bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Topographic and widespread auditory modulation of the somatosensory cortex: potential for bimodal sound and body stimulation for pain treatment
Authors: Gloeckner Cory D , Nocon Jian C , Lim Hubert H 
Published: June 2022

AbstractObjective. There has been growing interest in understanding multisensory integration in the cortex through activation of multiple sensory and motor pathways to treat brain disorders, such as tinnitus or essential tremors. For tinnitus, previous studies show that combined sound and body stimulation can modulate the auditory pathway and lead to significant improvements in tinnitus symptoms. Considering that tinnitus is a type of chronic auditory pain, bimodal stimulation could potentially alter activity in the somatosensory pathway relevant for treating chronic pain. As an initial step towards that goal, we mapped and characterized neuromodulation effects in the somatosensory cortex (SC) in response to sound and/or electrical stimulation of the body.Approach.We first mapped the topographic organization of activity across the SC of ketamine-anesthetized guinea pigs through electrical stimulation of different body locations using subcutaneous needle electrodes or with broadband acoustic stimulation. We then characterized how neural activity in different parts of the SC could be facilitated or suppressed with bimodal stimulation.Main results. The topography in the SC of guinea pigs in response to electrical stimulation of the body aligns consistently to that shown in previous rodent studies. Interestingly, auditory broadband noise stimulation primarily excited SC areas that typically respond to stimulation of lower body locations. Although there was only a small subset of SC locations that were excited by acoustic stimulation alone, all SC recording sites could be altered (facilitated or suppressed) with bimodal stimulation. Furthermore, specific regions of the SC could be modulated by stimulating an appropriate body region combined with broadband noise.Significance. These findings show that bimodal stimulation can excite or modulate firing across a widespread yet targeted population of SC neurons. This approach may provide a non-invasive method for altering or disrupting abnormal firing patterns within certain parts of the SC for chronic pain treatment.
Depth resolved pencil beam radiography using AI — a proof of principle study
Authors: Häggström I. , Carter L.M. , Fuchs T.J. , Kesner A.L. 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Aims: clinical radiographic imaging is seated upon the
principle of differential keV photon transmission through an
object. At clinical x-ray energies the scattering of photons causes
signal noise and is utilized solely for transmission
measurements. However, scatter — particularly Compton scatter, is
characterizable. In this work we hypothesized that modern radiation
sources and detectors paired with deep learning techniques can use
scattered photon information constructively to resolve superimposed
attenuators in planar x-ray imaging. Methods: we simulated a
monoenergetic x-ray imaging system consisting of a pencil beam x-ray
source directed at an imaging target positioned in front of a high
spatial- and energy-resolution detector array. The setup maximizes
information capture of transmitted photons by measuring off-axis
scatter location and energy. The signal was analyzed by a
convolutional neural network, and a description of scattering
material along the axis of the beam was derived. The system was
virtually designed/tested using Monte Carlo processing of simple
phantoms consisting of 10 pseudo-randomly stacked air/bone/water
materials, and the network was trained by solving a classification
problem. RESULTS: from our simulations we were able to resolve
traversed material depth information to a high degree, within our
simple imaging task. The average accuracy of the material
identification along the beam was 0.91 ± 0.01, with slightly
higher accuracy towards the entrance/exit peripheral surfaces of the
object. The average sensitivity and specificity was 0.91 and 0.95,
respectively. Conclusions: our work provides proof of principle that
deep learning techniques can be used to analyze scattered photon
patterns which can constructively contribute to the information
content in radiography, here used to infer depth information in a
traditional 2D planar setup. This principle, and our results,
demonstrate that there is information in Compton scattered photons,
and this may provide a basis for further development. The work was
limited by simple testing scenarios and without yet integrating
complexities or optimizations. The ability to scale performance to
the clinic remains unexplored and requires further study.
Diesel passenger vehicle shares influenced COVID-19 changes in urban nitrogen dioxide pollution
Authors: Kerr Gaige Hunter , Goldberg Daniel L , Emma Knowland K , Keller Christoph A , Oladini Dolly , Kheirbek Iyad , Mahoney Lucy , Lu Zifeng , Anenberg Susan C 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Diesel-powered vehicles emit several times more nitrogen oxides than comparable gasoline-powered vehicles, leading to ambient nitrogen dioxide (NO2) pollution and adverse health impacts. The COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing changes in emissions provide a natural experiment to test whether NO2 reductions have been starker in regions of Europe with larger diesel passenger vehicle shares. Here we use a semi-empirical approach that combines in-situ NO2 observations from urban areas and an atmospheric composition model within a machine learning algorithm to estimate business-as-usual NO2 during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. These estimates account for the moderating influences of meteorology, chemistry, and traffic. Comparing the observed NO2 concentrations against business-as-usual estimates indicates that diesel passenger vehicle shares played a major role in the magnitude of NO2 reductions. European cities with the five largest shares of diesel passenger vehicles experienced NO2 reductions

∼

2.5

times larger than cities with the five smallest diesel shares. Extending our methods to a cohort of non-European cities reveals that NO2 reductions in these cities were generally smaller than reductions in European cities, which was expected given their small diesel shares. We identify potential factors such as the deterioration of engine controls associated with older diesel vehicles to explain spread in the relationship between cities’ shares of diesel vehicles and changes in NO2 during the pandemic. Our results provide a glimpse of potential NO2 reductions that could accompany future deliberate efforts to phase out or remove passenger vehicles from cities.
Encapsulating chalcogens as the rate accelerator into MoS2 with expanded interlayer spacing to boost the capacity and cyclic stability of Li–S batteries
Authors: Lakshmi K C Seetha , Vedhanarayanan Balaraman , Shen Hsin-Hui , Lin Tsung-Wu 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
In this work, we have demonstrated the successful incorporation of selenium (Se)/tellurium (Te) into the covalently functionalized MoS2 (B-M) nanosheets as a host using a facile solvothermal method. The chalcogen-loaded composites (Se/Te@B-M-C) are characterized by various spectroscopic and microscopic analyses. These experiments prove that the amorphous Se/Te additive is homogeneously distributed over the MoS2 nanosheets with an expanded interlayer distance of ∼10 Å. The fabricated Li–S batteries composed of the Se/Te@B-M-C cathodes exhibit superior electrochemical performances when compared to that of the pristine chalcogens and bare host. The improved charge storage characteristics of these hybrids are attributed to the uniform distribution of chalcogens as the rate accelerators and the formation of a protective solid-electrolyte interphase layer over composites. The present study demonstrates that the structurally-engineered MoS2-based composites with evenly distributed amorphous Se (or Te) chalcogens as accelerators are potential candidates for next-generation high-performance lithium–sulfur batteries with high capacity and excellent cycle stability.
A method to improve the performance of all-inorganic halide perovskite CsPbBr3 memory
Authors: Yin Yali , Yao Zhenyang , Xia Yu , Chen Haitao 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
All-inorganic perovskite has been generally used in memristor due to its outstanding characteristics such as superior optical performance, superior stability, tunable and highly effective photoluminescence. We have proved the use of all-inorganic halide perovskite as a medium in memristor. In this paper, the memristor with construction of Au/CsPbBr3/FTO, Au/CsPbBr3/ZnO/FTO and Au/ZnO/CsPbBr3/FTO were manufactured by one-step spin-coating approach to observe representative bipolar resistance switching behaviors in different construction of resistance random access memory devices. Results show that the memristor based on ZnO/CsPbBr3 heterojunction having excellent resistance switching effect with low resetting, setting voltages and and high environmental stability. Moreover, a model of filaments through the CsPbBr3 layer was raised to interpret the resistive switching effect.
Implementation and evaluation of an EHR-integrated mobile dispense tracking technology in a large academic tertiary hospital
Authors: Bhakta Sunny B , Deyhim Niaz , Zafar Niha , Abbasi Ghalib A 
Published: June 2022

Abstract

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of implementing an electronic health record (EHR)–integrated mobile dispense tracking solution.

Methods
This quasi-experimental study was conducted at Houston Methodist Hospital. The study timeframe consisted of 1-year pre- and postimplementation phases, with a 1-month washout period. The medication tracking function was implemented in a multiphase approach. The primary endpoint was the weekly redispense rate due to missing medication or delay in delivery. The secondary endpoints were total redispenses due to missing medication or delay in delivery per 1,000 medication messages and per 1,000 inpatient discharges and dispense tracking scanning compliance post implementation.

Results
Analyses demonstrated a sustained decrease in redispenses from 3.24% to 2.70% (95% CI, 0.10-0.60; P = 0.006). The study also demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in redispenses per 1,000 medication messages from 190 to 127 (95% CI, –27.21 to –4.23, P = 0.008). Analysis of redispenses per 1,000 patient discharges showed a nonsignificant reduction after implementation from 216 to 194 (95% CI, 54.63 to –77.71; P = 0.730). The department achieved 90.7% dispense tracking compliance.

Conclusion
EHR-integrated mobile dispense tracking technology effectively reduced the redispense rate and total redispenses normalized to medication messages for missing medication and delay in delivery. Interprofessional collaboration and effective change management strategies are essential to the successful implementation of medication dispense tracking technology.
White matter connections of high-level visual areas predict cytoarchitecture better than category-selectivity in childhood, but not adulthood
Authors: Kubota Emily , Grotheer Mareike , Finzi Dawn , Natu Vaidehi S , Gomez Jesse , Grill-Spector Kalanit 
Published: June 2022

AbstractVentral temporal cortex (VTC) consists of high-level visual regions that are arranged in consistent anatomical locations across individuals. This consistency has led to several hypotheses about the factors that constrain the functional organization of VTC. A prevailing theory is that white matter connections influence the organization of VTC, however, the nature of this constraint is unclear. Here, we test 2 hypotheses: (1) white matter tracts are specific for each category or (2) white matter tracts are specific to cytoarchitectonic areas of VTC. To test these hypotheses, we used diffusion magnetic resonance imaging to identify white matter tracts and functional magnetic resonance imaging to identify category-selective regions in VTC in children and adults. We find that in childhood, white matter connections are linked to cytoarchitecture rather than category-selectivity. In adulthood, however, white matter connections are linked to both cytoarchitecture and category-selectivity. These results suggest a rethinking of the view that category-selective regions in VTC have category-specific white matter connections early in development. Instead, these findings suggest that the neural hardware underlying the processing of categorical stimuli may be more domain-general than previously thought, particularly in childhood.
Developing student codesigned immersive virtual reality simulations for teaching of challenging concepts in molecular and cellular biology
Authors: Reen F Jerry , Jump Owen , McEvoy Grace , McSharry Brian P , Morgan John , Murphy David , O'Leary Niall , O'Mahony Billy , Scallan Martina , Walsh Christine , Supple Briony 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Molecular biology theory represents a critical scaffold, which underpins multiple disciplines within life sciences education. However, it is well-documented that undergraduate students can struggle to achieve deeper understanding of key concepts and/or their application. One challenging, contributory aspect is the “invisible” nature of molecular biology processes compounded by critical 3D spatial orientations of the principal components and their interactions. Molecular theory specifically requires students to construct accurate, mental spatial models to develop their understanding. However, much of the traditional teaching and examination of such theory is limited to 2D representations. Technology-enhanced, complementary teaching and examination approaches, which engage students with spatial aspects of theoretical concepts, offer an exciting opportunity to support student learning in this area. In this study, we have explored the integration of an immersive virtual reality simulation based on a challenging molecular biology concept within an existing module taught at University College Cork. A mixed methods approach, grounded in learning theory, was undertaken to assess the student user and learning experience. The consensus response from students was one of enhanced learning, understanding, engagement, and motivation. Student partnership in the process of simulation design and integration was key to delivering the fully integrated experience.
The Spruce Budworm Genome: Reconstructing the Evolutionary History of Antifreeze Proteins
Authors: Béliveau Catherine , Gagné Patrick , Picq Sandrine , Vernygora Oksana , Keeling Christopher I , Pinkney Kristine , Doucet Daniel , Wen Fayuan , Spencer Johnston J , Maaroufi Halim , Boyle Brian , Laroche Jérôme , Dewar Ken , Juretic Nikoleta , Blackburn Gwylim , Nisole Audrey , Brunet Bryan , Brandão Marcelo , Lumley Lisa , Duan Jun , Quan Guoxing , Lucarotti Christopher J , Roe Amanda D , Sperling Felix A H , Levesque Roger C , Cusson Michel 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Insects have developed various adaptations to survive harsh winter conditions. Among freeze-intolerant species, some produce “antifreeze proteins” (AFPs) that bind to nascent ice crystals and inhibit further ice growth. Such is the case of the spruce budworm, Choristoneura fumiferana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), a destructive North American conifer pest that can withstand temperatures below −30°C. Despite the potential importance of AFPs in the adaptive diversification of Choristoneura, genomic tools to explore their origins have until now been limited. Here, we present a chromosome-scale genome assembly for C. fumiferana, which we used to conduct comparative genomic analyses aimed at reconstructing the evolutionary history of tortricid AFPs. The budworm genome features 16 genes homologous to previously reported C. fumiferana AFPs (CfAFPs), 15 of which map to a single region on chromosome 18. Fourteen of these were also detected in five congeneric species, indicating Choristoneura AFP diversification occurred before the speciation event that led to C. fumiferana. Although budworm AFPs were previously considered unique to the genus Choristoneura, a search for homologs targeting recently sequenced tortricid genomes identified seven CfAFP-like genes in the distantly related Notocelia uddmanniana. High structural similarity between Notocelia and Choristoneura AFPs suggests a common origin, despite the absence of homologs in three related tortricids. Interestingly, one Notocelia AFP formed the C-terminus of a “zonadhesin-like” protein, possibly representing the ancestral condition from which tortricid AFPs evolved. Future work should clarify the evolutionary path of AFPs between Notocelia and Choristoneura and assess the role of the “zonadhesin-like” protein as precursor of tortricid AFPs.
Exploring the efficiency of primary health care provision in rural and sparsely populated areas: a case study from Mongolia
Authors: Guillon Marlène , Mathonnat Jacky , Narantuya Bayarmagnai , Dorjmyagmar Batbayar , Enkhtsetseg Enkhbold 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Mongolia is facing serious challenges in the health sector and the macro-economic sphere that have important implications for health financing and the completion of universal health coverage. In this context, improving the efficiency of primary health care facilities is a critical issue. We study the efficiency of Soum Health Centres (SHCs) that provide primary care in rural Mongolia. Based on activity and resources data collected for all SHCs of Mongolia in 2017 and 2018 we estimate bias-adjusted efficiency scores. A double bootstrap truncated regression procedure is then used to study the factors associated with SHCs’ efficiency. On average, SHCs could potentially engage in the same activity while reducing overall resource use by ∼23%. A comparatively higher population density and dependency ratio in the districts where they are located tend to favour SHCs’ efficiency. Conversely, the higher the poverty rate in the soum, the lower the efficiency. We find a positive association between SHCs’ efficiency and the proportion of doctors in the health workforce. The human resources allocation process and the capitation formula currently used to pay SHCs should be adjusted based on the size and socioeconomic/demographic characteristics of the population living in the catchment area of SHCs.
Co-silencing of ABA receptors (SlRCAR) reveals interactions between ABA and ethylene signaling during tomato fruit ripening
Authors: Zou Jian , Li Ning , Hu Nan , Tang Ning , Cao Haohao , Liu Yudong , Chen Jing , Jian Wei , Gao Yanqiang , Yang Jun , Li Zhengguo 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
The ripening of fleshy fruits is highly dependent on the regulation of endogenous hormones, including ethylene, abscisic acid (ABA) and other phytohormones. However, the regulatory mechanism of ABA signaling and its interaction with ethylene signaling in fruit ripening are still unclear. In this study, multi-gene interference (RNAi) was applied to silence the ABA receptor genes in tomato for screening the specific receptors that mediate ABA signaling during fruit ripening. The results indicated that the ABA receptors, including SlRCAR9, SlRCAR12, SlRCAR11, and SlRCAR13, participate in the regulation of tomato fruit ripening. Comparative analysis showed that SlRCAR11 and SlRCAR13 play more important roles in mediating ABA signaling during tomato fruit ripening. Co-silencing of the four genes encoding these receptors could weaken the ethylene biosynthesis and signaling pathway at the early stage of tomato fruit ripening, leading to delayed fruit ripening. Meanwhile, co-silencing enhanced fruit firmness, and altered the shelf-life and susceptibility to Botrytis cinerea of the transgenic fruits. Furthermore, blocking ABA signaling did not affect the ability of ethylene to induce fruit ripening, whereas the block may inhibit the effectiveness of ABA in promoting fruit ripening. These results suggested that ABA signaling may be located upstream of ethylene signaling in regulating fruit ripening. Our findings provide a new insight into the complex regulatory network of phytohormones in regulating fruit ripening in tomato.
Reproductive Steroid Hormone Patterns in Baleen of Two Pregnant Humpback Whales (Megaptera novaeangliae)
Authors: Lowe Carley L , Hunt Kathleen E , Neilson Janet L , Gabriele Christine M , Teerlink Suzie S , Buck C Loren 
Published: June 2022

Abstract

Understanding reproductive physiology in mysticetes has been slowed by the lack of repeated samples from individuals. Analysis of humpback whale baleen enables retrospective hormone analysis within individuals dating back 3–5 years before death. Using this method, we investigated differences in four steroid hormones involved in reproduction and mating during confirmed pregnant and non-pregnant periods in two female humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) with known reproductive histories based on sightings and necropsy data. Cortisol, corticosterone, testosterone, and estradiol concentrations were determined via enzyme immunoassay using subsamples of each baleen plate at 2 cm intervals. There were no significant differences in cortisol or corticosterone during pregnancy when compared to non-pregnancy (inter-calving interval), but there were significant differences between the two whales in average glucocorticoid concentrations, with the younger whale showing higher values overall. For testosterone, levels for the younger female peaked at parturition in one pregnancy, but also had spikes during non-pregnancy. The older female had three large spikes in testosterone, one of which was associated with parturition. Estradiol had large fluctuations in both whales but had generally lower concentrations during non-pregnancy than during pregnancy. There were peaks in estradiol before each pregnancy, possibly coinciding with ovulation, and peaks coinciding with the month of parturition. Both estradiol and testosterone could be useful for determining ovulation or impending birth. Using baleen to investigate retrospective steroid hormone profiles can be used for elucidating long-term patterns of physiological change during gestation.

Lay summary
Case studies of two pregnant humpback whales whose hormones were analyzed in baleen may illuminate when humpback whales ovulate, gestate, and give birth. These physiological metrics could assist in accurate population growth assessments and conservation of the species. This study shows that baleen hormone analysis can be a useful tool for understanding whale reproductive physiology.
Maternal satisfaction on delivery care services and associated factors at public hospitals in eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Kidane Addisalem , Getachew Tamirat , Mesfin Firehiwot , Eyeberu Addis , Dheresa Merga 
Published: June 2022

AbstractBackgroundMaternal healthcare services satisfaction has been widely recognized as a critical indicator of quality in healthcare systems. Thus this study aimed to assess maternal satisfaction with delivery care services.MethodsAn institutional-based cross-sectional study design was utilized among 400 randomly selected postnatal mothers from 1 to 30 February 2018. The data were entered into EpiData version 4.2.0 and computed using SPSS version 20. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were done using binary logistic regression to identify associations of factors.ResultsA total of 400 participants were included, with a response rate of 98.8%. The overall delivery services satisfaction level of mothers was 80% (95% confidence interval [CI] 75.8 to 84.0). Delivery through caesarean section (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 2.85 [95% CI 1.21 to 6.72]), privacy assured (AOR 3.73 [95% CI 1.79 to 7.75]), duration of labour (AOR 3.03 [95% CI 1.50 to 6.14]), waiting time (AOR 4.31 [95% CI 2.24 to 8.29]) and foetal outcome (AOR 4.33 [95% CI 1.94 to 9.66]) were associated with satisfaction with delivery care services.ConclusionThe study revealed that four-fifths of mothers were satisfied with the delivery care services provided in public hospitals. Much effort is needed from hospital administrators and health professionals to improve delivery services satisfaction by minimizing waiting time, maintaining privacy and securing waiting areas.