bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Population viability in a host-parasitoid system is mediated by interactions between population stage structure and life stage differential susceptibility to toxicants
Authors: Stark John D. , McIntyre Jenifer K. , Banks John E.
Published: November 2020

The effects of toxicants, such as pesticides, may be more severe for some life stages of an organism than others. However, in most toxicity studies, data is developed for only one life stage, which may lead to misleading interpretations. Furthermore, population stage-structure may interact with differential susceptibility, especially when populations consist of higher proportions of individuals in more susceptible stages at the time of toxicant exposure. We explore the interaction of differential stage susceptibility and stage distribution using a stage-structured Lefkovitch matrix model. We incorporate lab-derived toxicity data for a common parasitoid, the braconidDiaeretiella rapae(M’Intosh), a common natural enemy of the cabbage aphid (Brevicoryne brassicaeL.), exposed to the pesticide imidacloprid. We compare population outcomes of simulations in which we vary both the population stage structure along with the susceptibility of each stage to toxicants. Our results illustrate an interaction between differential susceptibility and initial stage distribution, highlighting the fact that both of these demographic features should be considered in interpreting toxicity data and the development of ecological risk assessments.
Abnormal microscale neuronal connectivity triggered by a proprioceptive stimulus in dystonia
Authors: Sakellariou Dimitris F. , Dall’Orso Sofia , Burdet Etienne , Lin Jean-Pierre , Richardson Mark P. , McClelland Verity M.
Published: November 2020

We investigated modulation of functional neuronal connectivity by a proprioceptive stimulus in sixteen young people with dystonia and eight controls. A robotic wrist interface delivered controlled passive wrist extension movements, the onset of which was synchronised with scalp EEG recordings. Data were segmented into epochs around the stimulus and up to 160 epochs per subject were averaged to produce a Stretch Evoked Potential (StretchEP). Event-related network dynamics were estimated using a methodology that features Wavelet Transform Coherency (WTC). Global Microscale Nodal Strength (GMNS) was introduced to estimate overall engagement of areas into short-lived networks related to the StretchEP, and Global Connectedness (GC) estimated the spatial extent of the StretchEP networks. Dynamic Connectivity Maps showed a striking difference between dystonia and controls, with particularly strong theta band event-related connectivity in dystonia. GC also showed a trend towards higher values in dystonia than controls. In summary, we demonstrate the feasibility of this method to investigate event-related neuronal connectivity in relation to a proprioceptive stimulus in a paediatric patient population. Young people with dystonia show an exaggerated network response to a proprioceptive stimulus, displaying both excessive theta-band synchronisation across the sensorimotor network and widespread engagement of cortical regions in the activated network.
Assessment of the hepatic tumor extracellular matrix using elastin-specific molecular magnetic resonance imaging in an experimental rabbit cancer model
Authors: Keller Sarah , Borde Tabea , Brangsch Julia , Reimann Carolin , Kader Avan , Schulze Daniel , Buchholz Rebecca , Kaufmann Jan O. , Karst Uwe , Schellenberger Eyk , Hamm Bernd , Makowski Marcus R.
Published: November 2020

To investigate the imaging performance of an elastin-specific molecular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) probe with respect to the extracellular matrix (ECM) in an experimental hepatic cancer model. Twelve rabbits with hepatic VX2 tumors were examined using 3 T MRI 14, 21, and 28 days after tumor implantation for two subsequent days (gadobutrol, day 1; elastin-specific probe, day 2). The relative enhancement (RE) of segmented tumor regions (central and margin) and the peritumoral matrix was calculated using pre-contrast and delayed-phase T1w sequences. MRI measurements were correlated to histopathology and element-specific and spatially resolved mass spectrometry (MS). Mixed-model analysis was performed to assess the performance of the elastin-specific probe. In comparison to gadobutrol, the elastin probe showed significantly stronger RE, which was pronounced in the tumor margin (day 14–28: P ≤ 0.007). In addition, the elastin probe was superior in discriminating between tumor regions (χ2(4) = 65.87; P < 0.001). MRI-based measurements of the elastin probe significantly correlated with the ex vivo elastinstain (R = .84; P <0 .001) and absolute gadolinium concentrations (ICP-MS: R = .73, P <0 .01). LA-ICP-MS imaging confirmed the colocalization of the elastin-specific probe with elastic fibers. Elastin-specific molecular MRI is superior to non-specific gadolinium-based contrast agents in imaging the ECM of hepatic tumors and the peritumoral tissue.
Integrated analysis identifies AQP9 correlates with immune infiltration and acts as a prognosticator in multiple cancers
Authors: Liu Xiaohong , Xu Qian , Li Zijing , Xiong Bin
Published: November 2020

Aquaporin 9 (AQP9), as an aquaglyceroporin, is expressed in many immune cells and plays important role in tumor initiation and progression. However, the relationship between AQP9 and tumor-infiltrating cells, and its prognostic value in cancers still require comprehensive understanding. Herein, we aimed to elucidate the correlations of AQP9 with prognosis and immune infiltration levels in diverse cancers. We detected the expression and survival data of AQP9 through Oncomine, TIMER, Kaplan–Meier Plotter and PrognoScan databases. The correlations between AQP9 and immune infiltrates were analyzed in TIMER database. Our results found that high AQP9 expression was significantly correlated with worse prognosis in breast, colon and lung cancers, while predicted better prognosis in gastric cancer. Moreover, AQP9 had significant association with various immune infiltrating cells including CD8+ and CD4+ T cells, neutrophils, macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs), and diverse immune gene markers in BRCA, COAD, LUAD, LUSC and STAD. AQP9 was also significantly correlated with the regulation of tumor associated macrophages (TAM). These results indicate that AQP9 can play as a significant biomarker to determine the prognosis and the immune infiltrating levels in different cancers. It might also contribute to the development of the immunotherapy in breast, colon, lung and gastric cancers.
The neural mechanism of aesthetic judgments of dynamic landscapes: an fMRI study
Authors: Zhao Xueru , Wang Junjing , Li Jinhui , Luo Guang , Li Ting , Chatterjee Anjan , Zhang Wei , He Xianyou
Published: November 2020

Most previous neuroaesthetics research has been limited to considering the aesthetic judgment of static stimuli, with few studies examining the aesthetic judgment of dynamic stimuli. The present study explored the neural mechanisms underlying aesthetic judgment of dynamic landscapes, and compared the neural mechanisms between the aesthetic judgments of dynamic landscapes and static ones. Participants were scanned while they performed aesthetic judgments on dynamic landscapes and matched static ones. The results revealed regions of occipital lobe, frontal lobe, supplementary motor area, cingulate cortex and insula were commonly activated both in the aesthetic judgments of dynamic and static landscapes. Furthermore, compared to static landscapes, stronger activations of middle temporal gyrus (MT/V5), and hippocampus were found in the aesthetic judgments of dynamic landscapes. This study provided neural evidence that visual processing related regions, emotion-related regions were more active when viewing dynamic landscapes than static ones, which also indicated that dynamic stimuli were more beautiful than static ones.
The complete chloroplast genome sequences of five pinnate-leaved Primula species and phylogenetic analyses
Authors: Xu Wenbin , Xia Boshun , Li Xinwei
Published: November 2020

The six pinnate-leaved species are a very particular group in the genusPrimula.In the present paper, we sequenced, assembled and annotated the chloroplast genomes of five of them (P. cicutarrifolia,P.hubeiensis,P. jiugongshanensis,P. merrilliana,P.ranunculoides). The five chloroplast genomes ranged from ~ 150 to 152 kb, containing 113 genes (four ribosomal RNA genes, 29 tRNA genes and 80 protein-coding genes). The six pinnate-leaved species exhibited synteny of gene order and possessed similar IR boundary regions in chloroplast genomes. The geneaccDwas pseudogenized inP.filchnerae. In the chloroplast genomes of the six pinnate-leavedPrimulaspecies, SSRs, repeating sequences and divergence hotspots were identified;ycf1andtrnH-psbAwere the most variable markers among CDSs and noncoding sequences, respectively. Phylogenetic analyses showed that the sixPrimulaspecies were separated into two distant clades: one was formed byP.filchneraeandP.sinensisand the other clade was consisting of two subclades, one formed byP.hubeiensisandP.ranunculoides, the other byP. merrilliana,P. cicutarrifoliaandP.jiugongshanensis.P.hubeiensiswas closely related withP.ranunculoidesand therefore it should be placed into Sect.Ranunculoides.P. cicutarrifoliadid not group first withP.ranunculoidesbut withP. merrilliana, although the former two were once united in one species, our results supported the separation ofP.ranunculoidesfromP. cicutarrifoliaas one distinct species.
Analytic modelling of a planar Goubau line with circular conductor
Authors: Schaich Tobias , Molnar Daniel , Al Rawi Anas , Payne Mike
Published: November 2020

Planar Goubau lines show promise as high frequency, low-loss waveguides on a substrate. However, to date only numerical simulations and experimental measurements have been performed. This paper analytically investigates the surface wave mode propagating along a planar Goubau line consisting of a perfectly conducting circular wire on top of a dielectric substrate of finite thickness but infinite width. An approximate equation for the propagation constant is derived and solved through numerical integration. The dependence of the propagation constant on various system parameters is calculated and the results agree well with full numerical simulations. In addition, the spatial distribution of the longitudinal electric field is reported and excellent agreement with a numerical simulation and previous studies is found. Moreover, validation against experimental phase velocity measurements is also reported. Finally, insights gained from the model are considered for a Goubau line with a rectangular conductor. The analytic model reveals that the propagating mode of a planar Goubau line is hybrid in contrast to the transverse magnetic mode of a classic Goubau line.
Novel multimodal molecular imaging of Vitamin H (Biotin) transporter activity in the murine placenta
Authors: Ben-Eliezer Noam , Lysenko Marina , Bilton Inbal E. , Golani Ofra , Bartels Jennifer L. , Fernandez Solana R. , Aweda Tolulope A. , Clanton Nicholas A. , Beacham Rebecca , Lapi Suzanne E. , Garbow Joel R. , Neeman Michal
Published: November 2020

Vitamin H (biotin) is delivered to the fetus transplacentally by an active biotin-transport mechanism and is critical for fetal development. Our objective was to develop a comprehensive MRI technique for mapping biotin transporter activity in the murine placenta. Visualization of transporter activity can employ MRI’s unique T2*-dependent signal ‘off-switch’, which is triggered by transporter mediated aggregation of biotinylated contrast agent (b-BSA-Gd-DTPA). MRI data were collected from pregnant mice after administration of b-BSA-Gd-DTPA and analyzed using a new sub-voxel biophysical signal model. Validation experiments included competition with native biotin, comparative tests using PET, histology, and ICPMS. MRI signal was governed by binding, aggregation, and clearance of biotin (confirmed by histology). Signal dynamics reflected the placenta’s perfusion pattern modulated by biotin transporter activity and trophoblast mediated retention, and were in congruence with a three-compartment sub-voxel model. Pre-saturation of the transporters with free biotin suppressed b-BSA-Gd-DTPA uptake. The results were confirmed by PET, histology and ICPMS. The presented MRI-based platform allows to track activity of essential molecular transporters in the placenta, reflecting a transporter-mediated uptake, followed by retention and aggregation, and recycling associated with the large b-BSA-Gd-DTPA conjugate. The presented DCE-MRI technique can furthermore be used to map and characterize microstructural compartmentation and transporter activity without exposing the fetus to contrast media.
Assessment of metastatic lymph nodes in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas using simultaneous 18F-FDG-PET and MRI
Authors: Chen Jenny , Hagiwara Mari , Givi Babak , Schmidt Brian , Liu Cheng , Chen Qi , Logan Jean , Mikheev Artem , Rusinek Henry , Kim Sungheon Gene
Published: November 2020

In this study, we investigate the feasibility of using dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI), diffusion weighted imaging (DWI), and dynamic positron emission tomography (PET) for detection of metastatic lymph nodes in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cases. Twenty HNSCC patients scheduled for lymph node dissection underwent DCE-MRI, dynamic PET, and DWI using a PET-MR scanner within one week prior to their planned surgery. During surgery, resected nodes were labeled to identify their nodal levels and sent for routine clinical pathology evaluation. Quantitative parameters of metastatic and normal nodes were calculated from DCE-MRI (ve, vp, PS, Fp, Ktrans), DWI (ADC) and PET (Ki, K1, k2, k3) to assess if an individual or a combination of parameters can classify normal and metastatic lymph nodes accurately. There were 38 normal and 11 metastatic nodes covered by all three imaging methods and confirmed by pathology. 34% of all normal nodes had volumes greater than or equal to the smallest metastatic node while 4 normal nodes had SUV > 4.5. Among the MRI parameters, the median vp, Fp, PS, and Ktrans values of the metastatic lymph nodes were significantly lower (p = <0.05) than those of normal nodes. ve and ADC did not show any statistical significance. For the dynamic PET parameters, the metastatic nodes had significantly higher k3 (p value = 8.8 × 10−8) and Ki (p value = 5.3 × 10−8) than normal nodes. K1 and k2 did not show any statistically significant difference. Ki had the best separation with accuracy = 0.96 (sensitivity = 1, specificity = 0.95) using a cutoff of Ki = 5.3 × 10−3 mL/cm3/min, while k3 and volume had accuracy of 0.94 (sensitivity = 0.82, specificity = 0.97) and 0.90 (sensitivity = 0.64, specificity = 0.97) respectively. 100% accuracy can be achieved using a multivariate logistic regression model of MRI parameters after thresholding the data with Ki < 5.3 × 10−3 mL/cm3/min. The results of this preliminary study suggest that quantitative MRI may provide additional value in distinguishing metastatic nodes, particularly among small nodes, when used together with FDG-PET.
Overlapping and unique neural circuits are activated during perceptual decision making and confidence
Authors: Yeon Jiwon , Shekhar Medha , Rahnev Dobromir
Published: November 2020

The period of making a perceptual decision is often followed by a period of rating confidence where one evaluates the likely accuracy of the initial decision. However, it remains unclear whether the same or different neural circuits are engaged during periods of perceptual decision making and confidence report. To address this question, we conducted two functional MRI experiments in which we dissociated the periods related to perceptual decision making and confidence report by either separating their respective regressors or asking for confidence ratings only in the second half of the experiment. We found that perceptual decision making and confidence reports gave rise to activations in large and mostly overlapping brain circuits including frontal, parietal, posterior, and cingulate regions with the results being remarkably consistent across the two experiments. Further, the confidence report period activated a number of unique regions, whereas only early sensory areas were activated for the decision period across the two experiments. We discuss the possible reasons for this overlap and explore their implications about theories of perceptual decision making and visual metacognition.
Inhibition of the CCL2 receptor, CCR2, enhances tumor response to immune checkpoint therapy
Authors: Tu Megan M. , Abdel-Hafiz Hany A. , Jones Robert T. , Jean Annie , Hoff Katelyn J. , Duex Jason E. , Chauca-Diaz Ana , Costello James C. , Dancik Garrett M. , Tamburini Beth A. Jirón , Czerniak Bogdan , Kaye Jonathan , Theodorescu Dan
Published: November 2020

Immunotherapies targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 axis are now a mainstay in the clinical management of multiple cancer types, however, many tumors still fail to respond. CCL2 is highly expressed in various cancer types and has been shown to be associated with poor prognosis. Inhibition or blockade of the CCL2/CCR2 signaling axis has thus been an area of interest for cancer therapy. Here we show across multiple murine tumor and metastasis models that CCR2 antagonism in combination with anti-PD-1 therapy leads to sensitization and enhanced tumor response over anti-PD-1 monotherapy. We show that enhanced treatment response correlates with enhanced CD8+ T cell recruitment and activation and a concomitant decrease in CD4+ regulatory T cell. These results provide strong preclinical rationale for further clinical exploration of combining CCR2 antagonism with PD-1/PD-L1-directed immunotherapies across multiple tumor types especially given the availability of small molecule CCR2 inhibitors and antibodies.
Sulfidation of MoO3/γ-Al2O3 towards a highly efficient catalyst for CH4 reforming with H2S
Authors: Wang Hao , Wu Jingxian , Xiao Zhihuang , Ma Zhejie , Li Ping , Zhang Xinwei , Li Hongying , Fang Xiangchen
Published: November 2020

The structural evolution of MoO3/γ-Al2O3 during sulfidation and a subsequent CH4/H2S reforming reaction is revealed, and the structure–performance relationships are established.
Recent development and applications of electrical conductive MOFs
Authors: Li Chun , Zhang Lili , Chen Jiaqi , Li Xuelian , Sun Jingwen , Zhu Junwu , Wang Xin , Fu Yongsheng
Published: November 2020

The last two decades have seen big achievements of conductive MOFs, scientists and engineers around the world should join forces and sustain research efforts towards conductive MOFs with more excellent properties.
Rhodium-catalyzed oxidative annulation of 1H-indazoles with alkynes for the synthesis of indazolo[3,2-a]isoquinolines via C–H bond functionalization
Authors: Huang Jian , Fu Yang , Deng Zhihong , Chen Wei , Song Zhibin , Peng Yiyuan
Published: November 2020

A Rh(iii)-catalyzed oxidative annulation of 1H-indazoles with internal alkynes via C–C and C–N coupling for the preparation of highly functionalized indazolo[3,2-a]isoquinolines is disclosed.
Synthesis and cytotoxicity of (−)-homo-renieramycin G and its derivatives
Authors: Ma Yantao , Pan Xuan , Guan Baohe , Zhang Guangyan , Liu Zhanzhu
Published: November 2020

(−)-Homo-renieramycin G and its twenty analogs were designed and synthesized for the first time. The cytotoxicity was evaluated against four human cancer cell lines and the SAR was discussed.
An unusual mechanism of building up of a high magnetization blocking barrier in an octahedral alkoxide Dy3+-based single-molecule magnet
Authors: Long Jérôme , Tolpygin Aleksei O. , Mamontova Ekaterina , Lyssenko Konstantin A. , Liu Dan , Albaqami Munirah D. , Chibotaru Liviu F. , Guari Yannick , Larionova Joulia , Trifonov Alexander A.
Published: November 2020

We report a new octahedral luminescent SMM exhibiting massive crystal-field splitting and an anisotropic barrier of 1385 cm−1.
Recent advances in fabricating durable superhydrophobic surfaces: a review in the aspects of structures and materials
Authors: Quan Yun-Yun , Chen Zhong , Lai Yuekun , Huang Zu-Sheng , Li Huaqiong
Published: November 2020

Extensive attention has been concentrated toward the development of superhydrophobic coatings with unique structures and properties due to their extended applications in our daily life.
BaTiO3-g-GO as an efficient permselective material for lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Półrolniczak Paulina , Walkowiak Mariusz , Kaźmierczak-Raźna Justyna , Kasprzak Dawid , Mathew Deepa Elizabeth , Kathiresan M. , Stephan A. Manuel , Angulakshmi N.
Published: November 2020

Li–S batteries can replace the current LIBs due to its high specific capacity, low cost, and environmental benignity. Yet, the poor conductivity of sulfur, polysulfide shuttling and poor interfacial properties of lithium impede their commercialization.
Cobalt/nitrogen codoped carbon nanosheets derived from catkins as a high performance non-noble metal electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction and hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Song Luting , Chang Jinquan , Ma Yanhong , Tan Xinghua , Xu Yuanqing , Guo Limin , Chen Zhexue , Zhao Tingqiao , Li Yueqi , Liu Yanlin , Zhang Yong , Chu Weiguo
Published: November 2020

We prepare highly efficient NPM catalysts of cobalt and nitrogen co-doped carbon nanosheets for oxygen reduction and hydrogen evolution reactions using catkin biomass.
Synthesis of lamellarin R, lukianol A, lamellarin O and their analogues
Authors: Satyanarayana Iddum , Yang Ding-Yah , Liou Teau-Jiuan
Published: November 2020

Several lamellarin alkaloids type III and analogues were synthesized using Barton–Zard and three-component reactions to construct the central pyrrole core.
Supertetrahedral polyanionic network in the first lithium phosphidoindate Li3InP2 – structural similarity to Li2SiP2 and Li2GeP2 and dissimilarity to Li3AlP2 and Li3GaP2
Authors: Restle Tassilo M. F. , Deringer Volker L. , Meyer Jan , Raudaschl-Sieber Gabriele , Fässler Thomas F.
Published: November 2020

Li3InP2 exhibits a polyanionic framework of corner-sharing InP4 tetrahedra and DFT computations reveal the stability trend for indium in the tetragonal structure compared to the orthorhombic structure of the lighter homologues.
Impact of the process conditions on polymer pattern morphology during spin coating over topological surfaces
Authors: Mondal Sourav
Published: November 2020

Polymer phase separation of a binary system over prepatterned substrate topography during spin casting.
Comparative analysis of the complete mitochondrial genomes of three rockfishes (Scorpaeniformes,Sebastiscus) and insights into the phylogenetic relationships of Sebastidae
Authors: Jia Chenghao , Zhang Xiumei , Xu Shengyong , Yang Tianyan , Yanagimoto Takashi , Gao Tianxiang
Published: November 2020

Mitochondrial genome is a powerful molecule marker to provide information for phylogenetic relationships and revealing molecular evolution in ichthyological studies. Sebastiscus species, a marine rockfish, are of essential economic value. However, the taxonomic status and phylogenetic relationships of Sebastidae have been controversial so far. Here, the mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) of three species, S. tertius, S. albofasciatus, and S. marmoratus, were systemically investigated. The lengths of the mitogenomes’ sequences of S. tertius, S. albofasciatus, and S. marmoratus were 16910, 17056, and 17580 bp, respectively. It contained 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), two ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs), 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and one identical control region (D-loop) among the three species. The genetic distance and Ka/Ks ratio analyses indicated 13 PCGs were suffering purifying selection and the selection pressures were different from certain deep-sea fishes, which were most likely due to the difference in their living environment. The phylogenetic tree was constructed by Bayesian Inference (BI) and Maximum Likelihood (ML). Most interestingly, the results indicated that Sebastidae and Scorpaenidae were grouped into a separate branch, so the taxonomic status of Sebastidae should be classified into subfamily Sebastinae. Our results may lead to a taxonomic revision of Scorpaenoidei.
Referring expression comprehension model with matching detection and linguistic feedback
Authors: Wang Jianming , Cui Enjie , Liu Kunliang , Sun Yukuan , Liang Jiayu , Yuan Chunmiao , Duan Xiaojie , Jin Guanghao , Chung Tae‐Sun
Published: November 2020

The task of referring expression comprehension (REC) is to localise an image region of a specific object described by a natural language expression, and all existing REC methods assume that the object described by the referring expression must be located in the given image. However, this assumption is not correct in some real applications. For example, a visually impaired user might tell his robot ‘please take the laptop on the table to me’. In fact, the laptop is not on the table anymore. To address this problem, the authors propose a novel REC model to deal with the situation where expression‐image mismatching occurs and explain the mismatching by linguistic feedback. The authors' REC model consists of four modules: the expression parsing module, the entity detection module, the relationship detection module, and the matching detection module. They built a data set called NP‐RefCOCO+ from RefCOCO+ including both positive samples and negative samples. The positive samples are original expression‐image pairs in RefCOCO+. The negative samples are the expression‐image pairs in RefCOCO+, whose expressions are replaced. They evaluate the model on NP‐RefCOCO+ and the experimental results show the advantages of their method for dealing with the problem of expression‐image mismatching.
Dispersion measure variability for 36 millisecond pulsars at 150 MHz with LOFAR
Authors: Donner J. Y. , Verbiest J. P. W. , Tiburzi C. , Osłowski S. , Künsemöller J. , Bak Nielsen A.-S. , Grießmeier J.-M. , Serylak M. , Kramer M. , Anderson J. M. , Wucknitz O. , Keane E. , Kondratiev V. , Sobey C. , McKee J. W. , Bilous A. V. , Breton R. P. , Brüggen M. , Ciardi B. , Hoeft M. , van Leeuwen J. , Vocks C.
Published: November 2020

Context. Radio pulses from pulsars are affected by plasma dispersion, which results in a frequency-dependent propagation delay. Variations in the magnitude of this effect lead to an additional source of red noise in pulsar timing experiments, including pulsar timing arrays (PTAs) that aim to detect nanohertz gravitational waves.

Aims. We aim to quantify the time-variable dispersion with much improved precision and characterise the spectrum of these variations.

Methods. We use the pulsar timing technique to obtain highly precise dispersion measure (DM) time series. Our dataset consists of observations of 36 millisecond pulsars, which were observed for up to 7.1 yr with the LOw Frequency ARray (LOFAR) telescope at a centre frequency of ~150 MHz. Seventeen of these sources were observed with a weekly cadence, while the rest were observed at monthly cadence.

Results. We achieve a median DM precision of the order of 10−5 cm−3 pc for a significant fraction of our sources. We detect significant variations of the DM in all pulsars with a median DM uncertainty of less than 2 × 10−4 cm−3 pc. The noise contribution to pulsar timing experiments at higher frequencies is calculated to be at a level of 0.1–10 μs at 1.4 GHz over a timespan of a few years, which is in many cases larger than the typical timing precision of 1 μs or better that PTAs aim for. We found no evidence for a dependence of DM on radio frequency for any of the sources in our sample.

Conclusions. The DM time series we obtained using LOFAR could in principle be used to correct higher-frequency data for the variations of the dispersive delay. However, there is currently the practical restriction that pulsars tend to provide either highly precise times of arrival (ToAs) at 1.4 GHz or a high DM precision at low frequencies, but not both, due to spectral properties. Combining the higher-frequency ToAs with those from LOFAR to measure the infinite-frequency ToA and DM would improve the result.
MRT der Mamma: Befundung nach BI-RADS
Authors: Preibsch Heike
Published: November 2020

Die MRT der Mamma wird sowohl bei gesichertem Karzinom als auch im Rahmen der intensivierten Früherkennung immer häufiger eingesetzt. Basis dafür ist der in vielen Studien dargestellte Benefit in der prätherapeutischen Situation und als Screening-Methode im Hochrisikokollektiv. Die Aufgabe des Radiologen besteht darin, eine hohe Befundqualität zu gewährleisten. Die Kategorisierung nach BI-RADS ermöglicht dabei eine standardisierte Abschätzung der Malignitätswahrscheinlichkeit von Befunden.
Role of New Hydrophilic Surfaces on Early Success Rate and Implant Stability: 1-Year Post-loading Results of a Multicenter, Split-Mouth, Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Tallarico Marco , Baldini Nicola , Gatti Fulvio , Martinolli Matteo , Xhanari Erta , Meloni Silvio Mario , Gabriele Cervino , Immacolata Lumbau Aurea
Published: November 2020

Objective To compare early implant failure and implant stability of one-stage Hiossen ET III implants with its new hydrophilic (NH) surface, compared with Hiossen ET III implants with the sandblasted and acid-etched (SA) surface at 1-year follow-up.

Materials and Methods This study was designed as a split-mouth, multicenter randomized controlled trial aimed to compare SA surface implants (SA group) and NH surface, (NH group). Outcomes were implant and prosthetic survival rates, complications, the insertion torque at implant placement, and implant stability quotient (ISQ) values.

Results Twenty-nine patients (mean age 59.9 ± 11.3 years) were treated and followed up to 1 year after loading. No patient dropped out. Fifty-eight implants (29 SA group and 29 NH group) were placed. No implants or prostheses failed and no complications were experienced during follow-up. The mean insertion torque was 40.5 ± 3.23 (38.17–41.83) Ncm in the SA group and 40.48 ± 3.49 (38.02–41.98) Ncm in the NH group (p = 0.981). There was a statistically significant difference at the second week (T2) with higher values in the NH group (p = 0.041). Similar results were found in the maxilla (p = 0.045), but not in the mandible (p = 0.362). A positive correlation was found between initial insertion torque and ISQ with higher value in the NH group (0.73 vs. 0.66).

Conclusions NH implants are a viable alternative to SA surface, as they seem to avoid the ISQ drop during the bone remodeling phase.
Managing the Anomalous Vertebral Artery in C1–C2 Stabilization for Congenital Atlantoaxial Instability
Authors: Rathakrishnan Roopesh Kumar Vadivel , Raghavendra Sunil Kapilavayi
Published: November 2020

Objectives This study aimed to demonstrate the technique of handling the anomalous vertebral artery in congenital atlantoaxial instability. The vertebral artery course can be variable in congenital atlantoaxial instability, especially if there is assimilation of atlas. The surgical technique to stabilize the atlantoaxial joint should ensure the patency and safety of the vertebral artery and prevents devastating stroke. Computed tomography (CT) angiography of the vertebral artery is mandatory in planning the surgical strategies. The vertebral artery can be injured during dissection of soft tissues between atlas and axis and can be compromised during distraction and instrumentation. The vertebral artery needs to be mobilized based on the tortuosity in the course during instrumentation and prevents compression of the artery against bony structures or screw heads. The vertebral artery has to be identified earlier in the course of dissection and should protect it. It is also imperative to choose the surgical approach that can be performed under vision using operative microscope rather than adapting blind procedures like transarticular screw. Here, in our present case, we demonstrate the technique of mobilizing the vertebral artery which was coursing medially preventing the access for the instrumentation and perform stabilization of atlantoaxial joint using Goel–Harms technique, and prevent its compression after placement of screw by deroofing the bony ridges of axis (Figs. 1 and 2). We also emphasize the various technical nuances during the stabilization with distraction of joint space of atlas and axis.

The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/pgURpF_jACc.
Association of Salivary Content Alteration and Early Ageusia Symptoms in COVID-19 Infections: A Systematic Review
Authors: Abduljabbar Tariq , Alhamdan Rana S. , Al Deeb Modhi , AlAali Khulud A. , Vohra Fahim
Published: November 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID 19) is a major threat to the health and prosperity of human life at present. It has resulted in loss of thousands of lives globally and has brought countries to the brink of economic, social, and health collapse. A major issue of this infection is the ease with which it transmits through salivary droplets and its survival for long durations outside the body. Therefore, its early detection is critical in prevention, diagnostic, and management efforts of COVID-19 patients. Loss of taste and smell is one of the early symptoms reported in these patients and the virus is abundantly found in the salivary secretion of the infected symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. Infection and inflammation of salivary glands are common among viral infections, particularly in the early stages, which lead to salivary composition changes. Chemosensory sensation of taste is critically dependent on the salivary flow rate and its inorganic constituents, protein levels, specific 3′,5′-cyclic adenosine monophosphate and 3′,5′-cyclic guanosine monophosphate levels, ghrelins, pH levels, and enzymes. Therefore, the question arises, “Does COVID-19 infection alter the salivary components and composition leading to early transient symptoms of Ageusia and hypogeusia?” This review shows association of the COVID-19 and Ageusia, in addition to the early viral infection of salivary glands and possible changes in salivary flow and content. Therefore, suggesting a potential association between early ageusia in COVID-19 infection and salivary compositional changes.
Relationship between Didactic Attendance and Average Ophthalmic Knowledge Assessment Program Performance
Authors: Altenbernd Todd W.
Published: November 2020

Background The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education's ophthalmology-specific program requirements indicate that a resident must participate in 360 hours of educational activities over the course of residency. The requirements allow a variety of options by which this educational process may occur. Furthermore, the current generation of learners has used a large array of learning tools in their careers: digital media, online resources, question banks, flipped classrooms, problem-based learning, and asynchronous lectures in addition to the traditional face-to-face didactic lectures.

Objectives This article determines if the traditional face-to-face didactic lectures play a significant role in the education of ophthalmology residents, attempts to quantitate this role, and estimates the relative importance of this method.

Methods Lecture hours beginning immediately after an Ophthalmic Knowledge Assessment Program (OKAP) examination and up to the subsequent exam was tabulated for 40 residents over 8 years. From 2012 through 2019 each of the residents took the OKAP exam one to three times. The average overall OKAP score for each resident was then regressed against his or her logged hours of didactics that year. This rate of average OKAP score to lecture hours was then evaluated for significant differences on the basis of postgraduate year (PGY). “STATA 13.1 IC,” was used for all statistical analysis.

Conclusion Traditional synchronous didactic lectures play a statistically significant role in the education of ophthalmology residents. For each 3.5 hours of lectures per year there is a 1% increase in the average OKAP score, p = 0.0064. However, the amount of variability explained by this single factor is low, R
2 = 0.067, and other factors are presumed to play a large part in learning. PGY subgroup analysis showed significant difference in the OKAP performance to lecture hour relationship, the number of lecture hours attended, and the OKAP performance.
Anosmia/Hyposmia is a Good Predictor of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Infection: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Hariyanto Timotius Ivan , Rizki Niken Ageng , Kurniawan Andree
Published: November 2020

Introduction The number of positive cases and deaths from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is still increasing. The early detection of the disease is very important. Olfactory dysfunction has been reported as the main symptom in part of the patients.

Objective To analyze the potential usefulness of anosmia or hyposmia in the detection of the COVID-19 infection.

Data Synthesis We systematically searched the PubMed Central database using specific keywords related to our aims until July 31st, 2020. All articles published on COVID-19 and anosmia or hyposmia were retrieved. A statistical analysis was performed using the Review Manager (RevMan, Cochrane, London, UK) software, version 5.4. A total of 10 studies involving 21,638 patients were included in the present analysis. The meta-analysis showed that anosmia or hyposmia is significantly associated with positive COVID-19 infections (risk ratio [RR]: 4.56; 95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 3.32–6.24; p < 0.00001; I2 = 78%, random-effects modeling).

Conclusion The presence of anosmia or hyposmia is a good predictor of positive COVID-19 infections. Patients with onset of anosmia or hyposmia should take the test or undergo screening for the possibility of COVID-19 infection.
Acute Embolic Occlusion of Renal Artery after the Bentall Procedure: the Role of Primary Renal Angioplasty
Authors: Indriani Suci , Adiarto Suko , Andriantoro Hananto , Sunu Ismoyo , Siddiq Taofan , Dakota Iwan
Published: November 2020

Acute renal occlusion is an uncommon emergency problem in daily practice. The diagnosis is often missed or delayed not only because of its rarity but also nonspecific of clinical presentation. Sudden and complete termination of arterial blood supply to the kidney may lead to renal infarction and a complete loss of renal function. Although the need of early revascularization is uniformly recommended, but the methods has not been established. We presented a case of acute thromboembolic renal artery occlusion in patient who had a history of Bentall's surgery. Renal infarction and artery occlusion were clearly visualized by computed tomography angiogram (CTA). The patient was successfully treated with angioplasty and stenting of main renal artery with complete disappearance of symptoms and recovery of his renal function.
Free-Floating Thrombus in the Distal Internal Carotid Artery Causing a Stroke
Authors: Papadoulas Spyros , Moulakakis Konstantinos , Kouri Natasa , Zampakis Petros , Kakkos Stavros K.
Published: November 2020

We present a patient suffering from a stroke with a free-floating thrombus extending up to the distal internal carotid artery. The thrombus was totally resolved after a 2-week anticoagulation regimen without leaving behind any severe residual stenosis in the carotid bulb. The optimal treatment of this rare condition remains uncertain. We report some important treatment strategies that have been used in the literature, emphasizing the anticoagulation as the mainstay of therapy. Immediate surgical and interventional manipulations carry the risk of thrombus dislodgement and embolization and should be considered if there are recurrent symptoms despite medical management.
Calorie restriction during gestation affects ovarian reserve in offspring in the mouse
Authors: Zanini Bianka M. , Andrade Kelvin R. S. , Pradiee Jorgea , Veiga Gabriel B. , Garcia Driele N. , Mondadori Rafael G. , Cruz Luís A. X. , Alvarado-Rincón Joao A. , Ramirez Renata P. , Saccon Tatiana D. , Masternak Michal M. , Barros Carlos C. , Schneider Augusto
Published: November 2020

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of calorie restriction (CR) during pregnancy in mice on metabolism and ovarian function in the offspring. Pregnant female mice were divided into two groups, a control group and a CR group (n=7 in each). Mice in the CR group were fed 50% of the amount consumed by control females from Day 10 of gestation until delivery. After weaning, the offspring received diet ad libitum until 3 months of age, when ovaries were collected. Ovaries were serially cut and every sixth section was used for follicle counting. Female offspring from CR dams tended to have increased bodyweight compared with offspring from control females (P=0.08). Interestingly, fewer primordial follicles (60% reduction; P=0.001), transitional follicles (P=0.0006) and total follicles (P=0.006) were observed in offspring from CR mothers. The number of primary, secondary and tertiary follicles did not differ between the groups (P>0.05). The CR offspring had fewer DNA double-strand breaks in primary follicle oocytes (P=0.03). In summary, CR during the second half of gestation decreased primordial ovarian follicle reserve in female offspring. These findings suggest that undernutrition during the second half of gestation may decrease the reproductive lifespan of female offspring.
Religious Modernism in Pre-University Schools: The Case of Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi’s Iran
Authors: Karamipour Hamid , Shannon Matthew
Published: November 2020

The advent of “modern” education in Iran and its acceptance by political and cultural elites dates to the Qajar era. But the elitist nature of state reforms prevented modern education from spreading throughout society until the Pahlavi era. Especially during the reign of Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi, modern education reached most segments of the population, including religious families from the middle classes. This research is based on Persian-language documents and informed by the English-language historiography. The article finds that the Islamic Education Society (Jāmeʿeh-ye taʿlimat-e eslāmi) propagated religious modernism through a national network of private schools beginning in the 1940s. In the 1950s and 1960s private cultural foundations used the Islamic Education Society’s model to establish the Alavi, Kamāl, and Refāh schools in Tehran. The network that supported them was a reflection of the revolutionary movement and a vehicle for its organization by the 1970s.
Evaluation of the maximum inscribed circle based on the maximum chord and maximum angle
Authors: Li Xiuming , Yang Peng , Yan Yang , Liu Guotong , Liu Yuwei
Published: November 2020

The angle evaluation conditions, instead of maximizing the minimum radius, are proposed to deal with the maximum inscribed circle (MIC) based on a three-point model. According to the angle evaluation conditions, a corresponding chord-angle algorithm is given for evaluating the MIC by the maximum chord and its two maximum angles. Several examples have been carried out to assess the validity of the algorithms proposed.
Structural investigation and improvement of microwave dielectric properties in Ca(HfxTi1-x)O3 ceramics
Authors: Zaman Abid , Uddin Sarir , Mehboob Nasir , Ali Asad
Published: November 2020

Calcium hafnium titanate, Ca(HfxTi1-x)O3 (CHT) was prepared using the conventional solid state reaction route. The X-ray diffraction patterns were used for analyzing the phase compositions. The XRD patterns revealed the arrangement of a single phase perovskite structure and therefore the structure is transformed from non-centrosymmetric orthorhombic (Pbnm) to centrosymmetric cubic (Pm-3m) at 0.4 ≤ x. Lattice parameter, crystallite size, densities and porosity were calculated. The SEM morphology of CHT at various hafnium (x), which is comprises of round-rod shaped grains with small pores microstructure. The substitution of Hf4+ ions over Ti4+, the microwave dielectric constant (ε
r) decreases from 145 to 52, while the quality factor (Qxf) increases from 8105 to 24305 GHz and temperature coefficient of resonant frequency tuned towards zero τ
f ∼ 4.5 ppm °C−1. Good combination of microwave dielectric material properties was accomplished for the composition x = 0.8 (at 3 GHz).
Early classification of motor tasks using dynamic functional connectivity graphs from EEG
Authors: Shamsi Foroogh , Haddad Ali , Najafizadeh Laleh
Published: November 2020

Objective. Classification of electroencephalography (EEG) signals with high accuracy using short recording intervals has been a challenging problem in developing brain computer interfaces (BCIs). This paper presents a novel feature extraction method for EEG recordings to tackle this problem. Approach. The proposed approach is based on the concept that the brain functions in a dynamic manner, and utilizes dynamic functional connectivity graphs. The EEG data is first segmented into intervals during which functional networks sustain their connectivity. Functional connectivity networks for each identified segment are then localized, and graphs are constructed, which will be used as features. To take advantage of the dynamic nature of the generated graphs, a long short term memory classifier is employed for classification. Main results. Features extracted from various durations of post-stimulus EEG data associated with motor execution and imagery tasks are used to test the performance of the classifier. Results show an average accuracy of 85.32% about only 500 ms after stimulus presentation. Significance. Our results demonstrate, for the first time, that using the proposed feature extraction method, it is possible to classify motor tasks from EEG recordings using a short interval of the data in the order of hundreds of milliseconds (e.g. 500 ms). This duration is considerably shorter than what has been reported before. These results will have significant implications for improving the effectiveness and the speed of BCIs, particularly for those used in assistive technologies.
Study of tritium nearby a regional radioactive waste storage
Authors: Podlutskii M S , Lukashenko S N , Tomson A V , Oudalova A A
Published: November 2020

The paper introduces a pilot study of tritium as an indicator of possible transfer of radionuclide contamination around a regional radioactive waste storage. The main goal of the study is to determine tritium levels (tritiated water and organically bound tritium) and compare them with radiostrontium concentration in environmental samples. A hypothesis is tested on a possibility of using tritium as a marker of possible migration ways for other radionuclides, on an example of strontium-90. The results show that tritium concentrations nearby the regional radioactive waste storage is below the detection level (7 Bq·l−1). The lowest level of tritiated water was 7±1 Bq·l−1, the highest - 78±8 Bq·l−1. For organically bound tritium, the lowest level was shown at 8±1 Bq·kg−1, the highest - 57±7 Bq·kg−1. Comparison of the tritium findings with strontium-90 radioactivity levels showed that sampling points with high levels of tritium and radiostrontium are located in the same areas.