bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A tetraploid Echinochloa with plagiotropic tillers: Its distribution and habitat in the northern part of the main island of Japan
Authors: Yasuda Kentaro , Mori Kaoru , Nakayama Yuichiro 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAn annual Echinochloa with plagiotropic tillers (semi‐erect type) was found on a paddy levee in Miyagi prefecture in Japan. This semi‐erect type had tetraploid chromosome numbers (2n = 36) and would be expected to be E. oryzicola. However, its appearance was distinct from that of E. oryzicola. To collect seed samples and clarify its distribution and habitat, exploration and collection surveys were carried out in the northern part of Honshu, the main island of Japan in 2014, 2017, and 2018. Thirty‐two populations that were assumed to be the semi‐erect type were found and their mature seeds were collected. Based on the results of chromosome counts and growth form analyses, all of them were confirmed to be the semi‐erect type. The 32 populations were distributed in the prefectures of Aomori, Iwate, Akita, Miyagi, Yamagata, Fukushima, and Niigata, and located in paddy fields, abandoned paddy fields, paddy levees, roadsides, vacant land, and scree slopes. Our surveys indicated that the semi‐erect type grew in wet and dry disturbed habitats at an early stage of secondary succession including paddy fields in the northern part of the main island of Japan.
A Model-Guided Neural Network for the Prediction of Creep Behavior Under in-Service Conditions
Authors: Hong Hui , Cai Zhenwei , Wang Han , Wang Weizhe , Liu Yingzheng 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Data-driven neural network methods have been widely applied for the prediction of stress–strain behavior, but have proven ill-suited for the extrapolation of time-dependent creep behavior. To overcome this problem, we embedded a physics-based model into feedforward neural networks (FFNNs) to construct a model-guided neural network (MGNN). We proposed a new initialization method for the weights in the model, based on selecting the appropriate physics-based model and activation function, and the resulting MGNN was used for predicting the creep behavior of blade-grooves in a steam turbine rotor under in-service conditions. We compared the performance of the MGNN with baseline methods, namely MGNN0, a FFNN, and a nonlinear autoregressive network with exogenous inputs (network). The results showed that the physics-based model and the neural network in the MGNN complemented each other: the model provided physical relationships to guide the neural network, and the neural network provided stress-fluctuation-tracking for the model. This functionality enabled primary creep behavior to be used as training data for the MGNN, enabling it to predict secondary creep behavior.
Quantifying Dysfunction of the Lumbar Multifidus Muscle After Radiofrequency Neurotomy and Fusion Surgery: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Sadeghi Seyedali , Bible Jesse E. , Cortes Daniel H. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
The multifidus is an important muscle for the active stabilization of the spine. Unfortunately, clinical procedures such as posterior lumbar fusion (PLF) and radio frequency neurotomy (RFN) cause injury to these muscles affecting their function. However, evaluating multifidus function using traditional biomechanical methods is challenging due to its unique anatomical features. The change in muscle shear modulus during contraction has been corrected to force generation for several skeletal muscles. Therefore, the change in shear modulus can be used to quantify muscle contraction. The objective of this study was to evaluate multifidus dysfunction by comparing changes in shear modulus during muscle contraction in healthy individuals and patients who received RFN and PLF in the lumbar spine. We used our recently developed protocol which consists of measuring changes of multifidus shear modulus at lying prone, sitting up, and sitting up with the arms lifted. In healthy individuals, the median multifidus shear modulus increased progressively from prone, sitting, and sitting with arms raised: 18.55 kPa, 27.14 kPa, and 38.45 kPa, respectively. A moderate increase in shear modulus for these body positions was observed in PLF patients: 9.81 kPa, 17.26 kPa, and 21.85 kPa. In RFN patients, the shear modulus remained relatively constant: 14.44 kPa, 16.57 kPa, and 17.26 kPa. Overall, RFN and PLF caused a reduction in the contraction of multifidus muscles. However, the contraction of multifidus muscle slightly increased during multifidus activation in PLF patients, while it did not change in RFN patients. These preliminary measurements suggest that the proposed protocol using SWE can provide important information about the function of individual spine muscles to guide the design and evaluation of postsurgical rehabilitation protocols.
Comparison of Short Stems Versus Straight Hip Stems: A Biomechanical Analysis of the Primary Torsional Stability
Authors: Jahnke Alexander , Ghandourah Suleiman , Fonseca Ulloa Carlos A. , Seeger Jörn Bengt , Rickert Markus , Ishaque Bernd Alexander , Ahmed Gafar Adam 
Published: June 2020

AbstractCementless straight stems show very good survival rates. However, the more distal force application of straight stems may lead to release-related proximal stress-shielding. Nevertheless, this technical brief had the objective of conducting a biomechanical in vitro analysis comparing short stems with established straight stems with respect to their primary torsional stability. Two cementless short hip stems and three cementless straight hip stems were implanted in n = 5 synthetic femora each. Torsional torques were applied into the hip stems at a continuous interval of ±7 Nm. Micromotions were measured by six inductive extensometers on four different measurement levels. At the proximal measuring point, significantly smaller relative micromotions of the CLS® prosthesis could be detected compared to all other stem models (p &lt; 0.05). In all stem models, smallest relative micromotions were found at the metaphyseal/diaphyseal measuring point. Only at the measuring point of the distal tips of the straight stems, statistically significantly lower relative micromotion of the CLS® stem compared to the Trendhip® stem could be found (p &lt; 0.01). All the investigated stems generally display a rather comparable anchoring pattern and an almost physiological force application. Since the comparatively long straight stems present an anchoring pattern nearly identical to that of the examined short stems, a shortening of the established straight stems could be taken into consideration. This would offer the advantage of minimally invasive surgery and bone-saving resection as well as preservation of cancellous bone in case a revision would become necessary.
Tuning Thermal Dosage to Facilitate Mesenchymal Stem Cell Osteogenesis in Pro-Inflammatory Environment
Authors: Sunderic Kristifor , Li Chenghai , Ahmed A. H. Rezwanuddin , Dawkins Dionne , Azar Tala , Cardoso Luis , Wang Sihong 
Published: June 2020

AbstractMesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent cells that can replicate and differentiate to different lineages, potentiating their use as integral components in regenerated mesenchymal tissues. Our previous work and other studies have indicated that mild heat shock enhances osteogenesis. However, the influence of pro-inflammatory cytokines on osteogenic differentiation during mildly elevated temperature conditions remains to be fully explored. In this study, human MSCs (hMSCs) were cultured with tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), an important mediator of the acute phase response, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) which plays a role in damaging chronic inflammation, then heat shocked at 39 °C in varying frequencies—1 h per week (low), 1 h every other day (mild), and 1 h intervals three times per day every other day (high). DNA data showed that periodic mild heating inhibited suppression of cell growth caused by cytokines and induced maximal proliferation of hMSCs while high heating had the opposite effect. Quantitative osteogenesis assays show significantly higher levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and calcium precipitation in osteogenic cultures following mild heating compared to low heating or nonheated controls. These results demonstrate that periodic mild hyperthermia may be used to facilitate bone regeneration using hMSCs, and therefore may influence the design of heat-based therapies in vivo.
Diastolic Vortex Alterations With Reducing Left Ventricular Volume: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Samaee Milad , Nelsen Nicholas H. , Gaddam Manikantam G. , Santhanakrishnan Arvind 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Despite the large number of studies of intraventricular filling dynamics for potential clinical applications, little is known as to how the diastolic vortex ring properties are altered with reduction in internal volume of the cardiac left ventricle (LV). The latter is of particular importance in LV diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) and in congenital diseases such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), where LV hypertrophy (LVH) can reduce LV internal volume. We hypothesized that peak circulation and the rate of decay of circulation of the diastolic vortex would be altered with reducing end diastolic volume (EDV) due to increasing confinement. We tested this hypothesis on physical models of normal LV and HCM geometries, under identical prescribed inflow profiles and for multiple EDVs, using time-resolved particle image velocimetry (TR-PIV) measurements on a left heart simulator. Formation and pinch-off of the vortex ring were nearly unaffected with changes to geometry and EDV. Pinch-off occurred before the end of early filling (E-wave) in all test conditions. Peak circulation of the vortex core near the LV outflow tract (LVOT) increased with lowering EDV and was lowest for the HCM model. The rate of decay of normalized circulation in dimensionless formation time (T*) increased with decreasing EDV. When using a modified version of T* that included average LV cross-sectional area and EDV, normalized circulation of all tested EDVs collapsed closely in the normal LV model (10% maximum difference between EDVs). Collectively, our results show that LV shape and internal volume play a critical role in diastolic vortex ring dynamics.
Collapse of Conical Shells Having Single Dimple Imperfection Under Axial Compression
Authors: Ifayefunmi Olawale , Mahidan Fairuz Mardhiah 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
This paper aims to provide experimental results into the buckling behavior of cones having single dimple imperfection subjected to axial compression. Results of eight laboratory scaled conical test models and their accompanying numerical data are presented. Cones were manufactured in pairs with single dimple imperfection amplitude, A, of 0.0, 0.56, 1.12, and 1.68. Experimental results reveal good repeatability of collapse load. The errors between each pair were found to be 3%, 7%, 11%, and 1%. Furthermore, the comparison between test data and the numerically predicted collapse load was seen to be good. The ratio of collapse test load to finite element predicted values are [(0.96, 0.99), (1.04, 1.10), (1.06, 0.94), (1.0, 1.01)]. The buckling of axially compressed conical shells using the single dimple imperfection type appears to be strongly influenced by: (i) the dimple/imperfection amplitude, (ii) the cone geometric parameter, i.e., radius-to-thickness ratio and cone angle, and (iii) the location of the dimple.
Efficacy and safety of selective laser trabeculoplasty and pattern scanning laser trabeculoplasty: a randomised clinical trial
Authors: Wong Mandy Oi Man , Lai Isabel SW , Chan Poemen Puiman , Chan Noel CY , Chan Alison YY , Lai Gilda WK , Chiu Vivian SM , Leung Christopher Kai-Shun 
Published: June 2020

AimsTo compare the intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering effect and safety profile between pattern scanning laser trabeculoplasty (PSLT) and selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) or ocular hypertension (OHT) over a 12-month follow-up.Methods132 patients with POAG or OHT were consecutively enrolled and randomised (1:1) to receive PSLT (n=65) or SLT (n=67) in a single centre. IOP was measured before and then on 1 day, 1 week, 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after PSLT/SLT. The primary outcome measure was the proportion of patients with ≥20% IOP reduction at 12 months without IOP-lowering medications (complete success).ResultsThe mean baseline IOP was 21.2±4.1 mm Hg for eyes randomised to PSLT and 21.3±4.7 mm Hg for eyes randomised to SLT (p=0.898). At 12 months, the IOP was 18.3±3.1 and 17.8±3.4 mm Hg, respectively (p=0.402). IOP measurements were comparable between the groups over 12 months (overall mean difference 0.4 mm Hg, 95% CI: −0.5 to 1.3 mm Hg). 15.4% of PSLT-treated and 25.4% of SLT-treated patients achieved treatment success (difference: 10.0%, 95% CI: −3.6 to 23.6) (p=0.155), respectively. A higher baseline IOP and a greater percentage of IOP reduction at day 1 were associated with a greater percentage of IOP reduction at 12 months (p<0.001). There were no significant differences in visual field mean deviation, average retinal nerve fibre layer thickness, corneal endothelial cell count and visual acuity between the treatment groups at the baseline and 12-month follow-up (p≥0.062).ConclusionsPSLT was not superior to SLT in terms of safety and IOP-lowering efficacy in patients with POAG or OHT.Trial registration numberThe clinical trial was registered in the Centre for Research and Biostatistics Clinical Trials Registry, the Chinese University of Hong Kong (Identifier CUHK_CCT00407). The full trial protocol can be accessed from the authors on request.
Assessing palliative care education in undergraduate medical students: translation and validation of the Self-Efficacy in Palliative Care and Thanatophobia Scales for Brazilian Portuguese
Authors: Gryschek Guilherme , Cecilio-Fernandes Dario , Mason Stephen , de Carvalho-Filho Marco Antonio 
Published: June 2020

BackgroundAs the global population ages, palliative care is ever more essential to provide care for patients with incurable chronic conditions. However, in many countries, doctors are not prepared to care for dying patients. Palliative care education should be an urgent concern for all medical schools all around the world, including Latin America and Brazil. Advances in palliative care education require robust assessment tools for constant evaluation and improvement of educational programmes. Bandura’s social cognitive theory proposes that active learning processes are mediated by self-efficacy and associated outcome expectancies, both crucial elements of developing new behaviour. The Self-Efficacy in Palliative Care (SEPC) and Thanatophobia Scales were developed using Bandura’s theory to assess the outcomes of palliative care training.ObjectivesWe aimed to translate and validate these scales for Brazilian Portuguese to generate data on how well doctors are being prepared to meet the needs of their patients.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingOne Brazilian medical school.ParticipantsThird-year medical students.MethodsThe authors translated the scales following the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer’s recommendations and examined their psychometric properties using data collected from a sample of 111 students in a Brazilian medical school in 2017.ResultsThe Brazilian versions of SEPC and Thanatophobia Scales showed good psychometric properties, including confirmatory factor analysis, replicating the original factors (factor range: 0.51–0.90), and acceptable values of reliability (Cronbach’s alpha: 0.82–0.97 and composite reliability: 0.82–0.96). Additionally, the Brazilian versions of the scales showed concurrent validity, demonstrated through a significant negative correlation.ConclusionsThe Brazilian version of the scales may be used to assess the impact of current undergraduate training and identify areas for improvement within palliative care educational programmes. The data generated allow Brazilian researchers to join international conversations on this topic and educators to develop tailored pedagogical approaches.
Risk factors for bleeding in haemato-oncology patients—a nested case–control study: The BITE study protocol (Bleeding In Thrombocytopenia Explained)
Authors: Cornelissen Loes L , Caram-Deelder Camila , van der Bom Johanna G , Middelburg Rutger A , Zwaginga Jaap Jan 
Published: June 2020

IntroductionHaemato-oncological patients often receive platelet count driven prophylactic platelet transfusions to prevent bleeding. However, many prophylactically transfused patients still bleed. More knowledge on risk factors for bleeding is therefore needed. This will enable identification of bleeding risk profiles on which future transfusion policy can be optimised. The present BITE study (Bleeding In Thrombocytopenia Explained) aims to identify clinical conditions and biomarkers that are associated with clinically relevant bleeding events.Methods and analysisA matched case–control study nested in a cohort of haemato-oncological patients in the Netherlands. We collect a limited number of variables from all eligible patients, who together form the source population. These patients are followed for the occurrence of clinically relevant bleeding. Consenting patients of the source population form the cohort. Cases from the cohort are frequency matched to selected control patients for the nested case–control study. Of both case and control patients more detailed clinical data is collected.Study populationAdult haemato-oncological patients, who are admitted for intensive chemotherapeutic treatment or stem cell transplantation, or who received such treatments in the past and are readmitted for disease or treatment-related adverse events.Statistical analysisBleeding incidences will be calculated for the total source population, as well as for different subgroups. The association between potential risk factors and the occurrence of bleeding will be analysed using conditional logistic regression, to account for matching of case and control patients.Ethics and disseminationThe study was approved by the Medical Research Ethics Committee Leiden Den Haag and Delft, and the Radboudumc Committee on Research Involving Human Subjects. Approval in seven other centres is foreseen. Patients will be asked for written informed consent and data is coded before analyses, according to Dutch privacy law. Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals.Trial registration numberNL62499.058.17. NCT03505086; Pre-results.
Elastic-band resistance exercise or vibration treatment in combination with hydroxymethylbutyrate (HMB) supplement for management of sarcopenia in older people: a study protocol for a single-blinded randomised controlled trial in Hong Kong
Authors: Chow Simon Kwoon-Ho , Chim Yu-Ning , Cheng Keith Yu-Kin , Ho Chung-Yan , Ho Wing-Tung , Cheng Kenneth Chik-Chee , Wong Ronald Man-Yeung , Cheung Wing-Hoi 
Published: June 2020

IntroductionSarcopenia is a geriatric syndrome characterised by progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass and function with risks of adverse outcomes and becomes more prevalent due to ageing population. Elastic-band exercise, vibration treatment and hydroxymethylbutyrate (HMB) supplementation were previously proven to have positive effects on the control of sarcopenia. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of elastic-band exercise or vibration treatment with HMB supplementation in managing sarcopenia. Our findings will provide a safe and efficient strategy to mitigate the progression of sarcopenia in older people and contribute to higher quality of life as well as improved long-term health outcomes of elderly people.Methods and analysisIn this single-blinded, randomised controlled trial (RCT), subjects will be screened for sarcopenia based on the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) definition and 144 sarcopenic subjects aged 65 or above will be recruited. This RCT will have three groups evaluated at two time points to measure changes over 3 months—the control and the groups with combined HMB supplement and elastic-band resistance exercise or vibration treatment. Changes in muscle strength in lower extremity will be the primary outcome. Muscle strength in the upper extremity, gait speed, muscle mass (based on AWGS definition), functional performance in terms of balancing ability and time-up-and-go test and quality of life will be taken as secondary outcomes. In addition, each participant’s daily activity will be monitored by a wrist-worn activity tracker. Repeated-measures analysis of variance will be performed to compare within-subject changes between control and treatment groups at two time points of pretreatments and post-treatments.Ethics and disseminationThe procedures have been approved by the Joint CUHK-NTEC Clinical Research Management Office (Ref. CREC 2018.602) and conformed to the Declaration of Helsinki. Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, conferences and workshops.Trial registration numberNCT04028206.
Interpretation of China’s 2017 health expenditure: a latent profile analysis of panel data
Authors: Zang Shuang , Zhao Meizhen , OuYang Jing , Wang Xin 
Published: June 2020

ObjectiveTo explore the latent structure of health financing and the institutional distribution of health expenditure (focused on hospital expenditure) in provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities of mainland China, and to examine how these profiles may be related to their externalising and internalising characteristics.Study designThe study used panel data harvested from the China National Health Accounts Report 2018.MethodsMainland China’s provincial data on health expenditure in 2017 was studied. A latent profile analysis was conducted to identify health financing and hospital health expenditure profiles in China. Additionally, rank-sum tests were used to understand the difference of socioeconomic indicators between subgroups.ResultsA best-fitting three-profile solution for per capita health financing was identified, with government health expenditure (χ2=10.137, p=0.006) and social health expenditure (χ2=6.899, p=0.032) varying significantly by profiles. Health expenditure in hospitals was subject to a two-profile solution with health expenditure flow to urban hospitals, county hospitals and community health service centres having significant differences between the two profiles (p<0.001).ConclusionsPer capita health financing and health expenditure spent in hospitals have discrepant socioeconomic characteristics in different profiles, which may be attributed to macroeconomic factors and government policies. The study provided new and explicit ideas for health financing and health policy regulation in China.