bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Different Fertilizer Treatments on Kohlrabi (Brassica oleracea L. var. gongylodes) Cultivation
Authors: Aydin Kübra , Ekinci Melek , Yildirim Ertan , Dursun Atilla
Published: February 2021

The effects of different fertilizers (chemical fertilizer-CF, bacterial formulation- BF, plant activator-PA, seaweed-SW, vermicompost-VC, liquid organic fertilizer-LOF, farm manure –FM and control-C) on the yield, quality and mineral matter content of kohlrabi were examined in 2014-2015. The effect of fertilizers on the parameters examined was found statistically significant. According to the average of the years, the highest plant weight, leaf number, leaf weight, stem yield, stem length, stem diameter, stem dry weight, root fresh weight, root dry weight and vitamin C were obtained from the CF treatment, and other treatments also provide close results to CF. In regard to these parameters, the increases obtained from the treatments as compared to the control were 4.16 (PA) – 43.36% (FM), 0.77 (VC) – 6.54% (FM), 3.94 (SW) – 31.27% (FM), 25.66 (PA) – 54.64% (FM), 3.96 (LOF) – 7.87% (FM), 4.42 (LOF) – 9.60% (VC), 4.16 (LOF)- 22.24% (PA), 9.03 (SW)- 17.16% (VC), 11.86 (SW) – 24.51% (BF) and 3.37 (VC) – 12.45% (SW) respectively, except for CF. According to the average, the stem ratio, stem index, stem dry matter ratio, root dry matter ratio, total soluble solid (TSS) and chlorophyll content were increased to 7.58 (FM) – 19.70% (PA), 1.50 (VC) – 2.26% (SW), 2.35 (LOF) – 5.09% (BF), 0.26 (SW) – 13.87% (LOF), 1.75 (PA) –12.40% (FM) and 1.17 (CF) – 1.37% (SW) as compared to control, respectively. The contents of N, P, K, Na, Mg, Ca, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu and B considerably increased with treatments as compared to the control. It was determined that the organic origin fertilizers used in the experimented could be used as an alternative to chemical fertilizer for kohlrabi cultivation.
Differential phase shift quantum secret sharing using a twin field
Authors: Gu Jie , Cao Xiao-Yu , Yin Hua-Lei , Chen Zeng-Bing
Published: February 2021

Quantum secret sharing (QSS) is essential for multiparty quantum communication, which is one of cornerstones in the future quantum internet. However, a linear rate-distance limitation severely constrains the secure key rate and transmission distance of QSS. Here, we present a practical QSS protocol among three participants based on the differential phase shift scheme and twin field ideas for the solution of high-efficiency multiparty communication task. In contrast to a formerly proposed differential phase shift QSS protocol, our protocol can break the linear rate-distance bound, theoretically improving the secret key rate by three orders of magnitude in a 300-km-long fiber. Furthermore, the new protocol is secure against Trojan horse attacks that cannot be resisted by previous differential phase shift QSS.
ACG Clinical Report and Recommendations on Transition of Care in Children and Adolescents With Hereditary Polyposis Syndromes
Authors: Attard Thomas M. , Burke Carol A. , Hyer Warren , Durno Carol , Hurley Karen E. , Lawson Caitlin E. , Church James , Cohen Shlomi , Maddux Michele H. ,   on behalf of the Pediatric Committee of the American College of Gastroenterology
Published: February 2021

Transition of care (TOC) in adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with chronic gastrointestinal disorders has received increased attention, especially in those with inflammatory bowel disease. AYAs with hereditary polyposis syndromes are a heterogeneous group of patients with overlapping and complex medical needs. These patients are particularly vulnerable because of the risk of loss of continuity of care and subsequent poor disease outcomes. The Pediatric Committee of the American College of Gastroenterology commissioned a report with recommendations on TOC in AYAs with hereditary polyposis syndromes. This report aims at achieving best practice by both pediatric and adult gastroenterologists despite the paucity of published evidence in this population reflected in the included PRISMA report. Therefore, the group extrapolated findings from the literature related to other chronic gastrointestinal disorders, and a high degree of expert consensus was scored for all recommendations. The report addresses TOC through identifying shared domains followed by specific recommendations in disease management, including models of care, providers and patient and socioeconomic factors relevant to TOC. Areas of strong emphasis include the need for early planning, flexibility in the transition process to maintain continuity during major surgical procedures, patient and family psychological readiness, liaison among team members addressing transition, and changing insurance coverage in this population.
Decompensation in Direct-Acting Antiviral Cured Hepatitis C Virus Compensated Patients With Clinically Significant Portal Hypertension: Too Rare to Warrant Universal Β-Blocker Therapy
Authors: Tosetti Giulia , Degasperi Elisabetta , Farina Elisa , D'Ambrosio Roberta , Soffredini Roberta , Borghi Marta , La Mura Vincenzo , Primignani Massimo , Lampertico Pietro
Published: February 2021

Nonselective β-blockers improve decompensation-free survival in viremic hepatitis C virus compensated cirrhotic patients with clinically significant portal hypertension, but their protective role after sustained virological response by direct-acting antiviral (DAA) is undefined. We evaluated the incidence of decompensation in DAA-cured Child-A patients without high-risk varices. During the 49-month (12–60) follow-up, only one of 148 patients decompensated (ascites), with a 4-year cumulative risk of 1%, but decompensation was associated with hepatocellular carcinoma. The risk of decompensation in DAA cured hepatitis C virus compensated Child-A cirrhotic patients with clinically significant portal hypertension but without high-risk varices is negligible; thus, questioning the need for nonselective β-blocker treatment in this setting (see Visual abstract, Supplemental Digital Content, 1, http://links.lww.com/AJG/B861).

JOURNAL/ajgast/04.03/00000434-202106000-00035/inline-graphic1/v/2023-07-18T070803Z/r/image-tiff
Heavy Alcohol Use Is Associated With Gastric Cancer: Analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey From 1999 to 2010
Authors: Laszkowska Monika , Rodriguez Steven , Kim Judith , Hur Chin
Published: February 2021

INTRODUCTION:

Evidence regarding the association between alcohol use and gastric cancer (GC) has been inconsistent.

METHODS:

Adults who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 1999 to 2010 were included. Multivariable regression was used to assess the association between GC and heavy alcohol use (≥5 alcoholic drinks daily).

RESULTS:

Of 470,168 individuals surveyed, 342 had a history of GC. Heavy alcohol use was associated with GC (odds ratio 3.13, 95% confidence interval 1.15–8.64) on multivariable analysis.

DISCUSSION:

This is the largest study to our knowledge to demonstrate an association between heavy alcohol use and GC in the United States.
Screening Women for Anal Cancers: Guidance for Health Care Professionals
Authors: Vegunta Suneela , Shah Amit A. , Whited M. Helen , Long Margaret E.
Published: February 2021

Anal cancer is rare in the general population but is steadily increasing in incidence over the past decade especially in women. Identification and screening of women with high risk facilitates detection of anal precancer and early-stage cancer, improves survival, and potentially uses less invasive therapies compared with the conventional chemoradiation treatments used for advanced cancers. No recently published guidelines currently describe details about screening women for anal squamous cell cancer (ASCC). The available evidence supports the existence of groups of women with higher prevalence of ASCC (e.g., women with human immunodeficiency virus, immune suppression, or previous lower-genital high-grade lesion or cancer) who would likely benefit from screening with some combination of anal cytology and human papillomavirus testing. Additional research is needed to establish the cost-effectiveness and the influence of screening on ASCC mortality rates.
The Age-Old Conundrum With Thiopurines: Are the Accumulating Risks Greater Than Benefits?
Authors: Ha Christina
Published: February 2021

This editorial comments on the study by Khan et al. that describes potential risk of acute myeloid leukemia or myeloproliferative disorder among thiopurine therapy.
Bone Marrow Suppression Associated With Celiac Disease in a 4-Year-Old Boy
Authors: Watson Ashleigh , Kolinski Julie , Suchi Mariko , Elkadri Abdul
Published: February 2021

Celiac disease is an immune-mediated process against gluten, resulting in inflammation and villous atrophy of the duodenum. Symptoms of malabsorption characterize the classic presentation; however, abdominal pain, constipation, and nutritional deficiencies can also be seen. We present a case of a 4-year-old boy who was found to have celiac disease after presenting with diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, and new-onset pancytopenia. Symptoms resolved, and laboratory values normalized after the initiation of a gluten-free diet, indicating the bone marrow suppression was due to celiac disease, which needs to be considered when hematologic abnormalities are present, even in the absence of gastrointestinal symptoms.
The Pillow Sign: Is It Always Benign?
Authors: Alvencar Sujay , Holzwanger Erik , Dhingra Rohit , Karagozian Raffi , Olans Lori , Natov Nikola S.
Published: February 2021

Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma is classically found in the stomach; however, in less common, cases can be found in extragastric locations. Colonic MALTomas are exceedingly rare and comprise a small group of extragastric cases. There is no standardized approach for optimal management of this disease. We report a case of a colonic MALT lymphoma found on colonoscopy that demonstrated the pillow sign and appearance of a benign lipoma. Despite antimicrobial and endoscopic therapy, the malignancy reoccurred in a patient with chronic hepatitis B, thereby precluding one of the mainstays of treatment, rituximab, until viral eradication.
Acute Flare of Adult-Onset Autoimmune Enteropathy Associated With Cyclophosphamide
Authors: Liu Jasmine , Hindi Ziad , Aziz Tariq , Albashir Siwar
Published: February 2021

This is a case of adult-onset autoimmune enteropathy (AIE) in a 46-year-old man with multiple autoimmune conditions who presented with worsening disease process after receiving cyclophosphamide. We describe the investigations and management of this patient over a 6-year timeline. The diagnosis and management of AIE is challenging given the heterogeneity in clinicopathologic findings and a small number of adult case reports. We describe the current diagnostic criteria, review the literature on treatment options and outcomes, and discuss the evidence for cyclophosphamide in the treatment of AIE. Adult-onset AIE should be considered in the differential diagnosis of refractory diarrhea and weight loss.
Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Fine-Needle Aspiration for Diagnosis of Pancreatic Metastases Secondary to Ovarian Carcinoma
Authors: Chan Sandy , Wassef Wahid
Published: February 2021

Pancreatic metastases from ovarian carcinoma are rare. We present a case of a patient with pancreatic metastasis from primary ovarian carcinoma diagnosed by endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration. Our case illustrates a unique presentation of a patient with ovarian carcinoma presenting with symptoms secondary to common bile duct dilatation from a pancreatic head mass confirmed through a much less invasive approach. This diagnosis was essential in determining management and prognosis for the patient.
Validation of the “Six-and-Twelve” Prognostic Score in Transarterial Chemoembolization–Treated Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients
Authors: Kaewdech Apichat , Sripongpun Pimsiri , Cheewasereechon Natcha , Jandee Sawangpong , Chamroonkul Naichaya , Piratvisuth Teerha
Published: February 2021

INTRODUCTION:

The “six-and-twelve” prognostic score was proposed recently to predict survival rate in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). However, it has not been validated externally. We validated this score and previous prognostic scores in Thai HCC patients treated with TACE.

METHODS:

We identified all HCC patients who underwent TACE between January 2007 and December 2018 at our hospital. The inclusion criteria were treatment-naive, unresectable HCC BCLC-A and BCLC-B; if cirrhosis was present, Child-Pugh score ≤7; and baseline performance status 0–1.

RESULTS:

Of 716 HCC patients undergoing TACE, 281 (mean age, 61.1 years; 73.0% men, 92.2% with cirrhosis) were eligible. Approximately half of the patients had hepatitis B virus. Median overall survival was 20.3 (95% confidence interval, 16.4–26.3) months. By stratifying with the “six-and-twelve” score (≤6, >6–12, >12), median (95% confidence interval) overall survival was 35.1 (26.4–53.0), 16.0 (11.6–22.6), and 7.6 (5.4–14.9) months, respectively. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUROCs) predicting death at 1, 2, and 3 years for the “six-and-twelve” score were 0.714, 0.700, and 0.688, respectively. Compared with the other currently available scores, the AUROC predicting death at 1 year for the “six-and-twelve” score was the most predictive and better than other models except the up-to-seven model.

DISCUSSION:

Our study confirms the value of the “six-and-twelve” score to predict survival rate of unresectable HCC treated with TACE. However, in our validation cohort, AUROC of the “six-and-twelve” score was slightly lower than that of the original Chinese cohort (0.73).
Negative-Pressure Isolation Mask for Endoscopic Examination During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Gao Yuan , Xie Jia , Ye Lian-Song , Du Jiang , Zhang Qiong-Ying , Hu Bing
Published: February 2021

INTRODUCTION:

During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, endoscopists have high risks of exposure to exhaled air from patients during gastroscopy. To minimize this risk, we transformed the oxygen mask into a fully closed negative-pressure gastroscope isolation mask. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness, safety, and feasibility of use of this mask during gastroscopy.

METHODS:

From February 28, 2020, to March 10, 2020, 320 patients undergoing gastroscopy were randomly assigned into the mask group (n = 160) or conventional group (n = 160). Patients in the mask group wore the isolation mask during gastroscopy, whereas patients in the conventional group did not wear the mask. The adenosine triphosphate fluorescence and carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration in patients' exhaled air were measured to reflect the degree of environmental pollution by exhaled air. Patients' vital signs, operation time, and adverse events during endoscopy were also evaluated.

RESULTS:

Four patients were excluded because of noncooperation or incomplete data. A total of 316 patients were included in the final analysis. The difference between the highest CO2 concentration around patients' mouth and CO2 concentration in the environment was significantly decreased in the mask group compared with the conventional group. There was no significant difference in the adenosine triphosphate fluorescence, vital signs, and operation time between the 2 groups. No severe adverse events related to the isolation mask, endoscopy failure, or new coronavirus infection during follow-up were recorded.

DISCUSSION:

This new isolation mask showed excellent feasibility of use and safety compared with routine gastroscopy during the COVID-19 pandemic.
NUMERICAL SIMULATION OF A SINGLE RING INFILTRATION EXPERIMENT WITH hp-ADAPTIVE SPACE-TIME DISCONTINUOUS GALERKIN METHOD
Authors: Dolejší Vít , Kuráž Michal , Solin Pavel
Published: February 2021

We present a novel hp-adaptive space-time discontinuous Galerkin (hp-STDG) method for the numerical solution of the nonstationary Richards equation equipped with Dirichlet, Neumann and seepage face boundary conditions. The hp-STDG method presented in this paper is a generalization of a hp-STDG method which was developed for time dependent non-linear convective-diffusive problems. We describe the method and the single ring experiment, and then we present a numerical experiment which clearly demonstrates the superiority of the hp-STDG method over a discontinuous Galerkin method based on a static fine mesh.
MODELING OF FLOWS THROUGH A CHANNEL BY THE NAVIER–STOKES VARIATIONAL INEQUALITIES
Authors: Kračmar Stanislav , Neustupa Jiří
Published: February 2021

We deal with a mathematical model of a flow of an incompressible Newtonian fluid through a channel with an artificial boundary condition on the outflow. We explain how several artificial boundary conditions formally follow from appropriate variational formulations and the wayone expresses the dynamic stress tensor. As the boundary condition of the “do nothing”–type, that is predominantly considered to be the most appropriate from the physical point of view, does not enable one to derive an energy inequality, we explain how this problem can be overcome by using variational inequalities. We derive a priori estimates, which are the core of the proofs, and present theorems on the existence of solutions in the unsteady and steady cases.
INVESTIGATION OF COMPRESSIBLE FLOW THROUGH A TURBINE BLADE CASCADE FOR VARIOUS TRANSONIC FLOW REGIMES
Authors: Louda Petr , Příhoda Jaromír , Šafařík Pavel
Published: February 2021

This paper deals with the numerical simulation of 2D transonic flow through the SE1050 turbine blade cascade at various flow conditions. The first one concerns the design operation with a zero incidence angle involved in the ERCOFTAC Database CFD-QNET and the second one with a +20° incidence angle corresponding to an off-design operation. Advanced mathematical models with two different models of the bypass transition to turbulence were applied for the simulation of different regimes of transonic flows as well as with attached and separated flows. Transition models proposed by Dick et al. [1] and by Menter and Smirnov [2] are based on transport equations for the intermittency coefficient. Numerical results were compared with experimental data based on the optical and pressure measurements.
TNL: NUMERICAL LIBRARY FOR MODERN PARALLEL ARCHITECTURES
Authors: Oberhuber Tomáš , Klinkovský Jakub , Fučík Radek
Published: February 2021

We present Template Numerical Library (TNL, www.tnl-project.org) with native support of modern parallel architectures like multi–core CPUs and GPUs. The library offers an abstract layer for accessing these architectures via unified interface tailored for easy and fast development of high-performance algorithms and numerical solvers. The library is written in C++ and it benefits from template meta–programming techniques. In this paper, we present the most important data structures and algorithms in TNL together with scalability on multi–core CPUs and speed–up on GPUs supporting CUDA.
Translanguaging practice: creative mind of a bilingual scholar
Authors: Wang Buyi
Published: February 2021

Recently, research theorizing bilinguals’ fluid and transcending language practices has flourished. As the strategic use of more than one named language in meaning-making begins to gain validation, educators and researchers have explored the pedagogical implications of such practices in the understanding and education of bilinguals. Aligning with these explorations, this article presents a case study of a bilingual scholar’s meaning-making practice. Relying on a translanguaging lens and a multilingual perspective on creativity, I document how Professor Wang, a Chinese-American anthropologist, utilizes his full communication toolkit to navigate the academic activities of teaching, researching and writing. The findings suggest Wang translanguages to achieve the purpose of culture learning and representation. Particularly, translanguaging creativity emerges as perceived boundaries between named languages are crossed. This study of an experienced bilingual aims to inform our understanding of how to support emergent bilinguals in reaching their full learning potential in our schools.
Free boundary minimal surfaces in the unit three-ball via desingularization of the critical catenoid and the equatorial disc
Authors: Kapouleas Nikolaos , Li Martin Man-chun
Published: February 2021

We construct a new family of high genus examples of
free boundary minimal surfaces in the Euclidean unit 3-ball
by desingularizing the intersection of a coaxial pair of a critical catenoid and an equatorial disc.
The surfaces are constructed by singular perturbation methods and have three boundary components.
They are the free boundary analogue of the
Costa–Hoffman–Meeks surfaces and the surfaces constructed by
Kapouleas by desingularizing coaxial catenoids and planes.
It is plausible that the minimal surfaces we constructed here are the same as the ones obtained recently by Ketover
by using the min-max method.
Urinary bisphenol A levels in prepubertal children with exogenous obesity according to presence of metabolic syndrome
Authors: Aktağ Esra , Yurdakök Kadriye , Yalçın Siddika Songül , Kandemir Nurgün
Published: February 2021

Objectives

Recent studies have shown a potential link between chronic exposure to Bisphenol A (BPA) and exogenous obesity, the prevalence of which has been increasing dramatically in all age groups and particularly among children in the last decades. In this study, we aimed at comparing BPA exposure levels between controls and otherwise healthy, drug-naive, pre-pubertal children having exogenous obesity with/without metabolic syndrome.

Methods

A total of 63 pre-pubertal children with exogenous obesity whom 27 of them having metabolic syndrome attending Hacettepe University Ihsan Dogramaci Children’s Hospital were included in this study. The control group consisted of 34 age- and sex-matched healthy children with no significant underlying medical conditions. Urinary BPA levels were measured using LC-MS/MS (high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry) methodology.

Results

Urinary BPA levels among obese children were significantly higher than those of the control group (median: 22.9 μg/g-creatinine and 6.9 μg/g-creatinine, respectively; p=0.0001). When adjusted with generalized linear models for age, gender and z scores of body mass index, obese children having metabolic syndrome had significantly higher urinary BPA levels than obese children without metabolic syndrome and both obese groups had considerably elevated levels of urinary BPA than the controls (estimated marginal mean ± standard error: 42.3 ± 7.4 μg/g-creatinine, 22.6 ± 3.5 μg/g-creatinine and 12.1 ± 2.5 μg/g-creatinine, respectively, p=0.0001)

Conclusions

This study shows much higher BPA exposure among obese children with metabolic syndrome during the prepubertal period.
Effect of vitamin K2 and vitamin D3 on bone mineral density in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Solmaz Ismail , Ozdemir Mehmet Akif , Unal Ekrem , Abdurrezzak Ummuhan , Muhtaroglu Sebahattin , Karakukcu Musa
Published: February 2021

Objectives

Current treatment protocols in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) are associated with high remission rates and long life expectancy, enhancing the importance of quality of life and prevention of treatment-related complications in patient care. As osteoporosis is a frequent complication in patients under chemotherapy, we investigated the effect of vitamin K2 (100 mcg menaquinone-7) and vitamin D3 (10 mcg calcitriol) on bone metabolism in children with ALL.

Methods

Twenty-nine consecutive patients recently diagnosed with B precursor ALL (B-ALL) and treated according to the Turkish Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Berlin Frankfurt Münster 2000 protocol were randomly assigned into study and control groups. The study group (n=15, M/F: 8/7, age 1–14.5 years, mean 6.5 years) received vitamin K2 and vitamin D3 with their chemotherapy, while the control group (n=14, M/F 9/5, age 2–17 years, mean 7.1 years) received chemotherapy only. Serum calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, alkaline phosphatase, bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, uncarboxylated osteocalcin (ucOC), tartrate resistant acid phosphatase 5b, carboxyl terminal procollagen propeptide (PICP), osteoprotegerin (OPG), and receptor activator nuclear kappa B ligand (RANKL) were measured and bone mineral density (BMD) was determined at baseline and first, second, third and sixth months.

Results

The study group had higher serum OPG/RANKL ratio and lower ucOC levels compared to the control group at the first month; PICP levels were higher in the study group at second and third months.

Conclusions

These results suggest an early beneficial effect of the combination of vitamin K2 and vitamin D3 on BMD in ALL patients especially during the period of intensive steroid therapy in the first months.
Effects of hydroxyethyl starch and gelatin on the risk of acute kidney injury following orthotopic liver transplantation: A multicenter retrospective comparative clinical study
Authors: Chen Yingqi , Ning Xinyu , Lu Haiyang , Zhu Sainan , Wu Anshi , Jiang Jia , Mu Shanshan , Wang Jing , Niu Xu , Li Shengnan , Hou Lingdi , Zhao Yanxing , Lv Wenfei , Shang Meixia , Yao Chen , Han Shujun , Chi Ping , Xue Fushan , Yue Yun
Published: February 2021

Objectives

This multicenter retrospective study aimed to compare the effects of HES and gelatin (GEL) on the risk of post-OLT AKI.

Method

A total of 1,672 patients undergoing OLT were enrolled from major transplant centers in China between 2005 and 2013. These patients were divided into three groups: GEL, hydroxyethyl starch (HES), and GEL + HES group.

Results

There was no significant difference in the incidence of post-OLT AKI among the GEL, HES, and GEL + HES groups. The GEL + HES group had a lower incidence of stage II post-OLT AKI than the other two groups. Compared with patients receiving GEL, patients receiving HES did not harbor an increased risk of AKI. Our results showed that MELD score (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 1.579; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.123–2.219; P = 0.009) and preoperative anemia (adjusted OR, 1.533; 95% CI, 1.212–1.939; P < 0.001) were independent risk factors for post-OLT AKI, and normal preoperative Scr level (vs abnormal; adjusted OR, 0.402; 95% CI, 0.222–0.729; P = 0.003) was independent protective factors for post-OLT AKI.

Conclusion

This large-scale multicenter retrospective study found that the intraoperative use of HES did not increase the overall incidence of post-OLT AKI in patients when compared with GEL, and whether to increase the risk of post-OLT AKI needs to be further explored.
The experimental evidence of a strong coupling regime in the hybrid Tamm plasmon-surface plasmon polariton mode
Authors: Bužavaitė-Vertelienė Ernesta , Vertelis Vilius , Balevičius Zigmas
Published: February 2021

Total internal reflection ellipsometry was employed for the excitation and study of hybrid Tamm plasmon-surface plasmon polaritons mode. Simple optical methodology using optical filters to cut the part of incident light spectra was proposed. Using optical filters measured energy spectra was divided into two parts where in each range only one branch of the hybrid TPP-SPP plasmonic mode was excited directly by the incident light. Present experimental studies have shown, that if the investigated system is in strong coupling, this is always enough to excite only one component of the hybrid excitation. Thus, its dispersion relation will be the same as when the excitation is done with a whole spectrum. In the case of the TPP-SPP hybrid mode where strong coupling is realized only in p-polarized light, the fitting results have shown that the strongest coupling was at the point where the noninteracting TPP and SPP curves should be crossing. The obtained Rabi splitting for the hybrid TPP and SPP modes in BK7 prism/1D PC TiO2/SiO2 (60 nm/110 nm)/TiO2 (30 nm)/Au (40 nm) multilayered structure was about 105 meV.
Crystal structure of catena-poly[di(μ
2-cyanido-κ2
C:N)-dicyanido-tetrakis(dimethyl sulfoxide-κO)-manganese(II)-platinum(II)], C12H24MnN4O4PtS4
Authors: Ha Kwang
Published: February 2021

C12H24MnN4O4PtS4, triclinic,

P

1
‾

$P\bar{1}$

(no. 2), a = 7.5234(2) Å, b = 9.2143(2) Å, c = 9.4188(2) Å, α = 68.9266(7)°, β = 76.5614(8)°, γ = 85.8639(8)°, V = 592.54(2) Å3, Z = 1, R

gt
(F) = 0.0175, wR

ref
(F
2) = 0.0409, T = 223 K.
A Patchwork Quilt of Programs
Authors: Zimmer Annette , Priller Eckhard
Published: February 2021

How is Germany doing with respect to the fight against COVID-19? Did the German Federal and the country’s Regional Governments enact a coordinated approach, and did the sector have the opportunity to co-operate with government and have a “voice” in the policy process? Based on the results of recent empirical studies and desk-top, internet-based research, these questions are addressed and the outcome is that there were numerous programs issued by the Federal and regional German governments that buffer the effects of the crisis is having on the sector. However, the programs were not developed in co-operation with the sector and were not easy to access, particularly for small and non-professionalized nonprofits.
Effect of fiber content on the layer structure formation of fibers inside injection-molded products using short glass fiber-reinforced materials
Authors: Hamanaka Senji , Nonomura Chisato , Nguyen Thi Thanh Binh , Yokoyama Atsushi
Published: February 2021

This study aims to clarify the relationship between the layer structure transition of fibers caused by the change in the flow field and the thermal properties and fiber interaction when the glass fiber content is changed. Polyamide 6 samples with different short glass fiber contents were prepared, and changes in layer structure during the flow process of injection molding were compared using X-ray computed tomography. An injection-molding simulation was performed to compare the changes in the layer structure of fibers during the flow process, and the temperature distribution and shear rate distribution were obtained by numerical analysis. Furthermore, the effect of fiber interaction on the layer structure transition of fibers was considered using a relaxation function composed of the fiber content, fiber shape factor, and strain rate.
Influence of input data representations for time-dependent instrument recognition
Authors: Schwabe Markus , Heizmann Michael
Published: February 2021

An important preprocessing step for several music signal processing algorithms is the estimation of playing instruments in music recordings. To this aim, time-dependent instrument recognition is realized by a neural network with residual blocks in this approach. Since music signal processing tasks use diverse time-frequency representations as input matrices, the influence of different input representations for instrument recognition is analyzed in this work. Three-dimensional inputs of short-time Fourier transform (STFT) magnitudes and an additional time-frequency representation based on phase information are investigated as well as two-dimensional STFT or constant-Q transform (CQT) magnitudes. As additional phase representations, the product spectrum (PS), based on the modified group delay, and the frequency error (FE) matrix, related to the instantaneous frequency, are used. Training and evaluation processes are executed based on the MusicNet dataset, which enables the estimation of seven instruments. With a higher number of frequency bins in the input representations, an improved instrument recognition of about 2 % in F1-score can be achieved. Compared to the literature, frame-level instrument recognition can be improved for different input representations.
Not All Physical Performance Tests Are Related to Early Season Match Running Performance in Professional Rugby League
Authors: Glassbrook Daniel J. , Fuller Joel T. , Wade Jarrod A. , Doyle Tim L.A.
Published: February 2021

Glassbrook, DJ, Fuller, JT, Wade, JA, and Doyle, TLA. Not all physical performance tests are related to early season match running performance in professional rugby league. J Strength Cond Res 36(7): 1944–1950, 2022—This study aimed to determine which physical tests correlate with early season running performance. Sixteen professional rugby league players performed the 30-15 intermittent fitness test (IFT), 1.2-km time trial, 1 repetition maximum (RM) barbell back squat, isometric midthigh pull (IMTP), countermovement jump (CMJ), barbell squat jump (SJ), and ballistic bench press throw (BBP). Bivariate Pearson's correlations and linear regression were used to compare physical tests with peak match running intensities recorded by a portable Global Positioning System and represented by peak match velocity and acceleration, as well as peak 1-, 4-, 6-, and 8-minute instantaneous acceleration/deceleration periods of play. Significant (p < 0.05) negative correlations (r = −0.55 to −0.60) were observed between the IFT and relative 1-, 4-, 6-, and 8-minute peaks, and between the relative 1RM back squat and relative 1-, 4-, 6-, and 8-minute peaks. Significant positive correlations (r = 0.52–0.84) were observed between the following physical tests and match performance pairs: IFT and peak acceleration; relative 1RM back squat and peak acceleration; SJ peak power (relative and absolute) and peak acceleration; CMJ peak force (relative and absolute) and peak acceleration; CMJ peak power (relative and absolute) and peak acceleration and 1-, 4-, 6-, and 8-minute peaks; and relative BBP peak power and peak velocity and peak acceleration. The results of this study highlight that not all generic tests of physical qualities are related to peak match running performance and only those with significant correlations are likely to be able to indicate how players may perform during match-play.
Relative Age Effects in Elite Olympic Weightlifters
Authors: Kollars Jonathan M. , Taber Christopher B. , Beyer Kyle S.
Published: February 2021

Kollars, JM, Taber, CB, and Beyer, KS. Relative age effects in elite olympic weightlifters. J Strength Cond Res 35(5): 1223–1228, 2021—The time of year in which an athlete is born may provide an advantage developmentally for competition, known as relative age effects (RAEs). The presence of RAEs in sport may result in athletes participating less or leaving the sport early. To determine if RAEs exist in elite Olympic weightlifting, data were examined from the past 5 Olympic Games. Using retrospective competition data, a total of 953 weightlifters (595 men and 358 women) who competed in the Olympic Games between 2000 and 2016 were included in this study. Athletes were divided into lightweight, middleweight, and heavyweight for analysis. Using the subset weight classes, the observed date of birth distribution vs. the expected worldwide date of birth distribution were compared using multiple chi square tests. Relative age effects were present overall for weightlifters (χ2 = 189.428, p < 0.001), with over-representation in January (z = +12.6, 20.9%) and under-representation in June (z = −2.1, 6.3%), September (z = −3.2, 5.7%), and November (z = −3.0, 5.1%). Relative age effects were also present in men lightweight (χ2 = 74.773, p < 0.001), men middleweight (χ2 = 41.786, p < 0.001), men heavyweight (χ2 = 39.395, p < 0.001), and women lightweight (χ2 = 37.251, p < 0.001). Determining that RAEs are present in weightlifting is important because it will help maintain the amount of opportunity for all athletes regardless of when they were born in the year. Coaches should be aware of the possible advantages of training age and the effect of physical maturation as a result of these RAEs. Coaches may use this information for athlete selection, but the presence of RAEs should not discourage athletes from participating in the sport of weightlifting.
Countermovement Jump and Squat Jump Force-Time Curve Analysis in Control and Fatigue Conditions
Authors: Hughes Steven , Warmenhoven John , Haff G. Gregory , Chapman Dale W. , Nimphius Sophia
Published: February 2021

Hughes, S, Warmenhoven, J, Haff, GG, Chapman, DW, and Nimphius, S. Countermovement jump and squat jump force-time curve analysis in control and fatigue conditions. J Strength Cond Res 36(10): 2752–2761, 2022—This study aimed to reanalyze previously published discrete force data from countermovement jumps (CMJs) and squat jumps (SJs) using statistical parametric mapping (SPM), a statistical method that enables analysis of data in its native, complete state. Statistical parametric mapping analysis of 1-dimensional (1D) force-time curves was compared with previous zero-dimensional (0D) analysis of peak force to assess sensitivity of 1D analysis. Thirty-two subjects completed CMJs and SJs at baseline, 15 minutes, 1, 24, and 48 hours following fatigue and control conditions in a pseudo random cross-over design. Absolute (CMJABS/SJABS) and time-normalized (CMJNORM/SJNORM) force-time data were analyzed using SPM 2-way repeated measures analysis of variance with significance accepted at α = 0.05. The SPM indicated a magnitude of difference between force-time data with main effects for time (p < 0.001) and interaction (p < 0.001) observed in CMJABS, SJABS, and SJNORM, whereas previously published 0D analysis reported no 2-way interaction in CMJ and SJ peak force. This exploratory research demonstrates the strength of SPM to identify changes between entire movement force-time curves. Continued development and use of SPM analysis techniques could present the opportunity for refined assessment of athlete fatigue and readiness with the analysis of complete force-time curves.
A 5-day Heat Acclimation Program Improves Heat Stress Indicators While Maintaining Exercise Capacity
Authors: Wardenaar Floris C. , Ortega-Santos Carmen P. , Vento Kaila A.S. , Beaumont Joshua S. , Griffin Stephanie C. , Johnston Carol , Kavouras Stavros A.
Published: February 2021

Wardenaar, FC, Ortega-Santos, CP, Vento, K, Beaumont, JS, Griffin, SC, Johnston, C, and Kavouras, SA. A 5-day heat acclimation program improves heat stress indicators while maintaining exercise capacity. J Strength Cond Res 35(5): 1279–1286, 2021—This study aimed to evaluate whether a daily 60 minutes isothermic biking protocol during a 5-day period could improve physiological heat acclimation and exercise performance capacity in partially acclimated subjects. A quasi-experimental study consisted of an intervention (INT, n = 7) and control (CON, n = 7) group completing 2 12 minutes Cooper tests (pre-CT on day 1 and post-CT on day 7) and a heat stress test (HST, on day 9). INT performed additional intensive exercise 1 hour per day on days 1–5, whereas CON did not. During CTs and HST, core temperature (Tc, telemetric capsule), skin temperature (Tsk, sensors at neck, right shoulder, left hand, and right shin), and heart rate (HR, chest strap) were continuously monitored and baseline, average, peak, and increment were calculated. During the HST, the INT group showed a smaller baseline-peak Tc increment (INT 0.88 ± 0.27 vs. CON 1.64 ± 0.90° C, p = 0.02), a lower HR peak (150.2 ± 12.6 vs. 173.0 ± 16.8 b·min−1, p = 0.02), and lower Tsk peak (36.47 ± 0.62 vs. 36.54 ± 0.46° C, p = 0.04). There was a nonsignificant, but practical difference based on a moderate effect size for change in pre-CT to post-CT performance of nearly +2.7 ± 12.3% in INT and −3.0 ± 8.5% in CON (p = 0.32 and d = 0.51), and HST distance covered resulting in a nonsignificant difference of 464 ± 849 m between INT and CON (p = 0.38 and d = 0.44). In conclusion a short-term 5-day heat acclimation program including 300 minutes of extra exercise resulted in positive physiological adaptions to heat stress, as indicated by lower core temperature and HR in comparison with a control group.
Physiological and Perceptual Responses to a Single Session of Resisted Sled Sprint Training at Light or Heavy Sled Loads
Authors: Monahan Maria , Petrakos George , Egan Brendan
Published: February 2021

Monahan, M, Petrakos, G, and Egan, B. Physiological and perceptual responses to a single session of resisted sled sprint training at light or heavy sled loads. J Strength Cond Res 36(10): 2733–2740, 2022—The acute physiological and perceptual responses to a single session of resisted sled sprint (RSS) training are largely unexplored, nor have differences, if any, between male and female athletes been compared. Team field sport athletes (n = 27; male/female, 15/12; 21.1 ± 2.7 years) were assessed for Maximal Resisted Sled Load (MRSL) from which light (L-RSS, 30%MRSL) and heavy (H-RSS, 80%MRSL) sled loads were prescribed. On separate occasions in random order, 2 training sessions of 12 × 20 m RSS repetitions at either L- or H-RSS were performed, and assessments of physiological and perceptual responses were performed before (PRE), during, after (POST) and 24 hours after (+24 hours POST) each session. Compared to unresisted sprints, velocity decrements of 7.5 ± 2.2 and 22.7 ± 8.1% were produced by L-RSS and H-RSS, respectively. Heart rate, blood lactate, and ratings of perceived exertion were higher in H-RSS compared to L-RSS. Decrements in 20 m sprint and countermovement jump performance observed at POST had returned to PRE values at +24 hours POST. Except for a higher heart rate (∼7–12 b·min−1) in females during the respective sessions, responses to L- and H-RSS were generally similar between males and females. A single session of heavy RSS training is more demanding than light RSS training when matched for sprint number and distance, but measures of lower limb power and sprint performance return to pre-training levels within 24 hours regardless of sled load. Males and females respond similarly to a single session of RSS training when individualized, relative intensity sled loads are prescribed.
Stretch-Shortening Cycle Potentiation and Resistance Training-Induced Changes in Walking Economy/Ease and Activity-Related Energy Expenditure in Older Women
Authors: Hunter Gary R. , Singh Harshvardhan , Martins Catia , Baranauskas Marissa N. , Carter Stephen J.
Published: February 2021

Hunter, GR, Singh, H, Martins, C, Baranauskas, MN, and Carter, SJ. Stretch-shortening cycle potentiation and resistance training-induced changes in walking economy/ease and activity-related energy expenditure in older women. J Strength Cond Res 35(5): 1345–1349, 2021—Use of elastic energy to improve economy and ease of walking may be important for older adults. The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether baseline (i.e., untrained) stretch-shortening cycle potentiation (SSCP) was associated with potential changes in free-living activity-related energy expenditure (AEE) after supervised exercise training. Sedentary, postmenopausal women (n = 64) between 60 and 74 years of age were evaluated before and after 16 weeks of combined aerobic and resistance training. Assessments included: (a) body composition (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), (b) resting energy expenditure (indirect calorimetry), (c) submaximal and maximal walking (treadmill/indirect calorimetry), (d) total energy expenditure (doubly labeled water), and (e) one repetition maximum performed on an incline leg press and SSCP (calculated as the difference between concentric and countermovement leg press throw). Results indicated that baseline SSCP was related (r = −0.29; p < 0.02) to changes in AEE. However, subjects who possessed a high baseline SSCP did not increase SSCP or AEE, whereas subjects with low to moderate baseline SSCP demonstrated a significant increase in both SSCP (low +0.54 and moderate +0.47 m·s−1) and AEE (low +158 and moderate +333 kcal·d−1) post-training (all p less than 0.05). Our findings suggest that among subjects with low to moderate baseline SSCP, 16 weeks of combined aerobic and resistance training can increase SSCP and free-living AEE. However, subjects with high baseline SSCP may require tailored exercise to increase SSCP and possibly AEE.
Common Vertical Jump and Reactive Strength Index Measuring Devices: A Validity and Reliability Analysis
Authors: Montalvo Samuel , Gonzalez Matthew P. , Dietze-Hermosa Martin S. , Eggleston Jeffrey D. , Dorgo Sandor
Published: February 2021

Montalvo, S, Gonzalez, MP, Dietze-Hermosa, M, Eggleston, JD, and Dorgo, S. Common vertical jump and reactive strength index measuring devices: A validity and reliability analysis. J Strength Cond Res 35(5): 1234–1243, 2021—Several field-test devices exist to assess vertical jump, but they either lack proper validation or have been validated for the countermovement jump (CMJ) only. This study aimed to quantify the validity and reliability of metrics, including jump height and the calculated reactive strength index (RSI), obtained using the flight-time method from 4 different assessment devices with 3 different vertical jump modalities in comparison to a force platform (criterion assessment). The Optojump, Push-Band 2.0, MyJump2 mobile application, and What'sMyVert mobile application were used synchronously and together with the force platforms. Thirty subjects (17 males and 13 females; age ± SD: 23.37 ± 1.87 years) performed 5 repetitions of CMJ, squat jump (SQJ), and drop jump (DJ) with a standardized 90° knee flexion for all jumps. Relative reliability was determined by intraclass correlation (ICC) and absolute reliability by coefficient of variation (CV) analyses. Excellent reliability was considered as ICC > 0.9 and CV < 10%. Validity was obtained through an ordinary least products regression, ICC, and CV. Significance was set at p < 0.05. Reliability was excellent on jump height for the CMJ (ICC ≥ 0.98; CV ≤ 8.14%) for all instruments. With the exception of the Optojump, all instruments also had excellent reliability for the SQJ (ICC ≥ 0.98; CV ≤ 6.62) and DJ (ICC ≥ 0.94; CV ≤ 8.19). For the RSI metric, all instruments had excellent relative reliability (ICC ≥ 0.92), but none had excellent absolute reliability (CV ≥ 12.5%). The MyJump2 and What'sMyVert apps showed excellent validity on all jump modalities and RSI. The Optojump and Push-Band 2.0 devices both showed system and proportional bias for several jump modalities and RSI. Overall, both mobile applications may provide coaches with a cost-effective and reliable measurement of various vertical jumps.
MATLAB Guide for Analyzing Countermovement Jump Strategies and Performance Over Time
Authors: Harry John R.
Published: February 2021

Valid and reliable countermovement vertical jump (CMJ) assessments using force platforms can require complex data analysis processes not typically explored during strength and conditioning professionals' training. Although commercially available software programs with focused functionality for force platform-based CMJ analyses have become accessible to help simplify the process, such programs require costly annual subscriptions and can promote reliance on the “black box” for analysis. The purpose of this report was to provide a guide and template aimed to help strength and conditioning professionals create data analysis programs using MATLAB to monitor CMJ performance and performance changes across multiple testing sessions. The guide focuses on programming strategies to import multiple CMJ trials, treat data (i.e., filtering), calculate performance and strategy variables, and create graphics documenting an athlete's performance changes over time. The provided example script can be used as standalone analysis program for the CMJ, to help coaches learn basic script-writing strategies to create their own analysis programs for the CMJ and other performance tests, or both. Ultimately, strength and conditioning professionals should seek to have ownership of their data and analysis processes, and this guide can help coaches start or continue that process.