Analyses of Human Genetic Data to Identify Clinically Relevant Domains of Neuroligins.

Neuroligins (NLGNs) are postsynaptic adhesion molecules critical for neuronal development that are highly associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Here, we provide an overview of the literature on rare variants. In addition, we introduce a new approach to analyze human variation within genes to identify sensitive regions that have an increased frequency of ASD-associated variants to better understand NLGN function.

German centralization strategy during COVID-19: Continuing or interrupting a trend?

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries applied centralization strategies to the distribution of power between national government and regional/local governments over responsibility for regulatory tasks. As a result, health-policy decision-making competences were shifted from the regional level to the national level (vertical shift of decision-making competences). This centralization trend for the purpose of infection control is evident in Germany.

Efficacy of Biphasic Calcium Phosphate Ceramic With a Needle-Shaped Surface Topography Versus Autograft in Instrumented Posterolateral Spinal Fusion.

Study Design: A multicenter randomized controlled noninferiority trial with intrapatient comparisons.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine noninferiority of a slowly resorbable biphasic calcium phosphate with submicron microporosity (BCP<μm, MagnetOs Granules) as an alternative for autograft in instrumented posterolateral fusion (PLF).

Summary Of Background Data: Successful spinal fusion with a solid bone bridge between the vertebrae is traditionally achieved by grafting with autologous iliac bone.

Dielectric Behavior and Prolate Growth Patterns of Silicon Clusters Si with = 12-30 by Cryogenic Electric Beam Deflection.

We present a comprehensive investigation of the dielectric behavior and geometric structures of cold neutral Si clusters of intermediate size with = 12-30 atoms. For this, cryogenic electric beam deflection experiments were carried out for the first time for Si clusters at nozzle temperatures below 30 K. In combination with quantum chemical calculations based on density functional theory and classical trajectory simulations of the rotational dynamics in the electric field, the geometric structures of the clusters are discriminated.

Radiologic Assessment of Interbody Fusion: A Systematic Review on the Use, Reliability, and Accuracy of Current Fusion Criteria.

Background: Lumbar interbody fusion (IF) is a common procedure to fuse the anterior spine. However, a lack of consensus on image-based fusion assessment limits the validity and comparison of IF studies. This systematic review aims to (1) report on IF assessment strategies and definitions and (2) summarize available literature on the diagnostic reliability and accuracy of these assessments.

Correction: Optical absorption and shape transition in neutral Sn clusters with ≤ 40: a photodissociation spectroscopy and electric beam deflection study.

Correction for 'Optical absorption and shape transition in neutral Sn clusters with ≤ 40: a photodissociation spectroscopy and electric beam deflection study' by Andreas Lehr , , 2022, , 11616-11635, https://doi.org/10.1039/D2CP01171A.

Scaling of the permanent electric dipole moment in isolated silicon clusters with near-spherical shape.

In silicon clusters a structural transition from prolate to near-spherical structures takes place at a size of about 25-30 atoms. While some of the prolate clusters are very polar, there has been no experimental evidence of the presence of dipole moments in larger silicon clusters with near-spherical shape. By means of electric molecular beam deflection experiments at cryogenic temperatures, it was possible to prove for the first time that Si clusters with more than = 30 atoms are also polar.

Development of an Interactive Software Tool for Designing Solvent Recovery Processes.

Solvents are used in chemical and pharmaceutical industries as a reaction medium, selective dissolution and extraction media, and dilution agents. Thus, a sizable amount of solvent waste is generated due to process inefficiencies. Most common ways of handling solvent waste are on-site, off-site disposal, and incineration, which have a considerable negative environmental impact.

Silencing hippocampal CA2 reduces behavioral flexibility in spatial learning.

The hippocampus is a key structure involved in learning and remembering spatial information. However, the extent to which hippocampal region CA2 is involved in these processes remains unclear. Here, we show that chronically silencing dorsal CA2 impairs reversal learning in the Morris water maze.

Association Between Length of Storage of Transfused Packed RBC Units and Outcome of Surgical Critically Ill Adults: A Subgroup Analysis of the Age of Blood Evaluation Randomized Trial.

Objectives: The Age of Blood Evaluation (ABLE) study reported no clinical benefit in fresher compared with standard delivery RBC units (length of storage: 6.9 ± 4.1 vs 22.

Impact of Time to Intervention on Catheter-Directed Therapy for Pulmonary Embolism.

Unlabelled: Cather-directed therapies (CDTs) are an evolving therapeutic option for patients with intermediate-risk pulmonary embolism (PE). Although many techniques have been studied, there is limited evidence for the impact of timing of intervention on patient outcomes. Our objective was to assess the association between time to CDT in patients presenting with PE on patient-related outcomes such as length of stay (LOS) and mortality.

Enhanced Electronic -Factors in Magic Number Main Group Bimetallic Nanoclusters.

We report the observation of large electronic -factors in magic number main group bimetallic nanoclusters by performing Stern-Gerlach deflection experiments at 10 K. The clusters AlPb and InPb exhibit values of = 3.5-4.

Physical Activity and Risk of Major Diabetes-Related Complications in Individuals With Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies.

Background: Physical activity is a cornerstone in diabetes management; however, evidence synthesis on the association between physical activity and long-term diabetes-related complications is scarce.

Purpose: To summarize and evaluate findings on physical activity and diabetes-related complications, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data Sources: We searched PubMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library for articles published up to 6 July 2021.

Brian2Loihi: An emulator for the neuromorphic chip Loihi using the spiking neural network simulator Brian.

Developing intelligent neuromorphic solutions remains a challenging endeavor. It requires a solid conceptual understanding of the hardware's fundamental building blocks. Beyond this, accessible and user-friendly prototyping is crucial to speed up the design pipeline.

Assessment of Posterolateral Lumbar Fusion: A Systematic Review of Imaging-Based Fusion Criteria.

Background: Noninvasive assessment of osseous fusion after spinal fusion surgery is essential for timely diagnosis of patients with symptomatic pseudarthrosis and for evaluation of the performance of spinal fusion procedures. There is, however, no consensus on the definition and assessment of successful posterolateral fusion (PLF) of the lumbar spine. This systematic review aimed to (1) summarize the criteria used for imaging-based fusion assessment after instrumented PLF and (2) evaluate their diagnostic accuracy and reliability.

Neuromodulator-dependent synaptic tagging and capture retroactively controls neural coding in spiking neural networks.

Events that are important to an individual's life trigger neuromodulator release in brain areas responsible for cognitive and behavioral function. While it is well known that the presence of neuromodulators such as dopamine and norepinephrine is required for memory consolidation, the impact of neuromodulator concentration is, however, less understood. In a recurrent spiking neural network model featuring neuromodulator-dependent synaptic tagging and capture, we study how synaptic memory consolidation depends on the amount of neuromodulator present in the minutes to hours after learning.

Joint electric and magnetic beam deflection experiments and quantum chemical studies of MSn clusters (M = Al, Ga, In): on the interplay of geometric structure and magnetic properties in nanoalloys.

MSn clusters (M = Al, Ga, In) were studied in electric and magnetic beam deflection experiments at temperatures of 16 K and 30 K. For all three species, the results of the electric beam deflection experiments indicate the presence of two structural isomers of which one is considerably polar. The magnetic beam deflection experiments show atom-like beam splitting (superatomic behavior) with -factors of 2.

Spiers Memorial Lecture: Nanoalloys of multiple components; the road to advance the field and experimental and theoretical challenges.

The field of nanoalloys has been advancing at a rapid pace in the last two decades. Many new characterization methods and theoretical advances have produced a substantial knowledge of the nanoalloys' properties and structure. Most of the work has been limited to binary alloys.

Impact of pulmonary embolism response teams on acute pulmonary embolism: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: The impact of pulmonary embolism response teams (PERTs) on treatment choice and outcomes of patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is still uncertain.

Objective: To determine the effect of PERTs in the management and outcomes of patients with PE.

Methods: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL, WorldWideScience and MedRxiv were searched for original articles reporting PERT patient outcomes from 2009.

Optical absorption and shape transition in neutral Sn clusters with ≤ 40: a photodissociation spectroscopy and electric beam deflection study.

Neutral Sn clusters with = 6-20, 25, 30, 40 are investigated in a joint experimental and quantum chemical study with the aim to reveal their optical absorption in conjunction with their structural evolution. Electric beam deflection and photodissociation spectroscopy are applied as molecular beam techniques at nozzle temperatures of 16 K, 32 K and 300 K. The dielectric response is probed following the approach in S.

Detection of SARS-CoV-2 and its S and N proteins using surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy.

The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the critical need for accurate and rapid testing for virus detection. This need has generated a high number of new testing methods aimed at replacing RT-PCR, which is the golden standard for testing. Most of the testing techniques are based on biochemistry methods and require chemicals that are often expensive and the supply might become scarce in a large crisis.

Directionality of the injected current targeting the P20/N20 source determines the efficacy of 140 Hz transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS)-induced aftereffects in the somatosensory cortex.

Interindividual anatomical differences in the human cortex can lead to suboptimal current directions and may result in response variability of transcranial electrical stimulation methods. These differences in brain anatomy require individualized electrode stimulation montages to induce an optimal current density in the targeted area of each individual subject. We aimed to explore the possible modulatory effects of 140 Hz transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) on the somatosensory cortex using personalized multi-electrode stimulation montages.

Methodological aspects of a randomized within-patient concurrent controlled design for clinical trials in spine surgery.

Introduction: Randomized controlled trials are considered the highest level of evidence, but their feasibility in the surgical field is severely hampered by methodological and practical issues. Concurrent comparison between the experimental and control conditions within the same patient can be an effective strategy to mitigate some of these challenges and improve generalizability, mainly by the elimination of between-patient variability and reduction of the required sample size. This article aims (1) to describe the methodological aspects of a randomized within-patient controlled trial and (2) to quantify the added value of this design, based on a recently completed randomized within-patient controlled trial on bone grafts in instrumented lumbar posterolateral spinal fusion.

Inhaled pulmonary vasodilators are not associated with improved gas exchange in mechanically ventilated patients with COVID-19: A retrospective cohort study.

Purpose: Measure the effect of inhaled pulmonary vasodilators on gas exchange in mechanically ventilated patients with COVID-19.

Methods: A retrospective observational cohort study at three New York University Hospitals was performed including eighty-four mechanically ventilated SARS Cov-2 nasopharyngeal PCR positive patients, sixty nine treated with inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) and fifteen with inhaled epoprostenol (iEPO). The primary outcomes were change in PO:FO ratio, oxygenation Index (OI), and ventilatory ratio (VR) after initiation of inhaled pulmonary vasodilators.