bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of clinical pharmacist‐led antibiotic stewardship program on clinical outcomes in a tertiary referral hospital
Authors: Tabarsi Payam , Jamaati Hamidreza , Yousefian Sahar , Marjani Majid , Moniri Afshin , Langari Zahra Mirshafiei , Haghgoo Roodabeh , Eskandari Raha , Toutkaboni Mihan Pourabdollah , Dastan Farzaneh
Published: July 2021

Aims

To evaluate the clinical outcomes of a clinical pharmacist‐led antibiotic stewardship program (ASP).

Methods and Results

A prospective study of the ASP implementation, consisting of four broad‐spectrum antibiotics (meropenem, imipenem, vancomycin and colistin) was performed in a tertiary referral, university‐affiliated hospital in Tehran, Iran. Four hundred patients were included in the study via a simple randomisation method, over two six‐month periods before (n = 200) and after (n = 200) ASP implementation. Clinical outcome, inappropriate antibiotic use, expenditure, and antibiotic resistance were assessed between two periods. A total of 349 patients were assessed after exclusion of patients who fulfilled exclusion criteria, of which 171 patients (49%) were included in the intervention period. Baseline characteristics between the two periods were similar except for mean severity score (3.64 ± 2.80 pre vs. 4.29 ± 2.88 post P < 0.03). There was a 17.67% decrease in inappropriate antibiotic use (P = 0.17). Length of stay (LOS) was shortened by 3.50 days (P = 0.93). Total cost was reduced by 21.58% and inappropriate cost was significantly declined from US$20 853.93 to US$14 482.76 (P = 0.04). Indeed, US$32.50 was saved per patient in six months. Mean days of therapy (DOT)/1000 patient‐days and defined daily dose (DDD)/1000 patient‐days were reduced by 6.90% and 12.77%, respectively (P > 0.05). Furthermore, antibiotic resistance was decreased by 33.62% over this short period.

Conclusion

These results demonstrate that the potential role of the clinical pharmacist in implementing an ASP, and the resultant rational use of antibiotics, can provide considerable clinical and economic benefits.
Folded microstrip antenna with isotropic radiation pattern
Authors: Choi Dong‐Su , Choi Yoon‐Seon , Ju Dae‐Keun , Jung Bang Chul , Woo Jong‐Myung
Published: July 2021

In contrast to existing antennas with polarization and directional characteristics, we propose a novel isotropic antenna that provides equivalent vertical and horizontal polarization in all directions. The final design was guided by simulations, with the performance characteristics of the fabricated antenna verified experimentally. In the proposed antenna, two λ/4 folded microstrip antennas were integrated into one antenna in a “+” shape to generate the isotropic radiation pattern, with the input impedance matched to the feeding position. The resonant frequency, horizontal width, radiation pattern, and axis ratio were adjusted by changing the length of the microstrip line. Both simulations and experiments confirmed that the radiation patterns of vertical and horizontal polarization on each plane show the characteristics of an isotropic antenna with nondirectional radiation pattern.
Multiband spatial angular filtering transmissions through cascade asymmetrical metasurfaces
Authors: Zhu Jinbiao , Liu Yuquan , Tang Hongbiao , Guo Lili
Published: July 2021

In this paper, a cascade asymmetrical metasurface (CAM) is proposed to generate the functionality of multiband spatial angular filtering transmissions. More specifically, dual‐asymmetrical‐C‐slits printed on the CAM can readily tune the transmission frequencies by controlling the incident angles of electromagnetic waves. In the meanwhile, the CAM with multiple hierarchical structures would be capable of realizing the multiband operative mode with the performance of spatial angular filtering. The proposed method, by using multilayer CAM structures to realize multiband spatial angular filtering transmissions, can offer an efficient way to fulfill reconfigurable radiations of the antennas by tuning the emission frequencies.
Gaussian fitting algorithm with multi‐geometric parameters for rotated elliptical beam profiling using pixel ion chamber
Authors: Lei Hao , Tan Ping , Hu Delin , Yu Yecheng , Lin Yinjie , Zhang Zhongqi , Li Jiadong
Published: July 2021

Purpose

A high‐precision rotated elliptical beam profiling method based on pixel ion chamber is proposed in this paper. This method aims to improve the accuracy by modeling the transverse profile of rotated beam as an ellipse with additional correlation coefficient and eliminating the fitting error due to the volume averaging effect of pixel ion chamber.

Methods

In pencil beam scanning (PBS) proton therapy systems, the transverse beam profile model is generally represented as a standard Gaussian distribution. Considering the elliptical spots, two‐dimensional (2D) joint Gaussian distribution characterized with the correlation coefficient ρ is adopted in this study. Gaussian‐type particle distribution with white noise was generated and processed in MATLAB to simulate the secondary particle collection in the pixel ion chamber. The simulated pixel ion chamber is a commercially available ion chamber which consists of 12 × 12 small square pixels (3.75 × 3.75 mm2) with a 0.05 mm interval. The simulated signals were preprocessed by filtering with the noise threshold and extracting the maximum simply connected domain (MSCD) of the signal. Then, five geometric parameters that identify the transverse beam profiles were fitted under different signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) conditions: the center of the beam (x0, y0), the spot size (σmajor, σminor), and the rotation angle θ formed between the major axes of elliptical spot and the x axes of the ion chamber. First, the simulated signals were preprocessed by filtering with the noise threshold and extracting the MSCD of the signal. Second, a rectification curve of systematic error in fitted spot size versus the prescribed spot size was used to predict the systematic error due to the volume averaging effect. Finally, the effects of fitting errors on therapeutic dose were evaluated in terms of gamma index and relative dose difference.

Results

When the SNR is not less than 20 dB, the relative fitting error of spot size and the absolute fitting error of angle θ are less than 1% and 6.1°, respectively. The fitting error of beam center increases with spot size and will not exceed 0.22 mm when spot size reaches up to 12 mm. At a SNR equal to 20 dB, neither cold nor hot spots were presented in dose distribution calculated with the fitted spot parameters.

Conclusion

The improved Gaussian fitting algorithm performs well when SNR is not less than 20 dB. This method can effectively distinguish the nominal beam and rotated elliptical beam. An ideal systematic error curve can be predicted and used to correct the fitted spot size, thus eliminating the systematic error due to the volume averaging effect of the pixel ion chamber. The fitting error of spot size cannot be fully corrected, but it is negligible and shows little effect on the overall therapeutic dose.
Daptomycin exerts bactericidal effect through induction of excessive ROS production and blocking the function of stress response protein Usp2
Authors: Po Kathy Hiu Laam , Chow Hoi Yee , Cheng Qipeng , Chan Bill Kwan‐wai , Deng Xin , Wang Shuping , Chan Edward Wai Chi , Kong Hang‐Kin , Chan Kin Fai , Li Xuechen , Chen Sheng
Published: July 2021

Daptomycin, as a lipopeptide antibiotic, exhibits high potency in the treatment of infections caused by clinically relevant drug‐resistant Gram‐positive pathogens, such as methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin‐resistant Enterococci. However, its bactericidal mechanism of action remains controversial. In this study, we report that daptomycin kills bacteria through triggering overproduction of deleterious reactive oxygen species (ROS). This outcome is attributed to daptomycin binding to the universal stress response protein (Usp2) and subsequent blocking its function, triggering stress, and anti‐ROS response. Based on these findings, we conclude that daptomycin causes bacterial cell death by simultaneously triggering ROS production through inflicting cell membrane damages and inhibiting antioxidant defense by blocking Usp2 function. This study depicts molecular mechanisms underlying the bactericidal effect of daptomycin, a combination of triggering ROS production and inhibiting anti‐ROS response.

Key points

Novel bactericidal mechanism of daptomycin by ROS

Identification of first bacterial protein target, Usp2, for daptomycin

Deciphering the dual role of Usp2 on daptomycin mediated bacterial killing
Defective interferon amplification and impaired host responses against influenza virus in obese mice
Authors: Gaur Pratibha , Riehn Mathias , Zha Lisha , Köster Mario , Hauser Hansjörg , Wirth Dagmar
Published: July 2021

Objective

Obesity is a major risk factor that increases morbidity and mortality upon infection. Although type I and type III interferon (IFN)‐induced innate immune responses represent the first line of defense against viral infections, their functionality in the context of metabolic disorders remains largely obscure. This study aimed to investigate IFN responses upon respiratory viral infection in obese mice.

Methods

The activation of IFNs as well as IFN regulatory factors (IRFs) upon H3N2 influenza infection in mice upon high‐fat‐diet feeding was investigated.

Results

Influenza infection of obese mice was characterized by higher mortalities. In‐depth analysis revealed impaired induction of both type I and type III IFNs as well as markedly reduced IFN responses. Notably, it was found that IRF7 gene expression in obese animals was reduced in homeostasis, and its induction by the virus was strongly attenuated.

Conclusions

The results suggest that the attenuated IRF7 expression and induction are responsible for the reduced expression levels of type I and III IFNs and, thus, for the higher susceptibility and severity of respiratory infections in obese mice.
Breastfeeding moderates the relationship between fat mass and obesity‐associated gene rs9939609 and body mass index among adolescents
Authors: Kanders Sofia H. , Nilsson Kent W. , Åslund Cecilia
Published: July 2021

Objective

Breastfeeding, which is important for early growth, is a possible moderator of genetic influence, such as the effect of the fat mass and obesity‐associated gene (FTO) on body mass index (BMI). The aim of this study was to assess the moderating effect of breastfeeding duration on the relationship between FTO rs9939609 and BMI in a Caucasian sample.

Methods

Adolescents born in 1997 and in 1999, who were living in the Swedish county Västmanland in 2012, were invited to participate in the Survey of Adolescent Life in Västmanland. The adolescents and their parents completed self‐reported questionnaires in 2012, 2015, and 2018. Genotyping of rs9939609 T > A polymorphism was conducted from saliva DNA samples. Interaction effects of parental reported breastfeeding duration in months, including regions of significance, on the relationship between rs9939609 and BMI plus overweight were assessed.

Results

Considering physical activity levels, parental reported breastfeeding duration was a moderator of the relationship between rs9939609 and BMI for the younger (regions of significance = <1.6 and >28.1 months) and older adolescents (region of significance = >19.9 months), but not for the young adults. Plots of the association between breastfeeding duration and BMI showed higher BMI for AA with short breastfeeding, but lower BMI with longer breastfeeding than AT and TT. Longer breastfeeding lowered the odds for overweight among the younger adolescents, especially among AA individuals.

Conclusion

Rs9939609 AA individuals were more susceptible than AT and TT individuals to both short and long breastfeeding durations, which is consistent with the differential susceptibility hypothesis. FTO rs9939609 AA might be a plasticity variant with differential susceptibility to environmental influences. Breastfeeding duration may be one of many factors that affect the relationship between rs9939609 and BMI.
Poly(vinyl alcohol)‐based membranes for fuel cell and water treatment applications: A review on recent advancements
Authors: Choudhury Rikarani R. , Gohil Jaydevsinh M. , Dutta Kingshuk
Published: July 2021

Clean water and energy are two of the most important requirements for human survival. Membrane‐based filtration represents one of the advanced technologies involved in water decontamination; while, polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are among the frontrunners in the alternative and renewable energy domain. It is evident that membrane‐based processes provide sustainable solution to the ever‐increasing demand of energy and clean water. Over the years, it has been realized that synthetic poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) is one of the potential candidates for the development of membranes, owing to its hydrophilicity, barrier property, film forming ability, crosslinking ability, biodegradability, and low cost. These properties have been widely explored for the fabrication of polymer electrolyte membranes for PEMFCs, in order to improve the ionic conductivity and methanol barrier property, as well as, to reduce the membrane fabrication cost. On the other hand, high water solubility and film forming characteristics of PVA have been used for the formation of water treatment membranes, for enhancing the antifouling property and chemical stability. This review provides in‐depth discussions and analyses on the structure and properties of various PVA‐based copolymers, and their applications as membrane materials for PEMFCs (including direct methanol and alkaline fuel cells) and water remediation.
Effects of graphite oxide on thermal and electrical behaviors of coumarin‐based methacrylate copolymers: Its single chain polymer molecule via intramolecular cyclobutane formation
Authors: Ahmad Abdulhaleem Abdulkareem , Demirelli Kadir
Published: July 2021

The random copolymers of methyl methacrylate (MMA) and 4‐methyl‐2‐oxo‐2H‐chromen‐7‐yl methacrylate (COUMA) [poly (COUMA0.49‐co‐MMA)] (COMCOP1) and [poly(COUMA0.36‐co‐MMA)] (COMCOP2) were prepared via the conventional radical polymerization method. The copolymers were characterized by 1H‐NMR, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), UV–visible (UV–vis), thermogravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry instruments. A kinetic study of the thermal decomposition of COMCOP1 and COMCOP1/GO 16 wt% was investigated using thermogravimetric analyzer with non‐isothermal methods selected for analyzing solid‐state kinetics data. The average activation energy values were calculated via Flynn Wall and Ozawa (FWO) and Kissinger‐Akahira‐Sunose models in a period of α = 0.10–0.70. The average values of activation energy obtained from Kissinger method for COMCOP1 and COMCOP1/GO 16 wt% were 94.5 and 78.4 kJ/mol, respectively, whereas, those of estimated by FWO method were 103.5 and 87.0 kJ/mol. We indicate that well‐defined single chain polymer molecule (SCPM) via intramolecular cyclobutane formation could be obtained by the intrachain photodimerization of coumarin groups during UV irradiation at 365 nm diluted solution of COMCOP1. The photodimerization of coumarin groups in the copolymer was confirmed by UV–vis, FT‐IR, and 1H‐NMR instruments. Dielectric and electrical behaviors of the composites having a semiconductor behavior filled GO were investigated. The activation energy values based on dc conductivity for COMCOP1 loaded GO 10 and 12 wt% were decreased from 0.206 to 0.069 eV. Also, the Ea values estimated for COMCOP2‐loaded GO 12 and 13.6 wt% were 0.0580 and 0.0859 eV, respectively.
Distribution analysis of jasmonic acid‐related compounds in developing Glycine max L. (soybean) seeds using mass spectrometry imaging and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry
Authors: Enomoto Hirofumi
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Jasmonic acid (JA) and its precursors are oxylipins derived from α‐linolenic acid (αLA) and hexadecatrienoic acid, and regulate seed development. However, their spatial distribution in the developing Glycine max L. (soybean) seeds has not been elucidated.

Objective

To investigate the distribution of JA‐related compounds in the developing soybean seeds using desorption electrospray ionisation‐mass spectrometry imaging (DESI‐MSI) and liquid chromatography‐electrospray ionisation‐mass spectrometry (LC‐ESI‐MS) analyses.

Methods

Cryosections of developing seeds were prepared using adhesive films, and subjected to DESI‐MSI analysis. Verification of the DESI‐MSI ion images were performed using DESI‐tandem MSI (MS/MSI), LC‐ESI‐MS and tandem MS (MS/MS).

Results

In the DESI‐MSI mass spectrum, peaks matching the chemical formulae of αLA, 12‐oxo‐phytodienoic acid (OPDA), and 3‐oxo‐2‐(2‐(Z)‐pentenyl)‐cyclopentane‐1‐octanoic acid (OPC‐8:0) were detected. These compounds were mainly distributed in the seed coat, especially near the hilum. This was consistent with the quantitative results obtained by LC‐ESI‐MS. While, DESI‐MS/MSI and LC‐ESI‐MS/MS suggested the presence of isomers for OPDA and OPC‐8:0. The effect of isomers on the DESI‐MSI ion images was small for OPDA, and considerable for OPC‐8:0.

Conclusion

These results demonstrated that free αLA, OPDA, and OPC‐8:0 were the abundant JA‐related compounds mainly distributed in the seed coat of the developing soybeans. OPDA and OPC‐8:0 might exert a biological role in the seed coat. To the best of my knowledge, this is the first report on the accumulation of OPDA and OPC‐8:0 in the seed coat. The combination of DESI‐MSI and LC‐ESI‐MS is a useful tool for distribution analysis of JA‐related compounds in the developing seeds.
Human capital cost and investment policy
Authors: Ji Shuangshuang , King Tao‐Hsien Dolly , Li Xinxin
Published: July 2021

In this paper, we examine the link between human capital cost and investment policy. We find a significantly positive relationship between investment risk and the cost of human capital measured by average employee pay, especially when employees have strong bargaining power. We further investigate various channels through which investment risk influences human capital cost and find strong empirical support that these channels are important drivers. Our results suggest that a higher human capital cost associated with an increase in investment risk discourages firms from making valuable but risky investments in the future, leading to a potential problem of underinvestment.
A smart reactive jamming approach to counter reinforcement learning‐based antijamming strategies in GEO SATCOM scenario
Authors: Arif Shahzad , Hashmi Ali Javed , Khan Waseem , Kausar Rizwana
Published: July 2021

Reinforcement learning (RL) is being considered for future SATCOM systems due to its inherent capability to self‐learn the optimum decision‐making policy under different scenarios. This capability enables SATCOM systems to manage their resources judiciously and mitigate jamming attacks autonomously without prior jammer type classification. We propose a novel smart reactive SATCOM jamming approach that would not only counter these RL based anti‐jamming strategies but would also be effective against conventional anti‐jamming schemes, that is, FHSS and DSSS. The proposed jamming approach exploits the limitations in learning patterns of Q‐learning‐based RL agent and achieves effective jamming while conserving considerable amount of jamming power. To achieve this, we propose an intelligent jamming engine (IJE) along with few potent jamming algorithms and evaluate their performance in terms of throughput degradation of victim SATCOM link, jamming power conservation, and design complexity of the jammer. Software simulations successfully demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed smart reactive jamming approach which outperforms the standard reactive jammer against RL‐based antijamming schemes.
Dendrite‐Free Li Metal Anodes and the Formation of Plating Textures with a High Transference Number Modified Separator
Authors: Li Xuting , Ye Jiajia , Fu Zhanghua , Xia Guang , Chen Chuanzhong , Hu Cheng
Published: July 2021

The application of Li metal anodes is currently hindered by the uncontrolled growth of Li dendrites. Herein, the effects of a modified separator with a high Li+ transference number (t+) on the structure and electrochemical performance of Li metal anodes are reported. Stable and dendrite‐free plating/stripping cycles are achieved under current densities up to 5 mA cm−2 and areal capacities up to 20 mAh cm−2. The uniformly grown Li grains under the high t+ environment also exhibit well‐defined textures (preferred orientations). At a low plating capacity, epitaxial growth takes place on the {100} textures already existing in the rolled Li foils and the uniform Li+ flux strengthens this preferred orientation. Increasing the plating capacity to 20 mAh cm−2, the later‐grown textures change to {110} due to the reduced space charges and alleviated transport limits of Li+ under the high t+ environment, which favor the exposure of the close‐packed {110} planes. Compression‐induced <111> fiber textures are also resolved and the content increases with the plating capacity. Identification of the textures is meaningful for the exploration of advanced epitaxial substrates beyond Cu foils for high‐energy‐density Li metal batteries. LiS pouch cells are finally evaluated for the potential application of the modified separator.
Impact of Cation Substitution in (AgxCu1−x)2ZnSnSe4 Absorber‐Based Solar Cells toward 10% Efficiency: Experimental and Theoretical Analyses
Authors: Quadir Shaham , Qorbani Mohammad , Lai Ying-Ren , Sabbah Amr , Thong Ho–Thi , Hayashi Michitoshi , Chen Cheng–Ying , Chen Kuei–Hsien , Chen Li–Chyong
Published: July 2021

Solar cells based on kesterite Cu2ZnSnSe4 (CZTSe) compounds with earth‐abundant elements are highly desirable for the low‐cost and high‐efficiency production of renewable energy. However, the occurrence of intrinsic defects substantially impairs the photovoltaic properties of CZTSe. Herein, a cation substitution method to control and passivate the defect states in bandgap of kesterite CZTSe by incorporating Ag ions is introduced. Intensity‐dependent low‐temperature photoluminescence measurements show that Ag incorporation can reduce the density and depth of intrinsic defects in CZTSe. The results reveal that 10% Ag‐alloyed CZTSe provides the shallowest defect states and less nonradiative recombination. It is also confirmed by first‐principles calculations that Ag incorporation enables the formation and suppresses the beneficial and detrimental defects, respectively. Based on the theoretical results, the observed subband photoluminescence peaks can be assigned to the intrinsic point and cluster defects. The best power conversion efficiency of 10.2% is achieved for the 10% Ag‐alloyed CZTSe cell, along with an enhanced open‐circuit voltage. These results open up a new avenue for further improving the performances of CZTSe‐based device via defect engineering.
Documentation‐based functional constraint generation for library methods
Authors: Jiang Renhe , Chen Zhengzhao , Pei Yu , Pan Minxue , Zhang Tian , Li Xuandong
Published: July 2021

Although software libraries promote code reuse and facilitate software development, they increase the complexity of programme analysis tasks. To effectively analyse programmes built on top of software libraries, it is essential to have specifications for the library methods that can be easily processed by analysis tools. However, the availability of such specifications is seriously limited at the moment. Manually writing the specifications can be prohibitively expensive and error‐prone, while existing automated approaches to inferring the specifications seldom produce results that are strong enough to be used in programme analysis. In this work, we propose the Doc2smt approach to generating strong functional constraints in SMT for library methods based on their documentations. Doc2smt first applies natural language processing (NLP) techniques and a set of rules to translate a method's natural language documentation into a large number of candidate constraint clauses in OCL. Then, it utilizes a manually enhanced domain model to identify OCL candidate constraint clauses that comply with the problem domain in static validation, translates well‐formed OCL constraints into the SMT‐LIB format, and checks whether each SMB‐LIB constraint rightly abstracts the functionalities of the method under consideration via testing in dynamic validation. In the end, it reports the first functional constraint that survives both validations to the user as the result. We have implemented the approach into a supporting tool with the same name. In experiments conducted on 451 methods from the Java Collections Framework and the Java IO library, Doc2smt generated correct constraints for 309 methods, with the average generation time for each correct constraint being merely 2.7 min. We have also applied the generated constraints to facilitate symbolic‐execution‐based test generation with the Symbolic Java PathFinder (SPF) tool. For 24 utility methods manipulating Java container and IO objects, SPF with access to the generated constraints produced 51.2 times more test cases than SPF without the access.
Automated Fish Bone Detection in X‐Ray Images with Convolutional Neural Network and Synthetic Image Generation
Authors: Urazoe Kazuya , Kuroki Nobutaka , Maenaka Akihiro , Tsutsumi Hironori , Iwabuchi Mizuki , Fuchuya Kosuke , Hirose Tetsuya , Numa Masahiro
Published: July 2021

This paper proposes a new fish bone detection technique using a convolutional neural network (CNN) and synthetic image generation. Semantic segmentation CNNs with supervised learning generally require a large number of training images and their pixel‐wise teaching signals. In fish bone detection, there are two problems with using semantic segmentation CNNs. One is the manual annotations of fish bones and the other is the difficulty of sampling all variations of fish bones with various lengths, angles, and thicknesses. The proposed method, however, generates them by drawing virtual fish bones on X‐ray images. This technique is very useful for reducing the cost of collecting and annotating a dataset. Experimental results have shown that the average F‐measure for the proposed method is 0.747, while that for a normal training method is 0.493. In the proposed method, the CNN successfully detected actual fish bones despite its training only with virtual fish bones. © 2021 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Matching of sprint performance videos focusing on the motion periodicity and the speed linearity
Authors: Yamamoto Yoshiteru , Doman Keisuke , Hotta Yoshiya , Mekada Yoshito
Published: July 2021

We present a method to analyze the sprinter's form in 100 m sprint races. To achieve good time records, sprinters should know the problem on their sprint form, for example, by analyzing the difference between good and bad forms. The proposed method captures two performance videos at different points (e.g., 50 and 90 m) in one 100 m sprint race, and matches them frame‐by‐frame to compare the two sprint forms. The method calculates the sprint motion similarity from body keypoints, and then matches video frames focusing on the periodicity of sprint motion and the linearity of sprint speed. We conducted experiments with performance video pairs for six sprinters, and confirmed that the proposed method could match them accurately, which showed the effectiveness and the usefulness of the method. Also, the coach of our track‐and‐field team could find some improvements of the sprinters by referring to the outputs of the method. © 2021 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
The Design and Evolution of OCB
Authors: Krovetz Ted , Rogaway Phillip
Published: July 2021

We describe OCB3, the final version of OCB, a blockcipher mode for authenticated encryption (AE). We prove the construction secure, up to the birthday bound, assuming its underlying blockcipher is secure as a strong-PRP. We study the scheme’s software performance, comparing its speed, on multiple platforms, to a variety of other AE schemes. We reflect on the history and development of the mode.
The Solution of the Deep Boltzmann Machine on the Nishimori Line
Authors: Alberici Diego , Camilli Francesco , Contucci Pierluigi , Mingione Emanuele
Published: July 2021

The deep Boltzmann machine on the Nishimori line with a finite number of layers is exactly solved by a theorem that expresses its pressure through a finite dimensional variational problem ofmin–maxtype. In the absence of magnetic fields the order parameter is shown to exhibit a phase transition whose dependence on the geometry of the system is investigated.
Firefly luciferase offers superior performance to AkaLuc for tracking the fate of administered cell therapies
Authors: Amadeo Francesco , Plagge Antonius , Chacko Anitta , Wilm Bettina , Hanson Vivien , Liptrott Neill , Murray Patricia , Taylor Arthur
Published: July 2021

Introduction

A novel, red-shifted bioluminescence imaging (BLI) system called AkaBLI has been recently developed for cell tracking in preclinical models and to date, limited data is available on how it performs in relation to existing systems.

Purpose

To systematically compare the performance of AkaBLI and the standard Firefly luciferase (FLuc) systems to monitor the biodistribution and fate of cell therapies in rodents.

Methods

Umbilical cord mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) were transduced to produce two genetically engineered populations, expressing either AkaLuc or the engineered FLuc luc2. The bioluminescence of AkaLuc+ and FLuc+ cells was assessed both in vitro (emission spectra, saturation kinetics and light emission per cell) and in vivo (substrate kinetics following intraperitoneal and subcutaneous administration and biodistribution of the cells up to day 7).

Results

Introduction of the reporter genes has no effect on MSC phenotype. For BLI, the FLuc system is superior to AkaBLI in terms of (i) light output, producing a stronger signal after subcutaneous substrate delivery and more consistent signal kinetics when delivered intraperitoneally; (ii) absence of hepatic background; and (iii) safety, where the AkaLuc substrate was associated with a reaction in the skin of the mice in vivo.

Conclusion

We conclude that there is no advantage in using the AkaBLI system to track the biodistribution of systemically administered cell-based regenerative medicine therapies in vivo.
Tofacitinib in the treatment of skin and musculoskeletal involvement in patients with systemic sclerosis, evaluated by ultrasound
Authors: Karalilova Rositsa Valerieva , Batalov Zguro Anastasov , Sapundzhieva Tanya Lyubomirova , Matucci-Cerinic Marco , Batalov Anastas Zgurov
Published: July 2021

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare autoimmune connective tissue disease characterized by fibrosis of the skin and internal organs, autoimmunity-driven damage and vasculopathy. The current approved disease-modifying treatments have limited efficacy, and treatment is guided toward alleviating organ complications. Thus, there is an unmet need for discovering new effective treatment options. There is recent evidence that the JAK/STAT signaling pathway is markedly activated in SSc patients. To assess the efficacy and safety of tofacitinib (TOF) on skin and musculoskeletal involvement as compared to methotrexate (MTX) in systemic sclerosis (SSc). In this 52-week pilot study, 66 patients with SSc were enrolled: 33 patients received 5 mg of oral TOF twice a day; 33 received 10 mg of MTX weekly. The proportion of dcSSc and lcSSc patients was similar (dcSSc: 42% TOF group and 36% MTX group; lcSSc: 58% TOF group and 64% MTX group). The primary outcome was the change in the modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS). Secondary outcomes included ultrasound (US) skin thickness and musculoskeletal involvement (US10SSc score). Digital ulcers (DUs) and adverse events (AEs) were documented through the treatment. Both groups had similar characteristics and medians on the outcome measures at baseline. At week 52, the TOF median mRSS was significantly lower than the MTX (p < 0.001) with a mean reduction of 13 points versus MTX 2.57. The mean percent improvement in the TOF group was 44% higher than in the MTX group. TOF median US skin thickness was significantly lower than MTX (p < 0.001), with a mean reduction of 0.31 mm versus 0.075 mm in the MTX group. The US10SSc median score was significantly lower in the TOF group (p = 0.002); mean reduction of 10.21 versus 5.27 in the MTX group. Healing of DUs with no new occurrences was observed in the TOF group. There was no significant difference between the groups in the number of AEs from baseline to week 52. TOF showed greater efficacy than MTX in reducing mRSS, skin thickness and musculoskeletal involvement in SSc and a satisfactory safety profile.
The Mutant Mouse Resource and Research Center (MMRRC): the NIH-supported National Public Repository and Distribution Archive of Mutant Mouse Models in the USA
Authors: Amos-Landgraf James , Franklin Craig , Godfrey Virginia , Grieder Franziska , Grimsrud Kristin , Korf Ian , Lutz Cat , Magnuson Terry , Mirochnitchenko Oleg , Patel Samit , Reinholdt Laura , Lloyd K. C. Kent
Published: July 2021

The Mutant Mouse Resource and Research Center (MMRRC) Program is the pre-eminent public national mutant mouse repository and distribution archive in the USA, serving as a national resource of mutant mice available to the global scientific community for biomedical research. Established more than two decades ago with grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the MMRRC Program supports a Consortium of regionally distributed and dedicated vivaria, laboratories, and offices (Centers) and an Informatics Coordination and Service Center (ICSC) at three academic teaching and research universities and one non-profit genetic research institution. The MMRRC Program accepts the submission of unique, scientifically rigorous, and experimentally valuable genetically altered and other mouse models donated by academic and commercial scientists and organizations for deposition, maintenance, preservation, and dissemination to scientists upon request. The four Centers maintain an archive of nearly 60,000 mutant alleles as live mice, frozen germplasm, and/or embryonic stem (ES) cells. Since its inception, the Centers have fulfilled 13,184 orders for mutant mouse models from 9591 scientists at 6626 institutions around the globe. Centers also provide numerous services that facilitate using mutant mouse models obtained from the MMRRC, including genetic assays, microbiome analysis, analytical phenotyping and pathology, cryorecovery, mouse husbandry, infectious disease surveillance and diagnosis, and disease modeling. The ICSC coordinates activities between the Centers, manages the website (mmrrc.org) and online catalog, and conducts communication, outreach, and education to the research community. Centers preserve, secure, and protect mutant mouse lines in perpetuity, promote rigor and reproducibility in scientific experiments using mice, provide experiential training and consultation in the responsible use of mice in research, and pursue cutting edge technologies to advance biomedical studies using mice to improve human health. Researchers benefit from an expansive list of well-defined mouse models of disease that meet the highest standards of rigor and reproducibility, while donating investigators benefit by having their mouse lines preserved, protected, and distributed in compliance with NIH policies.
Gay men’s stress response to a general and a specific social stressor
Authors: Sattler Frank A. , Nater Urs M. , Mewes Ricarda
Published: July 2021

Gay men show altered psychobiological stress responses and exhibit a higher prevalence of mental disorders than their heterosexual counterparts. Both of these findings are likely due to gay-specific discrimination. Since it has not yet been determined whether gay-specific stress is more noxious than general stress, we tested whether gay men react more strongly to gay-specific socially stressful stimuli than to general socially stressful stimuli. N = 33 self-identified gay men (mean = 26.12 years of age, SD = 5.89), 63.6% of whom were in a relationship with a man, participated in an experimental within-group study, in which they were exposed to the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) as well as a gay-specific TSST in a randomized order. Salivary cortisol and testosterone were assessed at five time points during the laboratory tests and perceived stress was assessed at four time points. According to psychobiological and perceived stress indices, the participants reacted similarly to a gay-specific and general social stressor. There were no significant differences in the outcomes, either when looking at pre–post-test differences or when comparing the overall stress responses. Given that the response to a gay-specific social stressor was equally pronounced as the one to a general social stressor, programs aiming to decrease minority stress but overlooking general stress are likely to yield only partial improvements in gay men’s mental health. Instead, we suggest helping gay men cope with both forms of stress through building social support, assertiveness, and mindfulness skills, as well as decreasing emotional dysregulation.
Sample preparation method for metal(loid) contaminant quantitation in rodent hair collected in Yuma County, Arizona
Authors: Credo Jonathan , Chandos Amy , Checinski Camilla , von Hippel Frank A. , Ingram Jani C.
Published: July 2021

Yuma County, Arizona, is a large agricultural hub of the USA located in the southwestern corner of Arizona on the USA-Mexico border. Year-round use of agrichemicals at a massive scale along with the influx of aquatic contaminants in the Colorado River led to significant levels of environmental pollution and hence exposure risks for people and wildlife. Although hair is a recognized biomarker for metal exposure, there is no universal hair preparation protocol. This study evaluated two digestion methods for metal quantitation using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and three methods for mercury quantitation using cold vapor-atomic absorption spectroscopy (CV-AAS), both employing certified reference materials. The “overnight” and “heating” digestion methods were suitable for ICP-MS, while only the heating method was suitable for CV-AAS. These validated methods will be useful for a variety of human and wildlife assessments of toxic metal(loid) exposure.
Subclinical cardiac damage in cancer patients before chemotherapy
Authors: Fabiani Iacopo , Panichella Giorgia , Aimo Alberto , Grigoratos Chrysanthos , Vergaro Giuseppe , Pugliese Nicola Riccardo , Taddei Stefano , Cardinale Daniela Maria , Passino Claudio , Emdin Michele , Giannoni Alberto
Published: July 2021

Cancer and cardiovascular diseases, including heart failure (HF), are the main causes of death in Western countries. Several anticancer drugs and radiotherapy have adverse effects on the cardiovascular system, promoting left ventricular dysfunction and ultimately HF. Nonetheless, the relationship between cancer and HF is likely not unidirectional. Indeed, cancer and HF share common risk factors, and both have a bidirectional relationship with systemic inflammation, metabolic disturbances, and neurohormonal and immune activation. Few studies have assessed the impact of untreated cancer on the heart. The presence of an active cancer has been associated with elevated cardiac biomarkers, an initial impairment of left ventricular structure and function, autonomic dysfunction, and reduced exercise tolerance. In turn, these conditions might increase the risk of cardiac damage from chemotherapy and radiotherapy. HF drugs such as beta-blockers or inhibitors of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system might exert a protective effect on the heart even before the start of cancer therapies. In this review, we recapitulate the evidence of cardiac involvement in cancer patients naïve from chemotherapy and radiotherapy and no history of cardiac disease. We also focus on the perspectives for an early diagnosis and treatment to prevent the progression to cardiac dysfunction and clinical HF, and the potential benefits of cardioactive drugs on cancer progression.
Design and Validation of the Scientific Data Products for China’s Tianwen-1 Mission
Authors: Tan Xu , Liu Jianjun , Zhang Xiaoxia , Yan Wei , Chen Wangli , Ren Xin , Zuo Wei , Li Chunlai
Published: July 2021

The Tianwen-1 mission is China’s first Mars exploration mission. To complete the scientific objectives of “orbiting, landing, and patrolling” in one mission, thirteen instruments for acquiring multi-disciplinary data are configured. The data products with rich ancillary data and flexible structures will facilitate the data application. To integrate the requirements of experts from disparate disciplines and leverage new information technologies, a complete redesign of data products is promoted in the Tianwen-1 mission. We discuss the whole process of data product generation from the data pipeline design to data validation. We design the various data products according to the application requirements of each data type, including radar echo data, spectrum data, image data, energy spectrum data, magnetic field data, meteorological data, and acoustic data. Since various error sources will exist in the generation chain of the data products, data validation is essential before release to the public; the validation activities are discussed at the end. We deliver these scientific products to the community in a timely manner, with ancillary information and quality information. This paper can provide practical reference for Tianwen-1 data application.
High-accuracy thrust measurements of the EMDrive and elimination of false-positive effects
Authors: Tajmar M. , Neunzig O. , Weikert M.
Published: July 2021

The EMDrive is a proposed propellantless propulsion concept claiming to be many orders of magnitude more efficient than classical radiation pressure forces. It is based on microwaves, which are injected into a closed tapered cavity, producing a unidirectional thrust with values of at least 1 mN/kW. This was met with high scepticism going against basic conservation laws and classical mechanics. However, several tests and theories appeared in the literature supporting this concept. Measuring a thruster with a significant thermal and mechanical load as well as high electric currents, such as those required to operate a microwave amplifier, can create numerous artefacts that produce false-positive thrust values. After many iterations, we developed an inverted counterbalanced double pendulum thrust balance, where the thruster can be mounted on a bearing below its suspension point to eliminate most thermal drift effects. In addition, the EMDrive was self-powered by a battery-pack to remove undesired interactions due to feedthroughs. We found no thrust values within a wide frequency band including several resonance frequencies and different modes. Our data limit any anomalous thrust to below the force equivalent from classical radiation for a given amount of power. This provides strong limits to all proposed theories and rules out previous test results by at least two orders of magnitude.
Interface Engineered Microcellular Magnetic Conductive Polyurethane Nanocomposite Foams for Electromagnetic Interference Shielding
Authors: Sang Guolong , Xu Pei , Yan Tong , Murugadoss Vignesh , Naik Nithesh , Ding Yunsheng , Guo Zhanhu
Published: July 2021

Lightweight microcellular polyurethane (TPU)/carbon nanotubes (CNTs)/ nickel-coated CNTs (Ni@CNTs)/polymerizable ionic liquid copolymer (PIL) composite foams are prepared by non-solvent induced phase separation (NIPS). CNTs and Ni@CNTs modified by PIL provide more heterogeneous nucleation sites and inhibit the aggregation and combination of microcellular structure. Compared with TPU/CNTs, the TPU/CNTs/PIL and TPU/CNTs/Ni@CNTs/PIL composite foams with smaller microcellular structures have a high electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness (EMI SE). The evaporate time regulates the microcellular structure, improves the conductive network of composite foams and reduces the microcellular size, which strengthens the multiple reflections of electromagnetic wave. The TPU/10CNTs/10Ni@CNTs/PIL foam exhibits slightly higher SE values (69.9 dB) compared with TPU/20CNTs/PIL foam (53.3 dB). The highest specific EMI SE of TPU/20CNTs/PIL and TPU/10CNTs/10Ni@CNTs/PIL reaches up to 187.2 and 211.5 dB/(g cm−3), respectively. The polarization losses caused by interfacial polarization between TPU substrates and conductive fillers, conduction loss caused by conductive network of fillers and magnetic loss caused by Ni@CNT synergistically attenuate the microwave energy.
An Active Set Trust-Region Method for Bound-Constrained Optimization
Authors: Kimiaei Morteza
Published: July 2021

This paper discusses an active set trust-region algorithm for bound-constrained optimization problems. A sufficient descent condition is used as a computational measure to identify whether the function value is reduced or not. To get our complexity result, a critical measure is used which is computationally better than the other known critical measures. Under the positive definiteness of approximated Hessian matrices restricted to the subspace of non-active variables, it will be shown that unlimited zigzagging cannot occur. It is shown that our algorithm is competitive in comparison with the state-of-the-art solvers for solving an ill-conditioned bound-constrained least-squares problem.
Scottish Women's Writing in the Long Nineteenth Century
Authors: Shields Juliet
Published: July 2021

Walter Scott's tales of chivalry and adventure inaugurated a masculinized Scottish romance tradition that celebrated a sublime and heroic version of Scotland. Nineteenth-century Scotswomen responded to Scott's influence by establishing a counter-tradition of unromantic or even anti-romantic representations of Scotland. Their novels challenged the long-standing claim that Scotland lacked any equivalent to the English realist novel. In turning from the past to the present and from the sublimity of Scott's Highland landscapes to farmhouses, factories, and suburban villas, Scottish women writers brought romance to everyday life, illuminating the magnificence of the mundane. Drawing on the evangelical discourses emerging from the splintering of the Presbyterian Church in 1843, they represented fiction as a form of spiritual comfort, an antidote to the dreary monotony and petty frustrations of daily existence. This volume introduces the previously overlooked tradition of nineteenth-century Scottish women's writing, and corrects previously male-dominated histories of the Scottish novel.
Post-truth Politics and Collective Gaslighting
Authors: Rietdijk Natascha
Published: July 2021

Post-truth politics has been diagnosed as harmful to both knowledge and democracy. I argue that it can also fundamentally undermine epistemic autonomy in a way that is similar to the manipulative technique known as gaslighting. Using examples from contemporary politics, I identify three categories of post-truth rhetoric: the introduction of counternarratives, the discrediting of critics, and the denial of more or less plain facts. These strategies tend to isolate people epistemically, leaving them disoriented and unable to distinguish between reliable and unreliable sources. Like gaslighting, post-truth politics aims to undermine epistemic autonomy by eroding someone's self-trust, in order to consolidate power. Shifting the focus to the effects on the victim allows for new insights into the specific harms of post-truth politics. Applying the concept of gaslighting to this domain may also help people recognize a pernicious dynamic that was invisible to them before, giving them an important tool to resist it.