bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficiency of a novel biodegradable pyrolysis liquid‐amended mulch in weed control
Authors: Hagner Marleena Maaria , Hyvönen Terho , Mikola Juha , Kemppainen Riitta , Lindqvist Bengt , Suojala‐Ahlfors Terhi , Tiilikkala Kari 
Published: March 2020

AbstractAgrochemicals and plastics represent a burden on natural ecosystems and there is an urgent need to introduce alternative plant protection measures that have fewer negative impacts on the environment. Replacement of plastic mulches and synthetic pesticides with their biodegradable alternatives offers a way to decrease chemical residues. Pyrolysis liquids (PL) have been suggested as easily degradable and residue‐free herbicides for agriculture. We tested the efficiency of PL (1%–10% of volume) containing peat mulch (PLM) in weed control under glasshouse and field conditions. We also estimated the length of the withdrawal period needed between PLM spreading and sowing/planting for crops and examined the light permeability and effects of PLM on soil temperature. In the glasshouse, the mulch amended with 5%–10% PL inhibited weed germination entirely. In the agricultural field, the number of weeds remained 44%–60% lower under PLM than under the control mulch. In a study performed in a city park, weed cover around the base of trees remained 64%–85% lower under PLM than without a mulch. However, a 7–21 d withdrawal period, depending on crop plant species, is needed to avoid injuring the crops. PLM inhibited sunlight effectively and the effects on soil heat sum across the growing season remained small. The weed‐inhibiting effect of PLM is probably a result of both the PL compounds and the solid cover, formed by the sticky PL and peat fibres, which acts as a mechanical barrier. We conclude that the PLM is a promising alternative to plastic mulches.
Quantifying the detrimental effect of airborne dust on herbicide efficacy
Authors: Asadi‐Sabzi Masoud , Keshtkar Eshagh , Mokhtassi‐Bidgoli Ali , Moss Stephen R. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractOne side effect of human activity and global climatic change is more airborne dust. This not only has undesirable effects on human health and the environment, but may also adversely affect many agricultural processes, including herbicide efficacy. This is particularly relevant in parts of the world where dust storms are common and limited rainfall means dust persists on plants for protracted periods. Accordingly, a series of greenhouse dose–response pot experiments was carried out to quantify the effect of a dust concentration of 1,500 µg/m3 on the performance of paraquat, glyphosate, sulfosulfuron and 2,4‐D+MCPA. Dust‐treated and untreated seedlings of Hordeum spontaneum and Sinapis arvensis were sprayed with sulfosulfuron and 2,4‐D+MCPA, respectively, while paraquat and glyphosate were applied to both weed species. The efficacy of glyphosate and paraquat decreased significantly in the presence of dust on both species. Similar results were observed for 2,4‐D+MCPA on S. arvensis. In contrast, the efficacy of sulfosulfuron on H. spontaneum was not affected by dust. In the presence of dust, the doses of glyphosate, paraquat and 2,4‐D+MCPA required for a 90% effect were enhanced by a factor of 1.9 to 2.6. The negative impact on glyphosate efficacy was more pronounced in S. arvensis than H. spontaneum, while it was similar for paraquat. Future studies should consider the amount, duration and composition of dust as well as its impact on other weeds and herbicides. Potential approaches to overcome the detrimental influence of dust on the performance of herbicides were also suggested for future studies.
Recognition of Structures Leading to Transition in a Low-Pressure Turbine Cascade: Effect of Reduced Frequency
Authors: Lengani D. , Simoni D. , Ubaldi M. , Zunino P. , Bertini F. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
The boundary layer developing over the suction side of a low-pressure turbine cascade operating under unsteady inflow conditions has been experimentally investigated. Time-resolved particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurements have been performed in two orthogonal planes, the blade-to-blade and a wall-parallel plane embedded within the boundary layer, for two different wake-reduced frequencies. Proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) has been used to analyze the data and to provide an interpretation of the most significant flow structures for each phase of the wake passing cycle. Detailed information on the most energetic turbulent structures at a particular phase is obtained with a newly developed procedure that overcomes the limit of classical phase average. The synchronization of the measurements in the two planes allows the computation of the characteristic dimension of boundary layer streaky structures that are responsible for transition. The largest and most energetic structures are observed when the wake centerline passes over the rear part of the suction side, and they appear practically the same for both reduced frequencies. The passing wake forces transition leading to the breakdown of the boundary layer streaks. Otherwise, the largest differences between the low and high reduced frequency are observed in the calmed region. The postprocessing of these two planes allowed computing the spacing of the streaky structures and making it nondimensional by the boundary layer displacement thickness observed for each phase. The nondimensional value of the streaks spacing is about constant, irrespective of the reduced frequency.
Deformation-Induced Change in the Geometry of a General Material Surface and Its Relation to the Gurtin–Murdoch Model
Authors: Dai Ming , Schiavone Peter 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Small deformation theory plays an important role in analyzing the mechanical behavior of various elastic materials since it often leads to simple referential analytic results. For some specific mechanical problems however (for example, those dealing with small-scale materials/structures with significant surface energies or soft solids containing gas/liquid inclusions with high initial pressure), in order to obtain sufficiently accurate solutions, the classical boundary conditions associated with small deformation theory often require modification to incorporate the influence of deformation on the geometry of the boundary. In this note, we provide first-order approximate expressions characterizing the change in the geometry (normal vector, curvature tensor, etc.) of a general surface during deformation. In particular, using these expressions we recover without difficulty, the stress boundary condition in the original Gurtin–Murdoch surface model for an (initially) spherical interface with constant interface tension. We believe that the expressions established here will find widespread application in the mechanical analysis of problems requiring an extremely high level of accuracy in the description of the corresponding boundary conditions. In addition, higher-order approximate expressions representing the change in the geometry of a general surface during deformation could be also obtained using the same procedure.
Lessons Learned in Supporting Women With Prediabetes Through Maintaining Diet and Exercise Behavior Changes Beyond a Diabetes-Prevention Counseling Program
Authors: Bean Corliss , Dineen Tineke , Jung Mary 
Published: March 2020

Interventions involving exercise and diet can reduce the progression of Type 2 diabetes, yet they are often short-lived. Progressing toward self-managed maintenance is also challenging. If supports are in place to help individuals with behavior changes beyond immediate programming, they are more likely to maintain these changes. This is particularly the case for women, who often struggle to maintain diet and exercise changes and can benefit from social support. Small Steps for Big Changes is a 3-week counseling program housed in a local YMCA that aims to help people make exercise and diet changes. To understand how to best support women in maintaining these changes beyond program delivery, a knowledge-sharing event was held for 14 women who completed the intervention. The women engaged in a focus group to share challenges they had experienced in making diet and exercise changes and recommendations for continued support. Data were analyzed using a thematic analysis, and three recommendation areas were identified: (a) establishing peer support networks, (b) creating platforms to communicate prediabetes-related information, and (c) providing ongoing trainer support. Several recommendations have been implemented to support these women, and other individuals, postprogram. This case provides insights and recommendations for integration of initiatives beyond delivery of a behavior-change program housed in a community organization.
Identifying values and preferences around the choice of analgesia for patients with acute trauma pain in emergency and prehospital settings: using group concept mapping methodology
Authors: Nielsen Kristina Tomra , Rasmussen Marianne Uggen , Overgaard Anders Foehrby , Klokker Louise , Christensen Robin , Wæhrens Eva Ejlersen 
Published: March 2020

ObjectivesThe main study aim was to examine the applicability of a novel method to assess the criterion of values and preferences within the Grading of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation evidence to decision framework. The group concept mapping (GCM) approach was applied to identify, organise and prioritise values and preferences in the example of health professionals’ choice of analgesia for patients with acute trauma pain.SettingPrehospital and emergency care centres in the Nordic countries of Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Iceland.ParticipantsAcute care health professionals with qualifications to administer analgesic agents to patients in emergency and prehospital settings, including advanced ambulance assistants, rescue officers, paramedics, emergency physicians and emergency nurses, participated in an online survey in which statements were generated (n=40) and structured (n=11) and finally analysed and interpreted in a validation meeting (n=4).ResultsUsing GCM, ideas were generated and structured through online participation. Results were interpreted at a validation meeting. In total, 111 unique ideas were identified and organised into seven clusters: drug profile, administration, context, health professionals’ preferences and logistics, safety profile, patient’s medical history and acute clinical situation.ConclusionsBased on GCM, a conceptual model was developed, and values and preferences around choice of analgesia in emergency care were revealed. Health professionals within acute care can apply the conceptual model to support their decision-making when choosing the best available treatment for pain for their patients in emergency care.
Pattern of corneal astigmatism induced by primary pterygium in patients with cataract in a secondary hospital in Southern China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Xu Guihua , Qi Wei , Hu Yijun 
Published: March 2020

ObjectivesTo review the pattern of primary pterygium-induced corneal astigmatism in patients with cataract in a southern Chinese population.DesignClinic-based cross-sectional retrospective study.SettingA secondary hospital at southern China.ParticipantsA group of 1689 eyes with primary pterygium (PT group) and the other group of 4062 eyes without pterygium (NPT group) were included.Main outcome measuresCorneal power was measured by an autokeratorefractometer. Corneal astigmatism was calculated as the difference in corneal power between the steepest and flattest meridians. Distribution of corneal astigmatism was compared between eyes with pterygium and eyes without pterygium.ResultsDistribution of corneal astigmatism was different between PT group (skewness=2.548, kurtosis=8.237) and NPT group (skewness=2.778, kurtosis=15.52). Mean corneal astigmatism was significantly higher in the PT group (1.62±1.49D) compared with the NPT group (1.17±0.89D, p<0.0001). The prevalence of corneal astigmatism >1D (PT 52.3%, NPT 40.9%, p<0.0001), >2D (PT 22.4%, NPT 10.6%, p<0.0001) or >3D (PT 10.5%, NPT 3.2%, p<0.0001) was significantly higher in the PT group compared with the NPT group. Eyes in the PT group had significantly higher corneal astigmatism than the NPT group in almost every age group (all p<0.05), with the exception of patients ≥90 years. Moreover, eyes in the PT group had significantly higher with-the-rule (PT 1.72±1.59D, NPT 1.19±0.88D, p<0.0001) and against-the-rule (PT 1.63±1.46D, NPT 1.18±0.88D, p<0.0001) but similar oblique astigmatism (PT 1.11±1.00D, NPT 0.99±0.89D, p=0.065) corneal astigmatism compared with the NPT group. Power vector analysis indicated that the axis of corneal astigmatism was not significantly different between the two groups (J0, PT −0.01±0.74D, NPT 0.01±0.52D, p=0.48; J45, PT −0.03±0.82D, NPT 0.00±0.52D, p=0.54).ConclusionsPattern of corneal astigmatism in eyes with cataract and coexisting primary pterygium was different from eyes without pterygium. Pterygium is associated with higher magnitude but not different axis of corneal astigmatism.
Novel measure of lung function for assessing disease activity in asthma
Authors: Smith Nicholas M J , Couper John , Fullerton Christopher J , Richmond Graham , Talbot Nick P , Hancock Gus , Pavord Ian , Ritchie Grant A D , Robbins Peter A , Petousi Nayia 
Published: March 2020

IntroductionIn asthma, lung function measures are often discordant with clinical features such as disease activity or control.MethodsWe investigated a novel technique that provides a measure (σCL) of unevenness (inhomogeneity) in lung inflation/deflation. In particular, we compared σCL with FEV1% predicted (FEV1%pred) as measures of disease activity in the asthmatic lung.ResultsσCL correlated modestly with FEV1%pred. However, σCL is not simply a proxy for FEV1%pred as the effects of salbutamol on the two parameters were unrelated. Importantly, σCL reflected disease control better than FEV1.DiscussionWe conclude that σCL shows promise as an objective measure of disease activity in asthma.
Use of a rare disease registry for establishing phenotypic classification of previously unassigned GLA variants: a consensus classification system by a multispecialty Fabry disease genotype–phenotype workgroup
Authors: Germain Dominique P , Oliveira João Paulo , Bichet Daniel G , Yoo Han-Wook , Hopkin Robert J , Lemay Roberta , Politei Juan , Wanner Christoph , Wilcox William R , Warnock David G 
Published: March 2020

BackgroundFabry disease (α-galactosidase deficiency) is an X-linked genetic disease caused by a variety of pathogenic GLA variants. The phenotypic heterogeneity is considerable, with two major forms, classic and later-onset disease, but adjudication of clinical phenotype is currently lacking for many variants. We aimed to determine consensus phenotypic classification for previously unclassified GLA variants from the GLA-specific fabry-database.org database.MethodsA Fabry disease genotype–phenotype workgroup developed a five-stage iterative system based on expert clinical assessment, published literature and clinical evidence of pathogenicity using a 2-point scoring system based on clinical hallmarks of classic disease. Kaplan–Meier (KM) analysis of severe clinical event-free survival was used as final validation. Results were compared with those from web-based disease databases and in silico pathogenicity prediction programmes.ResultsFinal consensus on classifications of ‘pathogenic’ was achieved for 32 of 33 GLA variants (26 ‘classic’ phenotype, 171 males; 6 ‘later-onset’ phenotype, 57 males). One variant remained of uncertain significance. KM curves were similar for the known fabry-database.org database phenotypes and when workgroup consensus classifications were added, and the curves retained the same separation between ‘classic’ and ‘later-onset’ phenotypes.ConclusionThe iterative system implemented by a Fabry disease genotype–phenotype workgroup achieved phenotypic classifications for variants that were previously unclassified. Clinical pathogenicity associated with a particular GLA variant defined in affected males appears to have predictive value and also generally correlates with risk for affected females. The newly established classifications can be of benefit to the clinical care of Fabry patients harbouring these variants.
Abdominal muscle activation: An EMG study of the Sahrmann five-level core stability test
Authors: Chan Ebby Waqqash Mohamad , Hamid Mohamad Shariff A. , Nadzalan Ali Md. , Hafiz Eliza 
Published: March 2020

Background: Sahrmann five-level core stability test protocol has been used to evaluate the ability of the core muscles to stabilize the spine. However, validation studies on the Sahrmann protocol are limited. Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the different levels of Sahrmann five-level core stability (levels 1–5) on the muscle activity of rectus abdominis (RA), external oblique (EO), and transverse abdominis/internal oblique (TrA/IO). Methods: Twenty-two asymptomatic male participants aged 21.3[Formula: see text].59 years were recruited. Participants were instructed to perform maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) and five levels of Sahrmann five-level core stability test guided with a pressure biofeedback unit (PBU). The surface electromyography (EMG) data of each muscle during five levels of Sahrmann five-level core stability test were normalized as a percentage of MVC. Results: Results showed significant differences in the normalized EMGs of RA [[Formula: see text](4) = 64.80, [Formula: see text].001], EO [[Formula: see text](4) = 58.11, [Formula: see text].001], and TrA/IO [[Formula: see text](4) = 56.00, [Formula: see text].001] between the five levels of Sahrmann five-level core stability test. Post-hoc analysis revealed Sahrmann levels 5 and 3 have significantly higher abdominal EMG signals than levels 4, 2, and 1 ([Formula: see text].001). Conclusion: In conclusion, the Sahrmann five-level core stability test differs according to the level of Sahrmann tests. Significantly higher abdominal muscle activities were observed during levels 3 and 5. Therefore, the classification exchange in levels 3 and 4 of the Sahrmann five-level core stability test should be reconsidered in the future.
Eye movements as a readout of sensorimotor decision processes
Authors: Fooken Jolande , Spering Miriam 
Published: March 2020

Real-world tasks, such as avoiding obstacles, require a sequence of interdependent choices to reach accurate motor actions. Yet, most studies on primate decision making involve simple one-step choices. Here we analyze motor actions to investigate how sensorimotor decisions develop over time. In a go/no-go interception task human observers ( n = 42) judged whether a briefly presented moving target would pass (interceptive hand movement required) or miss (no hand movement required) a strike box while their eye and hand movements were recorded. Go/no-go decision formation had to occur within the first few hundred milliseconds to allow time-critical interception. We found that the earliest time point at which eye movements started to differentiate actions (go versus no-go) preceded hand movement onset. Moreover, eye movements were related to different stages of decision making. Whereas higher eye velocity during smooth pursuit initiation was related to more accurate interception decisions (whether or not to act), faster pursuit maintenance was associated with more accurate timing decisions (when to act). These results indicate that pursuit initiation and maintenance are continuously linked to ongoing sensorimotor decision formation.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Here we show that eye movements are a continuous indicator of decision processes underlying go/no-go actions. We link different stages of decision formation to distinct oculomotor events during open- and closed-loop smooth pursuit. Critically, the earliest time point at which eye movements differentiate actions preceded hand movement onset, suggesting shared sensorimotor processing for eye and hand movements. These results emphasize the potential of studying eye movements as a readout of cognitive processes.
Plantarflexion force is amplified with sensory stimulation during ramping submaximal isometric contractions
Authors: Pearcey Gregory E. P. , Sun Yao , Zehr E. Paul 
Published: March 2020

Stimulating cutaneous nerves, causing tactile sensations, reduces the perceived heaviness of an object, suggesting that either descending commands are facilitated or the perception of effort is reduced when tactile sensation is enhanced. Sensory stimulation can also mitigate decrements in motor output and spinal cord excitability that occur with fatigue. The effects of sensory stimulation applied with coincident timing of voluntary force output, however, are yet to be examined. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine effects of sensory enhancement to nerves innervating opposed skin areas of the foot (top or bottom) on force production during voluntary plantarflexion or dorsiflexion contractions. Stimulation trains were applied for 2 s at either a uniform 150 Hz or a modulated frequency that increased linearly from 50 to 150 Hz and were delivered at the initiation of the contraction. Participants were instructed to perform a ramp contraction [~10% maximal voluntary contraction (MVC)/s] to ~20% MVC and then to hold ~20% MVC for 2 s while receiving real-time visual feedback. Cutaneous reflexes were evoked 75 ms after initiating the hold (75 ms after sensory enhancement ended). Force output was greater for all sensory-enhanced conditions compared with control during plantarflexion; however, force output was not amplified during dorsiflexion. Cutaneous reflexes evoked after sensory enhancement were unaltered. These results indicate that sensory enhancement can amplify plantarflexion but not dorsiflexion, likely as a result of differences in neuroanatomical projections to the flexor and extensor motor pools. Further work is required to elucidate the mechanisms of enhanced force during cutaneous stimulation.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The efficacy of behaviorally timed sensory stimulation to enhance sensations and amplify force output has not been examined. Here we show cutaneous nerve sensory stimulation can amplify plantarflexion force output. This amplification in force occurs irrespective of whether the cutaneous field that is stimulated resides on the surface that is producing the force or the opposing surface. This information may provide insights for the development of technologies to improve performance and/or rehabilitation training.