bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Remotely sensed vegetation greening along a restoration gradient of a tropical forest, Kibale National Park, Uganda
Authors: Valtonen Anu , Korkiatupa Eveliina , Holm Sille , Malinga Geoffrey M. , Nakadai Ryosuke 
Published: September 2021

AbstractRestoration has now emerged as a global priority, with international initiatives such as the “UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021–2030)”. To fulfill the large‐scale global restoration ambitions, an essential step is the monitoring of vegetation recovery after restoration interventions. This study aimed to evaluate the utility of remotely sensed vegetation indices, using the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and enhanced vegetation index (EVI), to monitor the progress of forest regeneration across a tropical forest restoration project area in Kibale National Park, Uganda. Using the chronosequence approach, results indicated non‐linear patterns in NDVI and EVI across the first 25 years of recovery. Both NDVI and EVI increased for the first 10 years of forest regeneration. This 'greening' phase could be used as the indicator of the successful onset of forest recovery. In particular, the decline of elephant grass, and the consequent arrival of shrubs and trees, can be detected as an increase in NDVI. Primary forests differed from the 25‐year‐old regenerating forests based on the unique combination of low mean and low seasonal variation in EVI. Our results, therefore, suggest that the long‐term success of forest restoration could be monitored by evaluating how closely the combination of mean, and degree of seasonal variation in EVI, resembles that observed in the primary forest.
Recent Progress in Bionic Skin Based on Conductive Polymer Gels
Authors: Li Huijing , Gao Guorong , Xu Zhenyu , Tang Diane , Chen Tao 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBionic skin sensors based on conductive polymer gels have garnered interest for their potential applications in human‐computer interaction, soft robotics, biomedical systems, sports, and healthcare, because of their intrinsic flexibility and stretchability embedded at the material level, and other such as self‐healing, adhesion, high, and low temperature tolerance properties that can be tuned through macromolecular design. Here, important advances in polymer gel‐based flexible sensors over recent years are summarized, from material design, sensor fabrication to system‐level applications. This review focuses on the representative strategies of design and preparing of conductive polymer gels, and adjusting their conductivity, mechanics, and other properties such as self‐healing and adhesiveness by controlling the macromolecular network structures. The state‐of‐art of present flexible pressure and strain sensors, temperature sensors, position sensors, and multifunctional sensors based on capacitance, voltage, and resistance sensing technologies, are also systematically reviewed. Finally, perspectives on issues regarding further advances and challenges are provided.
Simulation of potential evapotranspiration values based on vine copula
Authors: Khashei‐Siuki Abbas , Shahidi Ali , Ramezani Yousef , Nazeri Tahroudi Mohammad 
Published: September 2021

AbstractVine copula had a great impact on the study and analysis of dependence structures in various sciences. In multivariate analyses with dimensions of more than two variables, it is associated with computational complexities that solve vine copulas and these problems. In this study, in order to provide an approach to simulate potential evapotranspiration based on meteorological parameters in Birjand meteorological station from different family copulas including R‐vine, independent R‐vine, Gaussian, independent Gaussian, C‐vine, C‐vine independent, D‐vine and D‐vine independent were used. In this regard, vine copula simulation and conditional density were used. In pair correlation analysis of the studied variables using Kendall's tau statistic, dependence structure confirmed the studied parameters. The results showed a minimum correlation of −0.32 and a maximum of 0.77. The results of Akaike's information criteria (AIC), Bayesian information criteria (BIC) and LogLike statistics in evaluating the performance of vine copula dependency structure introduced the C‐vine copula as the superior copula for analysing the pair dependence of the studied variables. By introducing the superior dependency structure and internal copulas, the tree sequence of the pair of values under study was obtained. Pair of simulated values was performed using vine copula. Comparison of Kendall's tau values in both simulation and observation modes showed that Kendall's tau values were close to each other in both modes and were approximately similar. The simulation results of vine copula potential evapotranspiration values and precipitation, temperature and relative humidity values showed 92% efficiency. The efficiency of C‐vine copula in dependence analysis and simulation of potential evapotranspiration (PET) values is very high, which shows the ability of vine family copulas in multivariate analysis.
Pedicled anterolateral thigh flap transfer for the reconstruction of a large gluteal defect assisted by preoperative computed tomographic angiography and intraoperative indocyanine green angiography: A case report
Authors: Fuse Yuma , Yoshimatsu Hidehiko , Karakawa Ryo , Yano Tomoyuki 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe efficacy of the use of the pedicled ALT flap for buttock defects has not been established in the literature. Here, we present a case of a successful reconstruction of a large gluteal defect after sarcoma resection using a pedicled ALT flap assisted by preoperative computed tomographic angiography (CTA) and intraoperative indocyanine green (ICG) angiography. A 94‐year‐old man underwent resection of a large soft tissue tumor in the gluteal region resulting in a 19 × 15 cm defect. Based on three‐dimensional reconstructed images of the preoperative CTA, the length of the pedicle of an ALT flap was estimated. Perfusion of the whole flap was confirmed using intraoperative ICG angiography. The flap was inserted through a subcutaneous tunnel and covered the defect completely. The postoperative course was uneventful. The patient resumed ambulation 1 week after the operation. The follow‐up at 2 months showed complete flap survival, and the patient was able to walk with a cane. The pedicled ALT flap transfer may be a reliable alternative for gluteal reconstruction when guided by pre‐ and intraoperative imaging modalities.
Virtual neuromuscular ultrasound courses during COVID‐19 pandemic: Leveraging technology to enhance learning opportunities
Authors: Tawfik Eman A. , van Alfen Nens , Cartwright Michael S. , Inkpen Peter , Kerasnoudis Antonios , Lieba‐Samal Doris , Winter Natalie , Walker Francis O. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIntroduction/AimsHands‐on supervised training is essential for learning diagnostic ultrasound. Unfortunately, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic led to suspension of in‐person training courses. As a result, many hands‐on training courses were converted into virtual courses during the pandemic. Several reports regarding virtual ultrasound courses exist, but none has addressed virtual neuromuscular ultrasound courses, their design, or participants' views of this form of training. Therefore, the aims of this study were: (1) to determine the feasibility of conducting virtual neuromuscular ultrasound courses during the COVID‐19 pandemic; and (2) to report the positive and negative aspects of the courses through the analyses of the responses of post‐course surveys.MethodsTwo virtual neuromuscular ultrasound courses, basic and intermediate level, were conducted by the Egyptian Neuromuscular Ultrasound society during August 2020. Post‐course, the attendees were directed to an electronic survey that consisted of eight questions. Ninety‐three responses (23.8%) were obtained from the survey of the basic course and 156 responses (44.4%) were obtained from the survey of the intermediate course.ResultsNinety‐eight percent of the respondents to basic course surveys, and 100% of the respondents to the intermediate course survey found the courses useful or very useful.DiscussionThis report demonstrates the utility of virtual neuromuscular ultrasound courses for those participants willing to respond to a survey and describes a proposed design for such courses. Although hands‐on supervised ultrasound training is ideal, virtual courses can be useful alternatives to in‐person training when in‐person interaction is restricted.
Lung volume recruitment improves volitional airway clearance in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Cleary Stuart , Misiaszek John E. , Wheeler Sonya , Kalra Sanjay , Genuis Shelagh K. , Johnston Wendy S. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIntroduction/AimsIn this study we evaluated the effects of lung volume recruitment treatment (LVR), a low‐tech, low‐cost, manual “breath‐stacking” technique used to help people cough with enough force to clear their airways, thereby reducing the risk of aspiration and choking, on five volitional airway clearance and protection behaviors used by people living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (PwALS).MethodsUsing a repeated‐measures cross‐over design, 29 PwALS performed five volitional airway clearance and protection behaviors in LVR treatment and in no‐treatment, control conditions. Peak cough flow (PCF) was used to measure maximum expiratory rate during forced expiration, throat clearing, hawking, post‐swallow coughing, and the supraglottic swallowing maneuver. Comparisons were made as a function of condition (treatment or control) and three time‐points (pretreatment, and 15 and 30 minutes posttreatment).ResultsLVR treatment had a significant positive effect on maximum expiratory rates during all tested airway clearance and protection behaviors. Increased PCF values lasted for up to 30 minutes post‐LVR for all tested behaviors in the treatment condition.DiscussionWe found that LVR treatment could increase control over airway clearance in PwALS, as well as provide improved airway protection for up to 30 minutes, the duration of a typical meal. This study has implications for patient care. These include offering patients control over some of the most feared symptoms of ALS, particularly choking during activities of daily living, and enhanced ALS respiratory care in low‐resource settings. Findings may have implications for other neurodegenerative disorders in which dysphagia occurs with retained sensory function.
Variable differences of nerve conduction amplitudes versus velocities and distal latencies of healthy subjects assessed in ethnic cohorts
Authors: Alhammad Reem , Davies Jenny , Litchy William J. , Carter Rickey , Dyck P. James B. , Dyck Peter J. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractVariable differences of nerve conduction amplitudes vs velocities and distal latencies (DLs) of healthy subjects assessed in ethnic cohorts.Introduction/AimsThe variables affecting reference compound muscle (CMAP) and sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) amplitudes as compared to ones affecting conduction velocities and DLs have not been adequately evaluated in previous studies. In this report, this subject is studied in healthy subject cohorts mainly of Northern European extraction, Northern Plains Indians, and Latinos.MethodsNineteen variables and 18 attributes of nerve conductions (NCs) were assessed using highly standard testing conditions and techniques. Classification and Regression Tree analyses were used to assess variable differences among amplitudes, conduction velocities, and DLs.ResultsThe most important variable affecting CMAP and SNAP amplitudes was age. For conduction velocities (CVs) and DLs, the variables were height, ethnic cohort, and age.DiscussionThe variables affecting attributes of NCs were similar for the three ethnic cohorts evaluated. The differences of variables affecting amplitudes compared to CVs and DLs need to be taken into account in interpretation of NC results and in setting reference limits for use in medical practice, epidemiology surveys, and therapeutic trials. Scores of CMAP and SNAP amplitudes are suitable measures of sensorimotor polyneuropathy severity, whereas conduction velocities and DLs reflect physiologic/pathologic abnormality of nerve fibers.
Income‐driven socioeconomic status and presenting illness severity in children with acute respiratory failure
Authors: Kachmar Alicia G. , Wypij David , Perry Mallory A. , Curley Martha A. Q. ,   for the RESTORE Study Investigators
Published: September 2021

AbstractChildren living in low socioeconomic communities are vulnerable to poor health outcomes, especially when critically ill. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between socioeconomic status (SES) and illness severity upon pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admission in children with acute respiratory failure. This secondary analysis of the multicenter Randomized Evaluation of Sedation Titration for Respiratory Failure clinical trial includes children, 2 weeks to 17 years old, mechanically ventilated for acute respiratory failure; specifically, subjects who had parental consent for follow‐up and residential addresses that could be matched with census tracts (n = 2006). Subjects were categorized into quartiles based on income, with a median income of $54,036 for the census tracts represented in the sample. Subjects in the highest income quartile were more likely to be older, non‐Hispanic White, and hospitalized for pneumonia. Subjects in the lowest income quartile were more likely to be Black, younger, and hospitalized for asthma or bronchiolitis, to have age‐appropriate baseline functional status, and history of prematurity and asthma. After controlling for age group, gender, race, and primary diagnosis, there were no associations between income quartile and either Pediatric Risk of Mortality scores or pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome. As measured, income‐based SES was not associated with illness severity upon PICU admission in this cohort of patients. More robust and reliable methods for measuring SES may help to better explain the mechanisms by which socioeconomic affect critical illness.
Preparation and properties of polyimide/carbon nanotube composite films with electromagnetic wave absorption performance
Authors: Jiang Ming , Lin Daolei , Jia Wei , Du Jiang , Han Enlin , Zhang Mengying , Niu Hongqing , Wu Dezhen 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe polyimide (PI)/carbon nanotube (CNT) films including 3,3′,4,4′‐biphenyl tetracarboxylic dianhydride (BPDA), p‐phenylenediamine (p‐PDA), and CNTs were prepared, which have prominent electromagnetic (EM) wave absorption performance. Experimental analyses of the mechanical properties, thermal stabilities, coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), the glass transition temperature (Tg), and EM parameter revealed the beneficial effects of the CNTs on the resulting composite films. In particular, when the content of CNTs is 6 wt%, the film shows the highest EM wave absorption performance, which exhibits the effective absorption bandwidth of 2.72 GHz with the matching thickness of only 2.0 mm. These results indicate that PI‐based films have a certain potential application in the area of EM wave‐absorbing materials.
Mechanisms of Ssp3–H functionalization of thiolacetic acid: A density functional theory investigation
Authors: Hou Qian‐Mei , Zhou Da‐Gang 
Published: September 2021

AbstractMechanisms for Ssp3–H functionalization of thiolacetic acid, initiated by AIBN, have been investigated by M06‐2X‐D3/ma‐def2‐TZVP method and basis set, and SMD model was employed to simulate the solvent effect of toluene. The computational results suggest that azodiisobutyronitrile (AIBN), as the radical initiator, would have an intramolecular homolytic reaction; then Ssp3–H activation of thiolacetic acid could be finished via two possible paths; the obtained thiyl radical and diyne would go through electrophilic reaction, ring‐closure reaction, and SN2 reaction to yield 3,4‐fused‐ring‐substituted thiophenes. While in the second part, the mechanism of side reaction has also been investigated, revealing that main reaction has a lower energy barrier. Localized orbital locator isosurfaces and electron spin density isosurface graphs can analyze the structures and reveal the substances.
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for smoking cessation: a pivotal multicenter double‐blind randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zangen Abraham , Moshe Hagar , Martinez Diana , Barnea‐Ygael Noam , Vapnik Tanya , Bystritsky Alexander , Duffy Walter , Toder Doron , Casuto Leah , Grosz Moran Lipkinsky , Nunes Edward V. , Ward Herbert , Tendler Aron , Feifel David , Morales Oscar , Roth Yiftach , Iosifescu Dan V. , Winston Jaron , Wirecki Theodore , Stein Ahava , Deutsch Frederic , Li Xingbao , George Mark S. 
Published: September 2021

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a non‐invasive brain stimulation method increasingly used to treat psychiatric disorders, primarily depression. Initial studies suggest that rTMS may help to treat addictions, but evaluation in multicenter randomized controlled trials (RCTs) is needed. We conducted a multicenter double‐blind RCT in 262 chronic smokers meeting DSM‐5 criteria for tobacco use disorder, who had made at least one prior failed attempt to quit, with 68% having made at least three failed attempts. They received three weeks of daily bilat­eral active or sham rTMS to the lateral prefrontal and insular cortices, followed by once weekly rTMS for three weeks. Each rTMS session was administered following a cue‐induced craving procedure, and participants were monitored for a total of six weeks. Those in abstinence were monitored for additional 12 weeks. The primary outcome measure was the four‐week continuous quit rate (CQR) until Week 18 in the intent‐to‐treat efficacy set, as determined by daily smoking diaries and verified by urine cotinine measures. The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02126124). In the intent‐to‐treat analysis set (N=234), the CQR until Week 18 was 19.4% following active and 8.7% following sham rTMS (X2=5.655, p=0.017). Among completers (N=169), the CQR until Week 18 was 28.0% and 11.7%, respectively (X2=7.219, p=0.007). The reduction in cigarette consumption and craving was significantly greater in the active than the sham group as early as two weeks into treatment. This study establishes a safe treatment protocol that promotes smoking cessation by stimulating relevant brain circuits. It represents the first large multicenter RCT of brain stimulation in addiction medicine, and has led to the first clearance by the US Food and Drug Administration for rTMS as an aid in smok­ing cessation for adults.
Increasing Patient Motivation and Adherence to Nutritional Care: The Importance to Overcome Psychological Barriers
Authors: Batista de Lima Maria Eduarda , Eleuteri Stefano 
Published: September 2021

AbstractEating habits are inseparably linked with people’s physical and psychological health and well-being. Many factors impact on eating behavior and nutritional status in older adults. Motivational and multidisciplinary interventions have been shown to be highly effective in promoting healthy eating, especially in hospitalized patients, but are often overlooked or not considered. The aim of this chapter is to discuss how to overcome the psychological barriers that lead older patients away from an appropriate nutritional intake and the importance of motivational interventions for adherence to nutritional care, providing useful evidence and direction for further research.
Multidisciplinary Nutrition Care: Benefitting Patients with Malnutrition Across Healthcare Sectors
Authors: Keller Heather , Slaughter Susan , Gramlich Leah , Namasivayam-MacDonald Ashwini , Bell Jack J. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractGeriatric malnutrition prevention, detection, and treatment benefit from a multidisciplinary approach, regardless of the care setting. Nutrition care pathways have been created to support multidisciplinary care for hospitals and for transitions and primary care. Conceptual models for supporting nutrition in long-term care emphasize a multidisciplinary approach.
Physical Activity, Exercise, and Physical Rehabilitation
Authors: Lima Camila Astolphi , dos Santos Renato Barbosa , Perracini Monica Rodrigues 
Published: September 2021

AbstractEnhancing physical activity promotes positive health trajectories throughout the life course. Physical activity should be tailored and graded to suit older adults’ capacities and needs and can be combined with rehabilitation interventions to manage geriatric syndromes and disability. This chapter provides a summary of current evidence about the role of physical activity for older adults, emphasizing nutritional aspects. We also present strategies to help health-care professionals to enhance physical activity participation.
Oropharyngeal Dysphagia in Older Patients
Authors: Spirgienė Lina , Lindhe Rebecca , Damulevičienė Gytė 
Published: September 2021

AbstractDysphagia in older adults can have a profound adverse influence nutrition and hydration status, quality of life, morbidity, mortality and healthcare costs in adults. Identification and management of dysphagia in older adults are most effective when implemented by a team, including a nurse, physician, speech-language pathologist, dietitian and occupational therapist. However, each professional’s role may vary according to the standards, responsibilities and resources available in local settings.
Untangling Malnutrition, Physical Dysfunction, Sarcopenia, Frailty and Cachexia in Ageing
Authors: Prado Carla M. , Bell Jack J. , Gonzalez M. Cristina 
Published: September 2021

AbstractMalnutrition, sarcopenia, frailty and cachexia are different conditions but have overlapping characteristics and consequences for older adults. These conditions are especially prevalent in hospitalised patients affecting almost two thirds of older adults. They can often be hidden conditions; hence multidisciplinary awareness is needed for optimal identification and management. This chapter provides an overview of the definitions of each of these syndromes, its detrimental impact on health outcomes of older adults and tips for clinical practice implementation.
Teaching for Diversity with UDL: Analysing Teacher Competence
Authors: Lakkala Suvi , Kyrö-Ämmälä Outi 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThis chapter is a description of collaborative action research on teacher competence in the context of inclusive education and universal design for learning (UDL). Our goal was to analyse what kinds of professional competencies teachers need when they are implementing UDL in heterogeneous classes. The action research was carried out as a case study together with two co-teachers and a class teacher, who implemented UDL in their heterogeneous classes. As a theoretical framework for teacher competence, we used the multidimensional adapted process (MAP) model of teaching, developed by Finnish researchers and teacher educators. We identified several teacher skills that are needed when the UDL approach is applied. According to our results, the most overarching necessary competence was the teachers’ cognitive skills. Applying UDL required the ability to flexibly transform one’s own teaching and learning situations. Furthermore, the teachers’ social skills appeared as an important attribute as their pupils were highly heterogeneous with diverse needs, and the teachers needed to collaborate with many other professionals and parents. Also, each teacher’s personal orientation, such as values, beliefs and ethics, played a crucial role in UDL while the teachers shared a common set of values, striving towards inclusive education.