bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Linguistic Citizenship in the EFL Classroom: Granting the Local a Voice Through English
Authors: Awayed‐Bishara Muzna
Published: January 2021

This article examines the constitutive role of English as a foreign language (EFL) as a cultural discourse of action and empowerment through which teachers in marginalized, specifically conflict‐ridden, educational contexts act as agents of social and educational change. Although current approaches to teaching English accentuate its transformative role, EFL pedagogies still often reproduce hegemonic and exclusionary ideologies. Drawing on an ethnographic EFL classroom case study, the author conducts a critical discourse analysis of dialogue journals within the theoretical frameworks of foreign language education, critical pedagogies, and linguistic citizenship. The article examines the dynamics surrounding the way two preservice Palestinian Arab teachers in Israel respond to imposed linguistic and educational subjectivities, and their political agency in contesting unequal EFL policies. Contesting exclusionary ideologies in EFL textbooks, fostering dialogicity in EFL classrooms, and increasing students’ agency and reflexivity in EFL programs could strategically promote the discursive role of English as an instrumental tool for implementing local–global understanding and social justice. English, in this sense, offers an important discursive terrain for teachers and learners to negotiate conflicts and engage in justice‐oriented dialogue.
Genomics‐assisted breeding for successful development of multiple‐stress‐tolerant, climate‐smart rice for southern and southeastern Asia
Authors: Yadav Shailesh , Sandhu Nitika , Dixit Shalabh , Singh Vikas Kumar , Catolos Margaret , Mazumder Ratna Rani , Rahman Mohammad Akhlasur , Kumar Arvind
Published: January 2021

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) in rainfed marginal environments is prone to multiple abiotic and biotic stresses, which can occur in combination in a single cropping season and adversely affect rice growth and yield. The present study was undertaken to develop high‐yielding, climate‐resilient rice that can provide tolerance to multiple biotic and abiotic stresses. An assembled first‐crossing scheme was employed to transfer 15 quantitative trait loci (QTL) and genes—qDTY1.1, qDTY2.1, qDTY3.1, qDTY12.1 (drought), Sub1 (submergence), Gm4 (gall midge), Pi9, Pita2 (blast), Bph3, Bph17 (brown plant hoppers), Xa4, xa5, xa13, Xa21, and Xa23 (bacterial leaf blight)—from eight different parents using genomics‐assisted breeding. A funnel mating design was employed to assemble all the targeted QTL and genes into a high‐yielding breeding line IR 91648‐B‐1‐B‐3‐1. Gene‐based linked markers were used in each generation from intercrossing to the F6 generation for tracking the presence of desirable alleles of targeted QTL and genes. Single‐plant selections were performed from F2 onwards to select desirable recombinants possessing alleles of interest with suitable phenotypes. Phenotyping of 95 homozygous F6 lines carrying six to 10 QTL and genes was performed for nonstress, reproductive‐stage (RS) drought, blast, bacterial leaf blight (BLB), gall midge (GM), and for grain quality parameters such as chalkiness, amylose content (AC), gelatinization temperature (GT), and head rice recovery (HRR). Finally, 56 F7 homozygous lines were found promising for multiple‐location evaluation for grain yield (GY) and other traits. These multiple‐stress‐tolerant lines with the desired grain quality profiling can be targeted for varietal release in southern and southeastern Asia through national release systems.
Status and prospects of genome‐wide association studies in plants
Authors: Tibbs Cortes Laura , Zhang Zhiwu , Yu Jianming
Published: January 2021

Genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) have developed into a powerful and ubiquitous tool for the investigation of complex traits. In large part, this was fueled by advances in genomic technology, enabling us to examine genome‐wide genetic variants across diverse genetic materials. The development of the mixed model framework for GWAS dramatically reduced the number of false positives compared with naïve methods. Building on this foundation, many methods have since been developed to increase computational speed or improve statistical power in GWAS. These methods have allowed the detection of genomic variants associated with either traditional agronomic phenotypes or biochemical and molecular phenotypes. In turn, these associations enable applications in gene cloning and in accelerated crop breeding through marker assisted selection or genetic engineering. Current topics of investigation include rare‐variant analysis, synthetic associations, optimizing the choice of GWAS model, and utilizing GWAS results to advance knowledge of biological processes. Ongoing research in these areas will facilitate further advances in GWAS methods and their applications.
Translational animal models for Alzheimer's disease: An Alzheimer's Association Business Consortium Think Tank
Authors: Vitek Michael P. , Araujo Joseph A. , Fossel Michael , Greenberg Barry D. , Howell Gareth R. , Rizzo Stacey J. Sukoff , Seyfried Nicholas T. , Tenner Andrea J. , Territo Paul R. , Windisch Manfred , Bain Lisa J. , Ross April , Carrillo Maria C. , Lamb Bruce T. , Edelmayer Rebecca M.
Published: January 2021

Over 5 million Americans and 50 million individuals worldwide are living with Alzheimer's disease (AD). The progressive dementia associated with AD currently has no cure. Although clinical trials in patients are ultimately required to find safe and effective drugs, animal models of AD permit the integration of brain pathologies with learning and memory deficits that are the first step in developing these new drugs. The purpose of the Alzheimer's Association Business Consortium Think Tank meeting was to address the unmet need to improve the discovery and successful development of Alzheimer's therapies. We hypothesize that positive responses to new therapies observed in validated models of AD will provide predictive evidence for positive responses to these same therapies in AD patients. To achieve this goal, we convened a meeting of experts to explore the current state of AD animal models, identify knowledge gaps, and recommend actions for development of next‐generation models with better predictability. Among our findings, we all recognize that models reflecting only single aspects of AD pathogenesis do not mimic AD. Models or combinations of new models are needed that incorporate genetics with environmental interactions, timing of disease development, heterogeneous mechanisms and pathways, comorbidities, and other pathologies that lead to AD and related dementias. Selection of the best models requires us to address the following: (1) which animal species, strains, and genetic backgrounds are most appropriate; (2) which models permit efficient use throughout the drug development pipeline; (3) the translatability of behavioral‐cognitive assays from animals to patients; and (4) how to match potential AD therapeutics with particular models. Best practice guidelines to improve reproducibility also need to be developed for consistent use of these models in different research settings. To enhance translational predictability, we discuss a multi‐model evaluation strategy to de‐risk the successful transition of pre‐clinical drug assets to the clinic.
Why do veterinarians leave clinical practice? A qualitative study using thematic analysis
Authors: Arbe Montoya Alejandra I. , Hazel Susan J. , Matthew Susan M. , McArthur Michelle L.
Published: January 2021

Background: Veterinarians have an important role in society and having an adequate veterinary workforce is important not only for their communities but also nationwide. Lately, there have been anecdotal reports regarding veterinary practices struggling to find clinicians as well as evidence of mental ill‐health in veterinarians. Furthermore, the Australian Veterinary Association annual workforce survey shows an increased percentage of veterinarians intending to leave practice from 2017 to 2019. Although many factors for attrition have been described in other professions, reasons for veterinarians to leave practice are not well understood.

Methods: This study investigated why veterinary clinicians leave clinical practice by using Thematic Analysis to analyse 26 semi‐structured interviews of former veterinary clinicians in relation to their work experiences and reasons for leaving. Interviews were done from February–April 2018 either face to face, via teleconferencing, or telephone. Participants were recruited from each Australian state except for New South Wales.

Results: The results showed that a combination of personal and work‐related factors influenced the participants to leave clinical practice. In Personal Factors, participants described the internal and external circumstances that impacted on their personal lives such as personal relationships, experiencing negative thoughts and emotions, physical and mental health, core motivations and beliefs, alternative professional and personal interests. On the other hand, Work Experiences described situations, experiences, and statements directly related to the participant's veterinary clinical work such as workplace relationships, employment conditions including remuneration and working hours and clinical experiences such as negative clinical outcomes. Furthermore, interlinkages between these two themes were revealed in participants’ responses.

Conclusion: This study highlights factors that contribute to attrition from veterinary clinical practice. The narrative indicates that the interlinking of such factors influenced the decision‐making process to leave clinical practice in this cohort of former veterinary clinicians. Further research is required to understand the full implications for veterinary clinical practice and inform intervention strategies for retention.
Applications of carbon dots on tumour theranostics
Authors: Wu Hao , Su Wen , Xu Huimin , Zhang Yang , Li Yunchao , Li Xiaohong , Fan Louzhen
Published: January 2021

Carbon dots (CDs) have been extensively investigated as prime candidates for developing tumour theranostic platform due to their tunable fluorescence emission and excitation, good photostability, high water solubility and biocompatibility. Herein, we will update the recent research and latest development on the preparation, hydrophilicity, biotoxicity and optical property of CDs, as well as their applications in multimodal bioimaging and anticancer drug delivery. We will mainly highlight their applications in in vivo imaging and tumour‐targeted theranostics with a special emphasis on large amino acid‐mimicking carbon quantum dots‐based tumour theranostics through a large neutral amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1)‐mediated targeted strategy. Finally, we will also discuss the current status, key challenges and future directions of CDs in tumour theranostics. We expect that this review will summarize recent advances to inspire more researches on CDs for biomedical and clinical applications in the near future.
Factorization at subleading power and endpoint divergences in h → γγ decay. Part II. Renormalization and scale evolution
Authors: Liu Ze Long , Mecaj Bianka , Neubert Matthias , Wang Xing
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Building on the recent derivation of a bare factorization theorem for the b-quark induced contribution to the h → γγ decay amplitude based on soft-collinear effective theory, we derive the first renormalized factorization theorem for a process described at subleading power in scale ratios, where λ = mb/Mh « 1 in our case. We prove two refactorization conditions for a matching coefficient and an operator matrix element in the endpoint region, where they exhibit singularities giving rise to divergent convolution integrals. The refactorization conditions ensure that the dependence of the decay amplitude on the rapidity regulator, which regularizes the endpoint singularities, cancels out to all orders of perturbation theory. We establish the renormalized form of the factorization formula, proving that extra contributions arising from the fact that “endpoint regularization” does not commute with renormalization can be absorbed, to all orders, by a redefinition of one of the matching coefficients. We derive the renormalization-group evolution equation satisfied by all quantities in the factorization formula and use them to predict the large logarithms of order $$ {\alpha \alpha}_s^2{L}^k $$

αα
s
2

L
k

in the three-loop decay amplitude, where $$ L=\ln \left(-{M}_h^2/{m}_b^2\right) $$
L
=
ln

−

M
h
2

/

m
b
2

and k = 6, 5, 4, 3. We find perfect agreement with existing numerical results for the amplitude and analytical results for the three-loop contributions involving a massless quark loop. On the other hand, we disagree with the results of previous attempts to predict the series of subleading logarithms $$ \sim {\alpha \alpha}_s^n{L}^{2n+1} $$
∼

αα
s
n

L

2
n
+
1

.
Integrating lipidomics and genomics: emerging tools to understand cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Tabassum Rubina , Ripatti Samuli
Published: January 2021

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide leading to 31% of all global deaths. Early prediction and prevention could greatly reduce the enormous socio-economic burden posed by CVDs. Plasma lipids have been at the center stage of the prediction and prevention strategies for CVDs that have mostly relied on traditional lipids (total cholesterol, total triglycerides, HDL-C and LDL-C). The tremendous advancement in the field of lipidomics in last two decades has facilitated the research efforts to unravel the metabolic dysregulation in CVDs and their genetic determinants, enabling the understanding of pathophysiological mechanisms and identification of predictive biomarkers, beyond traditional lipids. This review presents an overview of the application of lipidomics in epidemiological and genetic studies and their contributions to the current understanding of the field. We review findings of these studies and discuss examples that demonstrates the potential of lipidomics in revealing new biology not captured by traditional lipids and lipoprotein measurements. The promising findings from these studies have raised new opportunities in the fields of personalized and predictive medicine for CVDs. The review further discusses prospects of integrating emerging genomics tools with the high-dimensional lipidome to move forward from the statistical associations towards biological understanding, therapeutic target development and risk prediction. We believe that integrating genomics with lipidome holds a great potential but further advancements in statistical and computational tools are needed to handle the high-dimensional and correlated lipidome.
Energy assessment of different cooling technologies in Ti-6Al-4V milling
Authors: Albertelli Paolo , Monno Michele
Published: January 2021

Manufacturing craves for more sustainable solutions for machining heat-resistant alloys. In this paper, an assessment of different cooling lubrication approaches for Ti6Al4V milling was carried out. Cryogenic cutting (liquid nitrogen) and conventional cooling (oil-based fluid) were assessed with respect to dry cutting. To study the effects of the main relevant process parameters, proper energy models were developed, validated and then used for comparing the analysed cooling lubrication strategies. The model parameters were identified exploiting data from specifically conceived experiments. The power assessment was carried out considering different perspectives, with a bottom-up approach. Indeed, it was found that cryogenic cooling, thanks to a better tribological behaviour, is less energy demanding (at least 25%) than dry and conventional cutting. If the spindle power is considered, lower saving percentages can be expected. Cryogenic cooling showed its best energy performance (from 3 to 11 times) with respect to conventional cutting if the machine tool perspective is analysed. Considering even the primary energy required for producing the cutting fluids, the assessment showed that cryogenic cooling requires up to 19 times the energy required for conventional cutting.
Effects of knot area ratio on the bending properties of cross-laminated timber made from Korean pine
Authors: Pang Sung-Jun , Shim Kug-Bo , Kim Keon-Ho
Published: January 2021

The effect of knot clusters on the bending properties of Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis) cross-laminated timber (CLT) was analyzed to increase the utilization of low-quality lumber. The laminae used to manufacture the CLT were classified into five groups, four major layer groups, and one minor layer group, by mechanical grade and knot area ratio (KAR) of the lamina. Out-of-plane bending tests were conducted on CLT made from each layer group. The modulus of elasticity (MOE) of the manufactured CLT was closely correlated with the MOE of each individual major axis lamina. In the case of the modulus of rupture (MOR) of the CLT, the KAR of the laminae used in the major axis layer was more significantly affected than the MOE. The main finding is that the lower fifth percentile MOR value of the CLT specimens with large knots (KAR > 0.5) was higher than the acceptable reference value of E3 grade CLT (ANSI/APA PRG 320) made from a similar lamina grade. Therefore, the use of low-quality lumber to manufacture CLT can be expanded under the condition of limitation of the greater KAR.
Intraindividual comparison of [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-EB-TATE and [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TOC
Authors: Hänscheid Heribert , Hartrampf Philipp E. , Schirbel Andreas , Buck Andreas K. , Lapa Constantin
Published: January 2021

Purpose

The radiolabelled somatostatin analogue [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-EB-TATE binds to albumin via Evans blue, thereby increasing the residence time in the blood and potentially allowing more therapeutic agent to be absorbed into the target tissue during peptide receptor radionuclide therapy. It was tested in selected patients whether the substance is superior to [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TOC.

Methods

Activity kinetics in organs and tumours after [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-EB-TATE and [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TOC were compared intraindividually in five patients with progressive somatostatin receptor-positive disease scheduled for radionuclide therapy.

Results

In comparison to [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TOC, tumour doses per administered activity were higher for [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-EB-TATE in 4 of 5 patients (median ratio: 1.7; range: 0.9 to 3.9), kidney doses (median ratio: 3.2; range: 1.6 to 9.8) as well as spleen doses (median ratio: 4.7; range 1.2 to 6.2) in all patients, and liver doses in 3 of 4 evaluable patients (median ratio: 4.0; range: 0.7 to 4.9). The tumour to critical organs absorbed dose ratios were higher after [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TOC in 4 of 5 patients.

Conclusions

Prior to a treatment with [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-EB-TATE, it should be assessed individually whether the compound is superior to established substances.
Reliability of Stereophotogrammetry for Area Measurement in the Periocular Region
Authors: Liu Jinhua , Rokohl Alexander C. , Guo Yongwei , Li Senmao , Hou Xiaoyi , Fan Wanlin , Formuzal Maxim , Lin Ming , Heindl Ludwig M.
Published: January 2021

Three-dimensional (3D) stereophotography area measurements are essential for describing morphology in the periocular region. However, its reliability has not yet been sufficiently validated. The objective of this study was to evaluate the reliability of 3D stereophotogrammetric area measurements in the periocular region. Forty healthy volunteers had five flat paper objects placed at each of the seven periocular positions including the endocanthion and the upper medial, upper middle, upper lateral, lower medial, lower middle, and the lower lateral eyelid. Two series of photographic images were captured twice by the same investigator. Each image of the first series was measured twice by the same rater, while images of both series were measured once by a second rater. Differences between these measurements were calculated, and the intrarater, interrater, and intramethod reliability was evaluated for intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), mean absolute differences (MADs), technical errors of measurements (TEMs), relative errors of measurements (REMs), and relative TEM (rTEM). Our results showed that 21.2% of all ICCs were considered as excellent, 45.5% were good, 27.3% were moderate, and 6.1% were poor. The interrater ICC for the endocanthion location was 0.4% on a low level. MAD values for all objects were less than 0.3 mm2, all TEM were less than 1 mm2, the REM and rTEM were less than 2% for all objects, showing high reliability. 3D stereophotogrammetry is a highly reliable system for periocular area measurements and may be used in the clinical routine for planning oculoplastic surgeries and for evaluating changes in periocular morphology.

Level of Evidence IV This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.
Traumatic Injuries are the Main Indication for Limb Amputations During and After Humanitarian Crises
Authors: Naidu Priyanka , Dominguez Lynette B. , Trelles Miguel , Chu Kathryn M.
Published: January 2021

Background

Populations at risk during humanitarian crises can suffer traumatic injuries or have medical conditions that result in the need for limb amputation (LA). The objectives of this study were to describe the indications for and associations with LA during and after humanitarian crises in surgical projects supported by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF).

Methods

MSF‐Operational Center Brussels data from January 1, 2008, to December 31, 2017, were analyzed. Surgical projects were classified into (annual) periods of crises and post‐crises. Indications were classified into trauma (intentional and unintentional) and non‐trauma (medical). Associations with LA were also reported.

Results

MSF‐OCB performed 936 amputations in 17 countries over the 10‐year study period. 706 (75%) patients were male and the median age was 27 years (interquartile range 17–41 years). Six hundred and twenty‐one (66%) LA were performed during crisis periods, 501 (53%) during conflict and 119 (13%) post‐natural disaster. There were 316 (34%) LA in post‐crisis periods. Overall, trauma was the predominant indication (n = 756, 81%) and accounted for significantly more LA (n = 577, 94%) in crisis compared to post‐crisis periods (n = 179, 57%) (p < 0.001).

Discussion

Our study suggests that populations at risk for humanitarian crises are still vulnerable to traumatic LA. Appropriate operative and post‐operative LA management in the humanitarian setting must be provided, including rehabilitation and options for prosthetic devices.
Higher Surgery and Recovery Room Air Pressures Associated with Reduced Surgical Site Infection Risk
Authors: Crape Byron L. , Gusmanov Arnur , Orazumbekova Binur , Davtyan Karapet
Published: January 2021

Background

Incisional surgical site infections (SSIs) following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) prolong hospital stays, elevate healthcare costs and increase likelihood of further complications. High air pressure deactivates bacteria and is utilized for commercial food preservation, assuring microbiologically safe pharmaceuticals and sanitizing instruments. However, research on utilizing air pressure deactivation thresholds in surgical and postoperative rooms to reduce rates of SSIs is lacking.

Methods

A case–control study of 801 CABG patients, 128 SSI cases and 673 controls was conducted from January 1, 2006 through March 31, 2009 in Yerevan, Armenia. Patient and surgery characteristics, air pressure measurements and seasons were selected as independent variables with SSI rates as the outcome. The novel threshold regression analysis was used to determine potential air pressure bacterial deactivation thresholds. A final multivariate logistic regression model adjusted for confounders.

Results

Overall, bacterial deactivation air pressure threshold was 694.2 mmHg, with the presence of infection for higher air pressure values not statistically significant from zero. Individual deactivation thresholds for Staphylococcus epidermidis (threshold = 694.2 mmHg) and Escherichia coli (threshold = 689.2) showed similar patterns. Multivariate logistic regression showed air pressure above the deactivation threshold was highly protective against SSIs with adjOR = 0.27 (p‐value = 0.009, 95%CI: 0.10–0.72). Other SSI risk factors included female sex, adjOR = 2.12 (p‐value = 0.006, 95%CI: 1.24–3.62), diabetes, adjOR = 2.61 (p‐value < 0.001, 95%CI: 1.72–3.96) and longer time on ventilator, adjOdds = 1.01 (p‐value = 0.012, 95%CI: 1.00–1.02).

Conclusion

Maintaining air pressures in operating and postoperative rooms exceeding bacterial‐deactivation thresholds might substantially reduce SSI rates following surgery. Further research should identify specific bacterial‐deactivation air pressure thresholds in surgical and postoperative rooms to reduce SSI rates, especially for drug‐resistant bacteria.
A Randomized Phase II Study to Evaluate Prolonged Prophylactic Antibacterial Drug Treatment for Patients with Elevated Drain Amylase Concentration After Gastrectomy with D2 Lymph Node Dissection (REDUCED2)
Authors: Miki Yuichiro , Tokunaga Masanori , Mori Keita , Fukushima Norimasa , Misawa Kazunari , Nishikawa Kazuhiro , Fujitani Kazumasa , Ohira Masaichi , Tanizawa Yutaka , Bando Etsuro , Terashima Masanori
Published: January 2021

Introduction

After D2 gastrectomy for advanced gastric cancer, patients with a high drainage fluid amylase level (d‐AMY) on the first postoperative day (1POD) have an especially high risk of severe abdominal infectious complications (AICs), which could be fatal. On the hypothesis that prolonged antibiotic administration could reduce the incidence of severe AICs, we conducted a randomized phase II study to evaluate the optimal treatment duration of prophylactic antibiotics for patients who underwent D2 gastrectomy and had elevated d‐AMY on 1POD.

Methods

Patients whose d‐AMY was >3000 IU/L on 1POD after D2 gastrectomy for gastric cancer were randomly assigned to normal prophylactic antibiotic treatment given only on the day of surgery (Group A) or to prolonged antibiotic treatment given for 1 week after surgery (Group B). The primary endpoint was the incidence of severe AICs (Clavien–Dindo grade IIIa or higher). This trial was registered as UMIN000012152.

Results

This study was started in December 2013 and stopped in February 2019 because of poor patient accrual. Finally, 35 and 37 patients were assigned to groups A and B, respectively. The incidences of AICs were 22.9% (eight of 35) in group A and 13.5% (five of 37) in group B. One‐sided P value of the Fisher exact test was 0.234. No adverse reactions to antibiotic prophylaxis were observed in any of the patients.

Conclusions

Prolonged prophylactic antibiotic administration had a marginal benefit in preventing grade III or higher AICs and caused no treatment‐related morbidities.
Automated quantitative MRI volumetry reports support diagnostic interpretation in dementia: a multi-rater, clinical accuracy study
Authors: Pemberton Hugh G. , Goodkin Olivia , Prados Ferran , Das Ravi K. , Vos Sjoerd B. , Moggridge James , Coath William , Gordon Elizabeth , Barrett Ryan , Schmitt Anne , Whiteley-Jones Hefina , Burd Christian , Wattjes Mike P. , Haller Sven , Vernooij Meike W. , Harper Lorna , Fox Nick C. , Paterson Ross W. , Schott Jonathan M. , Bisdas Sotirios , White Mark , Ourselin Sebastien , Thornton John S. , Yousry Tarek A. , Cardoso M. Jorge , Barkhof Frederik ,   for the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: January 2021

Objectives

We examined whether providing a quantitative report (QReport) of regional brain volumes improves radiologists’ accuracy and confidence in detecting volume loss, and in differentiating Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), compared with visual assessment alone.

Methods

Our forced-choice multi-rater clinical accuracy study used MRI from 16 AD patients, 14 FTD patients, and 15 healthy controls; age range 52–81. Our QReport was presented to raters with regional grey matter volumes plotted as percentiles against data from a normative population (n = 461). Nine raters with varying radiological experience (3 each: consultants, registrars, ‘non-clinical image analysts’) assessed each case twice (with and without the QReport). Raters were blinded to clinical and demographic information; they classified scans as ‘normal’ or ‘abnormal’ and if ‘abnormal’ as ‘AD’ or ‘FTD’.

Results

The QReport improved sensitivity for detecting volume loss and AD across all raters combined (p = 0.015* and p = 0.002*, respectively). Only the consultant group’s accuracy increased significantly when using the QReport (p = 0.02*). Overall, raters’ agreement (Cohen’s κ) with the ‘gold standard’ was not significantly affected by the QReport; only the consultant group improved significantly (κs 0.41➔0.55, p = 0.04*). Cronbach’s alpha for interrater agreement improved from 0.886 to 0.925, corresponding to an improvement from ‘good’ to ‘excellent’.

Conclusion

Our QReport referencing single-subject results to normative data alongside visual assessment improved sensitivity, accuracy, and interrater agreement for detecting volume loss. The QReport was most effective in the consultants, suggesting that experience is needed to fully benefit from the additional information provided by quantitative analyses.

Key Points

• The use of quantitative report alongside routine visual MRI assessment improves sensitivity and accuracy for detecting volume loss and AD vs visual assessment alone.

• Consultant neuroradiologists’ assessment accuracy and agreement (kappa scores) significantly improved with the use of quantitative atrophy reports.

• First multi-rater radiological clinical evaluation of visual quantitative MRI atrophy report for use as a diagnostic aid in dementia.
A statistical–dynamical downscaling methodology for the urban heat island applied to the EURO-CORDEX ensemble
Authors: Le Roy Benjamin , Lemonsu Aude , Schoetter Robert
Published: January 2021

Regional Climate Models (RCMs) are the primary climate information available to public stakeholders and city-planners to support local adaptation policies. However, with resolution in the order of ten kilometres, RCMs do not explicitly represent cities and their influence on local climate (e.g. Urban Heat Island; UHI). Downscaling methods are required to bridge the gap between RCMs and city scale. A statistical–dynamical downscaling methodology is developed to quantify the UHI of the city of Paris (France), based on a Local Weather Types (LWTs) classification combined with short-term high-resolution (1-km) urban climate simulations. The daily near-surface temperature amplitude, specific humidity, precipitation, wind speed and direction simulated by the RCMs are used for the LWTs attribution. The LWTs time series is associated to randomly selected days simulated with the mesoscale atmospheric model Meso-NH coupled to the urban canopy model Town Energy Balance to calculate the UHI corresponding to the successive LWTs. The downscaling methodology is applied to the EURO-CORDEX ensemble driven by the ERA-Interim reanalysis, and evaluated for the 2000–2008 period against station observations and a 2.5-km reanalysis. The short-term dynamical simulations slightly underestimate and overestimate near-surface minimum and maximum air temperature respectively, but capture the UHI intensity with biases in the order of a tenth of a degree. RCMs show significant differences in the variables used for the LWTs attribution, but the seasonal LWT frequencies are captured. Consequently, the reconstructed temperature fields maintain the small biases of the Meso-NH simulations and the statistical–dynamical downscaling greatly improves the UHI compared to the raw data of RCMs.
Defining early recurrence in patients with resected primary colorectal carcinoma and its respective risk factors
Authors: Wiesmueller Felix , Schuetz Rolf , Langheinrich Melanie , Brunner Maximilian , Weber Georg F. , Grützmann Robert , Merkel Susanne , Krautz Christian
Published: January 2021

Purpose

There is no evidence-based definition of early recurrence following resection of colorectal cancer. The purpose of this study is to define a point that discriminates between early and late recurrence in patients who have undergone colorectal cancer resection with curative intent and to analyze associated risk factors.

Methods

A retrospective single-center cohort study was performed at a university hospital recognized as a comprehensive cancer center, specializing in colorectal cancer surgery. Patient data were retrieved from a prospectively maintained institutional database. Included patients underwent resection for primary, non-metastatic colorectal carcinomas with curative intent between 1995 and 2010. Aims of the study were (1) to define the optimal cut-off point of recurrence-free survival based on overall survival using a minimumpvalue approach and (2) to identify patterns of initial recurrence and putative risk factors for early recurrence using regression models.

Results

Recurrence was diagnosed in 412 of 1893 patients. Statistical analysis suggested that a recurrence-free survival of 16 months could be used to distinguish between early and late recurrence based on overall survival (p < 0.001). Independent risk factors for early recurrence included advanced pT categories (pT3,4/ypT3,4) and positive lymph node status (pN+/ypN+). Early recurrence was independent of site of recurrence and was associated with worse prognosis.

Conclusions

Recurrence of colorectal carcinoma within 16 months after primary treatment should be labeled as “early.” Tumor categories pT3,4/ypT3,4 and positive lymph node status pN+/ypN+ are predictive of early recurrence.
Making sense of missense variants in TTN-related congenital myopathies
Authors: Rees Martin , Nikoopour Roksana , Fukuzawa Atsushi , Kho Ay Lin , Fernandez-Garcia Miguel A. , Wraige Elizabeth , Bodi Istvan , Deshpande Charu , Özdemir Özkan , Daimagüler Hülya-Sevcan , Pfuhl Mark , Holt Mark , Brandmeier Birgit , Grover Sarah , Fluss Joël , Longman Cheryl , Farrugia Maria Elena , Matthews Emma , Hanna Michael , Muntoni Francesco , Sarkozy Anna , Phadke Rahul , Quinlivan Ros , Oates Emily C. , Schröder Rolf , Thiel Christian , Reimann Jens , Voermans Nicol , Erasmus Corrie , Kamsteeg Erik-Jan , Konersman Chaminda , Grosmann Carla , McKee Shane , Tirupathi Sandya , Moore Steven A. , Wilichowski Ekkehard , Hobbiebrunken Elke , Dekomien Gabriele , Richard Isabelle , Van den Bergh Peter , Domínguez-González Cristina , Cirak Sebahattin , Ferreiro Ana , Jungbluth Heinz , Gautel Mathias
Published: January 2021

Mutations in the sarcomeric protein titin, encoded byTTN, are emerging as a common cause of myopathies. The diagnosis of aTTN-related myopathy is, however, often not straightforward due to clinico-pathological overlap with other myopathies and the prevalence ofTTNvariants in control populations. Here, we present a combined clinico-pathological, genetic and biophysical approach to the diagnosis ofTTN-related myopathies and the pathogenicity ascertainment ofTTNmissense variants. We identified 30 patients with a primaryTTN-related congenital myopathy (CM) and two truncating variants, or one truncating and one missenseTTNvariant, or homozygous for oneTTNmissense variant. We found that TTN-related myopathies show considerable overlap with other myopathies but are strongly suggested by a combination of certain clinico-pathological features. Presentation was typically at birth with the clinical course characterized by variable progression of weakness, contractures, scoliosis and respiratory symptoms but sparing of extraocular muscles. Cardiac involvement depended on the variant position. Our biophysical analyses demonstrated that missense mutations associated with CMs are strongly destabilizing and exert their effect when expressed on a truncating background or in homozygosity. We hypothesise that destabilizingTTNmissense mutations phenocopy truncating variants and are a key pathogenic feature of recessive titinopathies that might be amenable to therapeutic intervention.
Selective vulnerability of inhibitory networks in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Zoupi Lida , Booker Sam A. , Eigel Dimitri , Werner Carsten , Kind Peter C. , Spires-Jones Tara L. , Newland Ben , Williams Anna C.
Published: January 2021

In multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic demyelinating disease of the central nervous system, neurodegeneration is detected early in the disease course and is associated with the long-term disability of patients. Neurodegeneration is linked to both inflammation and demyelination, but its exact cause remains unknown. This gap in knowledge contributes to the current lack of treatments for the neurodegenerative phase of MS. Here we ask if neurodegeneration in MS affects specific neuronal components and if it is the result of demyelination. Neuropathological examination of secondary progressive MS motor cortices revealed a selective vulnerability of inhibitory interneurons in MS. The generation of a rodent model of focal subpial cortical demyelination reproduces this selective neurodegeneration providing a new preclinical model for the study of neuroprotective treatments.
Correction to: Deep reinforcement learning for multi-objective placement of virtual machines in cloud datacenters
Authors: Caviglione Luca , Gaggero Mauro , Paolucci Massimo , Ronco Roberto
Published: January 2021

Page 2: Column 2, lines 2-4, previously read: “Specifically, we consider a decision maker that, after a proper training, is able to select the most suitable heuristic for compute the placement for each VM requested by end users”.
Survival of direct composite restorations placed under general anesthesia in adult patients with intellectual and/or physical disabilities
Authors: Maes Mona Shaghayegh , Kanzow Philipp , Hrasky Valentina , Wiegand Annette
Published: January 2021

Objectives

This study aimed to assess the survival of direct composite restorations placed under general anesthesia in adult patients with intellectual and/or physical disabilities.

Materials and methods

Survival of composite restorations placed under general anesthesia in adult patients with intellectual and/or physical disabilities was retrospectively analyzed. Failure was defined as the need for replacement of at least one surface of the original restoration or extraction of the tooth. Individual-, tooth-, and restoration-related factors were obtained from dental records. Five-year mean annual failure rate (mAFR) and median survival time were calculated (Kaplan-Meier statistics). The effect of potential risk factors on failure was tested using univariate log-rank tests and multivariate Cox-regression analysis (α = 5%).

Results

A total of 728 restorations in 101 patients were included in the analysis. The survival after 5 years amounted to 67.7% (5-year mAFR: 7.5%) and median survival time to 7.9 years. Results of the multivariate Cox-regression analysis revealed physical disability (HR: 50.932, p = 0.001) and combined intellectual/physical disability (HR: 3.145, p = 0.016) compared with intellectual disability only, presence of a removable partial denture (HR: 3.013, p < 0.001), and restorations in incisors (HR: 2.281, p = 0.013) or molars (HR: 1.693, p = 0.017) compared with premolars to increase the risk for failure.

Conclusion

Composite restorations placed under general anesthesia in adult patients with intellectual and/or physical disabilities showed a reasonable longevity as 67.7% survived at least 5 years.

Clinical relevance

Survival of composite restorations depends on risk factors that need to be considered when planning restorative treatment in patients with intellectual and/or physical disabilities. NCT04407520
Rheumatology-led pregnancy clinic: men perspective
Authors: El Miedany Yasser , Palmer Deborah
Published: January 2021

The birth of reproductive rheumatology as a subject of interest in rheumatology has led to improvement of clinical care for patients living with autoimmune rheumatic diseases and paved the way towards setting a specialized pregnancy service within the standard rheumatology practice. In contrast to women, where there has been wealth of literature regarding pregnancy, lactation, and birth outcomes, there is not as much focusing on male sexual health and outcomes among inflammatory arthritis patients. Challenges such as decrease ability to conceive, impaired fertility, erectile dysfunction, and other sexual problems have been raised by male patients living with autoimmune rheumatic diseases. This broad scope gives the reproductive health concept in men another expansion with views to include sexual health problems screening among men attending the standard outpatient rheumatology clinics. This article adds to the paucity of real-life experience and aims at discussing the sexual health from the men perspective and provides a practical approach towards screening, and assessment of men living with autoimmune diseases in standard day to day practice.
Auslandsaufenthalt als Kompetenzschule? – Eine empirische Untersuchung der Auswirkungen von Auslandsaufenthalten auf die berufsbezogenen Kompetenzbereiche
Authors: Genkova Petia , Kruse Lisa
Published: January 2021

Der vorliegende Beitrag zur Zeitschrift Gruppe. Interaktion. Organisation. (GIO) zeigt, basierend auf einer Onlinestudie, dass Auslandsaufenthalte mit höheren arbeitsbezogenen Kompetenzen assoziiert sind. In diesem Beitrag wird also analysiert, inwieweit bei Auslandsaufenthalten von einer Kompetenzschule die Rede sein kann. Auslandserfahrung ist ein fester Bestandteil vieler Curricula geworden. Auslandsaufenthalten wird nicht nur eine Verbesserung von Fremdsprachkenntnissen zugesprochen, sondern auch die Förderung allgemeinerer Kompetenzen sowie eine Weiterentwicklung der Persönlichkeit. Insbesondere wird vermutet, dass Umgang mit Stress und Ambivalenzen, Erfahrungen im Projektmanagement, interkulturelle und soziale Kompetenzen durch die Auslandserfahrungen zunehmen. In der vorliegenden Studie wurde untersucht, inwieweit ein Auslandsaufenthalt, diesen Erwartungen gerecht wird, ob also Kompetenzunterschiede zwischen Personen, die einen Auslandsaufenthalt absolvierten und jenen, die keinen absolvierten, sichtbar sind. Es konnte bestätigt werden, dass Personen mit Auslandserfahrung tatsächlich höhere Werte in den Dimensionen Arbeitsengagement, beruflicher Ehrgeiz, Widerstandskraft, Distanzierungsfähigkeit, offensive Problembewältigung, Engagement, soziale Kompetenz, Dominanz sowie kulturelle Intelligenz aufweisen. Kulturelle Intelligenz hängt sowohl mit der Länge der Auslandsaufenthalte als auch mit der Qualität der Kontakte zu Angehörigen der Gastkultur zusammen. Die Ergebnisse werden diskutiert und abschließend Implikationen für weitere Forschung und die Praxis abgeleitet.
New insights into the life history of Monochamus saltuarius (Cerambycidae: Coleoptera) can enhance surveillance strategies for pine wilt disease
Authors: Li Min , Dai Yun , Wang Yang , Wang Lichao , Sun Shouhui , Chen Fengmao
Published: January 2021

Pine wilt disease was first discovered in Dongtang town, Liaoning Province, China, in 2017.Monochamus saltuariusGebler is a new vector of pinewood nematode and the only known vector in Liaoning Province. The biology of this pest has not been reported thus far; therefore, it is necessary to study its life history. During 2018 and 2019, we collected 138 and 491 adultM. saltuariusbeetles, respectively, to analyze their eclosion from larva to adult stage. In mid-March, overwintering larvae began to feed (on xylem) and seek nutrition in preparation for pupation and eclosion. The adults began to appear in mid-April, and the population reached its peak in late May. The life span of the adults was 28–76 days. After approximately 1 week of supplemental nutrition (feeding on twigs), adults began to mate and lay eggs. The egg stage ofM. saltuariuslasted 4–8 days. The larvae in Dongtang town have 4 instars and overwinter in tunnels as 3rd–4th instars. The 1st-instar stage lasted 3–9 days, the 2nd-instar stage lasted 11–23 days, the 3rd-instar stage lasted 30–130 days, and the 4th-instar stage lasted 44–180 days. The pupal stage lasted 7–12 days, and the life span of the adults was 28–76 days. In this study we systematically monitored the life history ofM. saltuariusfor the first time. Our objective was to lay a foundation for improving control of this pinewood nematode vector.
Simultaneous prediction of valence / arousal and emotion categories and its application in an HRC scenario
Authors: Handrich Sebastian , Dinges Laslo , Al-Hamadi Ayoub , Werner Philipp , Saxen Frerk , Al Aghbari Zaher
Published: January 2021

We address the problem of facial expression analysis. The proposed approach predicts both basic emotion and valence/arousal values as a continuous measure for the emotional state. Experimental results including cross-database evaluation on the AffectNet, Aff-Wild, and AFEW dataset shows that our approach predicts emotion categories and valence/arousal values with high accuracies and that the simultaneous learning of discrete categories and continuous values improves the prediction of both. In addition, we use our approach to measure the emotional states of users in an Human-Robot-Collaboration scenario (HRC), show how these emotional states are affected by multiple difficulties that arise for the test subjects, and examine how different feedback mechanisms counteract negative emotions users experience while interacting with a robot system.
Preoperative Group Consultation Prior to Surgery for Colorectal Cancer—an Explorative Study of a New Patient Education Method
Authors: Walming Sofie , Angenete Eva , Bock David , Block Mattias , de la Croix Hanna , Wedin Anette , Haglind Eva
Published: January 2021

Patients with colorectal cancer may lack information about the disease and treatment. In 2017, a group consultation before start of surgery was introduced at a university hospital in western Sweden to inform about the disease, treatment, and ongoing scientific studies. The primary aim of this study was to explore the experience of the patients attending the group consultation. Based on semi-structured interviews with patients with colorectal cancer, a questionnaire was constructed and administered to patients, both those attending and those not attending the group consultation. In total, 124 patients were included and the response rate was 86%. A majority of patients attending the group consultation would recommend it to someone else with the same illness. Of the patients attending the group consultation, 81% (30/37) patients agreed, fully or partially, that attending the group consultation had increased their sense of control and 89% (33/37) that the information they received at the group consultation increased their feeling of participation in the treatment. Preoperative group consultation is a feasible modality for informing and discussing the upcoming treatment for colorectal cancer with the patients, and the patients who attended the group setting appreciated it. Attending the group consultation increased the patients’ feeling of active participation in their treatment and their sense of control, which could possibly both improve their experience of their illness and facilitate recovery.

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier

NCT03888313