bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neurophysiological correlates of residual inhibition in tinnitus: Hints for trait-like EEG power spectra
Authors: Schoisswohl S. , Schecklmann M. , Langguth B. , Schlee W. , Neff P.
Published: December 2020

Magneto- and electroencephalography (M/EEG) investigations in tinnitus patients demonstrated anomalous oscillatory brain activity patterns compared to healthy controls. A well-established phenomenon in tinnitus is the possibility to temporary suppress tinnitus following acoustic stimulation, which is termed residual inhibition (RI). The few former neurophysiological investigations of RI reported partly conflicting results hampering consensus on tinnitus-specific brain activity and basic neural models.

Hence, our objective was to investigate RI-specific oscillatory brain activity changes and whether these changes can be associated with behavioral measures of tinnitus loudness. Further, contrasts between acoustic stimulation responders and non-responders provide further insights in RI-related spontaneous brain activity.

Three different types of noise stimuli were administered for acoustic stimulation in 45 tinnitus patients. Subjects resting state brain activity was recorded before and during RI via EEG alongside with subjective measurements of tinnitus loudness.

On the whole-group level, tinnitus-unspecific changes were observed which fit established knowledge about basic neural responses after acoustic stimulation. Responder non-responder contrasts revealed differences in alpha and gamma band activity in line with the proposed neural models for oscillatory brain activity in tinnitus. Further analysis of sample characteristics demonstrated divergences between responders and nonresponders notably for tinnitus duration. During RI, distinct differences between responders and non-responders were exclusively observed for alpha band activity in auditory cortical areas. Neither correlations of behavioral tinnitus measures nor differences between stimulus-induced changes in ongoing brain activity could be detected.

Taken together, our observations might be indicative of trait-specific forms of oscillatory signatures in different subsets and chronification grades of the tinnitus population possibly related to acoustic tinnitus suppression. Results and insights are not only useful to understand basic neural mechanisms behind RI but are also valuable for general neural models of tinnitus.

Highlights

Residual inhibition provides a key method to study the basic mechanisms of tinnitus.

We compared residual inhibition EEG activity between responders and non-responders.

In responders, the alpha activity in auditory areas was increased during tinnitus suppression.

Results and insights are valuable for understanding the neural mechanisms behind acoustic tinnitus suppression.
Modeling intrahippocampal effects of anterior hippocampal hyperactivity relevant to schizophrenia using chemogenetic excitation of long axis-projecting mossy cells in the mouse dentate gyrus
Authors: Bauer James P. , Rader Sarah L. , Joffe Max E. , Kwon Wooseok , Quay Juliana , Seanez Leann , Zhou Chengwen , Conn P. Jeffrey , Lewis Alan S.
Published: December 2020

Background

The anterior hippocampus of individuals with early psychosis or schizophrenia is hyperactive, as is the ventral hippocampus in rodent models for schizophrenia risk. Hyperactive ventral hippocampal projections to extrahippocampal brain regions contribute to schizophrenia symptoms, but less is known about the functional effects of hyperactive projections within the hippocampal formation long axis. We approached this question by testing whether hyperactivation of ventral dentate gyrus (DG) mossy cells (MCs), which densely project intrahippocampally to the dorsal DG, influences spatial memory, a cognition dependent on intact dorsal DG function.

Methods

In CD-1 mice, we targeted dorsal DG-projecting ventral DG MCs using an adeno-associated virus intersectional strategy. In vivo fiber photometry recording of ventral DG MCs was performed during exploratory behaviors. We targeted excitatory chemogenetic constructs to ventral DG MCs and tested whether their hyperactivation impaired encoding in a spatial memory task.

Results

Ventral DG MCs were activated during behavior related to environmental information gathering (rearing) but not during non-exploratory motor behaviors. Ventral DG MCs made functional monosynaptic inputs to dorsal DG granule cells, with chemogenetic activation of ventral DG MCs leading to increased activity of dorsal DG granule cells. Finally, chemogenetic activation of ventral DG MCs during the encoding phase of an object location memory task impaired retrieval 24 hours later, without effects on locomotion or other exploratory behaviors.

Conclusions

These data suggest that localized hippocampal hyperactivity may have longitudinal intrahippocampal functional consequences, supporting study of longitudinal circuits as targets to mitigate cognitive deficits associated with schizophrenia.
Integration of Cell Growth and Asymmetric Division During Lateral Root Initiation InArabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Schütz Lilli Marie , Louveaux Marion , Barro Amaya Vilches , Bouziri Sami , Cerrone Lorenzo , Wolny Adrian , Kreshuk Anna , Hamprecht Fred A. , Maizel Alexis
Published: December 2020

Lateral root formation determines to a large extent the ability of plants to forage their environment and thus their growth. InArabidopsis thalianaand other angiosperms, lateral root initiation requires radial cell expansion and several rounds of anticlinal cell divisions that give rise to a central core of small pericycle cells, which express different markers than the larger surrounding cells. These small central cells then switch their plane of divisions to periclinal, and give rise to seemingly morphologically similar daughter cells that have different identities and establish the different cell types of the new root. Although the execution of these two types of divisions is tightly regulated and essential for the correct development of the lateral root, we know little about their geometrical features. Here we analyse a four-dimensional reconstruction of the first stages of lateral root formation and analyze the geometric features of the anticlinal and periclinal divisions. We identify that the periclinal divisions of the small central cells are morphologically dissimilar and asymmetric. We show that mother cell volume is different when looking at anticlinal versus periclinal divisions and the repeated anticlinal divisions do not lead to reduction in cell volume although cells are shorter. Finally, we show that cells undergoing a periclinal division are characterized by a strong cell expansion. Our results indicate that cells integrate growth and division to precisely partition their volume upon division during the first two stages of lateral root formation.
The GPIbα intracellular tail - role in transducing VWF- and Collagen/GPVI-mediated signaling
Authors: Constantinescu-Bercu Adela , Wang Yuxiao Alice , Woollard Kevin J , Mangin Pierre , Vanhoorelbeke Karen , Crawley James TB , Salles-Crawley Isabelle I.
Published: December 2020

Synergy between GPIbα and GPVI signaling machineries has been suggested previously, however its molecular mechanism remains unclear. We generated a novelGPIbαtransgenic mouse (GPIbαΔsig/Δsig) by CRISPR-Cas9 technology to delete the last 24 residues of the GPIbα intracellular tail important for VWF-mediated signaling.GPIbαΔsig/Δsigplatelets bound VWF normally under flow but formed fewer filopodia on VWF/botrocetin, demonstrating that the deleted region does not affect ligand binding but appreciably impairs VWF-dependent signaling. Notably, while haemostasis was normal inGPIbαΔsig/Δsigmice,GPIbαΔsig/Δsigplatelets exhibited defective responses after collagen-related-peptide stimulation and formed smaller aggregates on collagen-coated microchannels at low and high shears. Flow assays performed with plasma-free blood or in the presence of αIIbβ3-or GPVI-blockers suggested reduced αIIbβ3activation contributes to the phenotype of theGPIbαΔsig/Δsigplatelets. Together, these results reveal a new role for the intracellular tail of GPIbα in transducing both VWF-GPIbα and collagen-GPVI signaling events in platelets.

Summary statement

GPIbα and GPVI are two key receptors on the platelet surface. Using a novel transgenic mouse (GPIbαΔsig/Δsig) that lacks the last 24 amino acids of the GPIbα intracellular tail, we demonstrate the importance of this region not only in transducing signals in response to GPIbα binding to VWF, but also for collagen-GPVI-mediated platelet responses revealing previously underappreciated receptor crosstalk between GPIbα and GPVI.
DDI2 protease activity controls embryonic development and inflammation via TCF11/NRF1
Authors: Siva Monika , Haberecht-Müller Stefanie , Prochazkova Michaela , Prochazka Jan , Sedlak Frantisek , Chawengsaksophak Kallayanee , Kasparek Petr , Sedlacek Radislav , Konvalinka Jan , Krüger Elke , Saskova Klara Grantz
Published: December 2020

DDI2 is an aspartic protease that cleaves polyubiquitinated substrates. Upon proteotoxic stress, DDI2 activates the ER-bound transcription factor TCF11/NRF1 (NFE2L1), a master regulator of proteostasis maintenance in mammalian cells, and ensures the expression of rescue factors including proteasome subunits. Here we describe the consequences of DDI2 ablation bothin vivoand in cells. Knock-out of DDI2 in mice resulted in embryonic lethality at E12.5 with severe developmental failure. Molecular characterization of the embryos and surrogateDDI2knock-out cell lines showed insufficient proteasome expression with proteotoxic stress, accumulation of high molecular weight ubiquitin conjugates, and induction of the unfolded protein and integrated stress responses. We also show thatDDI2KO-induced proteotoxic stress causes the cell-autonomous innate immune system to induce a type I interferon signature. These results indicate an important role for DDI2 in the proteostasis network of cells and tissues and in the maintenance of a balanced immune response.

Highlights

DDI2-deficiency in mice causes severe developmental failure and embryonic lethality at mid-late gestation

DDI2-deficiency causes severe proteotoxic stress and proteasome impairment

DDI2-deficiency induces the UPR and ISR signaling pathways

DDI2-deficient cells survive via STAT3-dependent interferon signaling
Nucleolar TFIIE plays a role in ribosomal biogenesis and performance
Authors: Phan Tamara , Maity Pallab , Ludwig Christina , Streit Lisa , Michaelis Jens , Scharffetter-Kochanek Karin , Iben Sebastian
Published: December 2020

Ribosome biogenesis is a highly energy-demanding process in eukaryotes which requires the concerted action of all three RNA polymerases. In RNA polymerase II transcription, the general transcription factor TFIIH is recruited by TFIIE to the initiation site of protein-coding genes. Distinct mutations in TFIIH and TFIIE give rise to the degenerative disorder trichothiodystrophy (TTD). Here we uncovered an unexpected role of TFIIE in ribosomal RNA synthesis by RNA polymerase I. With high resolution microscopy we detected TFIIE in the nucleolus where TFIIE binds to actively transcribed rDNA. Mutations in TFIIE affects gene-occupancy of RNA polymerase I, rRNA maturation, ribosomal assembly and performance. In consequence, the elevated translational error rate with imbalanced protein synthesis and turnover results in an increase in heat-sensitive proteins. Collectively, mutations in TFIIE – due to impaired ribosomal biogenesis and translational accuracy – lead to a loss of protein homeostasis (proteostasis) which can partly explain the clinical phenotype in TTD.
mTOR inhibition impairs extinction memory reconsolidation
Authors: Radiske Andressa , Gonzalez Maria Carolina , Nôga Diana A. , Rossato Janine I. , Bevilaqua Lia R.M. , Cammarota Martín
Published: December 2020

Fear-motivated avoidance extinction memory is prone to hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)-dependent reconsolidation upon recall. Here, we show that extinction memory recall activates mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) in dorsal CA1, and that post-recall inhibition of this kinase hinders avoidance extinction memory persistence and recovers the learned aversive response. Importantly, coadministration of recombinant BDNF impedes the behavioral effect of hippocampal mTOR inhibition. Our results demonstrate that mTOR signaling is necessary for fear-motivated avoidance extinction memory reconsolidation and suggests that BDNF acts downstream mTOR in a protein synthesis-independent manner to maintain the reactivated extinction memory trace.
URL normalization and assessing website structures in higher education websites
Authors: Richardson Brian
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This study aims to explore the character and attainment of an effective URL system by expanding the concept of URL normalization, originally connected to machine-reading access of web pages, to form a broader understanding of URL systematization that includes user-focused cognitive and practical elements.

Design/methodology/approach

A revised understanding of URL normalization will be used to critically analyzed URLs of main admissions pages from M1 universities, as designated by the Carnegie Foundation.

Findings

The study found that very few institutions implemented well-organized systems of Uniform Resource Locators (URLs) and redirects and that many included unintelligible and impractical URLs that would hinder the effective use of their websites.

Practical implications

A broader understanding of URL systematization will result in more effective website design. URLs must serve an indexical function pointing to a unique web resource, whatever the URL's format. However, URLs should also consider human usability issues and strive to be simple, short, communicable, intelligible and ultimately useful as part of social interactions. Poorly designed URLs create frustration, if not failure, by being difficult to use, confusing or interminable. An effective URL system should also include redirects to anticipate alternate, meaningful URLs that are different from the canonical path. The framework and recommendations arising from this study are applicable to many website structures.

Originality/value

The expanded understanding of the concept of URL normalization and subsequent evaluation principles can be used to assess the overall coherence and completeness of the website in general, thus improving website usability.
Astaxanthin ameliorates oxidative stress and neuronal apoptosis via SIRT1/NRF2/Prx2/ASK1/p38 after traumatic brain injury in mice
Authors: Zhang Xiang‐Sheng , Lu Yue , Li Wen , Tao Tao , Peng Lei , Wang Wei‐Han , Gao Sen , Liu Cang , Zhuang Zong , Xia Da‐Yong , Hang Chun‐Hua , Li Wei
Published: December 2020

Background and Purpose

Oxidative stress and neuronal apoptosis play key roles in traumatic brain injury. We investigated the protective effects of astaxanthin against traumatic brain injury and its underlying mechanisms of action.

Experimental Approach

A weight‐drop model of traumatic brain injury in vivo and hydrogen peroxide exposure in vitro model were established. Brain oedema, behaviour tests, western blot, biochemical analysis, lesion volume, histopathological study and cell viability were performed.

Key Results

Astaxanthin significantly reduced oxidative insults on Days 1, 3 and 7 after traumatic brain injury. Neuronal apoptosis was also ameliorated on Day 3. Additionally, astaxanthin improved neurological functions up to 3 weeks after traumatic brain injury. Astaxanthin treatment dramatically enhanced the expression of peroxiredoxin 2 (Prx2), nuclear factor‐erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (NRF2/Nrf2) and sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), while it down‐regulated the phosphorylation of apoptosis signal‐regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) and p38. Inhibition of Prx2 by siRNA injection reversed the beneficial effects of astaxanthin against traumatic brain injury. Additionally, Nrf2 knockout prevented the neuroprotective effects of astaxanthin in traumatic brain injury. In contrast, overexpression of Prx2 in Nrf2 knockout mice attenuated the secondary brain injury after traumatic brain injury. Moreover, inhibiting SIRT1 by EX527 dramatically inhibited the neuroprotective effects of astaxanthin and suppressed SIRT1/Nrf2/Prx2/ASK1/p38 pathway both in vivo and in vitro.

Conclusion and Implications

Astaxanthin improved the neurological functions and protected the brain from injury after traumatic brain injury, primarily by reducing oxidative stress and neuronal death via SIRT1/Nrf2/Prx2/ASK1/p38 signalling pathway and might be a new candidate to ameliorate traumatic brain injury.
Ecosystem services: A new framework for old ideas, or advancing environmental decision‐making? Learning from Canadian forerunners to the ES concept
Authors: Thompson Kate , Duinker Peter N. , Sherren Kate
Published: December 2020

Frameworks of ecosystem services (ES) are promoted as a new and important way to recognize, understand, and account for nature's benefits. We questioned assertions of the novelty of ES ideas and conducted a comparative analysis of approaches in planning, landscape architecture, and sustainable forest management against the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment ES framework. We conclude that the newer Millennium Ecosystem Assessment ES framing may assist planners in connecting local land‐use change to human well‐being, assessing trade‐offs, and accounting for future uncertainty. Analogous approaches such as sustainable forest management offer practical insights, for example, about gauging, guiding, and reporting on sustainable use of ecosystems. We encourage environmental planners to engage with ES researchers to develop the approach and advance planning practice.
Initial experience with percutaneous mitral valve repair in patients with cardiac amyloidosis
Authors: Volz Martin J. , Pleger Sven T. , Weber Andreas , Geis Nicolas A. , Hamed Sonja , Mereles Derliz , Hegenbart Ute , Katus Hugo A. , Frey Norbert , Raake Philip W. , Kreusser Michael M.
Published: December 2020

Background

Percutaneous mitral valve repair (PMVR) is a therapeutic option for severe mitral regurgitation (MR) in patients with heart failure due to differential aetiologies. However, only little is known about the safety and efficacy of this procedure in patients with amyloid cardiomyopathy.

Methods

Five patients with cardiac amyloidosis and moderate to severe or severe MR undergoing PMVR were analysed retrospectively and compared to seven patients with cardiac amyloidosis and severe MR without intervention. Clinical and functional data, renal function and cardiac biomarkers as well as established risk scores for cardiac amyloidosis were assessed. Primary endpoint was the reduction in MR one year after PMVR. Secondary endpoints were safety, overall mortality after 12 months compared with the control group, as well as changes in clinical and functional parameters.

Results

Amyloidosis risk assessment documented amyloid cardiomyopathy at an advanced stage in all patients. Procedural, technical and device success of PMVR were all 100% and residual MR remained mild to moderate at 12 months follow‐up (P = .038 vs before PMVR). Differences in survival compared with the control (no PMVR) group pointed to a possible survival benefit in the PMVR group (P = .02).

Conclusion

PMVR is a feasible and safe procedure in patients with cardiac amyloidosis and might carry a possible survival benefit in this patient group.
Assessing the experience of the quality of care of patients living with multiple sclerosis and their caregivers: The MusiCare questionnaire
Authors: Veillard David , Baumstarck Karine , Edan Gilles , Debouverie Marc , Wiertlewski Sandrine , De Sèze Jérôme , Clavelou Pierre , Pelletier Jean , Verny Christophe , Chauvin Karine , Cosson Marie Elisabeth , Loundou Anderson , Auquier Pascal
Published: December 2020

Background and purpose

Patients with a chronic illness, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), and their natural caregivers have a specific experience of healthcare and health services. These experiences need to be assessed to evaluate the quality of care. Our objective was to develop a French‐language questionnaire to evaluate the quality of care as experienced by MS patients and their natural caregivers.

Methods

Eligible patients had been diagnosed with MS according to the McDonald criteria. Eligible caregivers were individuals designated by the patients. The MusiCare questionnaire was developed in two standard phases: (i) item generation, based on interviews with patients and caregivers; and (ii) validation, consisting of validity, reliability, external validity, reproducibility, and responsiveness measures.

Results

In total, 1088 patients (n = 660) and caregivers (n = 488) were recruited. The initial 64‐item version of MusiCare was administered to a random subsample (n = 748). The validation process generated a 35‐item questionnaire. Internal consistency and scalability were satisfactory. Testing of the external validity revealed expected associations between MusiCare scores and sociodemographic and clinical data. The questionnaire showed good reproducibility and responsiveness.

Conclusions

The availability of a reliable and validated French‐language self‐report questionnaire probing the experience of the quality of care for MS will allow the feedback of patients and caregivers to be incorporated into a continuous healthcare quality‐improvement strategy.
Phylogenetic regionalization of tree assemblages reveals novel patterns of evolutionary affinities in the Atlantic Forest
Authors: Rezende Vanessa Leite , Pontara Vanessa , Bueno Marcelo Leandro , van den Berg Eduardo , Silva de Miranda Pedro Luiz , de Oliveira‐Filho Ary Teixeira , Dexter Kyle G.
Published: December 2020

Aim

We used a phylogenetic approach to group assemblages of woody plant into major vegetation units in the Atlantic Forest, thus for the first time incorporating information on species evolutionary relationships into a bioregionalization of this critical hotspot. A phylogenetic regionalization will provide a spatially explicit framework for answering many basic and applied questions in biogeography, ecology and conservation.

Location

Atlantic Forest.

Taxon

Angiosperms

Methods

Our data set comprises 614 genera and 116 families, spread over 1,755 assemblages. To place assemblages in a multivariate evolutionary composition space, we used a phylogenetically informed ordination analysis, and to determine what the main phylogenetic groups of assemblages were, we used K‐means clustering based on phylogenetic dissimilarity of assemblages. To quantify how well environmental variables distinguish the phylogenetic groups found, we implemented classification tree approaches. Then, to explore the evolutionary turnover between the phylogenetic groups, we calculated phylogenetic beta diversity. Finally, we determined the lineages that are most strongly associated with individual phylogenetic groups using an indicator analysis for lineages.

Results

Our analyses suggest that there are seven principal groups, in terms of evolutionary lineage composition, in the Atlantic Forest. The greatest turnover of phylogenetic lineage composition separates tropical evergreen rain forest and semideciduous assemblages from subtropical and highland assemblages. The mixed subtropical forest showed the lowest phylogenetic compositional similarity values with other groups. Tropical rain forest had the highest number of significant indicator lineages, and the highest values of the indicator statistic for lineages.

Main conclusions

We found that the most pronounced evolutionary division separates southern and highland tree assemblages from those occurring under more tropical climates and at lower elevations. Our phylogenetic analyses point to an environmentally driven compositional division, likely based on the regular occurrence of freezing versus non‐freezing temperatures. Precipitation and edaphic regimes that assemblages experience had less definitive effects on their evolutionary lineage composition.
Photoperiod integration in C3H rd1 mice
Authors: Leclercq Bastien , Hicks David , Laurent Virginie
Published: December 2020

In mammals, the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) constitute the main circadian clock, receiving input from the retina which allows synchronization of endogenous biological rhythms with the daily light/dark cycle. Over the year, the SCN encodes photoperiodic variations through duration of melatonin secretion, with abundant nocturnal levels in winter and lower levels in summer. Thus, light information is critical to regulate seasonal reproduction in many species and is part of the central photoperiodic integration. Since intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) are vital for circadian photoentrainment and other nonvisual functions, we studied the contribution of ipRGCs in photoperiod integration in C3H retinal degeneration 1 (rd1) mice. We assessed locomotor activity and melatonin secretion in mice exposed to short or long photoperiods. Our results showed that rd1 mice are still responsive to photoperiod variations in term of locomotor activity, melatonin secretion, and regulation of the reproductive axis. In addition, retinas of animals exposed to short photoperiod exhibit higher melanopsin labeling intensity compared with the long photoperiod condition, suggesting seasonal‐dependent changes within this photoreceptive system. These results show that ipRGCs in rd1 mice can still measure photoperiod and suggest a key role of melanopsin cells in photoperiod integration and the regulation of seasonal physiology.
Motivational underpinnings of successful support giving: Compassionate goals promote matching support provision
Authors: Lee David S. , Jiang Tao , Canevello Amy , Crocker Jennifer
Published: December 2020

What enables people to give support that effectively addresses others' needs? Four studies examined the role of prosocial motivation, namely, compassionate goals, in providing support that addresses recipients' needs (‘matching’ support). Because people with compassionate goals are motivated to promote others' well‐being, this study hypothesizes that they would be more likely to engage in perspective taking, which should help them identify and give matching support. Consistent with this hypothesis, providers' compassionate goals were associated with a greater intention to give matching support (Studies 1–3) and giving matching support in the real world (Study 4). This effect was partially mediated by providers' greater perspective taking of recipients' needs (Study 3). Collectively, these studies highlight the role of prosocial motivations in successful support provision.
ASSESSMENT OF THE ACCURACY AND PRECISION OF MyRTKnet REAL-TIME SERVICES
Authors: Amirrudin Muhammad Afiq , Md Din Ami Hassan , Zulkifli Nur Adilla , Che Amat Muhammad Asyran , Hamden Mohammad Hanif
Published: December 2020

From a network of ninety-six (96) Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS), the Department of Survey and Mapping Malaysia (DSMM) has developed a reliable real-time data streaming service known as the Malaysia Real-Time Kinematic GNSS Network (MyRTKnet). MyRTKnet is now operating on Leica SpiderNet system that is configured to provide coordinate to users in Geocentric Datum of Malaysia 2000 (GDM2000). As the name implied, GDM2000 is a geocentric datum for Malaysia, developed based upon the International Terrestrial Reference Frame (ITRF) 2000 or ITRF2000. One could argue that the quality of coordinates provided by MyRTKnet are less optimal as the latest realisation of ITRF at present is ITRF2014. This study aims to investigate the accuracy and precision of the resultant coordinates from MyRTKnet real-time services through a comparison with the control-quality coordinates from a network of post-processed data at some independent points for positioning purpose. Meanwhile for mapping purpose, the coordinates from Network Real-Time Kinematic (NRTK) at selected Cadastral Reference Marks (CRM) points were compared with their known values. The results show that the observed points in ITRF2000 move approximately 37 cm away from the points in ITRF2014 due to the constant movement of Sundaland Block. Meanwhile for the assessment of NRTK technique, there is no significant displacement for coordinates in ITRF2000 but ITRF2014 with the values of 4.4 and 39.8 cm at KDOJ point, respectively. The discrepancy in ITRF2014 could be due to the improper datum transformation procedure.
COMPUTATIONALLY EFFICIENT PATH PLANNING ALGORITHM FOR AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE
Authors: Debnath Sanjoy Kumar , Omar Rosli , Abdul Latip Nor Badariyah , Bagchi Susama , Sabudin Elia Nadira , Mumin Abdul Rashid Omar , Soomro Abdul Majid , Nafea Marwan , Muhammad Bashir Bala , Naha Ranesh Kumar
Published: December 2020

This paper analyses an experimental path planning performance between the Iterative Equilateral Space Oriented Visibility Graph (IESOVG) and conventional Visibility Graph (VG) algorithms in terms of computation time and path length for an autonomous vehicle. IESOVG is a path planning algorithm that was proposed to overcome the limitations of VG which is slow in obstacle-rich environment. The performance assessment was done in several identical scenarios through simulation. The results showed that the proposed IESOVG algorithm was much faster in comparison to VG. In terms of path length, IESOVG was found to have almost similar performance with VG.  It was also found that IESOVG was complete as it could find a collision-free path in all scenarios.
Effect of the air–water interface on the conformation of amyloid beta
Authors: Samantray Suman , Cheung David L.
Published: December 2020

It has long been recognized that liquid interfaces, such as the air–water interface (AWI), can enhance the formation of protein fibrils. This makes liquid interfaces attractive templates for fibril formation but fully realizing this requires knowledge of protein behavior at interfaces, which is currently lacking. To address this, molecular dynamics simulation is used to investigate fragments of amyloid beta, a model fibril forming protein, at the air–water interface. At the air–water interface, the enrichment of aggregation-prone helical conformations provides a mechanism for the enhancement of fibrillation at interfaces. The conformational ensemble at the air–water interface was also considerably reduced compared to bulk solution due to the tendency of hydrophobic side chains partitioning into the air restricting the range of conformations. Little overlap between the conformational ensembles at the AWI and in the bulk solution was found, suggesting that AWI induces the formation of a different set of structures compared to bulk solution. The smaller Aβ(16–22) and Aβ(25–35) fragments show an increase in the propensity for an ordered secondary structure at the air–water interface but with a increased propensity for turn over other motifs, illustrating the importance of intra-protein interactions for stabilizing helical and extended conformations.
An extended transfer matrix method for measuring acoustical properties of porous materials beyond the cut-off frequency
Authors: Chen Lingfeng , Du Lin , Wang Xiaoyu , Sun Xiaofeng
Published: December 2020

In the field of measuring the complex wave number and characteristic impedance of porous materials, available impedance tube approaches assume that only plane wave is propagating such that the maximum frequency is limited below the cut-off frequency of the first higher order mode. This indicates that if measurements at higher frequencies are required, the tube size has to be reduced, as well as the size of porous material sample, which may cause inaccurate results due to tube attenuation and edge-constraint effects. Through simulations, this paper presents an extended transfer matrix method to remove the plane wave assumption based on the fact that the propagation of plane wave through the porous sample can be characterized by the same transfer matrix whether higher order modes exist or not. This method arranges measuring points upstream and downstream the sample for implementing mode decomposition to extract the transfer matrix for plane wave in a multi-modal field. From the matrix elements, the complex wave number and characteristic impedance are determined in the same way as the original transfer matrix method. Based on numerical simulations and the Monte Carlo approach, the method effectiveness and a suitable measuring points layout are studied in this paper.
Missing Data Reporting and Analysis in Motor Learning and Development: A Systematic Review of Past and Present Practices
Authors: Patel Priya , Lee Seungmin , Myers Nicholas D. , Lee Mei-Hua
Published: December 2020

Missing data incidents are common in experimental studies of motor learning and development. Inadequate handling of missing data may lead to serious problems, such as addition of bias, reduction in power, and so on. Thus, this study aimed to conduct a systematic review of the past (2007) and present (2017) practices used for reporting and analyzing missing data in motor learning and development. For this purpose, the authors reviewed 309 articles from five journals focusing on motor learning and development studies and published in 2007 and 2017. The authors carefully reviewed each article using a six-stage review process to assess the reporting and analyzing practices. Reporting of missing data along with reasons for their presence was consistently high across time, which slightly increased in 2017. Researchers predominantly used older methods (mainly deletion) for analysis, which only showed a small increase in the use of newer methods in 2017. While reporting practices were exemplary, missing data analysis calls for serious attention. Improvements in missing data handling may have the merit to address some of the major issues, such as underpowered studies, in motor learning and development.
Electromyographic Profile of the Shoulder During Stability Exercises With Kettlebells
Authors: Hedt Corbin , Lambert Bradley S. , Holland Matthew L. , Daum Joshua , Randall Jeremiah , Lintner David M. , McCulloch Patrick C.
Published: December 2020

Context: Shoulder rehabilitation can be a difficult task due to the dynamic nature of the joint complex. Various weight training implements, including kettlebells (KB), have been utilized for therapeutic exercise in the rehabilitation setting to improve shoulder girdle strength and motor control. The KBs are unique in that they provide an unstable load and have been purported to promote greater muscle activation versus standard dumbbells. Recent literature has examined the efficacy of KB exercises for global strengthening and aerobic capacity; however, electromyographic data for shoulder-specific activities are lacking. Objective: To examine muscle activation patterns about the rotator cuff and scapular musculature during 5 commonly-utilized KB exercises. Design: Cross-sectional analysis of a single group. Setting: Clinical biomechanics laboratory. Participants: Ten participants performed all exercises in a randomized order. Main Outcome Measures: Mean electromyographic values for each subject were compared between exercises for each target muscle. Results: Significant differences (P < .05) between exercises were observed for all target muscles except for the infraspinatus. Conclusions: The data in this study indicates that certain KB exercises may elicit activation of the shoulder girdle at different capacities. Physical therapy practitioners, athletic trainers, and other clinical professionals who intend to optimize localized strengthening responses may elect to prescribe certain exercises over others due to the inherent difference in muscular utilization. Ultimately, this data may serve to guide or prioritize exercise selection to achieve higher levels of efficacy for shoulder strength and stability gains.
Adolescent with abdominal pain poorly responsive to analgesia
Authors: Chanchlani Neil , Jarvis Philip , Hart James W , McMillan Christine H , Moudiotis Christopher R
Published: December 2020

Case presentation

A 14-year-old boy, with autism spectrum disorder, presented with a 1-day history of colicky abdominal pain, non-bilious vomiting, anorexia and loose normal-coloured stool. Two days previously, he had a poorly reheated takeaway chicken.

On examination, body mass index (BMI) was >99th centile. He had inconsistent epigastric, periumbilical and umbilical tenderness, and guarding, with normal bowel sounds. Observations were within normal limits, but his pain was poorly responsive to paracetamol, ibuprofen, hyoscine butylbromide, codeine and morphine.

Investigations are in table 1. On day 3, his temperature increased to 38.5° and a CT scan was performed, which showed concerning features (figure 1).

Table 1

Serology and further investigations throughout admission

Day 1Day 2Day 3Day 4Serology White cell count (3.8–10.6×109/L)7.514.615.713.6 Neutrophils (1.8–8.0×109/L)5.312.312.85.3 C reactive protein (<5 mg/L)12010398 Bilirubin (0–21 μmol/L)812Further investigations Urine dipstickNegative UltrasoundSmall volume of free fluid, normal gallbladder, pancreas and appendix not visualisedFigure 1

CT scan of the abdomen (A) and pelvis (B).

Questions

What is the diagnosis?

Appendicitis.

Pancreatitis.

Cholecystitis.

Gastroenteritis.

Which serology would have been most helpful at presentation?

Renal function.

Coagulation.

Amylase and lipase.

Gamma glutamyltransferase.

What are the acute treatment principles?

What is the the most common cause?

Idiopathic.

Gallstones.

Medications.

Genetic.

Answers can be found on page 2.
Asymmetric crypt fission in colectomy specimens in patients with ulcerative colitis
Authors: Rubio Carlos A , Schmidt Peter T
Published: December 2020

Aims

We previously found colonic crypts with asymmetric fission bordering regenerating ulcers in ulcerative colitis (UC). The present objective was to assess the frequency of asymmetric crypt-fission in colectomy specimens from patients with long-lasting UC.

Methods

H&E-stained sections from seven colectomies from patients with UC without dysplasia or carcinoma were investigated. Symmetric fission was characterised by branched colon crypts showing ≥2 identical crypts, whereas asymmetric fission exhibited branched colon crypt portraying ≥2 dissimilar crypts, differing in diameter, length and/or shape.

Results

The number of crypts in fission in the 89 sections was 3586; of those, 2930 (81.7%) were asymmetric and the remaining 656 (18.3%), symmetric. Out of 927 vertically-cut crypts (in well-oriented sections), 912 (98.4%) were asymmetric, and the remaining 14 (1.6%), symmetric, and out 2660, cross-cut (transected) crypts in fission, 2018 (75.9%) were asymmetric and the remaining 642 (24.1%), symmetric.

Conclusion

Crypt fission is rarely found in the normal colon in adults. Symmetric crypt fission found in UC is possibly triggered by a compensatory homeostatic mechanism of crypt production in mucosal areas replaced by chronic inflammation. But asymmetric crypt fission is a pathological aberration that affects crypts in patients with a particular predisposition to develop mucosal dysplasia. It is suggested that this previously unattended histological parameter be included in the pathological descriptions of colectomy specimens from patients with UC.
Immunoglobulin subtyping and quantification in direct antiglobulin test: positive haemolysis in an HIV-prevalent setting
Authors: Chetty Thirosha , Bouwer Nikki , Wan Yuen On , Mahlangu Johnny
Published: December 2020

Aims

Positive direct antiglobulin tests (DATs) are valuable in identifying the aetiology of autoimmune haemolysis and in guiding therapeutic intervention. However, in HIV-positive individuals with background polyclonal gammopathy, a positive DAT in the absence of haemolysis is common. In this setting, IgG quantification and subtyping may be of value, as this is possible with the recently introduced gel cards. There is paucity of literature evaluating the diagnostic usefulness of IgG subtyping and quantification in HIV-positive individuals who are investigated for autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (AIHA). This study evaluated the usefulness of IgG quantification and subtyping in the diagnostic work-up of AIHA in patients with a positive DAT, with and without HIV infection.

Methods

This retrospective, cross-sectional study included patients investigated for AIHA in a quaternary care hospital. Those with a positive DAT had their IgG subtyped and quantified using the ID-Card DAT IgG1/IgG3and IgG-dilution cards (Bio-Rad, Cressier, Switzerland).

Results

Ninety patients admitted from December 2019 to March 2020 were investigated for AIHA. Forty-four (49%) patients had a positive DAT of whom 26 (59%) had evidence of haemolysis, and 16 (36%) were HIV positive. Concurrent HIV and haemolysis were present in eight patients, two of whom had IgG1although none had an IgG antibody titre >1:30. None of the HIV-positive patients without features of haemolysis had IgG1/IgG3or IgG antibody titres >1:30.

Conclusion

In our clinical setting, IgG quantification and subtyping were found to be of limited value in the diagnostic characterisation of AIHA in HIV-positive patients with false-positive DAT.
Endovascular therapy in the distal neurovascular territory: results of a large prospective registry
Authors: Nogueira Raul G , Mohammaden Mahmoud H , Haussen Diogo C , Budzik Ronald F , Gupta Rishi , Krajina Antonin , English Joey D , Malek Ali R , Sarraj Amrou , Narata Ana Paula , Taqi Muhammad Asif , Frankel Michael R , Miller Timothy Ryan , Grobelny Thomas , Baxter Blaise W , Bartolini Bruno Mario , Jenkins Paul , Estrade Laurent , Liebeskind David , Veznedaroglu Erol
Published: December 2020

Background

There is a paucity of data regarding mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in distal arterial occlusions (DAO). We aim to evaluate the safety and efficacy of MT in patients with DAO and compare their outcomes with proximal arterial occlusion (PAO) strokes.

Methods

The Trevo Registry was a prospective open-label MT registry including 2008 patients from 76 sites across 12 countries. Patients were categorized into: PAO: intracranial ICA, and MCA–M1; and DAO: MCA–M2, MCA–M3, ACA, and PCA. Baseline and outcome variables were compared across the PAO vs DAO patients with pre-morbid mRS 0–2.

Results

Among 407 DAOs including 350 (86.0%) M2, 25 (6.1%) M3, 10 (2.5%) ACA, and 22 (5.4%) PCA occlusions, there were 376 DAO with pre-morbid mRS 0–2 which were compared with 1268 PAO patients. The median baseline NIHSS score was lower in DAO (13 [8–18] vs 16 [12–20], P<0.001). There were no differences in terms of age, sex, IV-tPA use, co-morbidities, or time to treatment across DAO vs PAO. The rates of post-procedure reperfusion, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), and 90-mortality were comparable between both groups. DAO showed significantly higher rates of 90-day mRS 0–2 (68.3% vs 56.5%, P<0.001). After adjustment for potential confounders, the level of arterial occlusion was not associated with the chances of excellent outcome (DAO for 90-day mRS 0–1: OR; 1.18, 95% CI [0.90 to 1.54], P=0.225), successful reperfusion or SICH. However, DAO patients were more likely to be functionally independent (mRS 0–2: OR; 1.45, 95% CI [1,09 to 1.92], P=0.01) or dead (OR; 1.54, 95% CI [1.06 to 2.27], P=0.02) at 90 days.

Conclusion

Endovascular therapy in DAO appears to result in a comparable safety and technical success profile as in PAO. The potential benefits of DAO thrombectomy should be investigated in future randomized trials.
Proximal Internal Carotid artery Acute Stroke Secondary to tandem Occlusions (PICASSO) international survey
Authors: Zevallos Cynthia B , Farooqui Mudassir , Quispe-Orozco Darko , Mendez-Ruiz Alan , Patterson Mary , Below Kristine , Martins Sheila O , Mansour Ossama Y , Mont’Alverne Francisco , Nguyen Thanh N , Lemme Luis , Siddiqui Adnan H , Fraser Justin F , Jadhav Ashutosh P , Zaidat Osama O , Ortega-Gutierrez Santiago
Published: December 2020

Background

While mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is the standard of care for large vessel occlusion strokes, the optimal management of tandem occlusions (TO) remains uncertain. We aimed to determine the current practice patterns among stroke physicians involved in the treatment of TO during MT.

Methods

We distributed an online survey to neurovascular practitioners (stroke neurologists, neurointerventionalists, neurosurgeons, and radiologists), members of professional societies. After 2 months the site was closed and data were extracted and analyzed. We divided respondents into acute stenting and delayed treatment groups and responses were compared between the two groups.

Results

We received 220 responses from North America (48%), Latin America (28%), Asia (15%), Europe (5%), and Africa (4%). Preferred timing for cervical revascularization varied among respondents; 51% preferred treatment in a subsequent procedure during the same hospitalization whereas 39% preferred to treat during MT. Angioplasty and stenting (41%) was the preferred technique, followed by balloon angioplasty and local aspiration (38%). The risk of intracerebral hemorrhage was the most compelling reason for not stenting acutely (68%). There were no significant differences among practice characteristics and timing groups. Most practitioners (70%) agreed that there is equipoise regarding the optimal endovascular treatment of cervical lesions in TO; hence, 77% would participate in a randomized controlled trial.

Conclusions

The PICASSO survey demonstrates multiple areas of uncertainty regarding the medical and endovascular management of TOs. Experts acknowledged the need for further evidence and their willingness to participate in a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the best treatment for the cervical TO lesion.
Telomerase gene variants and telomere shortening in patients with silicosis or asbestosis
Authors: Fan Yali , Zheng Chunming , Wu Na , Li Yihua , Huang Xiaoyun , Ye Qiao
Published: December 2020

Objectives

Telomerase gene variants that lead to accelerated telomere shortening are linked to progressive-fibrosing interstitial lung diseases. However, little is known about their relationships with pneumoconiosis. This study aimed to identifyTERT/TERCvariants and leucocyte telomere lengths (LTL) in patients with silicosis or asbestosis.

Methods

In the present study, Sanger sequencing ofTERT/TERCvariants was performed in 193 Chinese Han patients with pneumoconiosis, including 109 with silicosis and 84 with asbestosis. Quantitative PCR was used to measure LTL in peripheral blood of the patients and 200 age and sex-matched healthy controls.

Results

In total, 7.3% patients with pneumoconiosis had 17TERT/TERCvariants. Among which 8.3% of patients with silicosis and 3.6% of patients with asbestosis hadTERTvariants, respectively. NoTERCvariants were detected in silicosis, whereas 3.6% of patients with asbestosis hadTERCvariants. Telomeres were significantly shorter in the patients with pneumoconiosis compared with healthy controls (p<0.001). No significant differences in LTL were found betweenTERT/TERCvariant carriers and non-carriers. Exposure to silica dust was associated with the severity of pneumoconiosis after adjusting for covariates (OR 4.92, p=0.002). However,TERT/TERCvariants and short telomeres were not associated with the severity of pneumoconiosis.

Conclusion

Telomerase gene variants and short telomeres may be identified in the patients with silicosis and asbestosis in response to the exposure to silica or asbestos dust but are not related to disease severity.