bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mechanistic insights into the deleterious roles of Nasu-Hakola disease associated TREM2 variants
Authors: Dash Raju , Choi Ho Jin , Moon Il Soo 
Published: February 2020

AbstractRecently, the critical roles played by genetic variants of TREM2 (Triggering Receptor Expressed on Myeloid cells 2) in Alzheimer’s disease have been aggressively highlighted. However, few studies have focused on the deleterious roles of Nasu-Hakola disease (NHD) associated TREM2 variants. In order to get insights into the contributions made by these variants to neurodegeneration, we investigated the influences of four NHD associated TREM2 mutations (Y38C, W50C, T66M, and V126G) on loss-of-function, and followed this with in silico prediction and conventional molecular dynamics simulation. NHD mutations were predicted to be highly deleterious by eight different in silico bioinformatics tools and found to induce conformational changes by molecular dynamics simulation. As compared with the wild-type, the four variants produced substantial differences in the collective motions of loop regions, which not only promoted structural remodeling in the CDR2 (complementarity-determining region 2) loop but also in the CDR1 loop, by changing inter- and intra-loop hydrogen bonding networks. In addition, structural studies in a free energy landscape analysis showed that Y38, T66, and V126 are crucial for maintaining the structural features of CDR1 and CDR2 loops, and that mutations in these positions produced steric clashes and loss of ligand binding. These results showed the presence of mutations in the TREM2 ectodomain induced flexibility and caused structural alterations. Dynamical scenarios, as provided by the present study, may be critical to our understanding of the roles of these TREM2 mutations in neurodegenerative diseases.
Morphologic and electrophysiologic findings of retinal degeneration after intravitreal sodium iodate injection following vitrectomy in canines
Authors: Ahn So Min , Ahn Jungryul , Cha Seongkwang , Yun Cheolmin , Park Tae Kwann , Kim Young-Jin , Goo Yong Sook , Kim Seong-Woo 
Published: February 2020

AbstractWe developed and characterized a canine model of outer retinal degeneration induced by sodium iodate (SI) intravitreal injection after vitrectomy. In the preliminary study, we repeatedly injected SI intravitreally into the eyes of three canines to develop outer retinal degeneration two weeks after vitrectomy. Based on the preliminary study, a single dose of either 1.2 mg or 1.0 mg SI/0.05 mL was also injected (1.2 mg in n = 5 canines, 1.0 mg in n = 2 canines). Spectral domain-optical coherence tomography (OCT), electroretinography (ERG), and histological examinations were performed at baseline and following intravitreal injection. In the preliminary study, after a 0.5-mg SI injection and a 1.0-mg SI injection and after two 0.8-mg SI injections, retinal degeneration with retinal thinning was observed on OCT imaging. In the second study, after a single 1.0- or 1.2-mg SI injection, outer retinal degeneration was induced. All eyes showed diffuse outer retinal degeneration on OCT and a loss of both cone and rod responses in ERG. Histological examination also showed the loss of outer retinal layer. Intravitreally injected SI (1.0–1.2 mg) in a vitrectomized canine model induced outer retinal degeneration effectively, and could be evaluated through in vivo ophthalmic examination.
Applying Ultrashort Pulsed Direct Laser Interference Patterning for Functional Surfaces
Authors: Müller Daniel Wyn , Fox Tobias , Grützmacher Philipp G. , Suarez Sebastian , Mücklich Frank 
Published: February 2020

AbstractSurface structures in the micro- and nanometre length scale exert a major influence on performance and functionality for many specialized applications in surface engineering. However, they are often limited to certain pattern scales and materials, depending on which processing technique is used. Likewise, the morphology of the topography is in complex relation to the utilized processing methodology. In this study, the generation of hierarchical surface structures in the micro- as well as the sub-micrometre scale was achieved on ceramic, polymer and metallic materials by utilizing Ultrashort Pulsed Direct Laser Interference Patterning (USP-DLIP). The morphologies of the generated patterns where examined in relation to the unique physical interaction of each material with ultrashort pulsed laser irradiation. In this context, the pattern formation on copper, CuZn37 brass and AISI 304 stainless steel was investigated in detail by means of a combination of experiment and simulation to understand the individual thermal interactions involved in USP-DLIP processing. Thereby, the pattern’s hierarchical topography could be tailored besides achieving higher process control in the production of patterns in the sub-µm range by USP-DLIP.
Digital background calibration technique for pipelined SAR ADCs with detect‐and‐switching algorithm
Authors: Zhang Lizhen , Han Shanshan , Huang Linlin , Wu Jianhui 
Published: February 2020

A digital background calibration technique for pipelined successive approximation register (SAR) analogue‐to‐digital converters (ADCs) with detect‐and‐switching (DAS) algorithm is proposed. The DAS algorithm exploits basic combinational logic to detect the first‐stage conversion results, thereby determining whether to inject a random dithering signal. So as to reduce the amplifier's output swing and avoid the saturation of the second stage, the amplitude of the injected dithering signal is reduced by only injecting the capacitor mismatch into first‐stage residue voltage. By executing the DAS‐based calibration in the background, capacitor mismatch and inter‐stage gain are obtained. Simulation results show that the signal to noise and distortion ratio is improved from 42.4 to 59.3 dB and spurious‐free dynamic range is increased from 50.6 to 79.1 dB with calibration.
The effect of internal gravity waves on cloud evolution in sub-stellar atmospheres
Authors: Parent A. , Falconer R. E. , Lee E. K. H. , Meyer K. A. , Stark C. R. 
Published: February 2020

Context. Sub-stellar objects exhibit photometric variability, which is believed to be caused by a number of processes, such as magnetically-driven spots or inhomogeneous cloud coverage. Recent sub-stellar models have shown that turbulent flows and waves, including internal gravity waves, may play an important role in cloud evolution.
Aims. The aim of this paper is to investigate the effect of internal gravity waves on dust nucleation and dust growth, and whether observations of the resulting cloud structures could be used to recover atmospheric density information.
Methods. For a simplified atmosphere in two dimensions, we numerically solved the governing fluid equations to simulate the effect on dust nucleation and mantle growth as a result of the passage of an internal gravity wave. Furthermore, we derived an expression that relates the properties of the wave-induced cloud structures to observable parameters in order to deduce the atmospheric density.
Results. Numerical simulations show that the density, pressure, and temperature variations caused by gravity waves lead to an increase of the dust nucleation rate by up to a factor 20, and an increase of the dust mantle growth rate by up to a factor 1.6, compared to their equilibrium values. Through an exploration of the wider sub-stellar parameter space, we show that in absolute terms, the increase in dust nucleation due to internal gravity waves is stronger in cooler (T dwarfs) and TiO2-rich sub-stellar atmospheres. The relative increase, however, is greater in warm (L dwarf) and TiO2-poor atmospheres due to conditions that are less suited for efficient nucleation at equilibrium. These variations lead to banded areas in which dust formation is much more pronounced, similar to the cloud structures observed on Earth.
Conclusions. We show that internal gravity waves propagating in the atmosphere of sub-stellar objects can produce banded clouds structures similar to that observed on Earth. We propose a method with which potential observations of banded clouds could be used to estimate the atmospheric density of sub-stellar objects.
Novel approach to distinguish between vacuum UV-induced ice photodesorption and photoconversion
Authors: Bulak M. , Paardekooper D. M. , Fedoseev G. , Linnartz H. 
Published: February 2020

Context. In cold regions of the interstellar medium with intense ultraviolet radiation fields, photodesorption has been suggested as a nonthermal desorption mechanism promoting the transition of molecules from the solid state to the gas phase. Laboratory experiments measuring photodesorption rates are crucial in attempting to explain high molecular gas phase abundances of species that are expected to form in the solid state, such as methane, methanol, and acetonitrile, and to aid astrochemical modeling. Due to the convoluted competition between photodesorption and photoconversion, it is far from trivial to derive accurate photodesorption rates.
Aims. The aim of this study is to apply a new methodology to discriminate between the two processes. The method has been validated using the well-studied case of CO and extended to CH4, CH3OH, and CH3CN.
Methods. Vacuum ultraviolet (VUV; photon energy of 7–10.2 eV) irradiated ices at 20 K are studied, first as a pure CH4, CH3OH, or CH3CN ice and subsequently with an Ar coating on top. The latter is transparent to the VUV photons (wavelength below 200 nm), but it quenches the photodesorption process. Comparing the laser desorption post ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry of the ices with and without the Ar coating provides information on the different interactions of the VUV photons with the ice.
Results. The newly developed experimental technique allowed for a derivation of photodesorption rates for ices at 20 K of: CO (3.1 ± 0.3)×10−3 mol. photon−1, CH4 (3.1 ± 0.5)×10−2 mol. photon−1, and upper limits for CH3OH (< 6 × 10−5 mol. photon−1) and CH3CN (< 7.4 × 10−4 mol. photon−1); in the latter case, no literature values have been reported yet. The newly introduced approach provides more insight into the photodesorption process, in particular, for commonly observed complex organic molecules (COMs). Photoconversion cross sections are presented in the 7–10.2 eV range. The possible role of photodesorption and photoconversion in the formation of interstellar COMs is discussed.
Perfectionism and Burnout in Sport and Dance
Authors: Skwiot Marlena , Śliwiński Zbigniew , Śliwiński Grzegorz Eugeniusz 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Objectives The aim of the present study was to evaluate the interaction
between perfectionism and symptoms of burnout in athletes and dancers and
examine the influence of chronic musculoskeletal pain on burnout levels.
Design Two structured questionnaires were used.
Methods We studied a group of 207 athletes and dancers (75 females and
132 males) aged 18-25 years (mean=21.4, SD=2.3). The study group
comprised of 82 dancers, 72 football (soccer) players and 53 Kyokushin Karate
fighters. The level of perfectionism was evaluated utilising the
Sport-Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale-2, and the level of burnout was
evaluated with the Athlete Burnout Questionnaire.
Results No significant differences between total burnout levels were
noted between the dancers (M=2.88, SD=0.45), Kyokushin Karate
fighters (M=2.81, SD=0.41) and football players (M=2.93,
SD=0.44) (p=0.318). Athletes with a high level of perfectionism
who experienced chronic pain had the highest levels of burnout (M=2.37,
SD=0.68) compared to those characterised by a low level of perfectionism
and experiencing pain and those not in pain.
Conclusions The athletes and dancers participating in the study set great
store by meeting personal standards, which suggests that their coaches should
ensure a high level of efficiency in order to prevent perfectionism contributing
to burnout.
Serum Fetuin-A and Insulin Levels in Classic Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
Authors: Kurnaz Erdal , Çetinkaya Semra , Özalkak Şervan , Bayramoğlu Elvan , Demirci Gülşah , Öztürk Hasan Serdar , Erdeve Şenay Savaş , Aycan Zehra 
Published: February 2020

AbstractAndrogens play a pivotal role in non-reproductive organs such as the kidney, heart, liver, and pancreas. As androgen receptors are expressed in pancreatic and liver cells, excess testosterone can result in hypersecretion of insulin and fetuin-A, a protein produced in the liver. The expression of fetuin-A, a natural inhibitor of tyrosine kinase activity in muscle and liver, leads to insulin resistance. In addition, insulin and fetuin-A levels are thought to be affected by drugs such as glucocorticoids (GCs) and fludrocortisone. However, whether fetuin-A and insulin levels are affected by androgens and GCs in patients with classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is unknown. This cross-sectional study included 56 CAH patients and 70 controls. Analyses were stratified by sex and prepubertal/pubertal status to control for potential changes in serum metabolic/inflammatory markers associated with the production of sex steroids. Fasting blood glucose, insulin, triglyceride, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein-cholesterol, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, fetuin-A, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels were measured in blood samples. In addition, 17α-hydroxyprogesterone, androstenedione, total testosterone, free testosterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate levels were measured before medication was administered. Insulin and fetuin-A levels were significantly higher in CAH patients than in controls. The unfavourably high levels of these substances exhibited a positive correlation with total and free testosterone. Regression analysis revealed that fetuin-A and free testosterone were the only independent predictors of the insulin level, while insulin and free testosterone levels significantly predicted the fetuin-A level (R2=42.7% and 59.8%). Differences were also observed in triglyceride and hs-CRP levels between the pubertal and prepubertal groups. We conclude that serum fetuin-A and insulin levels may be associated with androgens in CAH patients.
Acurácia do teste de força muscular da cinesiologia aplicada para disfunção sacroilíaca
Authors: Estrázulas Jaisson Agne , Bueno Lauro Sinval , Lombardi Luana Rocha de Oliveira , Estrázulas Jansen Atier , Fernandes Tiótrefis Gomes , Baltar Juliana Albuquerque 
Published: February 2020

Resumo
Objetivo Investigar a acurácia do teste de força muscular da cinesiologia aplicada para disfunção sacroilíaca, comparando-o com quatro testes ortopédicos validados.
Métodos Trata-se de uma pesquisa transversal de acurácia desenvolvida em uma clínica particular da cidade de Manaus no mês de fevereiro de 2017. A amostra teve 20 indivíduos, com mediana de idade 33,5 anos. Foram aplicados quatro testes: distração, thigh thrust, compressão e thrust sacral, e o diagnóstico foi confirmado quando três destes testes deram positivo. Logo após, foi aplicado o teste da cinesiologia aplicada para o músculo piriforme.
Resultados A prevalência de disfunção da articulação sacroilíaca observada foi de 45%, tendo o teste thigh thrust alta especificidade, e o teste thrust sacral, alta sensibilidade. O teste da cinesiologia aplicada obteve bons resultados (sensibilidade: 0,89; especificidade: 0,82; valor preditivo positivo: 0,80; valor preditivo negativo: 0,82; acurácia: 0,85; área abaixo da curva de característica de operação do receptor [COR]: 0,85).
Conclusão O teste de força muscular da cinesiologia aplicada, de grande viabilidade clínica, mostrou ter boa acurácia no diagnóstico da disfunção da articulação sacroilíaca, e maior poder discriminatório da disfunção existente, em comparação aos demais testes.
Reversible Endoscopic Medial Maxillectomy: Endonasal Approach to Diseases of the Maxillary Sinus
Authors: Tepedino Miguel Soares , Ferrão Ana Clara Miotello , Higa Hana Caroline Morais , Balsalobre Filho Leonardo Lopes , Iturriaga Enrique , Pereira Marcelo Charles , Pinheiro Neto Carlos Diogenes 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Introduction The endoscopic access has reduced the morbidity associated with external approaches in diseases of the maxillary sinus. A reversible endoscopic medial maxillectomy (REMM) is presented as an alternative for treatment of benign maxillary diseases.
Objective To describe the REMM technique and report four cases of patients with benign maxillary sinus conditions treated through this approach.
Methods The present study was divided into two parts: anatomical and case series. Two cadaveric dissections confirmed the feasibility of the REMM approach. The same technique was performed on four consecutive patients with benign maxillary sinus disease.
Results The cadaveric dissections confirmed wide exposure to the maxillary cavity, preserving the anatomy of the maxillary sinus. In the patient series, one patient presented with an antrochoanal polyp, one had a silent sinus syndrome, one had a chronic maxillary sinusitis secondary to a gunshot, and the last one had an inverted papilloma in the maxillary sinus. In all of the cases, the REMM approach provided excellent access and adequate resection, as well as preservation of the inferior turbinate, nasolacrimal duct, and lateral wall of the nose (including its osteomucosal component). Finally, all of the patients had an uneventful postoperative course.
Conclusion The REMM technique is an excellent surgical approach to benign conditions of the maxillary sinus. It has few limitations and appears to be associated with less morbidity than conventional techniques.
The Impact of Olfactory Dysfunction on the Psychological Status and Quality of Life of Patients with Nasal Obstruction and Septal Deviation
Authors: Valsamidis Konstantinos , Printza Athanasia , Constantinidis Jannis , Triaridis Stefanos 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Introduction Olfactory dysfunction may be present in patients with nasal obstruction and septal deviation. The impact of olfactory dysfunction on the psychological profile and quality of life (QoL) of these patients remains unexplored.
Objective The present study aimed to investigate the emotional status and QoL of patients with olfactory dysfunction and septal deviation and to identify predictors associated with clinically significant improvement of psychological status and QoL, focusing mainly on the role of olfactory recovery after septoplasty.
Methods The olfactory function was quantitatively assessed using the ‘‘Sniffin’ sticks'' test (Burghart Messtechnik GmbH, Wedel, Germany) in 60 patients and 25 controls enrolled in this prospective study. The participants completed validated questionnaires specific for general health (Short Form-36), nasal-symptom related QoL (SinoNasal Outcome Test-22), olfaction-associated QoL (Questionnaire of Olfactory Deficits) and for assessing their psychological state (Short Anxiety Screening Test and Beck Depression Inventory) preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively. The patients used the Glasgow Benefit Inventory to evaluate their personal benefit after septoplasty with.
Results Septoplasty led to significantly improved olfactory function. Patients with olfactory impairment had significantly lower nasal-symptom related QoL, higher stress levels, and more depressive mood compared with normosmics and controls before and after septoplasty. Postoperatively, personal benefit from surgery was higher in normosmic patients. Improvement of nasal-symptom related QoL was significantly associated with higher likelihood of clinically significant improvement of patients' psychological profile and more personal benefit from surgery. Olfactory dysfunction was negatively correlated with the emotional status of the patients.
Conclusion Olfactory dysfunction appears to significantly affect the psychological status of patients with nasal obstruction, and olfactory recovery improves the patients' perception of personal benefit from septoplasty.
Radiographic Measurement of Cochlear Duct Length in an Indian Cadaveric Population - Importance of Custom Fit Cochlear Implant Electrodes
Authors: Singh Anup , Kumar Rajeev , Manchanda Smita , Bhalla Ashu Seith , Sagar Prem , Irugu David Victor Kumar 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Introduction Successful cochlear implantation requires an appropriate insertion depth of the electrode, which depends on cochlear duct length CDL). The CDL can vary due to ethnic factors.
Objective The objective of the current study was to determine the CDL in an Indian adult cadaveric population.
Methods The present was a cadaveric study using the temporal bones obtained after permission of the Institutional Review Board. The temporal bones were subjected to high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT), and the double oblique reformatted CT images were reconstructed through the basal turn of the cochlea. The reformatted images were then viewed in the minimum-intensity projection (minIP) mode, and the ‘A’ value (the diameter of the basal turn of the cochlea) was calculated. The CDL was then measured using the formula CDL = 4.16A - 4 (Alexiades et al). The data analysis was performed using the Microsoft Excel software, version 2016.
Results A total of 51 temporal bones were included for imaging analysis. The CDL varied from 27.6 mm to 33.4 mm, with a mean length of 30.7 mm. There was no statistically significant difference between the two sides.
Conclusion The CDL can be calculated with preoperative high-resolution CT, and can provide a roadmap for effective cochlear implant electrode insertion. The population-based anatomical variability needs to be taken into account to offer the most efficient and least traumatic insertion of the electrode.
Construct and Criterion Validity of the Postmenopause Sexuality Questionnaire – PMSQ
Authors: Lima Maria José Ferreira , Valim Marília Duarte , de Medeiros Sebastião Freitas 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Objective To assess the construct and criterion validity of the Postmenopause Sexuality Questionnaire (PMSQ).
Methods The present methodological questionnaire validation study included postmenopausal women. The construct validity was tested by factor analysis and the criterion validity was performed using the correlation between the PMSQ and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). The ROC curve was used to verify sensitivity, specificity and to determine the cutoff point of the PMSQ.
Results A total of 181 women with a mean age of 56.4 ± 5.7 years old were evaluated. The exploratory factor analysis showed that the PMSQ presented Kaiser test = 0.88 and χ2 = 3293.7 (p < 0.001), commonalities ≥ 0.5, and extraction of 9 factors with eigenvalue ≥ 1; explaining 66.3% of the total variance. The PMSQ presented factor loadings between 0.4 and 0.8. A strong correlation between the 2 questionnaires (r = 0.79; p = 0.000) was shown. The cutoff point of the PMSQ was ≤ 55.5, assuming 87.9% sensitivity and 78.9% specificity (p < 0.001).
Conclusion Since the PMSQ showed a strong correlation with the FSFI questionnaire, it presented good psychometric properties to assess the sexuality in postmenopausal women. Based on these results, the PMSQ could be widely tested as a specific instrument to examine the sexual function in postmenopausal women. Future studies, designed to examine the PMSQ instrument in different populations, are needed.