bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk Factors for the Development of Shoulder Pain in Elite Sled Hockey Players
Authors: Spangenberg Jacqueline , Nussbaum Ryan , Chen Liqi , Jayabalan Prakash
Published: January 2021

Background

Shoulder pain is one of the most common injuries in adaptive athletes. There are minimal prior studies that investigate shoulder pain prevalence and associated risk factors in sled hockey players.

Objective

To characterize the prevalence of shoulder pain in elite‐level adaptive sled hockey athletes and identify associated risk factors.

Design

Cross‐sectional observational study.

Setting

2019 USA Sled Hockey Classic in Chicago, IL from 7 February 2019 to 10 February 2019.

Participants

Eighty‐two elite sled hockey athletes who participated in a nationally sanctioned sports event.

Interventions

Not applicable.

Main Outcome Measures

The primary outcome of the study was to describe the experience of shoulder pain using player‐reported outcomes of pain including: binary (yes/no) pain reporting in the last month, Performance‐Corrected Wheelchair User's Shoulder Pain Index (PC‐WUSPI) reporting pain in the last week, and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) reporting pain in the last month. Associations were assessed between the measurements of pain and characteristics of participants.

Results

Of all participants, 70.5% endorsed shoulder pain in the last month. The average VAS for the past month was 2.13 and average PC‐WUSPI for the past week was 15.46. Statistically significant associations were found between endorsement of pain in the last month and specific correlative factors including increased weight (P value .008; odds ratio [OR] 1.04, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01‐1.07) and increased duration of manual wheelchair use (P‐value .002; OR 1.13, 95% CI 1.04‐1.22).

Conclusion

Elite‐level sled hockey athletes commonly report experiencing shoulder pain. There is evidence that an elite‐level sled hockey player's weight and longer duration of manual wheelchair use are both associated with a greater likelihood for self‐reporting shoulder pain rather than number of years of playing the sport.
How close are disease‐modifying drugs for osteoarthritis?
Authors: Greener Mark
Published: January 2021

Progress in the development of disease‐modifying drugs for osteoarthritis has been hampered by a lack of understanding of the pathogenesis of the disease and how it differs from rheumatoid arthritis. However, more recent research in this field has identified several promising therapeutic targets.
Highlights of the Best Practice Live Conference 2020
Authors: Ogden Joy
Published: January 2021

Topics covered at the Best Practice Live Conference 2020, held in October, included primary care profiling to identify risk; addiction and psychiatry; the impact of COVID‐19 on management of COPD in primary care; and managing persistent pain, with a look at social prescribing and the benefits of exercise along the way. Joy Ogden reports on some of the conference highlights.
Summary of the ACR guideline on the management of gout
Authors: Chaplin Steve
Published: January 2021

The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) updated its guideline on the management of gout last year, with a focus on urate‐lowering therapy. This article summarises the new guideline and how it compares with recent guidance from the British Society for Rheumatology and the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR).
Luminescent Photonic Crystals with Extreme‐UV Bandgaps Made of CuInSe2 Quantum Dots
Authors: Wang Qiqi , Li Hongxia , Cui Weina , Xu Huaixiu , Fan Jiyang
Published: January 2021

People know little about the characteristics of the photonic crystals (PhCs) made of nanoscale building blocks, which can be quite distinct from the usual PhCs made of microscale or even larger units, because the unit size strongly affects the photonic structure. The PhCs made of fluorescent CuInSe2 quantum dots (QDs) having an ultrasmall average size of 2.2–5.3 nm are studied. The experiments and hybrid density‐functional theory calculation reveal that these QDs have defect‐related fluorescence, and the light absorption exhibits an unexpected indirect‐gap feature because of the discrete and small density of states at the direct‐gap maximum. The frequency‐domain electromagnetic calculations reveal that the PhCs made of the CuInSe2 QDs have a remarkable out‐of‐plane bandgap in the extreme‐UV (EUV) region. The frequency modes below and above the forbidden gap are separately air band and dielectric band modes. These multifunctional fluorescent semiconductor QD PhCs have application potential in nanoscale photonic devices and EUV photolithography.
Hamiltonian‐driven adaptive dynamic programming for mixedH2/H∞performance using sum‐of‐squares
Authors: Yang Yongliang , Mazouchi Majid , Modares Hamidreza
Published: January 2021

In this article, the mixedH2/H∞performance optimization is first formulated as a nonzero‐sum game, of which the sufficient condition guaranteeing the existence of the Nash equilibrium is derived using the Hamilton–Jacobi (HJ) theory. Then, Hamiltonian‐driven inequalities are presented to evaluate theH2andH∞performances. Using this Hamiltonian‐inequality driven approach, the coupled HJ equations arising from finding the Nash equilibrium are relaxed to the HJ inequality constraints. A novel mixed policy iteration (PI) algorithm is developed that uses sum‐of‐squares (SOS) program in policy evaluation step, and consists of anH2performance improvement step and anH∞performance guarantee step. This constrained‐driven approach allows us to present a PI algorithm that takes into account both robustness and performance objectives. Finally, a numerical simulation is carried out to highlight the efficacy of the proposed framework.
Adaptive optimization algorithm for nonlinear Markov jump systems with partial unknown dynamics
Authors: Fang Haiyang , Zhu Guozheng , Stojanovic Vladimir , Nie Rong , He Shuping , Luan Xiaoli , Liu Fei
Published: January 2021

An online adaptive optimal control problem for a class of nonlinear Markov jump systems (MJSs) is studied. It is worth noting that the dynamic information of MJSs is partially unknown. Applying the neural network linear differential inclusion techniques, the nonlinear terms in MJSs are approximately converted to linear forms. By using subsystem transformation schemes, we can transfer the nonlinear MJSs to N new coupled linear subsystems. Then a new online policy iteration algorithm is put forward to obtain the adaptive optimal controller. Some theorems are given afterward to ensure the convergence of the new algorithm. At last, a simulation example is provided to verify the applicability of the algorithm.
Surface Modification of Cobalt‐Manganese Mixed Oxide and Its Application for Low‐Temperature Propane Catalytic Combustion
Authors: Liu Yihao , Zhao Peng , Sun Liang , Feng Nengjie , Wang Lei , Wan Hui , Guan Guofeng
Published: January 2021

The Co−Mn mixed metal oxide was firstly fabricated using Co(NO3)2, KMnO4 and K2CO3. The tuned catalysts, donated as xM‐Co3Mn1 (x=0, 0.025, 0.05 and 0.1), were synthesized by selective dissolve method (SD). The physicochemical properties induced by different acid concentrations on catalysts were explored via a series of characterization techniques. Compared with the original material, the catalysts treated by SD had higher advantages in enriching crystal defects, surface Co2+ and adsorbed oxygen species as well as increasing the specific surface areas (SSA). Among acid‐treated catalysts, 0.05 M‐Co3Mn1 exhibited the best catalytic activity, while the T50 and T90 were 71 and 117 °C lower than the original one. Meanwhile, 0.05 M‐Co3Mn1 showed excellent stability and great regeneration ability.
Manipulation of Zinc Oxide with Zirconium Doping for Efficient Inverted Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Song Xin , Liu Guilin , Gao Weilian , Di Yongyue , Yang Yunpeng , Li Fei , Zhou Shunfeng , Zhang Jie
Published: January 2021

Solution‐processed zinc oxide (ZnO) is one of the widely used electron transporting layers (ETLs) for organic solar cells (OSCs). However, low optical transparency along with thickness‐sensitivity of ZnO ETL constrains the improvement of photovoltaic performance and large‐scale fabrication compatibility. To resolve these issues, zirconium (Zr) doping is applied to tailor the optoelectronic and morphological properties of ZnO layer. This approach not only improves light transmittance with the suppressed parasitic absorption, but also provides an optimized surface morphology for enhancing charge extraction property and reducing potential of charge trap‐assisted recombination. By using ZnO:Zr as ETL in inverted device configuration, the maximum power conversion efficiency (PCE) of PM6:Y6:PC71BM solar cell devices is up to 17.2%, which makes an enhancement of 9.55% compared to ZnO‐based devices (15.7%). As the thickness of ZnO:Zr ETL increases to ≈60 nm, the presence of the lower parasitic absorption together with uniform surface morphology can help photovoltaic performance maintain above 15%, which is beyond the performance of the pristine ZnO‐based device achieving only 11.9%. Such superiority of ZnO:Zr ETL is also validated by a series of well‐known BHJ systems, where in comparison with the devices based on pristine ZnO ETL, a better photovoltaic performance from ZnO:Zr device can be achieved.
Gold‐coating thickness determination on Ag, Cu, Fe, and Pb using a handheld X‐ray instrument
Authors: Sabbarese Carlo , Brocchieri Jessica , Scialla Elvira
Published: January 2021

Here, the X‐ray fluorescence technique is used to determine the thickness of a coating layer as well as to analyze the surface of objects. Four metals (Ag, Cu, Fe, Pb) were covered with increasing thicknesses of gold. The measurements were performed with a commercial handheld instrument, X‐SORT (Spectro). In double layers, the thickness of the covering layer was assessed by (a) the ratio between the most intense fluorescence lines of the covered element, (b) a cross‐ratio between two lines of the elements in the two layers, and (c) the ordinary partial least squares (PLS) regression method. In all cases, the curves obtained could be used for the quantitative determination of the thickness. The experimental data followed the theoretical trend even though the values of the attenuation parameters were not always in agreement with the theoretical ones. Comparisons and discussion of the results of the different approaches and also with models in the literature are made. The methods studied were applied to determine the nature of the coating layers of some gilded objects and proved to be suitable for estimating the thickness of gold by providing results that were in good agreement with each other.
Recommendations for Preclinical Renal MRI: A Comprehensive Open-Access Protocol Collection to Improve Training, Reproducibility, and Comparability of Studies
Authors: Pohlmann Andreas , Back Susan J. , Fekete Andrea , Friedli Iris , Hectors Stefanie , Jerome Neil Peter , Ku Min-Chi , Longo Dario Livio , Meier Martin , Millward Jason M. , Periquito João S. , Seeliger Erdmann , Serai Suraj D. , Waiczies Sonia , Sourbron Steven , Laustsen Christoffer , Niendorf Thoralf
Published: January 2021

Renal MRI holds incredible promise for making a quantum leap in improving diagnosis and care of patients with a multitude of diseases, by moving beyond the limitations and restrictions of current routine clinical practice. Clinical and preclinical renal MRI is advancing with ever increasing rapidity, and yet, aside from a few examples of renal MRI in routine use, it is still not good enough. Several roadblocks are still delaying the pace of progress, particularly inefficient education of renal MR researchers, and lack of harmonization of approaches that limits the sharing of results among multiple research groups.

Here we aim to address these limitations for preclinical renal MRI (predominantly in small animals), by providing a comprehensive collection of more than 40 publications that will serve as a foundational resource for preclinical renal MRI studies. This includes chapters describing the fundamental principles underlying a variety of renal MRI methods, step-by-step protocols for executing renal MRI studies, and detailed guides for data analysis. This collection will serve as a crucial part of a roadmap toward conducting renal MRI studies in a robust and reproducible way, that will promote the standardization and sharing of data.

This chapter is based upon work from the COST Action PARENCHIMA, a community-driven network funded by the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) program of the European Union, which aims to improve the reproducibility and standardization of renal MRI biomarkers.
Renal Diffusion-Weighted Imaging (DWI) for Apparent Diffusion Coefficient (ADC), Intravoxel Incoherent Motion (IVIM), and Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI): Basic Concepts
Authors: Jerome Neil Peter , Caroli Anna , Ljimani Alexandra
Published: January 2021

The specialized function of the kidney is reflected in its unique structure, characterized by juxtaposition of disorganized and ordered elements, including renal glomerula, capillaries, and tubules. The key role of the kidney in blood filtration, and changes in filtration rate and blood flow associated with pathological conditions, make it possible to investigate kidney function using the motion of water molecules in renal tissue. Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is a versatile modality that sensitizes observable signal to water motion, and can inform on the complexity of the tissue microstructure. Several DWI acquisition strategies are available, as are different analysis strategies, and models that attempt to capture not only simple diffusion effects, but also perfusion, compartmentalization, and anisotropy. This chapter introduces the basic concepts of DWI alongside common acquisition schemes and models, and gives an overview of specific DWI applications for animal models of renal disease.

This chapter is based upon work from the COST Action PARENCHIMA, a community-driven network funded by the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) program of the European Union, which aims to improve the reproducibility and standardization of renal MRI biomarkers. This introduction chapter is complemented by two separate chapters describing the experimental procedure and data analysis.
Dynamic Contrast Enhancement (DCE) MRI–Derived Renal Perfusion and Filtration: Basic Concepts
Authors: Pedersen Michael , Irrera Pietro , Dastrù Walter , Zöllner Frank G. , Bennett Kevin M. , Beeman Scott C. , Bretthorst G. Larry , Garbow Joel R. , Longo Dario Livio
Published: January 2021

Dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI monitors the transit of contrast agents, typically gadolinium chelates, through the intrarenal regions, the renal cortex, the medulla, and the collecting system. In this way, DCE-MRI reveals the renal uptake and excretion of the contrast agent. An optimal DCE-MRI acquisition protocol involves finding a good compromise between whole-kidney coverage (i.e., 3D imaging), spatial and temporal resolution, and contrast resolution. By analyzing the enhancement of the renal tissues as a function of time, one can determine indirect measures of clinically important single-kidney parameters as the renal blood flow, glomerular filtration rate, and intrarenal blood volumes. Gadolinium-containing contrast agents may be nephrotoxic in patients suffering from severe renal dysfunction, but otherwise DCE-MRI is clearly useful for diagnosis of renal functions and for assessing treatment response and posttransplant rejection.

Here we introduce the concept of renal DCE-MRI, describe the existing methods, and provide an overview of preclinical DCE-MRI applications to illustrate the utility of this technique to measure renal perfusion and glomerular filtration rate in animal models.

This publication is based upon work from the COST Action PARENCHIMA, a community-driven network funded by the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) program of the European Union, which aims to improve the reproducibility and standardization of renal MRI biomarkers. This introduction is complemented by two separate publications describing the experimental procedure and data analysis.
Sodium (23Na) MRI of the Kidney: Basic Concept
Authors: Grist James T. , Hansen Esben Søvsø , Zöllner Frank G. , Laustsen Christoffer
Published: January 2021

The handling of sodium by the renal system is a key indicator of renal function. Alterations in the corticomedullary distribution of sodium are considered important indicators of pathology in renal diseases. The derangement of sodium handling can be noninvasively imaged using sodium magnetic resonance imaging (23Na MRI), with data analysis allowing for the assessment of the corticomedullary sodium gradient. Here we introduce sodium imaging, describe the existing methods, and give an overview of preclinical sodium imaging applications to illustrate the utility and applicability of this technique for measuring renal sodium handling.

This chapter is based upon work from the COST Action PARENCHIMA, a community-driven network funded by the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) program of the European Union, which aims to improve the reproducibility and standardization of renal MRI biomarkers. This introduction chapter is complemented by two separate chapters describing the experimental procedure and data analysis.
Animal Models of Renal Pathophysiology and Disease
Authors: Hosszu Adam , Kaucsar Tamas , Seeliger Erdmann , Fekete Andrea
Published: January 2021

Renal diseases remain devastating illnesses with unacceptably high rates of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Animal models are essential tools to better understand the pathomechanisms of kidney-related illnesses and to develop new, successful therapeutic strategies. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been actively explored in the last decades for assessing renal function, perfusion, tissue oxygenation as well as the degree of fibrosis and inflammation. This chapter aims to provide a comprehensive overview of animal models of acute and chronic kidney diseases, highlighting MRI-specific considerations, advantages, and pitfalls, and thus assisting the researcher in experiment planning.

This publication is based upon work from the COST Action PARENCHIMA, a community-driven network funded by the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) program of the European Union, which aims to improve the reproducibility and standardization of renal MRI biomarkers.
Experimental Protocols for MRI Mapping of Renal T1
Authors: Garteiser Philippe , Bane Octavia , Doblas Sabrina , Friedli Iris , Hectors Stefanie , Pagé Gwenaël , Van Beers Bernard E. , Waterton John C.
Published: January 2021

The water proton longitudinal relaxation time, T1, is a common and useful MR parameter in nephrology research. Here we provide three step-by-step T1-mapping protocols suitable for different types of nephrology research. Firstly, we provide a single-slice 2D saturation recovery protocol suitable for studies of global pathology, where whole-kidney coverage is unnecessary. Secondly, we provide an inversion recovery type imaging protocol that may be optimized for specific kidney disease applications. Finally, we also provide imaging protocol for small animal kidney imaging in a clinical scanner.

This chapter is based upon work from the COST Action PARENCHIMA, a community-driven network funded by the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) program of the European Union, which aims to improve the reproducibility and standardization of renal MRI biomarkers. This analysis protocol chapter is complemented by two separate chapters describing the basic concept and experimental procedure.
Renal Blood Flow Using Arterial Spin Labeling (ASL) MRI: Experimental Protocol and Principles
Authors: Chuang Kai-Hsiang , Meier Martin , Fernández-Seara María A. , Kober Frank , Ku Min-Chi
Published: January 2021

A noninvasive, robust, and reproducible method to measure renal perfusion is important to understand the physiology of kidney. Arterial spin labeling (ASL) MRI technique labels the endogenous blood water as freely diffusible tracers to measure perfusion quantitatively without relying on exogenous contrast agent. Therefore, it alleviates the safety concern involving gadolinium chelates. To obtain quantitative tissue perfusion information is particularly relevant for multisite and longitudinal imaging of living subjects.

This chapter is based upon work from the PARENCHIMA COST Action, a community-driven network funded by the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) program of the European Union, which aims to improve the reproducibility and standardization of renal MRI biomarkers. This experimental protocol chapter is complemented by two separate chapters describing the basic concept and data analysis.
Hyperpolarized Carbon (13C) MRI of the Kidney: Experimental Protocol
Authors: Laustsen Christoffer , von Morze Cornelius , Reed Galen D.
Published: January 2021

Alterations in renal metabolism are associated with both physiological and pathophysiologic events. The existing noninvasive analytic tools including medical imaging have limited capability for investigating these processes, which potentially limits current understanding of kidney disease and the precision of its clinical diagnosis. Hyperpolarized 13C MRI is a new medical imaging modality that can capture changes in the metabolic processing of certain rapidly metabolized substrates, as well as changes in kidney function. Here we describe experimental protocols for renal metabolic [1-13C]pyruvate and functional 13C-urea imaging step-by-step. These methods and protocols are useful for investigating renal blood flow and function as well as the renal metabolic status of rodents in vivo under various experimental (patho)physiological conditions.

This chapter is based upon work from the COST Action PARENCHIMA, a community-driven network funded by the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) program of the European Union, which aims to improve the reproducibility and standardization of renal MRI biomarkers. This experimental protocol is complemented by two separate chapters describing the basic concept and data analysis.
MR Elastography of the Abdomen: Experimental Protocols
Authors: Serai Suraj D. , Yin Meng
Published: January 2021

Application of MRE for noninvasive evaluation of renal fibrosis has great potential for noninvasive assessment in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). CKD leads to severe complications, which require dialysis or kidney transplant and could even result in death. CKD in native kidneys and interstitial fibrosis in allograft kidneys are the two major kidney fibrotic pathologies where MRE may be clinically useful. Both these conditions can lead to extensive morbidity, mortality, and high health care costs. Currently, biopsy is the standard method for renal fibrosis staging. This method of diagnosis is painful, invasive, limited by sampling bias, exhibits inter- and intraobserver variability, requires prolonged hospitalization, poses risk of complications and significant bleeding, and could even lead to death. MRE based methods can potentially be useful to noninvasively detect, stage, and monitor renal fibrosis, reducing the need for renal biopsy. In this chapter, we describe experimental procedure and step by step instructions to run MRE along with some illustrative applications. We also includes sections on how to perform data quality check and analysis methods.

This publication is based upon work from the COST Action PARENCHIMA, a community-driven network funded by the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) program of the European Union, which aims to improve the reproducibility and standardization of renal MRI biomarkers.
Denoising for Improved Parametric MRI of the Kidney: Protocol for Nonlocal Means Filtering
Authors: Starke Ludger , Tabelow Karsten , Niendorf Thoralf , Pohlmann Andreas
Published: January 2021

In order to tackle the challenges caused by the variability in estimated MRI parameters (e.g., T2* and T2) due to low SNR a number of strategies can be followed. One approach is postprocessing of the acquired data with a filter. The basic idea is that MR images possess a local spatial structure that is characterized by equal, or at least similar, noise-free signal values in vicinities of a location. Then, local averaging of the signal reduces the noise component of the signal. In contrast, nonlocal means filtering defines the weights for averaging not only within the local vicinity, bur it compares the image intensities between all voxels to define “nonlocal” weights. Furthermore, it generally compares not only single-voxel intensities but small spatial patches of the data to better account for extended similar patterns. Here we describe how to use an open source NLM filter tool to denoise 2D MR image series of the kidney used for parametric mapping of the relaxation times T2* and T2.

This chapter is based upon work from the COST Action PARENCHIMA, a community-driven network funded by the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) program of the European Union, which aims to improve the reproducibility and standardization of renal MRI biomarkers.
Analysis Protocol for Renal Sodium (23Na) MR Imaging
Authors: Grist James T. , Hansen Esben Søvsø Szocska , Zöllner Frank G. , Laustsen Christoffer
Published: January 2021

The signal acquired in sodium (23Na) MR imaging is proportional to the concentration of sodium in a voxel, and it is possible to convert between the two using external calibration phantoms. Postprocessing, and subsequent analysis, of sodium renal images is a simple task that can be performed with readily available software. Here we describe the process of conversion between sodium signal and concentration, estimation of the corticomedullary sodium gradient and the procedure used for quadrupolar relaxation analysis.

This chapter is based upon work from the COST Action PARENCHIMA, a community-driven network funded by the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) program of the European Union, which aims to improve the reproducibility and standardization of renal MRI biomarkers. This analysis protocol chapter is complemented by two separate chapters describing the basic concept and experimental procedure.
Analysis Methods for Hyperpolarized Carbon (13C) MRI of the Kidney
Authors: Reed Galen D. , Korn Natalie J. , Laustsen Christoffer , von Morze Cornelius
Published: January 2021

Hyperpolarized 13C MR is a novel medical imaging modality with substantially different signal dynamics as compared to conventional 1H MR, thus requiring new methods for processing the data in order to access and quantify the embedded metabolic and functional information. Here we describe step-by-step analysis protocols for functional renal hyperpolarized 13C imaging. These methods are useful for investigating renal blood flow and function as well as metabolic status of rodents in vivo under various experimental physiological conditions.

This chapter is based upon work from the COST Action PARENCHIMA, a community-driven network funded by the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) program of the European Union, which aims to improve the reproducibility and standardization of renal MRI biomarkers. This analysis protocol chapter is complemented by two separate chapters describing the basic concept and experimental procedure.
Data Preparation Protocol for Low Signal-to-Noise Ratio Fluorine-19 MRI
Authors: Starke Ludger , Niendorf Thoralf , Waiczies Sonia
Published: January 2021

Fluorine-19 MRI shows great promise for a wide range of applications including renal imaging, yet the typically low signal-to-noise ratios and sparse signal distribution necessitate a thorough data preparation.

This chapter describes a general data preparation workflow for fluorine MRI experiments. The main processing steps are: (1) estimation of noise level, (2) correction of noise-induced bias and (3) background subtraction. The protocol is supplemented by an example script and toolbox available online.

This chapter is based upon work from the COST Action PARENCHIMA, a community-driven network funded by the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) program of the European Union, which aims to improve the reproducibility and standardization of renal MRI biomarkers. This analysis protocol chapter is complemented by two separate chapters describing the basic concept and experimental procedure.
Hardware Considerations for Preclinical Magnetic Resonance of the Kidney
Authors: Ramos Delgado Paula , Küstermann Ekkehard , Kühne André , Millward Jason M. , Niendorf Thoralf , Pohlmann Andreas , Meier Martin
Published: January 2021

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive imaging technology that offers unparalleled anatomical and functional detail, along with diagnostic sensitivity. MRI is suitable for longitudinal studies due to the lack of exposure to ionizing radiation. Before undertaking preclinical MRI investigations of the kidney, the appropriate MRI hardware should be carefully chosen to balance the competing demands of image quality, spatial resolution, and imaging speed, tailored to the specific scientific objectives of the investigation. Here we describe the equipment needed to perform renal MRI in rodents, with the aim to guide the appropriate hardware selection to meet the needs of renal MRI applications.

This publication is based upon work from the COST Action PARENCHIMA, a community-driven network funded by the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) program of the European Union, which aims to improve the reproducibility and standardization of renal MRI biomarkers. This chapter on hardware considerations for renal MRI in small animals is complemented by two separate publications describing the experimental procedure and data analysis.
Wie leben wir ein gutes Leben? Ansätze der Tugendethik
Authors: Werner Micha H.
Published: January 2021

Glücksstreben:Dieser häufig zitierte Ratschlag stammt aus Bertolt BrechtsDreigroschenoper, genauer aus derBallade von der Unzulänglichkeit menschlichen Planens. Die provokativ-sarkastische Ballade erklärt den Menschen für grundsätzlich unfähig in genau demjenigen, worin die philosophische Ethik über viele Jahrhunderte ihre wichtigste Aufgabe gesehen hat: die Konturen eines guten Lebens zu umreißen und das menschliche Glücksstreben durch vernünftige Überlegung und Selbstkontrolle in gute Bahnen zu lenken. Die Auffassung, dass wir alle nach Glück streben, teilt Brechts moderne Ballade dabei mit den antikenEthiken des guten Lebens, mit Aristoteles und den Autoren der Stoa, ebenso wie mit Kant und anderen neuzeitlichen Autoren.
Wann ist unser Zusammenleben fair? John Rawls’ Beitrag zur modernen Moralphilosophie
Authors: Werner Micha H.
Published: January 2021

Deutscher Idealismus: Kants Philosophie bildet den Auftakt zu philosophischen Systembildungen, die der RubrikDeutscher Idealismuszugeordnet werden. Ihnen ist der Versuch gemeinsam, in Kants System verbleibende Spannungen und Dualismen zu überwinden. Dies zeigt sich beispielsweise in Johann Gottlieb Fichtes Radikalisierung der kantischen Bewusstseinsphilosophie.
Constraints on light vector mediators through coherent elastic neutrino nucleus scattering data from COHERENT
Authors: Cadeddu M. , Cargioli N. , Dordei F. , Giunti C. , Li Y. F. , Picciau E. , Zhang Y.Y.
Published: January 2021

Abstract

We present new constraints on three different models, the so-called universal,B − LandLμ− Lτmodels, involving a yet to be observed light vectorZ′ mediator, by exploiting the recent observation of coherent elastic neutrino-nucleus scattering (CEνNS) in argon and cesium-iodide performed by the COHERENT Collaboration. We compare the results obtained from a combination of the above data sets with the limits derived from searches in fixed target, accelerator, solar neutrino and reactor CEνNS experiments, and with the parameter region that could explain the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon. We show that for the universal and theB − Lmodels, the COHERENT data allow us to put stringent limits in the light vector mediator mass,MZ′, and coupling,gZ′, parameter space.
Restoration of chiral symmetry in cold and dense Nambu-Jona-Lasinio model with tensor renormalization group
Authors: Akiyama Shinichiro , Kuramashi Yoshinobu , Yamashita Takumi , Yoshimura Yusuke
Published: January 2021

Abstract

We analyze the chiral phase transition of the Nambu-Jona-Lasinio model in the cold and dense region on the lattice, developing the Grassmann version of the anisotropic tensor renormalization group algorithm. The model is formulated with the Kogut-Susskind fermion action. We use the chiral condensate as an order parameter to investigate the restoration of the chiral symmetry. The first-order chiral phase transition is clearly observed in the dense region at vanishing temperature with μ/T ∼ O(103) on a large volume of V = 10244. We also present the results for the equation of state.
Olfactory systems across mosquito species
Authors: Wheelwright Matthew , Whittle Catherine R. , Riabinina Olena
Published: January 2021

There are 3559 species of mosquitoes in the world (Harbach 2018) but, so far, only a handful of them have been a focus of olfactory neuroscience and neurobiology research. Here we discuss mosquito olfactory anatomy and function and connect these to mosquito ecology. We highlight the least well-known and thus most interesting aspects of mosquito olfactory systems and discuss promising future directions. We hope this review will encourage the insect neuroscience community to work more broadly across mosquito species instead of focusing narrowly on the main disease vectors.
IMHOTEP: cross-professional evaluation of a three-dimensional virtual reality system for interactive surgical operation planning, tumor board discussion and immersive training for complex liver surgery in a head-mounted display
Authors: Kenngott Hannes Götz , Pfeiffer Micha , Preukschas Anas Amin , Bettscheider Lisa , Wise Philipp Anthony , Wagner Martin , Speidel Stefanie , Huber Matthias , Nickel Felix , Mehrabi Arianeb , Müller-Stich Beat Peter
Published: January 2021

Background

Virtual reality (VR) with head-mounted displays (HMD) may improve medical training and patient care by improving display and integration of different types of information. The aim of this study was to evaluate among different healthcare professions the potential of an interactive and immersive VR environment for liver surgery that integrates all relevant patient data from different sources needed for planning and training of procedures.

Methods

3D-models of the liver, other abdominal organs, vessels, and tumors of a sample patient with multiple hepatic masses were created. 3D-models, clinical patient data, and other imaging data were visualized in a dedicated VR environment with an HMD (IMHOTEP). Users could interact with the data using head movements and a computer mouse. Structures of interest could be selected and viewed individually or grouped. IMHOTEP was evaluated in the context of preoperative planning and training of liver surgery and for the potential of broader surgical application. A standardized questionnaire was voluntarily answered by four groups (students, nurses, resident and attending surgeons).

Results

In the evaluation by 158 participants (57 medical students, 35 resident surgeons, 13 attending surgeons and 53 nurses), 89.9% found the VR system agreeable to work with. Participants generally agreed that complex cases in particular could be assessed better (94.3%) and faster (84.8%) with VR than with traditional 2D display methods. The highest potential was seen in student training (87.3%), resident training (84.6%), and clinical routine use (80.3%). Least potential was seen in nursing training (54.8%).

Conclusions

The present study demonstrates that using VR with HMD to integrate all available patient data for the preoperative planning of hepatic resections is a viable concept. VR with HMD promises great potential to improve medical training and operation planning and thereby to achieve improvement in patient care.
Influence of land surface aridification on regional monsoon precipitation in East Asian summer monsoon transition zone
Authors: Ren Yulong , Yue Ping , Zhang Qiang , Liu Xiaoyun
Published: January 2021

The East Asia summer monsoon transition zone, a unique area of transition from humid monsoon to arid continental climate, has the most prominent aridification in the world, and has experienced land surface aridification (LSA) in recent years. To investigate the influence of LSA on regional monsoon precipitation, two numerical experiments were run for vegetation degradation over a long period (30 years). Then, precipitation variation of different magnitudes was analyzed. After that, the mechanism of LSA influence on precipitation was studied. The results show that aridification reduced average summer precipitation by 5%. Additionally, LSA considerably changed the frequency of precipitation. Unlike aridification in North Africa caused by albedo variation, LSA in our study area mainly reduced surface thermal capacity, increased surface temperature, sharply increased the transport of surface sensible heat, and raised the atmospheric convective boundary layer. This reduces atmospheric moist static energy, which is not conducive to the generation of precipitation. LSA also increases the surface landscape gradient, local horizontal gradient of land surface turbulent flux, and probability of heavy convective precipitation. This paper reveals the mechanism by which land surface anomalies affect precipitation, which lays a foundation for follow-up studies.
Coastal groundwater systems: mapping chloride distribution from borehole and geophysical data
Authors: Rahman Mohammad Azizur , Zhao Qian , Wiederhold Helga , Skibbe Nico , González Eva , Deus Nico , Siemon Bernhard , Kirsch Reinhard , Elbracht Jörg
Published: January 2021

Information on chloride (Cl) distribution in aquifers is essential for planning and management of coastal zone groundwater resources as well as for simulation and validation of density-driven groundwater models. We developed a method to derive chloride concentrations from borehole information and helicopter-borne electromagnetic (HEM) data for the coastal aquifer in the Elbe-Weser region where observed chloride and electrical conductivity data reveal that the horizontal distribution of salinity is not uniform and does not correlate with the coastline. The integrated approach uses HEM resistivity data, borehole petrography information, grain size analysis of borehole samples as well as observed chloride and electrical conductivity to estimate Cl distribution. The approch is not straightforward due to the complex nature of the geology where clay and silt are present. Possible errors and uncertainties involved at different steps of the method are discussed.
Friction behavior of innovative carbon friction linings for wet multi-plate clutches
Authors: Stockinger U. , Groetsch D. , Reiner F. , Voelkel K. , Pflaum H. , Stahl K.
Published: January 2021

The torque transfer capability as well as long-term endurance are essential for wet multi-plate clutches. The quality of the torque transmission process largely depends on the tribological system consisting of friction pairing, lubricant and applied loads. The requirements on friction linings in wet multi-plate clutches increase continuously due to stricter CO2 reduction regulations and the demand of higher power densities.

There is a lack of published data and information about the friction behavior of modern Carbon friction linings in wet multi-plate clutch applications, although these friction materials have successfully proven their performance capabilities over the last two decades in synchronizers. Therefore, this article presents results from experimental studies on the friction behavior of innovative Carbon friction linings carried out on a component test rig. Friction screening tests were performed with Carbon-fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) and Carbon-fiber reinforced Carbon (C/C) linings in brake and constant slip operation. Furthermore, our research included long-term tests with different lubricants (engine/marine/tractor oil).

Results show that modern Carbon friction linings can offer advantages over other materials. In the friction screening (brake and constant slip operations) and long-term tests, the torque transfer capability of both friction linings is very stable, even at high specific loads—sliding velocities near 30 m/s and axial pressures of 2.5 MPa. Influences of sliding velocity, pressure and lubricant on the friction performance are presented. Furthermore, the gradient of the Coefficient of Friction (CoF) curve usually decreases at the end of the engagement to enable good control and shift comfort.
German tariffs for the ICECAP-Supportive Care Measure (ICECAP-SCM) for use in economic evaluations at the end of life
Authors: Dams Judith , Huynh Elisabeth , Riedel-Heller Steffi , Löbner Margrit , Brettschneider Christian , König Hans-Helmut
Published: January 2021

Objectives

Economic evaluations often use preference-based value sets (tariffs) for health-related quality of life to quantify health effects. For wellbeing at the end of life, issues beyond health-related quality of life may be important. Therefore, the ICECAP Supportive Care Measure (ICECAP-SCM), based on the capability approach, was developed. A validated German ICECAP-SCM version was published recently. However, tariffs for the German ICECAP-SCM are not available. Therefore, the aim was to determine tariffs for the ICECAP-SCM based on preferences of the German general population.

Methods

An online sample of 2996 participants completed a best–worst scaling (BWS) and a discrete choice experiment (DCE). BWSs required participants to choose the best and worst statement within the same capability state, whereas DCEs required participants to trade-off between two capability states. First, BWS and DCE data were analyzed separately. Subsequently, combined data were analyzed using scale-adjusted conditional logit latent class models. Models were selected based on the stability of solutions and the Bayesian information criterion.

Results

The two latent class model was identified to be optimal for the BWS, DCE, and combined data, and was used to derive tariffs for the ICECAP-SCM capability states. BWS data captured differences in ICECAP-SCM scale levels, whereas DCE data additionally explained interactions between the seven ICECAP-SCM attributes.

Discussion

The German ICECAP-SCM tariffs can be used in addition to health-related quality of life to quantify effectiveness in economic evaluations. The tariffs based on BWS data were similar for Germany and the UK, whereas the tariffs based on combined data varied. We would recommend to use tariffs based on combined data in German evaluations. However, only results on BWS data are comparable between Germany and the UK, so that tariffs based on BWS data should be used when comparing results between Germany and the UK.
Discrete curvature and torsion from cross-ratios
Authors: Müller Christian , Vaxman Amir
Published: January 2021

Motivated by a Möbius invariant subdivision scheme for polygons, we study a curvature notion for discrete curves where the cross-ratio plays an important role in all our key definitions. Using a particular Möbius invariant point-insertion-rule, comparable to the classical four-point-scheme, we construct circles along discrete curves. Asymptotic analysis shows that these circles defined on a sampled curve converge to the smooth curvature circles as the sampling density increases. We express our discrete torsion for space curves, which is not a Möbius invariant notion, using the cross-ratio and show its asymptotic behavior in analogy to the curvature.
Organic anion-transporting polypeptides are involved in the elimination of insecticides from the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum
Authors: Rösner Janin , Tietmeyer Johanne , Merzendorfer Hans
Published: January 2021

Organic anion-transporting polypeptides (OATPs) are integral membrane transporters that mediate cellular uptake of a broad range of substrates in humans. The functions of OATPs in insects are less well investigated and only poorly understood. A large number of compounds potentially toxic to insects are organic anions that include secondary plant and insecticide-derived metabolites. Some insect OATP genes are expressed in metabolic, neuroprotective and excreting tissues, and they are co-expressed together with genes known to be involved in detoxification and excretion. Therefore, a role in the elimination of insecticides has been proposed for OATPs, but experimental proof was pending. The aim of this study was to identify OATPs that affect tolerance to insecticides in the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum, a genomic model species and stored product pest. We determined expression profiles of TcOATP genes in different tissues and developmental stages and analyzed RNAi phenotypes. We found that some TcOATP genes had particularly high transcript levels in relevant tissues and that knockdown of TcOATP4-C1 led to sever developmental defects during larval–pupal molt. Then, we exposed the larvae to different chemically unrelated insecticides and analyzed transcript levels and mortalities. Some genes were specifically upregulated in response to insecticide treatment, and mortalities observed after administering certain insecticides were significantly increased when specific TcOATPs were silenced. By applying systemic RNAi in T. castaneum, we provide first evidence that OATPs are involved in the elimination of insecticides and hence may contribute to insecticide resistance, which becomes an increasingly serious problem in agriculture and forestry.

Graphic abstract
Ranking and Rating Bicycle Helmet Safety Performance in Oblique Impacts Using Eight Different Brain Injury Models
Authors: Fahlstedt Madelen , Abayazid Fady , Panzer Matthew B. , Trotta Antonia , Zhao Wei , Ghajari Mazdak , Gilchrist Michael D. , Ji Songbai , Kleiven Svein , Li Xiaogai , Annaidh Aisling Ní , Halldin Peter
Published: January 2021

Bicycle helmets are shown to offer protection against head injuries. Rating methods and test standards are used to evaluate different helmet designs and safety performance. Both strain-based injury criteria obtained from finite element brain injury models and metrics derived from global kinematic responses can be used to evaluate helmet safety performance. Little is known about how different injury models or injury metrics would rank and rate different helmets. The objective of this study was to determine how eight brain models and eight metrics based on global kinematics rank and rate a large number of bicycle helmets (n=17) subjected to oblique impacts. The results showed that the ranking and rating are influenced by the choice of model and metric. Kendall’s tau varied between 0.50 and 0.95 when the ranking was based on maximum principal strain from brain models. One specific helmet was rated as 2-star when using one brain model but as 4-star by another model. This could cause confusion for consumers rather than inform them of the relative safety performance of a helmet. Therefore, we suggest that the biomechanics community should create a norm or recommendation for future ranking and rating methods.
Numerical conservative solutions of the Hunter–Saxton equation
Authors: Grunert Katrin , Nordli Anders , Solem Susanne
Published: January 2021

In the article a convergent numerical method for conservative solutions of the Hunter–Saxton equation is derived. The method is based on piecewise linear projections, followed by evolution along characteristics where the time step is chosen in order to prevent wave breaking. Convergence is obtained when the time step is proportional to the square root of the spatial step size, which is a milder restriction than the common CFL condition for conservation laws.