bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nocturnal oximetry in bariatric surgery patients referred to overnight in‐lab polysomnography
Authors: Duarte Ricardo L. M. , Magalhães‐da‐Silveira Flavio J. , Gozal David
Published: July 2021

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate nocturnal oximetry approaches in identifying obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) among bariatric surgical candidates.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study involving adult bariatric patients who were undergoing in‐lab polysomnography and who were previously screened with the GOAL questionnaire. OSA severity was established as any OSA, moderate/severe OSA, and severe OSA. Oximetry data were evaluated as oxygen saturation (average and nadir), oxygen desaturation index (ODI) at 3%, and proportion of time spent with oxygen saturation <90%. Associations between oximetry data and the apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI) were assessed by Spearman correlation index (r), linear regression, logistic regression, and discrimination.

Results

All oximetry values were significantly correlated with the AHI among 1,178 individuals, with the ODI emerging as the better parameter (r = 0.911, p < 0.001). Using linear regression, the ODI was the only predictor of the AHI (β = 0.952, p < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, the ODI was the only independent parameter predicting OSA at all severity levels. In addition, the ODI exhibited excellent discrimination to predict OSA and displayed improved performance among individuals screened as being at high risk versus those at low risk with the GOAL instrument.

Conclusions

The ODI emerges as a valid surrogate predictor of the AHI, particularly among those screened as being at high risk for OSA.
Registration of ‘L 11‐183’ sugarcane
Authors: Pontif M. J. , Kimbeng C. A. , Bischoff K.P. , Gravois K. A. , LaBorde C. M. , Hawkins G. L. , Sexton D. R. , Hoy J. W. , Baisakh N. , Wilson B. E. , Orgeron A. J. , Todd J. R. , Waguespack H. L.
Published: July 2021

‘L 11‐183’ (Reg. no. CV‐200, PI 698200) sugarcane (interspecific hybrid of Saccharum spp.) was derived from a cross between HoCP 92‐624 as the female and ‘LCP 85‐384’ as the male parent. Early‐stage clonal selection by researchers at the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center led to the assignment of a permanent cultivar number in 2011. The cultivar was further evaluated cooperatively with scientists from the USDA–ARS and the American Sugar Cane League. L 11‐183 was jointly released to the Louisiana sugar industry on 11 May 2018. L 11‐183 was released because of its high yield potential compared with ‘HoCP 96‐540’ and ‘L 01‐299’, two of the most widely grown cultivars in Louisiana at the time. In the final testing stage, data were collected from across 12 locations and three crops (plant cane and first and second ratoons) with multiple crop‐years within locations. Combined across locations and crops, L 11‐183 accumulated 5% more cane yield than HoCP 96‐540 but 4% less than L 01‐299. Sucrose yield in L 11‐183 was comparable to that of L 01‐299 but 3% greater than that of HoCP 96‐540. The new cultivar is resistant to smut, moderately resistant to leaf scald, Sugarcane yellow leaf virus, and ratoon stunting, moderately susceptible to brown rust and Sugarcane mosaic virus, and susceptible to the sugarcane borer.
Insights into the vision of the hadal snailfish Pseudoliparis swirei through proteomic analysis of the eye
Authors: Yan Guoyong , Lian Chun‐ang , Lan Yi , Qian Pei‐Yuan , He Lisheng
Published: July 2021

No sunlight can reach the hadal trench, but some fishes dwelling there still have apparent eye morphology. However, whether they are capable of sensing light remains unknown. In this study, the eyes of the dominant hadal endemic snailfish Pseudoliparis swirei from the Mariana Trench were analyzed using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS). A total of 2088 proteins were identified in the eye proteome, most of which had at least one hit against public databases and could be mapped to 316 metabolic pathways. Gene Ontology (GO) terms and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways directly contributing to visual phototransduction were significantly enriched from the top 10% dominant proteins, implying abundant metabolic activities in the eye and it is still a functional visual organ. One rhodopsin was identified in the eye proteome, sequence analysis indicated that it might have an absorption maximum at ∼480 nm and be sensitive to dim blue light. In addition, proteins that might contribute to extreme environment adaptation, such as heat shock proteins and chaperonin‐containing T‑complex protein 1, were also highly expressed in the eye. Overall, these results provide insights into the molecular mechanism underlying the vision of hadal snailfish and provide a useful database for further research.
A comprehensive picture of foraging strategies ofNeoseiulus cucumerisandAmblyseius swirskiion western flower thrips
Authors: Dalir Sajjad , Hajiqanbar Hamidreza , Fathipour Yaghoub , Khanamani Mostafa
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND

This study evaluated the potential ofNeoseiulus cucumerisOudemans andAmblyseius swirskiiAthias‐Henriot (Acari: Phytoseiidae) for controlling western flower thrips (WFT),Frankliniella occidentalis(Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), by determining the functional response, numerical response, prey switching and mutual interference behaviors of the predators.

RESULTS

A type II functional response was detected for two predator species fed on WFT first instars. The attack rate was higher forA. swirskiithanN. cucumeris, but the handling time ofN. cucumeriswas shorter. For two predator species, numerical response was affected by both prey density and oviposition time. Theper capitasearching efficiencies of the two predators decreased significantly with increasing predator densities. The interference coefficient forA. swirskiiwas less than that ofN. cucumeris. AlthoughN. cucumerisswitched from feeding on WFT first instars to feeding on second instars, this behavior was not observed inA. swirskii.

CONCLUSIONS

Comparison of the two predator species foraging behaviors indicated optimal performance byA. swirskiiat lowerF. occidentalisdensities.N. cucumeriswas found to perform optimally at relatively higher prey densities. Moreover,N. cucumeriscould be more effective in stabilizing the predator–prey system by switching behavior compared withA. swirskii. At higher predator densities,A. swirskiiseemed to be an effective agent owing to its reduced intraspecific competition compared withN. cucumeris. Findings from this study will be useful in selecting appropriate agents and developing effective biocontrol programs to control WFT. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Ultrathin Aluminum Oxide Films Induced by Rapid Thermal Annealing for Effective Silicon Surface Passivation
Authors: Chen Jun , Wang Peng , Liu Can , Yu Guoqiang , Wang Tao , Wu Xiaogang , Xu Lingbo , Lin Ping , Wu Xiaoping , Huang Xiaorong , Zhao Yi , Yu Xuegong , Cui Can
Published: July 2021

A novel method of preparing ultrathin aluminum oxide films by rapid thermal annealing (RTA) treatment for effective silicon surface passivation is proposed. The high‐temperature RTA processing (750–825 °C) for tens of seconds in an oxygen atmosphere completely converts the thermally evaporated aluminum metal nanofilms (1–5 nm) on crystalline silicon to aluminum oxide (Al2O3) films, with a thin SiOx layer formed at the interface between the silicon and the Al2O3. The generated Al2O3 film can provide superior passivation quality for the silicon surface, even better than that obtained by the thermal atomic layer deposition technique. Moreover, the growth kinetics of the Al2O3 passivating film indicates that it is a diffusion‐controlled activation process, with an energy barrier of 3.3 eV for aluminum ions diffusing across the metal/oxide interface.
The interplay between fibroblast‐like synovial and vascular endothelial cells leads to angiogenesis via the sphingosine‐1‐phosphate‐induced RhoA‐F‐Actin and Ras‐Erk1/2 pathways and the intervention of geniposide
Authors: Deng Ran , Bu Yanhong , Li Feng , Wu Hong , Wang Yan , Wei Wei
Published: July 2021

The changes of fibroblast‐like synoviocytes (FLSs) and vascular endothelial cells (VECs) biological functions are closely related to angiogenesis in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Nevertheless, how the crosstalk between FLSs and VECs interferes with RA is far from being clarified. Herein, we studied the effect of the reciprocal interactions between FLSs and VECs on angiogenesis and mechanism of geniposide (GE). After administration of GE, improvement of synovial hyperplasia in adjuvant arthritis rats was accompanied by downregulation of SphK1 and p‐Erk1/2. The dynamic interaction between FLSs and VECs triggers the release of S1P by activating p‐Erk1/2 and SphK1, then activating RhoA‐F‐actin and Ras‐Erk1/2 pathways. When exposed to the inflammatory microenvironment mediated by FLSs‐VECs crosstalk, proliferation, migration, and permeability of VECs were enhanced, the angiogenic factors were imbalanced. Meanwhile, the proliferation and secretory ability of FLSs increased. Interestingly, depletion of S1P or blocking of the activation of SphK1 by GE and PF‐543 prevented the changes. In conclusion, S1P released during FLSs‐VECs crosstalk changed their biological functions by activating RhoA‐F‐actin and Ras‐Erk1/2 pathways. GE acted on p‐Erk1/2 and SphK1, inhibited the secretion of S1P, and blocked the interplay between FLSs and VECs. These results provide new insights into the mechanism of angiogenesis in RA.
Robust adaptive model predictive control for guaranteed fast and accurate stabilization in the presence of model errors
Authors: Pereida Karime , Brunke Lukas , Schoellig Angela P.
Published: July 2021

Numerous control applications, including robotic systems such as unmanned aerial vehicles or assistive robots, are expected to guarantee high performance despite being deployed in unknown and dynamic environments where they are subject to disturbances, unmodeled dynamics, and parametric uncertainties. The fast feedback of adaptive controllers makes them an effective approach for compensating for disturbances and unmodeled dynamics, but adaptive controllers seldom achieve high performance, nor do they guarantee state and input constraint satisfaction. In this article we propose a robust adaptive model predictive controller for guaranteed fast and accurate stabilization in the presence of model uncertainties. The proposed approach combines robust model predictive control (RMPC) with an underlying discrete‐time adaptive controller. We refer to this combined controller as an RMPC‐ controller. The adaptive controller forces the system to behave close to a linear reference model despite the presence of parametric uncertainties. However, the true dynamics of the adaptive controlled system may deviate from the linear reference model. In this work we prove that this deviation is bounded and use it as the modeling error of the linear reference model. We combine adaptive control with an RMPC that leverages the linear reference model and the modeling error. We prove stability and recursive feasibility of the proposed RMPC‐. Furthermore, we validate the feasibility, performance, and accuracy of the proposed RMPC‐ on a stabilization task in a numerical experiment. We demonstrate that the proposed RMPC‐ outperforms adaptive control, robust MPC, and other baseline controllers in all metrics.
“What’s Blackness Got to Do With All This?”: Racializing Literacy Assemblages
Authors: Guerrero‐Arias Beatriz Eugenia
Published: July 2021

This is a qualitative case study about the literacy practices of a Black family living in an urban context in Cali, Colombia. I analyzed the interaction between a Black family and social institutions, as mediated by literacies that assemble racial processes and family configurations. I collected data about the family in the settings in which the seven family members participated. Drawing from Black feminist/critical theories, I analyzed how this Black family’s configuration and functioning link to a particular view of literacies, how those literacies are interwoven in practice with racial processes, and how such a weave is knitted through interaction with social institutions. The findings suggest that this Black family assembles family and race with literacy formations that are collective, multimodal, organic, aesthetically based, emotional, embodied, and performed. These assemblages have no structural space because they are out of the system of what Man has typically defined as official literacy, ideal race, and expected family functioning. Nevertheless, the family creates a wide assemblage repertoire for collaborative ways of living aimed at validating Black humanhood. These racializing literacy assemblages are, then, liberatory formations that reaffirm Black people’s pasts, presents, futures, and hopes.
Determination of Polylactide Microstructure by Homonuclear Decoupled 1H NMR Spectroscopy
Authors: Singha Roy Sourav , Sarkar Sriparna , Chakraborty Debashis
Published: July 2021

The ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of lactide (the dilactone of lactic acid) produces poly(lactide) commonly referred to as poly(lactic acid) (PLA). The monomer lactide, has two stereogenic centers and thus, three stereoisomers are possible, namely: D‐(R,R), L‐(S,S) and meso‐lactide. The rac‐lactide is an equimolar mixture of D‐ and L‐enantiomers. Depending upon the relative configuration of the stereogenic centers in the polymeric chain, different tacticities (isotactic, syndiotactic, heterotactic and atactic) arise in the PLA chains. The study of the tacticity of a polymer is fundamental since it plays a crucial role in determining the physical properties of the polymer. NMR spectroscopy is a powerful analytical technique for the determination of the tacticity of PLA. This article describes in details the tacticity assignment for PLA derived from ROP of rac‐lactide and meso‐lactide, using homonuclear proton‐decoupled 1H NMR. The detailed tetrad level assignment pertinent to the methine hydrogen signal is the key for the determination of tacticity.
Cutaneous concentrations of 7‐dehydrocholesterol in Hoffmann's two‐toed sloths (Choloepus hoffmanni) in managed care
Authors: Jimenez Isabel A. , Makowski Andrew J. , Scanlon Lisa M. , Childs‐Sanford Sara E.
Published: July 2021

Hoffmann's two‐toed sloths (Choloepus hoffmanni) are unique animals popular in zoological settings. The role of vitamin D in the maintenance of calcium homeostasis in this species is unexplored, although disorders of calcium homeostasis have been reported in managed sloths, including urolithiasis and soft tissue mineralization. This study assessed cutaneous concentrations of 7‐dehydrocholesterol (7‐DHC) in nine indoor‐housed Hoffmann's two‐toed sloths, as a means of evaluating the potential for cutaneous photobiosynthesis of vitamin D3. Samples were obtained from both abdominal and lumbar regions of the skin to assess for regional variation in 7‐DHC concentration. The average concentration of 7‐DHC in the sloth skin was low (0.197 ± 0.02 nmol/cm2). Location had a significant effect on 7‐DHC level only when concentrations were expressed based on the wet weight of the sample (ng/g), but levels were similar when values were normalized to biopsy surface area (nmol/cm2).
Killing superalgebras for lorentzian five-manifolds
Authors: Beckett Andrew , Figueroa-O’Farrill José
Published: July 2021

Abstract

We calculate the relevant Spencer cohomology of the minimal Poincaré superalgebra in 5 spacetime dimensions and use it to define Killing spinors via a connection on the spinor bundle of a 5-dimensional lorentzian spin manifold. We give a definition of bosonic backgrounds in terms of this data. By imposing constraints on the curvature of the spinor connection, we recover the field equations of minimal (ungauged) 5-dimensional supergravity, but also find a set of field equations for an $$ \mathfrak{sp} $$
sp
(1)-valued one-form which we interpret as the bosonic data of a class of rigid supersymmetric theories on curved backgrounds. We define the Killing superalgebra of bosonic backgrounds and show that their existence is implied by the field equations. The maximally supersymmetric backgrounds are characterised and their Killing superalgebras are explicitly described as filtered deformations of the Poincaré superalgebra.
Twisted D3-brane and M5-brane compactifications from multi-charge spindles
Authors: Boido Andrea , Ipiña Juan Manuel Pérez , Sparks James
Published: July 2021

Abstract

We construct families of supersymmetric AdS3 × Y7 and AdS3 × Y8 solutions to type IIB string theory and M-theory, respectively. Here Y7 is an S5 fibration over Σ, while Y8 is an S4 fibration over Σg × Σ, where Σg is a Riemann surface of genus g > 1 and Σ is a two-dimensional orbifold known as a spindle. We interpret the solutions as near-horizon limits of N D3-branes wrapped on Σ and N M5-branes wrapped on Σg × Σ, respectively. These are holographically dual to d = 2, (0, 2) SCFTs, and we show that the central charge and superconformal R-symmetry of the gravity solutions agree with dual field theory calculations.
A Characterization of a Local Vector Valued Bollobás Theorem
Authors: Dantas Sheldon , Rueda Zoca Abraham
Published: July 2021

In this paper, we are interested in giving two characterizations for the so-called property L$$_{o,o}$$

o
,
o

, a local vector valued Bollobás type theorem. We say that (X, Y) has this property whenever given $$\varepsilon > 0$$

ε
>
0

and an operador $$T: X \rightarrow Y$$

T
:
X
→
Y

, there is $$\eta = \eta (\varepsilon , T)$$

η
=
η
(
ε
,
T
)

such that if x satisfies $$\Vert T(x)\Vert > 1 - \eta $$

‖
T
(
x
)
‖
>
1
-
η

, then there exists $$x_0 \in S_X$$

x
0

∈

S
X

such that $$x_0 \approx x$$

x
0

≈
x

and T itself attains its norm at $$x_0$$

x
0

. This can be seen as a strong (although local) Bollobás theorem for operators. We prove that the pair (X, Y) has the L$$_{o,o}$$

o
,
o

for compact operators if and only if so does $$(X, \mathbb {K})$$

(
X
,
K
)

for linear functionals. This generalizes at once some results due to D. Sain and J. Talponen. Moreover, we present a complete characterization for when $$(X \widehat{\otimes }_\pi Y, \mathbb {K})$$

(
X

⊗
^

π

Y
,
K
)

satisfies the L$$_{o,o}$$

o
,
o

for linear functionals under strict convexity or Kadec–Klee property assumptions in one of the spaces. As a consequence, we generalize some results in the literature related to the strongly subdifferentiability of the projective tensor product and show that $$(L_p(\mu ) \times L_q(\nu ); \mathbb {K})$$

(

L
p

(
μ
)

×

L
q

(
ν
)

;
K
)

cannot satisfy the L$$_{o,o}$$

o
,
o

for bilinear forms.
Use of bioluminescence measurements for detection of artificial demineralization adjacent to orthodontic brackets
Authors: Jablonski-Momeni Anahita , Sambale Janine , Gaerttner Laura , Nothelfer Romy , Korbmacher-Steiner Heike
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Enamel demineralization can occur as a side effect during orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances and should be detected as early as possible. A new approach to assess demineralization is a system consisting of a photosensitive protein that binds to free calcium ions at the enamel surface. A camera is then used to visualize the bioluminescence spots. This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the ability of the bioluminescence technology to assess artificially demineralized enamel adjacent to various orthodontic brackets.

Methods

In all, 108 human enamel samples were allocated randomly to groups with different orthodontic bracket material: stainless steel, titanium, ceramic. Initial lesions were created adjacent to the brackets. The samples were assessed by bioluminescence before and after demineralization. Images were assessed for presence of bioluminescence spots (yes/no). To quantify the bioluminescence measurements, the images’ pixel values (P) were calculated within a defined area (F) adjacent to each bracket before and after demineralization. Quantitative light-induced fluorescence measurements (ΔF, ΔQ) were performed as the reference standard for demineralization.

Results

After demineralization, bioluminescence spots were visible (yes/no decision) in 87% of the samples. The pixel analysis of the bioluminescence spots showed significantly higher pixel values after demineralization compared to baseline (p < 0.0001). The bracket material had no influence on the bioluminescence measurements. All samples showed fluorescence loss with a median ΔF of −9.52% (±3.15) and a median ΔQ of −1.01% × mm2 (±3.34), respectively.

Conclusion

The bioluminescence technology is a promising tool to demonstrate demineralization adjacent to different orthodontic brackets in vitro.
Design of adaptive structures through energy minimization: extension to tensegrity
Authors: Wang Yafeng , Senatore Gennaro
Published: July 2021

This paper gives a new formulation to design adaptive structures through total energy optimization (TEO). This methodology enables the design of truss as well as tensegrity configurations that are equipped with linear actuators to counteract the effect of loading through active control. The design criterion is whole-life energy minimization which comprises an embodied part in the material and an operational part for structural adaptation during service. The embodied energy is minimized through simultaneous optimization of element sizing and actuator placement, which is formulated as a mixed-integer nonlinear programming problem. Optimization variables include element cross-sectional areas, actuator positions, element forces, and node displacements. For tensegrity configurations, the actuators are not only employed to counteract the effect of loading but also to apply appropriate prestress which is included in the optimization variables. Actuator commands during service are obtained through minimization of the operational energy that is required to control the state of the structure within required limits, which is formulated as a nonlinear programming problem. Embodied and operational energy minimization problems are nested within a univariate optimization process that minimizes the structure’s whole-life energy (embodied + operational). TEO has been applied to design a roof and a high-rise adaptive tensegrity structure. The adaptive tensegrity solutions are benchmarked with equivalent passive tensegrity as well as adaptive truss solutions, which are also designed through TEO. Results have shown that since cables can be kept in tension through active control, adaptive tensegrity structures require low prestress, which in turn reduces mass, embodied energy, and construction costs compared to passive tensegrity structures. However, while adaptive truss solutions achieve significant mass and energy savings compared to passive solutions, adaptive tensegrity solutions are not efficient configurations in whole-life energy cost terms. Since cable elements must be kept in tension, significant operational energy is required to maintain stable equilibrium for adaptation to loading. Generally, adaptive tensegrity solutions are not as efficient as their equivalent adaptive truss configurations in mass and energy cost terms.
Multiphysics modelling of the mechanical properties in polymers obtained via photo-induced polymerization
Authors: Brighenti Roberto , Cosma Mattia Pancrazio , Marsavina Liviu , Spagnoli Andrea , Terzano Michele
Published: July 2021

Photopolymerization is an advanced technology to trigger free radical polymerization in a liquid monomer solution through light-induced curing, during which mechanical properties of the material are significantly transformed. Widely used in additive manufacturing, parts fabricated with this technique display precisions up to the nanoscale; however, the performance of final components is not only affected by the raw material but also by the specific setup employed during the printing process. In this paper, we develop a multiphysics model to predict the mechanical properties of the photo-cured components, by taking into account the process parameters involved in the considered additive manufacturing technology. In the approach proposed, the main chemical, physical, and mechanical aspects of photopolymerization are modelled and implemented in a finite element framework. Specifically, the kinetics of light diffusion from a moving source and chain formation in the liquid monomer is coupled to a statistical approach to describe the mechanical properties as a function of the degree of cure. Several parametric examples are provided, in order to quantify the effects of the printing settings on the spatial distribution of the final properties in the component. The proposed approach provides a tool to predict the mechanical features of additively manufactured parts, which designers can adopt to optimize the desired characteristics of the products.
Echo Chains as a Linear Mechanism: Norm Inflation, Modified Exponents and Asymptotics
Authors: Deng Yu , Zillinger Christian
Published: July 2021

In this article we show that the Euler equations, when linearized around a low frequency perturbation to Couette flow, exhibit norm inflation in Gevrey-type spaces as time tends to infinity. Thus, echo chains are shown to be a (secondary) linear instability mechanism. Furthermore, we develop a more precise analysis of cancellations in the resonance mechanism, which yields a modified exponent in the high frequency regime. This allows us, in addition, to remove a logarithmic constraint on the perturbations present in prior works by Bedrossian, Deng and Masmoudi, and to construct solutions which are initially in a Gevrey class for which the velocity asymptotically converges in Sobolev regularity but diverges in Gevrey regularity.
Maximal families of nodal varieties with defect
Authors: Kloosterman Remke
Published: July 2021

In this paper we prove that a nodal hypersurface in $$\mathbf {P}^4$$

P

4

with positive defect has at least $$(d-1)^2$$

(
d
-
1
)

2

nodes, and if it has at most $$2(d-2)(d-1)$$

2
(
d
-
2
)
(
d
-
1
)

nodes and $$d\ge 7$$

d
≥
7

then it contains either a plane or a quadric surface. Furthermore, we prove that a nodal double cover of $$\mathbf {P}^3$$

P

3

ramified along a surface of degree 2d with positive defect has at least $$d(2d-1)$$

d
(
2
d
-
1
)

nodes. We construct the largest dimensional family of nodal degree d hypersurfaces in $$\mathbf {P}^{2n+2}$$

P

2
n
+
2

with positive defect for d sufficiently large.
A 3D deep learning model to predict the diagnosis of dementia with Lewy bodies, Alzheimer’s disease, and mild cognitive impairment using brain 18F-FDG PET
Authors: Etminani Kobra , Soliman Amira , Davidsson Anette , Chang Jose R. , Martínez-Sanchis Begoña , Byttner Stefan , Camacho Valle , Bauckneht Matteo , Stegeran Roxana , Ressner Marcus , Agudelo-Cifuentes Marc , Chincarini Andrea , Brendel Matthias , Rominger Axel , Bruffaerts Rose , Vandenberghe Rik , Kramberger Milica G. , Trost Maja , Nicastro Nicolas , Frisoni Giovanni B. , Lemstra Afina W. , van Berckel Bart N. M. , Pilotto Andrea , Padovani Alessandro , Morbelli Silvia , Aarsland Dag , Nobili Flavio , Garibotto Valentina , Ochoa-Figueroa Miguel
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop and validate a 3D deep learning model that predicts the final clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer’s disease (MCI-AD), and cognitively normal (CN) using fluorine 18 fluorodeoxyglucose PET (18F-FDG PET) and compare model’s performance to that of multiple expert nuclear medicine physicians’ readers.

Materials and methods

Retrospective 18F-FDG PET scans for AD, MCI-AD, and CN were collected from Alzheimer’s disease neuroimaging initiative (556 patients from 2005 to 2020), and CN and DLB cases were from European DLB Consortium (201 patients from 2005 to 2018). The introduced 3D convolutional neural network was trained using 90% of the data and externally tested using 10% as well as comparison to human readers on the same independent test set. The model’s performance was analyzed with sensitivity, specificity, precision, F1 score, receiver operating characteristic (ROC). The regional metabolic changes driving classification were visualized using uniform manifold approximation and projection (UMAP) and network attention.

Results

The proposed model achieved area under the ROC curve of 96.2% (95% confidence interval: 90.6–100) on predicting the final diagnosis of DLB in the independent test set, 96.4% (92.7–100) in AD, 71.4% (51.6–91.2) in MCI-AD, and 94.7% (90–99.5) in CN, which in ROC space outperformed human readers performance. The network attention depicted the posterior cingulate cortex is important for each neurodegenerative disease, and the UMAP visualization of the extracted features by the proposed model demonstrates the reality of development of the given disorders.

Conclusion

Using only 18F-FDG PET of the brain, a 3D deep learning model could predict the final diagnosis of the most common neurodegenerative disorders which achieved a competitive performance compared to the human readers as well as their consensus.
Measuring auditory cortical responses in Tursiops truncatus
Authors: Schalles Matt D. , Houser Dorian S. , Finneran James J. , Tyack Peter , Shinn-Cunningham Barbara , Mulsow Jason
Published: July 2021

Auditory neuroscience in dolphins has largely focused on auditory brainstem responses; however, such measures reveal little about the cognitive processes dolphins employ during echolocation and acoustic communication. The few previous studies of mid- and long-latency auditory-evoked potentials (AEPs) in dolphins report different latencies, polarities, and magnitudes. These inconsistencies may be due to any number of differences in methodology, but these studies do not make it clear which methodological differences may account for the disparities. The present study evaluates how electrode placement and pre-processing methods affect mid- and long-latency AEPs in (Tursiops truncatus). AEPs were measured when reference electrodes were placed on the skin surface over the forehead, the external auditory meatus, or the dorsal surface anterior to the dorsal fin. Data were pre-processed with or without a digital 50-Hz low-pass filter, and the use of independent component analysis to isolate signal components related to neural processes from other signals. Results suggest that a meatus reference electrode provides the highest quality AEP signals for analyses in sensor space, whereas a dorsal reference yielded nominal improvements in component space. These results provide guidance for measuring cortical AEPs in dolphins, supporting future studies of their cognitive auditory processing.
Elder abuse in the oldest old: prevalence, risk factors and consequences
Authors: Brijoux Thomas , Neise Michael , Zank Susanne
Published: July 2021

Background

Experiences of abuse in relationships with an expectation of trust are a common phenomenon among older people and is called elder abuse (EA). This can take various forms, such as physical, verbal, emotional, psychological, financial, sexual abuse or neglect. Due to their high vulnerability and difficulties in receiving support, people aged over 80 years old have been pointed out as a group that needs special focus in research.

Objective

Prevalence, risk factors and consequences of EA for different aspects of quality of life are explored among the oldest old.

Material and methods

Computer-assisted personal interviews were conducted in a representative sample of the oldest old in North Rhine-Westphalia (Germany). 988 self-report interviews without third persons present of the NRW80+ study are used to assess EA with the help of the elder abuse and emotional consequences scale (EACS). The EACS describes EA in six dimensions that give a broad understanding of EA.

Results

Prevalence of experiences of EA within the last 12 months was 54.1%. In logistic regression, multimorbidity, lower functioning, age below 90 years, smaller social network size, and aggressive behaviorwere significant risk factors for EA. People experiencing EA showed less life satisfaction and autonomy and increased loneliness and depressive symptoms.

Conclusion

EA is prevalent among the oldest old. Serious consequences of EA on life results can be shown with a broad operationalization of EA. Future research should focus on a deeper understanding of reasons for EA and reflect on the relationship between and the perspectives of perpetrators and victims.
Genomic instability induced by radiation-mimicking chemicals is not associated with persistent mitochondrial degeneration
Authors: Luukkonen Jukka , Höytö Anne , Sokka Miiko , Syväoja Juhani , Juutilainen Jukka , Naarala Jonne
Published: July 2021

Ionizing radiation has been shown to cause induced genomic instability (IGI), which is defined as a persistently increased rate of genomic damage in the progeny of the exposed cells. In this study, IGI was investigated by exposing human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells to hydroxyurea and zeocin, two chemicals mimicking different DNA-damaging effects of ionizing radiation. The aim was to explore whether IGI was associated with persistent mitochondrial dysfunction. Changes to mitochondrial function were assessed by analyzing mitochondrial superoxide production, mitochondrial membrane potential, and mitochondrial activity. The formation of micronuclei was used to determine immediate genetic damage and IGI. Measurements were performed either immediately, 8 days, or 15 days following exposure. Both hydroxyurea and zeocin increased mitochondrial superoxide production and affected mitochondrial activity immediately after exposure, and mitochondrial membrane potential was affected by zeocin, but no persistent changes in mitochondrial function were observed. IGI became manifested 15 days after exposure in hydroxyurea-exposed cells. In conclusion, immediate responses in mitochondrial function did not cause persistent dysfunction of mitochondria, and this dysfunction was not required for IGI in human neuroblastoma cells.
Association between sleep disorders and cognitive dysfunctions in non-demented patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Montanaro Elisa , Romagnolo Alberto , Fabbri Margherita , Artusi Carlo Alberto , Imbalzano Gabriele , Rizzone Mario Giorgio , Lopiano Leonardo , Zibetti Maurizio
Published: July 2021

Background

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is increasingly recognized as a multidimensional disorder, characterized by several non-motor symptoms, including disturbances of sleep and cognition. Current studies on the relationship between sleep problems and neuropsychological functions, mainly conducted in early to moderate PD patients, outline mixed results. In this study, we analysed the relationship between subjectively reported sleep alterations and cognitive functions in a large cohort of 181 advanced PD patients.

Methods

All consecutive, non-demented, advanced PD patients candidates for device-aided therapy completed two self-administered sleep questionnaires—the Parkinson’s Disease Sleep Scale (PDSS-2) and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS)—and underwent a comprehensive battery of neuropsychological tests encompassing five cognitive domains (reasoning, memory, attention, frontal executive functions, and language).

Results

Patients showed mild to moderate sleep problems (PDSS-2 score: 23.4 ± 1.2) and mild daytime sleepiness (ESS 8.6 ± 5.1). A significant correlation was found between PDSS-2 total score and non-verbal reasoning, as well as attentive skills, executive functions, and language abilities. No correlations were found between sleep measures and memory tests scores. Patients with clinically relevant sleep disturbances performed worse on attention, executive functions, and language. No significant correlations were found between daytime sleepiness and any neuropsychological test.

Conclusions

In advanced PD patients, sleep disturbances selectively correlate with specific neuropsychological functions and not with short-term memory and consolidation. Even if confirmations by means of longitudinal studies are needed, our observations suggest the importance of considering treatment of sleep disturbances to minimize their potential impact on cognition.
Ancient lineages of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi provide little plant benefit
Authors: Säle Verena , Palenzuela Javier , Azcón-Aguilar Concepción , Sánchez-Castro Iván , da Silva Gladstone Alves , Seitz Benjamin , Sieverding Ewald , van der Heijden Marcel G. A. , Oehl Fritz
Published: July 2021

Almost all land plants form symbiotic associations with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). Individual plants usually are colonized by a wide range of phylogenetically diverse AMF species. The impact that different AMF taxa have on plant growth is only partly understood. We screened 44 AMF isolates for their effect on growth promotion and nutrient uptake of leek plants (Allium porrum), including isolates that have not been tested previously. In particular, we aimed to test weather AMF lineages with an ancient evolutionary age differ from relatively recent lineages in their effects on leek plants. The AMF isolates that were tested covered 18 species from all five AMF orders, eight families, and 13 genera. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse. A soil–sand mixture was used as substrate for the leek plants. Plant growth response to inoculation with AMF varied from − 19 to 232% and depended on isolate, species, and family identity. Species from the ancient families Archaeosporaceae and Paraglomeraceae tended to be less beneficial, in terms of stimulation plant growth and nutrient uptake, than species of Glomeraceae, Entrophosporaceae, and Diversisporaceae, which are considered phylogenetically more recent than those ancient families. Root colonization levels also depended on AMF family. This study indicates that plant benefit in the symbiosis between plants and AMF is linked to fungal identity and phylogeny and it shows that there are large differences in effectiveness of different AMF.
The impact of age, sex, disc height loss and T1 slope on the upper and lower cervical lordosis: a large-scale radiologic study
Authors: Tao Youping , Galbusera Fabio , Niemeyer Frank , Jonas René , Samartzis Dino , Vogele Daniel , Wilke Hans-Joachim
Published: July 2021

Purpose

To clarify the relative influence of age, sex, disc height loss and T1 slope on upper (Occiput-C2) and lower cervical lordosis (C2–C7).

Methods

Standing lateral cervical radiographs of 865 adult subjects were evaluated. The presence and severity of disc height loss from C2/C3 to C6/C7 (a total of 4325 discs) were assessed using a validated grading system. The total disc height loss score for each subject was calculated as the sum of the score of each disc space. Sagittal radiographic parameters included: occipital slope, occiput-C2 (Oc-C2) lordosis, C2–C7 lordosis and T1 slope. Multivariable regression analyses were performed to examine the relative influence of the multiple factors on upper and lower cervical lordosis.

Results

This study included 360 males and 505 females, with a mean age of 40.2 ± 16.0 years (range, 20–95 years). Linear multivariate regression analyses showed that greater age, male sex, greater T1 slope were each found to be significantly and independently associated with greater C2–C7 lordosis, whereas total disc height loss score was negatively associated with C2–C7 lordosis. T1 slope had the most independent influence on C2–C7 lordosis among these factors. Age, sex and disc height loss were not independently associated with Oc-C2 lordosis.

Conclusions

Results from our large-scale radiologic analysis may enhance the understanding of the factors that affect cervical lordosis, indicating that age, sex, disc height loss and T1 slope were each independently associated with C2–C7 lordosis. However, age, sex and disc height loss were not independently associated with upper cervical lordosis.
On the dominant set selection problem and its application to value alignment
Authors: Serramia Marc , López-Sánchez Maite , Moretti Stefano , Rodríguez-Aguilar Juan Antonio
Published: July 2021

Decision makers can often be confronted with the need to select a subset of objects from a set of candidate objects by just counting on preferences regarding the objects’ features. Here we formalise this problem as the dominant set selection problem. Solving this problem amounts to finding the preferences over all possible sets of objects. We accomplish so by: (i) grounding the preferences over features to preferences over the objects themselves; and (ii) lifting these preferences to preferences over all possible sets of objects. This is achieved by combining lex-cel –a method from the literature—with our novel anti-lex-cel method, which we formally (and thoroughly) study. Furthermore, we provide a binary integer program encoding to solve the problem. Finally, we illustrate our overall approach by applying it to the selection of value-aligned norm systems.
No Evidence for the Involvement of Cognitive Immunisation in Updating Beliefs About the Self in Three Non-Clinical Samples
Authors: Kube Tobias , Glombiewski Julia Anna
Published: July 2021

Background

Cognitive immunisation against disconfirmatory evidence (i.e., devaluing expectation-disconfirming information through cognitive mechanisms) has recently been discussed as an obstacle to the revision of dysfunctional beliefs in mental disorders such as depression. Yet, it is unclear whether cognitive immunisation is also involved in belief updating in non-clinical samples.

Methods

Using a three-group modulation protocol (promotion vs. inhibition of cognitive immunisation vs. control group), we examined how cognitive immunisation influences belief updating in response to performance feedback in three non-clinical samples. In Experiments 1 (N = 99) and 2 (N = 93), participants received unexpectedly negative feedback, whereas participants from Experiment 3 (N = 118) received unexpectedly positive feedback. Depressive symptoms and dispositional optimism were examined as additional predictors of belief updating.

Results

In all experiments, participants adjusted their expectations in line with the feedback received, but this effect was not influenced by the cognitive immunisation manipulation. In Experiment 3, expectation change remained stable over 2 weeks. Depressive symptoms were associated with a reduced integration of positive feedback, but not with an increased sensitivity to negative feedback.

Conclusions

Whereas previous research has shown that cognitive immunisation contributes to persistent beliefs in clinical populations, the present findings suggest that it does not affect belief updating in non-clinical samples.
Fair income tax with endogenous productivities and a fresh start
Authors: Calo-Blanco Aitor
Published: July 2021

This paper considers a model in which agents have heterogeneous preferences over labour and consumption. Additionally, they also differ in their earning skills, which are a function of both an innate ability and an early investment decision. In this framework we axiomatically derive a social ordering function that, besides compensating agents for their unequal productivities, grants a fresh start to those who regret their initial choices. Next, by assuming a second-best context we characterise the income tax scheme that satisfies this social ordering. This analysis permits us to present an explicit criterion for the assessment of social welfare under different tax policies. We obtain that the optimal scheme aims to compensate those endowed with the lowest marginal productivity. More importantly, on account of the forgiveness ideal positive social marginal weights are assigned to those who earn the lowest income levels, something that induces a progressivity tendency at the bottom of the earnings distribution.
Reducing Barriers to Language Assistance During a Pandemic
Authors: Mulpur Erin , Turner Travis
Published: July 2021

This “Notes from the Field” article discusses language assistance within healthcare during the COVID-19 public health crisis. Providing adequate language assistance within healthcare is fundamental. At Houston Methodist we learned that we could leverage existing technologies to address language needs of our COVID-19 patients with limited English proficiency during the pandemic when personal protective equipment was in limited supply across the United States. By leveraging the use of our existing technologies (ex. Telephone interpretation with wearable communication devices) we increased utilization of language assistance for our patients with limited English proficiency. We urge other healthcare organizations to re-evaluate their language assistance programs and leverage similar technologies to empower both clinicians and patients.
Development of prognostic models for Health-Related Quality of Life following traumatic brain injury
Authors: Helmrich Isabel R. A. Retel , van Klaveren David , Dijkland Simone A. , Lingsma Hester F. , Polinder Suzanne , Wilson Lindsay , von Steinbuechel Nicole , van der Naalt Joukje , Maas Andrew I. R. , Steyerberg Ewout W. ,   CENTER-TBI Collaborators
Published: July 2021

Background

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of impairments affecting Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL). We aimed to identify predictors of and develop prognostic models for HRQoL following TBI.

Methods

We used data from the Collaborative European NeuroTrauma Effectiveness Research in Traumatic Brain Injury (CENTER-TBI) Core study, including patients with a clinical diagnosis of TBI and an indication for computed tomography presenting within 24 h of injury. The primary outcome measures were the SF-36v2 physical (PCS) and mental (MCS) health component summary scores and the Quality of Life after Traumatic Brain Injury (QOLIBRI) total score 6 months post injury. We considered 16 patient and injury characteristics in linear regression analyses. Model performance was expressed as proportion of variance explained (R2) and corrected for optimism with bootstrap procedures.

Results

2666 Adult patients completed the HRQoL questionnaires. Most were mild TBI patients (74%). The strongest predictors for PCS were Glasgow Coma Scale, major extracranial injury, and pre-injury health status, while MCS and QOLIBRI were mainly related to pre-injury mental health problems, level of education, and type of employment. R2 of the full models was 19% for PCS, 9% for MCS, and 13% for the QOLIBRI. In a subset of patients following predominantly mild TBI (N = 436), including 2 week HRQoL assessment improved model performance substantially (R2 PCS 15% to 37%, MCS 12% to 36%, and QOLIBRI 10% to 48%).

Conclusion

Medical and injury-related characteristics are of greatest importance for the prediction of PCS, whereas patient-related characteristics are more important for the prediction of MCS and the QOLIBRI following TBI.