bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three‐Dimensional Printed Anatomic Models Derived From Magnetic Resonance Imaging Data: Current State and Image Acquisition Recommendations for Appropriate Clinical Scenarios
Authors: Talanki Varsha R. , Peng Qi , Shamir Stephanie B. , Baete Steven H. , Duong Timothy Q. , Wake Nicole
Published: May 2021

Three‐dimensional (3D) printing technologies have been increasingly utilized in medicine over the past several years and can greatly facilitate surgical planning thereby improving patient outcomes. Although still much less utilized compared to computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is gaining traction in medical 3D printing. The purpose of this study was two‐fold: 1) to determine the prevalence in the existing literature of using MRI to create 3D printed anatomic models for surgical planning and 2) to provide image acquisition recommendations for appropriate clinical scenarios where MRI is the most suitable imaging modality. The workflow for creating 3D printed anatomic models from medical imaging data is complex and involves image segmentation of the regions of interest and conversion of that data into 3D surface meshes, which are compatible with printing technologies. CT is most commonly used to create 3D printed anatomic models due to the high image quality and relative ease of performing image segmentation from CT data. As compared to CT datasets, 3D printing using MRI data offers advantages since it provides exquisite soft tissue contrast needed for accurate organ segmentation and it does not expose patients to unnecessary ionizing radiation. MRI, however, often requires complicated imaging techniques and time‐consuming postprocessing procedures to generate high‐resolution 3D anatomic models needed for 3D printing. Despite these challenges, 3D modeling and printing from MRI data holds great clinical promises thanks to emerging innovations in both advanced MRI imaging and postprocessing techniques.

Evidence Level

2

Technical Efficatcy

5
Functional brain changes associated with cognitive trajectories determine specific tDCS‐induced effects among older adults
Authors: Vaqué‐Alcázar Lídia , Abellaneda‐Pérez Kilian , Solé‐Padullés Cristina , Bargalló Núria , Valls‐Pedret Cinta , Ros Emilio , Sala‐Llonch Roser , Bartrés‐Faz David
Published: May 2021

The combination of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) can provide original data to investigate age‐related brain changes. We examined neural activity modulations induced by two multifocal tDCS procedures based on two distinct montages fitting two N‐back task‐based fMRI patterns (“compensatory” and “maintenance”) related to high working memory (WM) in a previous publication (Fernández‐Cabello et al. Neurobiol Aging (2016);48:23–33). We included 24 participants classified as stable or decliners according to their 4‐year WM trajectories following a retrospective longitudinal approach. Then, we studied longitudinal fMRI differences between groups (stable and decliners) and across multifocal tDCS montages (“compensatory” and “maintenance”) applied using a single‐blind sham‐controlled cross‐over design. Decliners evidenced over‐activation of non‐related WM areas after 4 years of follow‐up. Focusing on tDCS effects, among the decliner group, the “compensatory”‐tDCS montage reduced the activity over the posterior regions where these subjects showed longitudinal hyperactivation. These results reinforce the notion that tDCS effects are characterized by an activity reduction and might be more noticeable in compromised systems. Importantly, the data provide novel evidence that cognitive trajectories predict tDCS effects in older adults.
Cleaved PINK1 induces neuronal plasticity through PKA‐mediated BDNF functional regulation
Authors: Soman Smijin K. , Tingle David , Dagda Raul Y. , Torres Mariana , Dagda Marisela , Dagda Ruben K.
Published: May 2021

Mutations in PTEN‐induced kinase 1 (PINK1) lead to early onset autosomal recessive Parkinson's disease in humans. In healthy neurons, full‐length PINK1 (fPINK1) is post‐translationally cleaved into different lower molecular weight forms, and cleaved PINK1 (cPINK1) gets shuttled to the cytosolic compartments to support extra‐mitochondrial functions. While numerous studies have exemplified the role of mitochondrially localized PINK1 in modulating mitophagy in oxidatively stressed neurons, little is known regarding the physiological role of cPINK1 in healthy neurons. We have previously shown that cPINK1, but not fPINK1, modulates the neurite outgrowth and the maintenance of dendritic arbors by activating downstream protein kinase A (PKA) signaling in healthy neurons. However, the molecular mechanisms by which cPINK1 promotes neurite outgrowth remain to be elucidated. In this report, we show that cPINK1 supports neuronal development by modulating the expression and extracellular release of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Consistent with this role, we observed a progressive increase in the level of endogenous cPINK1 but not fPINK1 during prenatal and postnatal development of mouse brains and during development in primary cortical neurons. In cultured primary neurons, the pharmacological activation of endogenous PINK1 leads to enhanced downstream PKA activity, subsequent activation of the PKA‐modulated transcription factor cAMP response element‐binding protein (CREB), increased intracellular production and extracellular release of BDNF, and enhanced activation of the BDNF receptor‐TRKβ. Mechanistically, cPINK1‐mediated increased dendrite complexity requires the binding of extracellular BDNF to TRKβ. In summary, our data support a physiological role of cPINK1 in stimulating neuronal development by activating the PKA‐CREB‐BDNF signaling axis in a feedforward loop.
Combining sparse observations and reanalysis data for refining spatiotemporal variability in near‐surface air temperature lapse rates over China
Authors: Chen Hao , Gao Huiran , Wang Tiejun , Zhang Wanchang , Chen Xi , Nie Ning , Liu Haoran
Published: May 2021

Uneven and sparse surface air temperature (Ta) observations challenge the understanding of the atmosphere‐land interactions and global environmental changes. Lapse rate () is thought of with great potential to obtain accurate long‐term and high‐resolution Ta dataset. However, previous studies on over China were solely based on observed data, which limited our understanding since few stations are distributed in western China. In this study, an improved procedure for estimating by combining sparse observations and newly released ERA5 reanalysis data was proposed. The spatial heterogeneity in over China and its influencing factors (e.g., topography, climate, and vegetation) were then explored. A re‐examination of long‐term spatiotemporal variations in and its potential driving forces over China was also performed at grid scales. The results demonstrated that our estimations reproduced similar patterns to those derived from observations. The subsequent analyses revealed that the annual and seasonal variability in varied substantially among different altitude gradients, land cover types, and climate zones. The vital role played by vegetation covers in regulating local was emphasized in this study, which was poorly assessed previously. Moreover, in low altitude zones showed lower values but strong temporal fluctuations and contributed more to the interannual variability in over China, which could be mainly attributed to human activities. The present findings can provide an alternative method for estimating and be further used to assess regional or global temperature changes.
How does the onset time of El Niño events affect tropical cyclone genesis and intensity over the western North Pacific?
Authors: Liang Mei , Xu Jianjun , Chan Johnny C. L. , Liu Chunlei , Xu Hua
Published: May 2021

Previous studies have shown that the equatorial Pacific Ocean warming can be separated into spring (April~June; SP) and summer (July~October; SU) modes based on the onset time of El Niño events. Different onset times are caused by different atmospheric and oceanic conditions, which, in turn, should influence tropical cyclone (TC) activity. While the location of TC formation in the western North Pacific (WNP) shifts significantly eastward and equatorward in the SP type relative to climatology (1951–2017), only an eastward shift occurs in the SU type. Only intense TCs (category 1 + 2 + 3 and 4 + 5) have an obvious eastward and equatorward shift in the SP type, with no such shift in any TC category in the SU type. The number of category 4 + 5 TCs in the SP type increases significantly, but fewer category 1 + 2 + 3 TCs in the SU type. In the SP type, TCs are generally stronger, with more in category 4 + 5, and longer life spans occurring across all categories. However, no obvious change in TC intensity can be identified except for category 1 + 2 + 3 in the SU type. The eastward and equatorward shift of the mean genesis position in the developing phases of SP can be attributed to a southeastward shift of favourable atmospheric and oceanic conditions, which include weaker zonal vertical wind shear, stronger relative vorticity, higher mid‐level relative humidity, and enhanced upper‐ocean temperature (5–100 m). All these conditions are mainly related to the onset time of the westerly anomalies near the central equatorial Pacific. These results suggest that the onset time of El Niño events could serve as a good forecasting indicator for TC genesis position and intensity over the WNP.
Periodontal health education session can improve oral hygiene in patients with gingivitis: A masked randomized controlled clinical study
Authors: Gunpinar Sadiye , Meraci Bilge
Published: May 2021

Background

The aim of this clinical trial was to evaluate the effect of a periodontal health education session (PHES), which included education on the pathogenesis and consequences of periodontal diseases on oral hygiene motivation in patients with gingivitis.

Methods

A randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 50 (26 females and 24 males) patients with gingivitis who underwent periodontal treatment. Subjects were randomly allocated into the PHES group (experimental group) and standard oral hygiene education group (control group). The Rustogi Modified Navy Plaque Index (RMNPI) and Papillary Bleeding Index (PBI) were used to evaluate oral hygiene at baseline and were repeated after 1, 3, and 6 months. Knowledge about periodontal disease was measured and the participants’ motivation was determined using the Oral Hygiene Motivation Scale.

Results

Although baseline knowledge levels and motivation scores were not different between the groups, following the educational motivational interviewing (MI) session, levels were higher in the experimental compared with the control group. The subjects’ RMNPI and PBI scores at the 1‐, 3‐, and 6‐ month re‐examinations were statistically higher in the control group than the experimental group. Furthermore, the level of knowledge and intrinsic and total motivation scores were moderately positively correlated with a reduction in clinical indices at 6 months compared with baseline.

Conclusions

The results of this study indicated that increased knowledge and awareness about periodontal diseases and its consequences, including systemic effects, via educational MI session increased intrinsic motivation and improved oral hygiene of patients with gingivitis, especially regarding interproximal surfaces.
Investigation of Therapist Effects on Patient Engagement in Evidence‐Based Psychotherapies for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in the Veterans Health Administration
Authors: Sayer Nina A. , Wiltsey‐Stirman Shannon , Rosen Craig S. , Bernardy Nancy C. , Spoont Michele R. , Kehle‐Forbes Shannon M. , Eftekhari Afsoon , Chard Kathleen M. , Nelson David B.
Published: May 2021

The present study examined whether certain Veterans Health Administration (VHA) therapists have more success than others in keeping patients engaged in evidence‐based psychotherapies for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Our objective was to use multilevel modeling to quantify the variability between therapists in two indicators of patient engagement: early dropout (i.e., < 3 sessions) and adequate dose (i.e., ≥ 8 sessions). The phenomenon of systematic variability between therapists in patients’ treatment experience and outcomes is referred to as “therapist effects.” The sample included the 2,709 therapists who provided individual cognitive processing therapy (CPT) or prolonged exposure (PE) to 18,461 veterans with PTSD across 140 facilities in 2017. Data were extracted from administrative databases. For CPT, therapist effects accounted for 10.9% of the variance in early dropout and 8.9% of the variance in adequate dose. For PE, therapist effects accounted for 6.0% and 8.8% of the variance in early dropout and adequate dose, respectively. Facility only accounted for an additional 1.1%–3.1% of the variance in early dropout and adequate dose. For CPT, patients’ odds of receiving an adequate dose almost doubled, OR = 1.41/0.72 = 1.96, if they were seen by a therapist in the highest compared with the lowest retention decile. For PE, the odds of a patient receiving an adequate dose were 84% higher, OR = 1.38/0.75 = 1.84, when treated by a therapist in the highest compared with the lowest retention decile. Therapist skills and work environment may contribute to variability across therapists in early dropout and adequate dose.
New approximate analytical solutions for the nonlinear fractional Schrödinger equation with second‐order spatio‐temporal dispersion via double Laplace transform method
Authors: Kaabar Mohammed K. A. , Martínez Francisco , Gómez‐Aguilar José Francisco , Ghanbari Behzad , Kaplan Melike , Günerhan Hatira
Published: May 2021

In this paper, a modified nonlinear Schrödinger equation with spatiotemporal dispersion is formulated in the senses of Caputo fractional derivative and conformable derivative. A new generalized double Laplace transform coupled with Adomian decomposition method has been defined and applied to solve the newly formulated nonlinear Schrödinger equation with spatiotemporal dispersion. The approximate analytical solutions are obtained and compared with each other graphically.
On parameterized inequalities of Ostrowski and Simpson type for convex functions via generalized fractional integrals
Authors: Budak Hüseyin , Hezenci Fatih , Kara Hasan
Published: May 2021

The present paper first establishes that an identity involving generalized fractional integrals is proved for differentiable functions by using two parameters. By utilizing this identity, we obtain several parameterized inequalities for the functions whose derivatives in absolute value are convex. Finally, we show that our main inequalities reduce to Ostrowski type inequalities, Simpson type inequalities and trapezoid type inequalities which are proved in earlier published papers.
Student perceptions of rapid transition to emergency remote learning in a hands‐on agricultural college
Authors: Rees Gordon L. , Pressler Yamina , Bates Guy W. , Connolly Cristina A. , Sommerlad‐Rogers Deirdre , De Lay Ann Marie , Gill Samantha J. , Papathakis Peggy C. , Kronewitter Robyn M. , Lammert Amy M.
Published: May 2021

The COVID‐19 pandemic in spring 2020 led to university closures and little time to convert all face‐to‐face courses online. We investigated how students in the College of Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Sciences at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA perceived emergency remote teaching during the early stages of the pandemic. The college maintains a hands‐on pedagogy and “Learn by Doing” approach that is challenging to replicate in a remote setting. We conducted a survey of student experiences (n = 304) during the spring of 2020. We found that most students had a negative experience with aspects of emergency remote teaching during the study period. Approximately two‐thirds perceived courses to be less effective at increasing knowledge and career‐related skills; approximately three‐quarters stated group problem solving was less effective; and approximately two‐thirds were dissatisfied with the quantity and quality of course content. Around 10% of students felt courses were more effective in these areas. Familiar instructional modes (synchronous and pre‐recorded lectures) were the most common and preferred by students (with 70 to 85% finding them useful vs 7 to 15% finding them useless), even though other instructional modes can be more effective strategies for online teaching. Our results highlight the need for concrete experiences in agriculture and natural resources courses. We suggest strategies for faculty and students to improve remote teaching outcomes in agriculture and natural resources disciplines.
A Review on the Use of Burning Rate Suppressants in AP‐Based Composite Propellants
Authors: Xu Shuang , Pang Ai‐Min , Wang Yue , Pan Xin‐Zhou , Li Shang‐Wen , Li Hai‐Tao , Kong Jie
Published: May 2021

Ammonium perchlorate (AP) is the most widely used oxidant in composite propellants. Propellants based on AP usually have a high burning rate, but in some applications, it is necessary to have a slower burning rate. The functional additives, which can reduce the burning rate of propellants, were named coolants, burning rate suppressants (BRSs), burning rate depressants, or burning rate inhibitors. This paper introduced different types of BRSs, such as amide‐based compounds, cyclic azines, quaternary ammonium salts, metal salts, etc., their mechanism and development in AP‐based composite propellants. For organic amines, the burning rate trend is as follows: biuret<melamine<oxamide<urea<base. Cyclic azines are special organic amines which form large, thermally stable cyclic azines in addition to common low‐molecular‐weight gases NH3, CO2, HCN, and N2O when heated. With the smallest addition but the highest effect, quaternary ammonium salts will not reduce the specific impulse of the propellant, nor do they interfere with cure reaction or adversely affect the physical properties of the cured propellant. Metal salts reduce the burning rate by forming more stable substances than HClO4 with AP. The mechanism of BRSs is complicated, but all of them can be explained based on AP deflagration. At last, the development trend of efficient BRSs was discussed, the preparation of liquid BRSs and the combination of AP bonding agents with BRSs were both first proposed, which worth further research in the future.
Optical and Dynamic Properties of ZnGa2S4
Authors: Asadullayeva Saida G. , Jahangirli Zakir A. , Naghiyev Tural G. , Mammadov Dunyamali A.
Published: May 2021

ZnGa2S4 luminescent compound is prepared by solid‐state reaction, which is confirmed by X‐ray diffraction to have a tetragonal structure. The photoluminescence (PL) emission and excitation spectra, infrared (IR) reflectivity and Raman scattering of the defective ZnGa2S4 compound are studied experimentally. High stability of the shape and peak positions of the PL spectra is observed in a wide range temperature range (100–290 K). It was determined that PL intensity increases with decreasing temperature. Higher correlated color temperature (CCT) value >6000 K implies the suitability of using this material for light emitting diodes. Five modes of optical phonons are found in both IR reflectance and Raman spectra of ZnGa2S4 and identified from point group symmetry analysis. The calculations of the dynamic properties are carried out within the framework of the density functional theory (DFT) with full optimization of the lattice parameters. Results of calculations show that, the phonon‐dispersion curve is sensitive to S–Se replacement in ZnGa2S4 and gives rise to clearly pronounced energy gaps in the phonon spectrum.
Maximal Photodarkening in the Ge–As–S Glass System
Authors: Tanaka Keiji
Published: May 2021

Many studies have been conducted on the photodarkening in chalcogenide glasses, and a maximal change is demonstrated to appear around Ge20As25S55. However, the reason for this selected composition remains unanswered, for which a plausible idea is proposed here. It seems that the composition has a maximal atomic volume in the ternary system, which probably gives rise to least photoexpansion (or photocontraction). The idea suggests that disordered, moderately‐rigid networks are effective in enhancing the photodarkening through suppressing macroscopic viscous relaxation.
The effects of orally administered lactoferrin in the prevention and management of viral infections: A systematic review
Authors: Sinopoli Alessandra , Isonne Claudia , Santoro Maria Mercedes , Baccolini Valentina
Published: May 2021

It has been demonstrated that lactoferrin (LF) plays a role in host defence, but evidence on its potential antiviral property from clinical studies is fragmented. Our systematic review aimed at identifying the effects of orally administered LF against virus infections. The systematic search was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, BioRxiv.org and ClinicalTrials.gov from database inception to 7th January 2021. Eligible articles investigated any virus family and provided data on the effects of orally administered LF of any origin in the prevention and/or management of confirmed viral infections in people of any age. A narrative synthesis of the results was performed. Quality was assessed with the Cochrane Risk‐Of‐Bias and ROBINS‐1 tools. A total of 27 records were included, nine of which were registered protocols. We found data on Flaviviridae (n = 10), Retroviridae (n = 3), Coronaviridae (n = 2), Reoviridae (n = 2) and Caliciviridae (n = 1). Most published trials were at high risk of bias. The findings were heterogeneous across and within viral families regarding virological, immunological and biological response, with no clear conclusion. Some weak but positive results were reported about decrease of symptom severity and duration, or reduction in viral loads. Despite high tolerability, the effects of LF as oral supplement are still inconsistent, both in preventing and managing viral infections. Small sample sizes, variety in recruitment and treatment protocols, and low study quality may have contributed to such heterogeneity. Better‐designed studies are needed to further investigate its potential benefits against viral infections, including SARS‐CoV‐2.
Recent Progress in Designing Thermoelectric Metal–Organic Frameworks
Authors: Fan Yuan , Liu Zhuoxin , Chen Guangming
Published: May 2021

Thermoelectrics that enable direct heat–electricity conversion possess unique advantages for green and renewable energy revolution and have received rapidly growing attention in the past decade. Among various thermoelectric materials, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) with intrinsic high porosity and tunable physical/chemical properties are emerging as a promising class of materials that have been demonstrated to exhibit many unique merits for thermoelectric applications. Their structural topologies and thermoelectric properties can be facilely regulated by precisely selecting and arranging metal centers and organic ligands. Besides, a large variety of guest molecules can be incorporated within their pores, giving rise to novel avenues of raising energy‐conversion efficiency. This review focuses on the recent advances in designing conductive MOFs and MOF‐based composites for thermoelectric applications. It first introduces the fundamental thermoelectric parameters and the underlying regulation mechanisms specifically effective for MOFs, then summarizes the related studies conducted in recent years, where the structural design strategies of tuning thermoelectric properties are demonstrated and discussed. In the final part, conclusions and perspectives with the envision of an outlook for this promising area are presented.
Erbium Single Atom Composite Photocatalysts for Reduction of CO2 under Visible Light: CO2 Molecular Activation and 4f Levels as an Electron Transport Bridge
Authors: Han Zhendong , Zhao Yue , Gao Guoyang , Zhang Wanying , Qu Yang , Zhu Hongyang , Zhu Peifen , Wang Guofeng
Published: May 2021

It is still challenging to design a stable and efficient catalyst for visible‐light CO2 reduction. Here, Er3+ single atom composite photocatalysts are successfully constructed based on both the special role of Er3+ and the special advantages of Zn2GeO4/g‐C3N4 heterojunction in the photocatalysis reduction of CO2. Especially, Zn2GeO4:Er3+/g‐C3N4 obtained by in situ synthesis is not only more conducive to the tight junction of Zn2GeO4 and g‐C3N4, but also more favorable for g‐C3N4 to anchor rare‐earth atoms. Under visible‐light irradiation, Zn2GeO4:Er3+/g‐C3N4 shows more than five times enhancement in the catalytic efficiency compared to that of pure g‐C3N4 without any sacrificial agent in the photocatalytic reaction system. A series of theoretical and experimental results show that the charge density around Er, Ge, Zn, and O increases compared with Zn2GeO4:Er3+, while the charge density around C decreases compared with g‐C3N4. These results show that an efficient way of electron transfer is provided to promote charge separation, and the dual functions of CO2 molecular activation of Er3+ single atom and 4f levels as electron transport bridge are fully exploited. The pattern of combining single‐atom catalysis and heterojunction opens up new methods for enhancing photocatalytic activity.
Improving the Delivery of Drugs and Nucleic Acids to T Cells Using Nanotechnology
Authors: Lou Jenny , Heater Alexandra , Zheng Gang
Published: May 2021

T cells play several roles in antitumor immunity, including mediating cytotoxicity, generating immune memory, and promoting humoral immunity. Given these critical roles, T cells are the therapeutic target of immunotherapies that have achieved clinical success, notably immune checkpoint inhibitors and chimeric antigen receptor T‐cell therapy. However, a fraction of patients benefits from these treatments due to intolerable toxicities and limited efficacy. These issues stem in part from inefficient and nonselective drug delivery to T cells. Nanotechnology may help resolve these delivery issues, as nanoparticles can serve as modular drug delivery vehicles with targeting abilities that can be applied for ex vivo and in vivo delivery. Herein, applications of nanotechnology in improving extracellular delivery of cytokines and small molecule drugs and intracellular delivery of siRNA to T cells are described. An overview of nanoparticle‐mediated delivery of nucleic acids for chimeric antigen receptor T‐cell therapy and CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing is provided. Finally, an outlook on the challenges and opportunities for the advancement of nanoparticle‐mediated drug delivery to T cells is shared.
On the Fictive Reading of German Steigen ‘Climb, Rise’: A Frame Account
Authors: Gamerschlag Thomas , Petersen Wiebke
Published: May 2021

Fictive motion, i.e., the figurative stative use of verbs of motion, has attracted much attention in cognitive linguistics as a paradigm case for how basic dynamic concepts are exploited figuratively in concept formation (Langacker 1986; Matsumoto 1996; Talmy 2000; Matlock 2004a, b inter alia). In this paper, we present a case study of the fictive motion reading of the German movement verb steigen ‘climb, rise’ and explore how it can be related to the various dynamic readings of the verb. In our account of steigen, which builds on Gamerschlag, Geuder & Petersen’s (2014) analysis of the dynamic readings of the verb, we contrast the different readings in terms of frames, i.e., recursive attribute-value structures in the sense of Barsalou (1992) and Petersen (2007/2015).
A Frame-Theoretic Model of Bayesian Category Learning
Authors: Taylor Samuel D. , Sutton Peter R.
Published: May 2021

Bayesian models of category learning typically assume that the most probable categories are those that group input stimuli together around a maximally optimal number of shared features. One potential weakness of such feature list approaches, however, is that it is unclear how to weight observed features to be more or less diagnostic for a given category. In this theoretically oriented paper, we develop a frame-theoretic model of Bayesian category learning that weights the diagnosticity of observed attribute values in terms of their position within the structure of a frame (formalised as distance from the frame’s central node). We argue that there are good grounds to further develop and empirically test frame-based learning models, because they have theoretical advantages over unweighted feature list models, and because frame structures provide a principled means of assigning weights to attribute values without appealing to supervised training data.
Rat Ultrasonic Vocalizations as Social Reinforcers—Implications for a Multilevel Model of the Cognitive Representation of Action and Rats’ Social World
Authors: Kalenscher Tobias , Schönfeld Lisa-Maria , Löbner Sebastian , Wöhr Markus , van Berkel Mireille , Zech Maurice-Philipp , van Wingerden Marijn
Published: May 2021

Rats are social animals. For example, rats exhibit mutual-reward preferences, preferring choice alternatives that yield a reward to themselves as well as to a conspecific, over alternatives that yield a reward only to themselves. We have recently hypothesized that such mutual-reward preferences might be the result of reinforcing properties of ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) emitted by the conspecifics. USVs in rats serve as situation-dependent socio-affective signals with important communicative functions. To test this possibility, here, we trained rats to enter one of two compartments in a T-maze setting. Entering either compartment yielded identical food rewards as well as playback of pre-recorded USVs either in the 50-kHz range, which we expected to be appetitive or therefore a potential positive reinforcer, or in the 22-kHz range predicted to be aversive and therefore a potential negative reinforcer. In three separate experimental conditions, rats chose between compartments yielding either 50-kHz USVs versus a non-ultrasonic control stimulus (condition 1), 22-kHz USVs versus a non-ultrasonic control stimulus (condition 2), or 50-kHz versus 22-kHz USVs (condition 3). Results show that rats exhibit a transient preference for the 50-kHz USV playback over non-ultrasonic control stimuli, as well as an initial avoidance of 22-kHz USV relative to non-ultrasonic control stimuli on trend-level. As rats progressed within session through trials, and across sessions, these preferences diminished, in line with previous findings. These results support our hypothesis that USVs have transiently motivating reinforcing properties, putatively acquired through association processes, but also highlight that these motivating properties are context-dependent and modulatory, and might not act as primary reinforcers when presented in isolation. We conclude this article with a second part on a multilevel cognitive theory of rats’ action and action learning. The “cascade” approach assumes that rats’ cognitive representations of action may be multilevel. A basic physical level of action may be invested with higher levels of action that integrate emotional, motivational, and social significance. Learning in an experiment consists in the cognitive formation of multilevel action representations. Social action and interaction in particular are proposed to be cognitively modeled as multilevel. Our results have implications for understanding the structure of social cognition, and social learning, in animals and humans.
An XMG Account of Multiplicity of Meaning in Derivation
Authors: Andreou Marios , Petitjean Simon
Published: May 2021

In this paper, we tackle the issue of multiplicity of meaning in derivation using Frame Semantics and eXtensible MetaGrammar (XMG). We use corpus extracted data to identify the range of readings -al derivatives exhibit and identify prominent constraints on the types of situations and entities -al targets. These constraints have the form of type constraints and specify which arguments in the frame of the verbal base are compatible with the referential arguments of the derivative. The introduction of these constraints into the semantics of an affix allows one to predict and generate those readings which are possible for a given derivative and, at the same time, rule out those readings which are not possible. Finally, as a proof of concept, we model these constraints using XMG, and check whether the output resulting of this XMG description is consistent with the range of readings observed in the corpus.
Publish or Perish: British Medical Journal Theme Issue, New England Journal of Medicine Series
Authors: Leape Lucian L.
Published: May 2021

“Publish or perish!” The governing principle of academia. Trite though it may be, true it also is. At any research university—and that is where medical schools are and where those who do research in patient safety work—you do not get promoted if you don’t publish.
Make No Little Plans: The Lucian Leape Institute
Authors: Leape Lucian L.
Published: May 2021

Despite encouraging progress in the early years of the patient safety movement, it soon became evident that there were deeper issues that needed to be addressed. We realized that we were not going to make health care safe by making process changes one by one, even powerful changes such as eliminating CLABSI or implementing the surgical checklist.
Changing the System: The Adverse Drug Events Study
Authors: Leape Lucian L.
Published: May 2021

It was clear from the beginning of my investigation into the application of systems theory to error prevention in healthcare that however strong the theory and the evidence—and for me it was compelling—the idea of a systems approach to preventing errors would get little acceptance from physicians unless we could demonstrate that it actually worked in healthcare.
Coming Together: The Annenberg Conference
Authors: Leape Lucian L.
Published: May 2021

1996 was the year that the concept of patient safety emerged.
Who Will Lead? The Executive Session
Authors: Leape Lucian L.
Published: May 2021

A few weeks after the Annenberg Conference, Saul Weingart called me on the phone, introduced himself and said, “We should do an Executive Session on medical errors.” “What is an Executive Session?” I replied. He then told me about the work he had been involved in at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government (HKS) on juvenile justice and community policing. Developed in the late 1970s at HKS, an executive session is a prolonged confidential conversation among leaders in a practice field to solve a complex problem for which there is no evident technical solution.
Conclusion: Engineering Movies
Authors: Gowanlock Jordan
Published: May 2021

The conclusion to Animating Unpredictable Effects argues for the importance of understanding engineering and R&D as a part of animation and visual effects production, in opposition to critics who dismiss these as mere tools for hyperrealism. This provides for a better understanding of a diverse range of contemporary digital media production practices that involve extensive technical work, but it also sheds light on film production practices going back a century. Using the example of practical special effects, like puffs of smoke or splashing waves in a studio water tank, which create unpredictable motion under artificial conditions, the conclusion draws a long history of practices that represent the world by making artificial mechanisms rather than capturing or drawing images.
A substrate for brane shells from $$ T\overline{T} $$
Authors: Aguilera-Damia Jeremias , Anderson Louise M. , Coleman Evan
Published: May 2021

Abstract

A solvable current-current deformation of the worldsheet theory of strings on AdS3 has been recently conjectured to be dual to an irrelevant deformation of the spacetime orbifold CFT, commonly referred to as single-trace $$ T\overline{T} $$
T

T
¯

. These deformations give rise to a family of bulk geometries which realize a non-trivial flow towards the UV. For a particular sign of this deformation, the corresponding three-dimensional geometry approaches AdS3 in the interior, but has a curvature singularity at finite radius, beyond which there are closed timelike curves. It has been suggested that this singularity is due to the presence of “negative branes,” which are exotic objects that generically change the metric signature. We propose an alternative UV-completion for geometries displaying a similar singular behavior by cutting and gluing to a regular background which approaches a linear dilaton vacuum in the UV. In the S-dual picture, a singularity resolution mechanism known as the enhançon induces this transition by the formation of a shell of D5-branes at a fixed radial position near the singularity. The solutions involving negative branes gain a new interpretation in this context.
Two-loop helicity amplitudes for gg → ZZ with full top-quark mass effects
Authors: Agarwal Bakul , Jones Stephen P. , von Manteuffel Andreas
Published: May 2021

Abstract

We calculate the two-loop QCD corrections to gg → ZZ involving a closed top-quark loop. We present a new method to systematically construct linear combinations of Feynman integrals with a convergent parametric representation, where we also allow for irreducible numerators, higher powers of propagators, dimensionally shifted integrals, and subsector integrals. The amplitude is expressed in terms of such finite integrals by employing syzygies derived with linear algebra and finite field techniques. Evaluating the amplitude using numerical integration, we find agreement with previous expansions in asymptotic limits and provide ab initio results also for intermediate partonic energies and non-central scattering at higher energies.
Transporter associated with antigen processing 1 (TAP1) expression and prognostic analysis in breast, lung, liver, and ovarian cancer
Authors: Tabassum Anika , Samdani Md. Nazmus , Dhali Tarak Chandra , Alam Rahat , Ahammad Foysal , Samad Abdus , Karpiński Tomasz M.
Published: May 2021

Transporter associated with antigen processing 1 (TAP1) is a transporter protein that represent tumor antigen in the MHC I or HLA complex. Any defect in the TAP1 gene resulting in inadequate tumor tracking. TAP1 influences multidrug resistance (MDR) in human cancer cell lines and hinders the treatment during chemotherapeutic. The association of TAP1 in cancer progression remains mostly unknown and further study of the gene in relation with cancer need to conduct. Thus, the study has designed to analyze the association between the TAP1 with cancer by computationally. The expression pattern of the gene has determined by using ONCOMINE, GENT2, and GEPIA2 online platforms. The protein level of TAP1 was examined by the help of Human Protein Atlas. Samples with different clinical outcomes were investigated to evaluate the expression and promoter methylation in cancer vs. normal tissues by using UALCAN server. The copy number alteration, mutation frequency, and expression level of the gene in different cancer were analyzed by using cBioPortal server. The PrognoScan and KM plotter platforms were used to perform the survival analysis and represented graphically. Additionally, pathway and gene ontology (GO) features correlated to the TAP1 gene were analyzed and presented by bar charts. After arranging the data in a single panel like correlating expression to prognosis, mutational and alterations characteristic, and pathways analysis, we observed some interesting insights that emphasized the importance of the gene in cancer progression. The study found the relationship between the TAP1 expression pattern and prognosis in different cancer tissues and shows how TAP1 affects the clinical characteristics. The analytical data presented in the study is vital to learn about the effect of TAP1 in tumor tissue, where previously studies showing contradicting expression of TAP1 in cancer tissue. The analyzed data can also be utilized further to evade the threats against chemotherapy. Overall, the study provided a new aspect to consider the role of TAP1 gene in cancer progression and survival status.

Key messages

• This study demonstrated, for the first time, a correlation between the TAP1 gene and tumor progression.

• An upregulation of TAP1 mRNA was demonstrated in various cancer types.

• This study reported a significant negative correlation for TAP1 gene expression and the survival rate in different cancer types.
Isolation of sesquiterpenoids from Matricaria chamomilla by means of solvent assisted flavor evaporation and centrifugal partition chromatography
Authors: Slavik Benedikt , Roehrer Simon , Loos Helene M. , Minceva Mirjana , Buettner Andrea
Published: May 2021

The (semi)volatile fraction of Matricaria chamomilla L., an annual herbal plant from the family of Asteraceae, contains high quantities of sesquiterpenes and sesquiterpenoids. A method was developed to achieve isolation and separation of these compounds, using a combination of solvent assisted flavor evaporation (SAFE) and solid support-free liquid-liquid chromatography. The biphasic liquid solvent system n-heptane/ethyl acetate/methanol/water, 5/2/5/2 v/v/v/v (Arizona S) was elaborated as a suitable solvent system for the simultaneous separation of the target compounds. The lab-scale liquid-liquid chromatography separation performed in a countercurrent chromatography (CCC) column was successfully transferred to a semi-preparative centrifugal partition chromatography (CPC) column, which enabled the isolation of artemisia ketone, artemisia alcohol, α-bisabolone oxide A, and (E)-en-yn-dicycloether. α-Bisabolol oxide A and (Z)-en-yn-dicycloether co-eluted, but were successfully separated by subsequent size-exclusion chromatography (SEC). Similarly, spathulenol and α-bisabolol oxide B were obtained as a mixture, and were separated by means of column chromatography using silica gel as stationary phase. The isolated compounds were characterized by means of nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS).

Graphical abstract
Ultra-high resolution 3D MRI for chondrocalcinosis detection in the knee—a prospective diagnostic accuracy study comparing 7-tesla and 3-tesla MRI with CT
Authors: Germann Christoph , Galley Julien , Falkowski Anna L. , Fucentese Sandro F. , Pfirrmann Christian W. A. , Nanz Daniel , Sutter Reto
Published: May 2021

Objectives

To test the diagnostic accuracy of a 3D dual-echo steady-state (DESS) sequence at 7-T MRI regarding the detection of chondral calcific deposits of the knee in comparison to 3-T MRI, using CT as cross-sectional imaging reference standard.

Methods

CT and 7-T MRI (DESS) of knee joints in 42 patients with radiographically known chondrocalcinosis (13 of 42 bilateral) were prospectively acquired for all included patients (n = 55 knee joints). Additionally, 3-T MRI (DESS) was performed for 20 of these 55 knee joints. Two fellowship-trained musculoskeletal radiologists scored eight cartilage regions of each knee joint separately regarding presence of cartilage calcification, diagnostic confidence level, and sharpness of calcific deposits. In an explorative subanalysis, micro-CT of the menisci was evaluated after knee arthroplasty in one patient. Diagnostic performance metrics and nonparametric tests were used to compare between modalities. p values < 0.05 were considered to represent statistical significance.

Results

Sensitivity for chondrocalcinosis detection was significantly higher for 7-T MRI (100%) compared to 3-T MRI (reader 1: 95.9%, p = 0.03; reader 2: 93.2%, p = 0.002). The diagnostic confidence was significantly higher for both readers at 7 T compared to both 3-T MRI (p < 0.001) and to CT (p = 0.03). The delineation of chondral calcifications was significantly sharper for 7-T compared to both 3-T MRI and CT (p < 0.001, both readers). Micro-CT in one patient suggested that 7-T MRI may potentially outperform standard CT in diagnosing chondral calcifications.

Conclusion

3D-DESS imaging at 7-T MRI offers a significantly higher sensitivity in detection of chondral calcific deposits compared to 3-T MRI.

Key Points

• 3D dual-echo steady-state (DESS) MRI at 7 T has a higher sensitivity in detection of chondral calcific deposits compared to 3-T MRI (p ≤ 0.03).

• 3D DESS MRI at 7 T yields no false-negative cases regarding presence of chondral calcific deposits.

• 3D DESS MRI at 7 T offers better delineation and higher diagnostic confidence in detection of chondral calcific deposits compared to 3-T MRI (p < 0.001).
A quantitative assessment of silicone and PTFE-based stamp techniques for restoring occlusal anatomy using resin-based composites
Authors: Klein Christian , von Ohle Christiane , Wolff Diana , Meller Christian
Published: May 2021

Objectives

Publications on stamp techniques for placing resin-based composite (RBC) restorations consist mainly of case studies. Furthermore, comparative studies are rare and no longer relevant to the materials tested today. Thus, two general techniques were investigated in this study.

Materials and methods

Standardized occlusion class I cavities were prepared in twenty-eight extracted caries-free wisdom teeth with unimpaired occlusal surfaces and restored with the RBC material Grandio®. Light curing of the final layer was performed either after removal of the stamp isolated with PTFE tape or by leaving a stamp made of transparent polysiloxane in place. CEREC scans of the RBC restorations placed (follow-up) were superimposed on scans of the unimpaired occlusal surface (baseline) and quantitatively analyzed with the software OraCheck with regard to volume change and gain or loss of layer thickness in six sectional planes.

Results

Assessing the excess material, there was no difference (p = 0.31) between the silicone technique (0.26 mm ± 0.02) and the PTFE technique (0.22 mm ± 0.02 mm). Nevertheless, the loss of tooth substance was significantly greater (p < 0.001) with the silicone technique (−0.29 mm ± 0.02 mm) than with the PTFE technique (−0.15 mm ± 0.02 mm).

Conclusions

With the PTFE stamp technique, less healthy tooth structure was removed during the finishing procedure and the stamp was more dimensionally stable.

Clinical relevance

The study shows the advantages and disadvantages of the investigated stamp techniques and helps the practitioner to choose an appropriate technique.
Similarity-based approaches in hydrogeology: proposal of a new concept for data-scarce groundwater resource characterization and prediction
Authors: Barthel Roland , Haaf Ezra , Giese Markus , Nygren Michelle , Heudorfer Benedikt , Stahl Kerstin
Published: May 2021

A new concept is proposed for describing, analysing and predicting the dynamic behaviour of groundwater resources based on classification and similarity. The concept makes use of the ideas put forward by the “PUB” (predictions in ungauged basins) initiative in surface-water hydrology. One of the approaches developed in PUB uses the principle that similar catchments, exposed to similar weather conditions, will generate a similar discharge response at the catchment outlet. This way, models developed for well-observed catchments can be used to make predictions for ungauged catchments with similar properties (topography, land use, etc.). The concept proposed here applies the same idea to groundwater systems, with the goal to make predictions of the dynamic behaviour of groundwater in poorly observed systems using similarities to well-observed and understood systems. This paper gives an overview of the main ideas, the methodological background, the progress so far, and the challenges that the authors regard as most crucial for further development. One of the main goals of this article is thus to raise interest for this new concept within the groundwater community. There are a multitude of highly interesting aspects to investigate, and a community effort, as with PUB, is required. A second goal is to foster and exchange ideas between the groundwater and surface water research communities who, while often working on similar problems, have often missed the opportunity to learn from each other.