bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interhospital Transfer versus Direct Admission in Patients with Acute ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Dharma Surya , Dakota Iwan , Andriantoro Hananto , Firdaus Isman , Anandira Citra P. , Radi Basuni
Published: July 2020

There is concern whether patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who admitted to a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) center from interhospital transfer is associated with longer reperfusion time compared with direct admission. We evaluated the reperfusion delays in patients with STEMI who admitted to a primary PCI center through interhospital transfer or direct admission. We retrospectively analyzed 6,494 consecutive STEMI patients admitted between 2011 and 2019. Compared with direct admission (n = 4,121; 63%), interhospital transferred patients (n = 2,373) were younger (55 ± 10 vs. 56 ± 10 years, p < 0.001), had similar gender (85.6 vs. 86% male, p = 0.67), greater proportion of off-hour admission (65.2 vs. 48.3%, p < 0.001), less diabetes mellitus (28 vs. 30.8%, p = 0.019), and received more primary PCI (70.5 vs. 48.7%, p < 0.001). Interhospital transferred patients who received primary PCI (n = 3,677) or fibrinolytic (n = 238) had longer symptom-to-PCI center admission time (median, 360 vs. 300 minutes, p < 0.001), shorter door-to-device (DTD) time for primary PCI (median, 74 vs. 87 minutes, p < 0.001), and longer total ischemic time (median, 465 vs. 414 minutes, p < 0.001). Logistic regression in interhospital transferred patients showed that delay in door-in-to-door-out (DI-DO) time at the first hospital was strongly associated with prolonged total ischemic time (adjusted odds ratio = 3.92; 95% confidence interval: 3.06–5.04, p < 0.001). This study suggests that although interhospital transferred patients received more primary PCI with shorter DTD time, interhospital transfer creates longer total ischemic time that associates with the delay in DI-DO time at the first hospital that should be improved.
Absence of cGAS-mediated type I IFN responses in HIV-1–infected T cells
Authors: Elsner Carina , Ponnurangam Aparna , Kazmierski Julia , Zillinger Thomas , Jansen Jenny , Todt Daniel , Döhner Katinka , Xu Shuting , Ducroux Aurélie , Kriedemann Nils , Malassa Angelina , Larsen Pia-Katharina , Hartmann Gunther , Barchet Winfried , Steinmann Eike , Kalinke Ulrich , Sodeik Beate , Goffinet Christine
Published: July 2020

Significance

Whether HIV-1 infection triggers cGAS-mediated immune responses in CD4
+
T cells remains debated. It is important to investigate to which extent HIV-1–infected T cells contribute to IFN production and expression of antiviral interferon-stimulated genes. By analyzing cellular responses upon productive HIV-1 infection or transduction, we demonstrate that lentiviruses and gammaretroviruses can infect and spread in primary CD4
+
T cells and T cell lines without alarming the cGAS-mediated DNA sensing machinery, probably due to their replication strategy that minimizes the abundance of cGAS-sensitive DNA PAMPs.
RTP4 inhibits IFN-I response and enhances experimental cerebral malaria and neuropathology
Authors: He Xiao , Ashbrook Alison W. , Du Yang , Wu Jian , Hoffmann Hans-Heinrich , Zhang Cui , Xia Lu , Peng Yu-Chih , Tumas Keyla C. , Singh Brajesh K. , Qi Chen-feng , Myers Timothy G. , Long Carole A. , Liu Chengyu , Wang Rongfu , Rice Charles M. , Su Xin-zhuan
Published: July 2020

Significance

Malaria is a deadly disease affecting hundreds of millions of people. Cerebral malaria is a type of severe disease with a high mortality rate. However, the causes leading to cerebral malaria, likely including parasite and host factors, are still elusive. Here we discover and investigate a host gene (receptor transporter protein 4 [RTP4]) that can regulate host type I interferon responses and symptoms of experimental cerebral malaria. RTP4 also significantly affects West Nile virus load in the brains of infected mice, but not in the heart and the spleen. This study reveals important roles of RTP4 in antimalarial and antiviral immunity, particularly in brain infection and pathology. RTP4 is a potential target for therapy in some neurological diseases.
Atomic-scale observations of electrical and mechanical manipulation of topological polar flux closure
Authors: Li Xiaomei , Tan Congbing , Liu Chang , Gao Peng , Sun Yuanwei , Chen Pan , Li Mingqiang , Liao Lei , Zhu Ruixue , Wang Jinbin , Zhao Yanchong , Wang Lifen , Xu Zhi , Liu Kaihui , Zhong Xiangli , Wang Jie , Bai Xuedong
Published: July 2020

Significance

Flux-closures, stable topological polar structures of nanometer size, are considered to be promising candidates as elements of future nanoelectronic and electromechanical devices. Understanding their phase transition pathways under external stimuli is therefore of vital importance for these potential applications. Here, using an atomically resolved
in situ
electron microscopy technique, we track the evolutions of the polarization of the flux-closure structure under both electric and stress fields with atomic resolution. We find that the flux-closure can be reversibly and controllably manipulated between the topological and ordinary ferroelectric states, enabling potential applications in electromechanical and nanoelectronic devices.
Temporal changes guided by mesenchymal stem cells on a 3D microgel platform enhance angiogenesis in vivo at a low-cell dose
Authors: Thomas Dilip , Marsico Grazia , Mohd Isa Isma Liza , Thirumaran Arun , Chen Xizhe , Lukasz Bartlomiej , Fontana Gianluca , Rodriguez Brian , Marchetti-Deschmann Martina , O’Brien Timothy , Pandit Abhay
Published: July 2020

Significance

An optimal 3D cell-delivery platform is key for cytoprotection and prolonged cell function in vivo for sustained delivery of therapeutic factors as “cell factories.” However, little is known about stem-cell phenotype and behavior resulting from in vitro preconditioning in engineered extracellular matrices. We demonstrate a close relationship between macromolecular concentration and mesenchymal stem cell behavior that drives morphological changes, modulation of integrin expression, and matrix rigidity after 96 h of in vitro preconditioning. Changes induced by the optimal microenvironment influence a proangiogenic phenotype of mesenchymal stem cells in a concentration-dependent manner and play a key role in promoting angiogenesis in vivo at a 20 times lower cell dose than the preclinical standard, tested in a severe, double-ligation model of CLI.
Effect of Construction Ventilation Scheme on Pollutant Transport in a High-Speed Railway Tunnel
Authors: Zhang G , Hu H , Ran G Y
Published: July 2020

To find out the distribution of dust and harmful gases and check the effect of ventilation and dust prevention after blasting in tunnel construction with the drilling and blasting method, the wind velocity, dust concentration and the concentration of harmful gas in You-zhu-shan tunnel of Gui-Guang high-speed railway were studied by CFD simulation and field test. The ventilation scheme optimization was carried out and the optimum scheme of main tunnel as air intake while parallel heading as air outlet is put forward. The results showed that the concentration of CO in the tunnel working area is reduced to 24ppm after ventilation 24minutes. Dust concentration maximum lies in the working tunneling side which involves no direct air flow from air duct. And it will be reduced by the continuous dust discharging, trapping and settling along the tunnel due to turbulent diffusion and entrainment of jets. The dust concentration is of a large variation range between trolley and the tunnel portal. It is in high number in tunnel face due to the influence of trolley through the accumulation of the dust around, which will result in a poor working environment.
Study on the Smoke Spread Law of a Subway Tunnel Fire under the Synergistic Action of Shaft Smoke Exhaust and Longitudinal Ventilation
Authors: Zhang H , Zhang G , Ran G Y , Sun J C
Published: July 2020

Urban rail transit improves the urban spatial structure, solves the problem of urban traffic congestion, so its safety problem can not be ignored. Fire is one of the major factors threatening the safety of urban rail transit. Taking the tunnel between wengjiao road and Maqing road of Xiamen Rail Transit Line 2 as an example, the paper uses FDS software to simulate the mechanical smoke exhaust of the shaft under different wind speed conditions of the main tunnel, and deeply analyzes the smoke and temperature distribution under the fire conditions of the tunnel with the shaft. The results show that when the longitudinal wind speed v=1.7m/s and the shaft uses mechanical exhaust, there is no smoke upstream of the fire source, all the smoke is discharged through the shaft, and the height of the flue gas layer is significantly smaller than the thickness of the flue gas layer without longitudinal ventilation. The combination of longitudinal wind and mechanical smoke exhaust is more conducive to the safe evacuation of people.
Evaluation of By-products’ Potentiality for the Reincorporation in New Building Materials
Authors: Vázquez D A Arellano , Moreschi L , Valverde G J Islas , Gallo M , Del Borghi A , Arcos J C Arteaga
Published: July 2020

This article explores the potentiality of agro-industrial by-products for the reincorporation into new industrial cycles from a circular economy perspective. Focusing on the chemical characterization of the pineapple by-product coming from the Mexican food industry, the methodology for the evaluation of the most proper and sustainable application of this material into the Mexican social system is shown. The application of pineapple by-product for the production of new low-impact insulation material is proposed to solve a social problem affecting the country: the wide diffusion of self-built houses and their poor habitability features, like a proper thermal comfort. The environmental impacts coming from the production of the insulation material have also been evaluated according to the guidelines given by the International EPD system in order to guarantee the reliability of the methodology and the possible future comparison with other insulation materials.
Measurement of Radon Concentration and Estimation of Its Emission of Coal-Fired Power Plants
Authors: Zeng Ye , Tian Xin , Lu Tao
Published: July 2020

In the experiment, RAD7 multi-functional electronic radon meter was used to measure the radon (222Rn) concentration at key points in the production process of three typical coal-fired power plants in Hunan, Hubei and Jiangxi provinces along the Yangtze river in China. The results show that after the combustion of raw coal, the radon was released, which caused radon concentration after the boiler’s gas system to be significantly higher than the air intake. Combined with the measurement and survey data, two different estimation methods of radon emission were established. First, based on radon concentration measured on site and the air volume at each inlet and outlet, the normalized radon emission of three coal fired power plants are calculated to be 102 GBq/GWa order of magnitude. The second one is using activity concentration of 226Ra in combination with actual coal use to calculate the emission, in this way, that typical value of normalize radon emission 151.3 GBq/GWa is obtained. This study provides data support for the construction of nuclear power plants in inland China.
Detection of Pesticide Residues in Soil, Water, and Food
Authors: An Y
Published: July 2020

Pesticide is widely used in modern agriculture for increasing crop production. However, pesticides can contaminate the environment, including water, soil, and food, and cause damage to ecosystems and organism health. Analysis of pesticide residues in soil, water, and food samples aims at detecting presence of pesticides in these environmental samples and providing knowledge for further research and decision making. Common methods used in such analysis serve varying ends. Sample preparation methods like solid phase extraction and microextraction cleans the sample and enriches the analytes of interest. Chromatography, including gas chromatography and liquid chromatography, separates the analytes based on their chemical nature. Detectors like ultraviolet-visible spectra detectors and mass spectrometers analyze the compounds separated by chromatographs. They provide critical information on the analytes and allow for both identification and quantification of the pesticide residues in the sample. The article aims at providing a brief overview of the aforesaid methods in context of pesticide residue analysis. Their basic principles are demonstrated, and their strengths and weaknesses are briefly discussed. Applications of the methods are also presented through a number of published researches using such methods in pesticide analysis.
Hydrogen Production: State of Technology
Authors: Li S , Kang Q , Baeyens J , Zhang H L , Deng Y M
Published: July 2020

Presently, hydrogen is for ∼50% produced by steam reforming of natural gas – a process leading to significant emissions of greenhouse gas (GHG). About 30% is produced from oil/naphtha reforming and from refinery/chemical industry off-gases. The remaining capacity is covered for 18% from coal gasification, 3.9% from water electrolysis and 0.1% from other sources. In the foreseen future hydrogen economy, green hydrogen production methods will need to supply hydrogen to be used directly as fuel or to generate synthetic fuels, to produce ammonia and other fertilizers (viz. urea), to upgrade heavy oils (like oil sands), and to produce other chemicals. There are several ways to produce H2, each with limitations and potential, such as steam reforming, electrolysis, thermal and thermo-chemical water splitting, dark and photonic fermentation; gasification, and catalytic decomposition of methanol. The paper reviews the fundamentals and potential of these alternative process routes. Both thermo-chemical water splitting and fermentation are marked as having a long term but high “green” potential.
Bio-energy Carriers as Back-up Fuel in Hybrid Solar Power Plants
Authors: Baeyens Jan , Li Shuo , Zhang Huili , Dewil Raf , Flamant Gilles , Ansart Renaud , Deng Yimin
Published: July 2020

Electricity from concentrated solar power (CSP) plants, gains an increasing interest and importance. To fully match the supply-demand principle, CSP processes include a thermal energy storage and back-up fuel supply. Novel CSP concepts are needed with specific targets of increased efficiency and reliability, and of reduced CAPEX and OPEX. The use of particle suspensions offers significant advantages since applicable in all sub-sections of the complete CSP as heat carrier from the receiver, to the heat storage, and ultimately to the power block. The use of particles in the steam generation (power block) is a common fluidized bed boiler technology. This paper will present the entire particle-based concept, while also discussing the potential to use biomass-based energy carriers as back-up heat supply. Process data and expected effects on the process economy of the system will be discussed.
Determination of Non-point Pollution Critical Areas to Provide Sustainable River Basin Management, Gördes Dam Basin, Turkey
Authors: Özdemir A
Published: July 2020

Non-point source (NPS) pollution is the main factor cause of various water quality problems across river basins in Turkey. The determination of critical source areas (CSAs) is necessary to control non-point source (NPS) pollution at a basin scale, especially when there are limited resources in the areas. The aim of this study is to determine the spatial and temporal distribution of NPS pollution loads in the Gördes dam basin, Turkey. CSAs were identified based on the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT). Fact and Fully Calibration Tool (FACT) were used to calibrate the model. The distribution of total nitrogen and phosphorus load in the basin was determined based on the subbasins level. The results based on the calibrated model showed that the sub-basins heavily and seriously polluted by agricultural and forest areas. Higher TN and TP loads occurred mainly in the downstream areas of the Gördes dam basin. Furthermore, the central zone of the Gördes dam basin was identified as the major source of TN and TP loads owing to the flow direction.
Expected Changes in the Demand for Electrical Energy in Buildings due to Climate Change and its Economic Impact: Madrid Case Study
Authors: José Roberto San , Pérez-Camaño Juan L. , Pérez Libia , González-Barras Rosa M.
Published: July 2020

It analyses the impact of global climate change on electricity demand and its respective economic cost in buildings covering an area of 1 km by 1 km in the city of Madrid. In order to know the energy demand, meteorological information has been produced with a spatial resolution of 50 meters, taking into account the three-dimensional structure of the buildings and the land use properties around the buildings. Climate variables are dynamically downscaled from 1° to 50 m using a nesting approach. Energy simulations of buildings are implemented with the EnergyPlus model. To determine the cost of impacts, the future distribution of energy sources in the two climate scenarios analysed and the corresponding 2012 prices of the Spanish Energy Commission are taken into account. Impacts on the area’s energy demand are calculated for 2030, 2050 and 2100 versus 2011 under two IPCC global climate projections: RCP 4.5 (emission stabilization scenario) and RCP 8.5 (little effort to reduce emissions). The expected changes in electricity consumption in the year 2100 are very important. RCP 8.5 shows a strong increase in electricity demand for cooling buildings. In RCP 4.5 decreases in electricity consumption are observed (-14.37%) due to very important decreases in temperature. On average, the global climate for the year 2100 will have an impact on a typical building block in Madrid of 117918 euros per year according to scenario RCP 8.5 while in scenario RCP 4.5 110537 euros per year would be saved.
The Perceived Opportunity to Avoid Pain Paradoxically Increases Pain-Related Fear Through Increased Threat Appraisals
Authors: van Vliet Christine M , Meulders Ann , Vancleef Linda M G , Vlaeyen Johan W S
Published: July 2020

Background

Although pain-related avoidance is mainly intended to reduce the accompanying anticipatory fear, avoidance behavior may paradoxically increase fear when a previous avoidance response is no longer available, suggesting that there is a bidirectional relationship between pain-related fear and avoidance.

Purpose

We hypothesized that avoidance can serve as a source of information that fuels irrational pain-related threat appraisals, which, in turn, increases pain-related fear.

Methods

Participants (N = 66) were exposed to a painful heat stimulus and randomly assigned to the avoidance or control group. They were instructed to avoid the full heat intensity by pressing a stop button in the presence of a stop cue. Only avoidance group participants received a stop cue and were allowed to press the stop button, while control group participants received the same instructions but never had the opportunity to avoid the full heat intensity. In reality and unknown to participants, the intensity and duration of the heat stimulus was independent of the avoidance response. In the subsequent test phase, the avoidance response was unavailable for both groups. We measured pain-related fear, threat appraisals/harmfulness, and pain intensity.

Results

In line with our expectations, pain-related fear levels were higher when the avoidance response was no longer available compared to those when the avoidance response was available. Increased threat appraisals mediated the relationship between avoidance behavior and increased pain-related fear.

Conclusions

The perceived opportunity to avoid increased pain-related fear through threat appraisals, suggesting a more complicated relationship between pain-related fear, threat appraisals, and avoidance behavior than the unidirectional relationships proposed in the fear-avoidance model. Clinical implications are discussed.
An IgA mimicry of IgG that binds polymeric immunoglobulin receptor for mucosa transcytosis
Authors: Mao Changchuin , Near Richard , Shibad Varuna , Zhong Xuemei , Gao Wenda
Published: July 2020

Most pathogens establish infection through mucosa, where secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) plays an ‘immune exclusion’ role in humoral defense. Extravasation of intravenously (i.v.) administrated therapeutic immunoglobulin G (IgG) mainly relies on convection and/or neonatal Fc receptor-mediated transcytosis from circulation into interstitial space. Active transport of interstitial IgG further across epithelium into mucosa, like sIgA, is a much desired feature for the next generation of therapeutic antibodies, especially for anti-infection purposes. For the first time, we report the engineering of an IgA mimicry of IgG, with its Fc portion in fusion with the 18-aa tail piece (tp) of sIgA and the J chain, possessing sIgA’s full binding activity towards polymeric immunoglobulin receptor that mediates mucosa transcytosis. In a diphtheria toxin receptor (DTR) knockin mouse model, i.v. injected anti-diphtheria toxin (DT) IgG(tp)J protected DTR+ cells from deletion upon DT injection. The compact design of IgG(tp)J opens new revenues for more effective therapeutic IgG mimicking some of the important biological functions of IgA.
Changes in phenological events in response to a global warming scenario reveal greater adaptability of winter annual compared with summer annual arabidopsis ecotypes
Authors: Footitt Steven , Hambidge Angela J , Finch-Savage William E
Published: July 2020

Background and Aims

The impact of global warming on life cycle timing is uncertain. We investigated changes in life cycle timing in a global warming scenario. We compared Arabidopsis thaliana ecotypes adapted to the warm/dry Cape Verdi Islands (Cvi), Macaronesia, and the cool/wet climate of the Burren (Bur), Ireland, Northern Europe. These are obligate winter and summer annuals, respectively.

Methods

Using a global warming scenario predicting a 4 °C temperature rise from 2011 to approx. 2080, we produced F1 seeds at each end of a thermogradient tunnel. Each F1 cohort (cool and warm) then produced F2 seeds at both ends of the thermal gradient in winter and summer annual life cycles. F2 seeds from the winter life cycle were buried at three positions along the gradient to determine the impact of temperature on seedling emergence in a simulated winter life cycle.

Key Results

In a winter life cycle, increasing temperatures advanced flowering time by 10.1 d °C–1 in the winter annual and 4.9 d °C–1 in the summer annual. Plant size and seed yield responded positively to global warming in both ecotypes. In a winter life cycle, the impact of increasing temperature on seedling emergence timing was positive in the winter annual, but negative in the summer annual. Global warming reduced summer annual plant size and seed yield in a summer life cycle.

Conclusions

Seedling emergence timing observed in the north European summer annual ecotype may exacerbate the negative impact of predicted increased spring and summer temperatures on their establishment and reproductive performance. In contrast, seedling establishment of the Macaronesian winter annual may benefit from higher soil temperatures that will delay emergence until autumn, but which also facilitates earlier spring flowering and consequent avoidance of high summer temperatures. Such plasticity gives winter annual arabidopsis ecotypes a distinct advantage over summer annuals in expected global warming scenarios. This highlights the importance of variation in the timing of seedling establishment in understanding plant species responses to anthropogenic climate change.
Single-Stream Recycling Inspires Selective Fish Passage Solutions for the Connectivity Conundrum in Aquatic Ecosystems
Authors: Zielinski Daniel P , McLaughlin Robert L , Pratt Thomas C , Goodwin R Andrew , Muir Andrew M
Published: July 2020

Barrier removal is a recognized solution for reversing river fragmentation, but restoring connectivity can have consequences for both desirable and undesirable species, resulting in a connectivity conundrum. Selectively passing desirable taxa while restricting the dispersal of undesirable taxa (selective connectivity) would solve many aspects of the connectivity conundrum. Selective connectivity is a technical challenge of sorting an assortment of things. Multiattribute sorting systems exist in other fields, although none have yet been devised for freely moving organisms within a river. We describe an approach to selective fish passage that integrates ecology and biology with engineering designs modeled after material recycling processes that mirror the stages of fish passage: approach, entry, passage, and fate. A key feature of this concept is the integration of multiple sorting processes each targeting a specific attribute. Leveraging concepts from other sectors to improve river ecosystem function may yield fast, reliable solutions to the connectivity conundrum.
Diversity, development and evolution of archegonia in land plants
Authors: Sokoloff Dmitry D , Remizowa Margarita V
Published: July 2020

We review the diversity and development of archegonia, the female reproductive organs of land-plant gametophytes. The archegonium is a uniquely land-plant structure, and studies of its evolution benefit from use of a comparative approach in a phylogenetic context. Archegonia of most land plants share a common developmental motif, here termed a T-shaped pattern. A primary axial cell produces a primary cover cell and a central cell by horizontal division. The upper cell usually divides vertically and the lower one horizontally. In mosses such as Atrichum, the T-shaped stage is shifted towards the end of archegonium development, whereas in vascular plants it appears at the beginning of development, but these stages are still probably homologous. The fully exposed archegonia are traditionally viewed as an ancestral (plesiomorphic) condition in land plants, but there is no direct support for this view. We speculate that the fully exposed condition is derived and synapomorphic for setaphytes (mosses and liverworts). The fully sunken hornwort archegonia may be similar to the ancestral type of land-plant archegonia. Developmental evidence suggests that archegonium necks of setaphytes and tracheophytes are not homologous to each other. The neck wall of pteridophytes is composed of four-celled tiers, and one such tier is present in gymnosperms with motile male gametes. Neck-cell arrangement is much more plastic in archegonia of gymnosperms with sperm cell delivery by pollen tube (siphonogamy), in which the neck plays a role similar to pollen-tube transmitting tissue of angiosperms. Angiosperm synergids are probably homologues of gymnosperm neck cells, and the angiosperm egg cell is probably homologous to the ventral canal cell of gymnosperms. Developmental genetic bases of archegonium diversity in land plants remain to be understood. Even descriptive developmental data are currently missing or controversial for some key lineages of land plants.
Intelligent Computing: Knowledge Acquisition Method Based on the Management Scale Transformation
Authors: Wang Ai , Gao Xuedong
Published: July 2020

The widespread scale effect always generates significant changes in the properties or characteristics of management objects with different observation scales. Thus, this paper studies the scale transformation mechanism problem of management objects. The observation scale hierarchy (management scale) with clear management objectives could automatically be recognized through changing the observation scales, in order to improve the practical management efficiency. Firstly, an intelligent computing framework based on the scale transformation is established, which reduces the over-dependency of human involvement in traditional scale transformation methods. Then, the scale characteristic reasoning inference is put forward to improve the knowledge acquisition mechanism of scale transformation. Finally, a knowledge acquisition algorithm based on the variable-scale clustering (KAVSC) is proposed. Experiments selected the multiple products inventory data of a manufacturing enterprise from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2017. The experiment results illustrate that the proposed algorithm KAVSC is able to accurately recognize different management scale levels and scale characteristics of each product, which could effectively support managers making differentiated inventory management plans.
Improving Matsui’s Search Algorithm For The Best Differential/Linear Trails And Its Applications For DES, DESL And GIFT
Authors: Ji Fulei , Zhang Wentao , Ding Tianyou
Published: July 2020

Automatic search methods have been widely used for cryptanalysis of block ciphers, especially for the most classic cryptanalysis methods—differential and linear cryptanalysis. However, the automatic search methods, no matter based on MILP, SMT/SAT or CP techniques, can be inefficient when the search space is too large. In this paper, we propose three new methods to improve Matsui’s branch-and-bound search algorithm, which is known as the first generic algorithm for finding the best differential and linear trails. The three methods, named reconstructing DDT and LAT according to weight, executing linear layer operations in minimal cost and merging two 4-bit S-boxes into one 8-bit S-box, respectively, can efficiently speed up the search process by reducing the search space as much as possible and reducing the cost of executing linear layer operations. We apply our improved algorithm to DESL and GIFT, which are still the hard instances for the automatic search methods. As a result, we find the best differential trails for DESL (up to 14-round) and GIFT-128 (up to 19-round). The best linear trails for DESL (up to 16-round), GIFT-128 (up to 10-round) and GIFT-64 (up to 15-round) are also found. To the best of our knowledge, these security bounds for DESL and GIFT under single-key scenario are given for the first time. Meanwhile, it is the longest exploitable (differential or linear) trails for DESL and GIFT. Furthermore, benefiting from the efficiency of the improved algorithm, we do experiments to demonstrate that the clustering effect of differential trails for 13-round DES and DESL are both weak.
Identification of a Male-Produced Volatile Pheromone forPhymatodes dimidiatus(Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) and Seasonal Flight Phenology of FourPhymatodesSpecies Endemic to the North American Intermountain West
Authors: Lyons-Yerion Claudia D , Barbour James D , Mongold-Diers Judith A , Williams Christopher J , Cook Stephen P
Published: July 2020

Research over the last 15 yr has shown widespread pheromone parsimony within the coleopteran family Cerambycidae, with a number of highly conserved pheromone motifs, often shared within and across subfamilies, tribes, and genera. Our goals were to increase our understanding of the evolution of volatile pheromones within the Cerambycidae, their role in reproductive isolation and to identify pheromones for use in the development of lures for monitoring cerambycids. Over 3 yr, we tested 12 compounds known to be cerambycid pheromones as possible attractants at sites across Idaho. This study focused on species within the cerambycine genus Phymatodes (Tribe: Callidiini). We also collected and analyzed headspace volatiles of captured Phymatodes dimidiatus (Kirby). Our results demonstrate that (R)-2-methylbutan-1-ol is a male-produced volatile pheromone for P. dimidiatus. These results are consistent with prior research suggesting that (R)-2-methylbutan-1-ol and (R)-3-hydroxyhexan-2-one, individually or in a blend of both compounds, commonly serve as pheromones for Phymatodes spp. We captured Phymatodes starting in mid-May, continuing through mid-August. Our data indicate that flight periods of Phymatodes spp. in Idaho overlap. These species may be utilizing various mechanisms to ensure reproductive isolation, such as the production of different volatile pheromones, minor components, and/or proportions of components, utilizing different host species and/or host volatiles, differing daily activity periods, and/or occupying different heights in the tree canopy. Our results contribute to the basic understanding of the chemical and behavioral ecology of the Cerambycidae and can be applied to the development of pheromone lures for monitoring of economically important or endangered species.
Acute thrombosis of everolimus-eluting platinum chromium stent caused by impaired prasugrel metabolism due to cytochrome P450 enzyme 2B6*2 (C64T) polymorphism: a case report
Authors: Yamagata Yuki , Koga Seiji , Ikeda Satoshi , Maemura Koji
Published: July 2020

Background

Dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and P2Y12 receptor inhibitor is an important option for preventing acute stent thrombosis after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Case summary

A 72-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Emergent coronary angiography identified the occlusion in the proximal left anterior descending artery. This lesion was successfully treated by thrombus aspiration and an everolimus-eluting platinum chromium stent implantation with loading of aspirin 200 mg and prasugrel 20 mg. However, acute closure of the stent occurred 1 h after PCI. P2Y12 reaction units (PRU) measured using VerifyNow assay was 282, suggesting high platelet reactivity on prasugrel. After adding cilostazol 200 mg, recanalization was successfully obtained by thrombus aspiration and ballooning under intra-aortic balloon pump. Thereafter, PRU decreased to 266 at 4 h after PCI, and 49 the next day, implying full inhibition of platelet reactivity on prasugrel. Fortunately, no stent thrombosis has recurred since then. Genotype analysis of cytochrome P450 enzyme (CYP) demonstrated CYP2B6*1/*2 polymorphism leading to impaired metabolism of prasugrel. Based on these findings, acute stent thrombosis in the present case might have been caused by delayed expression of prasugrel effects due to CYP2B6*2 (C64T) polymorphism.

Discussion

In cases of stent thrombosis, we should consider the possibility of poor response to P2Y12 receptor inhibitors due to CYP polymorphism. Assessment of platelet aggregation and CYP genotype may be warranted.
Acute myopericarditis caused by Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis: a case report
Authors: Chehab Omar , McGuire Emma , Wani Robert L Serafino , Weerackody Roshan
Published: July 2020

Background

Acute myopericarditis can be caused by a myriad of infectious and non-infectious aetiologies, however, it is often considered to be due to self-limiting viral infection. Salmonella spp. myopericarditis is rare and the few cases in the literature suggest significant associated morbidity and mortality.

Case summary

A 44-year-old man presented with fever, dyspnoea, and chest pain. He was found to have a large pericardial effusion with clinical signs of tamponade and sepsis. Therapeutic pericardiocentesis was performed and ceftriaxone and levofloxacin were administered. Fully sensitive Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis (S. Enteritidis) was isolated in his pericardial fluid and he made a full recovery after a 4-week course of ciprofloxacin. A new diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus was made on admission. A follow-up cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) scan was suggestive of myocarditis which was unexpected given a normal Troponin T level on presentation.

Discussion

We report a rare case of S. Enteritidis myopericarditis. Our case is notable as the patient was immunocompetent apart from newly diagnosed diabetes. This case highlights the value of CMR imaging in assessing for myocarditis and ventricular function.
New Monetarism in Continuous Time: Methods and Applications
Authors: Choi Michael , Rocheteau Guillaume
Published: July 2020

We develop a New Monetarist model in continuous time where agents trade continuously in competitive markets and infrequently in pairwise meetings. Agents can produce and consume both in flows over time intervals and in discrete quantities at points in time. We detail the methodology to solve individual optimisation problems and characterise the full set of perfect foresight equilibria. We illustrate the role of continuous time and the tractability of our approach with three applications related to monetary policy: (i) forward guidance with policy announcements; (ii) aggregate demand management and firm entry; (iii) open market operations with partially liquid assets.
Severe gastroparesis after orthotopic heart transplantation
Authors: Angleitner Philipp , Arnoldner Michael A , Zuckermann Andreas O , Aliabadi-Zuckermann Arezu Z
Published: July 2020

We present a case of severe gastroparesis in a recipient of orthotopic heart transplantation. Although a rare condition after heart transplantation, it is a potential cause of significant morbidity, including vomiting, aspiration and pneumonia. Moreover, impaired gastric emptying alters the pharmacokinetics of immunosuppressive medication with increased risk of severe side effects. Herein, we describe a diagnostic and therapeutic strategy that was successfully applied in a patient with gastroparesis.
The Criminal Case Processing of Foreign Nationals in the Netherlands
Authors: Light Michael T , Wermink Hilde
Published: July 2020

Foreign nationals are increasingly encountering the criminal justice institutions of many European countries. Yet, basic questions about how they are punished within these institutions, particularly at the early stages of case processing, remain unanswered. This article combines linked case information from arrest through sentencing with interviews of Dutch judges and prosecutors to fill this gap. Our findings reveal considerable unexplained citizenship disparities in multiple case outcomes. Compared to Dutch citizens arrested for the same crimes and with similar criminal records, foreign nationals are more likely to have their cases referred to court, to be detained, convicted, and imprisoned. The interviews identified several mechanisms that explicate these differences, including (i) annoyance when foreign nationals are perceived to be in the country for the purpose of committing crime; (ii) logistical issues when noncitizens do not have a permanent residence, and; (iii) undermining the need for reintegration because many defendants are unlikely to remain in the Netherlands.
Introducing point-of-care ultrasound in Danish general practice—elucidating the use through a medical audit
Authors: Andersen Camilla Aakjær , Frandsen Annika Kamp , Valentiner-Branth Christian , Lykkegaard Jesper , Løkkegaard Thomas , Thomsen Janus Laust , Jensen Martin Bach , Hansen Malene Plejdrup
Published: July 2020

Background

Point-of-care ultrasonography (PoCUS) is increasingly used across the medical field. PoCUS is also being implemented in general practice despite a lack of clinical guidelines and training programs for general practitioners (GPs).

Objectives

This study aimed to elucidate the employment of PoCUS by Danish GPs following a short training program.

Methods

Thirty GPs were enrolled in a short ultrasound training program and taught how to perform 22 selected scanning modalities. In the following 3 months, the GPs registered all performed PoCUS examinations according to the Audit Project Odense method. After 5 months, the GPs were invited to participate in an evaluation seminar, where questionnaires were distributed.

Results

During the registration period, 1598 patients were examined with PoCUS. A total of 1948 scanning modalities were registered, including 207 examinations outside the taught curriculum. The majority of the ultrasound examinations were performed within 10 minutes (89%), most were considered to be conclusive (87%) and/or to increase diagnostic certainty (67%), whereas one in four examinations entailed a change in patient management. Most GPs attending the evaluation seminar continued to use PoCUS and found the scanning modalities included in the course curriculum relevant in their daily work.

Conclusion

The GPs found several indications for performing PoCUS following the attendance of a 2-day basic training program. The majority of examinations were registered to be conclusive and/or increase diagnostic certainty. However, few GPs used PoCUS on a daily basis and not all examinations were registered to have an impact on patient care.
Prospects for antimicrobial development in the cryo-EM era – a focus on the ribosome
Authors: Herrero del Valle Alba , Innis C Axel
Published: July 2020

Resistance to antimicrobial drugs used to treat bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic infections is a major health concern requiring a coordinated response across the globe. An important aspect in the fight against antimicrobial resistance is the development of novel drugs that are effective against resistant pathogens. Drug development is a complex trans-disciplinary endeavor, in which structural biology plays a major role by providing detailed functional and mechanistic information on an antimicrobial target and its interactions with small molecule inhibitors. Although X-ray crystallography and nuclear magnetic resonance have until now been the methods of choice to characterize microbial targets and drive structure-based drug development, cryo-electron microscopy is rapidly gaining ground in these areas. In this perspective, we will discuss how cryo-electron microscopy is changing our understanding of an established antimicrobial target, the ribosome, and how methodological developments could help this technique become an integral part of the antimicrobial drug discovery pipeline.
Regulatory role of receptor-like cytoplasmic kinases in early immune signaling events in plants
Authors: Sun Lifan , Zhang Jie
Published: July 2020

Receptor-like cytoplasmic kinases (RLCKs) play crucial roles in regulating plant development and immunity. Conserved pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) derived from microbes are recognized by plant pattern recognition receptors to activate PAMP-triggered immunity (PTI). Microbial effectors, whose initial function is to promote virulence, are recognized by plant intracellular nucleotide-binding domain and leucine-rich repeat receptors (NLRs) to initiate effector-triggered immunity (ETI). Both PTI and ETI trigger early immune signaling events including the production of reactive oxygen species, induction of calcium influx and activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases. Research progress has revealed the important roles of RLCKs in the regulation of early PTI signaling. Accordingly, RLCKs are often targeted by microbial effectors that are evolved to evade PTI via diverse modulations. In some cases, modulation of RLCKs by microbial effectors triggers the activation of NLRs. This review covers the mechanisms by which RLCKs engage diverse substrates to regulate early PTI signaling and the regulatory roles of RLCKs in triggering NLR activation. Accumulating evidence suggests evolutionary links and close connections between PAMP- and effector-triggered early immune signaling that are mediated by RLCKs. As key immune regulators, RLCKs can be considered targets with broad prospects for the improvement of plant resistance via genetic engineering.
Radiological, Chemical, and Pharmacological Cholinergic System Parameters and Neurocognitive Disorders in Older Presurgical Adults
Authors: Heinrich Maria , Müller Anika , Lammers-Lietz Florian , Borchers Friedrich , Mörgeli Rudolf , Kruppa Jochen , Zacharias Norman , Winterer Georg , Slooter Arjen J C , Spies Claudia D
Published: July 2020

Background

A pre-existing neurocognitive disorder (NCD) is a relevant factor for the outcome of surgical patients. To improve understanding of these conditions, we investigated the association between parameters of the cholinergic system and NCD.

Method

This investigation is part of the BioCog project (www.biocog.eu), which is a prospective multicenter observational study including patients aged 65 years and older scheduled for elective surgery. Patients with a Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score ≤23 points were excluded. Neurocognitive disorder was assessed according to the fifth Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders criteria. The basal forebrain cholinergic system volume (BFCSV) was assessed with magnetic resonance imaging, the peripheral cholinesterase (ChE) activities with point-of-care measurements, and anticholinergic load by analyzing the long-term medication with anticholinergic scales (Anticholinergic Drug Scale [ADS], Anticholinergic Risk Scale [ARS], Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden Scale [ACBS]). The associations of BFCSV, ChE activities, and anticholinergic scales with NCD were studied with logistic regression analysis, adjusting for confounding factors.

Results

A total of 797 participants (mean age 72 years, 42% females) were included. One hundred and eleven patients (13.9%) fulfilled criteria for mild NCD and 82 patients (10.3%) for major NCD criteria. We found that AcetylChE activity was associated with major NCD (odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: [U/gHB] 1.061 [1.010, 1.115]), as well as ADS score ([points] 1.353 [1.063, 1.723]) or ARS score, respectively ([points] 1.623 [1.100, 2.397]) with major NCD. However, we found no association between BFCSV or ButyrylChE activity with mild or major NCD.

Conclusions

AcetylChE activity and anticholinergic load were associated with major NCD. Future research should focus on the association of the cholinergic system and the development of postoperative delirium and postoperative NCD.
Vision Impairment and Participation in Cognitively Stimulating Activities: The Health ABC Study
Authors: Varadaraj Varshini , Munoz Beatriz , Simonsick Eleanor M , Swenor Bonnielin K
Published: July 2020

Background

Engagement in cognitively stimulating activities is associated with decreased rates of cognitive decline in older adults. However, most cognitively stimulating tasks require good vision, potentially affecting the ability of visually impaired adults to engage in these activities. We examined the relationship between vision and participation in cognitively stimulating activities.

Method

Data from the Health, Aging, and Body Composition study (1999–2005) were analyzed. Associations between visual function (visual acuity [VA], contrast sensitivity [CS], and stereo acuity [SA] impairments) and annual rates of change in number of cognitively stimulating activities (by self-report) performed at least once a month were examined.

Results

Analyses included 924 participants aged 75.2 ± 2.8 years. At baseline, impaired CS (27%) and SA (29%) were associated with participation in fewer cognitive activities (β = −0.33, 95% CI = −0.63, −0.03 and β = −0.32, 95% CI = −0.61, −0.03, respectively), while VA (8%) was not (β = −0.34, 95% CI = −0.81, 0.13). In longitudinal models, groups with and without VA, CS, and SA impairments exhibited declines in monthly cognitive activities over time. Annual rates of decline were relatively higher in the VA (β = −0.16, 95% CI = −0.26, −0.05) and CS (β = −0.14, 95% CI = −0.19, −0.09) impaired groups than observed in the respective unimpaired groups (no VA: β = −0.12, 95% CI = −0.15, −0.10; no CS: β = −0.12, 95% CI = −0.15, −0.09), but did not achieve statistical significance. Stereo acuity (β = −0.13, 95% CI = −0.17, −0.09) and no SA (β = −0.13, 95% CI = −0.16, −0.10) groups had similar rates of decline.

Conclusions

Visually impaired older adults participate in fewer cognitive activities and although participation decline is similar to the non-impaired, lower overall participation indicates a need to identify cognitively stimulating activities accessible to visually impaired older adults.