bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Determination of tip transfer function for quantitative MFM using frequency domain filtering and least squares method
Authors: Nečas David , Klapetek Petr , Neu Volker , Havlíček Marek , Puttock Robert , Kazakova Olga , Hu Xiukun , Zajíčková Lenka 
Published: March 2019

AbstractMagnetic force microscopy has unsurpassed capabilities in analysis of nanoscale and microscale magnetic samples and devices. Similar to other Scanning Probe Microscopy techniques, quantitative analysis remains a challenge. Despite large theoretical and practical progress in this area, present methods are seldom used due to their complexity and lack of systematic understanding of related uncertainties and recommended best practice. Use of the Tip Transfer Function (TTF) is a key concept in making Magnetic Force Microscopy measurements quantitative. We present a numerical study of several aspects of TTF reconstruction using multilayer samples with perpendicular magnetisation. We address the choice of numerical approach, impact of non-periodicity and windowing, suitable conventions for data normalisation and units, criteria for choice of regularisation parameter and experimental effects observed in real measurements. We present a simple regularisation parameter selection method based on TTF width and verify this approach via numerical experiments. Examples of TTF estimation are shown on both 2D and 3D experimental datasets. We give recommendations on best practices for robust TTF estimation, including the choice of windowing function, measurement strategy and dealing with experimental error sources. A method for synthetic MFM data generation, suitable for large scale numerical experiments is also presented.
Effects of X-chromosome Tenomodulin Genetic Variants on Obesity in a Children’s Cohort and Implications of the Gene in Adipocyte Metabolism
Authors: Ruiz-Ojeda Francisco Javier , Anguita-Ruiz Augusto , Rupérez Azahara I. , Gomez-Llorente Carolina , Olza Josune , Vázquez-Cobela Rocío , Gil-Campos Mercedes , Bueno Gloria , Leis Rosaura , Cañete Ramón , Moreno Luis A. , Gil Angel , Aguilera Concepcion Maria 
Published: March 2019

AbstractTenomodulin (TNMD) is a type II transmembrane glycoprotein that has been recently linked to obesity, and it is highly expressed in obese adipose tissue. Several sex-dependent associations have been observed between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the TNMD gene, which is located in the X-chromosome, and obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and metabolic syndrome in adults. On the other hand, results are lacking for children. We aimed (i) to study the association between TNMD genetic variants and metabolic complications related to childhood obesity and (ii) to investigate the function of TNMD in human adipocytes. We conducted a case-control, multicenter study in 915 Spanish children and demonstrated significant positive associations between TNMD genetic variants and BMI z-score, waist circumference, fasting glucose, and insulin resistance in boys, highlighting the SNP rs4828038. Additionally, we showed a BMI-adjusted inverse association with waist circumference in girls. Second, in vitro experiments revealed that TNMD is involved in adipogenesis, along with glucose and lipid metabolism in differentiated adipocytes, and these effects may be mediated through AMPK activation. Hence, these results suggest that TNMD genetic variants could be potentially useful as early life risk indicators for obesity and T2DM. In addition, we support the fact that TNMD exhibits significant metabolic functions in adipocytes.
Evidence for a preformed Cooper pair model in the pseudogap spectra of a Ca10(Pt4As8)(Fe2As2)5 single crystal with a nodal superconducting gap
Authors: Seo Y. I. , Choi W. J. , Kimura Shin-ichi , Kwon Yong Seung 
Published: March 2019

AbstractFor high-Tc superconductors, clarifying the role and origin of the pseudogap is essential for understanding the pairing mechanism. Among the various models describing the pseudogap, the preformed Cooper pair model is a potential candidate. Therefore, we present experimental evidence for the preformed Cooper pair model by studying the pseudogap spectrum observed in the optical conductivity of a Ca10(Pt4As8)(Fe2As2)5 (Tc = 34.6 K) single crystal. We observed a clear pseudogap structure in the optical conductivity and observed its temperature dependence. In the superconducting (SC) state, one SC gap with a gap size of Δ = 26 cm−1, a scattering rate of 1/τ = 360 cm−1 and a low-frequency extra Drude component were observed. Spectral weight analysis revealed that the SC gap and pseudogap are formed from the same Drude band. This means that the pseudogap is a gap structure observed as a result of a continuous temperature evolution of the SC gap observed below Tc. This provides clear experimental evidence for the preformed Cooper pair model.
Phonon Boost Effect on the S±-wave Superconductor with Incipient Band
Authors: Bang Yunkyu 
Published: March 2019

AbstractWe showed that the all phonons – not only forward-scattering phonon but also local (all-momentum-scattering) phonon – contribute to boosting Tc of the S±-wave pairing state in the incipient band model. In particular, when the incipient band sinks deeper, the phonon boost effect of the local phonon increases and becomes as effective as the one of the forward-scattering phonon. Our finding implies that all interface phonons from the SrTiO3 substrate – not only the 90 meV Fuchs-Kliewer (F-K) phonon but also the 60 meV F-K phonon – as well as all intrinsic phonons of the FeSe monolayer itself, regardless of their degree of “forwardness”, should contribute to increase Tc of the FeSe/STO monolayer system. This all-phonon boost mechanism should universally work in all heavily doped (either by holes or by electrons) Iron-based superconductors.
Context-induced contrast and assimilation effects in explicit and implicit measures of agency
Authors: Ma Ke , Hommel Bernhard , Chen Hong 
Published: March 2019

AbstractVirtual-hand-illusion studies often use explicit and implicit measures of body ownership but no agreed-on implicit measure of agency exists. We investigated whether the Intentional Binding (IB) effect could serve as such a measure. A pilot study confirmed that current consistency increases both perceived agency and IB. In three experiments, current consistency was 50% but the previously experienced consistency was either 100% or 0%. When previous and present consistency experience were separated by a short break, both explicit judgments and IB showed a contrast effect. Eliminating the break reversed the effect in explicit agency but not in IB; and making the transition between previous and present consistency smoother replicated the effect for explicit agency but reversed the pattern for IB. Our findings suggest that explicit agency and IB rely on different sources of information, presumably including cross-sensory correlations, predictions of expected action-effects, and comparisons between present and previous consistency experiences.
Deep learning-based super-resolution in coherent imaging systems
Authors: Liu Tairan , de Haan Kevin , Rivenson Yair , Wei Zhensong , Zeng Xin , Zhang Yibo , Ozcan Aydogan 
Published: March 2019

AbstractWe present a deep learning framework based on a generative adversarial network (GAN) to perform super-resolution in coherent imaging systems. We demonstrate that this framework can enhance the resolution of both pixel size-limited and diffraction-limited coherent imaging systems. The capabilities of this approach are experimentally validated by super-resolving complex-valued images acquired using a lensfree on-chip holographic microscope, the resolution of which was pixel size-limited. Using the same GAN-based approach, we also improved the resolution of a lens-based holographic imaging system that was limited in resolution by the numerical aperture of its objective lens. This deep learning-based super-resolution framework can be broadly applied to enhance the space-bandwidth product of coherent imaging systems using image data and convolutional neural networks, and provides a rapid, non-iterative method for solving inverse image reconstruction or enhancement problems in optics.
Developmental and physiological responses of Brachypodium distachyon to fluctuating nitrogen availability
Authors: David L. C. , Girin T. , Fleurisson E. , Phommabouth E. , Mahfoudhi A. , Citerne S. , Berquin P. , Daniel-Vedele F. , Krapp A. , Ferrario-Méry S. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE) of grain cereals depends on nitrate (NO3−) uptake from the soil, translocation to the aerial parts, nitrogen (N) assimilation and remobilization to the grains. Brachypodium distachyon has been proposed as a model species to identify the molecular players and mechanisms that affects these processes, for the improvement of temperate C3 cereals. We report on the developmental, physiological and grain-characteristic responses of the Bd21-3 accession of Brachypodium to variations in NO3− availability. As previously described in wheat and barley, we show that vegetative growth, shoot/root ratio, tiller formation, spike development, tissue NO3− and N contents, grain number per plant, grain yield and grain N content are sensitive to pre- and/or post-anthesis NO3− supply. We subsequently described constitutive and NO3−-inducible components of both High and Low Affinity Transport Systems (HATS and LATS) for root NO3− uptake, and BdNRT2/3 candidate genes potentially involved in the HATS. Taken together, our data validate Brachypodium Bd21-3 as a model to decipher cereal N nutrition. Apparent specificities such as high grain N content, strong post-anthesis NO3− uptake and efficient constitutive HATS, further identify Brachypodium as a direct source of knowledge for crop improvement.
Quantitative Estimation of the Equivalent Radiation Dose Escalation using Radiofrequency Hyperthermia in Mouse Xenograft Models of Human Lung Cancer
Authors: Prasad Bibin , Kim Subin , Cho Woong , Kim Jung Kyung , Kim Young A. , Kim Suzy , Wu Hong Gyun 
Published: March 2019

AbstractHyperthermia is a potent radiosensitizer, and its effect varies according to the different types of cancer cells. In the present study, the radiosensitizing effect of hyperthermia on lung cancer cell lines A549 and NCI-H1299 was determined based on the equivalent radiation dose escalation. In vitro cell experiments were conducted using lung cancer cell lines A549 and NCI-H1299 to determine thermal radiosensitivity. In vivo experiments were conducted using mouse heterotopic xenograft models to determine the treatment response and increase in the temperature of tumors using a 13.56 MHz radiofrequency (RF) hyperthermia device. Using the α and β values of the linear–quadratic equations of cell survival curves, numerical simulations were performed to calculate the equivalent radiation dose escalations. The dielectric properties of tumors were measured, and their effect on the calculated equivalent radiation dose was analyzed. Hyperthermia increased the equivalent radiation dose of lung cancer xenografts and a higher escalation was found in NCI-H1299 cells compared with that observed in A549 cells. An underestimation of the calculated equivalent radiation dose was observed when the dielectric property of the tumor was varied. This study may contribute to the effective planning of thermoradiotherapy in clinics.
Impact resistance of composite magnetic metamaterials
Authors: Dudek Krzysztof K. , Wolak Wiktor , Gatt Ruben , Grima Joseph N. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractIn this work, through numerical studies, we show the possibility of designing composites in a form of magneto-mechanical metamaterials which are capable of exhibiting an enhanced impact resistance in comparison to their non-magnetic counterparts. We also show that it is possible to control the impact resistance of the system solely by means of the magnitude of the magnetic moment associated with magnetic inclusions inserted into the system as well as through the way how magnetic inclusions are distributed within the structure. The latter result is particularly interesting as in this work we show that through the appropriate distribution of magnetic inclusions it is possible to minimise the force that is being transferred to an object through the protective mechanical metamaterial. It is also suggested that the concept proposed in this work can be implemented in the case of already existing protective devices such as military-related protective devices and car bumpers in order to increase their efficiency.
Multi-scale stochastic organization-oriented coarse-graining exemplified on the human mitotic checkpoint
Authors: Henze Richard , Mu Chunyan , Puljiz Mate , Kamaleson Nishanthan , Huwald Jan , Haslegrave John , di Fenizio Pietro Speroni , Parker David , Good Christopher , Rowe Jonathan E. , Ibrahim Bashar , Dittrich Peter 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe complexity of biological models makes methods for their analysis and understanding highly desirable. Here, we demonstrate the orchestration of various novel coarse-graining methods by applying them to the mitotic spindle assembly checkpoint. We begin with a detailed fine-grained spatial model in which individual molecules are simulated moving and reacting in a three-dimensional space. A sequence of manual and automatic coarse-grainings finally leads to the coarsest deterministic and stochastic models containing only four molecular species and four states for each kinetochore, respectively. We are able to relate each more coarse-grained level to a finer one, which allows us to relate model parameters between coarse-grainings and which provides a more precise meaning for the elements of the more abstract models. Furthermore, we discuss how organizational coarse-graining can be applied to spatial dynamics by showing spatial organizations during mitotic checkpoint inactivation. We demonstrate how these models lead to insights if the model has different “meaningful” behaviors that differ in the set of (molecular) species. We conclude that understanding, modeling and analyzing complex bio-molecular systems can greatly benefit from a set of coarse-graining methods that, ideally, can be automatically applied and that allow the different levels of abstraction to be related.
Calmodulin-specific small interfering RNA induces consistent expression suppression and morphological changes in Echinococcus granulosus
Authors: Mousavi Seyed Mohammad , Afgar Ali , Mohammadi Mohammad Ali , Mortezaei Seifollah , Sadeghi Balal , Harandi Majid Fasihi 
Published: March 2019

AbstractAmong parasitic helminths, biological features of Echinococcus granulosus have been a focus of particular interest in biology and medicine. The determinants and underlying molecular mechanisms of Echinococcus development in different host settings is largely unknown. The phenomenal bi-directional development of E. granulosus protoscoleces into multi-proglottid and/or microcysts, is a fascinating feature of the parasite cultivation. Calmodulin (CaM) is the major intracellular Ca2+ binding protein in plant and animal organisms. Many Ca2+-related processes in the physiology of eukaryotic organisms are CaM-dependent, however little is known on the role of CaM in platyhelminths growth and development. Small interfering (si) RNA-induced manipulations of the genes involving in the parasite development is an opportunity to explore novel approaches for cystic echinococcosis (CE) prevention and management. Regarding the fundamental role of CaM in cellular function of the parasites, in this study, we investigated the molecular and morphological changes induced by siRNA on CaM in different in vitro stages of E. granulosus. Three developmental stages of the tapeworm, protoscoleces, microcysts and strobilated worms, were cultivated in vitro in mono- and di-phasic media and three delivery methods, i.e. electroporation, soaking and electro-soaking, were used for RNA interference. The level of mRNA suppression as well as the phenotypic changes of the parasites were measured. Following RNA interference, EgCaM mRNA suppressions of 65–99% were recorded in different stages of the tapeworm as compared to untreated/unrelated siRNA controls. Lower viability, growth retardation, morphological abnormalities as well as EgCaM expression suppression were documented in the parasite implying potential of siRNA technology for the prevention and management of CE.
Optogenetic study of the response interaction among multi-afferent inputs in the barrel cortex of rats
Authors: Liu Yueren , Ohshiro Tomokazu , Sakuragi Shigeo , Koizumi Kyo , Mushiake Hajime , Ishizuka Toru , Yawo Hiromu 
Published: March 2019

AbstractWe investigated the relationship between whisker mechanoreceptive inputs and the neural responses to optical stimulation in layer 2/upper 3 (L2/U3) of the barrel cortex using optogenetics since, ideally, we should investigate interactions among inputs with spatiotemporal acuity. Sixteen whisker points of a transgenic rat (W-TChR2V4), that expresses channelrhodopsin 2 (ChR2)-Venus conjugate (ChR2V) in the peripheral nerve endings surrounding the whisker follicles, were respectively connected one-by-one with 16 LED-coupled optical fibres, which illuminated the targets according to a certain pattern in order to evaluate interactions among the inputs in L2/U3. We found that the individual L2/U3 neurons frequently received excitatory inputs from multiple whiskers that were arrayed in a row. Although the interactions among major afferent inputs (MAIs) were negligible, negative interactions with the surrounding inputs suggest that the afferent inputs were integrated in the cortical networks to enhance the contrast of an array to its surroundings. With its simplicity, reproducibility and spatiotemporal acuity, the optogenetic approach would provide an alternative way to understand the principles of afferent integration in the cortex and should complement knowledge obtained by experiments using more natural stimulations.
Use of IP-10 detection in dried plasma spots for latent tuberculosis infection diagnosis in contacts via mail
Authors: Villar-Hernández R. , Latorre I. , De Souza-Galvão M. L. , Jiménez M. A. , Ruiz-Manzano J. , Pilarte J. , García-García E. , Muriel-Moreno B. , Cantos A. , Altet N. , Millet J. P. , González-Díaz Y. , Molina-Pinargote I. , Prat C. , Ruhwald M. , Domínguez J. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe aim of this study was to test the use of IP-10 detection in dried plasma from contact studies individuals (contacts of smear positive patients), by comparing it with IP-10 and IFN-γ detection in direct plasma, to establish IP-10 detection in DPS as a useful assay for LTBI diagnosis. Whole blood samples were collected from 80 subjects: 12 with active tuberculosis (TB), and 68 from contact studies. The amount of IFN-γ produced by sensitized T cells was determined in direct plasma by QuantiFERON Gold In-Tube test. IP-10 levels were determined in direct and dried plasma by an in-house ELISA. For dried plasma IP-10 determination, two 25 µl plasma drops were dried in Whatman903 filter paper and sent by mail to the laboratory. Regarding TB patients, 100.0%, 91.7% and 75.0% were positive for IFN-γ detection and IP-10 detection in direct and dried plasma, respectively. In contacts, 69.1%, 60.3% and 48.5% had positive results after IFN-γ and IP-10 in direct and dried plasma, respectively. The agreement among in vitro tests was substantial and IP-10 levels in direct and dried plasma were strongly correlated (r = 0.897). In conclusion, IP-10 detection in dried plasma is a simple and safe method that would help improve LTBI management.
Hörgesundheit: lärminduzierter Hörverlust droht bei
häufiger Lärmexposition
Authors: Schaaf Helmut 
Published: March 2019

Hussain T et al. Early Indication of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in Young Adult
Users of Personal Listening Devices. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol 2018; 127:
703–709
Tragbare Medienabspielgeräte haben eine enorme Anziehungskraft entwickelt,
nicht zuletzt durch die Einführung des iPod von Apple im Jahr 2001. Die
Integration solcher Abspielgeräte in Mobiltelefone hat ihre Verwendung
insbesondere bei jungen Erwachsenen weiter erhöht, was Anlass zur Besorgnis
hinsichtlich schädlicher Auswirkungen auf das Gehör gibt.
Das Risiko für Erwerbsminderungsrente bei Herz-Kreislauf-Erkrankungen nach medizinischen Rehabilitationen: Eine ereignisdatenanalytische Studie auf Basis von Daten der Deutschen Rentenversicherung
Authors: Barth Alexander , Aretz Benjamin , Doblhammer Gabriele 
Published: March 2019

Zusammenfassung
Ziel der Studie Bislang fehlen diagnosespezifische Analysen zum Risiko für Erwerbsminderungsrente (EMR). Unsere Studie konzentriert sich auf Personen, die bereits eine medizinische Rehabilitation (Reha) aufgrund von Herz-Kreislauf-Krankheiten absolviert haben.
Methodik Wir nutzen den für Forschungszwecke verfügbaren Datensatz „Abgeschlossene Rehabilitationen im Versicherungsverlauf 2006–2013“ der Deutschen Rentenversicherung (DRV). Mittels Ereignisdatenanalyse haben wir die Übergänge in Erwerbsminderungsrente diagnoseübergreifend sowie diagnosespezifisch untersucht. Dabei nutzen wir Kaplan-Meier-Schätzer und altersstandardisierte sowie geschlechtsspezifische Übergangsraten. Multivariat schätzen wir mittels Cox-Regressionen die Effekte von soziodemografischen Determinanten auf das Risiko für EMR, um besonders relevante Risikofaktoren herauszuarbeiten.
Ergebnisse Besonders rasche Übergänge in EMR nach der Reha wurden für die Diagnosegruppen Hirninfarkt, Kardiomyopathie sowie zerebrovaskuläre Krankheiten festgestellt. Besonders relevante Risikofaktoren für EMR sind eine niedrige Bildung, Teilzeit- oder keine Erwerbstätigkeit vor der Reha sowie ein ostdeutscher Wohnort.
Schlussfolgerung Besonderer Bedarf erfolgreicher medizinischer Rehabilitation zeigt sich für Patienten mit Hirninfarkt, Kardiomyopathie oder zerebrovaskulären Krankheiten. Bei Multimorbiditäten sollte gerade auf diese Diagnosen ein besonderes Augenmerk gelegt werden. Die Reintegration sozial schwacher Personengruppen in das Erwerbsleben zur Vermeidung von EMR scheint sich darüber hinaus als besonders schwierig darzustellen.
What is the Impact of Positive Airway Pressure in Nasal Polyposis? An Experimental Study
Authors: Balsalobre Leonardo , Pezato Rogerio , Mangussi-Gomes Joao , Gregorio Luciano , Haddad Fernanda Louise Martinho , Gregorio Luiz Carlos , Fujita Reginaldo 
Published: March 2019

Introduction It has been hypothesized that increasing the interstitial hydrostatic pressure within the sinonasal mucosa of patients with nasal polyposis (NP) might decrease the size of nasal polyps.
Objective To evaluate the effects of positive airway pressure, delivered by a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device, in patients with NP and in control subjects.
Methods Twelve patients with NP and 27 healthy subjects were exposed to CPAP (20 cm H2O) for 2 hours. Visual analog scale (VAS), Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale, acoustic rhinometry (AR), peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) and nasal endoscopy (NE—Meltzer polyp grading system) were performed before and after the intervention, for all patients.
Results The control group showed a significant worsening in nasal obstruction symptoms, as measured by VAS and NOSE (p < 0.01), and a significant decrease in nasal patency, as measured by the PNIF and AR (p < 0.01). For the NP group, VAS, NOSE, and AR did not differ significantly (p = 0.72, p = 0.73, and p = 0.17, respectively), but PNIF values worsened (p = 0.04) after exposure to CPAP. There was a statistically significant reduction in the nasal polyps' size (p = 0.04).
Conclusions Positive pressure worsened the nasal obstruction symptoms and decreased objective parameters of nasal patency in control subjects. In patients with NP, exposure to CPAP reduced the nasal polyps' size, and the nasal patency, as measured by PNIF. However, it had no significant effects in AR and in nasal obstruction symptoms.