bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on settlement analysis of large caisson foundation by centrifuge model test
Authors: Guo Mingwei , Dong Xuechao , Wang Qiang
Published: May 2021

With the increasing scale of caisson foundation in the construction of long-span bridge engineering in China, the overall settlement of large caisson foundation is vital to the construction and safe operation of long-span bridge. Taking the large caisson foundation of Changtai Yangtze River Bridge as the engineering ground, the overall settlement of this caisson foundation was analyzed in detail at the construction stage of Changtai Yangtze River Bridge by centrifuge model test based on the distribution of actual stratum. The test results demonstrated that the overall settlement was about 225mm when the construction of Changtai Yangtze River Bridge is finished, the settlement curve can be divided into three stages with the construction process of Changtai Yangtze River Bridge, and they are slow growth, rapid deformation and deformation stability. The study provides important reference to the design of large caisson foundation of Changtai Yangtze River Bridge, and it also has significant referential meaning to the construction of similar caisson foundation.
The Strategy of Passive Ecological Building Design Based on Guangxi’s Climate Characteristics —A Case Study on the Garden Art Gallery of the 12th China (Nanning) International Garden Expo
Authors: Quan Jing , Songyue Xu , Chang Liu , Meng Jia , He Liu
Published: May 2021

This project is based on the climate characteristics of Guangxi, combined with regional traditional construction methods and vernacular construction materials, and mainly in the light of the passive green building technology system guided by the principle of less manpower and more natures features, which saves early investment and the cost of operation and maintenance, further verifies the effectiveness of the strategy after completion, providing a reference for the development and application of related passive building technology.
The decision making of scientific research direction of construction enterprise
Authors: Luo Ye , Peng Geng , Luo ZhiWen , Shi YunXing , Tian Zhen , Zhao YongXi , Luo YuXiang , Liang YanFang
Published: May 2021

The determination of research direction is a complicated process, especially in the case of architectural research projects. General research projects, especially engineering projects, usually have several characteristics: first, large amount of capital. Second, the work cycle is long. Third, the return is unknown. Therefore, it is particularly important to establish an evaluation system for engineering research projects. This paper analyzes the literature on the civil engineering. The original index factors were extracted and the final index was determined by expert group discussion. Analytic hierarchical analysis (AHP), computer calculation (MATLAB) and hand calculation are used to determine the weight factor. In this paper, real cases are introduced to help leaders of Z enterprise to make decisions on scientific research projects. Based on this case, it can provide reference for other civil engineering research projects
Development situation and analysis of green low carbon buildings in China
Authors: Jing Zhang
Published: May 2021

In order to study the evaluation system, design methods and management modes of low-carbon buildings were compared and analyzed in China and abroad. Based on that, the deficiencies in the evaluation system, design methods and management modes of low-carbon buildings were produced. The analytical results show that, a diversified system for all classes of town to city should be developed in the evaluation system; the building construction should be optimized and new energy sources, such as: wind, solar, geothermal, nuclear energy, natural gas and coal, should be explored to reduce carbon uses in the design techniques; the promotion of the concept of green low-carbon should be strengthened, economic incentive policies should be implemented, and exchanges of developed countries should be increased in the management model.
Study on the identification and control of operational safety accidents in construction
Authors: Zheng Feng
Published: May 2021

Since the 21st century, China’s urbanization process is accelerating, the construction industry has developed rapidly and become one of the pillar industries of the national economy, but the construction safety problems also follow. Although the progress of modern technology and management level can improve this problem to a certain extent, safety accidents still occur frequently in actual construction due to the complexity of construction process and the interference of many uncertain factors. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out research on the prevention and control system of construction safety accidents, which is of great significance to improve the prevention and control ability of construction safety accidents and reduce the accident rate. On the basis of a large number of literature studies, this paper establishes an evaluation model for the prevention and control of construction safety accidents, analyses four levels including the risk of equipment failure, environmental risk, the risk of personnel failure and management risk, verifies the model through AHP, and gives weight to each index to draw relevant conclusions. Combined with the current situation of construction safety accidents in construction companies in recent two years, this paper discusses and analyses the problems existing in the prevention and control of construction safety accidents in construction companies, and puts forward corresponding optimization countermeasures, in order to provide assistance for the decision-making of the prevention and control of construction safety accidents.
Architectural Localization Design Strategies for Small and Medium-Sized Terminals in Africa
Authors: JianNing  , Yang Yuxi , Ruan Yuanbo , Li Yan
Published: May 2021

With the ever-enhanced comprehensive national strength, China plays an increasingly important role on the international arena, and it has participated in more and more terminal projects on the African continent. By summarizing the three aspects of comparing basic parameters and technological parameters, this paper analyzes three practical projects of micromidi airport terminal buildings in Africa that were designed and constructed with Chinese participation. Finally, in the aspects of design standard, construction scale, service standard, technological process, the response of natural environment elements and the response of cultural elements, this paper compares and analyzes with the airport terminal in China. How to respond to the local cultures and realize the localization design was discussed when Chinese architecture marched into the world construction market.
Study of Roof Tiles in Lingnan Traditional Buildings and Roof Drainage Technologies
Authors: Yan Lina , Chen Yile
Published: May 2021

Lingnan building is a key part of Chinese classical architectural schools, and the preservation & repair technologies of Lingnan traditional building roofs, which can embody Lingnan characteristics most, are especially important. The roof tiles of Lingnan traditional buildings and roof drainage technologies were taken as the main study objects. Under the background of Lingnan environmental features, effective roof repair technologies were summarized by combining the roof tile forms and texture types, analyzing the relationship between roof tiling form and roof drainage, and supplementing the traditional tile fabrication technologies, etc., expecting to provide a pragmatic reference for the roof repair of Lingnan ancient buildings.
The Landscape Design of Qi Cai Yunnan No.1 Commercial District
Authors: Yin Zhang , Wenting Sun
Published: May 2021

With the increasing development of the urban commercial pedestrian street, the large flow of people has brought many troubles, such as the conflict between the floating crowd and the static crowd, the crowd crowding, noise and noise in the pedestrian street, these problems can be solved by the layout of the central square of the commercial street. Through the Landscape design of the Qi Cai Yunnan No. 1 Commercial District as an example, reasonable road planning and square node partition design are carried out in order to solve the problem of crowd congestion and provide a high-quality activity and communication space for people.
Research on crack detection of bridge deck based on computer vision
Authors: Cao Jiawei
Published: May 2021

Bridge deck crack is the most serious bridge deck disease. To reduce the time, cost, and money cost of bridge deck crack detection, computer vision technology is combined with bridge deck crack detection. First of all, the main ways of obtaining bridge surface images are analyzed. Then, the algorithms of image enhancement, image noise reduction, image segmentation, crack extraction and recognition, and crack feature extraction in bridge deck crack detection based on computer vision are summarized respectively. Finally, the existing detection methods are reviewed, and the problems encountered in the research process and future research directions are further discussed.
Research on GIS-Based Urban Road Network Congestion Recognition Model
Authors: Xiao Hai , Wang Yu , Zheng Yuan , Chen Lu
Published: May 2021

Traffic congestion has now become one of the most serious urban problems, but the existing research seldom explores the recognition model level of traffic congestion. Taking the central area of Zhonghe Street in Chengdu High-tech Zone as the research area, and mitigating traffic as the basic goal, from the perspective of road network, collect one-week road traffic data of Gaode and use field investigation and big data spatial sampling and other means with GIS spatial analysis methods. A “point”-“line”-“surface” congestion situation analysis model was established to explore the causes of traffic congestion within the study area. The results show that the main traffic congestion of Zhonghe Street is distributed along Tianfu Avenue in the west, along Zhonghe Avenue in the middle, and the old city area in the northeast. Congestion is unevenly distributed in time and space. It is recommended to carry out targeted optimization planning and transformation of the road network to alleviate traffic congestion and improve the efficiency of road network traffic.
Synthesis, physico-chemical characterization and field emission behaviour of 3D chrysanthemum like pristine ReS2, and ReS2-rGO nanocomposite
Authors: Mistari Chetan D , More Mahendra A
Published: May 2021

3D chrysanthemum like pristine ReS2 and nanocomposite of ReS2 with reduced graphene oxide (rGO) have been synthesized using facile one step hydrothermal method, followed by physico-chemical characterizations to reveal their phase, structural and electronic properties. Efforts have been made to reveal the influence of process parameters on morphology and growth of the as-synthesized products. From application point of view, field emission (FE) behavior of pristine ReS2 and ReS2-rGO nanocomposite emitters has been investigated at base pressure of 1 × 10–8 torr. The ReS2 and ReS2-rGO nanocomposite emitters showed values of turn-on field (corresponding to emission current density of 1μA cm−2) as 2.10 and 1.66 V μm−1, and field enhancement factor (β) as ∼965 and 1176, Furthermore, the ReS2-rGO nanocomposite emitter delivered maximum emission current density of ∼1472 μA cm−2 at applied field of 3.1 V μm−1. Both the emitters exhibited good emission current stability at pre-set value ∼5 μA over more than 3 h duration. The superior FE properties of the ReS2-rGO nanocomposite emitter are attributed to optimized morphology offering high field enhancement factor coupled with modulation of electronic properties reflected as lowering of the work function. The value of work function of ReS2-rGO nanocomposite, measured using a retarding field analyzer, is found to be 4.29, lower than that of the pristine sample (4.49 eV). The results signify that functionality of pristine nanostructures is greatly improved via formation of nanocomposites and desirable nanocomposites possessing unique morphology can be synthesized under optimized experimental conditions using a facile and inexpensive hydrothermal route.
Ionic gating in metallic superconductors: A brief review
Authors: Piatti Erik
Published: May 2021

Ionic gating is a very popular tool to investigate and control the electric charge transport and electronic ground state in a wide variety of different materials. This is due to its capability to induce large modulations of the surface charge density by means of the electric-double-layer field-effect transistor (EDL-FET) architecture, and has been proven to be capable of tuning even the properties of metallic systems. In this short review, I summarize the main results which have been achieved so far in controlling the superconducting (SC) properties of thin films of conventional metallic superconductors by means of the ionic gating technique. I discuss how the gate-induced charge doping, despite being confined to a thin surface layer by electrostatic screening, results in a long-range ‘bulk’ modulation of the SC properties by the coherent nature of the SC condensate, as evidenced by the observation of suppressions in the critical temperature of films much thicker than the electrostatic screening length, and by the pronounced thickness-dependence of their magnitude. I review how this behavior can be modelled in terms of proximity effect between the charge-doped surface layer and the unperturbed bulk with different degrees of approximation, and how first-principles calculations have been employed to determine the origin of an anomalous increase in the electrostatic screening length at ultrahigh electric fields, thus fully confirming the validity of the proximity effect model. Finally, I discuss a general framework—based on the combination of ab-initio Density Functional Theory and the Migdal-Eliashberg theory of superconductivity—by which the properties of any gated thin film of a conventional metallic superconductor can be determined purely from first principles.
Prevalence of nodal involvement in rectal cancer after chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Haak H E , Beets G L , Peeters K , Nelemans P J , Valentini V , Rödel C , Kuo L , Calvo F A , Garcia-Aguilar J , Glynne-Jones R , Pucciarelli S , Suarez J , Theodoropoulos G , Biondo S , Lambregts D M J , Beets-Tan R G H , Maas M
Published: May 2021

Background

The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of ypN+ status according to ypT category in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer treated with chemoradiotherapy and total mesorectal excision, and to assess the impact of ypN+ on disease recurrence and survival by pooled analysis of individual-patient data.

Methods

Individual-patient data from 10 studies of chemoradiotherapy for rectal cancer were included. Pooled rates of ypN+ disease were calculated with 95 per cent confidence interval for each ypT category. Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression analyses were undertaken to assess influence of ypN status on 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS).

Results

Data on 1898 patients were included in the study. Median follow-up was 50 (range 0–219) months. The pooled rate of ypN+ disease was 7 per cent for ypT0, 12 per cent for ypT1, 17 per cent for ypT2, 40 per cent for ypT3, and 46 per cent for ypT4 tumours. Patients with ypN+ disease had lower 5-year DFS and OS (46.2 and 63.4 per cent respectively) than patients with ypN0 tumours (74.5 and 83.2 per cent) (P < 0.001). Cox regression analyses showed ypN+ status to be an independent predictor of recurrence and death.

Conclusion

Risk of nodal metastases (ypN+) after chemoradiotherapy increases with advancing ypT category and needs to be considered if an organ-preserving strategy is contemplated.
Corpus callosum dysgenesis causes novel patterns of structural and functional brain connectivity
Authors: Szczupak Diego , Kossmann Ferraz Marina , Gemal Lucas , Oliveira-Szejnfeld Patricia S , Monteiro Myriam , Bramati Ivanei , Vargas Fernando R ,   IRC5 Consortium, Lent Roberto , Silva Afonso C , Tovar-Moll Fernanda
Published: May 2021

Developmental malformations (dysgenesis) of the corpus callosum lead to neurological conditions with a broad range of clinical presentations. Investigating the altered brain connectivity patterns is crucial to understanding both adaptive and maladaptive neuroplasticity in corpus callosum dysgenesis patients. Here, we acquired structural diffusion-weighted and resting-state functional MRI data from a cohort of 11 corpus callosum dysgenesis patients (five with agenesis and six with hypoplasia) and compared their structural and functional connectivity patterns to healthy subjects selected from the Human Connectome Project. We found that these patients have fewer structural inter- and intra-hemispheric brain connections relative to healthy controls. Interestingly, the patients with callosal agenesis have a scant number of inter-hemispheric connections but manage to maintain the full integrity of functional connectivity between the same cortical regions as the healthy subjects. On the other hand, the hypoplasic group presented abnormal structural and functional connectivity patterns relative to healthy controls while maintaining the same total amount of functional connections. These results demonstrate that acallosal patients can compensate for having fewer structural brain connections and present functional adaptation. However, hypoplasics present atypical structural connections to different brain regions, leading to entirely new and abnormal functional brain connectivity patterns.
100% renewable energy with pumped-hydro-energy storage in Nepal
Authors: Lohani Sunil Prasad , Blakers Andrew
Published: May 2021

A radical transformation of the global energy system is underway. Solar photovoltaics and wind now comprise three-quarters of the global net new electricity-generation-capacity additions because they are cheap. The deep renewable electrification of energy services including transport, heating and industry will allow solar and wind to largely eliminate fossil fuels over the next few decades. This paper demonstrates that Nepal will be able to achieve energy self-sufficiency during the twenty-first century. Nepal has good solar and moderate hydroelectric potential but has negligible wind- and fossil-energy resources. The solar potential is about 100 times larger than that required to support a 100% solar-energy system in which all Nepalese citizens enjoy a similar per-person energy consumption to developed countries, without the use of fossil fuels and without the environmental degradation resulting from damming Nepal’s Himalayan rivers. Nepal has vast low-cost off-river pumped hydro-energy-storage potential, thus eliminating the need for on-river hydro storage and moderating the need for large-scale batteries. Solar, with support from hydro and battery storage, is likely to be the primary route for renewable electrification and rapid growth of the Nepalese energy system.
Structural Connectivity Gradients of the Temporal Lobe Serve as Multiscale Axes of Brain Organization and Cortical Evolution
Authors: Vos de Wael Reinder , Royer Jessica , Tavakol Shahin , Wang Yezhou , Paquola Casey , Benkarim Oualid , Eichert Nicole , Larivière Sara , Xu Ting , Misic Bratislav , Smallwood Jonathan , Valk Sofie L , Bernhardt Boris C
Published: May 2021

The temporal lobe is implicated in higher cognitive processes and is one of the regions that underwent substantial reorganization during primate evolution. Its functions are instantiated, in part, by the complex layout of its structural connections. Here, we identified low-dimensional representations of structural connectivity variations in human temporal cortex and explored their microstructural underpinnings and associations to macroscale function. We identified three eigenmodes which described gradients in structural connectivity. These gradients reflected inter-regional variations in cortical microstructure derived from quantitative magnetic resonance imaging and postmortem histology. Gradient-informed models accurately predicted macroscale measures of temporal lobe function. Furthermore, the identified gradients aligned closely with established measures of functional reconfiguration and areal expansion between macaques and humans, highlighting their potential role in shaping temporal lobe function throughout primate evolution. Findings were replicated in several datasets. Our results provide robust evidence for three axes of structural connectivity in human temporal cortex with consistent microstructural underpinnings and contributions to large-scale brain network function.
Novel Canine Coronavirus Isolated from a Hospitalized Patient With Pneumonia in East Malaysia
Authors: Vlasova Anastasia N , Diaz Annika , Damtie Debasu , Xiu Leshan , Toh Teck-Hock , Lee Jeffrey Soon-Yit , Saif Linda J , Gray Gregory C
Published: May 2021

Background

During the validation of a highly sensitive panspecies coronavirus (CoV) seminested reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay, we found canine CoV (CCoV) RNA in nasopharyngeal swab samples from 8 of 301 patients (2.5%) hospitalized with pneumonia during 2017–2018 in Sarawak, Malaysia. Most patients were children living in rural areas with frequent exposure to domesticated animals and wildlife.

Methods

Specimens were further studied with universal and species-specific CoV and CCoV 1-step RT-PCR assays, and viral isolation was performed in A72 canine cells. Complete genome sequencing was conducted using the Sanger method.

Results

Two of 8 specimens contained sufficient amounts of CCoVs as confirmed by less-sensitive single-step RT-PCR assays, and 1 specimen demonstrated cytopathic effects in A72 cells. Complete genome sequencing of the virus causing cytopathic effects identified it as a novel canine-feline recombinant alphacoronavirus (genotype II) that we named CCoV–human pneumonia (HuPn)–2018. Most of the CCoV-HuPn-2018 genome is more closely related to a CCoV TN-449, while its S gene shared significantly higher sequence identity with CCoV-UCD-1 (S1 domain) and a feline CoV WSU 79-1683 (S2 domain). CCoV-HuPn-2018 is unique for a 36-nucleotide (12–amino acid) deletion in the N protein and the presence of full-length and truncated 7b nonstructural protein, which may have clinical relevance.

Conclusions

This is the first report of a novel canine-feline recombinant alphacoronavirus isolated from a human patient with pneumonia. If confirmed as a pathogen, it may represent the eighth unique coronavirus known to cause disease in humans. Our findings underscore the public health threat of animal CoVs and a need to conduct better surveillance for them.
Neuroscientific therapies for atrial fibrillation
Authors: Hanna Peter , Buch Eric , Stavrakis Stavros , Meyer Christian , Tompkins John D , Ardell Jeffrey L , Shivkumar Kalyanam
Published: May 2021

The cardiac autonomic nervous system (ANS) plays an integral role in normal cardiac physiology as well as in disease states that cause cardiac arrhythmias. The cardiac ANS, comprised of a complex neural hierarchy in a nested series of interacting feedback loops, regulates atrial electrophysiology and is itself susceptible to remodelling by atrial rhythm. In light of the challenges of treating atrial fibrillation (AF) with conventional pharmacologic and myoablative techniques, increasingly interest has begun to focus on targeting the cardiac neuraxis for AF. Strong evidence from animal models and clinical patients demonstrates that parasympathetic and sympathetic activity within this neuraxis may trigger AF, and the ANS may either induce atrial remodelling or undergo remodelling itself to serve as a substrate for AF. Multiple nexus points within the cardiac neuraxis are therapeutic targets, and neuroablative and neuromodulatory therapies for AF include ganglionated plexus ablation, epicardial botulinum toxin injection, vagal nerve (tragus) stimulation, renal denervation, stellate ganglion block/resection, baroreceptor activation therapy, and spinal cord stimulation. Pre-clinical and clinical studies on these modalities have had promising results and are reviewed here.
An exploration of the relationship between recruitment communication and foraging in stingless bees
Authors: I’Anson Price Robbie , Segers Francisca , Berger Amelia , Nascimento Fabio S , Grüter Christoph
Published: May 2021

Social information is widely used in the animal kingdom and can be highly adaptive. In social insects, foragers can use social information to find food, avoid danger, or choose a new nest site. Copying others allows individuals to obtain information without having to sample the environment. When foragers communicate information they will often only advertise high-quality food sources, thereby filtering out less adaptive information. Stingless bees, a large pantropical group of highly eusocial bees, face intense inter- and intra-specific competition for limited resources, yet display disparate foraging strategies. Within the same environment there are species that communicate the location of food resources to nest-mates and species that do not. Our current understanding of why some species communicate foraging sites while others do not is limited. Studying freely foraging colonies of several co-existing stingless bee species in Brazil, we investigated if recruitment to specific food locations is linked to 1) the sugar content of forage, 2) the duration of foraging trips, and 3) the variation in activity of a colony from 1 day to another and the variation in activity in a species over a day. We found that, contrary to our expectations, species with recruitment communication did not return with higher quality forage than species that do not recruit nestmates. Furthermore, foragers from recruiting species did not have shorter foraging trip durations than those from weakly recruiting species. Given the intense inter- and intraspecific competition for resources in these environments, it may be that recruiting species favor food resources that can be monopolized by the colony rather than food sources that offer high-quality rewards.
More in, better out? Successful valve-in-valve procedure of an iatrogenic ventricular septal defect following transcatheter aortic valve replacement: a case report
Authors: Hönemann Klaus-Dieter , Hofmann Steffen , Ritter Frank , Mönnig Gerold
Published: May 2021

Background

A rare, but serious, complication following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is the occurrence of an iatrogenic ventricular septal defect (VSD).

Case summary

We describe a case of an 80-year-old female who was referred with severe aortic stenosis for TAVR. Following thorough evaluation, the heart team consensus was to proceed with implantation via a transapical approach of an ACURATE neo M 25 mm valve (Boston Scientific, Natick, MA, USA). The valve was deployed harnessing transoesophageal echocardiographic (TOE) guidance under rapid pacing with post-dilation. Directly afterwards a very high VSD close to the aortic annulus was detected. As the patient was haemodynamically stable, the procedure was ended. The next day another TOE revealed a shunt volume (left-to-right ventricle) between 50% and 60%. Because the defect was partly located between the stent struts of the ACURATE valve decision was made to fix this leakage with implantation of a further valve and we chose an EVOLUT Pro 29 mm (Medtronic Inc., Minneapolis, MN, USA). The valve-in-valve was implanted 2–3 mm below the lower edge of the first valve, more towards the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) with excellent result: VSD was reduced to a very small residual shunt without any hemodynamic relevance.

Discussion

We suggest that an iatrogenic VSD located near the annulus may be treated percutaneously in a bail-out situation with implantation of a second valve that should be implanted slightly more into the LVOT to cover the VSD.
A suicide attempt on a left ventricular assist device patient during COVID-19 pandemic: can we only blame the virus? A case report
Authors: Jiménez-Blanco Bravo Marta , Zamorano Gómez José Luis , del Prado Díaz Susana , Alonso Salinas Gonzalo Luis
Published: May 2021

Background

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has emerged as a new threat, not only to Health Care systems but also to citizen’s freedom of movement in many developed countries.

Case summary

We report a suicidal attempt in a destination therapy left ventricular assist device patient, potentially triggered by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdown, highlighting the importance of regular and long-term psychological support for this vulnerable population.

Discussion

The psychological consequences of this pandemic, particularly in chronically ill patients, are yet to be defined.
Late diagnosed DiGeorge syndrome in a 44-year-old female: a rare cause for recurrent syncopes in adulthood—a case report
Authors: Isgandarova Khuraman , Molatta Stephan , Sommer Philipp
Published: May 2021

Background

DiGeorge syndrome, also known as ‘CATCH 22’, is the most common deletion in humans and is one of the velocardiofacial syndromes. It is characterized by a specific facial phenotype, and structural and functional abnormalities in the cardiac and endocrine systems. One form of endocrine system dysfunction is hypocalcaemia, which causes arrhythmic events and can result in a transient loss of consciousness. We present a case highlighting the late diagnosis of DiGeorge syndrome in a patient with recurrent episodes of syncope due to suspected arrhythmic events secondary to hypocalcaemia.

Case summary

A 44-year-old woman was referred for further investigation of recurrent syncope episodes and documented transient QT-prolongation with hypocalcaemia. Previous detailed cardiological examination, including invasive procedures such as coronary angiography and cardiac magnetic resonance tomography, was unremarkable. Slight characteristic facial dysmorphia and transient hypocalcaemia were strongly suggestive of DiGeorge syndrome. The diagnosis was confirmed by genetic testing. Calcium substitution was initiated and no recurrent episodes of syncope or arrhythmic events were reported during 12 months of follow-up.

Discussion

Clinical presentation and time of manifestation of the DiGeorge syndrome varies widely depending on the mutation expression extent. An atypical disease course may delay the diagnosis and appropriate management of affected patients. In this case, confirmation of the diagnosis allowed the initiation of appropriate treatment, reducing the risk for further events. Given that syncope and arrhythmia can be the first and only manifestation of late-onset DiGeorge syndrome, specialists in adult cardiology need to be aware of this presentation.
Current trends in reduction or elimination of the aortic impulse during stent-graft deployment and balloon moulding during thoracic endovascular aortic repair
Authors: Gottardi Roman , Wyss Thomas R , van den Berg Jos C , Rylski Bartosz , Berger Tim , Schmidli Juerg , Czerny Martin ,   Aortic Impulse in TEVAR Group, Luca Bertoglio , Arminder Jassar , Oliver Bernecker , Eric Verhoeven , Santi Trimarchi , Luca Di Marco , Theodoros Kratimenos , Patrick Ruchhat , Chris Probst , Mario Lescan , Yutaka Okita , Manfred Cejna , Christian Reeps , Nikolaos Tsilimparis , Maximiliam Luehr , Christoph Nienaber , Gabriele Piffaretti , Øyvind Jakobsen , Alessandro Della Corte , Kenji Minatoya , Florian Wolf , Toru Kuratani , Martina Fink , Robert Ma , Marco Di Eusanio , Gabriel Weiss , Ourania Preventza , Kay-Hyun Park , Ahmed Koshty , Michael Jacobs , Ernst Weigang , Martin Storck , Robin Heijmen , Peter-Lukas Haldenwang , Rolf Alexander Janosi , Robert Seelos , Alexander Hyhlik-Dürr , Luís Mendes Pedro , Alexander Zimmermann , Stephen Cheng , Joseph Shalhoub , Inge Fourneau , Joost van Herwaarden , Yehuda Wolf , Zoltan Szeberin , Berard Xavier , Julia Dumfarth
Published: May 2021

OBJECTIVES

A survey was performed to evaluate the methods used for reduction or elimination of the aortic impulse (REAI) to facilitate precise stent graft placement and balloon moulding during thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR).

METHODS

A total of 127 physicians (1 per hospital) were contacted and asked to fill out a short, comprehensive questionnaire on an internet-based platform.

RESULTS

Fifty physicians (39.4%) responded and completed the survey. Routine use of REAI for stent graft deployment is most frequently used in the ascending aorta and less frequently in the aortic arch and the descending aorta (86.4% vs 69.4% vs 56%). Some physicians based the decision of whether to use REAI on the type of stent graft in the respective location (13.6% vs 24.5% vs 24.0%). Stent-graft deployment without REAI, irrespective of the type of stent graft used, was never done in the ascending aorta (0.0%), in 3 centres in the aortic arch (6.1%) and in 10 centres in the descending aorta (20%). The REAI method most frequently used was dependent on the aortic segment (ascending aorta vs aortic arch vs descending aorta) rapid right ventricular pacing (90.9% vs 59.2% vs 28.0%), followed by pharmacological blood pressure reduction (13.6% vs 53.1% vs 64.0%) and venous inflow occlusion (13.6% vs 14.3% vs 4.0%), respectively. Tip capture and non-occlusive deployment systems were frequently quoted as reasons for not using REAI.

CONCLUSIONS

REAI is the fundament for TEVAR in all thoracic aortic segments, with a decline in usage from proximal (ascending) to distal (descending). Rapid right ventricular pacing is the preferred REAI method used in TEVAR. Most procedures are performed with the patient under general anaesthesia. The types of stent grafts and moulding balloons used have an impact on the use or non-use of REAI.
Treatment of a massive pseudoaneurysm originating from the ascending aorta with an off-the-shelf stent graft
Authors: Gottardi Roman , Buchholz Stefan , Hegazy Yasser , Sodian Ralf
Published: May 2021

A 73-year-old patient who underwent an emergency coronary bypass surgery in our institution and who required postoperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support in December 2019 presented in August 2020 with a rapidly growing subxiphoidal, pulsating swelling. A computed tomography scan revealed a massive mediastinal pseudoaneurysm originating from an 8-mm Dacron graft that was sutured to the ascending aorta during the index surgery for arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation cannulation. Due to the location and extent of the pseudoaneurysm, an open surgical revision was deemed high risk. Because no bypass conduit originated from the ascending aorta, we decided to occlude the entry of the pseudoaneurysm with a stent graft. Also, urgency did not allow for the manufacturing of a custom-made device, so an off-the-shelf stent graft had to be implanted. Currently, the only off-the-shelf thoracic stent graft with a length suitable for the ascending aorta (<7 cm) is the Medtronic Valiant Navion prosthesis, of which 2 prostheses (37 mm × 52 mm; covered seal) were successfully implanted to exclude the pseudoaneurysm. A follow-up computed tomography scan performed 4 months postoperatively showed no perfusion and regression of the pseudoaneurysm. With the growing number of reports describing stent graft placement in the ascending aorta, more off-the-shelf stent grafts suitable for the ascending aorta are desirable.
Insect High Five™ cell line development using site-specific flipase recombination technology
Authors: Dias Mafalda M , Vidigal João , Sequeira Daniela P , Alves Paula M , Teixeira Ana P , Roldão António
Published: May 2021

Insect Trichoplusia ni High Five™ (Hi5) cells have been widely explored for production of heterologous proteins, traditionally mostly using the lytic baculovirus expression vector system (BEVS), and more recently using virus-free transient gene expression systems. Stable expression in such host cells would circumvent the drawbacks associated with both systems when it comes to scale-up and implementation of more efficient high-cell density process modes for the manufacturing of biologics. In this study, we combined Flipase (Flp) recombinase-mediated cassette exchange (RMCE) with fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) for generating a stable master clonal Hi5 cell line with the flexibility to express single or multiple proteins of interest from a tagged genomic locus. The 3-step protocol herein implemented consisted of (i) introducing the RMCE docking cassette into the cell genome by random integration followed by selection in Hygromycin B and FACS (Hi5-tagging population), (ii) eliminating cells tagged in loci with low recombination efficiency by transfecting the tagging population with an eGFP-containing target cassette followed by selection in G418 and FACS (Hi5-RMCE population), and (iii) isolation of pure eGFP-expressing cells by FACS and expansion to suspension cultures (Hi5-RMCE master clone). Exchangeability of the locus in the master clone was demonstrated in small-scale suspension cultures by replacing the target cassette by one containing a single protein (i.e., iCherry, as an intracellular protein model) or two proteins (i.e., influenza HA and M1 for virus-like particles production, as an extracellular protein model). Overall, the stable insect Hi5 cell platform herein assembled has the potential to assist and accelerate biologics development.
Immigration Background and the Widowhood Effect on Mortality
Authors: Caputo Jennifer , Li Peng , Kühn Mine , Brønnum-Hansen Henrik , Oksuzyan Anna
Published: May 2021

Objectives

Widowhood is a stressful life event with one of the most profound negative effects on health and longevity. Immigrant populations are growing and aging throughout Western nations, and marginalization and cultural differences may make some immigrants especially vulnerable to the stressors of widowhood. However, studies have yet to systematically explore whether the widowhood effect differs between immigrant and native-born individuals.

Methods

Using Danish population register data from 1980 to 2014, this study assesses whether the relationship between widowhood and mortality differs between immigrants from 10 countries and native-born Danes aged 50 and older at 0–2, 3–5, and 6 and more years post-widowhood.

Results

We find that immigrant men are at higher risk of dying in the first 2 years after experiencing widowhood than Danish-born men, but these mortality differences dissipate over longer periods. Immigrant women have a higher risk of having died 3 and more years after a spouse’s death than Danish women. Patterns vary further by country of origin.

Discussion

The results suggest that some immigrants may suffer more from widowhood than native-born individuals, giving insight into how immigration background may influence the health effects of negative life events. They also underscore the potential vulnerabilities of aging immigrant populations to stressors encountered in older age.
Caudal Spine Morphology and Puncture Performance of Two Coastal Stingrays
Authors: Shea-Vantine Caitlin S , Galloway Katherine A , Ingle Danielle N , Porter Marianne E , Kajiura Stephen M
Published: May 2021

A diagnostic characteristic of stingrays in the family Dasyatidae is the presence of a defensive, partially serrated spine located on the tail. We assessed the contribution of caudal spine morphology on puncture and withdrawal performance from two congeneric, co-occurring stingrays, the Atlantic stingray, Hypanus sabinus, and the bluntnose stingray, Hypanus say. Spines exhibited a high degree of morphological variability. Stingray spines were serrated along 50.8% (H. sabinus) or 62.3% (H. say) of their length. Hypanus say had a greater number of serrations along each side of the spine (30.4) compared with H. sabinus (20.7) but the pitch did not differ between species. We quantified spine puncture and withdrawal forces using porcine skin as a model for human skin. Puncture and withdrawal forces did not differ significantly between species, or within H. say, but withdrawal force was greater than puncture force for H. sabinus. We incorporated micro-computed tomography scanning to quantify tissue mineral density and found that for both species, the shaft of the spine was more heavily mineralized than the base, and midway (50%) along the length of the spine was more heavily mineralized than the tip. The mineralization variability along the spine shaft may create a stiff structure that can fracture once embedded within the target tissue and act as an effective predator deterrent.
The Effect of Diabetes and Prediabetes on Mycobacterium tuberculosis Transmission to Close Contacts
Authors: Arriaga María B , Rocha Michael S , Nogueira Betânia M F , Nascimento Vanessa , Araújo-Pereira Mariana , Souza Alexandra B , Andrade Alice M S , Costa Alysson G , Gomes-Silva Adriano , Silva Elisangela C , Figueiredo Marina C , Turner Megan M , Durovni Betina , Lapa-e-Silva José R , Kritski Afrânio L , Cavalcante Solange , Rolla Valeria C , Cordeiro-Santos Marcelo , Sterling Timothy R , Andrade Bruno B
Published: May 2021

Background

It is unknown whether dysglycemia is associated with Mycobacterium tuberculosis transmission.

Methods

We assessed epidemiological and clinical characteristics of patients with culture-confirmed pulmonary tuberculosis and their close contacts, enrolled in a multicenter prospective cohort in Brazil. Contacts were investigated at baseline and 6 months after enrollment. QuantiFERON positivity at baseline and conversion (from negative to positive at month 6) were compared between subgroups of contacts according to glycemic status of persons with tuberculosis (PWTB) as diabetes mellitus (DM) or prediabetes. Multivariable mixed-effects logistic regression models were performed to test independent associations with baseline QuantiFERON positive and QuantiFERON conversion.

Results

There were 592 PWTB (153 DM, 141 prediabetes, 211 normoglycemic) and 1784 contacts, of whom 658 were QuantiFERON-positive at baseline and 106 converters. Multivariable analyses demonstrated that tuberculosis-prediabetes cases, acid-fast bacilli-positive, pulmonary cavities, and living with someone who smoked were independently associated with QuantiFERON positive in contacts at baseline. DM, persistent cough, acid-fast bacilli-positive, and pulmonary cavities in tuberculosis source cases were associated with QuantiFERON conversion.

Conclusions

Contacts of persons with pulmonary tuberculosis and dysglycemia were at increased risk of being QuantiFERON positive at baseline or month 6. Increased focus on such close contacts could improve tuberculosis control.
Price Transmission in Conflict-Affected States: Evidence from Cereal Markets of Somalia
Authors: Hastings Justin V , Phillips Sarah G , Ubilava David , Vasnev Andrey
Published: May 2021

How integrated are agricultural markets in conflict-affected states? We answer this question by examining the dynamics of monthly price series of rice, maize and sorghum across eleven cities (markets) of Somalia. Using conflict as a source of transaction costs between spatially connected markets, we examine its role in price transmission between the markets in a panel smooth transition regression framework. We find that in the case of rice—an imported cereal grain—conflict tends to reduce the speed of price transmission between markets. By contrast, we find no evidence of conflict-related transaction costs in the case of maize and sorghum—commodities that are locally produced, particularly in the central and southern parts of Somalia. In all instances, we find that there is some degree of spatial integration among cereal markets around the country, perhaps partly due to informal institutions that can bridge the divides created by conflict, distance and internal political fragmentation. These findings add crucial detail to the literature concerned with the role of commodity prices on poverty and food security in conflict-affected states.
Treatment Thresholds for Tetranychus pacificus (Acari: Tetranychidae) in California Almonds Based on Monitoring for the Natural Enemy Scolothrips sexmaculatus (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)
Authors: Haviland David R , Rill Stephanie M , Gordon Chelsea A
Published: May 2021

Optimization of integrated pest management for Pacific spider mite, Tetranychus pacificus McGregor, in California almonds requires that miticide applications be delayed as long as possible to promote biological control, while still occurring before exponential mite increases cause defoliation. We used data from twelve untreated almond orchards between 2006 and 2019 to determine that decisions to treat T. pacificus should be made on the first monitoring date with 1.4 mites per leaf (38.1% of leaves infested) to ensure that miticide applications are made prior to reaching the treatment threshold of 5.4 per leaf an average of 4.7 d later. Modifications to this threshold based on biological control were made using capture rates of sixspotted thrips, Scolothrips sexmaculatus Pergande, on yellow adhesive traps from 14 almond orchards between 2016 and 2019. Data showed that T. pacificus density remained unchanged when there were 0.42 S. sexmaculatus per trap per week for every one T. pacificus per leaf. For orchards where T. pacificus density has exceeded action and treatment thresholds, we developed a less accurate, but more practical, model that does not require counting mites on leaves. On average, T. pacificus density remained unchanged for seven and 14 d if there were an average of five and three S. sexmaculatus per trap per week, respectively. Growers who adopt the action and treatment thresholds presented herein have the potential to avoid unnecessary miticide use, maximize reliance on biological control, and promote the long-term sustainability of California's almond industry.
Culex (Culex) longitubus, A New Species of the Mimeticus Subgroup (Diptera: Culicidae) From Bhutan
Authors: Somboon Pradya , Phanitchakun Thanari , Saingamsook Jassada , Namgay Rinzin , Harbach Ralph E
Published: May 2021

Culex longitubus Somboon, Namgay & Harbach is described as a new species of the Mimeticus Subgroup of the subgenus Culex. The larva is most similar to the larva of Cx. tianpingensis Chen from China, but is distinguished by the length of the siphon and the anal papillae, the form of the comb scales and pecten spines, and the development of setae 7-P, 13-T, 1-X, and 4-X. The adults have wing markings and male genitalia similar to those of species of the Mimeticus Complex. Phylogenetic analysis of COI sequences revealed that the new species is closely related to Cx. murrelli Lien of the Mimulus Complex. The immature stages of the new species were found in stagnant pools and marshes at high altitudes in several districts of Bhutan.
COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy Among Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors
Authors: Waters Austin R. , Kepka Deanna , Ramsay Joemy M. , Mann Karely , Vaca Lopez Perla L. , Anderson John S. , Ou Judy Y. , Kaddas Heydon K. , Palmer Alexandra , Ray Nicole , Tsukamoto Tomoko , Fair Douglas B. , Lewis Mark A. , Kirchhoff Anne C. , Warner Echo L.
Published: May 2021

The study objective was to identify sociodemographic and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) factors that are associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors. Eligible participants were 18 years or older and were diagnosed with cancer as an AYA (ages 15-39 years) and received services through an AYA cancer program. A total of 342 participants completed a cross-sectional survey. Our primary outcome—COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy—was surveyed as a 5-point Likert scale and operationalized as a binary outcome (agree vs hesitant). A large proportion of participants reported COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy (37.1%). In the multivariable regression, female survivors (odds ratio = 1.81, 95% confidence interval = 1.10 to 2.98) and survivors with a high school education or less (odds ratio = 3.15, 95% confidence interval = 1.41 to 7.04) reported higher odds of vaccine hesitancy compared with their male or college graduate or higher counterparts. COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy persists among AYA survivors despite their recommended priority vaccination status and higher chances of severe COVID-19 outcomes.