bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bacterial load slopes represent biomarkers of tuberculosis therapy success, failure, and relapse
Authors: Magombedze Gesham , Pasipanodya Jotam G. , Gumbo Tawanda 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThere is an urgent need to discover biomarkers that are predictive of long-term TB treatment outcomes, since treatment is expense and prolonged to document relapse. We used mathematical modeling and machine learning to characterize a predictive biomarker for TB treatment outcomes. We computed bacterial kill rates,γffor fast- andγsfor slow/non-replicating bacteria, using patient sputum data to determine treatment duration by computing time-to-extinction of all bacterial subpopulations. We then derived aγs-slope-based rule using first 8 weeks sputum data, that demonstrated a sensitivity of 92% and a specificity of 89% at predicting relapse-free cure for 2, 3, 4, and 6 months TB regimens. In comparison, current methods (two-month sputum culture conversion and the Extended-EBA) methods performed poorly, with sensitivities less than 34%. These biomarkers will accelerate evaluation of novel TB regimens, aid better clinical trial designs and will allow personalization of therapy duration in routine treatment programs.
Exploring the biosynthetic pathway of lignin in Acorus tatarinowii Schott using de novo leaf and rhizome transcriptome analysis
Authors: Zhang Shengxiang , Zhao Liqiang , Shan Chunmiao , Shi Yuanyuan , Ma Kelong , Wu Jiawen 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Acorus tatarinowii Schott is a well-known Chinese traditional herb. Lignin is the major biologically active ingredient and exerts a broad range of pharmacological effects: it is an antitumor, antioxidant and bacteriostatic agent, and protects the cardiovascular system. In the present study, the transcriptomes of the leaf and rhizome tissues of A. tatarinowii Schott were obtained using the BGISEQ-500 platform. A total of 141777 unigenes were successfully assembled, of which 76714 were annotated in public databases. Further analysis of the lignin biosynthesis pathway revealed a total of 107 unigenes encoding 8 key enzymes, which were involved in this pathway. Furthermore, the expression of the key genes involved in lignin synthesis in different tissues was identified by quantitative real-time PCR. Analysis of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) showed that most of the up-regulated unigenes were enriched in rhizome tissues. In addition, 2426 unigenes were annotated to the transcriptome factor (TF) family. Moreover, 16 TFs regulating the same key enzyme (peroxidase) were involved in the lignin synthesis pathway. The alignment of peroxidase amino acid sequences and the analysis of the structural characteristics revealed that the key peroxidase enzyme had well-conserved sequences, spatial structures, and active sites. The present study is the first to provide comprehensive genetic information on A. tatarinowii Schott at the transcriptional level, and will facilitate our understanding of the lignin biosynthesis pathway.
Electron acceleration driven by the lower-hybrid-drift instability
Authors: Lavorenti Federico , Henri Pierre , Califano Francesco , Aizawa Sae , André Nicolas 
Published: June 2021

Context.Density inhomogeneities are ubiquitous in space and astrophysical plasmas, particularly at contact boundaries between different media. They often correspond to regions that exhibit strong dynamics across a wide range of spatial and temporal scales. Indeed, density inhomogeneities are a source of free energy that can drive various instabilities such as the lower-hybrid-drift instability, which, in turn, transfers energy to the particles through wave-particle interactions and eventually heats the plasma.Aims.Our study is aimed at quantifying the efficiency of the lower-hybrid-drift instability to accelerate or heat electrons parallel to the ambient magnetic field.Methods.We combine two complementary methods: full-kinetic and quasilinear models.Results.We report self-consistent evidence of electron acceleration driven by the development of the lower-hybrid-drift instability using 3D-3V full-kinetic numerical simulations. The efficiency of the observed acceleration cannot be explained by standard quasilinear theory. For this reason, we have developed an extended quasilinear model that is able to quantitatively predict the interaction between lower-hybrid fluctuations and electrons on long time scales, which is now in agreement with full-kinetic simulations results. Finally, we apply this new, extended quasilinear model to a specific inhomogeneous space plasma boundary, namely, the magnetopause of Mercury. Furthermore, we discuss our quantitative predictions of electron acceleration to support future BepiColombo observations.
Method for calculating the insulation of airborne sound by enclose from volumetric-block buildings
Authors: Pirmatov Rakhmatulla , Rashidov Jasur , Pirmatov Khabibullo 
Published: June 2021

This research paper provides a method for calculating airborne sound insulation by encloses from volumetric-block buildings. The choice of the most suitable construction solution for the technical condition of objects at the design stage for building elements should primarily provide insulation from sound and a safe mode inside buildings, in which protection conditions in the combination of energy efficiency and stability should be taken into account, as well as competent decisions and its impact on the construction process buildings.
Numerous scientific studies show the negative effect of sound on human health by the occurrence of various diseases such as cognitive impairment of the fetus in reproductive people, sleep disturbances, tinnitus, irritation, and dysfunction of some human organs. Therefore, sound exposure should be considered a source of inconvenience and a source of harm to human health.
Sound waves collide with the surfaces of enclosing structures, causing them to vibrate and transmit the negative effects of the air around them in adjoining rooms, in which, from the point of view of regulatory requirements, in many cases, it does not meet the requirements, since comfort also depends on the design and sound insulation of the volumetric-block buildings.
Many of these problems are easily solved at the design stage by choosing the right design solution and calculating the soundproofing qualities of the enclosing structures.
In particular, one of the main tasks at the design stage is the development of structural solutions for internal enclosing structures that have a relatively small mass that allows reducing the load on the supporting structures of the building and plummets the material consumption of construction. At the same time, it is necessary to ensure compliance with the regulatory requirements for the isolation of airborne sound of enclosing structures.
Hydraulic calculation of reliability and safety parameters of the irrigation network and its hydraulic facilities
Authors: Karshiev Rustam , Urazkeldiyev Abduvoxid , Rajabov Adhamjon , Ernazarov Azizbek 
Published: June 2021

Nowadays, more than 155.7 thousand km of irrigation networks are operated by WUA, farms and clusters. 95% of irrigation networks were built and commissioned in the 80s of the last centuries.The parameters of the irrigation canals, built in the 70-80s of the XX century, are set for irrigation of cotton and alfalfa irrigated agriculture during the growing season 170-210 days. Irrigation networks have been designed for this crop rotation scheme.Since 1993, the rotation scheme has changed to cotton-wheat. Irrigation networks began to operate continuously throughout the year after the transition of agricultural production to the cultivation of autumn cereals, which require irrigation from October to May. As a result, it has become difficult to carry out repair work on irrigation networks.In addition, irrigation networks have been designed, built and operated by adapting crops to traditional irrigation systems. In recent years, large-scale work has been carried out on the widespread implementation of water-saving technologies in agriculture.
Tracheal Resection after Previous Treatment Provides Comparable Outcome to Primary Surgery
Authors: Slama Alexis , Zaatar Mohamed , Demir Muhittin , Okumus Oezlem , Mattheis Stefan , Kampe Sandra , Darwiche Kaid , Lang Stephan , Aigner Clemens 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background Tracheal and laryngotracheal surgery provides both excellent functional results and long-term outcomes in the treatment of tracheal stenosis. Consequently, challenging re-resections are rarely necessary. The purpose of this study was to compare the outcome of (laryngo-)tracheal re-resection and surgery after bronchoscopic interventions with that of primary surgery.
Methods Patients undergoing resection for benign tracheal stenosis at our center between 1/2016 and 4/2020 were included. Perioperative characteristics and functional outcomes of patients were used for statistical analysis.
Results Sixty-six patients who underwent (laryngo-)tracheal resection were included (previous resection [A = 6], previous stent [B = 6], previous bronchoscopic intervention w/o stenting [C = 19], untreated [D = 35]). Baseline parameters were largely comparable between groups with exception from group B that had significantly worse lung function. Group A necessitated more complex reconstructions (end-to-end: n = 1: 17%| cricotracheal n = 2: 33%| cricotracheal with mucosectomy n = 2: 33%| laryngoplasty: n = 1: 17%) than patients in group D (end-to-end n = 21: 60%| cricotracheal n = 14: 40%). Postoperative outcomes were comparable throughout groups (intensive care unit: 1[1–18] days; hospital stay: 8[5–71] days). Anastomotic complications were higher after previous stenting (A: 0%; B: 33.3%; C: 10.5%; D: 2.9%; B/D p = 0.008| surgical revisions: A: 16.7%; B: 33.3%; C: 0%; D: 5.7%; B/D, p = 0.035). Overall, postoperative lung function was significantly better (forced expiratory volume in 1 second: 63% ± 24 vs. 75% ± 20; p = 0.001 | PeakEF 3.3 ± 1.9 vs. 5.0 ± 2.2L; p = 0.001). No 90-day mortality was observed in any group. Median follow-up was 12(1–47) months.
Conclusion In carefully selected patients treated in a specialized center, tracheal or laryngotracheal resection after previous tracheal interventions provides comparable outcome to primary surgery.
Management of Visceral Artery Pseudoaneurysms by Combined Technique of Percutaneous Thrombin Injection and Endovascular Coiling
Authors: Sivalingam Kalpana , Palanisamy Karthik , Ignatius Amalan 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Purpose To describe our initial experience with percutaneous thrombin injection combined with endovascular coiling of high-flow visceral artery pseudoaneurysms.
Materials and Methods Institutional review board approval was obtained. Between January 2019 and February 2020, 21 patients with nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleed underwent multidetector CT angiography. Four patients with acute pancreatitis and large pseudoaneurysms were selected for the combined technique. Human thrombin reconstituted with calcium chloride was injected percutaneously. Partially thrombosed aneurysms were treated up to three times. Simultaneously or within 15 days, coil embolization of the neck or patent part of pseudoaneurysm was performed. Patients were followed up to 1 month postprocedure.
Results The size of the pseudoaneurysms ranged from 3 cm to 6 cm. All were accessed percutaneously by 22G Chiba needle under ultrasound guidance and 500 to 1500 units of thrombin was injected in one to three attempts. Subsequently, endovascular coiling of the neck of the pseudoaneurysm or of the feeding artery was performed. Technical success with cessation of flow was achieved in all four patients. One patient developed obstructive jaundice postprocedure and another continued to have GI bleeding despite thrombin injection.
Conclusion Percutaneous thrombin injection is an easy to use and effective tool for treating visceral artery pseudoaneurysms and can be combined with endovascular coiling for successful occlusion of large pseudoaneurysms.
Outcomes of Endovascular Therapy for Salvage of Hemodialysis Arteriovenous Fistulae
Authors: Yadav Nishtha , Gamanagatti Shivanand , Sharma Raju , Aggarwal Sanjay Kumar , Bansal V. K. , Kandasamy Devasenathipathy , Seenu V. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Introduction Arteriovenous fistulae (AVF) for hemodialysis (HD) are prone to development of multiple complications, which can lead to nonfunctioning of the fistula. We report outcomes of endovascular management for dysfunctional HD AVF.
Materials and Methods In this prospective study, patients (43 men, 28 women, mean age 47.4 years) with clinical signs and symptoms of dysfunctional HD AVF and referred to interventional radiology for endovascular management were included. The most common clinical presentation included low flows during hemodialysis (n = 20), absent flow (n = 37), and failure of fistula maturation (n = 14). Patients with central venous obstruction who presented with limb swelling were excluded from this study. Patients underwent venography, venoplasty and thrombectomy, as appropriate, to salvage the fistula. The study outcomes were technical success, hemodynamic success, and clinical success of endovascular therapies in salvaging the fistulae.
Results The technical, hemodynamic and clinical success rates of endovascular therapy for low-flow symptoms were 95%, 70% and 95%, respectively. Among patients who presented with absent flow, endovascular therapy had 81% technical success, 78.3% hemodynamic success, and 81% clinical success. Endovascular therapy was associated with 64.2% technical success, 57.1% hemodynamic success, and 64.2% clinical success in patients presenting with failed maturation of the fistula. The overall clinical success rate was 58/71 (81.7%) and failure rate was 13/71 (18.3%). The overall complication rate of endovascular therapy was 8.4% and the complications included vein rupture in 5 (7%) and balloon rupture in 1 (1.4%).
Conclusion Endovascular therapy for salvage of nonfunctioning hemodialysis AVF is associated with a high-clinical success rate (81.7%) and low-complication rate.
[Ni8(CNtBu)12][Cl]: A nickel isocyanide nanocluster with a folded nanosheet structure
Authors: Touchton Alexander J. , Wu Guang , Hayton Trevor W. 
Published: June 2021

The reaction of 1.75 equiv of tBuNC with Ni(1,5-COD)2, followed by crystallization from benzene/pentane, resulted in the isolation of [Ni8(CNtBu)12][Cl] (2) in low yields. Similarly, the reaction of Ni(1,5-COD)2 with 0.6 equiv of [Ni(CNtBu)4], followed by addition of 0.08 equiv of I2, resulted in the formation of [Ni8(CNtBu)12][I] (3), which could be isolated in 52% yield after work-up. Both 2 and 3 adopt folded nanosheet structures in the solid state, characterized by two symmetry-related planar Ni4 arrays, six terminally bound tBuNC ligands, and six tBuNC ligands that adopt bridging coordination modes. The metrical parameters of the six bridging tBuNC ligands suggest that they have been reduced to their [tBuNC]2− form. In contrast to the nanosheet structures observed for 2 and 3, gas phase Ni8 is predicted to feature a compact bisdisphenoid ground state structure. The strikingly different structural outcomes reveal the profound structural changes that can occur upon addition of ligands to bare metal clusters. Ultimately, the characterization of 2 and 3 will enable more accurate structural predictions of ligand-protected nanoclusters in the future.
Optics and neural adaptation jointly limit human stereovision
Authors: Ng Cherlyn J. , Blake Randolph , Banks Martin S. , Tadin Duje , Yoon Geunyoung 
Published: June 2021

SignificanceHumans, and other animals, have eyes laterally displaced on the head that view the world from slightly different vantage points to create small differences in the left and right images. These differences are utilized for depth perception (stereovision). Retinal images are also subject to optical imperfections, often different in the two eyes. Using advanced optical techniques, we show that even the smallest imperfections escaping clinical detection affect stereovision. Our data also suggest that neural processes become acclimated to a person’s own optics. Hence, stereovision is directly affected by the eyes’ optics and indirectly via neural adaptation. Because the optics change over the lifespan, the implication is that the adult binocular system is adaptable, pointing to the potential for binocular rehabilitation.
Periscope Proteins are variable-length regulators of bacterial cell surface interactions
Authors: Whelan Fiona , Lafita Aleix , Gilburt James , Dégut Clément , Griffiths Samuel C. , Jenkins Huw T. , St John Alexander N. , Paci Emanuele , Moir James W. B. , Plevin Michael J. , Baumann Christoph G. , Bateman Alex , Potts Jennifer R. 
Published: June 2021

Significance
The structure of single and tandem SHIRT domains from the streptococcal surface protein Sgo_0707 were determined. In conjunction with biophysics and molecular dynamics simulations, the results show that the observed gene length variation would result in differential projection of the host ligand binding domain on the bacterial cell surface. An analysis of long-read DNA sequence data reveals many other repetitive bacterial surface proteins that appear to undergo gene length variation. We propose that these variable-length “Periscope Proteins” represent an important mechanism of bacterial cell surface modification with potential roles in infection and immune evasion.
Characterizing the “fungal shunt”: Parasitic fungi on diatoms affect carbon flow and bacterial communities in aquatic microbial food webs
Authors: Klawonn Isabell , Van den Wyngaert Silke , Parada Alma E. , Arandia-Gorostidi Nestor , Whitehouse Martin J. , Grossart Hans-Peter , Dekas Anne E. 
Published: June 2021

Significance
Planktonic microorganisms interact with each other in multifarious ways, ultimately catalyzing the flow of carbon and energy in diverse aquatic environments. However, crucial links associated with eukaryotic microparasites are still overlooked in planktonic networks. We addressed such links by studying cryptic interactions between parasitic fungi, phytoplankton, and bacteria using a model pathosystem. Our results demonstrate that parasitic fungi profoundly modified microbial interactions through several mechanisms (e.g., transferring photosynthetic carbon to infecting fungi, stimulating bacterial colonization on phytoplankton cells, and altering the community composition of bacteria and their acquisition of photosynthetic carbon). Hence, fungal microparasites can substantially shape the microbially mediated carbon flow at the base of aquatic food webs and should be considered as crucial members within plankton communities.
Liquid crystal display screens as a source for indoor volatile organic compounds
Authors: Liu Qifan , Abbatt Jonathan P. D. 
Published: June 2021

Significance
Liquid crystal displays (LCDs), ubiquitously used indoors in smartphones, computer monitors, laptops, and televisions, have become an essential aspect of modern life. We find LCD screens can emit significant levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), an important class of indoor air constituents with known adverse health effects. These screen-emitted VOCs are likely derived from the “building block chemicals” used in the manufacturing of liquid crystals. The results indicate that LCD screens are a previously unrecognized source for indoor VOCs, highlighting the need to better understand the environmental fate and toxicological properties associated with the air constituents emitted from LCD screens.
Armillaria limonea.
Authors: Hood Ian , Shaw Charles 
Published: June 2021

Abstract

Armillaria limonea is a white rot wood decay fungus and root disease pathogen that has confirmed presence in New Zealand only, where it is presumed to be indigenous. It is closely related to A. luteobubalina in Australia and South America, and to South American A. montagnei. A. limonea occurs naturally on woody debris and as a cause of butt rot in living trees in podocarp-hardwood and southern beech (Nothofagus) forests where it contributes beneficially to carbon and nutrient recycling. It fruits prolifically in native forests, forming large clusters of "toadstool" fruitbodies during winter. Like many other Armillaria species it is recognized by characteristic white mycelial fans or ribbons produced beneath host bark, and by its bootlace-like rhizomorphs by which it spreads vegetatively from colonized buried woody material or stump root systems to infect living host plants.
Coniothyrium glycines (red leaf blotch).
Authors: Hartman Glen , Murithi Harun Muthuri 
Published: June 2021

Abstract

Red leaf blotch affects soyabean in central and southern Africa. The disease and the causal fungus (Coniothyrium glycines) were first reported in Ethiopia in 1957. C. glycines is native to Africa, living on the native legume, Neonotonia wightii, and perhaps other native or non-native legumes. The jump of the pathogen to soyabean occurred as early as 1957 and reports of the occurrence of red leaf blotch have increased along with soyabean production in Africa. The disease is currently a serious threat to soyabean production in sub-Saharan African countries with losses of up to 70% reported. C. glycines is considered a threat to soyabean-producing countries such as Brazil and the USA. The pathogen is not known to be disseminated by seed or wind. Infection is thought to occur via rainsplash of soilborne inoculum onto the leaves of soyabean plants. Symptoms include characteristic dark red spots on the upper leaf surface and reddish-brown lesions with dark borders on the lower surface. Premature leaf drop may occur in heavy disease conditions, releasing sclerotia back into the soil. The disease is favoured by wet, humid conditions.
Candidatus Phytoplasma australiense.
Authors: Liefting Lia 
Published: June 2021

Abstract

Phytoplasmas are wall-less, phloem-limited unculturable bacteria that are naturally spread by sap-sucking insects. 'Candidatus Phytoplasma australiense', subgroup 16SrXII-B, is associated with a wide range of diseases in Australia and New Zealand. Important commercial crop hosts of 'Ca. Phytoplasma australiense' include grapevine, papaya and strawberry. This phytoplasma is associated with rapid death of its papaya and cabbage tree hosts. In New Zealand, the insect vectors have been confirmed to be the endemic Cixiid planthoppers, Zeoliarus atkinsoni and Z. oppositus, while in Australia no vector has yet been determined, although the leafhopper, Orosius argentatus, has been implicated. Long distance spread of the phytoplasma is possible through infected vegetative propagating material. 'Ca. Phytoplasma australiense' is on the A1 list of regulated organisms for Canada and Bahrain, and is listed as a quarantine pest for the USA.
Peronosclerospora philippinensis (Philippine downy mildew of maize).
Authors: dela Cueva Fe M. , de Castro Alyssa M. , de Torres Rachele L. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract

Peronosclerospora philippinensis, a causal pathogen of maize downy mildews, is one of the major maize diseases reported in some maize-growing countries, especially in the Philippines. High disease incidence has been reported in many parts in the country specifically in northern Luzon and in many parts of Mindanao despite breakthroughs in controlling or mitigating the disease using cultural and chemical control (Pascual et al., 2005). P. philippinensis is considered the most virulent of the downy mildew pathogens affecting maize, causing substantial losses to crop production (Murray, 2009). Under normal conditions, a 40-60% yield reduction is observed; however, favourable conditions for disease development can amplify these losses to 80-100% (Exconde and Raymundo, 1974). As the pathogen is able to survive in seeds, is able to spread rapidly and occasionally forms resting spores that can survive for more than 1 year, the pathogen has the potential to become a threat to local maize production in warm temperate and tropical areas.