bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Accumulation mechanism of biofilm under different water shear forces along the networked pipelines in a drip irrigation system
Authors: Wang Tianzhi , Guo Zucheng , Shen Yaojie , Cui Zhimei , Goodwin Alex 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe behavior of clogging has a close relationship with the biofilm attached on inner surface of the pipeline in a drip irrigation system using reclaimed water. Therefore, inhibiting biofilm growth is the key to completely addressing the clogging problem. Water shear forces play a vital role in the formation, development and detachment of biofilm. In order to find out the accumulation mechanism of biofilm under different water shear forces, this paper considered 8 different shear forces with a range of [0, 0.7]Pa on the inner surface of pipelines in drip irrigation systems using three kinds of reclaimed water. The results indicate that dry weight (DW), phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs) and extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) of biofilms show a S-type trend, the maximum contents were observed when τ was 0.2 Pa or 0. 35 Pa. Besides, the influence of water shear forces on biofilms is dual. The formation of biofilm is a dynamic stabilization process. When there is a relatively large shear force, it is favorable to the transport and renewal of microorganisms and nutrients. Meantime, the renewal speed of biofilms is also relatively fast. It is easy to form the biofilms with large surface and small thickness due to relatively high possibility of detachment. When the shear force is small, the transport speed of microorganisms and nutrients are limited, and the ability of microorganisms to secrete polysaccharides is reduced, which makes the nutrients needed for microbial growth insufficient and the adhesion between particles is also reduced, resulting in loose, unstable and an easily removed biofilm structure. After a comprehensive consideration of the dual influence, the critical controlling threshold of internal water shear force was obtained as [0, 0.20] ∪ [0.35, +∞] Pa. In addition, the growth model established in this paper can well describe the growth kinetics of attached biofilms, and provide theoretical reference for monitoring the occurrence of bio-clogging process in drip irrigation systems.
Cortical source localization of sleep-stage specific oscillatory activity
Authors: Brancaccio Arianna , Tabarelli Davide , Bigica Marco , Baldauf Daniel 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe oscillatory features of non-REM sleep states have been a subject of intense research over many decades. However, a systematic spatial characterization of the spectral features of cortical activity in each sleep state is not available yet. Here, we used magnetoencephalography (MEG) and electroencephalography (EEG) recordings during night sleep. We performed source reconstruction based on the individual subject’s anatomical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans and spectral analysis on each non-REM sleep epoch in eight standard frequency bands, spanning the complete spectrum, and computed cortical source reconstructions of the spectral contrasts between each sleep state in comparison to the resting wakefulness. Despite not distinguishing periods of high and low activity within each sleep stage, our results provide new information about relative overall spectral changes in the non-REM sleep stages.
Baroreceptor denervation reduces inflammatory status but worsens cardiovascular collapse during systemic inflammation
Authors: Amorim Mateus R. , de Deus Júnia L. , Pereira Camila A. , da Silva Luiz E. V. , Borges Gabriela S. , Ferreira Nathanne S. , Batalhão Marcelo E. , Antunes-Rodrigues José , Carnio Evelin C. , Tostes Rita C. , Branco Luiz G. S. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBeyond the regulation of cardiovascular function, baroreceptor afferents play polymodal roles in health and disease. Sepsis is a life-threatening condition characterized by systemic inflammation (SI) and hemodynamic dysfunction. We hypothesized that baroreceptor denervation worsens lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced-hemodynamic collapse and SI in conscious rats. We combined: (a) hemodynamic and thermoregulatory recordings after LPS administration at a septic-like non-lethal dose (b) analysis of the cardiovascular complexity, (c) evaluation of vascular function in mesenteric resistance vessels, and (d) measurements of inflammatory cytokines (plasma and spleen). LPS-induced drop in blood pressure was higher in sino-aortic denervated (SAD) rats. LPS-induced hemodynamic collapse was associated with SAD-dependent autonomic disbalance. LPS-induced vascular dysfunction was not affected by SAD. Surprisingly, SAD blunted LPS-induced surges of plasma and spleen cytokines. These data indicate that baroreceptor afferents are key to alleviate LPS-induced hemodynamic collapse, affecting the autonomic control of cardiovascular function, without affecting resistance blood vessels. Moreover, baroreflex modulation of the LPS-induced SI and hemodynamic collapse are not dependent of each other given that baroreceptor denervation worsened hypotension and reduced SI.
Optimizing the Structural, Electrical and Thermoelectric Properties of Antimony Telluride Thin Films Deposited on Aluminum Nitride-coated Stainless Steel Foil
Authors: Ahmed Aziz , Han Seungwoo 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIn this study, we examined the thermoelectric (TE) properties of co-evaporated p-type antimony telluride (Sb2Te3) thin films on aluminum nitride (AlN)-coated stainless steel foil substrates. We investigated the influence of composition and substrate temperature on the thin-film microstructure and transport properties, by varying the tellurium (Te) concentration in the thin films as well as the substrate temperature during deposition (room temperature (RT) and 300 °C). Thin films prepared with an RT substrate were further annealed at 264 °C to obtain crystallized thin films with high phase purity. Columnar thin films with large grains and a standard multi-oriented crystal structure were obtained when thin films were deposited on substrates heated to 300 °C. Thin films deposited at RT and subsequently annealed at 264 °C had a dense, layered microstructure, with a preferential c-axis or (00 l) texture as the compositions approached phase stoichiometry. The temperature dependence of the thermoelectric properties was measured, and variations were interpreted in terms of the deviation from stoichiometry and the obtained microstructure. A maximum power factor (PF) of 0.87 mW/m ∙ K2 was obtained for off-stoichiometric 65.0 at% Te thin film, which was the highest among the samples deposited at high substrate temperatures. A higher PF of 1.0 mW/m ∙ K2 was found for off-stoichiometric thin films with 64.5 at% Te, which was deposited at RT and subsequently annealed. The improvement of thermoelectric power in films containing excess Te could be related to energy dependent carrier scattering at the Sb2Te3/Te interface.
Analogies can speed up the motor learning process
Authors: Zacks Oryan , Friedman Jason 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAnalogies have been shown to improve motor learning in various tasks and settings. In this study we tested whether applying analogies can shorten the motor learning process and induce insight and skill improvement in tasks that usually demand many hours of practice. Kinematic measures were used to quantify participant’s skill and learning dynamics. For this purpose, we used a drawing task, in which subjects drew lines to connect dots, and a mirror game, in which subjects tracked a moving stimulus. After establishing a baseline, subjects were given an analogy, explicit instructions or no further instruction. We compared their improvement in skill (quantified by coarticulation or smoothness), accuracy and movement duration. Subjects in the analogy and explicit groups improved their coarticulation in the target task, while significant differences were found in the mirror game only at a slow movement frequency between analogy and controls.We conclude that a verbal analogy can be a useful tool for rapidly changing motor kinematics and movement strategy in some circumstances, although in the tasks selected it did not produce better performance in most measurements than explicit guidance. Furthermore, we observed that different movement facets may improve independently from others, and may be selectively affected by verbal instructions. These results suggest an important role for the type of instruction in motor learning.
Secondary‐side phase‐shifted full‐bridge converter with reset winding
Authors: Liu Wei , Zhao Qinglin , Wang Deyu , Li Kunlun , Wang Yujie 
Published: April 2020

A resonant inductor and two clamping diodes are introduced into the secondary phase shift full‐bridge converter (SPS‐FBC), which can well suppress voltage spike across the rectifiers. However, the resonant inductor and two clamping diodes will bring some other problems. In this study, an auxiliary winding in series with the resonant inductor is added to the SPS‐FBC to reset the clamp diode current rapidly. The auxiliary winding not only reduces the circulation losses of the switches and the clamping diodes, but also makes the clamping diodes naturally turn‐off and avoids the reverse recovery even when the output filter inductance and magnetising inductance are relatively large. The principle of operation and performance are illustrated and verified on a 1.5 kW experimental circuit. In addition, the efficiency and losses of the converters with/without reset winding are compared and analysed. The efficiency of the converter with reset winding is significantly improved over the entire operating range and the peak efficiency is 96.60% at full load.
Development of Ophthalmic Microsurgery Training in Augmented Reality
Authors: Menozzi Marino , Ropelat Sandro , Köfler Jana , Huang Ying-Yin 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background Using a group of 23 physician trainees, we investigated whether microsurgery training in an augmented reality (AR) training simulator improves motor skills and whether an intelligent tutoring system (ITS) improves training efficiency.
Methods Characteristic motor skill steps involved in the peeling of an internal limiting membrane (ILM) were identified and implemented in the AR simulation. For training, implemented steps were either presented in the natural sequence, as in a real ILM surgery, or administered according to the ITS. Participants underwent the training over 5 days for 10 minutes per day. A subgroup of 11 participants performed the 5 microsurgical steps in a natural sequence. The other 12 participants used the ITS method. Motor skill performance was recorded before and after each training session with the AR simulator, and before the first and after the last training session using a method that did not rely on AR.
Results Five steps of the ILM peeling procedure were identified and implemented: insertion of the instrument, flap creation, clockwise peeling, counterclockwise peeling, and retraction of the instrument. Both training methods significantly improved the motor skills of the participants. In both methods, steep learning progress was found within the first three training sessions. In both methods, motor skills continued to improve on days 4 and 5, but at a slower rate. After the 5 training days, performance was significantly improved, but improvement did not depend significantly on the training method. However, within the first 3 days of training, ITS led to steeper training progress than the natural sequence method.
Conclusion It is possible to improve microsurgical motor skills using the implemented AR simulation. Some technical limitations, such as system lag, deserve further improvements. However, the proposed AR solution was highly appreciated by the participants and could help overcome constraints of practice in microsurgical training, such as limited availability of training opportunities or a standardized assessment of motor skill performance.
Developments in Primary Aldosteronism Subtyping Using Steroid
Profiling
Authors: Wannachalee Taweesak , Turcu Adina F. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAdrenal venous sampling is the standard of care for identifying patients with
unilateral primary aldosteronism, which is often caused by an aldosterone
producing adenoma and can be cured with surgery. The numerous limitations of
adrenal venous sampling, including its high cost, scarce availability, technical
challenges, and lack of standardized protocols, have driven efforts to develop
alternative, non-invasive tools for the diagnosis of aldosterone producing
adenomas. Seminal discoveries regarding the pathogenesis of aldosterone
producing adenomas made over the past decade have leveraged hypotheses-driven
research of steroid phenotypes characteristic of various aldosterone producing
adenomas. In parallel, the expanding availability of mass spectrometry has
enabled the simultaneous quantitation of many steroids in single assays from
small volume biosamples. Steroid profiling has contributed to our evolving
understanding about the pathophysiology of primary aldosteronism and its
subtypes. Herein, we review the current state of knowledge regarding the
application of multi-steroid panels in assisting with primary aldosteronism
subtyping.
Multimodale rheumatologische Komplexbehandlung – Von der
Konzeption erfolgreich in die Klinikrealität?
Authors: Tarner Ingo H. , Lange Uwe , Klemm Philipp , Hudowenz Ole , Asendorf Thomas , Dischereit Gabriel , Müller-Ladner Ulf 
Published: April 2020

Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund Die 2005 konzipierte multimodale rheumatologische
Komplexbehandlung (MRKB) ist ein akutstationäres Versorgungskonzept (OPS
8–983) zur Behandlung akuter Funktionseinschränkungen und
Schmerzexazerbationen, die durch entzündlich-rheumatische, degenerative
und/oder weichteilrheumatische Erkrankungen bedingt sind. In der OPS
8–983 werden mittlerweile 10 000 Patienten jährlich in
Deutschland abgebildet.
Ziel Mittels einer monozentrischen Retrospektivanalyse wurde untersucht,
ob die MRKB, wie konzipiert, (i) sowohl Schmerzen und Funktionsstörungen
durch entzündliche Gelenk- und Wirbelsäulen-, degenerative und
weichteilrheumatische Erkrankungen reduziert, ob es (ii) Einflussfaktoren und
(iii) insgesamt ein vergleichbares Ansprechen der unterschiedlichen Erkrankungen
gibt. Gesondert wurde der Einfluss von Komorbiditäten, z. B.
sekundäre Osteoporose, untersucht.
Methodik Eingeschlossen wurden N=324 Behandlungsepisoden bei
n=249 Patienten, die in den Jahren 2014–2017 eine oder mehrere
MRKB erhielten. Das Patientenkollektiv umfasste Patienten mit
entzündlichen Gelenk- und Wirbelsäulenerkrankungen (EGW:
rheumatoide Arthritis, Spondylarthropathien), Osteoarthrose (OA) und
weichteilrheumatischen Erkrankungen (WRE: Kollagenosen, Fibromyalgie). Neben der
Evaluation der Wirkeffekte der MRKB auf Schmerzintensität,
Funktionalität und Krankheitsaktivität zwischen Aufnahme und
Entlassung wurden mögliche Einflussfaktoren sowie Unterschiede im
Behandlungsansprechen untersucht.
Ergebnisse Die MRKB erzielt bei Patienten mit EGW, OA und WRE
signifikante Behandlungseffekte bezüglich der Schmerzintensität,
der Funktionalität wie auch der Krankheitsaktivität. Dabei
unterliegen diese Effekte keinem Einfluss der untersuchten Einflussfaktoren.
Zudem scheint es keine signifikanten Gruppenunterschiede im Ansprechen zu geben.
Die untersuchten Komorbiditäten haben keinen signifikanten Einfluss auf
das Therapieansprechen.
Schlussfolgerung Wie konzeptioniert ist die MRKB eine wirkungsvolle
Behandlungsmethode bei akuten Funktionseinschränkungen und
Schmerzexazerbation, die durch das gesamte Erkrankungsspektrum des rheumatischen
Formenkreises bedingt sind. Die Behandlungserfolge sind dabei trotz der
Gegensätzlichkeit der Erkrankungen vergleichbar und scheinen keinen
Einflussfaktoren zu unterliegen.
Schlüsselwörter Multimodale rheumatologische
Komplexbehandlung, physikalische Therapie, Funktionalität, Evidenz,
Behandlungserfolg, Wirksamkeit
Gastrointestinal Ultrasound Can Predict Endoscopic Activity in Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Sævik Fredrik , Gilja Odd Helge , Nylund Kim 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Purpose To explore the ability of gastrointestinal ultrasound (GIUS) to separate patients in endoscopic remission from patients with active disease in a heterogeneous hospital cohort with Crohn’s disease (CD).
Materials and Methods 145 CD patients scheduled for ileocolonoscopy were prospectively included. The endoscopic disease activity was quantified using the Simple Endoscopic Score for Crohn’s disease (SES-CD), and mucosal healing was strictly defined as SES-CD = 0. Ultrasound remission was defined as wall thickness < 3 mm (< 4 mm in the rectum). Additionally, SES-CD was compared to color Doppler, Harvey Bradshaw’s index (HBI), C-reactive protein (CRP) and calprotectin. 23 patients were examined by two investigators for interobserver assessment.
Results 102 had active disease and 43 patients were in remission. GIUS yielded a sensitivity of 92.2 % and a specificity of 86 % for wall thickness and a sensitivity of 66.7 % and a specificity of 97.7 % for color Doppler. The sensitivity and specificity were 34.3 % and 88.4 %, respectively, for HBI, 35.7 % and 82.9 %, respectively, for CRP and 55.9 % and 82.1 %, respectively, for calprotectin. The interobserver analysis revealed excellent agreement for wall thickness (k = 0.90) and color Doppler (k = 0.91) measurements.
Conclusion GIUS has a high sensitivity for detecting endoscopic activity. Accordingly, bowel ultrasound has the potential to reduce the number of routine ileocolonoscopies in patients with CD.
A CORRELATIVE STUDY ON DETERMINANTS OF TIME DOMAIN MEASURES OF CARDIAC VAGAL FUNCTION IN HEALTHY SUBJECTS
Authors: K. Subbalakshmi N. , S. Jeganathan P. , N. Sathyanarayana Rao K. 
Published: April 2020

Abstract:
Introduction: E: I ratio and r-MSSD are known indicators of cardiac vagal activity. But their determinants are unclear.
Objective: To evaluate the determinants of E: I ratio and r-MSSD in healthy subjects.
Materials and Methods: 141 healthy subjects were studied. In them body mass index (BMI), Q-T interval, heart rate (HR), systolic, diastolic, pulse and mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) were measured. Age and sex of the subjects were noted. E: I ratio and r-MSSD was estimated from one minute lead II electrocardiogram in supine position. E: I ratio was recorded while breathing at 6 respiratory cycles per minute and r-MSSD was quantified during normal breathing. Data was analyzed by Pearson Correlation Coefficient and unpaired t test. p value less than 0.05 was considered significant.
Results: There was positive correlation between E: I ratio and r-MSSD (p = 0.006). E: I ratio and r-MSSD were negatively correlating with age (p < 0.01). r-MSSD was negatively correlating with HR, systolic, diastolic, pulse and MABP (p = 0.0001, 0.01, 0.03, 0.04, 0.01 respectively). r-MSSD did not correlate with BMI and Q-T interval. E: I ratio did not correlate with blood pressure, BMI and Q-T interval. Mean E: I ratio and r-MSSD of males did not differ compared to females.
Conclusion: E: I ratio and r-MSSD are correlated. Age is an influencing factor of E: I ratio and r-MSSD. Blood pressure and HR are the other determinants of r-MSSD but not of E: I ratio in healthy subjects.
RELEVANCE OF MEASUREMENT OF HEMATOLOGICAL PARAMETERS IN SUBJECTS WITH PREGNANCY INDUCED HYPERTENSION
Authors: Monteiro Gearaldine , K. Subbalakshmi N. , Pai Sheila R. 
Published: April 2020

Abstract:
Background: The pregnancy induced hypertensive (PIH) mothers are at greater risk for intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and intrauterine death of foetus (IUD). But currently there are no suitable early indicators of PIH mothers at risk of IUGR and IUD.
Aims/objectives: To assess the various routinely measured hematological parameters in assessment of PIH mothers at risk of IUGR and IUD.
Methods: This was a retrospective study done in singleton mothers. Study Group: 75 subjects with PIH. They were divided in to: Group A (n=35): PIH subjects with IUGR and IUD. Group B (n=40): PIH subjects without IUGR and IUD. Controls: 62 normotensives. Blood parameters measured were: platelets, packed cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), differential leucocyte count. Statistical analysis was done by ANOVA and Bonferroni test. P<0.05 was taken as significant.
Results: Among the measured blood parameters, platelet count was lower in group A and group B compared to control (p<0.0001). Platelets were also lower in group A compared to group B (p<0.0001). Hemoglobin and PCV were lower in group A compared to controls and group B (p<0.001). Monocytes and ESR were lower in group A and group B compared to controls (p<0.05, p<0.001 respectively). Neutrophils were lower in group A compared to control (p<0.05). Other pairwise comparisons did not differ significantly.
Conclusions: Platelet count may be a suitable marker in monitoring subjects with PIH at risk of IUGR and IUD. Anemia may be associated with IUD and IUGR in PIH patients.
AWARENESS OF RISK FACTORS OF DIABETES AND PRACTICES REGARDING ITS PREVENTION AMONG THE ADOLESCENTS
Authors: Ansari Salman , Samaga Shreyas , Rao Shrihari , Gowda Suraj , Mohammed Tariq , Atrolia Swathi , Kundapur Rashmi ,   Ravi
Published: April 2020

Abstract:
Introduction: India leads the world with largest number of diabetic subjects, and hence also termed as the Diabetic Capital of the world. Education is the cornerstone of diabetes prevention. Because of lack of awareness, most people suffer from diabetes at an early age. Before population-based interventions can be implemented, an assessment of knowledge and awareness of risk factors for Diabetes and practices to prevent it among adolescents is needed.
Aims & Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of risk factors of diabetes and the practices regarding its prevention among the adolescents
Materials and Method: The study was community based cross sectional type. A reviewed, self-prepared questionnaire consisting of questions based on the awareness of the risk factors and the practices regarding its prevention was prepared. Data was collected from 600 adolescents of age group 16-18years. Students from 4 pre-university colleges in Mangalore, Dakshina Kannada district, were selected as the study group.
Results: 433% were aware that smoking was a risk factor for diabetes. 48.33% of students said that consumption of sweets can lead to diabetes. 8.66% of students agreed that mental stress can lead to diabetes. Physical inactivity, as a risk factor for diabetes was known by 7.33% of them. Only 5.5% and 5.33% of students were aware that family history and obesity respectively, can lead to diabetes. 93.67% of the students have not had themselves tested for diabetes. 99.16% of subjects are non-smokers. 98.16% do not consume alcohol. 53.67% do not exercise regularly.