bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MRI of non-specific low back pain and/or lumbar radiculopathy: do we need T1 when using a sagittal T2-weighted Dixon sequence?
Authors: Zanchi Fabio , Richard Raphaël , Hussami Mahmoud , Monier Arnaud , Knebel Jean-François , Omoumi Patrick 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Objective
To show that for the MRI workup of non-specific low back pain and/or lumbar radiculopathy, the acquisition of T1-weighted sequences in the sagittal plane could be waived when using an FSE T2-weighted Dixon sequence.

Materials and methods
Three musculoskeletal radiologists retrospectively reviewed fifty lumbar spine MRI examinations performed for non-specific low back pain and/or lumbar radiculopathy. Two protocols were separately analyzed in the sagittal plane: a standard protocol (T1-weighted, in-phase, and water-only images of an FSE T2-weighted Dixon sequence) and a simplified protocol (fat-only, in-phase, and water-only images of an FSE T2-weighted Dixon sequence). Eight items usually assessed on T1-weighted sequences were analyzed for each of the vertebrae (n = 250), vertebral endplates (n = 500), vertebral corners (n = 1000), foramina (n = 500), lamina (n = 500), and facet joints (n = 500). Interchangeability of these protocols was tested using the individual equivalence index. A decrease in interobserver agreement of ≥ 5% when one reader used the simplified protocol compared with when both readers used the standard protocol was considered clinically significant. Interreader and intrareader agreement were assessed using kappa statistics. Rates of findings with each protocol were compared using odd ratios.

Results
The standard and simplified protocols were interchangeable (range of upper bound of the 95%CI of individual equivalence index = 0.25 to 1.38%). Intraprotocol and interprotocol interreader kappa values were similar (0.253–0.671 vs. 0.236–0.723, respectively). Rates of findings were not statistically significantly different (p ≥ 0.074), or were higher with the simplified protocol (p ≤ 0.036).

Conclusion
In our target population, a single sagittal T2-weighted Dixon sequence may replace the recommended combination of T1-, T2-, and fat-suppressed T2-weighted sequences.

Key Points
• In patients with non-specific low back pain or lumbar radiculopathy, spine MRI in the sagittal plane could be limited to a single FSE T2-weighted Dixon sequence, hereby reducing the acquisition time.
• A simplified protocol of spine MRI in the sagittal plane combining FSE T2-weighted Dixon sequence provides the same information as a standard protocol including T1-, T2-, and fat-suppressed T2-weighted sequences for the workup of degenerative lumbar spine lesions.
• For some findings shown on the simplified protocol, such as focal bone marrow replacement lesions or signs of infection, additional sequences including pre- and post-contrast T1-weighted sequences may be required, as is currently the case when using the standard protocol.
Color vision in insects: insights from Drosophila
Authors: Schnaitmann Christopher , Pagni Manuel , Reiff Dierk F. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractColor vision is an important sensory capability that enhances the detection of contrast in retinal images. Monochromatic animals exclusively detect temporal and spatial changes in luminance, whereas two or more types of photoreceptors and neuronal circuitries for the comparison of their responses enable animals to differentiate spectral information independent of intensity. Much of what we know about the cellular and physiological mechanisms underlying color vision comes from research on vertebrates including primates. In insects, many important discoveries have been made, but direct insights into the physiology and circuit implementation of color vision are still limited. Recent advances inDrosophilasystems neuroscience suggest that a complete insect color vision circuitry, from photoreceptors to behavior, including all elements and computations, can be revealed in future. Here, we review fundamental concepts in color vision alongside our current understanding of the neuronal basis of color vision inDrosophila,including side views to selected other insects.
Recovery from postpartum psychosis: a systematic review and metasynthesis of women’s and families’ experiences
Authors: Forde R. , Peters S. , Wittkowski A. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractPostpartum psychosis is a serious disorder that can result in adverse consequences for the mother and baby. It is important that we understand the experiences of women, to develop effective interventions during this critical period. The aim of this systematic review was to conduct a metasynthesis of qualitative research exploring women’s experiences of postpartum psychosis and factors involved in recovery from the perspective of women and family members. A comprehensive literature search of five databases was conducted and the findings were appraised and synthesised, following a thematic synthesis approach. Fifteen studies, capturing the views of 103 women and 42 family members, met the inclusion criteria. Four main themes incorporating 13 subthemes were identified following synthesis: (1) Experiencing the unspeakable, (2) Loss and disruption, (3) Realigning old self and new self and the integrative theme of (4) Social context. The findings offer new insight into the unique experience of postpartum psychosis and demonstrate that recovery does not follow a linear path. To improve clinical outcomes, a more integrative and individualised approach is needed which incorporates long-term psychological and psychosocial support, and considers the needs of the family. Further areas for staff training, service development and future research are highlighted.
Confidence intervals for robust estimates of measurement uncertainty
Authors: Rostron Peter D. , Fearn Tom , Ramsey Michael H. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractUncertainties arising at different stages of a measurement process can be estimated using analysis of variance (ANOVA) on duplicated measurements. In some cases, it is also desirable to calculate confidence intervals for these uncertainties. This can be achieved using probability models that assume the measurement data are normally distributed. However, it is often the case in practice that a set of otherwise normally distributed measurement values is contaminated by a small number of outlying values, which may have a disproportionate effect on the variances calculated using the ‘classical’ form of ANOVA. In this case, robust ANOVA methods are able to provide variance estimates that are much closer to the parameters of the underlying normal distributions. A method using bootstrapping to calculate confidence intervals from robust estimates of variances is proposed and evaluated and is shown to work well when the number of outlying values is small. The method has been implemented in a visual basic program.
Phase 1 study of the MDM2 antagonist RO6839921 in patients with acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Uy Geoffrey L. , Assouline Sarit , Young Anne-Marie , Blotner Steven , Higgins Brian , Chen Lin-Chi , Yee Karen 
Published: February 2020

AbstractIn acute myeloid leukemia (AML), TP53 mutations and dysregulation of wild-type p53 is common and supports an MDM2 antagonist as a therapy. RO6839921 is an inactive pegylated prodrug of the oral MDM2 antagonist idasanutlin (active principle [AP]) that allows for IV administration. This phase 1 monotherapy study evaluated the safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of RO6839921 in patients with AML. Primary objectives identified dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) and maximum tolerated dose (MTD). Secondary objectives assessed pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and antileukemic activity. A total of 26 patients received 120–300 mg AP of idasanutlin. The MTD was 200 mg, with DLTs at 250 (2/8 patients) and 300 mg (2/5). Treatment–related adverse events in >20% of patients were diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, and fatigue. Six deaths (23.1%) occurred, all unrelated to treatment. Pharmacokinetics showed rapid and near-complete conversion of the prodrug to AP and dose-proportional exposure across doses. Variability ranged from 30%–47% (22%–54% for idasanutlin). TP53 was 21 (87.5%) wild-type and 3 mutant (12.5%). The composite response rate (complete remission [CR], CR with incomplete hematologic recovery/morphological leukemia-free state [CRi/MLFS], or CR without platelet recovery [CRp]) was 7.7%. Antileukemic activity (CR, CRi/MLFS, partial response, hematologic improvement/stable disease) was observed in 11 patients (disease control rate, 42%): 10/11 were TP53 wild-type; 1 had no sample. p53 activation was demonstrated by MIC-1 induction and was associated with AP exposure. There was not sufficient differentiation or improvement in the biologic or safety profile compared with oral idasanutlin to support continued development of RO6839921. NCT02098967.
Design and validation of a nonlinear vibration absorber to attenuate torsional oscillations of propulsion systems
Authors: Haris A. , Alevras P. , Mohammadpour M. , Theodossiades S. , O’ Mahony M. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractRecent developments in propulsion systems to improve energy efficiency and reduce hazardous emissions often lead to severe torsional oscillations and aggravated noise. Vibration absorbers are typically employed to palliate the untoward effects of powertrain oscillations, with nonetheless an adverse impact on cost and constrained efficacy over a limited frequency range. Recently, the authors proposed the use of nonlinear vibration absorbers to achieve more broadband drivetrain vibration attenuation with low complexity and cost. These lightweight attachments follow the concept of targeted energy transfer, whereby vibration energy is taken off from a primary system without tuning requirements. In this paper, the design and experimental investigation of a prototype absorber is presented. The absorber is installed on a drivetrain experimental rig driven by an electric motor through a universal joint connection placed at an angle, thus inducing the second-order torsional oscillations. Vibration time histories with and without the absorber acting are recorded and compared. Frequency–energy plots are superimposed to the system nonlinear normal modes to verify the previously developed design methodology, whereas the achieved vibration reduction is quantified by comparing the acceleration amplitudes of the primary system and monitoring the distribution of energy damped in the primary system and the absorber. The absorber prototype was found to lead to significant vibration reduction away from resonance and near resonance with the additional feature of activation over a relatively broad frequency range.
Förderung von Präsentationskompetenz: Schrittweise Implementation und Effektivitätsüberprüfung eines Präsentationstrainings für Grundschulkinder
Authors: Herbein Evelin , Golle Jessika , Nagengast Benjamin , Trautwein Ulrich 
Published: February 2020

ZusammenfassungErfolgreiche Interventionen sind sowohl wirksam als auch implementierbar. Um dies zu erreichen werden idealtypisch mehrere aufeinander aufbauende Phasen der Interventionsentwicklung und -überprüfung durchlaufen. Die damit einhergehenden Standards können jedoch oft nicht uneingeschränkt eingehalten werden, wenn Studien unter Praxisbedingungen durchgeführt werden. Die vorliegende Studie ist die vierte eines Forschungsprogramms, in dem eine Intervention zur Förderung der Präsentationskompetenz (PK) von Grundschulkindern systematisch entwickelt und evaluiert wurde. Sie untersucht, ob (1) das Training wie intendiert, d. h. mit hoher Durchführungstreue, in der Praxis implementierbar ist und (2) ob sich die zuvor beobachteten Effekte auf PK und Sprechangst replizieren lassen. Zehn Kursleitungen und 65 Kinder nahmen an der cluster-randomisierten Studie mit Wartekontrollgruppe und Prä-Post-Messung teil. Die Durchführungstreue wurde über Selbsteinschätzungen der Kursleitungen, PK über Videoratings und Sprechangst über Fragebögen erfasst. Es zeigte sich, dass das Training erneut mit hoher Durchführungstreue durchgeführt wurde. Für die PK fanden sich auf zwei der 18 erfassten Präsentationsfähigkeiten signifikante Effekte: Körperspannung und persönliche Ansprache. Keine signifikanten Effekte fanden sich auf Sprechangst.
Hautmodifikation
Authors: Kronberger L. , Überall F. 
Published: February 2020

ZusammenfassungAufgrund ihrer variablen Wirkung, aber auch Wechselwirkungen, auf den Körper repräsentieren Hautmodifikationen, insbesondere Tätowierungen, ein kontroverses und komplexes Gesundheitsthema. Der vorliegende Artikel beleuchtet Teilaspekte der potenziellen toxischen und kanzerogenen Wirkungen von Tattoos. Es gilt zu klären, inwieweit Tattoos infolge der Belastung der Tinte mit polzyklischen aromatischen Kohlenwasserstoffen (PAH) als ein weiteres Expositionsmedium zu klassifizieren sind, und deren gesundheitsschädliche Folgen zu erörtern. Additiv werden die resultierenden Alterationen der Struktur und des Metabolismus der Haut behandelt. In Zusammenschau der diversen Folgen des Tätowierens wird deren potenzielle kanzerogene Wirkung beurteilt. Zur Abhandlung des Artikels wurden evidenzbasierte Literatur, fundierte Studien und wissenschaftlich begründete Forschung der Datenbank Pubmed und Researchgate herangezogen. Gemäß der Belastung der Tinte mit PAH und der daraus resultierenden Persistenz dieser in der Dermis und in den Lymphknoten sind Tätowierungen als ein weiteres Expositionsmedium zu spezifizieren. Vornehmlich durch deren Interaktion mit UV-Licht bergen sie toxisches Potenzial für den Körper und bewirken Modifikationen der Strukturkomponenten der Haut. In Summation mit weiteren Faktoren konnten sowohl Veränderungen der Protein- und Lipidstrukturen in der Dermis als auch des dermalen Metabolismus nachgewiesen werden. In puncto Kanzerogenität kann diese bis dato weder fundiert ausgeschlossen noch bestätigt werden. Gemäß der enormen Popularität von Tätowierungen bedarf es einer kritischen Auseinandersetzung mit den Inhaltsstoffen der Tinte, deren PAH-Belastungen sowie dem toxischen und potenziell kanzerogenen Potenzial.
Dynamic structural health monitoring for concrete gravity dams based on the Bayesian inference
Authors: Sevieri Giacomo , De Falco Anna 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe preservation of concrete dams is a key issue for researchers and practitioners in dam engineering because of the important role played by these infrastructures in the sustainability of our society. Since most of existing concrete dams were designed without considering their dynamic behaviour, monitoring their structural health is fundamental in achieving proper safety levels. Structural Health Monitoring systems based on ambient vibrations are thus crucial. However, the high computational burden related to numerical models and the numerous uncertainties affecting the results have so far prevented structural health monitoring systems for concrete dams from being developed. This study presents a framework for the dynamic structural health monitoring of concrete gravity dams in the Bayesian setting. The proposed approach has a relatively low computational burden, and detects damage and reduces uncertainties in predicting the structural behaviour of dams, thus improving the reliability of the structural health monitoring system itself. The application of the proposed procedure to an Italian concrete gravity dam demonstrates its feasibility in real cases.
On subgraphs of C2k-free graphs and a problem of Kühn and Osthus
Authors: Grósz Dániel , Methuku Abhishek , Tompkins Casey 
Published: February 2020

AbstractLet c denote the largest constant such that every C6-free graph G contains a bipartite and C4-free subgraph having a fraction c of edges of G. Győri, Kensell and Tompkins showed that 3/8 ⩽ c ⩽ 2/5. We prove that c = 38. More generally, we show that for any ε > 0, and any integer k ⩾ 2, there is a C2k-free graph

$G'$

which does not contain a bipartite subgraph of girth greater than 2k with more than a fraction
$$\Bigl(1-\frac{1}{2^{2k-2}}\Bigr)\frac{2}{2k-1}(1+\varepsilon)$$
of the edges of

$G'$

. There also exists a C2k-free graph

$G''$

which does not contain a bipartite and C4-free subgraph with more than a fraction
$$\Bigl(1-\frac{1}{2^{k-1}}\Bigr)\frac{1}{k-1}(1+\varepsilon)$$
of the edges of

$G''$

.One of our proofs uses the following statement, which we prove using probabilistic ideas, generalizing a theorem of Erdős. For any ε > 0, and any integers a, b, k ⩾ 2, there exists an a-uniform hypergraph H of girth greater than k which does not contain any b-colourable subhypergraph with more than a fraction
$$\Bigl(1-\frac{1}{b^{a-1}}\Bigr)(1+\varepsilon)$$
of the hyperedges of H. We also prove further generalizations of this theorem.In addition, we give a new and very short proof of a result of Kühn and Osthus, which states that every bipartite C2k-free graph G contains a C4-free subgraph with at least a fraction 1/(k−1) of the edges of G. We also answer a question of Kühn and Osthus about C2k-free graphs obtained by pasting together C2l’s (with k >l ⩾ 3).
Competition Is the Underlying Mechanism Controlling Viscous Fingering and Wormhole Growth
Authors: Cabeza Yoar , Hidalgo Juan J. , Carrera Jesus 
Published: February 2020

AbstractViscous fingering and wormhole growth are complex nonlinear unstable phenomena. We view both as the result of competition for water in which the capacity of an instability to grow depends on its ability to carry water. We derive empirical solutions to quantify the finger/wormhole flow rate in single‐, two‐, and multiple‐finger systems. We use these solutions to show that fingering and wormhole patterns are a deterministic result of competition. For wormhole growth, controlled by dissolution, we solve reactive transport analytically within each wormhole to compute dissolution at the wormhole walls and tip. The generated patterns (both for viscous fingering and wormhole growth under moderate Damköhler number values) follow a power law decay of the number of fingers/wormholes with depth with an exponent of −1 consistent with field observations.
Plasmids persist in a microbial community by providing fitness benefit to multiple phylotypes
Authors: Li Liguan , Dechesne Arnaud , Madsen Jonas Stenløkke , Nesme Joseph , Sørensen Søren J , Smets Barth F 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
The current epidemic of antibiotic resistance has been facilitated by the wide and rapid horizontal dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in microbial communities. Indeed, ARGs are often located on plasmids, which can efficiently shuttle genes across diverse taxa. While the existence conditions of plasmids have been extensively studied in a few model bacterial populations, their fate in complex bacterial communities is poorly understood. Here, we coupled plasmid transfer assays with serial growth experiments to investigate the persistence of the broad-host-range IncP-1 plasmid pKJK5 in microbial communities derived from a sewage treatment plant. The cultivation conditions combined different nutrient and oxygen levels, and were non-selective and non-conducive for liquid-phase conjugal transfer. Following initial transfer, the plasmid persisted in almost all conditions during a 10-day serial growth experiment (equivalent to 60 generations), with a transient transconjugant incidence up to 30%. By combining cell enumeration and sorting with amplicon sequencing, we mapped plasmid fitness effects across taxa of the microbial community. Unexpected plasmid fitness benefits were observed in multiple phylotypes of Aeromonas, Enterobacteriaceae, and Pseudomonas, which resulted in community-level plasmid persistence. We demonstrate, for the first time, that plasmid fitness effects across community members can be estimated in high-throughput without prior isolation. By gaining a fitness benefit when carrying plasmids, members within complex microbial communities might have a hitherto unrecognised potential to maintain plasmids for long-term community-wide access.
Tracking regional brain growth up to age 13 in children born term and very preterm
Authors: Thompson Deanne K. , Matthews Lillian G. , Alexander Bonnie , Lee Katherine J. , Kelly Claire E. , Adamson Chris L. , Hunt Rod W. , Cheong Jeanie L. Y. , Spencer-Smith Megan , Neil Jeffrey J. , Seal Marc L. , Inder Terrie E. , Doyle Lex W. , Anderson Peter J. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractSerial regional brain growth from the newborn period to adolescence has not been described. Here, we measured regional brain growth in 216 very preterm (VP) and 45 full-term (FT) children. Brain MRI was performed at term-equivalent age, 7 and 13 years in 82 regions. Brain volumes increased between term-equivalent and 7 years, with faster growth in the FT than VP group. Perinatal brain abnormality was associated with less increase in brain volume between term-equivalent and 7 years in the VP group. Between 7 and 13 years, volumes were relatively stable, with some subcortical and cortical regions increasing while others reduced. Notably, VP infants continued to lag, with overall brain size generally less than that of FT peers at 13 years. Parieto–frontal growth, mainly between 7 and 13 years in FT children, was associated with higher intelligence at 13 years. This study improves understanding of typical and atypical regional brain growth.
Sustained treatment of retinal vascular diseases with self-aggregating sunitinib microparticles
Authors: Tsujinaka Hiroki , Fu Jie , Shen Jikui , Yu Yun , Hafiz Zibran , Kays Joshua , McKenzie David , Cardona Delia , Culp David , Peterson Ward , Gilger Brian C. , Crean Christopher S. , Zhang Jin-Zhong , Kanan Yogita , Yu Weiling , Cleland Jeffrey L. , Yang Ming , Hanes Justin , Campochiaro Peter A. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractNeovascular age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy are prevalent causes of vision loss requiring frequent intravitreous injections of VEGF-neutralizing proteins, and under-treatment is common and problematic. Here we report incorporation of sunitinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that blocks VEGF receptors, into a non-inflammatory biodegradable polymer to generate sunitinib microparticles specially formulated to self-aggregate into a depot. A single intravitreous injection of sunitinib microparticles potently suppresses choroidal neovascularization in mice for six months and in another model, blocks VEGF-induced leukostasis and retinal nonperfusion, which are associated with diabetic retinopathy progression. After intravitreous injection in rabbits, sunitinib microparticles self-aggregate into a depot that remains localized and maintains therapeutic levels of sunitinib in retinal pigmented epithelium/choroid and retina for more than six months. There is no intraocular inflammation or retinal toxicity. Intravitreous injection of sunitinib microparticles provides a promising approach to achieve sustained suppression of VEGF signaling and improve outcomes in patients with retinal vascular diseases.