fetida epidermal mucus on the vitality and pathogenicity of Beauveria bassiana
Authors: Zhou Xibei , Liang Wulong , Zhang Yanfeng , Ren Zhumei , Xie Yingping
Published: July 2021

Beauveria bassiana is one of the most widely studied and used entomopathogenic fungus as biopesticide. In the biological control of pests, B. bassiana will persist in the soil after application, and will inevitably contact with earthworms, especially the epigeic earthworm species. So, what are the effects of earthworm and its epidermal mucus on the activity of B. bassiana? We employed the epigeic earthworm Eisenia fetida, B. bassiana TST05 strain, and the insect Atrijuglans hetaohei mature larvae to study the impact of earthworm epidermal mucus on the vitality and pathogenicity of B. bassiana to insect. Methods included scanning electron microscope observation, detection of spore germination, fungal extracellular enzyme activity, and infection testing to A. hetaohei. The results showed that the B. bassiana spores may attach to the cuticle of E. fetida but they could be covered by the epidermal mucus and became rough and shrunken. After treatment with the epidermal mucus, the spore germination and extracellular enzymes of B. bassiana was significantly inhibited. Inoculation of A. hetaohei larvae with a mixture of B. bassiana and mucus showed that the mucus could reduce the pathogenicity of B. bassiana to the insect, resulting in a slower disease course and lower mortality. It was concluded that the epidermal mucus of the earthworm E. fetida can inhibit the activity of B. bassiana, as well as the infectivity and pathogenicity of fungus to target insects. However, after treatment with epidermal mucus the surviving B. bassiana still had certain infectivity to insects. This is of great significance for the application of B. bassiana in biological control of pests.
Prediction of individual COVID-19 diagnosis using baseline demographics and lab data
Authors: Zhang Jimmy , Jun Tomi , Frank Jordi , Nirenberg Sharon , Kovatch Patricia , Huang Kuan-lin
Published: July 2021

The global surge in COVID-19 cases underscores the need for fast, scalable, and reliable testing. Current COVID-19 diagnostic tests are limited by turnaround time, limited availability, or occasional false findings. Here, we developed a machine learning-based framework for predicting individual COVID-19 positive diagnosis relying only on readily-available baseline data, including patient demographics, comorbidities, and common lab values. Leveraging a cohort of 31,739 adults within an academic health system, we trained and tested multiple types of machine learning models, achieving an area under the curve of 0.75. Feature importance analyses highlighted serum calcium levels, temperature, age, lymphocyte count, smoking, hemoglobin levels, aspartate aminotransferase levels, and oxygen saturation as key predictors. Additionally, we developed a single decision tree model that provided an operable method for stratifying sub-populations. Overall, this study provides a proof-of-concept that COVID-19 diagnosis prediction models can be developed using only baseline data. The resulting prediction can complement existing tests to enhance screening and pandemic containment workflows.
Repeat and single dose administration of gadodiamide to rats to investigate concentration and location of gadolinium and the cell ultrastructure
Authors: Davies Julie , Marino Michael , Smith Adrian P. L. , Crowder Janell M. , Larsen Michael , Lowery Lisa , Castle Jason , Hibberd Mark G. , Evans Paul M.
Published: July 2021

Gadolinium based contrast agents (GBCA) are used to image patients using magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. In recent years, there has been controversy around gadolinium retention after GBCA administration. We sought to evaluate the potential toxicity of gadolinium in the rat brain up to 1-year after repeated gadodiamide dosing and tissue retention kinetics after a single administration. Histopathological and ultrastructural transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis revealed no findings in rats administered a cumulative dose of 12 mmol/kg. TEM-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (TEM-EDS) localization of gadolinium in the deep cerebellar nuclei showed ~ 100 nm electron-dense foci in the basal lamina of the vasculature. Laser ablation-ICP-MS (LA-ICP-MS) showed diffuse gadolinium throughout the brain but concentrated in perivascular foci of the DCN and globus pallidus with no observable tissue injury or ultrastructural changes. A single dose of gadodiamide (0.6 mmol/kg) resulted in rapid cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood clearance. Twenty-weeks post administration gadolinium concentrations in brain regions was reduced by 16–72-fold and in the kidney (210-fold), testes (194-fold) skin (44-fold), liver (42-fold), femur (6-fold) and lung (64-fold). Our findings suggest that gadolinium does not lead to histopathological or ultrastructural changes in the brain and demonstrate in detail the kinetics of a human equivalent dose over time in a pre-clinical model.
Graph hierarchy: a novel framework to analyse hierarchical structures in complex networks
Authors: Moutsinas Giannis , Shuaib Choudhry , Guo Weisi , Jarvis Stephen
Published: July 2021

Trophic coherence, a measure of a graph’s hierarchical organisation, has been shown to be linked to a graph’s structural and dynamical aspects such as cyclicity, stability and normality. Trophic levels of vertices can reveal their functional properties, partition and rank the vertices accordingly. Trophic levels and hence trophic coherence can only be defined on graphs with basal vertices, i.e. vertices with zero in-degree. Consequently, trophic analysis of graphs had been restricted until now. In this paper we introduce a hierarchical framework which can be defined on any simple graph. Within this general framework, we develop several metrics: hierarchical levels, a generalisation of the notion of trophic levels, influence centrality, a measure of a vertex’s ability to influence dynamics, and democracy coefficient, a measure of overall feedback in the system. We discuss how our generalisation relates to previous attempts and what new insights are illuminated on the topological and dynamical aspects of graphs. Finally, we show how the hierarchical structure of a network relates to the incidence rate in a SIS epidemic model and the economic insights we can gain through it.
Influence of ontogenetic development, temperature, and pCO2 on otolith calcium carbonate polymorph composition in sturgeons
Authors: Loeppky Alison R. , Belding Luke D. , Quijada-Rodriguez Alex R. , Morgan John D. , Pracheil Brenda M. , Chakoumakos Bryan C. , Anderson W. Gary
Published: July 2021

Changes to calcium carbonate (CaCO3) biomineralization in aquatic organisms is among the many predicted effects of climate change. Because otolith (hearing/orientation structures in fish) CaCO3 precipitation and polymorph composition are controlled by genetic and environmental factors, climate change may be predicted to affect the phenotypic plasticity of otoliths. We examined precipitation of otolith polymorphs (aragonite, vaterite, calcite) during early life history in two species of sturgeon, Lake Sturgeon, (Acipenser fulvescens) and White Sturgeon (A. transmontanus), using quantitative X-ray microdiffraction. Both species showed similar fluctuations in otolith polymorphs with a significant shift in the proportions of vaterite and aragonite in sagittal otoliths coinciding with the transition to fully exogenous feeding. We also examined the effect of the environment on otolith morphology and polymorph composition during early life history in Lake Sturgeon larvae reared in varying temperature (16/22 °C) and pCO2 (1000/2500 µatm) environments for 5 months. Fish raised in elevated temperature had significantly increased otolith size and precipitation of large single calcite crystals. Interestingly, pCO2 had no statistically significant effect on size or polymorph composition of otoliths despite blood pH exhibiting a mild alkalosis, which is contrary to what has been observed in several studies on marine fishes. These results suggest climate change may influence otolith polymorph composition during early life history in Lake Sturgeon.
Effects of stem cells from inducible brown adipose tissue on diet-induced obesity in mice
Authors: Calvo Enrique , Keiran Noelia , Núñez-Roa Catalina , Maymó-Masip Elsa , Ejarque Miriam , Sabadell-Basallote Joan , del Mar Rodríguez-Peña María , Ceperuelo-Mallafré Victòria , Seco Jesús , Benaiges Ester , Michalopoulou Theodora , Jorba Rosa , Vendrell Joan , Fernández-Veledo Sonia
Published: July 2021

Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) are a promising option for the treatment of obesity and its metabolic co-morbidities. Despite the recent identification of brown adipose tissue (BAT) as a potential target in the management of obesity, the use of ASCs isolated from BAT as a therapy for patients with obesity has not yet been explored. Metabolic activation of BAT has been shown to have not only thermogenic effects, but it also triggers the secretion of factors that confer protection against obesity. Herein, we isolated and characterized ASCs from the visceral adipose tissue surrounding a pheochromocytoma (IB-hASCs), a model of inducible BAT in humans. We then compared the anti-obesity properties of IB-hASCs and human ASCs isolated from visceral white adipose tissue (W-hASCs) in a murine model of diet-induced obesity. We found that both ASC therapies mitigated the metabolic abnormalities of obesity to a similar extent, including reducing weight gain and improving glucose tolerance. However, infusion of IB-hASCs was superior to W-hASCs in suppressing lipogenic and inflammatory markers, as well as preserving insulin secretion. Our findings provide evidence for the metabolic benefits of visceral ASC infusion and support further studies on IB-hASCs as a therapeutic option for obesity-related comorbidities.
Biomechanical characterization of the passive response of the thoracic aorta in chronic hypoxic newborn lambs using an evolutionary strategy
Authors: Rivera Eugenio , Canales Claudio , Pacheco Matías , García-Herrera Claudio , Macías Demetrio , Celentano Diego J. , Herrera Emilio A.
Published: July 2021

The present study involves experiments and modelling aimed at characterizing the passive structural mechanical behavior of the chronic hypoxic lamb thoracic aorta, whose gestation, birth and postnatal period were carried at high altitude (3600 masl). To this end, the mechanical response was studied via tensile and pressurization tests. The tensile and pressurization tests measurements were used simultaneously to calibrate the material parameters of the Gasser–Holzapfel–Ogden (GHO) hyperelasctic anisotropic constitutive model through an analytical-numerical optimization procedure solved with an evolutionary strategy that guarantees a stable response of the model. The model and procedure of calibration adequately adjust to the material behavior in a wide deformation range with an appropriate physical description. The results of this study predict the mechanical response of the lamb thoracic aorta under generalized loading states like those that can occur in physiological conditions and/or in systemic arterial hypertension. Finally, the novel use of the evolutionary strategy, together with the set of experiments and tools used in this study, provide a robust alternative to validate biomechanical characterizations.
Pilot study quantifying muscle glycosaminoglycan using bi-exponential T1ρ mapping in patients with muscle stiffness after stroke
Authors: Menon Rajiv G. , Raghavan Preeti , Regatte Ravinder R.
Published: July 2021

Post stroke muscle stiffness is a common problem, which left untreated can lead to disabling muscle contractures. The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the feasibility of bi-exponential T1ρ mapping in patients with arm muscle stiffness after stroke and its ability to measure treatment related changes in muscle glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). Five patients with muscle stiffness after stroke and 5 healthy controls were recruited for imaging of the upper arm with 3D-T1ρ mapping. Patients were scanned before and after treatment with hyaluronidase injections, whereas the controls were scanned once. Wilcoxon Mann–Whitney tests compared patients vs. controls and patients pre-treatment vs. post-treatment. With bi-exponential modeling, the long component, T1ρl was significantly longer in the patients (biceps P = 0.01; triceps P = 0.004) compared to controls. There was also a significant difference in the signal fractions of the long and short components (biceps P = 0.03, triceps P = 0.04). The results suggest that muscle stiffness is characterized by increased muscle free water and GAG content. Post-treatment, the T1ρ parameters shifted toward control values. This pilot study demonstrates the application of bi-exponential T1ρ mapping as a marker for GAG content in muscle and as a potential treatment monitoring tool for patients with muscle stiffness after stroke.
Statistical modeling for bioconvective tangent hyperbolic nanofluid towards stretching surface with zero mass flux condition
Authors: Shafiq Anum , Lone S. A. , Sindhu Tabassum Naz , Al-Mdallal Q. M. , Rasool G.
Published: July 2021

This article presents the implementation of a numerical solution of bioconvective nanofluid flow. The boundary layer flow (BLF) towards a vertical exponentially stretching plate with combination of heat and mass transfer rate in tangent hyperbolic nanofluid containing microorganisms. We have introduced zero mass flux condition to achieve physically realistic outcomes. Analysis is conducted with magnetic field phenomenon. By using similarity variables, the partial differential equation which governs the said model was converted into a nonlinear ordinary differential equation, and numerical results are achieved by applying the shooting technique. The paper describes and addresses all numerical outcomes, such as for the Skin friction coefficients (SFC), local density of motile microorganisams (LDMM) and the local number Nusselt (LNN). Furthermore, the effects of the buoyancy force number, bioconvection Lewis parameter, bioconvection Rayleigh number, bioconvection Pecelt parameter, thermophoresis and Brownian motion are discussed. The outcomes of the study ensure that the stretched surface has a unique solution: as Nr (Lb) and Rb (Pe) increase, the drag force (mass transfer rate) increases respectively. Furthermore, for least values of Nb and all the values of Nt under consideration the rate of heat transfer upsurges. The data of SFC, LNN, and LDMM have been tested utilizing various statistical models, and it is noted that data sets for SFC and LDMM fit the Weibull model for different values of Nr and Lb respectively. On the other hand, Frechet distribution fits well for LNN data set for various values of Nt.
The effect of deadlines on cancer screening completion: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lieberman Alicea , Gneezy Ayelet , Berry Emily , Miller Stacie , Koch Mark , Argenbright Keith E. , Gupta Samir
Published: July 2021

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. Although screening facilitates prevention and early detection and is one of the most effective approaches to reducing cancer mortality, participation is low—particularly among underserved populations. In a large, preregistered field experiment (n = 7711), we tested whether deadlines—both with and without monetary incentives tied to them—increase colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. We found that all screening invitations with an imposed deadline increased completion, ranging from 2.5% to 7.3% relative to control (ps < .004). Most importantly, individuals who received a short deadline with no incentive were as likely to complete screening (9.7%) as those whose invitation included a deadline coupled with either a small (9.1%) or large declining financial incentive (12.0%; ps = .57 and .04, respectively). These results suggest that merely imposing deadlines—especially short ones—can significantly increase CRC screening completion, and may also have implications for other forms of cancer screening.
Revisiting extraprostatic extension based on invasion depth and number for new algorithm for substaging of pT3a prostate cancer
Authors: Park Cheol Keun , Chung Yeon Seung , Choi Young Deuk , Ham Won Sik , Jang Won Sik , Cho Nam Hoon
Published: July 2021

Extraprostatic extension (EPE) is a factor in determining pT3a stage in prostate cancer. However, the only distinction in EPE is whether it is focal or non-focal, causing diagnostic and prognostic ambiguity. We substaged pT3a malignancies using classification of EPE to improve personalized prognostication. We evaluated 465 radical prostatectomy specimens with a digital image analyzer by measuring the number, radial distance and two-dimensional square area of the EPE. The most significant cut-off value was proposed as an algorithm for the pT3a substaging system to predict biochemical recurrence (BCR). A combination of the radial distance and the number of EPEs predicted BCR the most effectively. The optimal cut-off criteria were 0.75 mm and 2 mm in radial distance and multifocal EPE (hazard ratio: 2.526, C-index 0.656). The pT3a was subdivided into pT3a1, < 0.75 mm and any number of EPEs; pT3a2, 0.75–2 mm and one EPE; and pT3a3, > 2 mm and any number of EPEs or 0.75–2 mm and ≥ 2 EPEs. This combined tier was highly significant in the prediction of BCR-free survival. The combination of radial distance and number of EPEs could be used to subdivide pT3a prostate cancer and may aid in the prediction of BCR.
A scDb-based trivalent bispecific antibody for T-cell-mediated killing of HER3-expressing cancer cells
Authors: Aschmoneit Nadine , Steinlein Sophia , Kühl Lennart , Seifert Oliver , Kontermann Roland E.
Published: July 2021

HER3 is a member of the EGF receptor family and elevated expression is associated with cancer progression and therapy resistance. HER3-specific T-cell engagers might be a suitable treatment option to circumvent the limited efficacy observed for HER3-blocking antibodies in clinical trials. In this study, we developed bispecific antibodies for T-cell retargeting to HER3-expressing tumor cells, utilizing either a single-chain diabody format (scDb) with one binding site for HER3 and one for CD3 on T-cells or a trivalent bispecific scDb-scFv fusion protein exhibiting an additional binding site for HER3. The scDb-scFv showed increased binding to HER3-expressing cancer cell lines compared to the scDb and consequently more effective T-cell activation and T-cell proliferation. Furthermore, the bivalent binding mode of the scDb-scFv for HER3 translated into more potent T-cell mediated cancer cell killing, and allowed to discriminate between moderate and low HER3-expressing target cells. Thus, our study demonstrated the applicability of HER3 for T-cell retargeting with bispecific antibodies, even at moderate expression levels, and the increased potency of an avidity-mediated specificity gain, potentially resulting in a wider safety window of bispecific T-cell engaging antibodies targeting HER3.
Optimized photoluminescence quantum yield in upconversion composites considering the scattering, inner-filter effects, thickness, self-absorption, and temperature
Authors: Jones Callum M. S. , Biner Daniel , Misopoulos Stavros , Krämer Karl W. , Marques-Hueso Jose
Published: July 2021

Optimizing upconversion (UC) composites is challenging as numerous effects influence their unique emission mechanism. Low scattering mediums increase the number of dopants excited, however, high scattering mediums increase the UC efficiency due to its non-linear power dependency. Scattering also leads to greater thermal effects and emission saturation at lower excitation power density (PD). In this work, a photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) increase of 270% was observed when hexagonal NaYF4:(18%)Yb3+,(2%)Er3+ phosphor is in air compared to a refractive index-matched medium. Furthermore, the primary inner-filter effect causes a 94% PLQY decrease when the excitation focal point is moved from the front of the phosphor to 8.4 mm deep. Increasing this effect limits the maximum excitation PD, reduces thermal effects, and leads to emission saturation at higher excitation PDs. Additionally, self-absorption decreases the PLQY as the phosphor’s thickness increases from 1 to 9 mm. Finally, in comparison to a cuboid cuvette, a 27% PLQY increase occurs when characterizing the phosphor in a cylindrical cuvette due to a lensing effect of the curved glass, as supported by simulations. Overall, addressing the effects presented in this work is necessary to both maximize UC composite performance as well as report their PLQY more reliably.
Perivascular vital cells in the ablation center after multibipolar radiofrequency ablation in an in vivo porcine model
Authors: Poch F. G. M. , Neizert C. A. , Geyer B. , Gemeinhardt O. , Niehues S. M. , Vahldiek J. L. , Bressem K. K. , Lehmann K. S.
Published: July 2021

Multibipolar radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is an advanced ablation technique for early stage hepatocellular carcinoma and liver metastases. Vessel cooling in multibipolar RFA has not been systematically investigated. The objective of this study was to evaluate the presence of perivascular vital cells within the ablation zone after multibipolar RFA. Multibipolar RFA were performed in domestic pigs in vivo. Three internally cooled bipolar RFA applicators were used simultaneously. Three experimental settings were planned: (1) inter-applicator-distance: 15 mm; (2) inter-applicator-distance: 20 mm; (3) inter-applicator-distance: 20 mm with hepatic inflow occlusion (Pringle maneuver). A vitality staining was used to analyze liver cell vitality around all vessels in the ablation center with a diameter > 0.5 mm histologically. 771 vessels were identified. No vital tissue was seen around 423 out of 429 vessels (98.6%) situated within the central white zone. Vital cells could be observed around major hepatic vessels situated adjacent to the ablation center. Vessel diameter (> 3.0 mm; p < 0.05) and low vessel-to-ablation-center distance (< 0.2 mm; p < 0.05) were identified as risk factors for incomplete ablation adjacent to hepatic vessels. The vast majority of vessels, which were localized in the clinically relevant white zone, showed no vital perivascular cells, regardless of vessel diameter and vessel type. However, there was a risk of incomplete ablation around major hepatic vessels situated directly within the ablation center. A Pringle maneuver could avoid incomplete ablations.
Triggering avalanches by transverse perturbations in a rotating drum
Authors: Salinas Vicente , Quiñinao Cristóbal , González Sebastián , Castillo Gustavo
Published: July 2021

We study the role of small-scale perturbations in the onset of avalanches in a rotating drum in the stick-slip regime. By vibrating the system along the axis of rotation with an amplitude orders of magnitude smaller than the particles’ diameter, we found that the order parameter that properly describes the system is the kinetic energy. We also show that, for high enough frequencies, the onset of the avalanche is determined by the amplitude of the oscillation, contrary to previous studies that showed that either acceleration or velocity was the governing parameter. Finally, we present a theoretical model that explains the transition between the continuous and discrete avalanche regimes as a supercritical Hopf bifurcation.
Dosimetry during adjuvant 131I therapy in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer-clinical implications
Authors: Szumowski Piotr , Abdelrazek Saeid , Iwanicka Dorota , Mojsak Małgorzata , Sykała Monika , Żukowski Łukasz , Siewko Katarzyna , Adamska Agnieszka , Maliszewska Katarzyna , Popławska-Kita Anna , Szelachowska Małgorzata , Krętowski Adam , Myśliwiec Janusz
Published: July 2021

The activity of radioiodine (131I) used in adjuvant therapy for thyroid cancer ranges between 30 mCi (1.1 GBq) and 150 mCi (5.5 GBq). Dosimetry based on Marinelli's formula, taking into consideration the absorbed dose in the postoperative tumour bed (D) should systematise the determination of 131I activity. Retrospective analysis of 57 patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) after thyreidectomy and adjuvant 131I therapy with the fixed activity of 3.7 GBq. In order to calculate D from Marinelli's formula, the authors took into account, among other things, repeated dosimetry measurements (after 6, 24, and 72 h) made during scintigraphy and after administration of the therapeutic activity or radioiodine. In 75% of the patients, the values of D were > 300 Gy (i.e. above the value recommended by current guidelines). In just 16% of the patients, the obtained values fell between 250 and 300 Gy, whereas in 9% of the patients, the value of D was < 250 Gy. The therapy was successful for all the patients (stimulated Tg < 1 ng/ml and 131I uptake < 0.1% in the thyroid bed in follow-up examination). Dosimetry during adjuvant 131I therapy makes it possible to diversify the therapeutic activities of 131I in order to obtain a uniform value of D.
Using spatial and temporal modeling to visualize the effects of U.S. state issued stay at home orders on COVID-19
Authors: Carroll Rachel , Prentice Christopher R.
Published: July 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 dominated and augmented many aspects of life beginning in early 2020. Related research and data generation developed alongside its spread. We developed a Bayesian spatio-temporal Poisson disease mapping model for estimating real-time characteristics of the coronavirus disease in the United States. We also created several dashboards for visualization of the statistical model for fellow researchers and simpler spatial and temporal representations of the disease for consumption by analysts and data scientists in the policymaking community in our region. Findings suggest that the risk of confirmed cases is higher for health regions under partial stay at home orders and lower in health regions under full stay at home orders, when compared to before stay at home orders were declared. These results confirm the benefit of state-issued stay at home orders as well as suggest compliance to the directives towards the older population for adhering to social distancing guidelines.
Morpho-molecular characterization of Gyrodactylus parasites of farmed tilapia and their spillover to native fishes in Mexico
Authors: García-Vásquez Adriana , Pinacho-Pinacho Carlos Daniel , Guzmán-Valdivieso Ismael , Calixto-Rojas Miguel , Rubio-Godoy Miguel
Published: July 2021

Translocation of fishes for aquaculture has resulted in the co-introduction of some of their parasites. African cichlid fishes, generically called “tilapias” have been introduced worldwide, along with their monogenean parasites. In a nation-wide survey, we characterised monogeneans of the genus Gyrodactylus infecting farmed “tilapia” throughout Mexico. We also collected native fishes around farms, to look for potential parasite spillover from cultured fishes. Monogeneans were identified taxonomically using morphological and molecular characters. Originally African, pathogenic Gyrodactylus cichlidarum was recorded in every farm surveyed, infecting different “tilapia” varieties, as well as three native cichlid fish species. Previously, we had shown that G. cichlidarum also infects native, non-cichlid fishes in Mexico. We also recorded that Gyrodactylus yacatli is widely distributed in Mexico, infecting cultured “tilapia” and native fishes; and present data indicating that this is a further translocated African parasite. A third, unidentified gyrodactylid infected farmed and native fishes in Chiapas, southern Mexico; we describe the new species as Gyrodactylus shinni n. sp., and provide evidence that this is a third monogenean translocated with African fish. The wide distribution of exotic parasites co-introduced with “tilapia” and their spillover to native fishes may have an important impact on the ichthyofauna in Mexico, one the world’s megadiverse countries.
Clinical features of pachyvessels associated with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy in chronic central serous chorioretinopathy
Authors: Wang Te-An , Chan Wei-Chun , Tsai Shawn H. , Chen Lee-Jen
Published: July 2021

To investigate the association between clinical features of chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) and subsequent development of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). Characteristics and treatment response of PCV secondary to CSC were described. This retrospective observational study included 18 patients with chronic CSC (18 eyes) with subsequent PCV and 36 controls (36 eyes) with chronic CSC without PCV development during follow-up. Clinical features were compared between the two groups. A logistic regression model was used to evaluate the risk factor of PCV formation. Treatments for PCV included anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) monotherapy, photodynamic therapy (PDT), or PDT and anti-VEGF combination treatment. Subretinal fluid on optical coherence tomography images were assessed after treatments. Significant between-group differences were observed in best-corrected visual acuity after disease resolution and presence of pachyvessels (P = .001 and P = .003, respectively). The presence of pachyvessels in chronic CSC was associated with subsequent PCV (odds ratio = 6.00; 95% CI, 1.74–20.68; P = .005). CSC recurrence and subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) were not significantly associated with subsequent PCV development (P = .393 and P = .911, respectively). The mean age of PCV diagnosis was 51 years, and the mean time from CSC diagnosis to PCV confirmation was 77.8 months. The mean (range) SFCT of PCV was 327.7 (134–599) μm. Nine patients received anti-VEGF monotherapy and 5 had disease remission. Four patients received PDT and anti-VEGF combination treatment and all of the 4 had disease remission. In chronic CSC, pachyvessel characteristics are associated with subsequent PCV development. This result will assist clinicians to evaluate CSC in clinical practice and provide insights into the pathogenesis of PCV.
Prediction of optimal continuous positive airway pressure in Thai patients with obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Saiphoklang Narongkorn , Leelasittikul Kanyada , Pugongchai Apiwat
Published: July 2021

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is simple and effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients. However, the CPAP prediction equation in each country is different. This study aimed to predict CPAP in Thai patients with OSA. A retrospective study was conducted in Thai patients, who OSA was confirmed by polysomnography and CPAP titration from January 2015 to December 2018. Demographics, body mass index (BMI), neck circumference (NC), Epworth sleepiness scale, apnea–hypopnea index (AHI), respiratory disturbance index (RDI), mean and lowest pulse oxygen saturation (SpO2), and optimal pressure were recorded. A total of 180 subjects were included: 72.8% men, age 48.7 ± 12.7 years, BMI 31.0 ± 6.3 kg/m2, NC 40.7 ± 4.1 cm, AHI 42.5 ± 33.0 per hour, RDI 47.1 ± 32.8 per hour, and lowest SpO277.1 ± 11.0%. Multiple linear regression analysis identified NC, BMI, RDI, and lowest SpO2. A final CPAP predictive equation was: optimal CPAP (cmH2O) = 4.614 + (0.173 × NC) + (0.067 × BMI) + (0.030 × RDI) − (0.076 × lowest SpO2). This model accounted for 50.0% of the variance in the optimal pressure (R2 = 0.50). In conclusion, a CPAP prediction equation can be used to explain a moderate proportion of the titrated CPAP in Thai patients with OSA. However, the CPAP predictive equation in each country may be different due to differences of ethnicity and physiology.

Trial registration: TCTR20200108003.
Melatonin enhances metallic oxide nanoparticle stress tolerance in rice via inducing tetrapyrrole biosynthesis and amino acid metabolism
Authors: Song Yue , Wang Binqiang , Qiu Dengying , Xie Zhenming , Dai Shang , Li Chao , Xu Shouling , Zheng Yunchao , Li Shan , Jiang Meng
Published: July 2021

Melatonin enhances metallic oxide nanoparticle stress tolerance in rice.
Enhanced broadband absorption with a twisted multilayer metal–dielectric stacking metamaterial
Authors: Deng Guangsheng , Sun Hanxiao , Lv Kun , Yang Jun , Yin Zhiping , Li Ying , Chi Baihong
Published: July 2021

By individually rotating each stacking layer at a certain angle, the absorption bandwidth of the metamaterial can be effectively enlarged.
N+-ion implantation induced enhanced conductivity in polycrystalline and single crystal diamond
Authors: Das Dhruba , Rao M. S. Ramachandra
Published: July 2021

The paper highlights the effect of nitrogen ion implantation on polycrystalline and single crystal diamond where we try to explain its structural and electrical transport behaviour in three different ion dose regimes: low, medium and high fluence respectively.
Tuning the dynamic fragility of acrylic polymers by small molecules: the interplay of molecular structures
Authors: Liu Yuanbiao , Shi Gaopeng , Wu Guozhang
Published: July 2021

Changes in dynamic fragility (m) of poly(butyl methacrylate) (PBMA) have been systematically studied by introducing guest hindered phenols with varied sizes and hydroxyl steric hindrances that can form a hydrogen-bonding network among PBMA chains.
Tunable, conductive, self-healing, adhesive and injectable hydrogels for bioelectronics and tissue regeneration applications
Authors: Panwar Vineeta , Babu Anand , Sharma Anjana , Thomas Jijo , Chopra Vianni , Malik Pinki , Rajput Swati , Mittal Monika , Guha Rajdeep , Chattopadhyay Naibedya , Mandal Dipankar , Ghosh Deepa
Published: July 2021

Conductive hydrogels are attracting considerable interest in view of their potential in a wide range of applications that include healthcare and electronics.
Giant thermoelectric performance of an n-type 2D GaSe0.5Te0.5 alloy
Authors: Marfoua Brahim , Hong Jisang
Published: July 2021

A 2D GaSe0.5Te0.5 alloy displays high ZT performance preserved in a large range of the electron concentration owing to the role of the complex alloy system.
Comprehensive review of single stage switched boost inverter structures
Authors: Palanidoss Sriramalakshmi , Thazhathu Sreedevi Vellithiruthi , Bhaskar Mahajan Sagar , Kannan Ramani , Baboli Payam Teimourzadeh
Published: July 2021

Single‐stage switched boost inverter (SBI) with buck‐boost capability finds wide applications in renewable energy systems (RES). This paper aims at a comprehensive topological review of various single stage SBI circuits. The boosting techniques of SBI include switched inductor, switched capacitor, and transformer assisted switches. Each SBI derived structure has its own merits and demerits depending on the applications. The performance evaluation of SBIs, based on various perspectives like boost factor, voltage stress across active devices, passive elements count, DC link voltage, switching losses, voltage gain, and efficiency, are also discussed. A suitable modulation strategy is used to obtain the desired boosted and inverted ac output voltage in one stage SBI. Different modulation strategies adopted for SBIs are also included at the end of the topological review. This topological review's contribution enlightens the researchers in selecting appropriate SBI with effective modulation strategies suitable for renewable energy applications. Besides, the benefits and shortcomings of these converters are discussed in detail.
Grids of stellar models with rotation
Authors: Eggenberger Patrick , Ekström Sylvia , Georgy Cyril , Martinet Sébastien , Pezzotti Camilla , Nandal Devesh , Meynet Georges , Buldgen Gaël , Salmon Sébastien , Haemmerlé Lionel , Maeder André , Hirschi Raphael , Yusof Norhasliza , Groh José , Farrell Eoin , Murphy Laura , Choplin Arthur
Published: July 2021

Context. Grids of stellar models, computed with the same physical ingredients, allow one to study the impact of a given physics on a broad range of initial conditions and they are a key ingredient for modeling the evolution of galaxies.

Aims. We present here a grid of single star models for masses between 0.8 and 120 M⊙, with and without rotation for a mass fraction of heavy element Z = 0.006, representative of the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC).

Methods. We used the GENeva stellar Evolution Code. The evolution was computed until the end of the central carbon-burning phase, the early asymptotic giant branch phase, or the core helium-flash for massive, intermediate, and low mass stars, respectively.

Results. The outputs of the present stellar models are well framed by the outputs of the two grids obtained by our group for metallicities above and below the one considered here. The models of the present work provide a good fit to the nitrogen surface enrichments observed during the main sequence for stars in the LMC with initial masses around 15 M⊙. They also reproduce the slope of the luminosity function of red supergiants of the LMC well, which is a feature that is sensitive to the time-averaged mass loss rate over the red supergiant phase. The most massive black hole that can be formed from the present models at Z = 0.006 is around 55 M⊙. No model in the range of mass considered will enter into the pair-instability supernova regime, while the minimal mass to enter the region of pair pulsation instability is around 60 M⊙ for the rotating models and 85 M⊙ for the nonrotating ones.

Conclusions. The present models are of particular interest for comparisons with observations in the LMC and also in the outer regions of the Milky Way. We provide public access to numerical tables that can be used for computing interpolated tracks and for population synthesis studies.
The use of accounting outsourcing in small agricultural enterprises
Authors: Yekimov Sergey , Nianko Viktoriia , Harkusha Serhii , Burlitska Oksana , Gavrilko Tetiana
Published: July 2021

Accounting and management accounting at an agricultural enterprise reflects the results of economic and financial activities. The success of the company’s operation largely depends on the performance of its accounting functions. The article deals with the problems of setting and maintaining management accounting at agricultural enterprises. The necessity of using accounting outsourcing in small agricultural enterprises is justified. Calculating the cost of production of an agricultural enterprise is an important problem on the way to reducing it. To effectively calculate the cost of production, an agricultural enterprise should combine the process-by-process and batch method of cost accounting. This will make it possible to increase control over production costs, but requires the use of accounting specialists with appropriate competencies and skills. As a rule, small agricultural enterprises and primarily farms use a simplified accounting and reporting system. The simplified form of accounting and reporting, on the one hand, significantly simplifies the preparation and submission of tax reports for small agricultural enterprises, but at the same time does not allow for effective control of production costs. Accounting outsourcing allows you to reduce the costs of the company for the services of accountants and at the same time increase their efficiency..
The economic relationships of essential oil production as a basis for supply chain modeling
Authors: Timirgaleeva R.R. , Verdysh M.V. , Popova A.A. , Polyakova N.Yu.
Published: July 2021

This article reveals that essential oil production is a complex system with a large number of economic ties arising in the process of growing and processing as well as distribution of products made from essential oils raw materials. Multileveled manufacturing process of essential oils products requires coordination of all the elements to reduce costs in the entire supply chain. It is proposed to use mathematical modeling of the supply chain based on the method of main faces, which allows to take into account the specifics of the problem and makes it possible to use a variety of combinatorial and heuristic algorithms.
Thermoregulation of plant systems as a factor of production processes
Authors: Grishin Alexander , Grishin Andrey , Knyazeva Inna , Grishin Vladimir
Published: July 2021

Thermoregulation in plant systems is one of the main functions of transpiration, which plays the role of the upper terminal mover of the water current. It creates a continuous flow of water from the root system to the leaves and other vegetative organs of the plant, linking them into a single whole. This flow transports dissolved mineral and partially organic nutrients. The study of thermoregulation on plants of the strawberry garden variety Asia was conducted in 2019–2020 in the department of Closed Artificial Agroecosystems for Plant Growing at the Federal Scientific Agroengineering Center VIM, Moscow. The object of the study was thermoregulation processes occurring in plant systems. The subject of the study was the culture of garden strawberry Fragaria×ananassa (Weston.) Duchesne of the ‘Asia’ variety. As a source of light energy (LE) we used a thirty-six-watt bispectral lamp, consisting of 12 three-watt LEDs of red (660 nm) and blue (450 nm) colors at a ratio of 10:2, providing constant illumination of the culture. The study results allowed for a digital control of the efficiency of production processes in plant systems, due to the implementation of a step-by-step control algorithm in digital devices. The algorithm makes it possible to establish the maximum temperature difference between the leaf surface and the air.
Effect of the next-generation stimulants on the yielding capacity of winter wheat in moisture deficit conditions
Authors: Drepa Elena , Pshenichniy Roman , Ponomarenko Marina , Golosnaya Elena , Petrova Lyudmila
Published: July 2021

In the conditions of the Stavropol Krai arid region the single nutrient fertilizer treatment of winter wheat does not always justify the costs expended due to the moisture deficit during the growing season. In this regard, one of current promising areas is the additional combined use of chemical fertilizers, growth-stimulating agents and micronutrients intended for seed and vegetative plant treatment. In 2018–2020 a research was conducted into the effect of the VL 77 growth stimulants and the Orakul Semena, Orakul Multikompleks, and Orakul Sera Activ micronutrient complexes at different growth and development stages during winter wheat cultivation in the volatile weather conditions of the Stavropol Krai arid region. The research establishes the effectiveness of the combined use of the next-generation stimulants during winter wheat cultivation on chestnut soils in the conditions of the Stavropol Krai arid region. The highest yield of the Idilliya winter wheat variety (4.68 t/ha) was achieved by initially dressing the seeds with the VL 77 growth stimulants combined with the Orakul Semena micronutrient complex and treating the seeds with the VL 77 growth stimulants in combination with the Orakul Multikompleks micronutrient complex during the spring growth resumption period. The second treatment of vegetative plants during the flag leaf stage stimulated their growth, but moisture deficit reduced the yields by 2.3%. Still, the yields obtained exceeded the test yields by 4.3%. On average, during the three years of research the growth stimulant and micronutrient complex treatment boosted the yielding capacity in moisture deficit conditions by 4.6–5.1%. The cost effectiveness concurrently increased from 66.0% to 89.0%.
Modelling forHevea brasiliensisandManihot esculentaplantations responses to climate change in Song Hinh District of Phu Yen province, Vietnam
Authors: Pham Mai Phuong , Tong Thi Hanh , Vu Dinh Duy , Nguyen Quoc Khanh
Published: July 2021

The research aimed to evaluate the land potential for annual and perennial agricultural crops in Song Hinh district - Phu Yen province of Vietnam using integration of AHP -GIS technique based on the maximum limitation method of the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) and ecological requirements of planted crops rubber plant and cassava plant (Hevea brasiliensisandManihot esculenta). Twenty social, economic and environmental parameters selected to analyze in the model. The results of the land evaluation showed that the high potential land of rubber plant is likely to increase by 51% by 2065. Meanwhile, the high potential land of cassava plant is likely to increase by 32%. The study used the climate change scenarios of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) based on the most up-to-date results of climate models (under the CMIP5 project).
Biochemical Dymorphism of Potassium Content and its Adaptive Significance in Domestic Reindeer
Authors: Yuzhakov Alexander , Kushnir Anatoly , Laishev Kasim , Zabrodin Vasily
Published: July 2021

The connection between the types of potassium concentration and the ecogenesis of the studied groups of animals, with the degree of extreme conditions of breeding, with types of potassium in extreme conditions of breeding is known. In this regard, studies on autochthonous species of ungulates in the Subarctic are of great interest, the most numerous of which is the reindeer (Rangifer tarandus). Comparative analysis of the adaptive responses of NK and LK types at different levels of organization confirmed the presence of the adaptive advantage of animals characterized by a hereditarily high concentration of potassium in the blood in ecological-geographical zones with extreme environmental conditions. As a result of a study on domesticated reindeer, a clearly expressed dimorphism in the level of potassium in the blood was revealed, due to a genetically controlled high NK and low LK concentration. The average level of potassium in whole blood in the studied population of reindeer is 26.94 ± 0.56 meq/l with a variability of 24.61%. It was revealed that the average level of potassium content in whole blood by sex and age was distributed as follows: whales 22.97 - 25.80 meq/l at P> 0.05, castrate bulls had indicators significantly higher than 28.37 - 29.58 meq / l, at P> 0.05, the young showed intermediate indicators - 27.37 - 28.13 at P> 0.05. The intragroup variability in potassium content in whole blood ranged from 15.5 to 31.05%. It was found that in domestic reindeer the ratio of animals of the high-potassium (HK) type is 88.02% and of the lowpotassium (LK) type - 11.98%, while the gene frequencies for highpotassium animals are 0.9381.
Use of an environmentally oriented organic mineral fertilizer from liquid waste of pig farms in the cultivation of wheat
Authors: Kolesnikova Тatiana , Kulikova Marina
Published: July 2021

The article presents the results of a field vegetation experiment in the Rostov region on the cultivation of spring wheat of the “Zlata” variety with the use of an environmentally oriented organic mineral fertilizer from liquid waste of pig farms by the method of split plots with a randomized placement of variants in repetitions, the repetition of the experiment is three-fold. The agrochemical indicators of the soil before and after wheat cultivation at the horizons of 0-20 and 20-40 cm are given. The scheme of carrying out the experiment, including different doses of organic mineral fertilizer application and a plan for cutting plots, is indicated. During the growing season, constant observations of the plants were carried out together with the care. The dynamics of the growth of wheat biomass in different periods of time from planting and its yield are presented. The influence of different doses of ecologically oriented organic mineral fertilizer from pig manure on the yield of spring wheat is estimated. According to the results of experimental data, the effective dose of organic mineral fertilizer application from pig manure was established-2t/ha. The yield of grain crops (wheat) per hectare was determined-49.2 c / ha. The spring wheat variety “Zlata”, which is unusual for the Rostov region, gave a high yield when applying an environmentally oriented fertilizer, which proves its value both in agronomic and ecological terms. The absence of toxic effects on the soil of organic mineral fertilizers for heavy metals (copper, nickel. cadmium, lead), an increase in humus from 5.43% to 5.52%. The assessment of the nutrient reserves in seeds and the effect of organic mineral fertilizer doses on the quality of spring wheat grain of the «Zlata» variety is given. The highest amount of gluten-40.03% - was observed when using the fertilizer at a dose of 2 t / ha.