bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new approach to accelerate readout segmented EPI with compressed sensing
Authors: Liebig Patrick Alexander , Heidemann Robin Martin , Hensel Bernhard , Porter David Andrew
Published: December 2019

Purpose

High resolution diffusion‐weighted imaging is limited by susceptibility‐induced distortions and relaxation‐induced blurring. Segmented acquisition techniques can address these limitations at the expense of a prolonged scan time. If segmentation is performed along the readout direction, e.g., in RESOLVE (readout segmentation of long and variable echo‐trains), scan time can be reduced by readout (RO) partial Fourier methods, or simultaneous multi‐slice (SMS) methods. In this paper, we present a new approach to additionally accelerate the image acquisition called variable segment (VASE) RESOLVE.

Methods

To avoid discontinuities at the boundaries of the segments, the phase evolution and therefore the effective echo‐spacing needs to be adjusted. To achieve this, we use higher undersampling factors in the outer parts of k‐space. Simultaneously we increase the width of the outer segments resulting in an increase of the echo‐spacing. Because of this variation, we introduce a kind of randomization to the sampling scheme. This enables the use of compressed sensing reconstruction techniques, which results in improved image quality compared to standard parallel imaging methods.

Results

The RMS errors for the VASE RESOLVE acquisitions were lower compared to the standard reconstructions. The VASE RESOLVE in vivo images show a higher apparent signal to noise ratio.

Conclusion

VASE RESOLVE is a new approach to further decrease the acquisition time of RO segmented acquisitions. Compared to RESOLVE with SMS, VASE RESOLVE additionally reduces the acquisition time by a factor of 2.
Establishing a rapid classification and identification method for the major triterpenoids of Alisma orientale
Authors: Yang Na , Dong Ya‐Qian , Wu Meng‐Fan , Li Shan‐Ze , Yu Hong‐Xin , Yang Shen‐Shen
Published: December 2019

Introduction

Alismatis Rhizoma (AR) has been widely used to treat various diseases. Its complex chemical composition has caused certain difficulties in the analysis of this traditional Chinese medicine. Therefore, it is necessary to establish a method for the rapid classification and identification of the chemical constituents of AR.

Objective

This article describes a method for the rapid classification and identification of major triterpenoids in AR.

Methodology

The samples were analysed by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (UPLC‐Q‐TOF‐MS). The assay was performed on a Waters ACQUITY UPLC BEH C18 column (100 mm × 2.1 mm, 1.7 μm) with 0.1% formic acid in water (A), and acetonitrile (B) as mobile phase by gradient elution at a flow rate of 0.3 mL/min. In the positive ion mode, the fragment information was obtained and compared with the characteristic fragments and neutral losses described in the literature. Then, the rapid classification and identification of the chemical components from AR were achieved.

Results

Finally, 25 triterpene compounds of AR were identified.

Conclusions

The method established in this study achieved the rapid classification and identification of chemical components in AR, which promotes the development of research methods to study the constituents of traditional Chinese medicine.
Unsichtbares sichtbar gemacht
Authors: Vollmer Michael , Möllmann Klaus‐Peter
Published: January 2020

Seit kurzem gibt es kleine Infrarotkameras zum Aufstecken auf Smartphones oder in diesen integriert. Dargestellt werden die Infrarotbilder auf deren Displays. Der günstige Anschaffungspreis könnte zur Verbreitung dieser Technik beitragen. Solche einfachen Kameras ermöglichen bereits spannende Experimente für Schulen, trotz technischer Limitierungen. Das sind in der Hauptsache die geringe räumliche Auflösung und die stark reduzierte Möglichkeit, die Aufnahmen quantitativ auszuwerten. Der Artikel gibt einen Überblick über verfügbare Modelle für Smartphones, deren Eigenschaften, Hinweise zum sinnvollen Einsatz und Interpretation der Aufnahmen. Im Zentrum stehen die räumliche Auflösung und Bildverarbeitung.
Das Treibhausgas‐Schnüffelnetz
Authors: Arnold Sabrina , Lindauer Matthias , Muller Jennifer , Kubistin Dagmar
Published: January 2020

Das Integrated Carbon Observation System (ICOS) ist eine auf mindestens 20 Jahre ausgelegte europäische Forschungsinfrastruktur. Fertig ausgebaut, sollen mehr als 130 über Europa verteilte Stationen hochpräzise und zeitlich hochaufgelöste Treibhausgasmessungen bereitstellen. Ermöglicht wird dies zum einen durch extrem empfindliche Messtechniken, zum Beispiel Laserspektroskopie, zum anderen durch eine hohe Standardisierung der Messsysteme, der Erfassung und Auswertung der Daten sowie einer strengen Qualitätskontrolle und Qualitätssicherung. Basierend auf ICOS‐Daten und mit geeigneten Inversionsmodellen sollen Veränderungen bei den Treibhausgasflüssen in Deutschland verfolgt werden. Damit wird der Erfolg von Maßnahmen zur Emissionsminderung von Treibhausgasen verifizierbar.
Wie Licht an Licht streut
Authors: Schott Matthias
Published: January 2020

Lichtwellen wechselwirken nicht miteinander, sondern durchdringen sich gegenseitig, ohne sich zu beeinflussen. Dieses Superpositionsprinzip ist der Grund, weshalb wir überhaupt Lichtwellen von entfernten Orten mit unserem Auge wahrnehmen können, ohne dass diese von Lichtwellen aus anderen Richtungen verändert werden. Die Quantenelektrodynamik sagt jedoch vorher, dass in ganz seltenen Fällen auch Photonen an Photonen streuen können. Dieser Effekt wurde kürzlich bei sehr hohen Energien am Large Hadron Collider (LHC) des CERN nachgewiesen.
Wasserdynamik auf Oxidoberflächen in Echtzeit
Authors: Saggau Christian N. , Ma Libo , Schmidt Oliver G.
Published: January 2020

Es gibt ein großes Interesse, die komplexe Dynamik der Wasserkondensation auf Oxidoberflächen zu erforschen und damit die heterogene Eisnukleation in Industrie und Natur besser zu verstehen. Mit einer neuen optischen Methode ist es unserer Gruppe am IFW‐Dresden gelungen, die Struktur und Entwicklung von wenige Nanometer dünnen Wasserschichten auf amorphen Oxidoberflächen in Echtzeit zu untersuchen.
Development of cost‐effective RP‐HPLC methods for detection of cyclophosphamide, etoposide and paclitaxel
Authors: Yadav Ankush , Pandey Shailesh , Mandal Mrinal Kanti , Dubey Kashyap Kumar
Published: January 2020

Quantification of cyclophosphamide, palcitaxel and etoposide in water sample using simple analytical technique is challenging. In this study, we have developed a simple, sensitive, robust and accurate method for the detection and quantification of cyclophosphamide, etoposide, and paclitaxel using high‐performance liquid chromatography and validated the same. The analytical conditions were achieved by the high‐performance liquid chromatography system on a C18 column (250 mm × 4.6 mm × 5 µm) under isocratic mode. The retention time for cyclophosphamide, paclitaxel and etoposide were 2:40.1, 3:32.3 and 3:49.3 min respectively. We validated the method by evaluating system sensitivity and linearity. We anticipate the method to be useful in quantification of cyclophosphamide, paclitaxel and etoposide in water sample.
Connections between cure rates and survival probabilities in proportional hazards models
Authors: Lin Li‐Hsiang , Huang Li‐Shan
Published: December 2019

The Cox regression model has been widely used to assess proportional hazards in survival analysis, and the Yakovlev model for analysing cure rates also possesses the PH structure. In this paper, we present some connections that link the Cox model to the Yakovlev model. These connections suggest we may not only estimate proportional hazards rates but also assess cure rates when fitting a Cox model. The connections also motivate us to investigate the effects on estimated cure rates with different values of the cure threshold, which is used to identify cured subjects in the Yakovlev model, and the Cox model may be considered “theoretically” as a limiting case of the Yakovlev model with the cure threshold tending to infinity. The finite sample properties of the results are investigated in a simulation study, and an analysis of a classical dataset concerning malignant melanoma illustrates interpreting cure rates when fitting a Cox model. In addition, through using these connections, we find that many statistical inference tools developed for the Cox model, such as variable selection methods, can be directly applied to the Yakovlev model, and we use a breast cancer dataset to demonstrate the application.
Real‐time recognition of power quality disturbance‐based deep belief network using embedded parallel computing platform
Authors: Chen Ziming , Li Mengshi , Ji Tianyao , Wu Qinghua
Published: January 2020

This paper proposes a novel integrated solution for real‐time power quality (PQ) disturbance analysis. Traditionally, the recognitions are based on the feature extraction and are implemented offline or on the advanced reduced instruction set computer machine/digital signal processor platforms. In this paper, the optimized deep belief network (DBN) analyzes the PQ signals by learning knowledge from raw data of signals directly, which maximizes the features of original signals, and runs on an embedded parallel computing platform (EPCP). In simulation studies, eight types of common PQ disturbances are divided into 17 classes of data frame models according to the PQ disturbances that may occur during a fixed period of time. These samples of data frame models are utilized to train and optimize the DBNs on a central server. Compared with the existing classifiers, the simulation results demonstrate that the proposed approach has higher accuracy and stronger robustness. Then, the optimized DBN is sent to EPCP, and the previous DBN model is updated. The EPCPs are used to recognize the signals of PQ disturbances from a real time digital system (RTDS). The proposed integrated solution has excellent performance regarding accuracy but is time consuming. © 2020 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Cruce et Aratro: Fascism, Missionary Schools, and Labor in 1920s Italian Somalia
Authors: Scalvedi Caterina
Published: January 2020

Until the 1920s, the Catholic missionary presence in Italian Somalia was weak due to both the lack of resources and the colonial state’s anti-clerical attitude. Things changed under the first fascist governor Cesare Maria De Vecchi (1923–1928) and the work of Consolata Fathers (1924–1930). Then, church and state cooperated in the active expansion of missionary-run education, especially catechism and the teaching of practical arts among the local youth. Governmental, Vatican, and missionary sources suggest that the very motor of colonial school building was the need for local skilled labor and that, while De Vecchi promoted assimilationist teaching, his successor Guido Corni (1928–1931) switched to curriculum adaptation and discouraged evangelization. Such a change reflects broader trends in the history of global education as well as racial thinking and religious policy in Italian colonies.
The string geometry behind topological amplitudes
Authors: Angelantonj Carlo , Antoniadis Ignatios
Published: January 2020

Abstract

It is shown that the generating function of

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 2 topological strings, in the heterotic weak coupling limit, is identified with the partition function of a six-dimensional Melvin background. This background, which corresponds to an exact CFT, realises in string theory the six-dimensional Ω-background of Nekrasov, in the case of opposite deformation parameters ϵ
l = −ϵ
2, thus providing the known perturbative part of the Nekrasov partition function in the field theory limit. The analysis is performed on both heterotic and type I strings and for the cases of ordinary

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 2 and

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 2* theories.
Long-term shifts in abundance of (migratory) crop-feeding and beneficial insect species in northeastern Asia
Authors: Guo Jianglong , Fu Xiaowei , Zhao Shengyuan , Shen Xiujing , Wyckhuys Kris A. G. , Wu Kongming
Published: January 2020

Vast numbers of insects annually engage in trans-latitudinal migration and thereby impact structure and functioning of natural and man-made ecosystems. In eastern Asia, long-distance migration has historically been studied for single insect species rather than diverse species complexes. Here, we assessed migration dynamics of multiple economically important migratory species on an island in the Bohai Strait, China. Drawing upon 15-year trapping records of > 2.5 million specimens, we unveil inter- and intra-annual shifts in the species composition and abundance of migrant individuals. Migrants belonged to 9 orders and 36 families, primarily consisting of Lepidoptera (79% individuals), Odonata (8%), and Coleoptera (4%). Seven crop-feeding noctuids, e.g.,Helicoverpa armigera(Hübner),Mythimna separata(Walker), represented 54% of the total trapping records. Trap catches exhibited marked seasonal variation, with the highest capture rate during early fall. Yearly abundance of migratory noctuids was coupled with that of their associated natural enemies. Although overall trap catches did not decrease over the monitoring period, the entire order of Odonata experienced a 14.1% annual rate of decline. Furthermore, 19 out of 108 species exhibited a progressively declining abundance over time, including the cosmopolitan cutwormAgrotis ipsilon(Hufnagel) and the insectivorous dragonflyPantala flavescensFabricius. Our work provides unprecedented insights into insect migration dynamics in eastern Asia, helps fine-tune forecasting and early-warning systems of crop pests, and thereby guides integrated pest management within local agro-landscapes. Also, a long-term tracking of migrant insect populations can shine light on the fate of (insect-mediated) ecosystem services and trophic dynamic processes at a macroscale.
A Medical Science Educator’s Guide to Selecting a Research Paradigm: Building a Basis for Better Research
Authors: Brown Megan E.L. , Dueñas Angelique N.
Published: December 2019

A research paradigm, or set of common beliefs about research, should be a key facet of any research project. However, despite its importance, there is a paucity of general understanding in the medical sciences education community regarding what a research paradigm consists of and how to best construct one. With the move within medical sciences education towards greater methodological rigor, it is now more important than ever for all educators to understand simply how to better approach their research via paradigms. In this monograph, a simplified approach to selecting an appropriate research paradigm is outlined. Suggestions are based on broad literature, medical education sources, and the author’s own experiences in solidifying and communicating their research paradigms. By assisting in detailing the philosophical underpinnings of individuals research approaches, this guide aims to help all researchers improve the rigor of their projects and improve upon overall understanding in research communication.
NATURAL HEDGES WITH IMMUNIZATION STRATEGIES OF MORTALITY AND INTEREST RATES
Authors: Lin Tzuling , Tsai Cary Chi-liang
Published: January 2020

In this paper, we first derive closed-form formulas for mortality-interest durations and convexities of the prices of life insurance and annuity products with respect to an instantaneously proportional change and an instantaneously parallel movement, respectively, in μ* (the force of mortality-interest), the addition of μ (the force of mortality) and δ (the force of interest). We then build several mortality-interest duration and convexity matching strategies to determine the weights of whole life insurance and deferred whole life annuity products in a portfolio and evaluate the value at risk and the hedge effectiveness of the weighted portfolio surplus at time zero. Numerical illustrations show that using the mortality-interest duration and convexity matching strategies with respect to an instantaneously proportional change in μ* can more effectively hedge the longevity risk and interest rate risk embedded in the deferred whole life annuity products than using the mortality-only duration and convexity matching strategies with respect to an instantaneously proportional shift or an instantaneously constant movement in μ only.
How the Primer-Literate Read Ming Steles: A Digital Speculation
Authors: Schneewind Sarah
Published: December 2019

Historians disagree about the role of literacy in Ming society. Certainly, the stone inscriptions that littered the Chinese landscape displayed elaborate essays showing the gentry author's erudition and compositional skill. Yet steles for shrines to living officials also sent political messages. They authorized and amplified the voice of “the common people,” embodying and explicitly arguing for a popular voice in the evaluation of magistrates and prefects. How were these texts on public monuments understood by the many Ming people with only basic literacy? The Late Imperial Primer Literacy Sieve is a digital tool that sifts a target text, such as a commemorative stele, leaving only the characters found in one or more primers. The Sieve may bring us closer to understanding not only what was written, but what was read. The article argues that the message of premortem steles about popular participation could indeed come across.
The ventral lateral parietal cortex in episodic memory: From content to attribution
Authors: Tibon Roni
Published: January 2020

The ventral lateral parietal cortex (VLPC) shows robust activation during episodic retrieval, and is involved in content representation, as well as in the evaluation of memory traces. This suggests that the VLPC has a crucial contribution to the quality of recollection and the subjective experience of remembering, and situates it at the intersection of the core and attribution systems.
Episodic memory is emotionally laden memory, requiring amygdala involvement
Authors: Staniloiu Angelica , Markowitsch Hans J.
Published: January 2020

The memory impairment of neurological and psychiatric patients is seen as occurring mainly in the autobiographical-episodic memory domain and this is considered to depend on limbic structures such as the amygdala or the septal nuclei. Especially the amygdala is a hub for giving an emotional flavor to personal memories. Bastin et al. fail to include the amygdala in their integrative memory model.
Rural Homelessness: Prevention Practices in Wales
Authors: Gibbons Andrea , Madoc-Jones Iolo , Ahmed Anya , Jones Katy , Rogers Michaela , Wilding Mark
Published: December 2019

Homelessness is largely understood as an urban issue and so rural homelessness is to a large extent invisible in both academic literature and in policy and practice discussions, just as it is often invisible in discourses of everyday rural life. This article draws on extensive interviews with homeless service users and providers in three rural authorities in Wales to give a clearer sense of the nature and challenges of rural homelessness. The article documents and explores the very different strategies employed by those facing homelessness in the rural context, as well as those of rural local authorities providing them preventative and person-centred support. Analysis of the struggle of many rural households to remain in place, often at the cost of homelessness and lowered ability to access services, will have resonance in a range of contexts and have implications for policy makers and practitioners in rural contexts beyond Wales.
Religious Adherence, Women-Friendliness, and Representation in American State Legislatures
Authors: Pyeatt Nicholas L. , Yanus Alixandra B.
Published: January 2020

National and cross-national studies demonstrate that the probability of women candidates' emergence and success is lower in more religious areas. One recent study of the U.S. House of Representatives even suggests that the effect of religiosity may be so powerful as to render insignificant other contextual factors, including a district's baseline women-friendliness. We argue that this finding is an institutional artifact; in less competitive contests with more internally similar constituencies, both religion and other contextual factors should affect women candidates' emergence and victory. We test this proposition using state legislative data and find that while women are less likely to run and win in more religious areas, district women-friendliness has an independent, positive effect on women's candidacies. These effects are particularly noteworthy in districts with large evangelical Protestant populations and affect Republican and Democratic women similarly.
Semi‐decadal and decadal signals in atmospheric excitation of length‐of‐day
Authors: Yu. Nan , Chen Gang , Ray Jim , Chen Wei , Chao Nengfang
Published: January 2020

At timescales shorter than about 2~yr, non‐tidal length‐of‐day (LOD) variations are mainly excited by angular momentum exchanges between the atmospheric, oceanic and continental hydrological fluid envelopes and the underlying solid Earth. On decadal timescales, the dominant excitation sources of LOD variations are from core and mantle coupling. But the excitations of semi‐decadal (specifically 2~8 yr here) signals in length‐of‐day is less clear, and have been characterized by signals with a wide range of periods and varying amplitudes, including a peak at about 5~6 yr. Here sliding window average filtering is applied to isolate semi‐decadal signals from both geodetic technique observed LOD excitation (shorten to geodetic excitation for convenience) and atmospheric LOD excitations. Based on careful comparison between these two excitation series, we find that (1) the 5~6 yr oscillation in geodetic excitations is not periodically consistent; (2) there is a 5~yr oscillation in atmospheric excitation series, and atmosphere can explain all the semi‐decadal oscillation shorter than about 5~yr in geodetic LOD excitations; (3) contributions from atmosphere to 5~6 yr oscillation in LOD variations is small and cannot be clearly determined; (4) it appears that there are some modest long‐period (longer than 10 yr periods) signals in the atmospheric excitations, but these could be artifacts of the models. Then we compare those peaks/troughs epochs in the residual series between geodetic and atmospheric excitations (ROBS_ATM series for short) with the observed geomagnetic jerks, and find that all of the geomagnetic jerks can match one peaks/troughs in the ROBS_ATM series, and they occurred at the same time or within one year before these peaks/troughs. It implies that there is a common origin for the processes giving rise to geomagnetic jerks and the remaining 5~6 yr oscillation in the ROBS_ATM series.
On the Co‐Seismic Ionospheric Disturbances (CIDs) in the Rapid Run Ionosonde Observations Over Allahabad Following Mw 7.8 Nepal Earthquake on April 25, 2015
Authors: Sripathi S. , Singh Ram , Tiwari Prabhakar , Kumar M. Ravi
Published: January 2020

We present high‐resolution ionosonde observations at Allahabad (25.43°N, 81.84°E) near anomaly crest location in India along with GPS TEC to investigate the possible signatures of co‐seismic disturbances (CIDs) in the ionosphere during Mw7.8 Nepal Earthquake that occurred at 06:11:26 UT on 25 April 2015. The epicenter of the earthquake (28.147°N, 84.708°E) was located at ~77 km north‐west of Kathmandu with a shallow depth of 15 km. The mechanical shock disturbances produce Rayleigh waves and Rayleigh wave induced acoustic gravity waves (AGWs) during earthquake which propagate into the ionosphere and produced plasma density fluctuations due to collisions. The manifestation of these waves produces ‘wiggles' or ‘cusps' in the ionograms known as Multiple‐Cusp Signatures (MCS). The detection of multiple cusps in the ionograms at Allahabad indicates the altitude structure of Rayleigh wave and it's induced AGWs. To confirm co‐seismic signatures in ionosonde further, we scaled the ionograms at iso‐density and iso‐heights along with foF2 (MHz) and h'F (km). The periodogram and wavelet analysis suggest the presence of acoustic gravity waves and gravity waves with frequencies in the range of 0.7‐1.5 mHz over the altitude range of 180‐250 km. The foF2 variations show wave like oscillations having frequency of 0.5 mHz after the onset of earthquake. The GPS TEC also show signatures of co‐seismic perturbations having frequencies in the range of 2‐4 mHz and are propagated to southward with a speed of 0.5‐1.0 km/s. These results suggest that there exists a good coupling between seismic activity and ionized density perturbations after Nepal earthquake.
A Statistical Study on The Local Time Dependence of Equatorial Spread F (ESF) Irregularities and Their Relation to Low‐Latitude Es Layers Under Geomagnetic Storms
Authors: Singh Ram , Sripathi S.
Published: January 2020

In this paper, we present a study on the local time dependence of equatorial spread F (ESF) irregularities and their relation to low‐latitude Es layers in response to geomagnetic storms using simultaneous observations of two ionosondes one located at Tirunelveli (8.73°N, 77.70°E), an equatorial station and other located at Hyderabad (17.36°N, 78.47°E), an off‐equatorial station during the years 2007–2015 that covers solar cycles 23 and 24. The Aarons criteria for the ESF irregularities for different seasons under geomagnetic storms are evaluated. In the category I, we noticed partial enhancement in prereversal enhancement (PRE) during postsunset resulting in ~30% occurrence of spread F instead of total inhibition during equinox and winter seasons. Also, occurrence of ESF in summer is suppressed by only ~75% due to partial increase in PRE. In category II, we observed presunrise height enhancement mostly during winter, which caused ESF to occur at ~50% followed by equinox and summer. The results presented here suggest that many are actually not following the Aarons criteria possibly due to not considering other background conditions. Accordingly, we examined the plausible role of low‐latitude Es layers on the generation of ESF irregularities under these categories during geomagnetic storms. We noticed the absence/presence of Es layers in both categories during postsunset and postmidnight hours resulting in increase/decrease of PRE due to modifications in the field‐line‐integrated Pederson conductivity. Accordingly, the results suggest that one of the plausible reasons for ESF irregularities not following Aarons criteria is linked to the variability of the low‐latitude Es layers.
Spatial Patterns and Trends in Surface Air Temperatures and Implied Changes in Atmospheric Moisture Across the Hawaiian Islands, 1905–2017
Authors: Kagawa‐Viviani A. K. , Giambelluca T. W.
Published: December 2019

While the Hawaiian Islands are experiencing long‐term warming, spatial and temporal patterns are poorly characterized. Drawing on daily temperature records from 309 stations (1905–2017), we explored relationships of surface air temperatures (Tmax, Tmin, Tavg, and diurnal temperature range) to atmospheric, oceanic, and land surface variables. Statistical modeling of spatial patterns (2006–2017) highlighted the strong negative influence of elevation and moisture on air temperature and the effects of distance inland, cloud frequency, wind speed, and the local trade wind inversion on the elevation dependence of surface air temperature. We developed time series of sea level air temperature and surface lapse rate by modeling surface air temperature as a simple function of elevation and found a strong long‐term (1905–2017) warming trend in sea level Tmin, twice that of Tmax (+0.17 vs +0.07°C/decade), suggesting regional warming, possibly enhanced by urbanization and cloud cover effects. Removing this trend, sea level Tmax and Tmin tracked SST and rainfall at decadal time scales, while Tmax increased with periods of weakened trade winds. Sea level air temperatures correlated with North Pacific climate indices, reflecting the influence of regional circulation via SST, rain, clouds, and trade winds that modulate environmental warming across the Hawaiian Islands. Increasing (steeper) Tmax surface lapse rates for the 0‐ to 1,600‐m elevation range (into the cloud zone) over 1978–2017 coincide with observations of marine boundary layer drying and rising cloud base heights, suggesting a need to better understand elevation‐dependent warming in this tropical/subtropical maritime environment and associated changes to cloud formation and persistence.
Testing the limits of FT-Raman spectroscopy for wine authentication: Cultivar, geographical origin, vintage and terroir effect influence
Authors: Magdas Dana Alina , Cozar Bogdan Ionut , Feher Ioana , Guyon Francois , Dehelean Adriana , Cinta Pinzaru Simona
Published: December 2019

FT-Raman spectroscopy represents an environmentally friendly technique, suitable for the analysis of high-water content food matrices, like wines, due to its relatively weak water bending mode in the fingerprint region. Based on metabolomics applied to FT-Raman spectra, this study presents the classifications achieved for a sample set comprising 126 wines, originated from Romania and France, with respect to cultivar, geographical origin and vintage. Cultivar recognition was successfully performed among four varieties (Sauvignon, Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris) while subtle particularities exiting between the Chardonnay wines, coming from the two countries, because of terroir influences were pointed out. The obtained separations of 100% in both initial and cross-validation procedure for geographical differentiation between the two origin countries, as well as, among the three Romanian areas (Transylvania, Muntenia and Moldova) were also discussed. Apart of this, the limitations and the importance of choosing a meaningful data set, in terms of representativity for each classification criterion, are addressed in the present work.
Deficit in hippocampal ripples does not preclude spatial memory formation in APP/PS1 mice
Authors: Jura Bartosz , Macrez Nathalie , Meyrand Pierre , Bem Tiaza
Published: December 2019

General theory of declarative memory formation posits a cortical-hippocampal dialog during which hippocampal ripple oscillations support information transfer and long-term consolidation of hippocampus dependent memories. Brain dementia, as Alzheimer disease (AD), is accompanied by memory loss and inability to form new memories. A large body of work has shown variety of mechanisms acting at cellular and molecular levels which can putatively play an important role in the impairment of memory formation. However, far less is known about changes occurring at the network-level activity patterns that support memory processing. Using freely moving APP/PS1 mice, a model of AD, we undertook a study to unravel the alterations of the activity of hippocampal and cortical circuits during generation of ripples in the transgenic and wild-type mice undergoing encoding and consolidation of spatial information. We report that APP/PS1 animals are able to consolidate spatial memory despite a major deficit of hippocampal ripples occurrence rate and learning dependent dynamics. We propose that these impairments may be compensated by an increase of the occurrence of cortical ripples and reorganization of cortical-hippocampal interaction.
Modulation of metal-insulator transitions of NdNiO3/LaNiO3/NdNiO3 trilayers via thickness control of the LaNiO3 layer
Authors: Nguyen Tai , Hoang Van Hien , Koo Tae-Yeong , Lee Nam-Suk , Kim Heon-Jung
Published: December 2019

Over the last few decades, manipulating the metal-insulator (MI) transition in perovskite oxides (ABO3) via an external control parameter has been attempted for practical purposes, but with limited success. The substitution of A-site cations is the most widely used technique to tune the MI transition. However, this method introduces unintended disorder, blurring the intrinsic properties. The present study reports the modulation of MI transitions in [10 nm-NdNiO3/t-LaNiO3/10 nm-NdNiO3/SrTiO3 (100)] trilayers (t = 5, 7, 10, and 20 nm) via the control of the LaNiO3 thickness. Upon an increase in the thickness of the LaNiO3 layer, the MI transition temperature undergoes a systematic decrease, demonstrating that bond disproportionation, the MI, and antiferromagnetic transitions are modulated by the LaNiO3 thickness. Because the bandwidth and the MI transition are determined by the Ni-O-Ni bond angle, this unexpected behavior suggests the transfer of the bond angle from the lower layer into the upper. The bond-angle transfer eventually induces a structural change of the orthorhombic structure of the middle LaNiO3 layer to match the structure of the bottom and the top NdNiO3, as evidenced by transmission electron microscopy. This engineering layer sequence opens a novel pathway to the manipulation of the key properties of oxide nickelates, such as the bond disproportionation, the MI transition, and unconventional antiferromagnetism with no impact of disorder.
Transcriptional study of appetite regulating genes in the brain of zebrafish (Danio rerio) with impaired leptin signalling
Authors: Ahi Ehsan Pashay , Brunel Mathilde , Tsakoumis Emmanouil , Schmitz Monika
Published: December 2019

The hormone leptin is a key regulator of body weight, food intake and metabolism. In mammals, leptin acts as an anorexigen and inhibits food intake centrally by affecting the appetite centres in the hypothalamus. In teleost fish, the regulatory connections between leptin and other appetite-regulating genes are largely unknown. In the present study, we used a zebrafish mutant with a loss of function leptin receptor to investigate brain expression patterns of 12 orexigenic and 24 anorexigenic genes under different feeding conditions (normal feeding, 7-day fasting, 2 and 6-hours refeeding). Expression patterns were compared to wild-type zebrafish, in order to identify leptin-dependent differentially expressed genes under different feeding conditions. We provide evidence that the transcription of certain orexigenic and anorexigenic genes is influenced by leptin signalling in the zebrafish brain. We found that the expression of orexigenic genes was not affected by impaired leptin signalling under normal feeding conditions; however, several orexigenic genes showed increased transcription during fasting and refeeding, including agrp, apln, galr1a and cnr1. This suggests an inhibitory effect of leptin signal on the transcription of these orexigenic genes during short-term fasting and refeeding in functional zebrafish. Most pronounced effects were observed in the group of anorexigenic genes, where the impairment of leptin signalling resulted in reduced gene expression in several genes, including cart family, crhb, gnrh2, mc4r, pomc and spx, in the control group. This suggests a stimulatory effect of leptin signal on the transcription of these anorexigenic genes under normal feeding condition. In addition, we found multiple gain and loss in expression correlations between the appetite-regulating genes, in zebrafish with impaired leptin signal, suggesting the presence of gene regulatory networks downstream of leptin signal in zebrafish brain. The results provide the first evidence for the effects of leptin signal on the transcription of various appetite-regulating genes in zebrafish brain, under different feeding conditions. Altogether, these transcriptional changes suggest an anorexigenic role for leptin signal, which is likely to be mediated through distinct set of appetite-regulating genes under different feeding conditions.
Die Rechtsfrage: Darf ich die Therapiezeit verlängern?
Authors: Bossow Karsten
Published: January 2020

„Darf ich die Therapiezeit verlängern, wenn ich die Patienten in dieser Extrazeit in meiner Freizeit betreue und auch keinen Aufpreis dafür verlange?“

Therapeutin aus Bayern
Kinder in ihrer Kraft stärken – Ich bin stark: Empowerment statt Außensteuerung
Authors: Hiebl Sarah , Junkers Anja , Völler Stefanie
Published: January 2020

Der Begriff „Empowerment“ ist omnipräsent und dennoch schwer zu erklären. Sara Hiebl, Anja Junkers und Stefanie Völler machen ihn greifbar und zeigen, wie Empowerment in der Pädiatrie ganz praktisch umsetzbar ist. Zum Beispiel in der Gruppe nach dem Konzept „Ich bin stark!“.
“You are just a disembodied voice really”
Authors: Braun Sabine
Published: January 2020

This contribution is devoted to the voices of users of video remote interpreting (VRI) in a particular setting, namely legal interpreters and police officers. Focusing on an aspect that has received little attention to date, viz. the interpreters’ and legal stakeholders’ perceptions of VRI as a novel configuration in the legal setting, we use the Social Construction of Technology (SCOT) as a theoretical framework to analyse a set of interviews that were conducted with interpreters and police officers after they had completed a simulated VRI session. As a first step, the participants were prompted to compare this simulated experience to their real-life experience to check the degree of reality of the simulated encounters. Next, they were asked to talk about attitudes towards VRI and to reflect on their experience with VRI during the simulation. Among the key outcomes of this investigation is that the two social groups – police officers and interpreters – have different views, but also that there is a considerable degree of variation among the interpreters, indicating a low degree of stabilisation of VRI as a concept and practice among the interpreters.
Radiance-based NIRv as a proxy for GPP of corn and soybean
Authors: Wu Genghong , Guan Kaiyu , Jiang Chongya , Peng Bin , Kimm Hyungsuk , Chen Min , Yang Xi , Wang Sheng , Suyker Andrew E , Bernacchi Carl J , Moore Caitlin E , Zeng Yelu , Berry Joseph A , Cendrero-Mateo M Pilar
Published: December 2019

Substantial uncertainty exists in daily and sub-daily gross primary production (GPP) estimation, which dampens accurate monitoring of the global carbon cycle. Here we find that near-infrared radiance of vegetation (NIRv,Rad), defined as the product of observed NIR radiance and normalized difference vegetation index, can accurately estimate corn and soybean GPP at daily and half-hourly time scales, benchmarked with multi-year tower-based GPP at three sites with different environmental and irrigation conditions. Overall, NIRv,Rad explains 84% and 78% variations of half-hourly GPP for corn and soybean, respectively, outperforming NIR reflectance of vegetation (NIRv,Ref), enhanced vegetation index (EVI), and far-red solar-induced fluorescence (SIF760). The strong linear relationship between NIRv,Rad and absorbed photosynthetically active radiation by green leaves (APARgreen), and that between APARgreen and GPP, explain the good NIRv,Rad-GPP relationship. The NIRv,Rad-GPP relationship is robust and consistent across sites. The scalability and simplicity of NIRv,Rad indicate a great potential to estimate daily or sub-daily GPP from high-resolution and/or long-term satellite remote sensing data.
Nanoscale photovoltage mapping in CZTSe/CuxSe heterostructure by using kelvin probe force microscopy
Authors: Vishwakarma Manoj , Varandani Deepak , Hendrickx Mylene , Hadermann Joke , Mehta B R
Published: December 2019

In the present work, kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) technique has been used to study the CZTSe/CuxSe bilayer interface prepared by multi-step deposition and selenization process of metal precursors. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed the bilayer configuration of the CZTSe/CuxSe sample. Two configuration modes (surface mode and junction mode) in KPFM have been employed in order to measure the junction voltage under illumination conditions. The results show that CZTSe/CuxSe has small junction voltage of ∼21 mV and the presence of CuxSe secondary phase in the CZTSe grain boundaries changes the workfunction of the local grain boundaries region. The negligible photovoltage difference between grain and grain boundaries in photovoltage image indicates that CuxSe phase deteriorates the higher photovoltage at grain boundaries normally observed in CZTSe based device. These results can be important for understanding the role of secondary phases in CZTSe based junction devices.
Decreased Jagged1 expression in vascular smooth muscle cells delays endothelial regeneration in arteriovenous graft
Authors: Guo Qunying , Huang Fengzhang , Qing Ying , Feng Shaozhen , Xiao Xiaoguang , Wang Yun , Liang Ming , Wang Tao , Mitch William E , Cheng Jizhong
Published: January 2020

Aims

It is well-established that endothelial dysfunction promotes activation of vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC). Whether decreased accumulation of VSMCs affects endothelial regeneration and functions in arteriovenous graft (AVG) remodelling has not been studied. We sought to identify mechanisms by which the Notch ligand, Jagged1, in VSMCs regulates endothelial cell (EC) functions in AVGs.

Methods and results

AVGs were created in transgenic mice bearing VSMC-specific knockout (KO) or overexpression of Jagged1. VSMC migration, EC regeneration, and its barrier functions as well as AVG remodelling were evaluated. Jagged1 expression was induced in VSMCs of neointima in the AVGs. Jagged1 KO in VSMCs inhibited the accumulation of extracellular matrix as well as VSMC migration. Fewer α-SMA-positive VSMCs were found in AVGs created in VSMC-specific Jagged1 KO mice (VSMCJagged1 KO mice) vs. in WT mice. Decreased VSMCs in AVGs were associated with deterioration of EC functions. In AVGs created in transgenic mice bearing Jagged1 KO in VSMCs exhibited delayed EC regeneration and impaired EC barrier function. Barrier dysfunction of ECs increased inflammatory cell infiltration and dysregulation of AVG remodelling and arterialization. The increased expression of IL-1β in macrophages was associated with expression of adhesion markers in ECs in AVGs created in VSMCJagged1 KO mice. In contrast, AVGs created in mice with overexpression of Jagged1 in VSMCs exhibited improved EC regeneration plus decreased macrophage infiltration. This led to AVG remodelling and arterialization. In co-cultures of ECs and VSMCs, Jagged1 deficiency in VSMCs suppressed N-cadherin and integrin β3 expression in ECs. Inhibition of integrin β3 activation delayed EC spreading and migration. Notably, Jagged1 overexpression in VSMCs or treatment with recombinant Jagged1 stimulated the expression of N-cadherin and integrin β3 in ECs. Jagged1-induced responses were blocked by inhibition of Notch signalling.

Conclusions

Jagged1 expression in VSMCs maintains EC barrier functions and blocks infiltration of macrophages. These responses promote remodelling and arterialization of AVGs.
Treatment compliance of adolescent orthodontic patients with headgear activator and twin-block appliance assessed prospectively using microelectronic wear-time documentation
Authors: Arponen Heidi , Hirvensalo Ritva , Lindgren Veronica , Kiukkonen Anu
Published: January 2020

Background

Success of orthodontic removable appliance treatment relies on patient compliance. The aim of this quantitative and qualitative study was to explore the compliance and self-reported experience of adolescents in orthodontic treatment with headgear activator (HGA) or twin-block (TB) appliance.

Materials/methods

The study group comprised 52 adolescents with a mean age of 12.6 (±1.3) years at the start of the treatment. The patients were treated at a free-of-charge public dental clinic. Participants were randomly allocated to two equal groups to be treated with either HGA or TB. Patient compliance was evaluated as appliance wear time and subjective experience. Appliance wear time was recorded with Theramon® microchip, and the self-reported subjective experience using a questionnaire.

Results

In total, 30 patients completed the treatment during the follow-up period. HGA was worn on average 7 hours per day and TB 9 hours per day by those patients, who successfully completed the treatment. During a mean observation period of 13 months (range 7–23 months), the mean actual wear time was 43 per cent less than the advised 12 or 18 hours per day in the whole patient group, and 55 per cent in those patients, who completed the treatment. Compliance level was unrelated to the appliance type.

Limitations

Study assessed a relatively small number of patients.

Conclusions/implications

Adolescent patients wear HGA and TB less than advised. Individual variation in treatment adherence is considerable. Thereby, microelectronic wear-time documentation can be a cost-effective mean of identifying non-compliance.
Arthropods Associated with Mammals. Their Importance as Part of the Richness in a Biosphere Reserve in Mexico
Authors: Guzmán-Cornejo Carmen , Herrera-Mares Angel , Ugalde-Medina Ana , López-Pérez Andrés M , Del Castillo-Martínez Laura , Acosta-Gutiérrez Roxana , Cabrera-Garrido Martín , Morales-Malacara Juan B
Published: December 2019

The Chamela Biological Station (ChBS) is located in the Pacific Coast of Mexico in the State of Jalisco. This represents one of the core areas of the Chamela-Cuixmala Biosphere Reserve, characterized by one of the most threatened ecosystems, the tropical dry forest. Although accumulated knowledge of biological diversity, only few studies have been focused on ectoparasites or ectodytes associated with mammals, only 23 arthropod taxa had been recorded. In order to increase knowledge about arthropods associated with Mexican mammals, the objective of this work was to record the richness of arthropods (mites, ticks, lice, and fleas) associated with small and medium-sized mammals in the ChBS. A total of 81 hosts belonging to four orders, six families and nine species were captured. From these hosts, 4,946 arthropods were recovered: 4,007 mites, 673 ticks, 230 lice, and 36 fleas. Among medium-sized mammals, Nasua narica (L.) and Didelphis virginiana Kerr showed the highest levels of richness, with six arthropod taxa; among rodents, Heteromys pictus (Thomas) had the highest number of associated species (five). Within the 22 arthropod taxa registered in the present work, 12 represent new records for the reserve, and 3 represent new records for Mexico. With this study, the arthropod fauna associated with mammals in the ChBS has been raised to 38 taxa. In terms of biological conservation, knowledge of the species that inhabit natural reserves must be a priority, since this represents the baseline for species protected, not only in Mexico but around the world.
Spatial Risk Distribution of Dengue Based on the Ecological Niche Model of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) in the Central Mexican Highlands
Authors: Ordoñez-Sierra Raymundo , Mastachi-Loza Carlos Alberto , Díaz-Delgado Carlos , Cuervo-Robayo Angela P , Fonseca Ortiz Carlos Roberto , Gómez-Albores Miguel A , Medina Torres Imelda
Published: December 2019

Dengue is the most important viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes, predominantly Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti (L.) (Diptera:Culicidae). Forty percent of the world’s population is at risk of contracting the disease, and a large area of Mexico presents suitable environmental conditions for the life cycle of Ae. aegypti. In particular, the Central Mexican Highlands have a high population density, increasing the risk of transmission and propagation of dengue. In the present study, the potential distribution of Ae. aegypti was modeled under an ecological niche approach using the maximum entropy technique with the aim of determining the spatial risk distribution of dengue. The final model of five variables (minimum temperature of the coldest month |Bio6|, precipitation of the wettest month |Bio13|, precipitation seasonality |Bio15|, the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), and relative humidity) contributed to more than 90% of the model’s performance. The results of the potential distribution model were then compared with the number of dengue cases per locality during the 2009–2015 period considering four suitability of presence categories. Category 4 corresponded with the highest suitability of presence (0.747 to 1) and the greatest risk of dengue (odds ratio [OR] = 103.27; P < 0.001). In conclusion, the present ecological niche model represents an important tool for the monitoring of dengue and the identification of high-risk areas.