bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding diffusion‐weighted MRI analysis: Repeatability and performance of diffusion models in a benign breast lesion cohort
Authors: Jerome Neil Peter , Vidić Igor , Egnell Liv , Sjøbakk Torill E. , Østlie Agnes , Fjøsne Hans E. , Goa Pål Erik , Bathen Tone F.
Published: March 2021

Diffusion‐weighted MRI (DWI) is an important tool for oncology research, with great clinical potential for the classification and monitoring of breast lesions. The utility of parameters derived from DWI, however, is influenced by specific analysis choices. The purpose of this study was to critically evaluate repeatability and curve‐fitting performance of common DWI signal representations, for a prospective cohort of patients with benign breast lesions. Twenty informed, consented patients with confirmed benign breast lesions underwent repeated DWI (3 T) using: sagittal single‐shot spin‐echo echo planar imaging, bipolar encoding, TR/TE: 11,600/86 ms, FOV: 180 x 180 mm, matrix: 90 x 90, slices: 60 x 2.5 mm, iPAT: GRAPPA 2, fat suppression, and 13 b‐values: 0–700 s/mm2. A phase‐reversed scan (b = 0 s/mm2) was acquired for distortion correction. Voxel‐wise repeat‐measures coefficients of variation (CoVs) were derived for monoexponential (apparent diffusion coefficient [ADC]), biexponential (intravoxel incoherent motion: f, D, D*) and stretched exponential (α, DDC) across the parameter histograms for lesion regions of interest (ROIs). Goodness‐of‐fit for each representation was assessed by Bayesian information criterion. The volume of interest (VOI) definition was repeatable (CoV 13.9%). Within lesions, and across both visits and the cohort, there was no dominant best‐fit model, with all representations giving the best fit for a fraction of the voxels. Diffusivity measures from the signal representations (ADC, D, DDC) all showed good repeatability (CoV < 10%), whereas parameters associated with pseudodiffusion (f, D*) performed poorly (CoV > 50%). The stretching exponent α was repeatable (CoV < 12%). This pattern of repeatability was consistent over the central part of the parameter percentiles. Assumptions often made in diffusion studies about analysis choices will influence the detectability of changes, potentially obscuring useful information. No single signal representation prevails within or across lesions, or across repeated visits; parameter robustness is therefore a critical consideration. Our results suggest that stretched exponential representation is more repeatable than biexponential, with pseudodiffusion parameters unlikely to provide clinically useful biomarkers.
Safety, Efficacy, and Pharmacokinetics of Metatinib Tromethamine Tablet in Patients with Advanced Refractory Solid Tumors: A Phase I Clinical Trial
Authors: Cheng Ke , Li Xiao-Yu , Zhou Yu-Wen , Liao Zheng-Yin , Qiu Meng , Bi Feng , Zheng Li
Published: March 2021

Lessons Learned

MET overexpression is uncommon, and positive MET immunohistochemistry (1+/2+) was an independent positive prognostic factor for response rate and progression-free survival. Whether MET overexpression can be considered a potential predictive biomarker and be used as an inclusion criterion is worth investigating in a future study.

Background

Metatinib tromethamine tablet (metatinib) is a small molecule receptor kinase inhibitor targeting both c-MET and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2. This phase I trial aimed to determine the dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) and maximum tolerated dose (MTD), pharmacokinetics, safety, and efficacy of metatinib in patients with advanced solid tumors.

Methods

Eligible patients received a single dose of metatinib in a 3 + 3 dose-escalation design with dose levels of 25–800 mg/day, after a single dose on day 1, then 2 days off, and then a multidose schedule of once-daily doses for 25 consecutive days (days 4–28). Primary endpoints were MTD and safety; secondary and exploratory endpoints included pharmacokinetics (PK), efficacy, and biomarkers.

Results

Eighteen patients (including nine patients with hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC]) received at least one dose of study drug (one patient quit the study without continuous multiple-dose administration after receiving a single dose of metatinib). Hand-foot skin reaction, diarrhea, and liver dysfunction were the DLTs, and 200 mg/day was the MTD. The most common treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) were skin toxicity (50%), diarrhea (33.3%), and liver dysfunction (27.8%). Three patients (only one of six in the 200 mg/day cohort; the other two in the 300 mg/day cohort) experienced severe TRAEs: one patient with severe liver dysfunction and two patients with severe liver dysfunction and skin toxicity, respectively. Pharmacokinetics assessment indicated that metatinib was rapidly absorbed and metabolized to the formation of reactive metabolite, SCR-1510, after single-dose administration. The mean time taken to achieve maximum concentration and terminal elimination half-life of SCR-1510 was approximately 2.0–3.0 hours and ranged from 8 to 14 hours. Two patients had partial responses. The objective response rate and disease control rate (DCR) were 11.1% and 61.1%, respectively. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 2.75 months.

Conclusion

Metatinib administration of 200 mg/day was well tolerated, safe, and effective. The MTD was 200 mg/day, which should be recommended in further investigations.
The mediating role of avoidant coping in the relationships between physical, psychological, and social wellbeing and distress in breast cancer survivors
Authors: Cohee Andrea , Johns Shelley A. , Alwine Jennifer S. , Talib Tasneem , Monahan Patrick O. , Stump Timothy E. , Cella David , Champion Victoria L.
Published: March 2021

Objective

Many breast cancer survivors (BCSs) recover from the negative sequelae of cancer treatment. However, some report persistent and disruptive distress well into disease‐free survivorship. More information is needed on the predictors of distress in this growing population of BCS, including the role of avoidant coping, or attempts to avoid thoughts, feelings, and reminders of cancer, in mediating the relationship between distress and psychological, physical, and social domains of well‐being.

Methods

In a large cross‐sectional study, BCS (n = 1,127), who were 3 to 8 years post‐diagnosis, completed a survey assessing demographic characteristics, medical history, distress (anxiety and depressive symptoms), avoidant coping, and physical (fatigue), psychological (fear of recurrence, attention, body image), and social (social support from a partner, social constraints from a partner) well‐being. Multiple mediation analyses were conducted to determine if avoidant coping mediated the relationship between each distress variable (anxiety and depressive symptoms) and each well‐being (fear of recurrence, attention, body image, fatigue, social support, and social constraints) variable.

Results

In all six mediation models, avoidant coping significantly (p < 0.001) mediated the relationship between each well‐being variable (fear of recurrence, attention, body image, fatigue, social support, and social constraints) and each distress indicator (depression and anxiety). Avoidant coping mediated 19%–54% of the effects of the contributing factors on the distress variables.

Conclusions

Avoidant coping may indicate risk for, or presence of, distress among BCS. Interventions to reduce distress may benefit from addressing avoidant coping styles.
Exposure to violence, chronic stress, nasal DNA methylation, and atopic asthma in children
Authors: Yan Qi , Forno Erick , Cardenas Andres , Qi Cancan , Han Yueh‐Ying , Acosta‐Pérez Edna , Kim Soyeon , Zhang Rong , Boutaoui Nadia , Canino Glorisa , Vonk Judith M. , Xu Cheng‐jian , Chen Wei , Marsland Anna , Oken Emily , Gold Diane R. , Koppelman Gerard H. , Celedón Juan C.
Published: March 2021

Background

Exposure to violence (ETV) or chronic stress may influence asthma through unclear mechanisms.

Methods

Epigenome‐wide association study (EWAS) of ETV or chronic stress measures and DNA methylation in nasal epithelium from 487 Puerto Ricans aged 9–20 years who participated in the Epigenetic Variation and Childhood Asthma in Puerto Ricans study [EVA‐PR]). We assessed four measures of ETV and chronic stress in children (ETV scale, gun violence, and perceived stress) and their mothers (perceived stress). Each EWAS was conducted using linear regression, with CpGs as dependent variables and the stress/violence measure as a predictor, adjusting for age, sex, the top five principal components, and SVA latent factors. We then selected the top 100 CpGs (by p value) associated with each stress/violence measure in EVA‐PR and conducted a meta‐analysis of the selected CpGs and atopic asthma using data from EVA‐PR and two additional cohorts (Project Viva and PIAMA).

Results

Three CpGs (in SNN, PTPRN2, and LINC01164) were associated with maternal perceived stress or gun violence (p = 1.28–3.36 × 10−7), but not with atopic asthma, in EVA‐PR. In a meta‐analysis of three cohorts, which included the top CpGs associated with stress/violence measures in EVA‐PR, 12 CpGs (in STARD3NL, SLC35F4, TSR3, CDC42SE2, KLHL25, PLCB1, BUD13, OR2B3, GALR1, TMEM196, TEAD4, and ANAPC13) were associated with atopic asthma at FDR‐p < .05.

Conclusions

Pending confirmation in longitudinal studies, our findings suggest that nasal epithelial methylation markers associated with measures of ETV and chronic stress may be linked to atopic asthma in children and adolescents.
Spontaneous Parametric Down‐Conversion Sources for Multiphoton Experiments
Authors: Zhang Chao , Huang Yun‐Feng , Liu Bi‐Heng , Li Chuan‐Feng , Guo Guang‐Can
Published: March 2021

Entangled photon sources are desirable and key elements for photonic quantum information processing. The spontaneous parametric down‐conversion (SPDC) process is a convenient way to produce entangled photon pairs. It has been widely used and has already made great contributions to quantum information science. SPDC sources have been thoroughly studied, and a detailed review, previously lacking, is now appropriate. In this article, different types of SPDC sources suitable for multiphoton experiments are reviewed. A comparison of their respective performances is presented, focusing on the parameters of indistinguishability, collection efficiency, and brightness, from which it is possible to see how the spatial and spectral properties of the SPDC process can be tailored, step by step, to achieve near‐perfect photon pairs. Recent progress on multiplexed heralded single‐photon sources, which effectively mitigate the nondeterministic nature of the SPDC process, is also described.
Maximum likelihood extended gradient‐based estimation algorithms for the input nonlinear controlled autoregressive moving average system with variable‐gain nonlinearity
Authors: Liu Ximei , Fan Yamin
Published: March 2021

Variable‐gain nonlinearity is a piecewise‐linear characteristic to describe the process with different gains in different input regions. This article studies the parameter estimation issue of the input nonlinear controlled autoregressive moving average system with variable‐gain nonlinearity. Through introducing a suitable switching function, we describe the variable‐gain nonlinearity by a linear‐in‐parameter form and derive the identification model of the system. Based on the obtained identification model, a maximum likelihood extended stochastic gradient algorithm is presented to estimate the unknown parameters. To make sufficient use of the observation data and improve the identification accuracy, we deduce a maximum likelihood (multiinnovation) extended gradient‐based iterative algorithm by using the maximum likelihood principle. An extended gradient‐based iterative algorithm is given for comparison. A simulation example is employed to validate that the proposed algorithms can effectively identify the unknown parameters and the maximum likelihood extended gradient‐based iterative algorithm has better estimation accuracy and fitting performance than the maximum likelihood extended stochastic gradient algorithm and the extended gradient‐based iterative algorithm.
Scaled consensus of second‐order multiagent systems via distributed adaptive control
Authors: He Wangli , Guo Hualiang , Qian Feng
Published: March 2021

This article investigates scaled consensus of second‐order multiagent systems (MASs) via distributed adaptive control. Two distributed adaptive scaled consensus protocols are proposed. First, to solve the dynamic scaled consensus problem, based on the neighbors' position and velocity information, two time‐varying coupling gains are introduced into the node‐based distributed adaptive protocol. Second, static scaled consensus is discussed under another distributed adaptive algorithm. It is shown proposed scaled consensus protocols are flexible, which are able to solve standard consensus, group consensus, and bipartite consensus problems with specific scale values. Finally, two examples of robot formation with nine agents are given to verify the effectiveness of the theoretical analysis.
First observation of the breeding of common shelduck, Tadorna tadorna, in Algerian Saharan streams
Authors: Nouidjem Yassine , Mimeche Fateh
Published: March 2021

The breeding of common shelduck, Tadorna tadorna, is reported for the first time in the Ziban oasis in the north east of Algerian Sahara. Three pairs with their chicks were observed in the Sidi Mhamed Moussa stream, which contains a variety of habitats that favor the nesting of this species. This wetland is internationally important, and these results underline the need for environmental protection and the development of an appropriate management program.
Co(II) Schiff Base Complex Supported on Nano‐Silica for the Aerobic Oxidation of Cyclohexene: Reaction Pathways and Overoxidation on the Experimental and Calculated Mechanism
Authors: Duan Mingxing , Wang Xinguo , Peng Wenjing , Liu Dongjie , Cheng Qingyan , Yang Qiusheng
Published: March 2021

A heterogeneous, recoverable catalyst of Co(II)−L@nano−SiO2 (where L=N‐(3‐trioxysilyl‐propyl)‐o‐vanillin imine) was synthesized, and it was thoroughly characterized by EA, ICP, FT‐IR, UV‐vis, TGA, XPS and BET techniques. The catalytic performance of Co(II)−L@nano−SiO2 was investigated in cyclohexene(CyH) oxidation under mild conditions with oxygen as the sole oxidant. The results showed that Co(II)−L@nano−SiO2 exhibited better catalytic activity with the CyH conversion of 61 %, and a total selectivity of 55–60 % for the major products (2‐cyclohexen‐1‐one (CyO) and 2‐cyclohexen‐1‐ol (CyOH)), and there was no significant decrease in activity after five times reused. Furthermore, the overoxidation process was performed by epoxidation of CyO and CyOH. The mechanism involved allylic oxidation and overoxidation was confirmed by DFT calculations in the gas phase and the acetonitrile solvent.
Silver‐Catalyzed Cross Dehydrogenative Coupling between Heteroarenes and Cyclic Ethers under Mild Conditions
Authors: Zhou Zhong , Wu Yunli , Yang Peng , Deng Shijun , Zhang Qian , Li Dong
Published: March 2021

A new strategy for the straightforward alkylation of heteroarenes under mild conditions was developed. It employed silver catalyst for the cross dehydrogenative coupling between heteroarenes and cyclic ethers to construct a new C(sp2)−C(sp3) bond. This reaction was carried out in water under room temperature and applicable to various heteroarenes such as pyridines, quinolines and isoquinolines derivatives with good functional group compatibility.
Factors associated with anxiety and quality of life of the Wuhan populace during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Liu Cheng , Lee Ya‐Chen , Lin Ying‐Lien , Yang Shang‐Yu
Published: March 2021

In December 2019, COVID‐19 broke out in Wuhan, China, affecting the mental health and quality of life (QoL) of its inhabitants. This study aimed at investigating the factors associated with anxiety and QoL in the Wuhan populace during the COVID‐19 pandemic. An online questionnaire survey was carried out during July 6–10, 2020. The questionnaire collected information on demography, anxiety, QoL, and social‐environmental support. The main statistical methods included descriptive statistics, independent‐samples t‐test, one‐way analysis of variance, and multivariate regression analysis. In total, 226 participants were recruited. The findings showed that females, elderly, middle‐income, poor health status, shortage of medical supplies, and insufficient basic commodities were associated with anxiety significantly. Multiple regression analysis indicated that social‐environmental support was significantly related to anxiety. Higher social‐environmental support was significantly associated with a higher QoL. Our findings showed that the social‐environmental support may reduce anxiety and improve the QoL for those living in an area heavily affected by the pandemic.
Evaluation of different skin regions derived from a postmortem jaguar, Panthera onca (Linnaeus, 1758), after vitrification for development of cryobanks from captive animals
Authors: Santos Maria D. C. B. , Aquino Leonardo V. C. , Nascimento Matheus B. , Silva Maria B. , Rodrigues Luanna L. V. , Praxedes Érika A. , Oliveira Lhara R. M. , Silva Herlon V. R. , Nunes Thalles G. P. , Oliveira Moacir F. , Pereira Alexsandra F.
Published: March 2021

Biological resource banks represent valuable tools for the conservation of species vulnerable to extinction, such as the jaguar. Cryobanks of skins have the potential to safeguard rare genotypes, allowing the potential exploitation of biological samples in animal multiplication technologies and the study of genetic variability. Determination of the most suitable skin regions for tissue conservation can help increase the efficiency of cryobanks and the storage of biological samples. To this end, we evaluated the effects of vitrification of skin tissues from the ear, caudal, and femoral regions of a post‐mortem jaguar belonging to a zoo in Brazil. Non‐vitrified and vitrified samples were evaluated and compared using quantitative methods, focusing on skin thickness, cell quantification, number of perinuclear halos, collagen and elastic density, and proliferative activity. No differences were observed in skin thickness, number of perinuclear halos, elastic density, and proliferative activity between non‐vitrified and vitrified tissues in skin from any region. However, vitrified tissues derived from femoral skin showed a reduction in the number of fibroblasts, epidermal cells and collagen density compared to non‐vitrified tissues. In summary, the ear and caudal regions provided the best conservation of somatic tissues derived from jaguars, and skin samples from these regions are therefore the most suitable for the formation of cryobanks.
Making Sense of Community and Identity in Twenty-First Century Technoscience
Authors: Kastenhofer Karen , Molyneux-Hodgson Susan
Published: March 2021

This introductory chapter begins with the empirical example of synthetic biology, a case that has challenged our own thinking, provoking us to re-address the concepts of scientific ‘community’ and ‘identity’ in contemporary technoscience. The chapter then moves on to a delineation of the conceptualisations of community and identity in past sociologies of science, highlighting open questions, promising avenues and potential shortcomings in explaining contemporary conditions. Following this, the individual contributions to this volume are presented, including their analyses on community and identity constellations and the related effects on the contemporary technosciences as institutions, practices and living spaces. This is achieved with a focus on common themes that come to the fore from the various contributions. In a final discussion, we take stock of our attempt at re-addressing community and identity in contemporary technoscientific contexts and discuss where this has brought us; which ambiguities could not be resolved and which questions seem promising starting points for further conceptual and empirical endeavour.
A Passion for Science: Addressing the Role of Emotions in Identities of Biologists
Authors: Schönbauer Sarah M.
Published: March 2021

As part of their socialization, scientists acquire the skills and know-how of the job and become part of a scientific community, its norms and values. Becoming part of a scientific community also involves that scientists adapt to its emotional culture. Emotional relationships, specifically the concept of passionate work, represent important repertoires in and for academia especially considering academic identities. In light of precarious employments and unstable academic futures, the researchers emotional relationships with their profession are tenuous. I accordingly ask: what role does passion have in scientists’ narrations of work experiences? And how does this play out in researchers’ identities? Based on interviews with biologists, I analyse how the scientists narrate passionate tales and explore how they recount their past and how they imagine a future generation of scientists. Specifically, I analyse the scientists’ stories of the past as productive for a particular rationale and storyline of their identity bringing forth qualities of apassionatescientist. These tales not only represent individual experiences but show how an emotional relationship to the science profession provides an exclusive belonging and serves to create and maintain a powerful disciplinary ideal. Consequently, I provide a jigsaw piece for understanding further how scientists build their identities and how these identities mirror today’s science cultures.
An SMT-Based Approach for Verifying Binarized Neural Networks
Authors: Amir Guy , Wu Haoze , Barrett Clark , Katz Guy
Published: March 2021

Deep learning has emerged as an effective approach for creating modern software systems, with neural networks often surpassing hand-crafted systems. Unfortunately, neural networks are known to suffer from various safety and security issues. Formal verification is a promising avenue for tackling this difficulty, by formally certifying that networks are correct. We propose an SMT-based technique for verifyingbinarized neural networks— a popular kind of neural network, where some weights have been binarized in order to render the neural network more memory and energy efficient, and quicker to evaluate. One novelty of our technique is that it allows the verification of neural networks that include both binarized and non-binarized components. Neural network verification is computationally very difficult, and so we propose here various optimizations, integrated into our SMT procedure as deduction steps, as well as an approach for parallelizing verification queries. We implement our technique as an extension to the Marabou framework, and use it to evaluate the approach on popular binarized neural network architectures.
Making Theory Reasoning Simpler
Authors: Reger Giles , Schoisswohl Johannes , Voronkov Andrei
Published: March 2021

Reasoning with quantifiers and theories is at the core of many applications in program analysis and verification. Whilst the problem is undecidable in general and hard in practice, we have been making large pragmatic steps forward. Our previous work proposed an instantiation rule for theory reasoning that produced pragmatically useful instances. Whilst this led to an increase in performance, it had its limitations as the rule produces ground instances which (i) can be overly specific, thus not useful in proof search, and (ii) contribute to the already problematic search space explosion as many new instances are introduced. This paper begins by introducing that specifically addresses these two concerns as it produces general solutions and it is a simplification rule, i.e. it replaces an existing clause by a ‘simpler’ one. Encouraged by initial success with this new rule, we performed an experiment to identify further common cases where the complex structure of theory terms blocked existing methods. This resulted in four further simplification rules for theory reasoning. The resulting extensions are implemented in the Vampire theorem prover and evaluated on SMT-LIB, showing that the new extensions result in a considerable increase in the number of problems solved, including 90 problems unsolved by state-of-the-art SMT solvers.
Run-time Complexity Bounds Using Squeezers
Authors: Ish-Shalom Oren , Itzhaky Shachar , Rinetzky Noam , Shoham Sharon
Published: March 2021

Determining upper bounds on the time complexity of a program is a fundamental problem with a variety of applications, such as performance debugging, resource certification, and compile-time optimizations. Automated techniques for cost analysis excel at bounding the resource complexity of programs that use integer values and linear arithmetic. Unfortunately, they fall short when execution traces become more involved, esp. when data dependencies may affect the termination conditions of loops. In such cases, state-of-the-art analyzers have shown to produce loose bounds, or even no bound at all.

We propose a novel technique that generalizes the common notion of recurrence relations based on ranking functions. Existing methods usually unfold one loop iteration, and examine the resulting relations between variables. These relations assist in establishing a recurrence that bounds the number of loop iterations. We propose a different approach, where we derive recurrences by comparingwhole traceswithwhole tracesof a lower rank, avoiding the need to analyze the complexity of intermediate states. We offer a set of global properties, defined with respect to whole traces, that facilitate such a comparison, and show that these properties can be checked efficiently using a handful of local conditions. To this end, we adaptstate squeezers, an induction mechanism previously used for verifying safety properties. We demonstrate that this technique encompasses the reasoning power of bounded unfolding, and more. We present some seemingly innocuous, yet intricate, examples where previous tools based oncost relationsand control flow analysis fail to solve, and that our squeezer-powered approach succeeds.
Complete trace models of state and control
Authors: Jaber Guilhem , Murawski Andrzej S.
Published: March 2021

We consider a hierarchy of four typed call-by-value languages with either higher-order or ground-type references and with either $$\mathrm {call/cc}$$

call
/
cc

or no control operator.

Our first result is a fully abstract trace model for the most expressive setting, featuring both higher-order references and $$\mathrm {call/cc}$$

call
/
cc

, constructed in the spirit of operational game semantics. Next we examine the impact of suppressing higher-order references and callcc in contexts and provide an operational explanation for the game-semantic conditions known as visibility and bracketing respectively. This allows us to refine the original model to provide fully abstract trace models of interaction with contexts that need not use higher-order references or $$\mathrm {call/cc}$$

call
/
cc

. Along the way, we discuss the relationship between error- and termination-based contextual testing in each case, and relate the two to trace and complete trace equivalence respectively.

Overall, the paper provides a systematic development of operational game semantics for all four cases, which represent the state-based face of the so-called semantic cube.
Temporal Refinements for Guarded Recursive Types
Authors: Jaber Guilhem , Riba Colin
Published: March 2021

We propose a logic for temporal properties of higher-order programs that handle infinite objects like streams or infinite trees, represented via coinductive types. Specifications of programs use safety and liveness properties. Programs can then be proven to satisfy their specification in a compositional way, our logic being based on a type system.

The logic is presented as a refinement type system over the guarded$$\lambda $$λ-calculus, a$$\lambda $$λ-calculus with guarded recursive types. The refinements are formulae of a modal$$\mu $$μ-calculus which embeds usual temporal modal logics such as and . The semantics of our system is given within a rich structure, the topos of trees, in which we build a realizability model of the temporal refinement type system.
Correction to: Cultivating Teacher Resilience
Authors: Mansfield Caroline F.
Published: March 2021

The original version of the book was inadvertently published with error in a link and this has been corrected as “http://www.entree-online.eu/” in Chapters “1, 2, 7, 8 and 9”. The correction chapters and book have been updated with the changes.
Quercetin ingestion modifies human motor unit firing patterns and muscle contractile properties
Authors: Watanabe Kohei , Holobar Aleš
Published: March 2021

Quercetin is a polyphenolic flavonoid that has reported to block the binding of adenosine to A1 receptors at central nervous system and increase calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum at skeletal muscle. The aim of the present study was to investigate the acute effect of quercetin ingestion on motor unit activation and muscle contractile properties. High-density surface electromyography during submaximal contractions and electrically elicited contraction torque in knee extensor muscles were measured before (PRE) and 60 min after (POST) quercetin glycosides or placebo ingestions in 13 young males. Individual motor units of the vastus lateralis muscle were identified from high-density surface electromyography by the Convolution Kernel Compensation technique. Firing rates of motor units recruited at 30–50% of the maximal voluntary contraction torque (MVC) were increased from PRE to POST only with quercetin (9.0 ± 2.3 to 10.5 ± 2.0 pps, p = 0.034). Twitch torque during doublet stimulation was decreased from PRE to POST with placebo (77.1 ± 17.1 to 73.9 ± 17.6 Nm, p = 0.005), but not with quercetin (p > 0.05). For motor units recruited at < 10% of MVC, normalized firing rate were decreased with quercetin (1.52 ± 0.33 to 1.58 ± 0.35%MVC/pps, p = 0.002) but increased with placebo (1.61 ± 0.32 to 1.57 ± 0.31%MVC/pps, p = 0.005). These results suggest that ingested quercetin has the functional roles to: mitigate reduction in the muscle contractile properties, enhance activations of relatively higher recruitment threshold motor units, and inhibit activation of relatively lower recruitment threshold motor units.
Correction to: Comparing the diagnostic performance of radiotracers in recurrent prostate cancer: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Alberts Ian Leigh , Seide Svenja Elizabeth , Mingels Clemens , Bohn Karl Peter , Shi Kuangyu , Zacho Helle D. , Rominger Axel , Afshar-Oromieh Ali
Published: March 2021

A Correction to this paper has been published: 10.1007/s00259-021-05300-8
Reduced-iodine-dose dual-energy coronary CT angiography: qualitative and quantitative comparison between virtual monochromatic and polychromatic CT images
Authors: Rotzinger David C. , Si-Mohamed Salim A. , Yerly Jérôme , Boccalini Sara , Becce Fabio , Boussel Loïc , Meuli Reto A. , Qanadli Salah D. , Douek Philippe C.
Published: March 2021

Objectives

To quantitatively evaluate the impact of virtual monochromatic images (VMI) on reduced-iodine-dose dual-energy coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) in terms of coronary lumen segmentation in vitro, and secondly to assess the image quality in vivo, compared with conventional CT obtained with regular iodine dose.

Materials and methods

A phantom simulating regular and reduced iodine injection was used to determine the accuracy and precision of lumen area segmentation for various VMI energy levels. We retrospectively included 203 patients from December 2017 to August 2018 (mean age, 51.7 ± 16.8 years) who underwent CCTA using either standard (group A, n = 103) or reduced (group B, n = 100) iodine doses. Conventional images (group A) were qualitatively and quantitatively compared with 55-keV VMI (group B). We recorded the location of venous catheters.

Results

In vitro, VMI outperformed conventional CT, with a segmentation accuracy of 0.998 vs. 1.684 mm2, respectively (p < 0.001), and a precision of 0.982 vs. 1.229 mm2, respectively (p < 0.001), in simulated overweight adult subjects. In vivo, the rate of diagnostic CCTA in groups A and B was 88.4% (n = 91/103) vs. 89% (n = 89/100), respectively, and noninferiority of protocol B was inferred. Contrast-to-noise ratios (CNR) of lumen versus fat and muscle were higher in group B (p < 0.001) and comparable for lumen versus calcium (p = 0.423). Venous catheters were more often placed on the forearm or hand in group B (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

In vitro, low-keV VMI improve vessel area segmentation. In vivo, low-keV VMI allows for a 40% iodine dose and injection rate reduction while maintaining diagnostic image quality and improves the CNR between lumen versus fat and muscle.

Key Points

• Dual-energy coronary CT angiography is becoming increasingly available and might help improve patient management.

• Compared with regular-iodine-dose coronary CT angiography, reduced-iodine-dose dual-energy CT with low-keV monochromatic image reconstructions performed better in phantom-based vessel cross-sectional segmentation and proved to be noninferior in vivo.

• Patients receiving reduced-iodine-dose dual-energy coronary CT angiography often had the venous catheter placed on the forearm or wrist without compromising image quality.
Epidemiological analysis of injury occurrence and current prevention strategies on international amateur football level during the UEFA Regions Cup 2019
Authors: Szymski Dominik , Krutsch Volker , Achenbach Leonard , Gerling Stephan , Pfeifer Christian , Alt Volker , Krutsch Werner , Loose Oliver
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Football is the most popular sport worldwide and results in a high frequency of injuries. So far, mainly injuries in professional football have been investigated, and the literature lacks data regarding detailed injury epidemiology and current prevention data in amateur football tournaments.

Materials and methods

A prospective cohort study investigated an international amateur football tournament, the UEFA Regions’ Cup, which took place in 2019 in Germany. Injury epidemiology, current prevention strategies of the teams and the implementation of the UEFA concussion protocol were investigated in detail by means of standardized injury definitions and data samples for football (Fuller et al., Scand J Med Sci Sports 16:83–92, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0838.2006.00528.x, 2006).

Results

138 player of 8 teams participated in this study, while 39 players were excluded. Overall injury incidence was 12.5 per 1000 h total football exposure, 43.5 per 1000 h for match exposure. No injuries were registered during training. Injury prevalence was 14.1% per player and 1.1 injuries per match were registered. The lower extremity was predominantly affected by injuries (71.4%) and the majority of injuries (78.6%) were non-severe injury types like contusions (50%) and sprains (18.2%). Two head injuries, one contusion and one skin lesion, were handled by the guidelines of the UEFA concussion protocol. 44.4% of the players indicated at least one previous injury before tournament, 45.3% of them during the last two football seasons before start of the tournament. Injury prevention performance was included in all participating teams during the tournament by warm up or training strategies (100%). During the warm-up program just 5 exercises of the FIFA 11 + program was detected by this investigation in participating teams to be done by more half of the teams. Running exercises were the most frequently performed exercises, while trunk muscle exercises were less represented (14.3%).

Conclusion

This study presents for the first time epidemiological injury and prevention data of the UEFA Regions Cup. Injury incidence was higher compared to injury reports of regular seasons, but lower compared to other amateur football tournaments. Currently used prevention programs revealed trunk muscle exercises as often neglected.
A comparison of the Thunderbeat and standard electrocautery devices in head and neck surgery: a prospective randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kuipers N. C. , de Kleijn B. J. , Wedman J. , van der Laan B. F. A. M. , Plaat B. E. C. , Halmos G. B.
Published: March 2021

Purpose

New energy-based sutureless vessel ligation devices, such as the Thunderbeat (Olympus Medical Systems Corp., Tokyo, Japan), could reduce operative time and limit blood loss in head and neck surgery; however, efficacy and safety in major head and neck surgery have not been investigated in a prospective, randomized study.

Methods

This prospective, double-arm, randomized controlled trial consisted of two parts: total laryngectomy (TL) and neck dissection (ND). Thirty patients planned for TL were randomized in two groups. For the ND part, forty-two operative sides were likewise randomized. In both parts, Thunderbeat was used in addition to the standard instrumentation in the intervention groups, while only standard instrumentation was used in the control groups. Primary outcome values were blood loss, operative time and complication rate.

Results

For the TL part there was no difference in mean blood loss (p = 0.062), operative time (p = 0.512) and complications (p = 0.662) between both hemostatic techniques. For the neck dissection part, there was a reduction in blood loss (mean 210 mL versus 431 mL,p = 0.046) and in operative time (median 101 (IQR 85–130) minutes versus 150 (IQR 130–199) minutes,p = 0.014) when Thunderbeat was used. There was no difference in complication rate between both hemostatic systems (p = 0.261).

Conclusion

The Thunderbeat hemostatic device significantly reduces operative blood loss and operative time for neck dissections, without increase in complications. In TL, blood loss using Thunderbeat was comparable with the standard technique, but the operative time tended to be shorter.

Trial registration

UMCG Research Register, Reg. no. 201700041, date of registration: 18/1/2017
A numerical method for computing interval distributions for an inhomogeneous Poisson point process modified by random dead times
Authors: Peterson Adam J.
Published: March 2021

The inhomogeneous Poisson point process is a common model for time series of discrete, stochastic events. When an event from a point process is detected, it may trigger a random dead time in the detector, during which subsequent events will fail to be detected. It can be difficult or impossible to obtain a closed-form expression for the distribution of intervals between detections, even when the rate function (often referred to as the intensity function) and the dead-time distribution are given. Here, a method is presented to numerically compute the interval distribution expected for any arbitrary inhomogeneous Poisson point process modified by dead times drawn from any arbitrary distribution. In neuroscience, such a point process is used to model trains of neuronal spikes triggered by the detection of excitatory events while the neuron is not refractory. The assumptions of the method are that the process is observed over a finite observation window and that the detector is not in a dead state at the start of the observation window. Simulations are used to verify the method for several example point processes. The method should be useful for modeling and understanding the relationships between the rate functions and interval distributions of the event and detection processes, and how these relationships depend on the dead-time distribution.
Can CFD establish a connection to a milder COVID-19 disease in younger people? Aerosol deposition in lungs of different age groups based on Lagrangian particle tracking in turbulent flow
Authors: Wedel Jana , Steinmann Paul , Štrakl Mitja , Hriberšek Matjaž , Ravnik Jure
Published: March 2021

To respond to the ongoing pandemic of SARS-CoV-2, this contribution deals with recently highlighted COVID-19 transmission through respiratory droplets in form of aerosols. Unlike other recent studies that focused on airborne transmission routes, this work addresses aerosol transport and deposition in a human respiratory tract. The contribution therefore conducts a computational study of aerosol deposition in digital replicas of human airways, which include the oral cavity, larynx and tracheobronchial airways down to the 12th generation of branching. Breathing through the oral cavity allows the air with aerosols to directly impact the larynx and tracheobronchial airways and can be viewed as one of the worst cases in terms of inhalation rate and aerosol load. The implemented computational model is based on Lagrangian particle tracking in Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes resolved turbulent flow. Within this framework, the effects of different flow rates, particle diameters and lung sizes are investigated to enable new insights into local particle deposition behavior and therefore virus loads among selected age groups. We identify a signicant increase of aerosol deposition in the upper airways and thus a strong reduction of virus load in the lower airways for younger individuals. Based on our findings, we propose a possible relation between the younger age related fluid mechanical protection of the lower lung regions due to the airway size and a reduced risk of developing a severe respiratory illness originating from COVID-19 airborne transmission.
Environmental effects and risk control of antibiotic resistance genes in the organic solid waste aerobic composting system: A review
Authors: Huang Caihong , Tang Zhurui , Xi Beidou , Tan Wenbing , Guo Wei , Wu Weixia , Ma Caiyun
Published: March 2021

Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) have been diffusely detected in several kinds of organic solid waste, such as livestock manure, sludge, antibiotic fermentation residues, and food waste, thus attracting great attention. Aerobic composting, which is an effective, harmless treatment method for organic solid waste to promote recycling, has been identified to also aid in ARG reduction. However, the effect of composting in removing ARGs from organic solid waste has recently become controversial. Thus, this article summarizes and reviews the research on ARGs in relation to composting in the past 5 years. ARGs in organic solid waste could spread in different environmental media, including soil and the atmosphere, which could widen environmental risks. However, the conventional composting technology had limited effect on ARGs removal from organic solid waste. Improved composting processes, such as hyperthermophilic temperature composting, could effectively remove ARGs, and the HGT of ARGs and the microbial communities are identified as vital influencing factors. Currently, during the composting process, ARGs were mainly affected by three response pathways, (I) “Microenvironment-ARGs”; (II) “Microenvironment-microorganisms-ARGs”; (III) “Microorganisms-horizontal gene transfer-ARGs”, respectively. Response pathway II had been studied the most which was believed that microbial community was an important factor affecting ARGs. In response pathway III, mainly believed that MGEs played an important role and paid less attention to eARGs. Further research on the role and impact of eARGs in ARGs may be considered in the future. It aims to provide support for further research on environmental risk control of ARGs in organic solid waste.
MicroRNA expression classification for pediatric multiple sclerosis identification
Authors: Casalino Gabriella , Castellano Giovanna , Consiglio Arianna , Nuzziello Nicoletta , Vessio Gennaro
Published: March 2021

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a set of short non-coding RNAs that play significant regulatory roles in cells. The study of miRNA data produced by Next-Generation Sequencing techniques can be of valid help for the analysis of multifactorial diseases, such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Although extensive studies have been conducted on young adults affected by MS, very little work has been done to investigate the pathogenic mechanisms in pediatric patients, and none from a machine learning perspective. In this work, we report the experimental results of a classification study aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of machine learning methods in automatically distinguishing pediatric MS from healthy children, based on their miRNA expression profiles. Additionally, since Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) shares some cognitive impairments with pediatric MS, we also included patients affected by ADHD in our study. Encouraging results were obtained with an artificial neural network model based on a set of features automatically selected by feature selection algorithms. The results obtained show that models developed on automatically selected features overcome models based on a set of features selected by human experts. Developing an automatic predictive model can support clinicians in early MS diagnosis and provide new insights that can help find novel molecular pathways involved in MS disease.
Change and Stability in Public Beliefs About Same-Sex Family Rights in Norway in 2008, 2013, and 2017
Authors: Hollekim Ragnhild , Anderssen Norman
Published: March 2021

Introduction

In Norway, legal measures securing equal marriage and parenting rights for same- and different-sex couples took effect on January 1, 2009. The aim of this study was to assess Norwegian public beliefs about lesbian and gay family rights in the period of 2008–2017.

Methods

Three nationwide surveys representing the adult Norwegian population were conducted with a time series design (data collected in 2008, 2013, and 2017, n = 1246, 1250, and 1250, respectively) utilizing Web-based questionnaires.

Results

Over the 9-year period, there was a decline in negative beliefs about lesbian and gay parenting and marriage rights and gradually less concern about children growing up with same-sex parents, more so for men than for women. Beliefs about equal parenting rights remained more negative than beliefs about equal marriage rights. At all points in time, concern for children’s welfare was the strongest predictor of beliefs about equal parenting rights for same- and different-sex couples, and for all points in time, being older contributed to the explained variance.

Conclusions

We discuss how the findings may relate to policy developments concerning LGBTI rights in Norway. LGBTI rights have gained increasingly significant symbolic value in the public domain, and we suggest that it is productive to reflect on findings in relation to new landscapes of political and public discourse in Norway and Europe.

Social Policy Implications

The results reveal contemporary supportive public opinion regarding LGBTI family rights, which currently gives lawmakers a foundation for further institutionalizing LGBTI rights in domains such as in schools at every level and in institutions offering family support and counseling. However, there is also a need for political awareness of emerging discourses linking questions on same-sex family rights to broader divisive sociopolitical processes.
Progress in neutrino astronomy
Authors: Rott Carsten
Published: March 2021

The dream of observing our universe through neutrinos is rapidly becoming a reality. More than three decades after the first observation of neutrinos from beyond our solar system associated with Supernova SN1987A, neutrino astronomy is in the midst of a revolution. Extraterrestrial neutrinos are now routinely detected, following the discovery of a high-energy diffuse astrophysical neutrino flux in 2013. The detection of a high-energy neutrino in coincidence with a flaring blazar in 2017 has brought the field rapidly into the multi-messenger science era. The latest developments in the field of neutrino astronomy are reviewed and prospects with current and future detectors discussed. Particular emphasis is put on domestic programs in neutrino astronomy and the possibility to construct a large neutrino observatory in Korea.