bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Simplifying the Numerical Human Model with k-means Clustering Method
Authors: Fujimoto Kyoko , Angelone Leonardo M. , Rajan Sunder S. , Iacono Maria Ida 
Published: August 2020

AbstractCurrently, the safety assessment of radio-frequency (RF) heating using computational modeling is limited by the available numerical models which are not patient specific. However, RF-induced heating depends on the physical characteristics of the patient. The numerical model generation is difficult due to the highly time-consuming segmentation process. Therefore, having fewer types of segmented structures simplifies the generation of numerical models and reduces computational burden as a result. In this study, we used the k-means clustering method to reduce the number of dielectric properties of an existing numerical model and investigated the resulting difference in specific absorption rate (SAR) with respect to the number of clusters.
RF-Induced Unintended Stimulation for Implantable Medical Devices in MRI
Authors: Brown James E. , Qiang Rui , Stadnik Paul J. , Stotts Larry J. , Von Arx Jeffrey A. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractHistorically, patients with implantable medical devices have been denied access to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) due to several potentially hazardous interactions. There has been significant interest in recent years to provide access to MRI to patients with implantable medical devices, as it is the preferred imaging modality for soft tissue imaging. Among the potential hazards of MRI for patients with an active implantable medical device is radio frequency (RF)-induced unintended stimulation. RF energy incident on the device may be rectified by internal active components. Any rectified waveform present at the lead electrodes may stimulate nearby tissue. In order to assess the risk to the patient, device manufacturers use computational human models (CHMs) to quantify the incident RF on the device and perform in vitro testing to determine the likelihood of unintended stimulation. The use of CHMs enables the investigation of millions of scenarios of scan parameters, patient sizes and anatomies, and MR system technologies.
Estimating Electric Field and SAR in Tissue in the Proximity of RF Coils
Authors: Lemdiasov Rosti , Venkatasubramanian Arun , Jegadeesan Ranga 
Published: August 2020

AbstractMedical implants that require recharging typically use magnetic resonant coupling of transmit (external) and receive (internal) RF coils. Apart from magnetic field, the transmit coil creates a time-varying electric field that excites currents not only in the receive coil but also in the surrounding tissues. Radio frequency (RF) exposure assessment for inductive systems used in wireless powering and telemetry is done using electric field, specific absorption rate (SAR), and induced current as metrics. Full-wave analysis using RF simulation tools such as Ansys HFSS is generally used to estimate these metrics, and the results are widely accepted. However, such simulation-based analysis is quite rigorous and time-consuming, let alone the complexities with setting up the simulation.In this paper, we present a simple approach to estimating exposure (electric field, SAR, induced current) from fundamental electromagnetic principles enabling ability to arrive at results quickly. It significantly reduces the computational time in iterative approaches where multiple simulation runs are needed.
The CAD-Compatible VHP-Male Computational Phantom
Authors: Noetscher Gregory M. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAnatomically accurate and numerically efficient computational phantoms of humans are essential to characterizing the response of a body to a variety of electromagnetic, acoustic and other types of external stimuli. In conjunction with advances in numerical simulation techniques and computational hardware, these computational phantoms enable exploration of innovative and exciting applications, from medical diagnostic techniques and therapeutic treatments to new ways of on- and in-body communications. However, in order to provide realistic estimates through simulation, the model must represent the subject as closely as possible, necessitating that all relevant anatomical features are captured. If this is not accomplished, the model will misrepresent the true physical environment, and critical information will not be captured during the simulation. This work presents a model of a male subject based on the Visible Human Project dataset. Each component of the model is constructed of triangular surface elements, making it compatible with CAD packages and facilitating its use in simulations based on major numerical methodologies. A description of the model, the procedure used for its construction and a baseline simulation are presented together with future integration and augmentation ideas.
How Do Tumor-Treating Fields Work?
Authors: Carlson Kristen W. , Tuszynski Jack A. , Dokos Socrates , Paudel Nirmal , Dreeben Thomas , Bomzon Ze’ev 
Published: August 2020

AbstractSince approved by the FDA for the treatment of glioblastoma brain cancer in 2015, tumor-treating fields (TTFields) have rapidly become the fourth modality to treat cancer, along with surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation [1]. TTFields are now in clinical trials for a variety of cancer types. While efficacy has been proven in the clinic, the higher efficacy is demonstrated in vitro and in animal models, which indicates much greater clinical efficacy is possible. To attain the great promise of TTFields, uncovering the mechanisms of action (MoA) is necessary.
Analytical Solution for the Electric Field Response Generated by a Nonconducting Ellipsoid (Prolate Spheroid) in a Conducting Fluid Subject to an External Electric Field
Authors: Yakovlev Andrey B. , Federyaeva Valeriya S. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAn analytical solution is presented for the electric field response generated by a nonconducting ellipsoid (prolate spheroid) in a homogeneous conducting fluid subject to an external primary electric field, including surface charge distribution. Such a solution might be useful for different purposes, including cell modeling subject to an external quasistatic electromagnetic stimulus. The solution utilizes the well-known analogy between the electrostatics of dielectrics and DC conduction. The solution obtained includes an expression for the volumetric fields and an expression for the induced surface charge density at the membrane.
A Thermal Study of Tumor-Treating Fields for Glioblastoma Therapy
Authors: Gentilal Nichal , Salvador Ricardo , Miranda Pedro Cavaleiro 
Published: August 2020

AbstractTumor-treating fields (TTFields) is an antimitotic cancer treatment technique used for glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and malignant pleural mesothelioma. Although the frequency used is not as high as in hyperthermia, temperature increases due to the Joule effect might be meaningful given the necessary time that these fields should be applied for. Post hoc analysis of the EF-11 clinical trial showed higher median overall survival in patients whose compliance was at least 18 h per day. To quantify these temperature increases and predict the thermal impact of TTFields delivery to the head, we used a realistic model created from MR images segmented in five tissues: scalp, skull, CSF, gray matter (GM), and white matter (WM). Through COMSOL Multiphysics, we solved Laplace’s equation for the electric field and Pennes’ equation for the temperature distribution. To mimic the therapy as realistically as possible, we also considered complete current shutdown whenever any transducer reached 41 °C to allow transducers and tissues’ temperature to decrease. Our results indicate an intermittent operation of Optune due to this necessary current shutdown. Localized temperature increases were seen, especially underneath the regions where the transducers were placed. Maximum temperature values were around 41.5 °C on the scalp and 38 °C on the brain. According to the literature, significant thermal impact is only predicted for the brain where the rise in temperature may lead to an increased BBB permeability and variation in the blood flow and neurotransmitter concentration. Additionally, our results showed that if the injected current is reduced by around 25% compared to Optune’s standard way of operating, then uninterrupted treatment might be attainable. These predictions might be used to improve TTFields delivery in real patients and to increase awareness regarding possible thermal effects not yet reported elsewhere.
A Miniaturized Ultra-Focal Magnetic Stimulator and Its Preliminary Application to the Peripheral Nervous System
Authors: Colella Micol , Liberti Micaela , Apollonio Francesca , Bonmassar Giorgio 
Published: August 2020

AbstractTranscranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a noninvasive brain stimulation technique used in the clinic to treat several neurological disorders and psychiatric diseases. One of TMS’s significant limitations is its low spatial resolution, which often results in a mismatch between the target area in the brain and the stimulation site on the scalp. To enhance its spatial resolution, we designed and built a complete stimulation system complete with a millimetric-diameter coil and microscopic traces (μCoil). The first tests conducted on healthy volunteers showed that the μCoil stimulation of the radial nerve in the wrist could indeed evoke somatosensory nerve action potentials (SNAPs). In this chapter, we study this nerve stimulation system with electromagnetic and neuron simulators on a neurofunctionalized model from the Virtual Population (ViP v.4) and a μCoil figure-8 geometry. In particular, we study how changes in the μCoil geometry, such as the number of layers, shape, and length of an iron or air core, may help to promote the generation of somatosensory nerve action potentials.
Präventionsberichterstattung – neue Impulse für die Gesundheitsberichterstattung?
Authors: Reisig Veronika , Jordan Susanne , Starker Anne , Brettner Johannes , Kuhn Joseph 
Published: August 2020

ZusammenfassungDas im Jahr 2015 verabschiedete „Gesetz zur Stärkung der Gesundheitsförderung und Prävention“ gibt die regelmäßige Erstellung eines Präventionsberichts durch die Nationale Präventionskonferenz vor und stimuliert auch auf Länderebene die Entwicklung einer Präventionsberichterstattung. Es existieren verschiedene Konzepte und Herangehensweisen an die Präventionsberichterstattung.Im Jahr 2019 ist der erste Präventionsbericht der Nationalen Präventionskonferenz erschienen. Auf Länderebene verläuft die Entwicklung der Präventionsberichterstattung sehr heterogen und spiegelt die unterschiedlichen Rahmenbedingungen und Konzepte vor Ort wider. Auch die Beziehung der Präventionsberichterstattung zur Gesundheitsberichterstattung wird unterschiedlich aufgefasst: Manchenorts wird die Präventionsberichterstattung stärker im Rahmen der Gesundheitsberichterstattung gesehen, andernorts als selbstständiger betrachtet, z. B. mit Fokus auf die Berichterstattung präventiver Strukturen und Interventionen.Einige der anstehenden Herausforderungen sind die Erschließung von Indikatoren und Datenquellen, insbesondere zur Abbildung von Ressourcen für Gesundheit, gesundheitsrelevanten Strukturen und Verhältnissen, die Entwicklung einer aussagekräftigen und mit vertretbarem Aufwand umsetzbaren Interventionsberichterstattung sowie die Weiterentwicklung von einer input- bzw. outputbezogenen zu einer wirkungsorientierten Berichterstattung.Aus der durch das Präventionsgesetz angestoßenen Entwicklung ergeben sich inhaltliche, methodische und gesundheitspolitische Impulse auch für die Gesundheitsberichterstattung. Wünschenswert wäre eine den Aufbau der Präventionsberichterstattung unterstützende Begleitforschung.
The Rotating Rigid Body Model Based on a Non-twisting Frame
Authors: Gebhardt Cristian Guillermo , Romero Ignacio 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThis work proposes and investigates a new model of the rotating rigid body based on the non-twisting frame. Such a frame consists of three mutually orthogonal unit vectors whose rotation rate around one of the three axis remains zero at all times and, thus, is represented by a nonholonomic restriction. Then, the corresponding Lagrange–D’Alembert equations are formulated by employing two descriptions, the first one relying on rotations and a splitting approach, and the second one relying on constrained directors. For vanishing external moments, we prove that the new model possesses conservation laws, i.e., the kinetic energy and two nonholonomic momenta that substantially differ from the holonomic momenta preserved by the standard rigid body model. Additionally, we propose a new specialization of a class of energy–momentum integration schemes that exactly preserves the kinetic energy and the nonholonomic momenta replicating the continuous counterpart. Finally, we present numerical results that show the excellent conservation properties as well as the accuracy for the time-discretized governing equations.
A molecular brush with thermoresponsive poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) side chains: a structural investigation
Authors: Kang Jia-Jhen , Shehu Kaltrina , Sachse Clemens , Jung Florian A. , Ko Chia-Hsin , Barnsley Lester C. , Jordan Rainer , Papadakis Christine M. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe thermoresponsive behavior of a poly(2-oxazoline)-based molecular brush is investigated in aqueous solution. The molecular brush under study, PiPOx100-g-PEtOx17, has a poly(2-isopropenyl-2-oxazoline) (PiPOx) backbone grafted with thermoresponsive poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) (PEtOx) side chains. Since the backbone degree of polymerization is only a factor of ~ 6 higher than the ones of the side chains, it features an architecture between a star-like polymer and a comb-like polymer. Its aqueous solution exhibits lower critical solution temperature (LCST) behavior with a cloud point temperature Tcp = 40.5 °C at 30 g L−1. The temperature-dependent structural evolution is disclosed using dynamic light scattering (DLS) and small-angle neutron scattering (SANS). An increase of the molecular brush size is found upon heating from room temperature to Tcp, which is attributed to the extension of the backbone resulting from the dehydration and collapse of the side chains. Above Tcp, the size decreases again, which indicates the collapse of the whole molecular brush. Large aggregates are found to be present in the solution in the temperature range 25–50 °C. These become more compact, as the temperature is increased across Tcp.
Time-space trade-offs in population protocols for the majority problem
Authors: Berenbrink Petra , Elsässer Robert , Friedetzky Tom , Kaaser Dominik , Kling Peter , Radzik Tomasz 
Published: August 2020

AbstractPopulation protocols are a model for distributed computing that is focused on simplicity and robustness. A system of n identical agents (finite state machines) performs a global task like electing a unique leader or determining the majority opinion when each agent has one of two opinions. Agents communicate in pairwise interactions with randomly assigned communication partners. Quality is measured in two ways: the number of interactions to complete the task and the number of states per agent. We present protocols for the majority problem that allow for a trade-off between these two measures. Compared to the only other trade-off result (Alistarh et al. in Proceedings of the 2015 ACM symposium on principles of distributed computing, Donostia-San Sebastián, 2015), we improve the number of interactions by almost a linear factor. Furthermore, our protocols can be made uniform (working correctly without any information on the population size n), yielding the first uniform majority protocols that stabilize in a subquadratic number of interactions.
Pentose degradation in archaea: Halorhabdus species degrade D-xylose, L-arabinose and D-ribose via bacterial-type pathways
Authors: Sutter Jan-Moritz , Johnsen Ulrike , Reinhardt Andreas , Schönheit Peter 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe degradation of the pentoses d-xylose, l-arabinose and d-ribose in the domain of archaea, in Haloferax volcanii and in Haloarcula and Sulfolobus species, has been shown to proceed via oxidative pathways to generate α-ketoglutarate. Here, we report that the haloarchaeal Halorhabdus species utilize the bacterial-type non-oxidative degradation pathways for pentoses generating xylulose-5-phosphate. The genes of these pathways are each clustered and were constitutively expressed. Selected enzymes involved in d-xylose degradation, xylose isomerase and xylulokinase, and those involved in l-arabinose degradation, arabinose isomerase and ribulokinase, were characterized. Further, d-ribose degradation in Halorhabdus species involves ribokinase, ribose-5-phosphate isomerase and d-ribulose-5-phosphate-3-epimerase. Ribokinase of Halorhabdus tiamatea and ribose-5-phosphate isomerase of Halorhabdus utahensis were characterized. This is the first report of pentose degradation via the bacterial-type pathways in archaea, in Halorhabdus species that likely acquired these pathways from bacteria. The utilization of bacterial-type pathways of pentose degradation rather than the archaeal oxidative pathways generating α-ketoglutarate might be explained by an incomplete gluconeogenesis in Halorhabdus species preventing the utilization of α-ketoglutarate in the anabolism.
Investigating voice in action teams: a critical review
Authors: Krenz Hanna L. , Burtscher Michael J. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractTeam communication is considered a key factor for team performance. Importantly, voicing concerns and suggestions regarding work-related topics—also termed speaking up—represents an essential part of team communication. Particularly in action teams in high-reliability organizations such as healthcare, military, or aviation, voice is crucial for error prevention. Although research on voice has become more important recently, there are inconsistencies in the literature. This includes methodological issues, such as how voice should be measured in different team contexts, and conceptual issues, such as uncertainty regarding the role of the voice recipient. We tried to address these issues of voice research in action teams in the current literature review. We identified 26 quantitative empirical studies that measured voice as a distinct construct. Results showed that only two-thirds of the articles provided a definition for voice. Voice was assessed via behavioral observation or via self-report. Behavioral observation includes two main approaches (i.e., event-focused and language-focused) that are methodologically consistent. In contrast, studies using self-reports showed significant methodological inconsistencies regarding measurement instruments (i.e., self-constructed single items versus validated scales). The contents of instruments that assessed voice via self-report varied considerably. The recipient of voice was poorly operationalized (i.e., discrepancy between definitions and measurements). In sum, our findings provide a comprehensive overview of how voice is treated in action teams. There seems to be no common understanding of what constitutes voice in action teams, which is associated with several conceptual as well as methodological issues. This suggests that a stronger consensus is needed to improve validity and comparability of research findings.
Doxorubicin metabolism moderately attributes to putative toxicity in prodigiosin/doxorubicin synergism in vitro cells
Authors: Lin Shian-Ren , Lin Chun-Shu , Chen Ching-Cheng , Tseng Feng-Jen , Wu Tsung-Jui , Weng Lebin , Weng Ching-Feng 
Published: August 2020

AbstractDoxorubicin (Dox) is a widely neoplasm chemotherapeutic drug with high incidences of cardiotoxicity. Prodigiosin (PG), a red bacterial pigment from Serratia marcescens, has been demonstrated to potentiate Dox’s cytotoxicity against oral squamous cell carcinoma cells through elevating Dox influx and identified as a Dox enhancer via PG-induced autophagy; however, toxicity of normal cell remains unclear. This study is conducted to evaluate putative cytotoxicity features of PG/Dox synergism in the liver, kidney, and heart cells and further elucidate whether PG augmented Dox’s effect via modulating Dox metabolism in normal cells. Murine hepatocytes FL83B, cardio-myoblast h9c2, and human kidney epithelial cells HK-2 were sequentially treated with PG and Dox by measuring cell viability, cell death characteristics, oxidative stress, Dox flux, and Dox metabolism. PG could slightly significant increase Dox cytotoxicity in all tested normal cells whose toxic alteration was less than that of oral squamous carcinoma cells. The augmentation of Dox cytotoxicity might be attributed to the increase of Dox-mediated ROS accumulation that might cause slight reduction of Dox influx and reduction of Dox metabolism. It was noteworthy to notice that sustained cytotoxicity appeared in normal cells after PG and Dox were removed. Taken together, moderately metabolic reduction of Dox might be ascribed to the mechanism of increase Dox cytotoxicity in PG-induced normal cells; nevertheless, the determination of PG/Dox dose with sustained cytotoxicity in normal cells needs to be comprehensively considered.
Integrative transcriptomics reveals genotypic impact on sugar beet storability
Authors: Madritsch Silvia , Bomers Svenja , Posekany Alexandra , Burg Agnes , Birke Rebekka , Emerstorfer Florian , Turetschek Reinhard , Otte Sandra , Eigner Herbert , Sehr Eva M. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Key message
An integrative comparative transcriptomic approach on six sugar beet varieties showing different amount of sucrose loss during storage revealed genotype-specific main driver genes and pathways characterizing storability.

Abstract
Sugar beet is next to sugar cane one of the most important sugar crops accounting for about 15% of the sucrose produced worldwide. Since its processing is increasingly centralized, storage of beet roots over an extended time has become necessary. Sucrose loss during storage is a major concern for the sugar industry because the accumulation of invert sugar and byproducts severely affect sucrose manufacturing. This loss is mainly due to ongoing respiration, but changes in cell wall composition and pathogen infestation also contribute. While some varieties can cope better during storage, the underlying molecular mechanisms are currently undiscovered. We applied integrative transcriptomics on six varieties exhibiting different levels of sucrose loss during storage. Already prior to storage, well storable varieties were characterized by a higher number of parenchyma cells, a smaller cell area, and a thinner periderm. Supporting these findings, transcriptomics identified changes in genes involved in cell wall modifications. After 13 weeks of storage, over 900 differentially expressed genes were detected between well and badly storable varieties, mainly in the category of defense response but also in carbohydrate metabolism and the phenylpropanoid pathway. These findings were confirmed by gene co-expression network analysis where hub genes were identified as main drivers of invert sugar accumulation and sucrose loss. Our data provide insight into transcriptional changes in sugar beet roots during storage resulting in the characterization of key pathways and hub genes that might be further used as markers to improve pathogen resistance and storage properties.