bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Feasibility of human spinal cord perfusion mapping using dynamic susceptibility contrast imaging at 7T: Preliminary results and identified guidelines
Authors: Lévy Simon , Roche Pierre‐Hugues , Guye Maxime , Callot Virginie 
Published: November 2020

PurposeTo explore the feasibility of dynamic susceptibility contrast MRI at 7 Tesla for human spinal cord perfusion mapping and fill the gap between brain and spinal cord perfusion mapping techniques.MethodsAcquisition protocols for high‐resolution single shot EPI in the spinal cord were optimized for both spin‐echo and gradient‐echo preparations, including cardiac gating, acquisition times and breathing cycle recording. Breathing‐induced MRI signal fluctuations were investigated in healthy volunteers. A specific image‐ and signal‐processing pipeline was implemented to address them. Dynamic susceptibility contrast was then evaluated in 3 healthy volunteers and 5 patients. Bolus depiction on slice‐wise signal within cord was investigated, and maps of relative perfusion indices were computed.ResultsSignal fluctuations were increased by 1.9 and 2.3 in free‐breathing compared to apnea with spin‐echo and gradient‐echo, respectively. The ratio between signal fluctuations and bolus peak in healthy volunteers was 5.0% for spin‐echo and 3.8% for gradient‐echo, allowing clear depiction of the bolus on every slice and yielding relative blood flow and volume maps exhibiting the expected higher perfusion of gray matter. However, signal fluctuations in patients were increased by 4 in average (using spin‐echo), compromising the depiction of the bolus in slice‐wise signal. Moreover, 3 of 18 slices had to be discarded because of fat‐aliasing artifacts.ConclusionDynamic susceptibility contrast MRI at 7 Tesla showed great potential for spinal cord perfusion mapping with a reliability never achieved thus far for single subject and single slice measurements. Signal stability needs to be improved in acquisition conditions associated with patients; guidelines to achieve that have been identified and shared.
Depression, anxiety, and stress in women with urinary incontinence with or without myofascial dysfunction in the pelvic floor muscles: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Reis Amanda M. , Brito Luiz G. O. , Lunardi Anna L. B. , Pinto e Silva Marcela P. , Juliato Cássia R. T. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAimsTo compare the prevalence of psychological symptoms (depression, anxiety, and stress) in women with urinary incontinence (UI), according to the presence or absence of myofascial dysfunction (MD) in the pelvic floor muscles (PFMs).MethodsCross‐sectional study, with women with UI who are 18 years old and over. The diagnosis of MD was defined by the pain of any intensity during the palpation of PFM. All participants answered the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire‐Short Form and the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Overactive Bladder for urinary symptoms and the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale‐Short Form‐21 to check for the presence and degrees of depression, anxiety, and stress.ResultsTwo hundred‐thirty‐four women with a mean age of 52.5 (±9.2) years were included. Almost half (51.7%) of women had MD. Women with MD showed higher mild and moderate anxiety scores (p = .005) and higher mild, moderate, and severe stress scores (p = .027) than women without MD. Depression scores were not associated with MD; however, women with and without MD reported severe or extremely severe depression, anxiety, and stress.ConclusionsThe risk for depression, anxiety, and stress is high among women with UI regardless of the presence of MD. However, women with MD had higher scores for anxiety and stress than women with UI without MD.
Dynamics of Arrhenius activation energy in flow of Carreau fluid subject to Brownian motion diffusion
Authors: Ijaz Khan Muhammad , Qayyum Sumaira , Nigar Mehr , Chu Yu‐Ming , Kadry Seifedine 
Published: November 2020

AbstractNanofluid comprising nanometer sized materials, called nanoparticles. These liquids are built colloidal suspensions of nanomaterials in a continuous phase liquid. The nanomaterials utilized in nanoliquids are typically made of carbon nanotubes, oxides and metals. In this research, communication, the impact of Brownian diffusion and thermophoresis is addressed in flow of non‐Newtonian fluid towards shrinking/stretching the surface. The energy equation is developed subjesct to dissipation, radiative flux (nonlinear) and Ohmic heating. The activation energy is further considered for chemical reaction. The nonlinear flow expressions are transformed into ordinary differential equations with the help of similarity transformations. The obtained systems of ordinary differential equation's are numerically solved through Shooting method (bvp4c). The concentration, temperature and velocity profiles are determined graphically. Mass transfer, surface drag force and heat transfer rate are shown by tables. At last, entropy and Bejan number are discussed through graphs in which entropy showed increasing behavior for magnetic, radiation, Brinkman and diffusivity parameter but Bejan number showed opposite behavior for them.
A Randomized Controlled Trial of Ovarian Suppression in Premenopausal Women: No Change in Free‐Living Energy Expenditure
Authors: Gavin Kathleen M. , Melanson Edward L. , Hildreth Kerry L. , Gibbons Ellie , Bessesen Daniel H. , Kohrt Wendy M. 
Published: November 2020

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to determine whether suppression of ovarian function (gonadotropin‐releasing hormone agonist [GnRHAG]) for 24 weeks in premenopausal women approaching menopause causes changes in body composition and a decline in free‐living physical activity energy expenditure (PAEE) and whether endurance exercise training attenuates the changes.MethodsPremenopausal women who were approaching menopause (mean [SD]: age 46 [3] years, BMI 26.3 [4.8] kg/m2) were randomized to 24 weeks of GnRHAG (n = 14), GnRHAG + Exercise (n = 11), or placebo (n = 9). Endurance exercise was performed 4 days per week with the goal of expending 200 to 300 kcal per session. Primary outcome measurements included body composition by dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry, total daily energy expenditure (TDEE), and PAEE by doubly labeled water, and resting energy expenditure (REE) by indirect calorimetry.ResultsChanges in TDEE, PAEE, REE, or body composition were not different between groups. However, within the GnRHAG group, fat mass increased (mean [SE]: total 1.7 [0.4] kg, trunk 0.9 [0.2] kg, leg 0.6 [0.2] kg) and fat‐free leg mass decreased (mean [SE]: −0.4 [0.2] kg) significantly.ConclusionsIn premenopausal women approaching menopause, ovarian hormone suppression resulted in increased adiposity without alterations in TDEE, PAEE, or REE.
Screening for Obstructive Sleep Apnea in a Diverse Bariatric Surgery Population
Authors: Kreitinger Kimberly Y. , Lui Macy M. S. , Owens Robert L. , Schmickl Christopher N. , Grunvald Eduardo , Horgan Santiago , Raphelson Janna R. , Malhotra Atul 
Published: November 2020

ObjectiveObstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is common among bariatric surgery patients and is associated with perioperative risk. Preoperative screening is recommended, but some screening tools lack validation, and their relative performance is unclear in this population. The study objective was to compare the ability of four existing tools (STOP‐BANG, NO‐OSAS, No‐Apnea, and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale [ESS]) to screen for moderate to severe OSA in a diverse bariatric cohort.MethodsData from patients presenting for first‐time bariatric surgery who underwent a sleep study within 1 year of the initial encounter were retrospectively reviewed. Performance of the four tools for detecting moderate to severe OSA was compared based on the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC).ResultsOf the included 214 patients (83.2% female, median age 39 years), 45.3% had moderate to severe OSA. Based on AUC, STOP‐BANG (0.75 [95% CI: 0.68‐0.81], N = 185), NO‐OSAS (0.76 [95% CI: 0.69‐0.82], N = 185), and No‐Apnea (0.69 [95% CI: 0.62‐0.76], N = 190) had similar performance (P > 0.16). Compared with STOP‐BANG and NO‐OSAS, ESS (0.61 [95% CI: 0.54‐0.68], N = 198) had a significantly lower AUC (P < 0.01). Hispanic/Latino self‐identification, sex, or obesity class did not significantly modify test performance.ConclusionsSTOP‐BANG and NO‐OSAS may be preferable to No‐Apnea and ESS when screening bariatric surgery patients for moderate to severe OSA. Efforts to screen bariatric patients for OSA are recommended.image
Ethnic differences in self‐assessed health in Scotland: The role of socio‐economic status and migrant generation
Authors: Cézard Geneviève , Finney Nissa , Kulu Hill , Marshall Alan 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThis study investigates ethnic differences in self‐assessed health in Scotland and their determinants, focusing on socio‐economic status and migrant generations. We use the Scottish Health and Ethnicity Linkage Study (SHELS) and apply regression analysis to data for 4.6 million people. The analysis shows that the White British, Other White and Chinese groups reported better health than the White Scottish population, whereas Pakistani and Indian populations had worse health outcomes. For the latter two groups, this contrasts with previous findings of mortality advantage and thus highlights a morbidity–mortality paradox in these South Asian populations. Our findings imply that socio‐economic deprivation, health selection and acculturation explain health inequalities for some ethnic groups, but for other groups, especially those of Pakistani origin, other mechanisms deserve further exploration.
Precipitation retrieval by the L1‐norm regularization: Typhoon Hagibis case
Authors: Wang Gen , Han Wei , Lu Shuai 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThis study examines precipitation retrieval by the L1‐norm regularization using the infrared brightness temperatures from the Himawari‐8/Advanced Himawari Imager (AHI) of the typhoon Hagibis and analyses the advantages of high temporal resolution data. The AHI data covering the entire life cycle of typhoon Hagibis are implemented and we label “precipitation” and “non‐precipitation” fields‐of‐view (FOVs) based on the variation of brightness temperature gradient in AHI channels 8–16. In the precipitation FOVs, we implement the L1‐norm regularization where contribution rate of the “input variable” in the objective functional is obtained by approximating the degree of freedom for signal. The proposed approach is an effective method to obtain sparse solutions, which can express most or all atomic information by a small amount of atomic information. Several experiments reveal that the retrieved precipitation of typhoon Hagibis exhibits good structural similarity in consistency with the global precipitation measurement (GPM) precipitation values. In particular, the proposed approach provides better structural similarity (SSIM) and peak signal‐to‐noise ratio (PSNR) value compared with the random forest method, which is beneficial in extreme precipitation.
Optical analysis of quantum dot with velocity‐dependent potential
Authors: Bahar M. K. , Ungan F. , Kaya H. , Akkoyun S. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIn this study, for the first time, the velocity‐dependent potential (VDP) effects on the total refractive index changes (TRICs) and the total absorption coefficients (TACs) of the parabolic quantum dot with spherical confinement, generated by GaAs/GaAlAs heterostructure, are comprehensively investigated. In order to obtain the subband energy spectra and the electronic wave function of the quantum dot system, the wave equation is numerically solved due to the VDP's complexity by using Runge‐Kutta‐Fehlberg method within the effective mass approximation. The nonlinear optical specifications of the quantum dot with velocity‐dependent potential (QDVDP) are analyzed using the compact density matrix formalism within the framework of the iterative method. To investigate the optical specifications of QDVDP, the isotropic form factor of VDP is taken into consideration as the harmonic oscillator type, F(r) = γρ0r2 (being γ and ρ0 are constants). Optical analysis is also executed for parabolic encompassing under the influence of VDP, as well as VDP, analyzing for TRICs and TACs of QDVDP, for which the result is quite a change compared to cases without VDP due to the symmetry‐breaking repercussion on system confinement of VDP. The main motivation of the present study is to clearly distinguish VDP effects on optical properties of the quantum dot, carrying out an analysis on optimal range and alternative parameter for optical properties.
Global exponential stabilization for a class of nonlinear systems by output feedback control with three gain‐scaling factors
Authors: Oh Sang‐Young , Choi Ho‐Lim 
Published: November 2020

SummaryIn this article, we consider a problem of global exponential stabilization for a class of nonlinear systems with the perturbed nonlinearity by output feedback. We provide a newly designed observer‐based output feedback controller with three gain‐scaling factors to deal with extended structure of nonlinearity and larger growth rate of nonlinearity over the existing results. Utilizing three gain‐scaling factors, we have more flexibility in selecting control parameters. Moreover, we present two procedures for selecting gain‐scaling parameters which are associated with stabilizing the system and improving the convergence rate of the system states and observer errors, respectively. Via numerical and practical examples, we illustrate the improved features of the proposed control scheme over the existing schemes.
Goshajinkigan increases peripheral capillary diameter in non‐diabetic and diabetic mice
Authors: Inagaki Koki , Furuta Masataka , Asada Izumi , Hisaka Shinsuke , Nose Mitsuhiko 
Published: November 2020

ABSTRACTAimGoshajinkigan (GJG) improves hyperesthesia and hypoesthesia in diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) by increasing nitric oxide (NO) production. In this study, we investigated the involvement of NO in the vasodilatory effect of GJG in peripheral capillaries to clarify the mechanism related to DPN symptom improvement.MethodsGJG was orally administered to non‐diabetic and streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced diabetic male mice. Auricular venule and arteriole diameters were measured by video capillaroscopy. The mice were pretreated with NG‐nitro‐L‐arginine methyl ester (L‐NAME) to assess NO involvement.ResultsGJG increased venule and arteriole diameters in both non‐diabetic and diabetic mice. L‐NAME pretreatment inhibited GJG‐induced increases in capillary diameter.ConclusionThe direct vasodilatory effect of GJG in peripheral arterioles and venules involved increased NO production.
Spontaneous mainstream anammox in a full‐scale wastewater treatment plant with hybrid sludge retention time in a temperate zone of China
Authors: Yuan Quan , Wang Kaijun , He Beiping , Liu Ruidong , Qian Liang , Wan Shuo , Zhou Yaxu , Cai Hulin , Gong Hui 
Published: November 2020

AbstractSpontaneous anammox bacteria enrichment at mainstream conditions was reported in a full‐scale Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) in a temperate zone of China. The mainstream anammox was observed after WWTP process retrofit, which constructed a hybrid sludge retention time (SRT) system by providing moving carriers in the anaerobic/anoxic tank and was initially designed to enhance the denitrification process in a conventional anaerobic/anoxic/oxic process. The hybrid SRT system achieved 86.0 ± 4.6% total nitrogen (TN) removal via combined mainstream anammox and conventional denitrification. Autotrophic denitrification via mainstream anammox was confirmed by various shreds of evidence including high‐throughput sequencing, specific anammox activity test, and 15N isotopic tracing. Long‐term anammox bacteria existence in the biofilm of the carrier in anoxic zones was detected in a much higher relative abundance compared with other spots. The contribution of anammox activity to TN removal was estimated at around 20%–30%. The reasons leading to spontaneous anammox enrichment were mainly attributed to the carriers for slow‐growing bacteria growth and dissolved oxygen gradient in the anoxic tank (caused by intermittent aeration) for nitrite production. The insights of this full‐scale case study provide important perspectives for future mainstream anammox application, and also the design of an energy‐neutral WWTP process.Practitioner points

Spontaneous mainstream anammox in a full‐scale WWTP after its retrofit in a temperate zone of China was reported.

Anammox bacteria enrichment and long‐term stability on moving carriers at mainstream conditions was achieved by modified hybrid SRT system.

The hybrid SRT system achieve stable nitrogen removal even in cold winter and high BOD/N situation by combining mainstream anammox with conventional denitrification.

Long term full‐scale operation demonstrated excellent nitrogen removal with about 20%–30% contribution of mainstream anammox.

This full‐scale case study provided perspectives for future optimizing mainstream anammox application, and also energy‐neutral WWTP process design.
Kognitive Verhaltenstherapie bei Autofahrangst
Authors: Fischer Carolin , Schröder Annette , Heider Jens 
Published: November 2020

ZusammenfassungDie Exposition im Straßenverkehr bei der kognitiv-verhaltenstherapeutischen Behandlung der Autofahrangst ist oftmals mit Fragen der praktischen Umsetzung sowie mit Haftungsfragen verbunden. Die folgende Handlungsempfehlung gibt einen Überblick über die Diagnostik, Ätiologie und psychometrische Erfassung der Autofahrangst und stellt versicherungsrechtliche Aspekte, die bei der Exposition im Straßenverkehr zu beachten sind, dar. Es wird ein Therapiemodul zur Behandlung der Autofahrangst vorgestellt, das konkrete Hinweise zur praktischen Umsetzung der Behandlung von Autofahrangst gibt.
The elephant at the fence: almsman, panhandler, friend or foe?
Authors: Fernando Prithiviraj , Ekanayaka Sampath K. K. , Pastorini Jennifer 
Published: November 2020

AbstractFeeding of wild Asian elephants at the Udawalawe National Park perimeter electric fence by the general public is longstanding. We monitored the elephants and feeding activities, and conducted questionnaire surveys of stakeholders. Over 50 individual adult male elephants engaged in the activity. The exclusive male presence was consistent with a high-risk high-gain male strategy. The elephants were mostly offered fruits and vegetables. Over a thousand people a day watched and fed the elephants. Most people bought food for elephants from roadside stalls and vendors had significantly more sales if elephants were present. The feeding of elephants brought significant economic benefit to communities bordering the park. We found the impacts of feeding on the elephants and environment to be largely neutral. Impacts on people and conservation were mainly positive. Actions taken by authorities to stop the feeding have targeted the elephants and resulted in the decrease of feeding but not its elimination. Managing the activity instead would help increase economic benefits and ensure safe interaction between people and elephants. Such management, by directly benefitting local communities, could make them partners in the conservation process and form the basis of an effective outreach program.
Investigations of mechanism of Ca2+ adsorption on silica and alumina based on Ca-ISE monitoring, potentiometric titration, electrokinetic measurements and surface complexation modeling
Authors: Szymanek Karolina , Charmas Robert , Piasecki Wojciech 
Published: November 2020

AbstractResearch on Ca2+ adsorption onto the mineral surface is of significant importance with regard to geochemical processes. Sverjensky (Geochim Cosmochim Acta 70(10), 2427–2453, 2006) assumed that alkaline earths form two types of surface species on oxides: tetranuclear (> SOH)2(> SO−)2_M(OH)+ and mononuclear > SO−_M(OH)+. To look into the above assumption we investigated calcium adsorption on SiO2 and Al2O3 because they are the most widespread minerals in the environment. We have determined the proton surface charge, electrokinetic potential and metal adsorption as a function of pH. The Ca2+ uptake and concentration in the system were monitored by the calcium ion-selective electrode (Ca-ISE). The Ca-ISE measurements indicated a similar affinity of Ca2+ for both materials despite their differently charged surface, negative for silica and mainly positive for alumina. This may suggest that simple electrostatic interactions are not the primary driving force for calcium adsorption, and that solvation of calcium ions at the surface may be crucial. We have analyzed our experimental data using the 2-pK triple-layer model (2-pK TLM). Three calcium complexes on the mineral surface were reported. Two of them were the same for both oxides, i.e. the tetranuclear ($$>$$
>
SOH)2($$>$$
>
SO−)2_Ca2+ and mononuclear complexes > SO−_CaOH+. Additionally, minor contribution from >SOH…Ca2+ for silica was assumed. In the case of Al2O3 the hydrolyzed tetranuclear complexes ($$>$$
>
SOH)2($$>$$
>
SO−)2_CaOH+ at pH > 7.5 occurred based on the modeling results. Two types of surface complexes suggested by Sverjensky allowed for the correct description of proton and calcium uptake for alumina. However, the electrokinetic data excluded hydrolyzed tetranuclear surface species for this oxide.
Releasing the conceptual spring to construct multiplicative reasoning
Authors: Zwanch Karen , Wilkins Jesse L. M. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractConstructing multiplicative reasoning is critical for students’ learning of mathematics, particularly throughout the middle grades and beyond. Tzur, Xin, Si, Kenney, and Guebert [American Educational Research Association, ERIC No. ED510991, (2010)] conclude that an assimilatory composite unit is a conceptual spring to multiplicative reasoning. This study examines patterns in the percentages of students who construct multiplicative reasoning across the middle grades based on their fluency in operating with composite units. Multinomial logistic regression models indicate that students’ rate of constructing an assimilatory composite unit but not multiplicative reasoning in sixth and seventh grades is significantly greater than that in eighth and ninth grades. Furthermore, the proportion of students who have constructed multiplicative reasoning in sixth and seventh grades is significantly less than the proportion of those who have constructed multiplicative reasoning in eighth and ninth grades. One implication of this is the quantitative verification of Tzur, Xin, Si, Kenney, and Guebert’s (2010) conceptual spring. That is, students who construct assimilatory composite units early in the middle grades are likely to construct multiplicative reasoning; students who do not construct assimilatory composite units early in the middle grades likely do not construct multiplicative reasoning in the middle grades.
Iterative arrays with self-verifying communication cell
Authors: Kutrib Martin 
Published: November 2020

AbstractWe study the computational capacity of self-verifying iterative arrays ($${\text {SVIA}}$$
SVIA
). A self-verifying device is a nondeterministic device whose nondeterminism is symmetric in the following sense. Each computation path can give one of the answers yes, no, or do not know. For every input word, at least one computation path must give either the answer yes or no, and the answers given must not be contradictory. It turns out that, for any time-computable time complexity, the family of languages accepted by $${\text {SVIA}}$$
SVIA
s is a characterization of the so-called complementation kernel of nondeterministic iterative array languages, that is, languages accepted by such devices whose complementation is also accepted by such devices. $${\text {SVIA}}$$
SVIA
s can be sped-up by any constant multiplicative factor as long as the result does not fall below realtime. We show that even realtime $${\text {SVIA}}$$
SVIA
are as powerful as lineartime self-verifying cellular automata and vice versa. So they are strictly more powerful than the deterministic devices. Closure properties and various decidability problems are considered.