bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complementary representations of time in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus
Authors: Ning Wing , Bladon John H. , Hasselmo Michael E.
Published: July 2022

Episodic memory binds the spatial and temporal relationships between the elements of experience. The hippocampus encodes space through place cells that fire at specific spatial locations. Similarly, time cells fire sequentially at specific time points within a temporally organized experience. Recent studies in rodents, monkeys, and humans have identified time cells with discrete firing fields and cells with monotonically changing activity in supporting the temporal organization of events across multiple timescales. Using in vivo electrophysiological tetrode recordings, we simultaneously recorded neurons from the prefrontal cortex and dorsal CA1 of the hippocampus while rats performed a delayed match to sample task. During the treadmill mnemonic delay, hippocampal time cells exhibited sparser firing fields with decreasing resolution over time, consistent with previous results. In comparison, temporally modulated cells in the prefrontal cortex showed more monotonically changing firing rates, ramping up or decaying with the passage of time, and exhibited greater temporal precision for Bayesian decoding of time at long time lags. These time cells show exquisite temporal resolution both in their firing fields and in the fine timing of spikes relative to the phase of theta oscillations. Here, we report evidence of theta phase precession in both the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus during the temporal delay, however, hippocampal cells exhibited steeper phase precession slopes and more punctate time fields. To disentangle whether time cell activity reflects elapsed time or distance traveled, we varied the treadmill running speed on each trial. While many neurons contained multiplexed representations of time and distance, both regions were more strongly influenced by time than distance. Overall, these results demonstrate the flexible integration of spatiotemporal dimensions and reveal complementary representations of time in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus in supporting memory‐guided behavior.
Crystallography without Crystals: A Structural Study of Fakein
Authors: Gavezzotti Angelo
Published: July 2022

Software from the MiCMoS Molecular Simulation platform (sites.unimi.it/xtal_chem_group/) and from the CryGen set of programs (www.angelogavezzotti.it) is used to prepare a molecular structure from a line formula for a non‐existent molecule, dubbed ‘fakein’. Possible crystal structures are generated in chiral space groups P21 and P212121, and for racemate in space groups P1− and P21/c. Lattice energies and crystal densities are in line with experimental values for organic molecules. Chiral crystals are less stable, and may not easily form hydrogen bonds, while bulk crystal stabilization is provided mostly by polarization‐dispersion. Hydrogen bonding and crystal packing are discussed in terms of molecular pairing modes. Links to possible experiments and to absolute crystal structure prediction are outlined, but the main aim here is to demonstrate that relevant solid‐state information can be derived if that goal is not achieved, actually even if the real substance is not available.
A comparative analysis of multiple fractional solutions of generalized Couette flow of couple stress fluid in a channel
Authors: Arif Muhammad , Kumam Poom , Kumam Wiyada , Riaz Muhammad Bilal , Khan Dolat
Published: July 2022

This study provides the exact solutions of couple stress fluid (CSF) in a channel. The CSF is bounded by two plates in which the lower plate is moving with constant velocity Uo and the upper plate is fixed. The influence of the external pressure gradient is considered on the CSF fluid. To transform the classical CSF model, we have introduced three approaches to fractional derivatives, (a) Caputo (b) Caputo–Fabrizio (CF), and (c) Atangana–Baleanu (AB) fractional definitions.  Exact solutions have been obtained using the Laplace and finite Fourier sine transforms jointly. Furthermore, the effect of different fractional derivatives is compared, and the results are shown in graphs. Moreover, parameters that affect the CSF motion are discussed in the graphs using the computational software MATHCAD. The most important outcome of the given study is the comparison of Caputo, CF, and AB fractional models with the classical CSF model. From the comparison, it can be noticed that AB fractional model discusses the dynamics of the CSF with a good memory effect as compared to Caputo and CF fractional operators. The CSF model can be reduced to Newtonian fluid as a limiting case and also investigated solutions in the absence of external pressure. Finally, Skin friction is evaluated for lower and upper plates, and the obtained results presented in tabular form.
Metabolomic analyses redefine the biological classification of pancreatic cancer and correlate with clinical outcomes
Authors: Guo Pengfei , Teng Tianhong , Liu Wuping , Fang Yanying , Wei Binbin , Feng Jianghua , Huang Heguang
Published: July 2022

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterized by high heterogeneity, and the postoperative prognosis of different patients often varies greatly. Therefore, the classification of pancreatic cancer patients and precise treatment becomes particularly important. In our study, 1H NMR spectroscopy was used to analyze the 76 PDAC serum samples and identify the potential metabolic subtypes. The metabolic characteristics of each metabolic subtype were screened out and the relationship between metabolic subtype and the long‐term prognosis was further identified. The clinical stages of PDAC did not show the metabolic differences at the serum metabolomic level. And three metabolic subtypes, basic, choline‐like and amino acid‐enriched types, were defined by the hierarchical cluster analysis of the serum metabolites and the disturbed metabolic pathways. The characteristic metabolites of each PDAC subtype were identified, and the metabolite model was established to distinguish the PDAC patients in the different subtypes. Among the three metabolic subtypes, choline‐like type displayed better long‐term prognosis compared to the other two types of patients. Metabolic subtypes are of clinical importance and are closer to expressing the heterogeneity in the actual life activities of pancreatic cancer than molecular typing. The excavation of metabolic subtypes based on this will be more in line with clinical reality and more promising to guide clinical precision individualization treatment.
Diet‐wide association study of 92 foods and nutrients and lung cancer risk in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition study and the Netherlands Cohort Study
Authors: Heath Alicia K. , Muller David C. , van den Brandt Piet A. , Critselis Elena , Gunter Marc , Vineis Paolo , Weiderpass Elisabete , Boeing Heiner , Ferrari Pietro , Merritt Melissa A. , Rostgaard‐Hansen Agnetha L. , Tjønneland Anne , Overvad Kim , Katzke Verena , Srour Bernard , Masala Giovanna , Sacerdote Carlotta , Ricceri Fulvio , Pasanisi Fabrizio , Bueno‐de‐Mesquita Bas , Downward George S. , Skeie Guri , Sandanger Torkjel M. , Crous‐Bou Marta , Rodríguez‐Barranco Miguel , Amiano Pilar , Huerta José María , Ardanaz Eva , Drake Isabel , Johansson Mikael , Johansson Ingegerd , Key Tim , Papadimitriou Nikos , Riboli Elio , Tzoulaki Ioanna , Tsilidis Konstantinos K.
Published: July 2022

It is unclear whether diet, and in particular certain foods or nutrients, are associated with lung cancer risk. We assessed associations of 92 dietary factors with lung cancer risk in 327 790 participants in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC). Cox regression yielded adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) per SD higher intake/day of each food/nutrient. Correction for multiple comparisons was performed using the false discovery rate and identified associations were evaluated in the Netherlands Cohort Study (NLCS). In EPIC, 2420 incident lung cancer cases were identified during a median of 15 years of follow‐up. Higher intakes of fibre (HR per 1 SD higher intake/day = 0.91, 95% CI 0.87‐0.96), fruit (HR = 0.91, 95% CI 0.86‐0.96) and vitamin C (HR = 0.91, 95% CI 0.86‐0.96) were associated with a lower risk of lung cancer, whereas offal (HR = 1.08, 95% CI 1.03‐1.14), retinol (HR = 1.06, 95% CI 1.03‐1.10) and beer/cider (HR = 1.04, 95% CI 1.02‐1.07) intakes were positively associated with lung cancer risk. Associations did not differ by sex and there was less evidence for associations among never smokers. None of the six associations with overall lung cancer risk identified in EPIC were replicated in the NLCS (2861 cases), however in analyses of histological subtypes, inverse associations of fruit and vitamin C with squamous cell carcinoma were replicated in the NLCS. Overall, there is little evidence that intakes of specific foods and nutrients play a major role in primary lung cancer risk, but fruit and vitamin C intakes seem to be inversely associated with squamous cell lung cancer.
Export creation of the Belt and Road Initiative: “Give‐them‐a‐fish” or “Teach‐them‐to‐fish”?
Authors: Chen Yu , Zhang Yan , Zhao Lin
Published: July 2022

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) initiated by China in 2013 is a new experiment in regional cooperation, which aims to improve infrastructure connectivity through investment. This paper investigates whether the BRI created exports for its member states (excluding China), based on a difference‐in‐differences model. We find a significant causal relationship between the signing of the initiative and the export growth of its member states. In addition to the large export creation between the BRI countries and China (considered as “give‐them‐a‐fish”), export creation also originated from the BRI countries excluding China (“teach‐them‐to‐fish”). Both the intensive and extensive margins are significantly important, indicating that export creation has not just come from expansion of the volume of existing products, but also from new products and new markets. The BRI achieved the goal of mutual benefit mainly through enlisting investment in both publicly funded infrastructure sectors and private sectors. Moreover, the initiative has enhanced the position and participation of its member states in the global value chain.
An initial examination of the associations between appearance‐related safety behaviors, socioemotional, and body dysmorphia symptoms during adolescence
Authors: Bilsky Sarah A. , Olson Emily K. , Luber Maxwell J. , Petell Jennifer A. , Friedman Hannah P.
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Adolescence is characterized by the onset of a relatively specific set of socioemotional disorders (i.e., depression, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and eating disorders) as well as body dysmorphia symptoms. Appearance‐related concerns are a central feature of these disorders. Emerging evidence in adults suggests that appearance‐related safety behaviors may play an instrumental role in the onset and maintenance of a number of disorders. To date, no work has examined appearance‐related safety behaviors during adolescence. The present study examined the extent to which appearance‐related safety behaviors may be associated with socioemotional and body dysmorphia symptoms during adolescence.

Methods

Adolescents between the ages of 13 and 17 years old (N = 387, Mage = 14.82 years, 31.3% identified as male, 47.0% identified as female, and 19.1% identified as nonbinary/third gender, 2.6% declined to report gender identity) completed measures assessing negative affect, anxiety‐relevant safety behavior use, cognitive reappraisal, expressive suppression, appearance‐related safety behaviors, body dysmorphia symptoms, and socioemotional symptoms. Structural Equation Modeling was used to test hypotheses.

Results

The results of this study suggest that appearance‐related safety behaviors evidenced associations with latent factors corresponding to affective (i.e., depression, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety), eating disorders, and body dysmorphia symptoms after controlling for previously established vulnerability factors.

Conclusions

These findings demonstrate that appearance‐related safety behaviors may evidence transdiagnostic associations with socioemotional symptoms and body dysmorphia symptoms during adolescence.
Cytotoxicity of lycopene‐mediated silver nanoparticles in the embryonic development of zebrafish—An animal study
Authors: Garapati Bhavana , Malaiappan Sankari , Rajeshkumar S. , Murthykumar Karthikeyan
Published: July 2022

Nano‐silver (AgNP) has biological properties which are significant for consumer products, food technology, and medical applications (e.g., wound care products, implantable medical devices, in diagnosis, drug delivery, and imaging). Thus, the use of nano‐silver is becoming more and more widespread in medicine. However, the effect of these AgNPs on zebrafish remains unclear. Whereas, lycopene, a fat‐soluble carotenoid acts as a potent antioxidant has proved its major role in treating many oral health problems such as lichen planus, and periodontitis. Usage of these lycopene AgNPs would yield better results in wound healing. In this study, we investigated the cytotoxic effects of AgNPs on fibroblasts cells of humans. To investigate the toxic effects of the lycopene‐mediated AgNPs on the zebrafish (Danio rerio) and to examine these effects on the embryonic development of the fetus of this species. In this study, zebrafish embryos were treated with AgNPs 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 L nanoparticles/ml for 24 to 96 h post fertilization. Our results showed that with the increasing concentration of nanoparticles, there was a very mild toxic effect. Less toxic effects were observed with 1μl. Our results show that exposure to silver nanoparticles is less toxic to embryonic zebrafish at lower concentrations. The results will contribute to the current understanding of the potential biotoxic effects of nanoparticles and will aid in the safety assessment and synthesis of silver oxide nanoparticles.
An overview on microglial origin, distribution, and phenotype in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Islam Rezwanul , Choudhary Hadi , Rajan Robin , Vrionis Frank , Hanafy Khalid A.
Published: July 2022

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease that is responsible for about one‐third of dementia cases worldwide. It is believed that AD is initiated with the deposition of Ab plaques in the brain. Genetic studies have shown that a high number of AD risk genes are expressed by microglia, the resident macrophages of brain. Common mode of action by microglia cells is neuroinflammation and phagocytosis. Moreover, it has been discovered that inflammatory marker levels are increased in AD patients. Recent studies advocate that neuroinflammation plays a major role in AD progression. Microglia have different activation profiles depending on the region of brain and stimuli. In different activation, profile microglia can generate either pro‐inflammatory or anti‐inflammatory responses. Microglia defend brain cells from pathogens and respond to injuries; also, microglia can lead to neuronal death along the way. In this review, we will bring the different roles played by microglia and microglia‐related genes in the progression of AD.
Shifting paradigm of urban sustainability: Major sustainable city development trends in the East Asian context
Authors: Zou Xiaolong , Zhao Ruixi
Published: July 2022

Over the past one and a half centuries, urbanization has coincided with industrialization and globalization. The business as usual mode of urban development has proven unsustainable, and the consensus of developing new paradigms toward more sustainable trajectories has been reached. This paper reviews and identifies the most prominent forms of sustainable urban development, encompassing theories of urban frameworks, major definitions and concepts and historical developments in the East Asian context. Three major trends are assessed, including garden cities (and eco‐cities), low‐carbon cities and smart cities, which identify each main phase of sustainable urbanization in the East Asian context.
Development and characterization of an inducible assay system to measure Zika virus capsid interactions
Authors: Yu Jieshi , Huang Chen , Wang Zhao , Kaushik Radhey S. , Sheng Zizhang , Li Feng , Wang Dan
Published: July 2022

The global spread of the mosquito‐borne Zika virus (ZIKV) infection and its complications including Guillain‐Barré syndrome and fetus microcephaly in 2015 have made ZIKV as a significant public health threat. The capsid protein plays crucial roles in ZIKV replication and thus represents an attractive therapeutic target. However, inhibitors of ZIKV capsid assembly have not been rigorously identified due to the lack of a target‐based screening system. In this study, we developed a novel ZIKV capsid interaction method based on a split‐luciferase complementation assay, which can be used to measure and quantify ZIKV capsid–capsid (C–C) interaction by the restored luciferase signal when capsid proteins interact with each other. Furthermore, a Tet‐on inducible stable cell line was generated to screen inhibitors of capsid dimerization. By using of this system, peptides (Pep.15‐24 in the N‐terminal region of ZIKV capsid protein and Pep.44‐58 in the α2 helix of ZIKV capsid protein) were identified to inhibit ZIKV C–C interaction. Overall, this study developed a novel inducible assay system to measure ZIKV capsid interaction and identify ZIKV capsid multimerization inhibitors, which will be applied for future discovery of ZIKV assembly inhibitors.
Determine the vertical ground reaction forces and knee mechanics with different gait inclinations in the sheep model
Authors: Spatholt Rebecca J. , Minoughan Chelsea E. , Gooch Cynthia , Harms Samuel P. , Taylor Michal L. , Galloway Marc T. , Shearn Jason T.
Published: July 2022

Our current understanding of knee mechanics and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) function is predominately based on data recorded during simulations of clinical examinations or the application of nonphysiologic loads and motions. These methodologies provide little information on knee and ACL mechanics during activities of daily living (ADLs). Additionally, researchers have not directly measured knee kinetics, knee contact pressures, and ACL forces, and it is unknown how these parameters change with different activities. This study quantified the effects of activity level on vertical ground reaction forces, knee kinematics, and joint and ligament forces during in vivo motions. Five female Suffolk sheep were walked twice weekly on a treadmill during level (0°), inclined (+6°), and declined (−6°) gait for 12 weeks. Electromagnetic (EM) trackers were surgically implanted onto the left distal femur and the left proximal tibia, and in vivo motions were recorded for all activities. Following sacrifice, the in vivo motions were applied to their respective knees using a serial robot with a multi‐axis load cell. In vitro simulations were repeated to measure (a) total knee forces, (b) contact pressure maps, and (c) ACL‐only forces. Declining the gait surface led to increased posterior translation during the swing phase and decreased flexion at hoof‐strike, decreased medial contact pressure at push‐off, decreased ACL force at hoof‐strike and increased ACL force at push‐off. This study established a system that can be used to examine knee mechanics and ACL forces during ADLs for different knee states to define design requirements for ACL reconstruction techniques.
Advances in tissues and cells characterization by Raman micro‐spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, and tip‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Batista André M. , Foiani Letícia , Champeau Mathilde , Martinho Herculano
Published: July 2022

The comprehension of some diseases at the cellular and tissue scale is fundamental for the development of effective treatments for such conditions, and in this regard, Raman micro‐spectoscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and tip‐enhanced Raman scattering (TERS) are techniques that have featured prominently in the characterization of biological materials like cells and tissues, since they allow the acquisition of detailed physical, chemical, biophysical, and physiological properties of the surface of these kind of samples such as elasticity, viscoelasticity, wettability, topography, molecular composition, and others. Due to this, this literature review has as its primary scope the presentation of some of the recent advances and new analysis methodologies using Raman, AFM, and TERS, pointing out what they can offer toward the investigation of the behavior of cells and biological tissues. Limits of usage, drawbacks, and future perspectives are presented and discussed.
Abnormalities of the Width of the Four‐Chamber View and the Area, Length, and Width of the Ventricles to Identify Fetuses at High‐Risk for D‐Transposition of the Great Arteries and Tetralogy of Fallot
Authors: DeVore Greggory R. , Cuneo Bettina , Sklansky Mark , Satou Gary
Published: July 2022

Objectives

The prenatal detection of D‐Transposition of the great arteries (D‐TGA) and tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) has been reported to be less than 50% to as high as 77% when adding the outflow tracts to the four‐chamber screening protocol. Because many examiners still struggle with the outflow tract examination, this study evaluated whether changes in the size and shape of the heart in the 4CV as well as the ventricles occurred in fetuses with D‐TGA and TOF could be used to screen for these malformations.

Methods

Forty‐four fetuses with the pre‐and post‐natal diagnosis of D‐TGA and 44 with TOF were evaluated between 19 and 36 weeks of gestation in which the 4CV was imaged. Measurements of the end‐diastolic width, length, area, and global sphericity index were measured for the four‐chamber view and the right and left ventricles. Using z‐score computed values, logistic regression was performed between the 88 study and 200 control fetuses using the hierarchical forward selection protocol.

Results

Logistic regression identified 10 variables that correctly classified 83/88 of fetuses with TOF and TGA, for a sensitivity of 94%. Six of 200 normal controls were incorrectly classified for a false‐positive rate of 3%. The area under the receiver operator classification curve was 98.1%. The true positive rate for D‐TGA was 93.2%, with a false‐negative rate to 6.8%. The true positive rate for TOF was 95.5%, with a false negative rate of 4.5%.

Conclusions

Measurements of the 4CV and of the RV and LV may help identify fetuses at risk for D‐TGA or TOF.
Facility Volume as a Prognosticator of Survival in Locally Advanced Papillary Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Abiri Arash , Pang Jonathan C. , Roman Kelsey , Goshtasbi Khodayar , Birkenbeuel Jack L. , Kuan Edward C. , Tjoa Tjoson , Haidar Yarah M.
Published: July 2022

Objectives

To evaluate the influence of facility case‐volume on survival in patients with locally advanced papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), and to identify prognostic case‐volume thresholds for facilities managing this patient population.

Study Design

Retrospective database study.

Methods

The 2004–2017 National Cancer Database was queried for patients receiving definitive surgery for locally advanced PTC. Using K‐means clustering and multivariable Cox proportional‐hazards (CPH) regression, two groups with distinct spectrums of facility case‐volumes were generated. Multivariable CPH regression and Kaplan–Meier analysis assessed for the influence of facility case‐volume and the prognostic value of its stratification on overall survival (OS).

Results

Of 48,899 patients treated at 1304 facilities, there were 34,312 (70.2%) females and the mean age was 48.0 ± 16.0 years. Increased facility volume was significantly associated with reduced all‐cause mortality (HR 0.996; 95% CI, 0.992–0.999; p = 0.008). Five facility clusters were generated, from which two distinct cohorts were identified: low (LVF; <27 cases/year) and high (HVF; ≥27 cases/year) facility case‐volume. Patients at HVFs were associated with reduced mortality compared to those at LVFs (HR 0.791; 95% CI, 0.678–0.923, p = 0.003). Kaplan–Meier analysis of propensity score‐matched N0 and N1 patients demonstrated higher OS in HVF cohorts (all p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Facility case‐volume was an independent predictor of improved OS in locally advanced PTC, indicating a possible survival benefit at high‐volume medical centers. Specifically, independent of a number of sociodemographic and clinical factors, facilities that treated ≥27 cases per year were associated with increased OS. Patients with locally advanced PTC may, therefore, benefit from referrals to higher‐volume facilities.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 133:443–450, 2023
Safety of Platelet‐Rich Plasma Subepithelial Infusion for Vocal Fold Scar, Sulcus, and Atrophy
Authors: van der Woerd Benjamin , O'Dell Karla , Castellanos Carlos X , Bhatt Neel , Benssousan Yael , Reddy Neha K , Blood Timothy , Chhetri Dinesh K , Johns Michael M
Published: July 2022

Objective

To demonstrate the safety profile of platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) as an injectable therapeutic for the treatment of vocal fold scarring and atrophy.

Methods

Preliminary report on a prospective clinical trial of patients with vocal fold scar or atrophy undergoing unilateral vocal fold subepithelial infusion with autologous PRP. Enrolled patients underwent four subepithelial injections spaced 1 month apart. Adverse events were assessed peri and post‐injection at each session. Patient‐reported outcomes were collected at every visit using the Voice Handicap Index‐10 (VHI‐10) and Vocal Fatigue Index (VFI) questionnaires.

Results

Twelve patients underwent unilateral vocal fold injection with autologous PRP prepared according to Eclipse PRP® system protocol. Forty‐three injections were performed using a peroral or percutaneous approach. An average of 1.57 ± 0.4 cc (range 0.6–2.0 cc) injectate was used. All patients tolerated the procedure without difficulty or peri‐procedural complications. The average duration of follow‐up was 3.6 ± 1.8 months. No significant inflammatory reactions or adverse events were seen to date. There was statistically significant improvement in patient‐reported outcomes at the 3 month follow up (n = 9) follow‐up (mean ΔVHI‐10 = 10.8, p < 0.001, mean ΔVFI = 18.9, p = 0.01, t test, paired two sample for means, two‐tail). All nine patients who completed the series of four injections subjectively (yes/no) reported they were satisfied with the results.

Conclusion

This prospective study cohort demonstrated a favorable safety profile, with no adverse events or peri‐procedural complications. Subjective improvements in vocal quality and reduction in vocal fatigue need to be clinically correlated with further study.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 133:647–653, 2023
Predicting positive cochlear endolymphatic hydrops on magnetic resonance images
Authors: Lin Kao‐Tsung , Lu Chi‐Ju , Young Yi‐Ho
Published: July 2022

Objective/hypothesis

This study correlated audiological results with magnetic resonance (MR) images to predict positive cochlear endolymphatic hydrops (EH) on MR images in patients with Meniere's disease (MD).

Study design

Retrospective study.

Methods

Twenty definite MD patients with positive cochlear EH on MR images were assigned to Group A. Another 20 definite MD patients with negative cochlear EH on MR images were assigned to Group B. All patients underwent an inner ear test battery followed by MR imaging using HRDROPS‐Mi2 technique.

Results

The mean hearing levels (MHLs) at frequencies of 125, 250, 500 and 1000 Hz revealed significantly worse in Group A than Group B. Significantly deteriorated MHLs were noted from Grades 0 to II at low frequency (125, 250, and 500 Hz), but not at mid‐frequency and high frequency. The respective cutoff hearing thresholds at frequencies of 125, 250, and 500 Hz were 27.5, 32.5, and 40 dBHL, which help predict positive cochlear EH on MR images. By using the sum (27.5 + 32.5 + 40 = 100 dBHL) of cutoff thresholds from three low frequencies as a cutoff value, Group A (80%) showed significantly more ears with sum of low‐frequency hearing threshold >100 dBHL than Group B (30%).

Conclusion

When sum of three low‐frequency (125, 250, and 500 Hz) hearing levels is >100 dBHL, positive cochlear EH may be shown on MR images in definite MD patients. In contrast, those MD patients with sum of three low‐frequency hearing levels <100 dBHL, MR imaging should be postponed because resolution of EH may cause negative MR images.

Level of evidence: 4
Fused Filament Fabrication of Actuating Objects
Authors: Chalissery Dilip , Schönfeld Dennis , Walter Mario , Ziervogel Fabian , Pretsch Thorsten
Published: July 2022

Thermoresponsive objects can be manufactured from shape memory polymers (SMPs) via fused filament fabrication (FFF). Here a new technological approach to obtain thermally actuating objects using an in‐house synthesized, phase segregated poly(ester urethane) (PEU) is introduced. Under almost stress‐free conditions of a dynamic mechanical analysis, cuboid objects obtained from FFF shrank when heated to 62 °C and expanded when cooled to 15 °C with a maximum thermoreversible strain of 7.2%. Actuation can be traced back to the phenomena of melting‐induced contraction and crystallization‐induced elongation of the PEU's soft segment, supported by internal stresses as implemented in course of FFF. To translate small changes in shape to a next larger scale, an artificial butterfly is developed in which the movements of two actuator elements are transferred to the wings with the aid of a lever concept. Following a different approach, additive manufacturing of cylindrical samples implied application potential as a self‐sufficient gripper, enabling a programmable material behavior in the sense of temperature‐controlled gripping, transport, and release of exemplarily selected smooth surfaced objects in the form of vials.
How agglomeration affects alliance governance and innovation performance: The role of cluster size
Authors: Ryu Wonsang , Brush Thomas H. , Bae Joonhyung
Published: July 2022

We investigate how the size of the geographic cluster in which a firm is located influences its governance choice between equity and non‐equity alliances and subsequent innovation performance. We argue that firms located in larger clusters tend to form non‐equity alliances rather than equity alliances because the communication and control benefits of cluster membership, which increase with cluster size, reduce in‐cluster firms' need to form equity alliances. We also claim that the effect of this preferential use of non‐equity alliances on innovation becomes stronger when firms are located in larger clusters. Our arguments are supported by a panel analysis of alliances formed by US‐listed semiconductor firms.
Lymphedema prevention and immediate breast reconstruction with simultaneous gastroepiploic vascularized lymph node transfer and deep inferior epigastric perforator flap: A case report
Authors: Ciudad Pedro , Escandón Joseph M. , Manrique Oscar J. , Gutierrez‐Arana Jessica , Mayer Horacio F.
Published: July 2022

Breast cancer‐related lymphedema following axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) has been documented in 6%–55% of patients, mostly occurring within the next 3 years after radiation or surgery. We present a case of a 53‐year‐old patient with hormone positive, stage IB, left breast invasive ductal carcinoma treated with immediate lymphatic and microvascular breast reconstruction (MBR) using vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT) for lymphedema prevention. A deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap (18.3 × 11.2‐cm) and simultaneous prophylactic gastroepiploic‐VLNT (7 × 3‐cm), orthotopically inset in the axilla, were used for reconstruction following mastectomy and radical ALND. The procedure was uneventful. The patient did not display increased postoperative arm circumferences. ICG lymphography did not show any changes at 2‐ and 3‐years after surgery. Preventive lymphatic reconstruction with GE‐VLNT and immediate MBR using the DIEP flap offers a new possibility for the primary prevention of lymphedema and simultaneous immediate autologous breast reconstruction without the risk of iatrogenic lymphedema. Further studies will be directed to unveil the external validity of these findings and the risk reduction rate of this approach.
Ground state solutions of Pohožaev type for Kirchhoff‐type problems with general convolution nonlinearity and variable potential
Authors: Zhang Qiongfen , Xie Hai , Jiang Yi‐rong
Published: July 2022

This paper is devoted to dealing with the following nonlinear Kirchhoff‐type problem with general convolution nonlinearity and variable potential:

where
,
are constants;
;
,
; and
is the Riesz potential,
. By applying some new analytical tricks introduced by Tang and Chen, the existence results of ground state solutions of Pohožaev type for the above Kirchhoff type problem are obtained under some mild assumptions on
and the general “Berestycki‐Lions assumptions” on the nonlinearity
. Our results generalize and improve the ones obtained by Chen and Liu and other related results in the literature.
Influence of ultrasound focus depth on the association between echo intensity and intramuscular adipose tissue
Authors: Fukumoto Yoshihiro , Taniguchi Masashi , Hirono Tetsuya , Yagi Masahide , Yamagata Momoko , Nakai Ryusuke , Asai Tsuyoshi , Yamada Yosuke , Kimura Misaka , Ichihashi Noriaki
Published: July 2022

Introduction/Aims

Attenuation of the ultrasound (US) wave is a serious limitation of echo intensity (EI) on B‐mode US. The aim of this study was to determine whether the focus depth of US images influences the depth‐dependent attenuation of EI and the relationship between EI and intramuscular adipose tissues (IntraMAT).

Methods

The rectus femoris (RF) and vastus intermedius (VI) of the right thigh were studied in 135 adults (92 older, 43 younger). The EI on US images was measured at three focus depth conditions: top of the image, center of the RF, and center of the VI. The depth of the region of interest (ROI) was measured. IntraMAT was calculated using water and fat images based on the two‐point Dixon technique with a 3.0‐T magnetic resonance imaging scanner.

Results

The correlation between EI and IntraMAT was stronger in the focus RF and VI conditions than in the focus top condition and stronger for RF than for VI. The depth of the ROI influenced the IntraMAT‐adjusted residual EI more in the focus top condition than in the focus RF and VI conditions, and influenced VI more strongly than it did RF.

Discussion

By mitigating EI attenuation, EI with a focus depth adjusted to the ROI reflected IntraMAT more accurately than that without adjustment. However, it may not completely prevent the potential influence of depth‐dependent attenuation of EI, especially for deeper muscles such as the VI.
Light‐tunable optical cell manipulation via photoactive azobenzene‐containing thin film bio‐substrate
Authors: Lefebvre Olivier , Pinto Sandra , Lahlil Khalid , Peretti Jacques , Smadja Claire , Randriamampita Clotilde , Lambert Mireille , Fabbri Filippo
Published: July 2022

Live real‐time study of the local and collective cellular biomechanical responses requires the fine and selective manipulation of the cellular environment. One innovative pathway is the use of photoactive bio‐substrates such as azobenzene‐containing materials, which exhibit specific photomechanical properties, to optically trigger the local, mechanical stimulation of cells. Mechanically stimulated cells exhibit major morphological modifications and area shrinkage, which are dependent on the illumination. This demonstrates the capabilities of photomechanically active substrates to study the phenomena resulting from the mechanical interaction of cells with their environment.
vDANE: Using virtualization for improving video quality with Server and Network Assisted DASH
Authors: Kalan Reza Shokri , Clayman Stuart , Sayıt Muge
Published: July 2022

Network Function Virtualization (NFV) offers flexibility in traffic engineering and network resource management, by taking advantage of Software Defined Networking (SDN). By using these network technologies, it is possible to enhance the performance of video streaming applications by placing network functions in suitable locations and rerouting flows. Our study addresses the “virtual cache placement” problem in dynamic networks, where traffic patterns and attachment points of the clients are changing rapidly. The cache placement is done by determining how many virtual caches are necessary to be able to provide acceptable service to the clients, as well as where to place those caches to meet demand. To this end, we provide a heuristic solution by taking advantage of NFV‐SDN and having the assistance of Server and Network Assisted DASH (SAND). Experimental results show that the proposed algorithms can improve the video client rebuffering by 150%–270% and also can provide an 8%–12% increase in average bitrate received by the client, compared to a number of benchmark algorithms. The obtained results indicate that the co‐operation between the client and the operator of an SDN‐enabled network, by exchanging client and network information, allows network resources to be efficiently used, and as a consequence, the Quality of Experience (QoE) on the client's side is improved.
Weight gain among US adults during the COVID‐19 pandemic through May 2021
Authors: Freedman David S. , Kompaniyets Lyudmyla , Daymont Carrie , Zhao Lixia , Blanck Heidi M.
Published: July 2022

Objective

There have been conflicting reports concerning weight gain among adults during the COVID‐19 epidemic. Although early studies reported large weight increases, several of these analyses were based on convenience samples or self‐reported information. The objective of the current study is to examine the pandemic‐related weight increase associated with the pandemic through May 2021.

Methods

A total of 4.25 million adults (18 to 84 years) in an electronic health record database who had at least two weight measurements between January 2019 and February 2020 and one after June 2020 were selected. Weight changes before and after March 2020 were contrasted using mixed‐effects regression models.

Results

Compared with the pre‐pandemic weight trend, there was a small increase (0.1 kg) in weight in the first year of the pandemic (March 2020 through March 2021). Weight changes during the pandemic varied by sex, age, and initial BMI, but the largest mean increase across these characteristics was < 1.3 kg. Weight increases were generally greatest among women, adults with BMI of 30 or 35 kg/m2, and younger adults.

Conclusions

The results indicate that the mean weight gain among adults during the COVID‐19 pandemic may be small.
Non‐articulated hybrid glass and carbon‐reinforced shank tube for bio‐medical applications
Authors: Vasanthanathan Arunachalam , Amudhan Kannan , Govinthan Chithambara Moorthy , Niranjan Rajendran , Praveen Arumugam
Published: July 2022

Globally, the most prevalent reasons of lower extremity amputation are diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, trauma, tumors and congenital abnormalities. Though modern lower limb prosthetic devices are available in the market, affordability for amputees in developing and underdeveloped nations is a concern, so it is required to make it more accessible with more economical options. This research is an initiative to develop a composite shank tube by filament winding technique as an alternative to conventional metallic tubes for prosthetic components. The composite materials used for this study included glass fiber/epoxy and hybrid fiber (glass + carbon)/epoxy. The composite tubes were manually fabricated and were subjected to axial compression test to estimate the loading bearing and energy absorption capacities. The composite's material properties were determined as per ASTM standards. The obtained properties and experimental data were used to carry out simulations for the composite tubes with ANSYS® 2021 software package under quasistatic loading conditions. Based on the research that was done, the overall performance of Hybrid Fiber tube in terms of peak loads and energy absorption indexes looks good, and there is a high possibility that they could be used as a load‐bearing part in a lower limb prosthetic system.
Dynamic mechanical analysis of continuous carbon fiber‐reinforced polyetheretherketones under multi‐consecutive temperature scans
Authors: Li Shiping , Zhang Yibei , Chen Wujun , Chen Longlong , Fang Guangqiang , Peng Fujun
Published: July 2022

The study analyzed the dynamics mechanical properties of carbon fiber‐reinforced polyetheretherketone (CF/PEEK) under multi‐consecutive temperature scans and establish an evaluation model of storage modulus to facilitate application in high/low temperature. The dynamic mechanical properties of CF/PEEK laminate sheets obtained via hot‐pressing procedure were subjected to a dynamic mechanical cycle test. The micromorphology and microstructure were observed with a scanning electron microscopy. The structural evolution of CF/PEEK and the interface between carbon fiber and PEEK matrix were analyzed. The characteristic variation of storage modulus, loss modulus, and loss factor are discussed and the damping properties are studied in different temperature ranges. The results show that the dynamic mechanical properties of CF/PEEK were become stabilized after the first temperature scan, while the glass transition temperature remained basically unchanged. The storage modulus of the material increased by 15.8% and the peak value of the loss factor curve increased by 14.4%. Based on the experimental data, an evaluation model of the storage modulus was formulated and validated by the test results obtained to provide an accurately predicting the dynamic mechanical properties of CF/PEEK and expand its engineering applications.
Enhanced seedling growth by 3‐n‐pentadecylphenolethanolamide is mediated by fatty acid amide hydrolases in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)
Authors: Arias‐Gaguancela Omar , Adhikari Bikash , Aziz Mina , Chapman Kent D.
Published: July 2022

Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) is a conserved amidase that is known to modulate the levels of endogenous N‐acylethanolamines (NAEs) in both plants and animals. The activity of FAAH is enhanced in vitro by synthetic phenoxyacylethanolamides resulting in greater hydrolysis of NAEs. Previously, 3‐n‐pentadecylphenolethanolamide (PDP‐EA) was shown to exert positive effects on the development of Arabidopsis seedlings by enhancing Arabidopsis FAAH (AtFAAH) activity. However, there is little information regarding FAAH activity and the impact of PDP‐EA in the development of seedlings of other plant species. Here, we examined the effects of PDP‐EA on growth of upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L. cv Coker 312) seedlings including two lines of transgenic seedlings overexpressing AtFAAH. Independent transgenic events showed accelerated true‐leaf emergence compared with non‐transgenic controls. Exogenous applications of PDP‐EA led to increases in overall seedling growth in AtFAAH transgenic lines. These enhanced‐growth phenotypes coincided with elevated FAAH activities toward NAEs and NAE oxylipins. Conversely, the endogenous contents of NAEs and NAE‐oxylipin species, especially linoleoylethanolamide and 9‐hydroxy linoleoylethanolamide, were lower in PDP‐EA treated seedlings than in controls. Further, transcripts for endogenous cotton FAAH genes were increased following PDP‐EA exposure. Collectively, our data corroborate that the enhancement of FAAH enzyme activity by PDP‐EA stimulates NAE‐hydrolysis and that this results in enhanced growth in seedlings of a perennial crop species, extending the role of NAE metabolism in seedling development beyond the model annual plant species, Arabidopsis thaliana.
Core packing of well‐defined X‐ray and NMR structures is the same
Authors: Grigas Alex T. , Liu Zhuoyi , Regan Lynne , O'Hern Corey S.
Published: July 2022

Numerous studies have investigated the differences and similarities between protein structures determined by solution NMR spectroscopy and those determined by X‐ray crystallography. A fundamental question is whether any observed differences are due to differing methodologies or to differences in the behavior of proteins in solution versus in the crystalline state. Here, we compare the properties of the hydrophobic cores of high‐resolution protein crystal structures and those in NMR structures, determined using increasing numbers and types of restraints. Prior studies have reported that many NMR structures have denser cores compared with those of high‐resolution X‐ray crystal structures. Our current work investigates this result in more detail and finds that these NMR structures tend to violate basic features of protein stereochemistry, such as small non‐bonded atomic overlaps and few Ramachandran and sidechain dihedral angle outliers. We find that NMR structures solved with more restraints, and which do not significantly violate stereochemistry, have hydrophobic cores that have a similar size and packing fraction as their counterparts determined by X‐ray crystallography at high resolution. These results lead us to conclude that, at least regarding the core packing properties, high‐quality structures determined by NMR and X‐ray crystallography are the same, and the differences reported earlier are most likely a consequence of methodology, rather than fundamental differences between the protein in the two different environments.
The dynamics of t1 adenosine binding on human Argonaute 2: Understanding recognition with conformational selection
Authors: Rinaldi Silvia , Colombo Giorgio , Paladino Antonella
Published: July 2022

The control of expression in genetic regulation is a fundamental process for cell life. In RNA‐mediated silencing, human Argonaute‐2 protein (hAgo2) uses sequence information encoded in small RNAs (guide) to identify complementary sites in messenger RNAs (target) for repression. The specificity of this molecular recognition lies at the basis of the mechanisms that control the expression of thousands of genes, which necessarily requires a fine tuning of complex events. Among these, the binding of the first nucleotide of the target RNA (t1) is emerging as an important modulator of hAgo2‐mediated machinery. Using atomistic molecular dynamics‐derived analyses, we address the mechanism behind t1‐dependent regulation and study the impact of different t1 nucleotides (t1A, t1C, t1G, t1U) on the conformational dynamics of both hAgo2 and guide–target RNAs. Only when an adenine is found at this position, t1 directly interacts with a specific hAgo2 binding pocket, favoring the stabilization of target binding. Our findings show that hAgo2 exploits a dynamic recognition mechanism of the t1‐target thanks to a modulation of RNA conformations. Here, t1‐adenine is the only nucleobase endowed with a dual binding mode: a T‐shape and a co‐planar conformation, respectively, orthogonal and parallel to the following base‐pairs of guide–target duplex. This triggers a composite set of molecular interactions that stabilizes distinctive conformational ensembles. Our comparative analyses show characteristic traits of local and global dynamic interplay between hAgo2 and the RNA molecules and highlight how t1A binding acts as a molecular switch for target recognition and complex stabilization. Implications for future mechanistic studies are discussed.