bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neuroplastin expression is essential for hearing and hair cell PMCA expression
Authors: Lin Xiao , Brunk Michael G. K. , Yuanxiang Pingan , Curran Andrew W. , Zhang Enqi , Stöber Franziska , Goldschmidt Jürgen , Gundelfinger Eckart D. , Vollmer Maike , Happel Max F. K. , Herrera-Molina Rodrigo , Montag Dirk 
Published: April 2021

AbstractHearing deficits impact on the communication with the external world and severely compromise perception of the surrounding. Deafness can be caused by particular mutations in the neuroplastin (Nptn) gene, which encodes a transmembrane recognition molecule of the immunoglobulin (Ig) superfamily and plasma membrane Calcium ATPase (PMCA) accessory subunit. This study investigates whether the complete absence of neuroplastin or the loss of neuroplastin in the adult after normal development lead to hearing impairment in mice analyzed by behavioral, electrophysiological, and in vivo imaging measurements. Auditory brainstem recordings from adult neuroplastin-deficient mice (Nptn−/−) show that these mice are deaf. With age, hair cells and spiral ganglion cells degenerate in Nptn−/− mice. Adult Nptn−/− mice fail to behaviorally respond to white noise and show reduced baseline blood flow in the auditory cortex (AC) as revealed by single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). In adult Nptn−/− mice, tone-evoked cortical activity was not detectable within the primary auditory field (A1) of the AC, although we observed non-persistent tone-like evoked activities in electrophysiological recordings of some young Nptn−/− mice. Conditional ablation of neuroplastin in Nptnlox/loxEmx1Cre mice reveals that behavioral responses to simple tones or white noise do not require neuroplastin expression by central glutamatergic neurons. Loss of neuroplastin from hair cells in adult NptnΔlox/loxPrCreERT mice after normal development is correlated with increased hearing thresholds and only high prepulse intensities result in effective prepulse inhibition (PPI) of the startle response. Furthermore, we show that neuroplastin is required for the expression of PMCA 2 in outer hair cells. This suggests that altered Ca2+ homeostasis underlies the observed hearing impairments and leads to hair cell degeneration. Our results underline the importance of neuroplastin for the development and the maintenance of the auditory system.
Functional morphology of the raptorial forelegs in Mantispa styriaca (Insecta: Neuroptera)
Authors: Büsse Sebastian , Bäumler Fabian , Gorb Stanislav N. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe insect leg is a multifunctional device, varying tremendously in form and function within Insecta: from a common walking leg, to burrowing, swimming or jumping devices, up to spinning apparatuses or tools for prey capturing. Raptorial forelegs, as predatory striking and grasping devices, represent a prominent example for convergent evolution within insects showing strong morphological and behavioural adaptations for a lifestyle as an ambush predator. However, apart from praying mantises (Mantodea)—the most prominent example of this lifestyle—the knowledge on morphology, anatomy, and the functionality of insect raptorial forelegs, in general, is scarce. Here, we show a detailed morphological description of raptorial forelegs of Mantispa styriaca (Neuroptera), including musculature and the material composition in their cuticle; further, we will discuss the mechanism of the predatory strike. We could confirm all 15 muscles previously described for mantis lacewings, regarding extrinsic and intrinsic musculature, expanding it for one important new muscle—M24c. Combining the information from all of our results, we were able to identify a possible catapult mechanism (latch-mediated spring actuation system) as a driving force of the predatory strike, never proposed for mantis lacewings before. Our results lead to a better understanding of the biomechanical aspects of the predatory strike in Mantispidae. This study further represents a starting point for a comprehensive biomechanical investigation of the convergently evolved raptorial forelegs in insects.
Miseren des Krankenhauses, institutionelle Pathologien und klinische Organisationsethik
Authors: Kettner Matthias 
Published: April 2021

ZusammenfassungPersonal und Patienten in Einrichtungen organisierter Krankenbehandlung erfahren und bekunden vielfältige miserable Zustände dieser Organisationen. Einige „Miseren“ lassen sich im Rahmen einer Theorie institutioneller Pathologien als störende Auswirkungen der Aktivitäten und Strukturen von Organisationen des Politiksystems (Gesundheitspolitik) und des Wirtschaftssystems (Gesundheitswirtschaft) erklären. Deshalb können Klinische Ethik-Komitees (KEKs) solchen Miseren nicht wirksam begegnen oder sie sogar nicht einmal thematisieren. Organisationsethik kann sie thematisieren, aber ihnen nicht wirksam begegnen. Vorgeschlagen wird die Verstärkung von Organisationethik durch eine Theorie institutioneller Pathologie. Institutionspathologisch aufgeklärte, „klinische“ Organisationsethik kann helfen, in Ethiktheorie und Praxis, etwa für Mitglieder von KEKs und Organisationethikberater, die Möglichkeiten der Beobachtung, Bewertung und ggf. Besserung von gestörten Verantwortungsverhältnissen erheblich zu erweitern.
Sinonasal mucosal melanoma: treatment strategies and survival rates for a rare disease entity
Authors: Andrianakis Alexandros , Kiss Peter , Pomberger Markus , Wolf Axel , Thurnher Dietmar , Tomazic Peter Valentin 
Published: April 2021

SummaryBackgroundSinonasal mucosal melanoma (SNMM) is a rare disease entity comprising 0.4–1.3% of all melanomas. Surgery with free margins has been the primary treatment over decades. Neither the addition of radiotherapy nor chemotherapy could significantly improve outcome rates of this devastating malignancy. This study presents our clinical experience with SNMM over a 19-year period and summarizes the current body of literature on SNMM.MethodsThis retrospective analysis included 12 patients with SNMM treated from 2001 to 2019 at an academic center. Additionally, a literature review of the last 29 years on treatment and survival data of SNMM was conducted.ResultsMain initial symptoms were epistaxis and nasal obstruction. Of the patients 9 underwent endoscopic surgery, 6 received adjuvant therapy. 3 patients who did not undergo surgery, received chemoradiotherapy, radiotherapy alone, and chemotherapy alone, respectively. At the time of diagnosis 2 patients had distant metastases and 4 patients developed distant metastases during the course of the disease. Mean overall survival (OS) was 30.6 months, 3‑year and 5‑year OS were 25%, and 18.2%, respectively.ConclusionUnspecific symptoms and hidden anatomic locations lead to delayed diagnosis and increased rates of metastatic dissemination. Distant metastasis is the main treatment failure in SNMM. Surgery with free margins remains the primary treatment for SNMM. Adjuvant radiotherapy might improve local control in individual cases but efficient systemic therapy is needed to improve outcome rates. To evaluate and define more effective targeted treatment options and improve outcome rates, homogeneous data and prospective multicentric analysis are needed.
Infinitely many positive solutions of nonlinear Schrödinger equations
Authors: Molle Riccardo , Passaseo Donato 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe paper deals with the equation $$-\Delta u+a(x) u =|u|^{p-1}u $$

-
Δ
u
+
a

(
x
)

u
=

|
u
|

p
-
1

u

, $$u \in H^1({\mathbb {R}}^N)$$

u
∈

H
1

(

R

N

)

, with $$N\ge 2$$

N
≥
2

, $$p> 1,\ p< {N+2\over N-2}$$

p
>
1
,

p
<

N
+
2

N
-
2

if $$N\ge 3$$

N
≥
3

, $$a\in L^{N/2}_{loc}({\mathbb {R}}^N)$$

a
∈

L

loc

N
/
2

(

R

N

)

, $$\inf a> 0$$

inf
a
>
0

, $$\lim _{|x| \rightarrow \infty } a(x)= a_\infty $$

lim

|
x
|
→
∞

a

(
x
)

=

a
∞

. Assuming that the potential a(x) satisfies $$\lim _{|x| \rightarrow \infty }[a(x)-a_\infty ] e^{\eta |x|}= \infty \ \ \forall \eta > 0$$

lim

|
x
|
→
∞

[
a

(
x
)

-

a
∞

]

e

η
|
x
|

=
∞

∀
η
>
0

, $$ \lim _{\rho \rightarrow \infty } \sup \left\{ a(\rho \theta _1) - a(\rho \theta _2) \ :\ \theta _1, \theta _2 \in {\mathbb {R}}^N,\ |\theta _1|= |\theta _2|=1 \right\} e^{\tilde{\eta }\rho } = 0 \quad \text{ for } \text{ some } \ \tilde{\eta }> 0$$

lim

ρ
→
∞

sup

a

(
ρ

θ
1

)

-
a

(
ρ

θ
2

)

:

θ
1

,

θ
2

∈

R

N

,

|

θ
1

|
=
|

θ
2

|
=
1

e

η
~

ρ

=
0

for

some

η
~

>
0

and other technical conditions, but not requiring any symmetry, the existence of infinitely many positive multi-bump solutions is proved. This result considerably improves those of previous papers because we do not require that a(x) has radial symmetry, or that $$N=2$$

N
=
2

, or that $$|a(x)-a_\infty |$$

|
a

(
x
)

-

a
∞

|

is uniformly small in $${\mathbb {R}}^N$$

R

N

, etc. ....
Clinical and radiographic effects of ascorbic acid-augmented platelet-rich fibrin versus platelet-rich fibrin alone in intra-osseous defects of stage-III periodontitis patients: a randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Elbehwashy Mohamed Talaat , Hosny Manal Mohamed , Elfana Ahmed , Nawar Alaa , Fawzy El-Sayed Karim 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Aim
To assess platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) with ascorbic acid (AA) versus PRF in intra-osseous defects of stage-III periodontitis patients.

Methodology
Twenty stage-III/grade C periodontitis patients, with ≥ 3 mm intra-osseous defects, were randomized into test (open flap debridement (OFD)+AA/PRF; n = 10) and control (OFD+PRF; n = 10). Clinical attachment level (CAL; primary outcome), probing pocket depth (PPD), gingival recession depth (RD), full-mouth bleeding scores (FMBS), full-mouth plaque scores (FMPS), radiographic linear defect depth (RLDD) and radiographic defect bone density (RDBD) (secondary-outcomes) were examined at baseline, 3 and 6 months post-surgically.

Results
OFD+AA/PRF and OFD+PRF demonstrated significant intragroup CAL gain and PPD reduction at 3 and 6 months (p < 0.001). OFD+AA/PRF and OFD+PRF showed no differences regarding FMBS or FMPS (p > 0.05). OFD+AA/PRF demonstrated significant RD reduction of 0.90 ± 0.50 mm and 0.80 ± 0.71 mm at 3 and 6 months, while OFD+PRF showed RD reduction of 0.10 ± 0.77 mm at 3 months, with an RD-increase of 0.20 ± 0.82 mm at 6 months (p < 0.05). OFD+AA/PRF and OFD+PRF demonstrated significant RLDD reduction (2.29 ± 0.61 mm and 1.63 ± 0.46 mm; p < 0.05) and RDBD-increase (14.61 ± 5.39% and 12.58 ± 5.03%; p > 0.05). Stepwise linear regression analysis showed that baseline RLDD and FMBS at 6 months were significant predictors of CAL reduction (p < 0.001).

Conclusions
OFD+PRF with/without AA significantly improved periodontal parameters 6 months post-surgically. Augmenting PRF with AA additionally enhanced gingival tissue gain and radiographic defect fill.

Clinical relevance
PRF, with or without AA, could significantly improve periodontal parameters. Supplementing PRF with AA could additionally augment radiographic linear defect fill and reduce gingival recession depth.
Cooling after shearing: three possible fates for dense granular materials
Authors: Berzi Diego , Vescovi Dalila 
Published: April 2021

AbstractWe perform discrete element simulations of freely cooling, dense granular materials, previously sheared at a constant rate. Particles are identical, frictional spheres interacting via linear springs and dashpots and the solid volume fraction is constant and equal to 60% during both shearing and cooling. We measure the average and the distributions of contacts per particle and the anisotropy of the contact network. We observe that the granular material, at the beginning of cooling, can be shear-jammed, fragile or unjammed. The initial state determines the subsequent evolution of the dense assembly into either an anisotropic solid, an isotropic or an anisotropic fluid, respectively. While anisotropic solids and isotropic fluids rapidly reach an apparent final steady configuration, the microstructure continues to evolve for anisotropic fluids. We explain this with the presence of vortices in the flow field that counteract the randomizing and structure-annihilating effect of collisions. We notice, in accordance with previous findings, that the initial fraction of mechanically stable particles permits to distinguish between shear-jammed, fragile or unjammed states and, therefore, determine beforehand the fate of the freely evolving granular materials. We also find that the fraction of mechanically stable particles is in a one-to-one relation with the average number of contacts per particle. The latter is, therefore, a variable that must be incorporated in continuum models of granular materials, even in the case of unjammed states, where it was widely accepted that the solid volume fraction was sufficient to describe the geometry of the system.
Nutritional status and risk of contrast-associated acute kidney injury in elderly patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Wei Xiaoqi , Chen Hanchuan , You Zhebin , Yang Jie , He Haoming , He Chen , Zheng Weiping , Lin Kaiyang , Jiang Feng 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
This study aimed to investigate the connection between malnutrition evaluated by the Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score and the risk of contrast-associated acute kidney injury (CA-AKI) in elderly patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods
A total of 1308 patients aged over 75 years undergoing PCI was included. Based on the CONUT score, patients were assigned to normal (0–1), mild malnutrition (2–4), moderate-severe malnutrition group (≥ 5). The primary outcome was CA-AKI (an absolute increase in ≥ 0.3 mg/dL or ≥ 50% relative serum creatinine increase 48 h after contrast medium exposure).

Results
Overall, the incidence of CA-AKI in normal, mild, moderate-severe malnutrition group was 10.8%, 11.0%, and 27.2%, respectively (p < 0.01). Compared with moderate-severe malnutrition group, the normal group and the mild malnutrition group showed significant lower risk of CA-AKI in models adjusting for risk factors for CA-AKI and variables in univariate analysis (odds ratio [OR] = 0.48, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.26–0.89, p = 0.02; OR = 0.46, 95%CI: 0.26–0.82, p = 0.009, respectively). Furthermore, the relationship were consistent across the subgroups classified by risk factors for CA-AKI except anemia. The risk of CA-AKI related with CONUT score was stronger in patients with anemia. (overall interaction p by CONUT score = 0.012).

Conclusion
Moderate-severe malnutrition is associated with higher risk of CA-AKI in elderly patients undergoing PCI.
Solving the nuclear dismantling project scheduling problem by combining mixed-integer and constraint programming techniques and metaheuristics
Authors: Hübner Felix , Gerhards Patrick , Stürck Christian , Volk Rebekka 
Published: April 2021

AbstractScheduling of megaprojects is very challenging because of typical characteristics, such as expected long project durations, many activities with multiple modes, scarce resources, and investment decisions. Furthermore, each megaproject has additional specific characteristics to be considered. Since the number of nuclear dismantling projects is expected to increase considerably worldwide in the coming decades, we use this type of megaproject as an application case in this paper. Therefore, we consider the specific characteristics of constrained renewable and non-renewable resources, multiple modes, precedence relations with and without no-wait condition, and a cost minimisation objective. To reliably plan at minimum costs considering all relevant characteristics, scheduling methods can be applied. But the extensive literature review conducted did not reveal a scheduling method considering the special characteristics of nuclear dismantling projects. Consequently, we introduce a novel scheduling problem referred to as the nuclear dismantling project scheduling problem. Furthermore, we developed and implemented an effective metaheuristic to obtain feasible schedules for projects with about 300 activities. We tested our approach with real-life data of three different nuclear dismantling projects in Germany. On average, it took less than a second to find an initial feasible solution for our samples. This solution could be further improved using metaheuristic procedures and exact optimisation techniques such as mixed-integer programming and constraint programming. The computational study shows that utilising exact optimisation techniques is beneficial compared to standard metaheuristics. The main result is the development of an initial solution finding procedure and an adaptive large neighbourhood search with iterative destroy and recreate operations that is competitive with state-of-the-art methods of related problems. The described problem and findings can be transferred to other megaprojects.
School accountability and teacher stress: international evidence from the OECD TALIS study
Authors: Jerrim John , Sims Sam 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAccountability—the monitoring and use of student performance data to make judgements about school and teacher effectiveness—is increasing within school systems across the globe. In theory, by increasing accountability, the aims and incentives of governments, parents, school leaders and teachers become more closely aligned, potentially improving student achievement as a result. Yet, in practice, concerns are mounting about the stress that accountability is putting schools and teachers under. This paper presents new evidence on this issue, drawing upon data from more than 100,000 teachers across over 40 countries. We find evidence of a modest, positive correlation between school system accountability and how stressed teachers and headteachers are about this aspect of their job. When looking within schools, there is little evidence that the management practices of headteachers differ when they report feeling stressed about accountability, or that they transmit these feelings onto their staff. However, we do find strong evidence of ‘emotional contagion’ of stress amongst colleagues within schools, with teachers more likely to feel stressed by accountability if their colleagues do as well.
Source identification of fine and coarse aerosol during smog episodes in Debrecen, Hungary
Authors: Angyal Anikó , Ferenczi Zita , Manousakas Manousos , Furu Enikő , Szoboszlai Zoltán , Török Zsófia , Papp Enikő , Szikszai Zita , Kertész Zsófia 
Published: April 2021

AbstractIn this study, the identification of PM sources during smog episodes in Debrecen is presented. The smog episodes were characterized by the high concentration of PM10, and were linked to a thermal inversion period in November 2011 in Hungary, when an anticyclone occurred across Europe. The sources of PM2.5 and PMcoarse were identified by positive matrix factorization (PMF). Additionally, the source locations were explored by using the conditional probability function (CPF). A numerical weather prediction model (WRF) was also applied to evaluate the air pollution situation. In order to meet the goals of the study, the elemental composition with high (2-h) time resolution, the elemental size distribution, and the planetary boundary layer were examined in an urban background site of downtown Debrecen, Hungary. Our results highlight the importance of biomass burning (39%) and traffic (31%) as the major contributors to PM2.5. The main tracers of these sources (K, Cl, Pb, Zn) appeared mainly in droplet mode (0.5–1 μm). The major sources of PMcoarse fraction were soil (32%), and dust attributed to tramline construction (30%). The combination of PMF and CPF results revealed that the PM10 concentrations were affected by sources within the urban agglomeration of Debrecen (city centre and suburban areas) under the given meteorological conditions. This conclusion is further validated by the fact that the diurnal variation of the identified source contributions presented a distinct pattern that depended strongly on the daily activities of the city’s residents (compared to the usually unstructured diurnals of transported sources).
Physical and psychological effects of postural educational intervention for students experienced school refusal
Authors: Maekawa Maki , Yoshizawa Eri , Hayata Gou , Ohashi Setsuko 
Published: April 2021

AbstractPoor posture has been shown to decrease both visceral and respiratory/circulatory function as well as to increase neuro-musculoskeletal system stress. Improper postures of children at school and in daily life can affect their physical and psychological development. In particular, many children who refuse to go to school or who have experienced school refusal have physical and mental problems. Given that posture is closely related to one’s psychological state, modifying one’s posture can improve both physical and psychological health problems. This study examined the changes to school-refusing students’ physical and psychological condition after attending an intervention to improve their posture. The participants were 65 high school students who have experienced school refusal and were attending a program to modify their posture for 2 months. Their posture and psychological states were recorded both pre- and post-intervention with the following measurements: postural alignment and spinal curve according to a sagittal plane, the General Health Questionnaire 30 (GHQ), and the Subjective Adjustment Scale (SAS). Post-intervention, most of the participants saw improvement in their postural alignment (e.g., trunk inclination in standing position, P < 0.001, 95%CI [2.00, 4.00]). Participants with improved standing posture post-intervention had higher SAS scores (e.g., feeling of acceptance and trust, P < 0.05, 95%CI [−3.00, −0.00]). We found that easy-to-implement postural interventions have a positive effect on students’ mental health. Furthermore, it was suggested that their adjustment to school would also improve as their posture improved. The contribution of this study shows that it is possible to care for the physical and mental health of students without using special facilities and techniques. It is hoped that the findings of this study will lead to an improved adjustment to both school or novel environments, as well as prevent health-based school refusal.
An individual claims reserving model for reported claims
Authors: Gabrielli Andrea 
Published: April 2021

AbstractWe present a claims reserving technique that uses claim-specific feature and past payment information in order to estimate claims reserves for individual reported claims. We design one single neural network allowing us to estimate expected future cash flows for every individual reported claim. We introduce a consistent way of using dropout layers in order to fit the neural network to the incomplete time series of past individual claims payments. A proof of concept is provided by applying this model to synthetic as well as real insurance data sets for which the true outstanding payments for reported claims are known.