bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three-band perfect absorber with high refractive index sensing based on an active tunable Dirac semimetal
Authors: Li Zhiyou , Yi Zao , Liu Tinting , Liu Li , Chen Xifang , Zheng Fusheng , Zhang Jianguo , Li Hailiang , Wu Pinghui , Yan Peiguang
Published: July 2021

We designed a perfect absorber based on bulk Dirac semi-metallic. The minimum bandwidth is 0.02 THz, the maximum quality factor is 106, and the maximum refractive index sensitivity is 0.1525 THz RIU−1. The device can be tuned by Fermi level.
Electronic and photochemical properties of hybrid binary silicon and germanium derived Janus monolayers
Authors: Li Xiuyuan , Zhang Kaining , Zeng Xin , Li Nan , Wang Jichang
Published: July 2021

A series of novel 2D Janus M2XY monolayers (M = Si, Ge; X, Y = N, P, As; X ≠ Y) have been proposed. Their elastic, electronic and photochemical properties have been predicted. Janus Si2PAs, Ge2NP and Ge2PAs are promising candidates for photocatalysis.
Boosted charge extraction of NbOx-enveloped SnO2 nanocrystals enables 24% efficient planar perovskite solar cells
Authors: Yuan Ruihan , Cai Bing , Lv Yinhua , Gao Xiang , Gu Jinwen , Fan Zhenghui , Liu Xinhang , Yang Chi , Liu Mingzhen , Zhang Wen-Hua
Published: July 2021

A layer of amorphous NbOx is employed to envelope self-developed SnO2 NCs and the resultant PSC achieves a PCE of 24.01% with negligible hysteresis and remarkable stability, which is among the most efficient planar PSCs.
(−)-Epicatechin gallate blocks the development of atherosclerosis by regulating oxidative stress in vivo and in vitro
Authors: Yu Jinjin , Li Weifeng , Xiao Xin , Huang Qiuxia , Yu Jiabao , Yang Yajie , Han Tengfei , Zhang Dezhu , Niu Xiaofeng
Published: July 2021

ECG inhibits the development of atherosclerosis by inhibiting NF-κB and activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway to inhibit oxidative stress in vivo and in vitro.
Ultrabright fluorescent nanothermometers
Authors: Kalaparthi V. , Peng B. , Peerzade S. A. M. A. , Palantavida S. , Maloy B. , Dokukin M. E. , Sokolov I.
Published: July 2021

Ultrabright fluorescent nanothermometers – nanoparticles – allow measurement of temperature using single nanoparticles and 3D mapping of temperature distribution.
A sequential Ugi–Smiles/transition-metal-free endo-dig Conia–ene cyclization: the selective synthesis of saccharin substituted 2,5-dihydropyrroles
Authors: Seyrani Hassan , Ramezanpour Sorour , Vaezghaemi Aref , Kobarfard Farzad
Published: July 2021

A convenient, transition-metal-free access to a series of unprecedented saccharin substituted 2,5-dihydropyrroles is reported.
Boron-doped and serine and histidine-functionalized graphene quantum dots with strong yellow fluorescence emissions for highly sensitive detection of carbofuran in cucumber and cabbage
Authors: Wang Na , Li Ruiyi , Wang Qinsheng , Yang Yongqiang , Li Nana , Li Zaijun
Published: July 2021

The weak fluorescence of graphene quantum dots upon visible-light excitation limits their applications.
Efficient removal of Pb(ii) and Cr(vi) from acidic wastewater using porous thiophosphoryl polyethyleneimine
Authors: Sun Junhua , Sun Guoxin , Zhao Xiuxian , Zhao Heng , Yang Zhongjiang , Yan Liangguo , Jiang Xuchuan , Cui Yu
Published: July 2021

A porous thiophosphoryl polyethyleneimine was synthesized to remove Pb(ii) and Cr(vi) from acidic wastewater.
Construction of SAPO-34/SiO2 composite: effective catalyst for methanol to olefins reaction
Authors: Huang Huiwen , He Shanshan , Zhang Qiang , Fan Wenyang , Xu Dongmei , Gao Jun , Li Chunyi
Published: July 2021

The SAPO-34/SiO2 composite is superior to the SAPO-34–SiO2 catalyst in methanol conversion and product selectivity.
Simple anthracene derivatives: different mechanoluminescence properties tailored only by a thiophene group
Authors: Miao Jun , Zhang Yimeng , Zhang Ming
Published: July 2021

Here, anthracene was selected as the fluorescent core, then boronic ester and the self-assembling thiophene group were introduced to the “9” and “10” sites of anthracene, respectively.
Synthesis of diverse heterocyclic frameworks using cyclopentadienones via the Diels–Alder strategy
Authors: Karunakaran Jayachandran , Qiu Huibin , Balaraman Ekambaram
Published: July 2021

In this review article, we briefly summarize the versatility of Diels–Alder reactions of cyclopentadienones and concise routes to diverse hetero-atom bearing PAHs using cyclones as building blocks.
Arsenic trioxide targets Hsp60, triggering degradation of p53 and survivin
Authors: Hu Xuqiao , Li Hongyan , Ip Tiffany Ka-Yan , Cheung Yam Fung , Koohi-Moghadam Mohamad , Wang Haibo , Yang Xinming , Tritton Daniel N. , Wang Yuchuan , Wang Yi , Wang Runming , Ng Kwan-Ming , Naranmandura Hua , Tse Eric Wai-Choi , Sun Hongzhe
Published: July 2021

A highly selective organoarsenic fluorescent probe As-AC and quantitative proteomics were employed to track arsenic-binding and regulating proteins in live leukemia cells. Hsp60 was validated as a new target of ATO.
A new relaying scheme for protection of transmission lines connected to DFIG‐based wind farms
Authors: Zare Javad , Pirooz Azad Sahar
Published: July 2021

This paper presents a new protection scheme with low communication capacity requirement for protecting lines connected to a doubly‐fed induction generator (DFIG)‐based wind farm (WF). The proposed relaying scheme addresses the line protection challenges which stem from the non‐synchronous frequency component of the current fed from a DFIG‐based WF during a short‐circuit fault. The fault current frequency of a DFIG‐based WF deviates from the synchronous frequency during a fault, which affects the operation of distance relays. In such a scenario, the distance relay located at the WF terminal may lose its coordination with downstream relays, resulting in unnecessary tripping. The proposed scheme relies on the impedance trajectory captured by the local relay, local fault current characteristics, and the frequency tracking of the fault current measured at the distance relays located at the two ends of the transmission line connected to a DFIG‐based WF. The reliable performance of the proposed scheme is verified on a 4‐bus test system under balanced and unbalanced faults during super‐ and sub‐synchronous operating modes of the DFIG as well as its robustness against power system disturbances.
Asteroseismology of evolved stars with EGGMiMoSA
Authors: Farnir M. , Pinçon C. , Dupret M.-A. , Noels A. , Scuflaire R.
Published: July 2021

Context.In the context of an ever increasing amount of highly precise data, thanks to the numerous space-borne missions, came a revolution in stellar physics. This data allowed asteroseismology to thrive and improve our general knowledge of stars. Important results were obtained about giant stars owing to the presence of ‘mixed modes’ in their oscillation spectra. These modes carry information about the whole stellar interior, enabling the comprehensive characterisation of their structure.

Aims.The current study is part of a series of papers that provide a technique to coherently and robustly analyse the mixed-modes frequency spectra and characterise the stellar structure of stars on both the subgiant branch and red-giant branch (RGB). In this paper we aim at defining seismic indicators, relevant of the stellar structure, as well as studying their evolution along a grid of models.

Methods.The proposed method, EGGMiMoSA, relies on the asymptotic description of mixed modes. It defines appropriate initial guesses for the parameters of the asymptotic formulation and uses a Levenberg-Marquardt minimisation scheme in order to adjust the complex mixed-modes pattern in a fast and robust way.

Results.We are able to follow the evolution of the mixed-modes parameters along a grid of models from the subgiant phase to the RGB bump, therefore extending previous works. We show the impact of the stellar mass and composition on the evolution of these parameters. We observe that the evolution of the period spacing Δπ1, pressure offsetϵp, gravity offsetϵg, and coupling factorqas a function of the large frequency separation Δνis little affected by the chemical composition and that it follows two different regimes depending on the evolutionary stage. On the subgiant branch, the stellar models display a moderate core-envelope density contrast. Therefore, the evolution of Δπ1,ϵp,ϵg, andqsignificantly changes with the stellar mass. Furthermore, we demonstrate that, for a given metallicity and with proper measurements of the period spacing Δπ1and large frequency separation Δν, we may unambiguously constrain the stellar mass, radius and age of a subgiant star. Conversely, as the star reaches the red-giant branch, the core-envelope density contrast becomes very large. Consequently, the evolution ofϵp,ϵgandqas a function of Δνbecomes independent of the stellar mass. This is also true for Δπ1in stars with masses ≲1.8 M⊙because of core electron degeneracy. This degeneracy in Δπ1is lifted for higher masses, again allowing for a precise measurement of the stellar age. Overall, our computations qualitatively agree with previous observed and theoretical studies.

Conclusions.The method provides automated measurements of the adjusted parameters along a grid of models and opens the way to the precise seismic characterisation of both subgiants and red giants. In the following papers of the series, we will explore further refinements to the technique as well as its application to observed stars.
Use of Artificial Intelligence in Nononcologic Interventional Radiology: Current State and Future Directions
Authors: Malpani Rohil , Petty Christopher W. , Bhatt Neha , Staib Lawrence H. , Chapiro Julius
Published: July 2021

The future of radiology is disproportionately linked to the applications of artificial intelligence (AI). Recent exponential advancements in AI are already beginning to augment the clinical practice of radiology. Driven by a paucity of review articles in the area, this article aims to discuss applications of AI in nononcologic IR across procedural planning, execution, and follow-up along with a discussion on the future directions of the field. Applications in vascular imaging, radiomics, touchless software interactions, robotics, natural language processing, postprocedural outcome prediction, device navigation, and image acquisition are included. Familiarity with AI study analysis will help open the current “black box” of AI research and help bridge the gap between the research laboratory and clinical practice.
Novel Biomarker-Targeted Therapies for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Barot Shimoli V. , Kamath Suneel D.
Published: July 2021

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common and fatal malignancies worldwide. Screening, surgery, and adjuvant therapy have proved efficacious in improving outcomes for early-stage disease. Despite decades of research efforts, cytotoxic chemotherapy has been the mainstay of treatment for metastatic disease and the prognosis remains unsatisfactory. Compelling evidence suggests that a fundamental reason for the limited success is the cancer's inherent dynamic heterogeneity, which is more predominant in late-stage disease. As our understanding of this molecular blueprint of CRC has evolved, a new avenue of targeted therapies has emerged. Beginning with epidermal growth factor receptor and vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors, numerous targeted agents have been developed and investigated in large, multicenter, prospective clinical trials. Testing for mutations in RAS (KRAS and NRAS), BRAF, and HER2 and for mismatch repair/microsatellite instability and NTRK fusions has now been incorporated in the management guidelines, with additional biomarkers rapidly surfacing. As we enter the latest paradigm of precision oncology in CRC, this article will provide an overview of the different molecular subsets of CRC and the current biomarker-targeted therapies in the management of metastatic disease.
The Prevalence of Clinical Characteristics of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome among Indigenous Women: A Systematic Search and Review of the Literature
Authors: Gilbert Emily , Avery Jodie , Bartlett Rebeccah , Campbell Sandra , Joham Anju , Rumbold Alice , Boyle Jacqueline
Published: July 2021

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder among reproductive-aged women; however, to date there has been no synthesis of the burden of PCOS specifically among indigenous women. We aimed to systematically identify and collate studies reporting prevalence and clinical features of PCOS among indigenous women worldwide. We performed a comprehensive search of six databases (Ovid MEDLINE, MEDLINE In Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations, EMBASE, EBM reviews, CINAHL, and SCOPUS) supplemented by gray literature searches and the screening of reference lists. A narrative synthesis was conducted. Fourteen studies met inclusion criteria; however, one was excluded as it assessed only children and adolescents younger than 15 years, with limited clinical relevance. Studies examined indigenous women from Australia, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and the United States. Prevalence of PCOS was reported in only four studies and ranged from 3.05% for women in Sri Lanka to 26% for women in Australia. All included studies reported on at least one clinical feature of PCOS. Of the studies that reported on a comparison group from the same country, there was evidence of more severe features in indigenous women from New Zealand and the United States. The limited evidence available warrants further investigation of the burden of PCOS in indigenous women to build the knowledge base for effective and culturally relevant management of this condition.
Efficiency of antioxidant system in barrel medic (
Authors: Kallala Nadia , M’sehli Wissal , Hammi Khaoula Mkadmini , Abid Ghassen , Mhadhbi Haythem
Published: July 2021

Iron (Fe) deficiency leads to an overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in plants that activate their antioxidant systems to control oxidative burst. In this study, contrasting Medicago truncatula genotypes, A17 and TN8.20 (tolerant) and TN1.11 (sensitive), were grown under Fe deficiency. The superoxide dismutase (SOD: EC1.15.1.1) activity, their isoforms’ coding genes, the copper chaperone expression patterns, and leaf phenolic contents were analysed. Our results showed that Fe deficiency decreases the photosynthetic capacity and plant biomass production with a prominent effect on TN1.11 genotype. The tolerance of A17 and TN8.20 was correlated with a maintenance of Fe content and the photosynthetic apparatus and an increase of Cu concentration compared with the sensitive genotype. We revealed a significant increase of H2O2 in Fe-deficient plants, mainly in TN1.11 sensitive genotype. TN8.20 and A17 tolerance were concomitant with a significant increase of SOD activities (SOD, Cu/Zn-SOD, and Mn-SOD) under Fe deficiency. This increment was correlated to an induction of the copper chaperone gene expression level, as well as an accumulation of isoquercitin phenolic compound. Our study provides new insights into the orchestration of SOD’s isoforms activities, the expression of the copper chaperone, FeSOD, Cu/ZnSOD genes, and the leaf phenolic compounds accumulation that allows Medicago truncatula to overcome Fe deficiency.
Phosphorus fertilisation and biochar impacts on soil fertility and wheat (
Authors: Mahmoud E. K. , Ibrahim M. , Khader A.
Published: July 2021

The Egyptian soil contains low organic matter and high calcium carbonate with a pH of 7.5–8.2, which reduces the availability of phosphorus (P) improve the efficiency of applying P fertilisers in alkaline soils. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of biochar (B) at 0 t ha−1 and 10 t ha−1 with different P fertiliser rates (i.e. 0% P, 50% P, 100% P and 150% P of the recommended dose) on wheat yield (Triticum aestivum L.) and soil fertility in clay texture soil during the 2015–2016 and 2016–2017 growing seasons. The results show a significant increase in all of the following: soil availability and plant uptake of NPK; flag leaf area (FLA); the number of fertile tillers (NFT); the number of grains in spike (NGS), and the grain yield of wheat plants treated with P fertiliser alone, or when P fertiliser combined with biochar addition. FLA increased by 81.82% and 72.27% in the plots treated with biochar during the 1st and 2nd seasons respectively. Wheat uptake of total nitrogen–P–potassium (NPK) increased as a result of increasing the concentration of inorganic P in the studied soil. It is noteworthy that adding biochar to P fertiliser supplements P-fertiliser such as in the treatment of 10 t ha−1 biochar at 50% P, where the highest grain yield was recorded compared with adding 100% P and 150% P of the recommended dose. The results indicated that integrating biochar and P fertiliser can be a practical approach to improve wheat production and soil fertility.
Plant–microbe–metal interactions for heavy metal bioremediation: a review
Authors: Islam Md. Saiful , Kormoker Tapos , Idris Abubakr M. , Proshad Ram , Kabir Md. Humayun , Ustaoğlu Fikret
Published: July 2021

Considerable amounts of heavy metals have contaminated the soil from potential manmade point and non-point sources such as industry, urbanisation and agriculture. In both managed and natural ecosystems, beneficial plant–microbe interactions play a significant role improving the growth and health of plants, and could be applied for improving soil fertility as well as crop productivity. Additionally, plant–microbe interactions could be utilised in bioremediation of heavy metal-contaminated soils. The efficiency of phytoremediation can be improved with the aid of plant-growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB), which can change metals to bioavailable and soluble forms. PGPB perform remediation through processes such as production of siderophores, organic acids and biosurfactants, biomethylation, redox processes, phosphorus solubilisation, nitrogen fixation and iron sequestration. These processes improve plant growth and increase plant biomass along with phytoremediation. A crucial solution to the problem of heavy metal contamination might be an appropriate understanding of hyperaccumulator plants and their interaction with microbes. Emerging strategies for either enhancing or reducing the bioavailability of heavy metals in the rhizosphere, such as improving plant establishment, growth and health can significantly accelerate the heavy metal bioremediation process. In this review, we feature the function of PGPB to assist phytoremediation of heavy metals as an eco-friendly and economical approach.
Prognostic Significance of Percentage Necrosis in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Syed Madiha , Loya Asif , Hameed Maryam , Akhtar Noreen , Mushtaq Sajid , Hassan Usman
Published: July 2021

Objectives

The consensus conference of the International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP), held in 2012, made recommendations regarding prognostic parameters of renal tumors. There was a strong consensus that tumor morphotype, pathologic tumor stage, and tumor grade are prognostic indicators of poor outcome. It was also agreed upon that prognostic significance of tumor necrosis is in evolution, and both microscopic and macroscopic tumor necrosis should be documented in percentages. The aim of our study was to explore the impact of tumor necrosis on metastasis-free survival in clear cell renal carcinomas (ccRCCs) in Pakistani patients.

Methods

We retrieved 318 consecutive in-house cases of ccRCC resections from 2014 to 2020 through hospital archives. Histologic slide review was done for assessment of tumor necrosis, tumor stage, and World Health Organization/ISUP grade. The follow-up data to assess metastasis-free survival were available in hospital archives.

Results

In multivariable analysis performed by logistic regression model, tumor necrosis was an independent poor prognostic indicator (P = .0001): group 1 (reference group), 0% necrosis; group 2, 1% to 10% necrosis (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 8.71; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.62-20.98); and group 3, more than 10% necrosis (AOR, 9.48; 95% CI, 3.99-22.725).

Conclusions

Tumor necrosis is an independent predictor of poor outcome in ccRCCs.
Awareness, Knowledge, and Attitudes Toward Screening and Treatment of Masked Hypertension in Primary Care
Authors: Boyd Rebekah , Carter Eileen , Moise Nathalie , Alcántara Carmela , Valadares Thais , Anstey D Edmund , Kronish Ian M
Published: July 2021

Background

Hypertension guidelines recommend screening and treatment for masked hypertension (MHT). Yet, few primary care providers (PCPs) screen for MHT, and little is known about PCP awareness, knowledge, and attitudes toward MHT.

Methods

Three focus groups involving 30 PCPs from 3 medical centers in New York were conducted. Focus group transcripts were analyzed using thematic content analysis.

Results

Awareness of MHT varied, and only 2 providers had diagnosed MHT. There was also low knowledge about the prevalence and impact of MHT. While some PCPs were receptive to MHT screening after learning about its significance, others viewed the current evidence as insufficient to change practice. Providers were discomforted by labeling patients with nonelevated office blood pressure (BP) as hypertensive and reluctant to add another screening test to their workload without stronger evidence. There was distrust in the accuracy of home BP monitoring to screen for MHT. There was more confidence in ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) for MHT screening, but ABPM was viewed as largely inaccessible. There was broad agreement with lifestyle changes for MHT. There were concerns that antihypertensive medication lacked evidence from randomized trials and could induce harmful side effects.

Conclusions

Limited PCP knowledge about MHT, concerns about the accuracy and accessibility of screening tests, overloaded PCPs, and insufficient evidence were major barriers to screening and treatment for MHT. Prior to broad uptake by PCPs, randomized trials demonstrating the net benefits of MHT screening and treatment may be needed, along with increased dissemination of knowledge about MHT and improved access to ABPM.
Colour hallucination: In defence of externalist representationalism
Authors: Waczek Elisabeth Lucia , Barz Wolfgang
Published: July 2021

In a recent paper, Gow (2017) raised a new and interesting problem for externalist representationalism, the conclusion of which is that its proponents are unable to provide an acceptable account of the phenomenal character of colour hallucination. In contrast to Gow, we do not believe that the problem is particularly severe – indeed, that there is any problem at all. Thus our aim is to defend externalist representationalism against the problem raised by Gow. To this end, we will first reconstruct her reasoning, and then show that it poses no real challenge to externalist representationalism.
The Nuts and Bolts of a Successful Non-Narcotic Perioperative Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Protocol
Authors: Schultz Kelly P , Kaplan Jordan , Rappaport Norman H
Published: July 2021

Background

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols are widely utilized approaches to perioperative care that advocate preoperative counseling, multimodal perioperative medication management, and early postoperative mobilization to improve post-surgical patient outcomes and satisfaction.

Objectives

The authors aimed to elucidate the mechanism by which each medication utilized in the senior author’s ERAS protocol acts, determine the efficacy of this protocol in postoperative pain management, and reveal other factors that may play a role in patients’ degree of postoperative pain.

Methods

A literature review was performed on the medications utilized in the senior author’s ERAS protocol. Evidence from the author’s previous study on the efficacy of this regimen and anecdotal evidence regarding the psychological component of pain was also compiled.

Results

There is evidence that an ERAS protocol is as effective if not more effective than regimens involving opioid medications in management of postoperative pain. These medications act synergistically to block perception of pain by multiple pathways, while minimizing adverse effects that may be associated with high doses of a single medication and are affordable for both the patient and the surgeon.

Conclusions

ERAS protocols effectively manage postoperative pain while avoiding the adverse effects associated with opioid medications. Although an emphasis has often been placed on the medications involved in various protocols and avoidance of opioid medications, appropriate counseling on patients’ expectations concerning postoperative “pain” or discomfort and a systemic shift in the approach to perioperative pain are perhaps the most important components to holistic non-narcotic postoperative care.
Management Foundations for Navigating Ecological Transformation by Resisting, Accepting, or Directing Social–Ecological Change
Authors: Magness Dawn R , Hoang Linh , Belote R Travis , Brennan Jean , Carr Wylie , Stuart Chapin F , Clifford Katherine , Morrison Wendy , Morton John M , Sofaer Helen R
Published: July 2021

Despite striking global change, management to ensure healthy landscapes and sustained natural resources has tended to set objectives on the basis of the historical range of variability in stationary ecosystems. Many social–ecological systems are moving into novel conditions that can result in ecological transformation. We present four foundations to enable a transition to future-oriented conservation and management that increases capacity to manage change. The foundations are to identify plausible social–ecological trajectories, to apply upstream and deliberate engagement and decision-making with stakeholders, to formulate management pathways to desired futures, and to consider a portfolio approach to manage risk and account for multiple preferences across space and time. We use the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska as a case study to illustrate how the four foundations address common land management challenges for navigating transformation and deciding when, where, and how to resist, accept, or direct social–ecological change.
Time for a new deal between neurology and psychoanalysis
Authors: Centonze Diego , Stampanoni Bassi Mario
Published: July 2021

Neurology, and medicine in general, is torn by opposing tensions: between universality, which is the goal of guidelines and protocols derived from clinical trials, and singularity, which personalized medicine seeks to understand. Centonze and Stampanoni Bassi argue that psychoanalysis could provide a bridge between these domains.
Where and How Are Original and Valuable Ideas Generated? tDCS of the Generation-Related Posterior Temporal Lobe and the Executive Control-Related Prefrontal Cortex
Authors: Huang Furong , Song Yan , Jiang Yan , Zhao Qingbai , Luo Jing
Published: July 2021

Creativity is generally defined as the ability to generate innovative thoughts that are both original and valuable. Previous studies have suggested that the temporal lobe, related to memory extraction and construction, is responsible for generating creative ideas and that the executive system supports the generation of creative ideas. However, the causal relationships between these structures and the novelty index as well as the appropriateness index of generated ideas have not been revealed. It is still largely unknown where and how original and valuable ideas are generated. In this study, the transcranial direct current stimulation technique was used to selectively manipulate the activity of the generation-related right temporoparietal junction (TPJ) (experiment 1) and the executive control-related left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) (experiment 2). Then, both the novelty and appropriateness indexes of generated ideas were analyzed during insight problem-solving. The results showed that anodal stimulation of the right TPJ increased both the novelty and appropriateness indexes of creative ideas, whereas anodal stimulation of the left DLPFC increased the novelty index but not the appropriateness index of creative ideas. These findings suggest that the posterior temporal lobe takes both the novelty and appropriateness attributes into account to generate ideas, while the executive control system can effectively regulate the novelty attribute of generated ideas but ineffectively addresses the inappropriateness attribute. The current study indicates complementary mechanisms in the process of generating original and valuable ideas.
Progressive Stabilization of Brain Network Dynamics during Childhood and Adolescence
Authors: Lei Tianyuan , Liao Xuhong , Chen Xiaodan , Zhao Tengda , Xu Yuehua , Xia Mingrui , Zhang Jiaying , Xia Yunman , Sun Xiaochen , Wei Yongbin , Men Weiwei , Wang Yanpei , Hu Mingming , Zhao Gai , Du Bin , Peng Siya , Chen Menglu , Wu Qian , Tan Shuping , Gao Jia-Hong , Qin Shaozheng , Tao Sha , Dong Qi , He Yong
Published: July 2021

Functional brain networks require dynamic reconfiguration to support flexible cognitive function. However, the developmental principles shaping brain network dynamics remain poorly understood. Here, we report the longitudinal development of large-scale brain network dynamics during childhood and adolescence, and its connection with gene expression profiles. Using a multilayer network model, we show the temporally varying modular architecture of child brain networks, with higher network switching primarily in the association cortex and lower switching in the primary regions. This topographical profile exhibits progressive maturation, which manifests as reduced modular dynamics, particularly in the transmodal (e.g., default-mode and frontoparietal) and sensorimotor regions. These developmental refinements mediate age-related enhancements of global network segregation and are linked with the expression profiles of genes associated with the enrichment of ion transport and nucleobase-containing compound transport. These results highlight a progressive stabilization of brain dynamics, which expand our understanding of the neural mechanisms that underlie cognitive development.
Multisensory-Guided Associative Learning Enhances Multisensory Representation in Primary Auditory Cortex
Authors: Han Xiao , Xu Jinghong , Chang Song , Keniston Les , Yu Liping
Published: July 2021

Sensory cortices, classically considered to represent modality-specific sensory information, are also found to engage in multisensory processing. However, how sensory processing in sensory cortices is cross-modally modulated remains an open question. Specifically, we understand little of cross-modal representation in sensory cortices in perceptual tasks and how perceptual learning modifies this process. Here, we recorded neural responses in primary auditory cortex (A1) both while freely moving rats discriminated stimuli in Go/No-Go tasks and when anesthetized. Our data show that cross-modal representation in auditory cortices varies with task contexts. In the task of an audiovisual cue being the target associating with water reward, a significantly higher proportion of auditory neurons showed a visually evoked response. The vast majority of auditory neurons, if processing auditory–visual interactions, exhibit significant multisensory enhancement. However, when the rats performed tasks with unisensory cues being the target, cross-modal inhibition, rather than enhancement, predominated. In addition, multisensory associational learning appeared to leave a trace of plastic change in A1, as a larger proportion of A1 neurons showed multisensory enhancement in anesthesia. These findings indicate that multisensory processing in principle sensory cortices is not static, and having cross-modal interaction in the task requirement can substantially enhance multisensory processing in sensory cortices.
CloneRetriever: An Automated Algorithm to Identify Clonal B and T Cell Gene Rearrangements by Next-Generation Sequencing for the Diagnosis of Lymphoid Malignancies
Authors: Halper-Stromberg Eitan , McCall Chad M , Haley Lisa M , Lin Ming-Tseh , Vogt Samantha , Gocke Christopher D , Eshleman James R , Stevens Wendy , Martinson Neil A , Epeldegui Marta , Holdhoff Matthias , Bettegowda Chetan , Glantz Michael J , Ambinder Richard F , Xian Rena R
Published: July 2021

Background

Clonal immunoglobulin and T-cell receptor rearrangements serve as tumor-specific markers that have become mainstays of the diagnosis and monitoring of lymphoid malignancy. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) techniques targeting these loci have been successfully applied to lymphoblastic leukemia and multiple myeloma for minimal residual disease detection. However, adoption of NGS for primary diagnosis remains limited.

Methods

We addressed the bioinformatics challenges associated with immune cell sequencing and clone detection by designing a novel web tool, CloneRetriever (CR), which uses machine-learning principles to generate clone classification schemes that are customizable, and can be applied to large datasets. CR has 2 applications—a “validation” mode to derive a clonality classifier, and a “live” mode to screen for clones by applying a validated and/or customized classifier. In this study, CR-generated multiple classifiers using 2 datasets comprising 106 annotated patient samples. A custom classifier was then applied to 36 unannotated samples.

Results

The optimal classifier for clonality required clonal dominance ≥4.5× above background, read representation ≥8% of all reads, and technical replicate agreement. Depending on the dataset and analysis step, the optimal algorithm yielded sensitivities of 81%–90%, specificities of 97%–100%, areas under the curve of 91%–94%, positive predictive values of 92–100%, and negative predictive values of 88%–98%. Customization of the algorithms yielded 95%–100% concordance with gold-standard clonality determination, including rescue of indeterminate samples. Application to a set of unknowns showed concordance rates of 83%–96%.

Conclusions

CR is an out-of-the-box ready and user-friendly software designed to identify clonal rearrangements in large NGS datasets for the diagnosis of lymphoid malignancies.
A One-Dimensional Probabilistic Convolutional Neural Network for Prediction of Breast Cancer Survivability
Authors: Salehi Mohsen , Razmara Jafar , Lotfi Shahriar , Mahan Farnaz
Published: July 2021

Today, machine learning plays a major role in different branches of the healthcare industry, from prognosis and diagnosis to drug development providing a significant perspective on the medical landscape for disease prevention or treatment and the improvement of human life. Recently, the use of deep neural networks in different machine learning applications has shown a great contribution to the improvement of the accuracy of predictions. In this paper, a novel application of convolutional neural networks on medical prognosis is presented. The proposed method employs a one-dimensional convolutional neural network (1D-CNN) to predict the survivability of breast cancer patients. After further examining the network architecture, a number of 8, 14 and 24 convolutional filters were considered within three layers, respectively, followed by a max-pooling layer after the second and third layers. In addition, regarding the probabilistic nature of the survivability prediction problem, an extra layer was added to the network in order to calculate the probability of the patient survivability. To train the developed 1D-CNN machine, the SEER database as the most reliable repository of cancer survivability was used to retrieve the required training set. After a pre-processing to remove unusable records, a set of 50 000 breast cancer cases including 35 features was prepared for training the machine. Based on the results obtained in this study, the developed machine could reach an accuracy of 85.84%. This accuracy is the highest level of accuracy compared to the previous prediction methods. Furthermore, the mean squared error of the calculated probability was 0.112, which is an acceptable value of error for a probability calculation machine. The output of the developed machine can be used reliably by physicians to make decision about the most appropriate treatment strategy.
Be Scalable and Rescue My Slices During Reconfiguration
Authors: Gausseran Adrien , Giroire Frederic , Jaumard Brigitte , Moulierac Joanna
Published: July 2021

Modern 5G networks promise more bandwidth, less delay and more flexibility for an ever increasing number of users and applications, with Software Defined Networking, Network Function Virtualization and Network Slicing as key enablers. Within that context, efficiently provisioning the network and cloud resources of a wide variety of applications with dynamic user demand is a real challenge. We study here the network slice reconfiguration problem. Reconfiguring network slices from time to time reduces network operational costs and increases the number of slices that can be managed within the network. However, this affect the Quality of Service of users during the reconfiguration step. To solve this issue, we study solutions implementing a make-before-break scheme. We propose new models and scalable algorithms (relying on column generation techniques) that solve large data instances in few seconds.
The Reliability and Accuracy of Endoscopic Items and Scores Used in the Assessment of the Ileoanal Pouch and Cuff
Authors: Ardalan Zaid S , Con Danny , Chandran Sujievvan , Digby-Bell Jonathan , Gibson David , Pham Alan , De Cruz Peter , Tay Kwang , Bell Stephen , Sparrow Miles P , Gibson Peter R
Published: July 2021

Background and Aims

Currently used endoscopic items for the assessment of pouchitis and cuffitis have deficiencies in reliability and validation. We assessed the reliability and accuracy of new endoscopic items for pouchitis and of the Ulcerative Colitis Endoscopic Index of Severity [UCEIS] for cuffitis.

Methods

Three new endoscopic items were assessed and included in the Monash pouchitis endoscopic subscore: bleeding [absent/contact/spontaneous]; erosions [absent/<10/≥10]; and ulceration [absent/<10%/≥10%]. Three raters evaluated 44 pouchoscopy videos in duplicates, in random order. Intra- and inter-rater reliability of all endoscopic items and UCEIS were assessed. Clinical and histological pouchitis disease activity index [PDAI] subscores were also assessed and faecal calprotectin was measured.

Results

All three Monash endoscopic items had substantial intra-rater reliability with intraclass correlation coefficients [ICCs] >0.61 [95% CI >0.61], compared with only ulcers from the currently used PDAI endoscopic subscore, but inter-rater reliability was only substantial for ulceration and no better than those of the currently used endoscopic items. The Monash endoscopic subscore had a strong positive correlation with the reference standard global endoscopic lesion severity r = 0.80 [95% CI 0.80-0.80] and the reference standard PDAI endoscopic subscore r = 0.70 [95% CI 0.67–0.73], which was higher than the correlation observed for the currently used PDAI endoscopic subscore. The UCEIS had substantial intra-rater reliability, but only fair inter-rater reliability and poor diagnostic performance for cuffitis.

Conclusions

The Monash endoscopic items, and endoscopic subscore they generate, have enhanced overall performance compared with the currently used PDAI items and subscore. Further validation and responsiveness to change in disease state are indicated.
Deep neural networks learn by using human-selected electrocardiogram features and novel features
Authors: Attia Zachi I , Lerman Gilad , Friedman Paul A
Published: July 2021

Aims

We sought to investigate whether artificial intelligence (AI) and specifically deep neural networks (NNs) for electrocardiogram (ECG) signal analysis can be explained using human-selected features. We also sought to quantify such explainability and test if the AI model learns features that are similar to a human expert.

Methods and results

We used a set of 100 000 ECGs that were annotated by human explainable features. We applied both linear and non-linear models to predict published ECG AI models output for the detection of patients’ age and sex. We further used canonical correlation analysis to quantify the amount of shared information between the NN features and human-selected features. We reconstructed single human-selected ECG features from the unexplained NN features using a simple linear model. We noticed a strong correlation between the simple models and the AI output (R2 of 0.49–0.57 for the linear models and R2 of 0.69–0.70 for the non-linear models). We found that the correlation of the human explainable features with either 13 of the strongest age AI features or 15 of the strongest sex AI features was above 0.85 (for comparison, the first 14 principal components explain 90% of the human feature variance). We linearly reconstructed single human-selected ECG features from the AI features with R2 up to 0.86.

Conclusion

This work shows that NNs for ECG signals extract features in a similar manner to human experts and that they also generate additional novel features that help achieve superior performance.
Permanent pacemaker implantation following transcatheter aortic valve implantation using self-expandable, balloon-expandable, or mechanically expandable devices: a network meta-analysis
Authors: Ravaux Justine M , Di Mauro Michele , Vernooy Kevin , Kats Suzanne , Mariani Silvia , Ronco Daniele , Actis Dato Giulia , Simons Jorik , Hof Arnoud W. Van’t , Maessen Jos G , Lorusso Roberto
Published: July 2021

Aims

Permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) still limits the expansion of indications for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Comparison between different systems remains scarce. We aimed to determine the impact of the device type used on post-TAVI PPI.

Methods and results

A systematic literature review was performed to identify studies reporting the use of balloon-expandable valve (BEV), self-expandable valve (SEV), and mechanically expandable valve (MEV) and post-TAVI PPI. A network meta-analysis was used to compare TAVI mechanisms (Analysis A) and transcatheter heart valves (Analysis B) with respect to post-TAVI PPI. Analysis A included 40 181 patients with a pooled PPI rate of 19.2% in BEV, 24.7% in SEV, and 34.8% in MEV. Balloon-expandable valve showed lower risk compared to either SEV or MEV and SEV demonstrated lower risk for PPI than MEV. Implantation of BEV was associated with 39% and 62% lower PPI rate with respect to SEV and MEV. Implantation of SEV was associated with 38% lower PPI rate with respect to MEV. Analysis B included 36.143 patients with the lowest pooled PPI rate of 9.6% for Acurate Neo or others, and the highest pooled PPI rate of 34.3% for Lotus. CoreValve, Evolut Portico, and Lotus influenced significantly PPI rate, while Sapien group did not.

Conclusion

Implantation of BEV and also SEV were associated with lower post-TAVI PPI rate, while MEV were associated with higher post-TAVI PPI. Patient tailored-approach including devices characteristics may help to reduce post-TAVI PPI and to allow TAVI to take the leap towards extension of use in younger patients.

Prospero number

CRD42021238671.
Association Between Early Antibiotic Therapy and In-Hospital Mortality Among Older Patients With SARS-CoV-2 Pneumonia
Authors: Putot Alain , Bouiller Kevin , Laborde Caroline , Gilis Marine , Fèvre Amélie , Hacquin Arthur , Manckoundia Patrick , Hoefler Florence , Bermejo Messaline , Mendes Aline , Serratrice Christine , Prendki Virginie , Sanchez Stéphane
Published: July 2021

Background

It is uncertain whether antibiotic therapy should be started in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pneumonia. We aimed to investigate the association between early antibiotic therapy and the risk of in-hospital mortality in older patients.

Methods

We performed a retrospective international cohort study (ANTIBIOVID) in 5 coronavirus disease 2019 geriatric units in France and Switzerland. Among 1357 consecutive patients aged 75 or older hospitalized and testing positive for SARS-CoV-2, 1072 had radiologically confirmed pneumonia, of which 914 patients were still alive and hospitalized at 48 hours. To adjust for confounders, a propensity score for treatment was created, and stabilized inverse probability of treatment weighting (SIPTW) was applied. To assess the association between early antibiotic therapy and in-hospital 30-day mortality, SIPTW-adjusted Kaplan–Meier and Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were performed.

Results

Of the 914 patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia, median age of 86, 428 (46.8%) received antibiotics in the first 48 hours after diagnosis. Among these patients, 147 (34.3%) died in hospital within 1 month versus 118 patients (24.3%) with no early antibiotic treatment. After SIPTW, early antibiotic treatment was not significantly associated with mortality (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.23; 95% confidence interval, 0.92–1.63; p = .160). Microbiologically confirmed superinfections occurred rarely in both groups (bacterial pneumonia: 2.5% vs 1.5%, p = .220; blood stream infection: 8.2% vs 5.2%, p = .120; Clostridioides difficile colitis: 2.4% vs 1.0%, p = .222).

Conclusions

In a large multicenter cohort of older inpatients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia, early antibiotic treatment did not appear to be associated with an improved prognosis.
Autism Characteristics and Self-Reported Health in Older Adulthood
Authors: Lodi-Smith Jennifer , Rodgers Jonathan D , Kozlowski Karl , Khan Sarah , Marquez Luna Valeria , Long Caleb J , Donnelly James P , Lopata Christopher , Thomeer Marcus L
Published: July 2021

Objectives

The present research used a continuous measurement approach to extend the evidence that autism is associated with significant struggles in physical health as well as mental health and psychological well-being.

Methods

The relationship of autism characteristics to physical health and psychological well-being was examined in 294 individuals (M age = 70.51, SD age = 8.17, age range = 53–96). The sample is 57.4% female (n = 166) and primarily White (n = 270, 96.8%). The majority of the participants did not identify as having an autism diagnosis (n = 284, 96.6%). Participants completed the Autism-Spectrum Quotient Scale alongside self-report measures of physical health, mental health, and psychological well-being.

Results

Autism characteristics correlated strongly with challenges in social engagement due to poor health (r = 0.46), depression (r = 0.39) and anxiety (r = 0.47), limitations due to poor mental health (r = 0.41), satisfaction with life (r = −0.47), and psychological well-being (r = −0.62).

Discussion

These findings help shed light on the challenges experienced by individuals aging with elevated autism characteristics. The limitations of this study and prior work on this topic help identify important avenues for future research in this area.
Growing Older in the Shadow of Childhood Intrafamilial Sexual Abuse: Women’s Reflections on Parenthood Experiences Throughout the Life Course
Authors: Gichaz Mili , Band-Winterstein Tova , Avieli Hila
Published: July 2021

Background and Objectives

The long-term effect of intrafamilial sexual abuse for the survivors’ parenting rarely focuses on older women who are mothers of adult children. The aim of this study was to explore the parenthood experiences of aging women survivors of intrafamilial sexual abuse, using the life course perspective as a conceptual framework.

Research Design and Methods

Interpretive phenomenological analysis was used to analyze the narratives of 19 older women survivors of intrafamilial sexual abuse.

Results

The narratives revealed 4 themes: (a) “How did I raise those kids? I really do not know”: Early parenthood experiences of aging women incest survivors; (b) “This is a true gift they are giving me now”: Revealing the intrafamilial sexual abuse secret to the adult children; (c) “Is it possible to say that something good came out of it?”: Adult children as a victory over incest experiences; and (d) “When my granddaughter was born, I suddenly felt that I could not go near her”: Grandparenting in the shadow of incest memories.

Discussion and Implications

Aging seems to open up a new avenue for parent–child relationships in the shadow of the parent’s traumatic past, allowing reframing of parenthood in later life and demonstrating the power of parenthood as a source of healing in the lives of sexual abuse victims.