bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deep reasoning neural network analysis to predict language deficits from psychometry‐driven DWI connectome of young children with persistent language concerns
Authors: Jeong Jeong‐Won , Banerjee Soumyanil , Lee Min‐Hee , O'Hara Nolan , Behen Michael , Juhász Csaba , Dong Ming
Published: May 2021

This study investigated whether current state‐of‐the‐art deep reasoning network analysis on psychometry‐driven diffusion tractography connectome can accurately predict expressive and receptive language scores in a cohort of young children with persistent language concerns (n = 31, age: 4.25 ± 2.38 years). A dilated convolutional neural network combined with a relational network (dilated CNN + RN) was trained to reason the nonlinear relationship between “dilated CNN features of language network” and “clinically acquired language score”. Three‐fold cross‐validation was then used to compare the Pearson correlation and mean absolute error (MAE) between dilated CNN + RN‐predicted and actual language scores. The dilated CNN + RN outperformed other methods providing the most significant correlation between predicted and actual scores (i.e., Pearson's R/p‐value: 1.00/<.001 and .99/<.001 for expressive and receptive language scores, respectively) and yielding MAE: 0.28 and 0.28 for the same scores. The strength of the relationship suggests elevated probability in the prediction of both expressive and receptive language scores (i.e., 1.00 and 1.00, respectively). Specifically, sparse connectivity not only within the right precentral gyrus but also involving the right caudate had the strongest relationship between deficit in both the expressive and receptive language domains. Subsequent subgroup analyses inferred that the effectiveness of the dilated CNN + RN‐based prediction of language score(s) was independent of time interval (between MRI and language assessment) and age of MRI, suggesting that the dilated CNN + RN using psychometry‐driven diffusion tractography connectome may be useful for prediction of the presence of language disorder, and possibly provide a better understanding of the neurological mechanisms of language deficits in young children.
Sex is a defining feature of neuroimaging phenotypes in major brain disorders
Authors: Salminen Lauren E. , Tubi Meral A. , Bright Joanna , Thomopoulos Sophia I. , Wieand Alyssa , Thompson Paul M.
Published: May 2021

Sex is a biological variable that contributes to individual variability in brain structure and behavior. Neuroimaging studies of population‐based samples have identified normative differences in brain structure between males and females, many of which are exacerbated in psychiatric and neurological conditions. Still, sex differences in MRI outcomes are understudied, particularly in clinical samples with known sex differences in disease risk, prevalence, and expression of clinical symptoms. Here we review the existing literature on sex differences in adult brain structure in normative samples and in 14 distinct psychiatric and neurological disorders. We discuss commonalities and sources of variance in study designs, analysis procedures, disease subtype effects, and the impact of these factors on MRI interpretation. Lastly, we identify key problems in the neuroimaging literature on sex differences and offer potential recommendations to address current barriers and optimize rigor and reproducibility. In particular, we emphasize the importance of large‐scale neuroimaging initiatives such as the Enhancing NeuroImaging Genetics through Meta‐Analyses consortium, the UK Biobank, Human Connectome Project, and others to provide unprecedented power to evaluate sex‐specific phenotypes in major brain diseases.
Temporal variability of regional intrinsic neural activity in drug‐naïve patients with obsessive–compulsive disorder
Authors: Liu Jing , Bu Xuan , Hu Xinyu , Li Hailong , Cao Lingxiao , Gao Yingxue , Liang Kaili , Zhang Lianqing , Lu Lu , Hu Xinyue , Wang Yanlin , Gong Qiyong , Huang Xiaoqi
Published: May 2021

Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) displays alterations in regional brain activity represented by the amplitude of low‐frequency fluctuation (ALFF), but the time‐varying characteristics of this local neural activity remain to be clarified. We aimed to investigate the dynamic changes of intrinsic brain activity in a relatively large sample of drug‐naïve OCD patients using univariate and multivariate analyses. We applied a sliding‐window approach to calculate the dynamic ALFF (dALFF) and compared the difference between 73 OCD patients and age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls (HCs). We also utilized multivariate pattern analysis to determine whether dALFF could differentiate OCD patients from HCs at the individual level. Compared with HCs, OCD patients exhibited increased dALFF mainly within regions of the cortical–striatal–thalamic–cortical (CSTC) circuit, including the bilateral dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, medial prefrontal cortex and striatum, and right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC). Decreased dALFF was identified in the bilateral inferior parietal lobule (IPL), posterior cingulate cortex, insula, fusiform gyrus, and cerebellum. Moreover, we found negative correlations between illness duration and dALFF values in the right IPL and between dALFF values in the left cerebellum and Hamilton Depression Scale scores. Furthermore, dALFF can distinguish OCD patients from HCs with the most discriminative regions located in the IPL, dlPFC, middle occipital gyrus, and cuneus. Taken together, in the current study, we demonstrated a characteristic pattern of higher variability of regional brain activity within the CSTC circuits and lower variability in regions outside the CSTC circuits in drug‐naïve OCD patients.
Prominent response to platinum‐based chemotherapy in a patient with BRCA2 mutant‐neuroendocrine prostate cancer and MDM2 amplification
Authors: Daimon Tatsuaki , Kosaka Takeo , Hongo Hiroshi , Aimono Eriko , Nakamura Kohei , Mikami Shuji , Nishihara Hiroshi , Oya Mototsugu
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Genomic profiling provides useful information for diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis, and detection of certain defects, such as DNA repair gene aberrations or microsatellite instability, can possibly lead to optimal treatment, but this testing has not been widely used to inform prostate cancer treatment.

Case presentation

A 55‐year‐old man sequentially treated for prostate cancer was diagnosed as neuroendocrine prostate cancer from prostate specimens resected because of urinary retention. Subsequently, he received five cycles of platinum‐based chemotherapy in total and responded well. We also performed next‐generation sequencing of a sample from the prostate specimen and identified a breast cancer susceptibility gene mutation with Murine Double Minute 2 amplification and loss of heterozygosity in retinoblastoma 1.

Conclusion

We report a neuroendocrine prostate cancer patient with Murine Double Minute 2 amplification who experienced an aggressive course and for whom platinum‐based chemotherapy was effective, and one of the reasons for the good response might be the breast cancer susceptibility gene mutation.
Uncertainty of exchange‐correlation functionals in density functional theory calculations for lithium‐based solid electrolytes on the case study of lithium phosphorus oxynitride
Authors: Henkel Pascal , Mollenhauer Doreen
Published: May 2021

Amorphous lithium phosphorus oxynitride (LIPON) has emerged as a promising solid electrolyte for all‐solid‐state thin‐film lithium batteries. In this context, the use of theoretical modeling to characterize, understand, or screen material properties is becoming increasingly important to complement experimental analysis or elucidate features at atomistic level that are difficult to obtain through experimental studies. Density functional theory (DFT) is the method of choice for quantum mechanical material modeling at the atomistic scale. The current state of the art represents DFT values, such as the formation or migration energies relevant for bulk phase of materials, as absolute numbers. Estimating the accuracy or fluctuation range of the different density functionals is challenging. In order to investigate the thermodynamic and kinetic properties of LIPON by DFT, an approach to describe the fluctuation range caused by the choice of the exchange‐correlation (XC) functional is developed. Three different model systems were chosen to characterize various structural features of amorphous LIPON, which are distinguished by the cross‐linking of the POuN4‐u‐structural units. The uncertainty Ũ is introduced as a parameter describing the fluctuation range of energy values. The uncertainty approach does not determine the accuracy of DFT results, but rather a fluctuation range in the DFT results without the need for a reference value from a higher level of theory or experiment. The uncertainty was determined for both the thermodynamic Li‐vacancy formation energies and the kinetic Li‐vacancy migration energies in LIPON. We assume that the uncertainty approach can be applied to different material systems with different density functionals.
EQA/PT scheme to improve the equivalence of enzymatic results between mutual recognition laboratories in Beijing
Authors: Tong Qing , Zhang Shunli , Zuo Chang
Published: May 2021

Background

To utilize the external quality assessment (EQA)/proficiency testing (PT) scheme to evaluate the equivalence of different clinical enzymatic measuring systems in Beijing.

Methods

The Beijing Center for Clinical Laboratory (BCCL) distributed three investigation samples to mutual recognition clinical laboratories in Beijing including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), γ‐glutamyltransferase (GGT), creatine kinase (CK), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). These samples were derived from serum pools with values assigned by the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC) enzymatic reference measurement procedures (RMPs). Each laboratory performed duplicate tests of the samples. Then, the samples at level 1 were used to recalibrate individual measuring systems for repeating the tests. BCCL collected data for evaluation of their analytical quality.

Results

Before recalibration, the biases of ALT and AST tests were not traceable to the IFCC RMPs, and the bias pass rates of GGT, CK, and LDH tests were only 51.2%, 55.7%, and 48.6% respectively. After recalibration, the pass rates of ALT, AST, GGT, CK, and LDH increased to 95.1%, 82.9%, 95.1%, 97.1%, and 70.0% respectively. The EQA/PT also showed that after recalibration, more than 95% of laboratories met the optimum level specifications of the biological variation for ALT, AST, GGT, and CK tests and the desirable for LDH tests.

Conclusion

The enzymatic tests in Beijing need to be further standardized by category 1 or 2 EQA/PT scheme for mutual recognition between clinical laboratories. The criteria of biological variation are more relevant for determining the equivalence of clinical enzymatic tests.
Characterizing engineering work in a changing world: Synthesis of a typology for engineering students' occupational outcomes
Authors: Magarian James N. , Seering Warren P.
Published: May 2021

Background

Engineering education research frequently examines students' persistence (or intentions to persist) into engineering careers from engineering school. However, the variety of engineering‐related occupations has increased substantially in recent years, challenging researchers' abilities to discern what constitutes persistence in engineering.

Purpose

This article investigates the question: How can researchers categorize students' occupational outcomes in terms of engineering relatedness in a manner that enables consistency across future studies and that is informed by enduring conceptions of engineering work? We develop an occupational outcomes typology in response to this question.

Scope/Method

We employed systematic literature reviews to substantiate the typology. In total, we reviewed 259 sources published between 1966 and 2016. Review 1 examined sources discussing or debating the presence of unifying occupational attributes across engineering practice. Review 2 examined sources discussing common job functions constituting unifying criteria identified in Review 1. Review 3 examined sources discussing specific work activities associated with functions identified in Review 2. Finally, Review 4 examined job profile data from the year 2017 on 1100 job titles to identify contemporary nonengineering‐titled jobs involving activities similar to activities found in Review 3.

Conclusions

Engineering practitioners' possession of design responsibility—their responsibility for products' efficacy and safety through governance of designs (new or existing)—has served as a unifying work attribute over time. We find that the 21st century has given rise to interrelated roles encompassing and surrounding conventional engineering work and propose a typology that categorizes occupations in relation to engineering. The typology offers a responsibility‐based framing of engineering that helps educators illustrate key distinctions among contemporary engineering‐related occupations.
Utilization ofrGO‐PEI‐supportedAgNPsfor sensitive recognition of deltamethrin in human plasma samples: A new platform for the biomedical analysis of pesticides in human biofluids
Authors: Adel Bashir , Jafari Mohsen , Hasanzadeh Mohammad
Published: May 2021

In this study, the rGO‐PEI‐AgNPs sensor was designed as a new effective platform to sensitive monitoring of deltamethrin in human plasma samples. For this purpose, reduced graphene oxide (rGO)‐supported polyethylenimine (PEI) was used as a suitable substrate for dispersion of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) as amplification and catalytic element. Therefore, a novel interface (rGO‐PEI‐AgNPs) was prepared by the fully electrochemical method on the surface of glassy carbon electrodes. The engineered nano‐sensor showed a wide dynamic range of 10 nM to 1 mM and low limit of quantification (LLOQ) as 10 nM in human plasma sample, which revealed excellent analytical performance for the recognition of deltamethrin with high sensitivity and reproducibility through differential pulse voltammetry and square wave voltammetry techniques. The results confirm that rGO‐PEI‐AgNPs as a novel biocompatible interface can provide appropriate, reliable, affordable, rapid, and user‐friendly diagnostic tools in the detection of deltamethrin in human real samples.
Free‐Breathing Abdominal Magnetic Resonance Fingerprinting Using a Pilot Tone Navigator
Authors: Huang Sherry S. , Boyacioglu Rasim , Bolding Reid , MacAskill Christina , Chen Yong , Griswold Mark A.
Published: May 2021

Background

Quantitative T1 and T2 mapping in the abdomen provides valuable information in tissue characterization but is technically challenging due to respiratory motions. The proposed technique integrates magnetic resonance fingerprinting (MRF) and pilot tone (PT) navigator with retrospective gating to provide simultaneous quantification of multiple tissue properties in a single acquisition without breath‐holding or patient set‐up.

Purpose

To develop a free‐breathing abdominal MRF technique for quantitative mapping in the abdomen.

Study Type

Prospective.

Population

Twelve healthy volunteers.

Field Strength/Sequence

A 3 T, two‐dimensional (2D) and three‐dimensional (3D) spiral MRF sequence with fast imaging with steady‐state free precession (FISP) readout.

Assessment

The PT navigator was compared to standard respiratory belt performance. The T1 and T2 values acquired using 2D and 3D MRF with and without PT were obtained in a phantom and compared to reference values. Digital phantom simulation was performed to evaluate PT MRF reconstruction with varying breathing patterns. In the in vivo studies, T1 and T2 values derived from PT 2D MRF were compared to 2D breath‐hold MRF. T1 and T2 values derived from PT 3D MRF were compared to published values.

Statistical Tests

Principal component analysis (PCA), linear regression, relative error, Pearson correlation, paired Student's t‐test, Bland–Altman Analysis.

Results

The phantom study showed PT MRF T1 values had a mean difference of 0.2% ± 0.1%, and T2 values had a mean difference of 0.1% ± 0.4% when compared to no‐PT MRF values. The digital phantom experiment suggested the T1 and T2 maps at both end‐exhalation and end‐inhalation states resemble the corresponding ground‐truth maps.

Data conclusion

The phantom study showed good agreement between MRF T1 and T2 values and with reference values. In vivo studies demonstrated that 2D and 3D quantitative imaging in the abdomen could be achieved with integration of PT navigation with MRF reconstruction using retrospective gating of respiratory motion.

Evidence Level

1

Technical Efficacy

Stage 1
High‐involvement human resource practices and their impact on organizational ambidexterity: The mediating role of employees' ambidextrous behaviors
Authors: Al‐Agry Dina Farouk
Published: May 2021

Many studies have shown that HR practices have a positive impact on organizational ambidexterity; however, few have examined both employees' motivation for ambidexterity together with their ability to achieve it, and even fewer have concentrated on organizations in the nonprofit sector. Drawing on the ability‐motivation‐opportunity framework, this study examines employees' ambidextrous behaviors as mediator between high‐involvement HR practices and organizational ambidexterity. It addresses the lack of in‐depth insights by examining ambidexterity at both the individual and the firm level, and addresses the lack of focus on nonprofit organizations by undertaking the study in a leading nonprofit hospital in Egypt. Based on a sample of 130 healthcare personnel, the results show that a “bundle” of high‐involvement HR practices is positively related to organizational ambidexterity, and that employees' ambidextrous behaviors mediate the relationship between high‐involvement HR practices and organizational ambidexterity. The results also highlight the value of high‐involvement HR practices in encouraging employees' ambidextrous behavior through staffing, teamwork, and workgroup training, thus helping the organization to achieve ambidexterity.
Malaco temperature reconstructions and numerical simulation of environmental conditions in the southeastern Carpathian Basin during the Last Glacial Maximum
Authors: Ludwig Patrick , Gavrilov Milivoj B. , Radaković Milica G. , Marković Slobodan B.
Published: May 2021

We investigate the glacial climate conditions in the southeastern Carpathian Basin (Vojvodina, Serbia) based on the reconstruction of malacological palaeotemperatures and results from a high‐resolution regional climate simulation. Land snail assemblages from eight loess profiles are used to reconstruct July temperatures during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). The malacological reconstructed temperatures are in good agreement with the simulated LGM July temperatures by the Weather Research and Forecast model. Both methods indicate increasing temperatures from the northwestern towards the southeastern parts of the study area. LGM aridity indices calculated based on the regional climate model data suggest more arid conditions in the southeastern parts compared with more humid conditions in the northwestern parts. However, for present‐day conditions, the moisture gradient is reversed, exhibiting more humid (arid) conditions in the southeast (northwest). An explanation for the reversed LGM aridity pattern is provided by an analysis of the prevailing wind directions over the South Banat district (Serbia). The prevailing moist northwesterly winds during summer are not able to compensate for the annual lack of moisture induced by the dry winds from the southeast that are more frequent during the LGM for the other seasons.
Enigmatic Near‐Extirpation in a Boreal Toad Metapopulation in Northwestern Montana
Authors: McCaffery Rebecca , Russell Robin E. , Hossack Blake R.
Published: May 2021

North America's protected lands harbor biodiversity and provide habitats where species threatened by a variety of stressors in other environments can thrive. Yet disease, climate change, and other threats are not limited by land management boundaries and can interact with conditions within protected landscapes to affect sensitive populations. We examined the population dynamics of a boreal toad (Anaxyrus boreas boreas) metapopulation at a wildlife refuge in northwestern Montana, USA, over a 16‐year period (2003–2018). We used robust design capture‐recapture models to estimate male population size, recruitment, and apparent survival over time and in relation to the amphibian chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis). We estimated female population size in years with sufficient captures. Finally, we examined trends in male and female toad body size and condition. We found no evidence of an effect of disease or time on male toad survival but detected a strong negative trend in recruitment of new males to the population. Estimates of male and female abundance decreased over time. Body size of males and females was inversely related to estimated population size, consistent with reduced recruitment to replace adults, but body condition of adult males was only weakly associated with abundance. Together, these results describe the demography of a near‐extirpation event, and point to dramatic decreases in the recruitment of new individuals to the breeding population as the cause of this decline. We surmise that processes related to the restoration of historical hydrology within the refuge adversely affected amphibian breeding habitat, and that these changes interacted with disease, life history, and other factors to restrict the recruitment of new individuals to the breeding population over time. Our results point to challenges in understanding and predicting factors that influence population change and highlight that current metrics for assessing population status can have limited predictive ability. Published 2021. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Implication of the New AJCC pT Classification of SCC of the Lip Comparing With Other Oral Subsites
Authors: Toledo Loic Monginet , de Oliveira Adriana Santos , Pinheiro Renan Aguera , Leite Ana Kober Nogueira , de Mello Evandro Sobroza , Moyses Raquel Ajub , Kulcsar Marco Aurelio V. , Dedivitis Rogério Aparecido , Kowalski Luiz Paulo , Matos Leandro Luongo
Published: May 2021

Objective

To determine the implication of the new AJCC staging system for pT classification in a cohort of patients with SCC of the lip mucosa and compare it to other oral cavity sites.

Methods

Retrospective cohort of 744 patients treated between 2002 and 2017, by the Head and Neck Surgery Department of the University of Sao Paulo.

Results

Of 95 lip patients, 42 had pT upstage (58.1% of pT1 to pT2‐3 and 50% of pT2 to pT3). Similar DFS/OS observed for those pT1 maintained or upstaged to pT2‐3, pT2 patients upstaged to pT3 presented worse OS (49.4% versus 92.3%, P = .032). The comparison between lip and other mouth topographies, denoted better prognosis for pT1‐2, but not for pT3‐4a. Lip tumors had lower DOI, rates of perineural/angiolymphatic invasion, nodal metastasis, recurrence, and death.

Conclusion

The inclusion of DOI to the new pT classification better stratifies patients with SCC of the lip mucosa upstaged to pT3 by assessing inferior OS.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 131:E2770–E2776, 2021
Pharmaceuticals targeting signaling pathways of endometriosis as potential new medical treatment: A review
Authors: Hung Sze Wan , Zhang Ruizhe , Tan Zhouyurong , Chung Jacqueline Pui Wah , Zhang Tao , Wang Chi Chiu
Published: May 2021

Endometriosis (EM) is defined as endometrial tissues found outside the uterus. Growth and development of endometriotic cells in ectopic sites can be promoted via multiple pathways, including MAPK/MEK/ERK, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, NF‐κB, Rho/ROCK, reactive oxidative stress, tumor necrosis factor, transforming growth factor‐β, Wnt/β‐catenin, vascular endothelial growth factor, estrogen, and cytokines. The underlying pathophysiological mechanisms include proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, migration, invasion, fibrosis, angiogenesis, oxidative stress, inflammation, and immune escape. Current medical treatments for EM are mainly hormonal and symptomatic, and thus the development of new, effective, and safe pharmaceuticals targeting specific molecular and signaling pathways is needed. Here, we systematically reviewed the literature focused on pharmaceuticals that specifically target the molecular and signaling pathways involved in the pathophysiology of EM. Potential drug targets, their upstream and downstream molecules with key aberrant signaling, and the regulatory mechanisms promoting the growth and development of endometriotic cells and tissues were discussed. Hormonal pharmaceuticals, including melatonin, exerts proapoptotic via regulating matrix metallopeptidase activity while nonhormonal pharmaceutical sorafenib exerts antiproliferative effect via MAPK/ERK pathway and antiangiogenesis activity via VEGF/VEGFR pathway. N‐acetyl cysteine, curcumin, and ginsenoside exert antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory effects via radical scavenging activity. Natural products have high efficacy with minimal side effects; for example, resveratrol and epigallocatechin gallate have multiple targets and provide synergistic efficacy to resolve the complexity of the pathophysiology of EM, showing promising efficacy in treating EM. Although new medical treatments are currently being developed, more detailed pharmacological studies and large sample size clinical trials are needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of these treatments in the near future.
Overwintering Distribution and Postspawn Survival of Steelhead in the Upper Columbia River Basin
Authors: Fuchs Nathaniel T. , Caudill Christopher C. , Murdoch Andrew R. , Truscott Benjamin L.
Published: May 2021

Adult summer-run steelhead Oncorhynchus mykiss overwinter in freshwater for several months prior to spawning. In systems supporting mixed populations of fisheries and conservation importance, understanding the distribution and survival of pre- and postspawn fish is necessary for informed management. The upper Columbia River supports hatchery-origin components valued by anglers, natural-origin components of conservation concern, and temporary strays from downstream populations. We used radiotelemetry and PIT telemetry to monitor the behavior, distribution, and survival of adult steelhead during fall, overwintering, spawning, and postspawn periods, with a focus on use of the main stem versus four major tributaries. Adult steelhead (N = 807) were tagged at Priest Rapids Dam in 2015 and 2016. One-fifth of steelhead fell back below Priest Rapids Dam and did not reascend. A slight majority of tagged steelhead that overwintered upstream of Priest Rapids Dam did so in main-stem reservoirs (54%; N = 548). Overwintering in the main-stem Columbia River was more likely for later-arriving steelhead and was concentrated in the upstream-most reservoir. Winter tributary use was highest in the Wenatchee (26%; 2016) and Methow (18%; 2015) rivers, whereas no steelhead overwintered in the Entiat River. Harvest of hatchery-origin steelhead was 18% in 2015 and was near zero in 2016, when the fishery was suspended due to low adult returns. After accounting for reported harvest, annual overwinter survival did not differ between main-stem and tributary habitats, and relatively low adjusted survival of hatchery-origin steelhead in 2015 suggested unreported harvest. In contrast to low iteroparity rates (<3%), the majority of postspawn steelhead (56.5%) exited tributaries as kelts; kelt survival to Bonneville Dam was 65% in 2016 and 23% in 2017. Collectively, the results highlight the importance of understanding patterns of habitat use and mortality in steelhead populations when managers are faced with balancing harvest and conservation goals.
Fast and accurate modeling of transient‐state, gradient‐spoiled sequences by recurrent neural networks
Authors: Liu Hongyan , van der Heide Oscar , van den Berg Cornelis A. T. , Sbrizzi Alessandro
Published: May 2021

Fast and accurate modeling of MR signal responses are typically required for various quantitative MRI applications, such as MR fingerprinting. This work uses a new extended phase graph (EPG)‐Bloch model for accurate simulation of transient‐state, gradient‐spoiled MR sequences, and proposes a recurrent neural network (RNN) as a fast surrogate of the EPG‐Bloch model for computing large‐scale MR signals and derivatives. The computational efficiency of the RNN model is demonstrated by comparisons with other existing models, showing one to three orders of acceleration compared with the latest GPU‐accelerated, open‐source EPG package. By using numerical and in vivo brain data, two used cases, namely, MRF dictionary generation and optimal experimental design, are also provided. Results show that the RNN surrogate model can be efficiently used for computing large‐scale dictionaries of transient‐state signals and derivatives within tens of seconds, resulting in several orders of magnitude acceleration with respect to state‐of‐the‐art implementations. The practical application of transient‐state quantitative techniques can therefore be substantially facilitated.
Four‐Year Behavioral, Health‐Related Quality of Life, and BMI Outcomes from a Cluster Randomized Whole of Systems Trial of Prevention Strategies for Childhood Obesity
Authors: Allender Steven , Orellana Liliana , Crooks Nic , Bolton Kristy A. , Fraser Penny , Brown Andrew Dwight , Le Ha , Lowe Janette , de la Haye Kayla , Millar Lynne , Moodie Marjorie , Swinburn Boyd , Bell Colin , Strugnell Claudia
Published: May 2021

Objective

This study aimed to test the effectiveness of the Whole of Systems Trial of Prevention Strategies for Childhood Obesity (WHO STOPS Childhood Obesity) for behavioral, health‐related quality of life (HRQoL), and BMI outcomes.

Methods

This was a cluster randomized trial of 10 communities randomly allocated (1:1) to start intervention in 2015 (step 1) or in 2019 (after 4 years) in South West Victoria, Australia. Data were collected from participating primary schools in April to June of 2015 (73% school participation rate), 2017 (69%), and 2019 (63%). Student participation rates were 80% in 2015 (1,792/2,516 invited), 81% in 2017 (2,411/2,963), and 79% in 2019 (2,177/2,720). Repeat cross‐sectional analyses of measured height and weight (grades two, four, and six [aged approximately 7 to 12 years]), self‐reported behavior, and HRQoL (grades four and six) were conducted.

Results

There was an intervention by time interaction in BMI z scores (P = 0.031) and obesity/overweight prevalence (P = 0.006). BMI z score and overweight/obesity prevalence decreased between 2015 and 2017 and increased between 2017 and 2019 in intervention communities. The intervention significantly reduced takeaway food consumption (P = 0.034) and improved physical (P = 0.019), psychosocial (P = 0.026), and global (P = 0.012) HRQoL. Water consumption increased among girls (P = 0.033) in the intervention communities, as did energy‐dense, nutrient‐poor snack consumption among boys (P = 0.006).

Conclusions

WHO STOPS had a positive impact on takeaway food intake and HRQoL.
Statin (mis)use in older people: A cross‐sectional study using French health insurance databases
Authors: Borne Emilie , Meyer Nicolas , Blanchard Odile , Lombard Martial , Vogel Thomas , Lang Pierre‐Olivier , Michel Bruno
Published: May 2021

Purpose

To describe the occurrence of potential statin misuse, its characteristics and associated factors in older people.

Methods

A retrospective cross‐sectional study was conducted in Alsace and Lorraine (France) using French health insurance databases. Study population comprised community‐dwelling patients and nursing homes residents aged 80 and over, who received at least one statin prescription between January 1, 2017 to April 30, 2017 (N = 38 268). Potential statin misuse was identified considering off‐label uses, high‐intensity doses, drug contraindications and statin‐drug interactions.

Results

At least one potential statin misuse was detected for 19 468 patients (50.9%). Off‐label prescription was the most frequent misuse observed (53.6%), followed by high‐intensity statin dose (30.5%). Polypharmacy (five to nine drugs) and excessive polypharmacy (10 or more drugs) were the main risk factors associated with potential statin misuse (adjusted OR = 2.6 and 4.7 respectively). Nursing home, multi‐morbidity and the presence of multiple prescriptions from different doctors for the same patient were other risk factors significantly associated. Two sensitivity analyzes (reconsiderations of off‐label and high statin dose definitions) revealed the same statistical trend.

Conclusion

Potential statin misuse is frequent in people aged 80 and over. These findings should serve as a warning to health care professionals and hopefully will contribute to ensure an appropriate and safe use of statin in aged population.
Machine Learning in Magnetic Materials
Authors: Katsikas Georgios , Sarafidis Charalampos , Kioseoglou Joseph
Published: May 2021

The technological advancements of every era of human civilization owe themselves to the materials available at the time. Despite the substantial interest in the discovery of novel materials, materials research remains a very delicate and time‐exhaustive procedure. Over the last 30 years, ab initio computational methods based on density functional theory (DFT) have allowed researchers to explore materials with ease and expect above‐experiment measurement precision. However, DFT‐based detailed investigation of novel materials is generally computationally intensive and greatly time‐consuming. This review presents machine learning methods applied to DFT simulation data to uncover connections between material structure, chemical composition, and magnetization, a target property chosen for its great industrial demand. Models are developed that can partially circumvent the need for simulation, guiding researchers in the design of magnetic materials. Specifically, the Materials Project database is examined and it is concluded that Eu, Gd, Pu, Fe, Np, Mn, U, Cr, Co, and Ce are amongst the most common elements found in magnetic materials, and that materials of the same composition may have different magnetization depending on their space group. A neural network capable of predicting magnetization with a standard error of 8.3 × 10−3
μ
B Å−3 is created.
To appeal and amend: Changes to recently updated Flood Insurance Rate Maps
Authors: Lea Devin , Pralle Sarah
Published: May 2021

Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) are produced for the National Flood Insurance Program to depict and manage flood hazard in the United States. While past research has portrayed FIRMs as static maps, property residents and community representatives can propose changes to flood zones on FIRMs. These changes add and remove buildings from flood zones on FIRMs, which raises an important question: are there discernable trends or patterns in these alterations to FIRMs? We use Geographic Information Systems FIRM layers and building footprints to quantify the number of buildings moved in and out of the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) for recently updated FIRMs. Our analysis of building additions and removals from SFHAs at county and census tract scales shows there has been a net change of over 20,000 buildings removed from these SFHAs between preliminary and present FIRM iterations. We also find that SFHAs are more frequently altered in places where median home values are higher, buildings are newer, and percentage of white populations are higher. These findings suggest changes to flood zones on FIRMs occur more often where people have greater socioeconomic means, raising questions of equity for future FIRM appeals and revisions.
Improving the efficiency and accuracy of evaluating aridland riparian habitat restoration using unmanned aerial vehicles
Authors: Gómez‐Sapiens Martha , Schlatter Karen J. , Meléndez Ángela , Hernández‐López Deus , Salazar Helen , Kendy Eloise , Flessa Karl W.
Published: May 2021

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) offer new opportunities for accurate, repeatable vegetation assessments, which are needed to adaptively manage restored habitat. We used UAVs, ground surveys, and satellite imagery to evaluate vegetation metrics for three riparian restoration sites along the Colorado River in Mexico and we compared the data accuracy and efficiency (cost and time requirements) between the three methods. We used an off‐the‐shelf UAV coupled with a multispectral sensor to determine Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and vegetation cover. We were unable to accurately classify vegetation by individual species, but by grouping riparian species of interest (cottonwood‐willow, mesquite, shrubs), we achieved high overall model accuracies of 87–96% across sites (Kappa = 0.82–0.95). Producer’s and user’s accuracies were moderate to high for target vegetation classes (69–100%). UAV and ground‐survey vegetation percent cover differed due to differences in methodologies (UAVs measure aerial cover; ground surveys measure foliar cover) and sources of error for each method. Correlations between UAV and ground survey vegetation cover were moderate (rs(90) = 0.24–0.58, p < 0.05). UAV NDVI (0.50–0.61) was significantly higher than Landsat NDVI (0.40–0.45) for all sites (p < 0.0001), likely due to presence of shadows with high NDVI values in UAV imagery. UAV NDVI, Landsat NDVI and UAV total vegetation cover were strongly correlated (rs(90) = 0.72–0.85, p < 0.05). UAV surveys were more labor‐ and cost‐ intensive than ground surveys in the first year, but were slightly less so in the second year. We conclude that UAVs can provide efficient, accurate assessments of riparian vegetation, which can be used in restoration site management. Due to UAV limitations to assess vegetation in a multi‐layered canopy and inability to classify individual riparian species with similar spectral signals, we recommend a combined approach of UAV and ground surveys.
The great stagnation and environmental sustainability: A multidimensional perspective
Authors: Cantone Bernardo , Antonarakis Alexander S. , Antoniades Andreas
Published: May 2021

Since the 2008/09 Great Financial Crisis, we have witnessed a prolonged period of persistent global economic slowdown termed the “Great Stagnation”. This study examines how this “new normal” is associated with critical environmental dynamics (i.e., biodiversity, water, forest, agriculture, emissions) in areas and groups with different socio‐environmental characteristics (i.e., income groups, continents, forest cover, biome, environmental performance index). Mixed results are shown. For instance, we find a deterioration in terrestrial and marine biodiversity, especially in middle‐ and high‐income countries in Africa and Europe. This includes a reduction in the global fish stock, driven by countries in Africa. In contrast, the Great Stagnation is associated with reductions in PM2.5 (lower‐ and upper mid‐income countries), CH4 emissions (upper mid‐income countries and Europe), forest loss (upper mid‐income countries and Asia), and increases in species habitat index (across most groupings). Our evidence indicates that periods of economic slowdown, such as the great stagnation, on their own cannot ensure a transition to a sustainable socio‐environmental system and may be associated with significant negative environmental effects. Managing our transition to sustainability will require concerted policy efforts across multiple environmental domains, not only on carbon emissions, and during periods of both strong and weak economic growth rates.
Nasal hyperkeratosis in Griffon breeds: Clinical, histopathological features and the prevalence in the Swedish population compared to a control group and other brachycephalic breeds
Authors: Cikota Robert , Åberg Liselotte , Karlstam Erika , Shokrai Arman , Åhman Susanne
Published: May 2021

Background

In the Griffon breeds (GB) nasal hyperkeratosis is common and develops already in early adulthood. Breed‐related features and prevalence have not previously been documented.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To describe clinical and histopathological features of nasal hyperkeratosis in GB and to document the prevalence.

Materials and methods

Seven GB dogs with nasal hyperkeratosis were examined. Three histopathological samples were analysed. Owners of 107 GB and 493 control dogs completed a questionnaire distributed via social media.

Results

Typical features of nasal hyperkeratosis in GB included varying degrees of dry, firm, excessive proliferation of keratin, affecting the dorsal or dorsolateral aspect of the planum nasale. Histopathology was characterized by severe, lamellar orthokeratotic and focal parakeratotic hyperkeratosis and multiple small serum lakes. Thirty‐four of 107 GB dogs (31.8%) and 65 of 493 (13.2%) control dogs had varying degree of nasal hyperkeratosis. No sex predisposition was noted. Median age of onset was 3 years for GB, similar to brachycephalic control dogs whereas non‐brachycephalic control dogs had a significantly later age of onset (p = 0.0053).

Conclusions and clinical importance

Idiopathic nasal hyperkeratosis is very common in GB dogs and other brachycephalic breeds with nearly one third being affected, often already a young age.
Drivers of canine distemper virus exposure in dogs at a wildlife interface in Janos, Mexico
Authors: Almuna Rocío , López‐Pérez Andrés M. , Sarmiento Rosa E. , Suzán Gerardo
Published: May 2021

Background

Human population expansion has increased the contact between domestic animals and wildlife, thereby increasing the transmission of infectious diseases including canine distemper virus (CDV). Here, we investigated the risk factors associated with CDV exposure in domestic and wild carnivores from the Janos Biosphere Reserve (JBR), Mexico.

Methods

A cross‐sectional household questionnaire study was performed in four rural towns to investigate the risk factors associated with the presence of CDV in domestic and wild carnivores from the JBR, Mexico. In addition, we tested serum samples from 70 dogs and three wild carnivores, including one bobcat (Lynx rufus), one striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis)and one gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) for CDV antibodies using immunochromatographic and viral neutralization assays.

Results

Overall, 62% of domestic dogs were seropositive for CDV, and the presence of antibodies was significantly higher in free‐roaming owned dogs than dogs with restricted movement. Among the wild carnivores, only the bobcat was seropositive. The rate of vaccination against CDV in dogs was low (7%), and there was a high rate of direct interactions between domestic dogs and wild carnivores.

Conclusion

Our serological assays show that CDV is circulating in both domestic dogs and wild carnivores, suggesting cross‐species transmission. Our finding of low vaccination rates, high number of unrestrained owned dogs and direct interactions between wildlife and domestic animals reported in the region may be perpetuating the high prevalence of the virus and increasing the risk of CDV transmission between wild and domestic carnivores. Therefore, long‐term longitudinal studies are recommended in order to monitor infectious diseases at the domestic‐wildlife interface in this highly biodiverse region.
Detailed Method for Performing the ExSTA Approach in Quantitative Bottom-Up Plasma Proteomics
Authors: Percy Andrew J. , Borchers Christoph H.
Published: May 2021

The use of stable isotope-labeled standards (SIS) is an analytically valid means of quantifying proteins in biological samples. The nature of the labeled standards and their point of insertion in a bottom-up proteomic workflow can vary, with quantification methods utilizing curves in analytically sound practices. A promising quantification strategy for low sample amounts is external standard addition (ExSTA). In ExSTA, multipoint calibration curves are generated in buffer using serially diluted natural (NAT) peptides and a fixed concentration of SIS peptides. Equal concentrations of SIS peptides are spiked into experimental sample digests, with all digests (control and experimental) subjected to solid-phase extraction prior to liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis. Endogenous peptide concentrations are then determined using the regression equation of the standard curves. Given the benefits of ExSTA in large-scale analysis, a detailed protocol is provided herein for quantifying a multiplexed panel of 125 high-to-moderate abundance proteins in undepleted and non-enriched human plasma samples. The procedural details and recommendations for successfully executing all phases of this quantification approach are described. As the proteins have been putatively correlated with various noncommunicable diseases, quantifying these by ExSTA in large-scale studies should help rapidly and precisely assess their true biomarker efficacy.
Quantitative Cross-Linking of Proteins and Protein Complexes
Authors: Barth Marie , Schmidt Carla
Published: May 2021

Cross-linking, in general, involves the covalent linkage of two amino acid residues of proteins or protein complexes in close proximity. Mass spectrometry and computational analysis are then applied to identify the formed linkage and deduce structural information such as distance restraints. Quantitative cross-linking coupled with mass spectrometry is well suited to study protein dynamics and conformations of protein complexes. The quantitative cross-linking workflow described here is based on the application of isotope labelled cross-linkers. Proteins or protein complexes present in different structural states are differentially cross-linked using a “light” and a “heavy” cross-linker. The intensity ratios of cross-links (i.e., light/heavy or heavy/light) indicate structural changes or interactions that are maintained in the different states. These structural insights lead to a better understanding of the function of the proteins or protein complexes investigated. The described workflow is applicable to a wide range of research questions including, for instance, protein dynamics or structural changes upon ligand binding.
Synthesis of Fluorescently Labeled Antibodies Using Non-Canonical Amino Acids in Eukaryotic Cell-Free Systems
Authors: Stech Marlitt , Rakotoarinoro Nathanaël , Teichmann Tamara , Zemella Anne , Thoring Lena , Kubick Stefan
Published: May 2021

Cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) enables the development of antibody conjugates, such as fluorophore conjugates and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), in a rapid and straightforward manner. In the first part, we describe the cell-free synthesis of antibodies containing fluorescent non-canonical amino acids (ncaa) by using pre-charged tRNA. In the second part, we describe the cell-free synthesis of antibodies containing ncaa by using an orthogonal system, followed by the site-specific conjugation of the fluorescent dye DyLight 650-phosphine. The expression of the antibodies containing ncaa was analyzed by SDS-PAGE, followed by autoradiography and the labeling by in-gel fluorescence. Two different fluorescently labeled antibodies could be generated.