bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spiro N‐methoxy piperidine ring containing aryldiones for the control of sucking insects and mites: discovery of spiropidion
Authors: Muehlebach Michel , Buchholz Anke , Zambach Werner , Schaetzer Juergen , Daniels Miriam , Hueter Ottmar , Kloer Daniel P , Lind Rob , Maienfisch Peter , Pierce Andy , Pitterna Thomas , Smejkal Tomas , Stafford David , Wildsmith Laura
Published: January 2020

BACKGROUND

Crop protection solutions for the control of key economic sucking pests derive essentially from neuronal and muscular acting chemistries, wherein neonicotinoid uses largely dominated for the last two decades. Anticipating likely resistance development of some of those arthropod species to this particular class, we intensified research activities on a non‐neuronal site of action targeting insect growth and development some 10 years ago.

RESULTS

Our innovation path featured reactivation of a scarcely used and simple building block from the 1960s, namely N‐methoxy‐4‐piperidone 3. Its judicious incorporation into the 2‐aryl‐1,3‐dione scaffold of IRAC group 23 inhibitors of fatty acid biosynthesis resulted in novel tetramic acid derivatives acting on acetyl‐coenzyme A carboxylase (ACCase). The optimization campaign focused on modulation of the aryl substitution pattern and understanding substituent options at the lactam nitrogen position of those spiroheterocyclic pyrrolidine‐dione derivatives towards an effective control of sucking insects and mites. This work gratifyingly culminated in the discovery of spiro N‐methoxy piperidine containing proinsecticide spiropidion 1. Following in planta release, its insecticidally active dione metabolite 2 is translaminar and two‐way systemic (both xylem and phloem mobile) for a full plant protection against arthropod pests.

CONCLUSION

Owing to such unique plant systemic properties, growing shoots and roots actually not directly exposed to spiropidion‐based chemistry after foliar application nevertheless benefit from its long‐lasting efficacy. Spiropidion is for use in field crops, speciality crops and vegetables controlling a broad range of sucking pests. In light of other performance and safety profiles of spiropidion, an IPM fit may be expected. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Study design of single‐arm phase II immunotherapy trials with long‐term survivors and random delayed treatment effect
Authors: Chu Chenghao , Liu Shufang , Rong Alan
Published: January 2020

In the traditional study design of a single‐arm phase II cancer clinical trial, the one‐sample log‐rank test has been frequently used. A common practice in sample size calculation is to assume that the event time in the new treatment follows exponential distribution. Such a study design may not be suitable for immunotherapy cancer trials, when both long‐term survivors (or even cured patients from the disease) and delayed treatment effect are present, because exponential distribution is not appropriate to describe such data and consequently could lead to severely underpowered trial. In this research, we proposed a piecewise proportional hazards cure rate model with random delayed treatment effect to design single‐arm phase II immunotherapy cancer trials. To improve test power, we proposed a new weighted one‐sample log‐rank test and provided a sample size calculation formula for designing trials. Our simulation study showed that the proposed log‐rank test performs well and is robust of misspecified weight and the sample size calculation formula also performs well.
Reliability estimation of a multicomponent stress‐strength model for unit Gompertz distribution under progressive Type II censoring
Authors: Jha Mayank Kumar , Dey Sanku , Alotaibi Refah Mohammed , Tripathi Yogesh Mani
Published: January 2020

We consider the problem of estimating multicomponent stress‐strength (MSS) reliability under progressive Type II censoring when stress and strength variables follow unit Gompertz distributions with common scale parameter. We estimate MSS reliability under frequentist and Bayesian approaches. Bayes estimates are obtained by using Lindley approximation and Metropolis‐Hastings algorithm methods. Further, we obtain uniformly minimum variance unbiased estimates of the reliability when common scale parameter is known. Asymptotic, bootstrap confidence interval and highest posterior density credible intervals have been constructed. We perform Monte Carlo simulations to compare the performance of proposed estimates and also present a discussion. Finally, three real data sets are analyzed for illustrative purposes.
Comprehensive reliability evaluation of multistate complex electromechanical systems based on similarity of cloud models
Authors: Wang Rongxi , Gao Xu , Gao Zhiyong , Li Shiqiang , Gao Jianmin , Xu Jinjin , Deng Wei
Published: January 2020

High reliability and security have become the hallmarks of complex electromechanical systems. Owing to the difficulties in fault data collection, ambiguity and uncertainty have been inevitably associated with complex electromechanical systems. Thus, the ability to perform reliability evaluation using scarce fault data is of immense significance to these machines and is the focus of this study. A similarity based cloud model is proposed to evaluate the running state of complex electromechanical systems. By combining objective and subjective factors, the reliability of complex electromechanical systems is evaluated by calculating the similarity between the cloud models of actual and standardised states. Next, the inverter of an offshore wind turbine is used to verify the accuracy and effectiveness of the proposed approach. The cloud model based framework for reliability evaluation inherits the preponderance of the uncertainty problem, overcomes the drawbacks of the current reliability approaches, and provides a theoretical basis, as well as a practical approach for the maintenance and repair of complex electromechanical systems with missing fault data. Additionally, it also provides a new methodology for solving the uncertainty problems caused by paucity of data.
Protocol for community‐created public MS/MS reference spectra within the Global Natural Products Social Molecular Networking infrastructure
Authors: Vargas Fernando , Weldon Kelly C. , Sikora Nicole , Wang Mingxun , Zhang Zheng , Gentry Emily C. , Panitchpakdi Morgan W. , Caraballo‐Rodríguez Andrés Mauricio , Dorrestein Pieter C. , Jarmusch Alan K.
Published: January 2020

Rationale

A major hurdle in identifying chemicals in mass spectrometry experiments is the availability of tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) reference spectra in public databases. Currently, scientists purchase databases or use public databases such as Global Natural Products Social Molecular Networking (GNPS). The MSMS‐Chooser workflow is an open‐source protocol for the creation of MS/MS reference spectra directly in the GNPS infrastructure.

Methods

An MSMS‐Chooser Sample Template is provided and completed manually. The MSMS‐Chooser Submission File and Sequence Table for data acquisition were programmatically generated. Standards from the Mass Spectrometry Metabolite Library (MSMLS) suspended in a methanol–water (1:1) solution were analyzed. Flow injection on an LC/MS/MS system was used to generate negative and positive mode data using data‐dependent acquisition. The MS/MS spectra and Submission File were uploaded to MSMS‐Chooser workflow in GNPS for automatic selection of MS/MS spectra.

Results

Data acquisition and processing required ~2 h and ~2 min, respectively, per 96‐well plate using MSMS‐Chooser. Analysis of the MSMLS, over 600 small molecules, using MSMS‐Chooser added 889 spectra (including multiple adducts) to the public library in GNPS. Manual validation of one plate indicated accurate selection of MS/MS scans (true positive rate of 0.96 and a true negative rate of 0.99). The MSMS‐Chooser output includes a table formatted for inclusion in the GNPS library as well as the ability to directly launch searches via MASST.

Conclusions

MSMS‐Chooser enables rapid data acquisition, data analysis (selection of MS/MS spectra), and a formatted table for inspection and upload to GNPS. Open file‐format data (.mzML or.mzXML) from most mass spectrometry platforms containing MS/MS spectra can be processed using MSMS‐Chooser. MSMS‐Chooser democratizes the creation of MS/MS reference spectra in GNPS which will improve annotation and strengthen the tools which use the annotation information.
Clinical outcomes of microdissection testicular sperm extraction and intracytoplasmic sperm injection in Japanese men with Y chromosome microdeletions
Authors: Yamaguchi Kohei , Ishikawa Tomomoto , Mizuta Shimpei , Takeuchi Takumi , Matsubayashi Hidehiko , Kokeguchi Shoji , Habara Toshihiro , Ichioka Kentaro , Ohashi Masakazu , Okamoto Sumihide , Kawamura Toshihiro , Kanto Satoru , Taniguchi Hisanori , Tawara Fumiko , Hara Tetsuaki , Hibi Hatsuki , Masuda Hiroshi , Matsuyama Takehiko , Yoshida Hiroaki
Published: January 2020

Purpose

We investigated the clinical results of Japanese men with Y chromosome microdeletions.

Methods

This study retrospectively examined 2163 azoospermic or severe oligozoospermic patients. We investigated the frequency of azoospermia factor (AZF) deletions and sperm retrieval rate (SRR) by microTESE in patients with these deletions, then analyzed the ICSI outcomes.

Results

Azoospermia factor deletions were found in 201 patients. SRR was significantly higher than that of the control group (74.0% vs 20.4%, P < .001). Thirty‐three couples underwent ICSI using testicular spermatozoa retrieved by microTESE, and eight couples underwent ICSI using ejaculatory spermatozoa. The fertilization rate and clinical pregnancy rate per embryo transfer cycle were significantly higher in the ejaculatory group than that of the testicular group (66.4% vs 43.7%, P < .001, 53.3% vs 24.7%, P = .03, respectively). When compared with the control group, the fertilization rate was significantly lower in the testicular group with AZFc microdeletions (43.7% vs 53.6%, P < .001).

Conclusions

Our study highlights that although microTESE in azoospermic men with AZFc microdeletions led to a higher SRR, ICSI outcomes of these men were worse than that of men without AZF deletions, even if testicular spermatozoa were retrieved.
The height of depth‐weighted random recursive trees
Authors: Leckey Kevin , Mitsche Dieter , Wormald Nick
Published: January 2020

In this paper, we introduce a model of depth‐weighted random recursive trees, created by recursively joining a new leaf to an existing vertex . In this model, the probability of choosing depends on its depth in the tree. In particular, we assume that there is a function such that if has depth then its probability of being chosen is proportional to . We consider the expected value of the diameter of this model as determined by , and for various increasing we find expectations that range from polylogarithmic to linear.
Modeling and implementation of 5G edge caching over satellite
Authors: Vu Thang X. , Poirier Yannick , Chatzinotas Symeon , Maturo Nicola , Grotz Joel , Roelens Frederic
Published: January 2020

The fifth‐generation (5G) wireless networks have to deal with the high data rate and stringent latency requirements due to the massive invasion of connected devices and data‐hungry applications. Edge caching is a promising technique to overcome these challenges by prefetching the content closer to the end users at the edge node's local storage. In this paper, we analyze the performance of edge caching 5G networks with the aid of satellite communication systems. First, we investigate the satellite‐aided edge caching systems in two promising use cases: (a) in dense urban areas and (b) in sparsely populated regions, eg, rural areas. Second, we study the effectiveness of satellite systems via the proposed satellite‐aided caching algorithm, which can be used in three configurations: (a) mono‐beam satellite, (b) multi‐beam satellite, and (c) hybrid mode. Third, the proposed caching algorithm is evaluated by using both empirical Zipf‐distribution data and the more realistic Movielens dataset. Last but not least, the proposed caching scheme is implemented and tested by our developed demonstrators which allow real‐time analysis of the cache hit ratio and cost analysis.
Know how to properly address situations involving potential ESA, service animal fraud
Authors: Masinter Michael R.
Published: January 2020

Occasionally, students deliberately misrepresent their pets as emotional support animals, service dogs, or both. The internet is rife with scam sites that offer ESA letters for a fee, and some students have purchased letters from those sites. Adding to the problem, students living in residence halls with already approved ESA dogs sometimes claim they have trained their dog to be a psychiatric service dog, allowing them to take it to classes and meals. These students may simply show up with their dog in classrooms or campus food services with rehearsed but fraudulent answers to the two approved Department of Justice questions.
First meeting with an administrator left an indelible impression
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: January 2020

A fortunate encounter during her first experience with a university office became a signature moment in Cathy Cole's life and future career.
Synthesis, Characterization and Electrochemical Properties of 4‐Azidobutylferrocene‐Grafted Reduced Graphene Oxide‐Polyaniline Nanocomposite for Supercapacitor Applications
Authors: Hadi Raha , Abbasi Hassan , Payami Elmira , Ahadzadeh Iraj , Teimuri‐Mofrad Reza
Published: January 2020

Reduced graphene oxide (rGO) is grafted through [1,2] cycloaddition reaction with 4‐azidobutylferrocene (AzFc) and its nanocomposite with polyaniline (PANI) is prepared to be applied as a new battery‐type supercapacitor material. The morphology and composition of 4‐azidobutylferrocene/reduced graphene oxide/polyaniline nanocomposite (AzFc/rGO/PANI) are studied by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier‐transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy‐dispersive X‐ray (EDX) spectroscopy. The electrochemical performance of nanocomposite material was studied by cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and galvanostatic charge‐discharge (GCD) techniques in 1 M H2SO4 as the electrolyte. The charge storage capacity of 14, 70 and 95 mAh g−1 are obtained for reduced graphene oxide, 4‐azidobutylferrocene/reduced graphene oxide, and 4‐azidobutylferrocene/reduced graphene oxide/polyaniline nanocomposite at a current density of 14 A g−1, respectively. The 4‐azidobutylferrocene/reduced graphene oxide/polyaniline nanocomposite as a promising new battery‐type supercapacitor electrode material shows retention time of 89% after 2000 cycle of cyclic voltammetry.
Recent Advances of Gas Transport Channels Constructed with Different Dimensional Nanomaterials in Mixed‐Matrix Membranes for CO2 Separation
Authors: Wang Bo , Sheng Menglong , Xu Jiayou , Zhao Song , Wang Jixiao , Wang Zhi
Published: January 2020

Most CO2 separation membranes are polymeric membranes owing to low cost and easy processability. Nevertheless, conventional polymeric membranes may suffer from a compromise between permeability and selectivity represented by the Robeson upper bound curves. Mixed‐matrix membranes (MMMs), prepared by adding nanomaterials in polymer matrices, can achieve both high gas permeability and selectivity with the potential for future applications. This review summarizes gas transport channels constructed with different dimensional nanomaterials in MMMs such as 1D, 2D, and 3D nanomaterials which have been widely researched in recent years, and discusses the effect of different gas transport channels in CO2 separation MMMs. The challenges about each kind of gas transport channels are outlined and future prospects are suggested.
Laser‐Based Additive Manufacturing of WC–Co with High‐Temperature Powder Bed Preheating†
Authors: Fries Sofia , Genilke Stephan , Wilms Markus Benjamin , Seimann Martin , Weisheit Andreas , Kaletsch Anke , Bergs Thomas , Schleifenbaum Johannes Henrich , Broeckmann Christoph
Published: January 2020

The field of additive manufacturing (AM), and especially laser powder‐bed fusion (LPBF), is constantly growing. Process windows for a large variety of materials are already developed. Nevertheless, some materials are still difficult to manufacture with LPBF. One of these materials is the tungsten carbide/cobalt‐based hard metal (WC–Co), which is conventionally produced by powder metallurgy including liquid‐phase sintering. Most approaches to manufacture WC–Co with LPBF show a high porosity, undesirable phases in the microstructure, and inhomogeneous carbide distribution. However, the production of WC–Co cutting tools by LPBF will offer some benefits such as production of geometrically optimized inner cooling channels or optimized geometry of the cutting edges. Herein, WC with 17 wt% Co is processed by LPBF with a powder‐bed heating of 900 °C. Afterwards microstructure, density, and hardness are determined. In addition, X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis is performed to determine the phase composition. To investigate the edge‐holding properties of LPBF‐manufactured WC–Co cutting tools, stock removal tests are conducted on three different workpiece materials.
Enrichment and determination of sixteen trace polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in barbecue smoke by using a continuous magnetic solid‐phase extraction and gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry
Authors: Pan Yan , Zhang Yanhao , Peng Zifang , Ba Xin , Zhao Wuduo , Li Xinglin , Guo Yun , Ouyang Gangfeng , Zhang Shusheng , Zhang Bin
Published: January 2020

In this study, an innovative approach is proposed to predict the contribution of sixteen polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in barbecue smoke based on magnetic solid‐phase extraction system and gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry. In order to improve the detection limit of gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry, a kinds of magnetic nanomaterial synthesized previously was used as a sorbent in magnetic solid‐phase extraction. The recoveries ranged from 73.4% to 90.7%, and the limits of detection and limits of quantification were in the range 1.2‐5.4 ng·L−1 and 3.7‐16.4 ng·L−1 respectively. The method was successfully applied to the analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in smoke of the pork belly. The developed method could be potentially used for the assessing of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons profiles in environment pollution.
Deep latent variable models for generating knockoffs
Authors: Liu Ying , Zheng Cheng
Published: January 2020

Selective inference is an emerging field in big data analytics; it targets on conducting variable selection and providing statistical inference at the same time. Among various selective inference frameworks, the model‐X framework offers the most flexible tool to equip almost any machine learning method with the ability for false discovery rate (FDR) controlled variable selection. This paper provides a practical and flexible approach to generate knockoffs. We propose to fit a latent variable model for generating knockoffs. Under general conditions, the knockoffs can be generated by approximate inference of a latent variable, which captures all the correlation of predictors. We propose an algorithm based on recent advancement in stochastic variational inference to approximately reconstruct the distribution of data via the latent variables. We demonstrate that our proposed method can achieve FDR control and better power than existing knockoff generation methods in various simulated settings and a real data example for finding mutations associated with drug resistance in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 patients.
Investigation of flexural performance of concrete reinforced with indented and fibrillated macro polypropylene fibers based on numerical and experimental comparison
Authors: Rostami Rouhollah , Zarrebini Mohammad , Abdellahi S. Behzad , Mostofinejad Davood , Abtahi S. Mahdi
Published: January 2020

The fiber/matrix interface in fiber reinforced concrete (FRC) enhances due to the geometry of fiber surface. This work benefits from freedom of fiber engineering due to the availability of fiber production facilities. Non‐indented, indented, flat tape, and fibrillated macro polypropylene fibers were produced. The effect of fiber surface indentation and fibrillation on FRCs flexural performance was investigated. Concrete flexural strength due to the effect of fiber young modulus was found to increases by 94 and 61%, when indented and fibrillated fibers are used, respectively. The energy absorption capacity of samples containing indented and fibrillated fibers due to the effect of surface fibrillation were found to be 5.5 and 12.5 times more than that of control concrete, respectively. The mechanical performance of FRCs was modeled using finite element model. The model generated and experimental results showed acceptable compatibility. Thus, the model can be concluded to be a successful tool for prediction of FRCs flexural performance.
The Body in Mind: Mead's Embodied Cognition
Authors: McVeigh Ryan
Published: January 2020

This article highlights the role played by the body in the work of George Herbert Mead. For Mead, the social emergence of mind depends on human physiology. This is revealed through a detailed exploration of three thematic domains in his work: the organism–environment dyad, perception, and the manipulatory stage of the act. From this, I argue that Mead saw the body as constitutive of cognition and central to the development of mind and self. Present‐day research supports this view and demonstrates Mead's relevance for understanding embodied cognition.
Model for sustainability implementation and measurement in construction sites
Authors: Zeule Ludimilla de Oliveira , Serra Sheyla Mara Baptista , Teixeira José Manuel Cardoso
Published: January 2020

Sustainable practices at construction sites should be considered from the start of the project, meaning during the design phase. A model for the implementation of sustainability at a site is an important management tool, and its adoption can indicate good practices and propose an assessment of local conditions. Thus, the main contribution of this article is to propose a practical model to evaluate the level of implementation of sustainable practices at construction sites. The model was based on sustainability certifications and validated at six construction sites in Brazil. The results indicate that construction companies that possess environmental certifications have better levels of implementation of good practices at their work sites. However, it was noted that it is not necessary for a company to obtain an environmental certification; rather, it is necessary for sustainability strategies to become corporate culture.
Arithmetical datatypes with true fractions
Authors: Bergstra Jan A. , Ponse Alban
Published: January 2020

We consider several novel congruences on the signature of meadows with the aim to survey different notions of fractions. In particular we suggest a notion of “true fraction”.
Identification of two HLA-A*0201 immunogenic epitopes of lactate dehydrogenase C (LDHC): potential novel targets for cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Thomas Remy , Shaath Hibah , Naik Adviti , Toor Salman M. , Elkord Eyad , Decock Julie
Published: January 2020

Lactate dehydrogenase C (LDHC) is an archetypical cancer testis antigen with limited expression in adult tissues and re-expression in tumors. This restricted expression pattern together with the important role of LDHC in cancer metabolism renders LDHC a potential target for immunotherapy. This study is the first to investigate the immunogenicity of LDHC using T cells from healthy individuals. LDHC-specific T cell responses were induced by in vitro stimulation with synthetic peptides, or by priming with autologous peptide-pulsed dendritic cells. We evaluated T cell activation by IFN-γ ELISpot and determined cytolytic activity of HLA-A*0201-restricted T cells in breast cancer cell co-cultures. In vitro T cell stimulation induced IFN-γ secretion in response to numerous LDHC-derived peptides. Analysis of HLA-A*0201 responses revealed a significant T cell activation after stimulation with peptide pools 2 (PP2) and 8 (PP8). The PP2- and PP8-specific T cells displayed cytolytic activity against breast cancer cells with endogenous LDHC expression within a HLA-A*0201 context. We identified peptides LDHC41−55 and LDHC288−303 from PP2 and PP8 to elicit a functional cellular immune response. More specifically, we found an increase in IFN-γ secretion by CD8 + T cells and cancer-cell-killing of HLA-A*0201/LDHC positive breast cancer cells by LDHC41−55- and LDHC288−303-induced T cells, albeit with a possible antigen recognition threshold. The majority of induced T cells displayed an effector memory phenotype. To conclude, our findings support the rationale to assess LDHC as a targetable cancer testis antigen for immunotherapy, and in particular the HLA-A*0201 restricted LDHC41–55 and LDHC288–303 peptides within LDHC.
Predicting the Outcome of Non‐operative Management of Splenic Trauma in South Africa
Authors: Hernandez Matthew C. , Traynor Michael D. , Knight Ariel W. , Kong Victor Y. , Laing Grant L. , Bruce John L. , Bekker Wanda , Zielinski Martin D. , Clarke Damian L.
Published: January 2020

Introduction

We aimed to expand on the global surgical discussion around splenic trauma in order to understand locally and clinically relevant factors for operative (OP) and non‐operative management (NOM) of splenic trauma in a South African setting.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was performed using 2013–2017 data from the Pietermaritzburg Metropolitan Trauma Service. All adult patients (≥15 years) were included. Those managed with OP or NOM for splenic trauma were identified and analyzed descriptively. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified patients and clinical factors associated with management type.

Results

There were 127 patients with splenic injury. Median age was 29 [19–35] years with 42 (33%) women and 85 (67%) men. Blunt injuries occurred in the majority (81, 64%). Organ Injury Scale (OIS) grades included I (25, 20%), II (43, 34%), III (36, 28%), IV (15, 11%), and V (8, 6%). Nine patients expired. On univariate analysis, increasing OIS was associated with OP management, need for intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and hospital and ICU duration of stay, but not mortality. In patients with a delayed compared to early presentation, ICU utilization (62% vs. 36%, p = 0.008) and mortality (14% vs. 4%, p = 0.03) were increased. After adjusting for age, sex, presence of shock, and splenic OIS, penetrating trauma (adjusted odds ratio, 5.7; 95%CI, 1.7–9.8) and admission lactate concentration (adjusted odds ratio, 1.4; 95%CI 1.1–1.9) were significantly associated with OP compared to NOM (p = 0.002; area under the curve 0.81).

Conclusions

We have identified injury mechanism and admission lactate as factors predictive of OP in South African patients with splenic trauma. Timely presentation to definitive care affects both ICU duration of stay and mortality outcomes. Future global surgical efforts may focus on expanding non‐operative management protocols and improving pre‐hospital care in patients with splenic trauma.
Using the World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES) Triage Tool to Evaluate Timing of Emergency Surgery in Rwanda
Authors: Tuyishime Eugene , Banguti Paulin Ruhato , Mvukiyehe Jean Paul , Ntirenganya Faustin , Durieux Marcel , Cattermole Giles
Published: January 2020

Background

Access to timely and safe emergency general surgery remains a challenge in sub‐Saharan Africa due to issues such as insufficient human capacity and infrastructure. This study has the following objectives: (1) to compare the actual time to surgery (aTTS) to the ideal time to surgery among patients undergoing emergency surgery and (2) to explore the use of home to emergency department time (HET) as a new measurement indicator for time from symptoms onset to admission at ED at a referral hospital.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of emergency general surgery cases performed at the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Kigali in Rwanda between June 1 and November 31, 2016. Our primary outcomes included actual time to surgery (aTTS) in hours (defined as time from admission at ED to induction of anesthesia) and actual home to emergency department (ED) time (aHET) in days (defined as time from onset of symptoms to admission at ED). Our secondary outcome was the overall in‐hospital mortality rate.

Results

During the study period, 148 emergency surgeries were performed. Most of the patients were male (80%), aged between 15 and 65 (69%), from outside Kigali (72%), and with insurance (80%). The most common diagnosis was abdominal trauma (24%), followed by peritonitis (20%), and intestinal obstruction (16%). The median aTTS was 7.8 h, and the median aHET was 2.43 days. Most patients (77%) experienced delays in timely surgery after admission to ED, and aTTS was 15.5 h for Fournier's gangrene, 10.8 h for abdominal trauma, 11.3 h for appendicitis, 10.5 h for intestinal obstructions, and 12.3 h for peritonitis. Likewise, most patients (52%) experienced delays in reaching the ED, especially those with appendicitis (15.2 days), peritonitis (8.5 days), testicular torsion (7.2 days), Fournier's gangrene (5 days), and intestinal obstruction (3.7 days). The case fatality rate by diagnosis was highest for polytrauma (100%) and peritonitis (60%); the overall in‐hospital mortality rate was 23%. Some of the poor outcomes associated with in‐hospital delay include reoperation and death. Factors to consider in triage for referral include age, diagnosis, and high risk of death.

Conclusion

Our study found that the median aTTS was 7.8 h and most patients (77%) were delayed in having timely surgery after admission at ED. In addition, the median aHET was 2.5 days and most patients (52%) were delayed in reaching the ED. Improving processes to facilitate access and to perform timely emergency surgery through the referral system has a potential to decrease delay and improve outcomes.
Impact of Modified Frozen Elephant Trunk Procedure on Downstream Aorta Remodeling in Acute Aortic Dissection: CT Scan Follow‐Up
Authors: Koechlin Luca , Kaufmann Josefin , Macius Evelina , Bremerich Jens , Sommer Gregor , Gahl Brigitta , Schurr Ulrich , Grapow Martin , Reuthebuch Oliver , Eckstein Friedrich , Berdajs Denis A.
Published: January 2020

Objectives

The aim was to evaluate the impact of a modified frozen elephant trunk procedure (mFET) on remodeling of the downstream aorta following acute aortic dissections.

Methods

Over a period of 8 years, 205 patients (mean age 62.6 ± 12.6 years) underwent a mFET (n = 69, 33.7%) or isolated ascending aorta replacement (n = 136, 66.3%) (iAoA). Aortic diameter was assessed at the aortic arch (AoA), at the mid of the thoracic aorta (mThA), at the thoracoabdominal transition (ThAbd) and at the celiac trunk level (AbdA).

Results

Mean follow‐up was 3.3 ± 2.6 years. In‐hospital mortality was 14% (n = 28), 7% in mFET and 17% in the iAoA group (p = 0.08). At the end of the follow‐up, overall survival was 84% (95% CI 70–92%) and 75% (65–82%) and freedom from aorta‐related reoperation was 100% and 95% (88–98%) for mFET and iAoA, respectively. At iAoA, the average difference in diameter change per year between mFET and iAoA was for total lumen 0 mm (− 0.95 to 0.94 mm, p = 0.99), and for true lumen, it was 1.23 mm (− 0.09 to 2.55 mm) per year, p = 0.067. False lumen demonstrated a decrease in diameter in mFET as compared to iAoA by − 1.43 mm (− 2.75 to − 0.11 mm), p = 0.034. In mFET, at the aortic arch level the total lumen diameter decreased from 30.7 ± 4.8 mm to 30.1 ± 2.5 mm (Δr  + 2.90 ± 3.64 mm) and in iAoA it increased from 31.8 ± 4.9 to 34.6 ± 5.9 mm (Δr + 2.88 ± 4.18 mm).

Conclusion

The mFET procedure provides satisfactory clinical outcome at short term and mid‐term and has a positive impact on aorta remodeling, especially at the level of the aortic arch.
The Role of Ultrasound for Detecting Occult Penetrating Cardiac Wounds in Hemodynamically Stable Patients
Authors: Gonzalez‐Hadad Adolfo , García Alberto F. , Serna Jose J. , Herrera Mario Alain , Morales Monica , Manzano‐Nunez Ramiro
Published: January 2020

Background

There is evidence in favor of using the ultrasound as the primary screening tool in looking for an occult cardiac injury. We report on a prospective single‐center study to determine the diagnostic accuracy of chest ultrasound for the diagnosis of occult penetrating cardiac wounds in a low‐resource hospital from a middle‐income country.

Methods

Data were collected prospectively. We included all consecutive patients 14 years and older who presented to the Emergency Trauma Unit with (1) penetrating injuries to the precordial area and (2) a systolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mmHg (hemodynamically stable). The main outcome measures were sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of ultrasound compared with those of the pericardial window, which was the standard test.

Results

A total of 141 patients met the inclusion criteria. Our results showed that for diagnosing an occult cardiac injury, the sensitivity of the chest ultrasonography was 79.31%, and the specificity was 92.86%. Of the 110 patients with a normal or negative ultrasound, six had a positive pericardial window. All of these patients had left hemothoraces. None of them required further cardiac surgical interventions.

Conclusion

We found that ultrasound was 79% sensitive and 92% specific for the diagnosis of occult penetrating cardiac wounds. However, it should be used with caution in patients with injuries to the cardiac zone and simultaneous left hemothorax.
Structure and function of respiratory turbinates in phocid seals
Authors: Mason Matthew J. , Wenger Léa M. D. , Hammer Øyvind , Blix Arnoldus S.
Published: January 2020

In terrestrial mammals, the respiratory turbinate bones within the nasal cavity are employed to conserve heat and water. In order to investigate whether environmental temperature affects respiratory turbinate structure in phocids, we used micro-computed tomography to compare maxilloturbinate bone morphology in polar seals, grey seals and monk seals. The maxilloturbinates of polar seals have much higher surface areas than those of monk seals, the result of the polar seals having more densely packed, complex turbinates within larger nasal cavities. Grey seals were intermediate; a juvenile of this species proved to have more densely packed maxilloturbinates with shorter branch lengths than a conspecific adult. Fractal dimension in the densest part of the maxilloturbinate mass was very close to 2 in all seals, indicating that these convoluted bones evenly fill the available space. The much more elaborate maxilloturbinate systems in polar seals, compared with monk seals, are consistent with a greater need to limit respiratory heat loss.
Correction to: Feedforward discharges couple the singing central pattern generator and ventilation central pattern generator in the cricket abdominal central nervous system
Authors: Schöneich Stefan , Hedwig Berthold
Published: January 2020

Authors would like to update one of the references which went incorrect in the original publication and the corrected version is updated here.
Vitamin D strengthens the bladder epithelial barrier by inducing tight junction proteins during E. coli urinary tract infection
Authors: Mohanty Soumitra , Kamolvit Witchuda , Hertting Olof , Brauner Annelie
Published: January 2020

Tight junction proteins are pivotal to prevent bacterial invasion of the epithelial barrier. We here report that supplementation with vitamin D can strengthen the urinary bladder lining. Vitamin D deficient and sufficient mice were infected with Escherichia coli (E. coli) transurethrally to cause urinary tract infection. In addition, bladder biopsies were obtained from postmenopausal women before and after a 3-month period of supplementation with 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25D3) and ex vivo infected with E. coli. In biopsies, obtained before E. coli infection, vitamin D had no impact on tight junction proteins. However, during E. coli infection, vitamin D induced occludin and claudin-14 in mature superficial umbrella cells of the urinary bladder, as demonstrated by immunohistochemistry. Increased cell-cell adhesion consolidating the epithelial integrity is thereby promoted. We here describe a novel role of vitamin D in the urinary tract supporting vitamin D supplementation to restore the bladder epithelial integrity.
Plasma MMP-9 and TIMP-1 levels on ICU admission are associated with 30-day survival
Authors: Jordakieva Galateja , Budge-Wolfram Roswitha M. , Budinsky Alexandra C. , Nikfardjam Mariam , Delle-Karth Georg , Girard Angelika , Godnic-Cvar Jasminka , Crevenna Richard , Heinz Gottfried
Published: January 2020

Background

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are involved in systemic inflammatory responses and organ failure. The aim of this study was to evaluate early circulating plasma levels of MMP‑2, MMP‑9 and their inhibitors TIMP‑1 and TIMP‑2 and their prognostic significance in critically ill patients on admission to the intensive care unit (ICU).

Methods

In a single center prospective study 120 consecutive patients (72.5% male, mean age 66.8 ± 13.3 years, mean simplified acute physiology score [SAPS II] score 52.9 ± 21.9) were enrolled on transfer to the ICU of a cardiology department. The most common underlying conditions were cardiac diseases (n = 42.5%), respiratory failure (n = 10.8%) and sepsis (n = 6.7%). Blood samples were taken within 12 h of ICU admission. The MMP‑2, MMP‑9, TIMP‑1 and TIMP‑2 levels in plasma were evaluated in terms of 30-day survival, underlying condition and clinical score.

Results

On ICU admission 30-day survivors had significantly lower plasma MMP‑9 (odds ratio, OR 1.67 per 1 SD; 95% confidence interval, CI 1.10−2.53;p = 0.016) and TIMP‑1 (OR 2.15 per 1 SD; 95% CI 1.27−3.64;p = 0.004) levels than non-survivors; furthermore, MMP‑9 and TIMP‑1 correlated well with SAPS II (bothp < 0.01). In patients with underlying cardiac diseases, MMP‑9 (p = 0.002) and TIMP‑1 (p = 0.01) were independent predictors of survival (Cox regression). No significant correlation was found between MMP‑2 and TIMP‑2 levels, MMP/TIMP ratios and 30-day mortality.

Conclusion

The MMP‑9 and TIMP‑1 levels are significantly elevated in acute critical care settings with increased short-term mortality risk, especially in patients with underlying heart disease. These findings support the value of MMPs and TIMPs as prognostic markers and potential therapeutic targets in conditions leading to systemic inflammation and acute organ failure.
Comparing public and private hospitals’ service quality
Authors: Alumran Arwa , Almutawa Hanadi , Alzain Zainab , Althumairi Arwa , Khalid Nauman
Published: January 2020

Background

Saudi Arabia’s health care system has undergone major changes in recent years to enhance the quality of the services it renders to the community. This study is designed to measure the quality of health care services from the patients’ perspective and to compare the service quality of public and private hospitals in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia.

Methods

The study has a quantitative cross-sectional design, with a questionnaire based on the SERVQUAL dimensional model. It was a random sample of 258 inpatients at private and public hospitals in Eastern Saudi Arabia.

Results

Patients at private hospitals perceived a higher level of quality of the health care services (t = 3.390, p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Further research on the financial and leadership dimensions of health care quality will contribute to improved planning for health care services.
Phosphorylated cellulose nanofibers exhibit exceptional capacity for uranium capture
Authors: Lehtonen Janika , Hassinen Jukka , Kumar Avula Anil , Johansson Leena-Sisko , Mäenpää Roni , Pahimanolis Nikolaos , Pradeep Thalappil , Ikkala Olli , Rojas Orlando J.
Published: January 2020

We investigate the adsorption of hexavalent uranium, U(VI), on phosphorylated cellulose nanofibers (PHO-CNF) and compare the results with those for native and TEMPO-oxidized nanocelluloses. Batch adsorption experiments in aqueous media show that PHO-CNF is highly efficient in removing U(VI) in the pH range between 3 and 6. Gelling of nanofiber hydrogels is observed at U(VI) concentration of 500 mg/L. Structural changes in the nanofiber network (scanning and transmission electron microscopies) and the surface chemical composition (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy) gave insights on the mechanism of adsorption. The results from batch adsorption experiments are fitted to Langmuir, Freundlich, and Sips isotherm models, which indicate a maximum adsorption capacity of 1550 mg/g, the highest value reported so far for any bioadsorbent. Compared to other metals (Zn, Mn, and Cu) and typical ions present in natural aqueous matrices the phosphorylated nanofibers are shown to be remarkably selective to U(VI). The results suggest a solution for the capture of uranium, which is of interest given its health and toxic impacts when present in aqueous matrices.
A survey and benchmarking study of multitreatment uplift modeling
Authors: Olaya Diego , Coussement Kristof , Verbeke Wouter
Published: January 2020

Uplift modeling is an instrument used to estimate the change in outcome due to a treatment at the individual entity level. Uplift models assist decision-makers in optimally allocating scarce resources. This allows the selection of the subset of entities for which the effect of a treatment will be largest and, as such, the maximization of the overall returns. The literature on uplift modeling mostly focuses on queries concerning the effect of a single treatment and rarely considers situations where more than one treatment alternative is utilized. This article surveys the current literature on multitreatment uplift modeling and proposes two novel techniques: the naive uplift approach and the multitreatment modified outcome approach. Moreover, a benchmarking experiment is performed to contrast the performances of different multitreatment uplift modeling techniques across eight data sets from various domains. We verify and, if needed, correct the imbalance among the pretreatment characteristics of the treatment groups by means of optimal propensity score matching, which ensures a correct interpretation of the estimated uplift. Conventional and recently proposed evaluation metrics are adapted to the multitreatment scenario to assess performance. None of the evaluated techniques consistently outperforms other techniques. Hence, it is concluded that performance largely depends on the context and problem characteristics. The newly proposed techniques are found to offer similar performances compared to state-of-the-art approaches.
Dispersion from Cα or NH: 4D experiments for backbone resonance assignment of intrinsically disordered proteins
Authors: Tossavainen Helena , Salovaara Santeri , Hellman Maarit , Ihalin Riikka , Permi Perttu
Published: January 2020

Resonance assignment of intrinsically disordered proteins is remarkably challenging due to scant chemical shift dispersion arising from conformational heterogeneity. The challenge is even greater if repeating segments are present in the amino acid sequence. To forward unambiguous resonance assignment of intrinsically disordered proteins, we present iHACANCO, HACACON and (HACA)CONCAHA, three Hα-detected 4D experiments with Cα as an additional dimension. In addition, we present (HACA)CON(CA)NH and (HACA)N(CA)CONH, new 4D Hα-start, HN-detect experiments which have two NH dimensions to enhance peak dispersion in a sequential walk through C′, NH and HN, and provide more accurate NH/HN chemical shifts than those that can be obtained from a crowded 1H, 15N-HSQC spectrum. Application of these 4D experiments is demonstrated using BilRI (165 aa), an outer-membrane intrinsically disordered protein from the opportunistic oral pathogen Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. BilRI amino acid sequence encompasses three very similar repeats with a 13-residue identical stretch in two of them.
Print exposure across the reading life span
Authors: Grolig Lorenz , Tiffin-Richards Simon P. , Schroeder Sascha
Published: January 2020

Leisure reading is a main contributor to print exposure, which is in turn related to individual differences in reading and language skills. The Author Recognition Test (ART) is a brief and objective measure of print exposure that has been used in reading research since the 1990s. Life span studies have reported contradicting results concerning age differences in print exposure, possibly due to the use of ART versions that differed regarding authors’ mean publication year. We investigated effects of participant age and authors’ mean publication year, literary level, and circulation frequency on author recognition probability between adolescence and old age (N = 339; age 13–77 years). An explanatory item response analysis showed that participant age and circulation frequency were positively related to recognition probability. Mean publication year was negatively related to recognition probability, indicating that recent authors who have been widely read for only a few years were less often recognized than classic authors who have been widely read for several decades. The relation between participant age and recognition probability was moderated by author variables. For classic authors, the recognition probability increased between adolescence and old age. By contrast, for recent authors, the recognition probability increased only between adolescence and middle age. Our results suggest that the mean publication year is a key author variable for the detection of print exposure differences between young, middle-aged and older adults. We discuss implications for author selection when updating the ART and for measuring print exposure in age-diverse samples.
The labor market reintegration of returned refugees in Afghanistan
Authors: Loschmann Craig , Marchand Katrin
Published: January 2020

Even though Afghanistan remains one of the top origin countries of refugees around the world, a considerable number of refugees have also returned over the last three decades. This paper investigates the labor market outcomes of those returned refugees from Iran and Pakistan, motivated by the fact that their reintegration greatly depends on the ability to access sustainable income-generating activities as a basis of their livelihood. The analysis relies on cross-sectional data from an original household survey collected in five provinces of Afghanistan in 2011. The analytical approach is twofold: first, to compare returned refugees to non-migrants in regard to what influences their respective labor market outcomes; and second, to investigate the influence of the returnees’ migration and return experience on those outcomes. We find evidence that returned refugees are less likely to be wage employed in comparison to non-migrants and that those factors related to socioeconomic status including educational attainment, and the strength of social networks plays an influential role in labor market outcomes. When it comes to the migration and return experience of returnees, a few key factors are found to be of particular consequence for current employment status including employment prior to migration, time abroad, amount of savings brought back upon return, return assistance, and intentions to re-migrate. These findings help to shed light on the reintegration process of returned refugees in Afghanistan, an issue of growing concern for policymakers taking into consideration the recent increase in return flows.