bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Participatory Teaching Approach for Red Cross First Aid Trainers of China in 2019: A Before-and-After Study
Authors: Cheng Xiaoqing , Zhang Xiaohua , Ma Qinghui , Wen Ying , Zhao Jianzhong 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
ObjectiveRed Cross Society of China has always attached importance to training of first aid trainers. Participatory teaching approach has good effect and great significance all over the world. Thus this methodology was introduced from International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to China from 2019. This study aimed to investigate effects of participatory teaching approach in training first aid trainers from provincial branches of China.MethodWe conducted a cross-sectional study among first aid trainers from Red Cross provincial branches. Pretested electronic questionnaire was given before and after the training. Data was collected by online survey tool and logic check was set to ensure quality of data. Stata version 11.0 was used to analyze the data. Proportion were used to describe social-demographic characteristics of respondents and their satisfaction with different teaching modules. Paired two-tailed t-test was used to compare the confidence scores before and after training. Chi-square test was used to test confidence growth of different groups and among different developing level regions. Difference was statistically significant if P<0.05.Result772 first aid trainers participated in the survey with a response rate of 99.6%. The majority of respondents were satisfied with standard modules of this course using participatory teaching approach. Scores on 4 confidence related questions had all increased and the confidence growth was statistically significant (Question1:t=-32.66,P<0.001;Question2:t=-28.22,P<0.001;Question3:t=-27.41,P<0.001;Question4:t=-29.07,P<0.001). Different groups had different confidence growth and medium confidence group had the biggest increase in all 4 questions (Question1:2=166.49,P<0.001;Question2:2=166.48,P<0.001;Question3:2=195.40,P<0.001;Question4:2=129.61,P<0.001). No statistical significant difference was found among different developing level regions.ConclusionParticipatory teaching approach was well accepted among Red Cross first aid trainers from provincial branches all over China. No statistically significant was found among different developing level regions. This teaching approach could improve the confidence of participants. It is reasonable to promote this methodology among first aid trainers nationwide.
Melatonin Pretreatment Protects Against Status Epilepticus, Glutamate Transport, and Oxidative Stress Induced by Kainic Acid in Zebrafish
Authors: de Farias Ana Caroline Salvador , Pickler Karolyne de Pieri , Bernardo Henrique Teza , Baldin Samira Leila , Dondossola Eduardo Ronconi , Rico Eduardo Pacheco 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Status epilepticus (SE) develops from abnormal electrical discharges, resulting in neuronal damage. Current treatments include antiepileptic drugs. However, the most common drugs used to treat seizures may sometimes be ineffective and have many side effects. Melatonin is an endogenous physiological hormone that is considered an alternative treatment for neurological disorders because of its free radical scavenging property. Thus, this study aimed to determine the effects of melatonin pretreatment on SE by inducing glutamatergic hyperstimulation in zebrafish. Seizures were induced in zebrafish using kainic acid (KA), a glutamate analog, and the seizure intensity was recorded for 60 min. Melatonin treatment for 7 days showed a decrease in seizure intensity (28%), latency to reach score 5 (14 min), and duration of SE (29%). In addition, melatonin treatment attenuated glutamate transporter levels, which significantly decreased in the zebrafish brain after 12 h of KA-induced seizures. Melatonin treatment reduced the increase in oxidative stress by reactive oxygen species formation through thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and 2‘,7‘-dichiorofluorescin, induced by KA-seizure. An imbalance of antioxidant enzyme activities such as superoxide dismutase and catalase was influenced by melatonin and KA-induced seizures. Our study indicates that melatonin promotes a neuroprotective response against the epileptic profile in zebrafish. These effects could be related to the modulation of glutamatergic neurotransmission, recovery of glutamate uptake, and oxidative stress parameters in the zebrafish brain.
Fungal-bacterial biofilm mediated heavy metal rhizo-remediation
Authors: Henagamage Amila , Peries C.M , Seneviratne G. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Heavy metal pollution due to excessive use of chemical fertilizers (CF) causes a major damage to the environment. Microbial consortia, closely associated with the rhizosphere are able to remediate heavy metal-contaminated soil by reducing plant toxicity. Thus, this study was undertaken to examine the remedial effects of microbial biofilms against contaminated heavy metals. Fungi and bacteria isolated from soil were screened for their tolerance against Cd2+, Pb2+ and Zn2+. Fungal-bacterial biofilms (FBBs) were developed with the highest tolerant isolates and were further screened for their bioremediation capabilities against heavy metals. The best biofilm was evaluated for its rhizoremediation capability with different CF combinations using a pot experiment conducted under greenhouse conditions with potato. Three bacterial and two fungal isolates were selected to develop FBBs upon the tolerance index (TI) percentage. Significantly (P < 0.05) the highest metal removal percentage was observed in Trichoderma harzianum and Bacillus subtilis biofilm under in situ condition. The biofilm with 50% of recommended CF (50CB) significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the soil available Pb2+ by 77%, Cd2+ by 78% and Zn2+ by 62% compared to 100% recommended CF (100C). In comparison to initial soil, it was 73%, 76% and 57% lower of Pb2+, Cd2+ and Zn2+, respectively. In addition, 50CB treatment significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the metal penetration into the tuber tissues in comparison with 100C. Thus, it is concluded that T. harzianum–B. subtilis biofilm is an ideal combination to remediate soil contaminated with Cd2+, Pb2+ and Zn2+.
Compton Shifting with Scattering Angle and Masses of Order 10-31kg To 1-0-27kg
Authors: Karki Bhishma , Dhobi Saddam Husain , Yadav Kishori , Gautam Narayan 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
The objective of this work is to study and observed the Compton shift of elementary particles masses lies in between 10-31kg to 10-27kg within the angle between 0 radians to 3 radians. The observation shows Compton shifting ranges from 10-11m to 0.5 x 10-18m . This nature of shifting is the same for all the considered masses for the same angle of scattering. Therefore this scattering is suitable for other elementary particles that lie in between considered masses. Hence the validity of Compton shifting can be used for other elementary particles scattering as elementary particles masses in between 10-31kg to 10-27kg as having similar nature or original Compton scattering of electron-photon interaction.
Characterization of Variable-sensitivity Compact Force Sensor using Stiffness Change of Shape-memory Polymer Based on Temperature
Authors: Takashima Kazuto , Kobuchi Jo , Kamamichi Norihiro , Takagi Kentaro , Mukai Toshiharu 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
In the present study, we propose a variable-sensitivity force sensor using a shape-memory polymer (SMP), the stiffness of which varies according to the temperature. Since the measurement range and sensitivity can be changed, it is not necessary to replace the force sensor to match the measurement target. Shape-memory polymers are often described as two-phase structures comprising a lower-temperature “glassy” hard phase and a higher-temperature “rubbery” soft phase. The relationship between the applied force and the deformation of the SMP changes depending on the temperature. The proposed sensor consists of strain gauges bonded to an SMP bending beam and senses the applied force by measuring the strain. Therefore, the force measurement range and the sensitivity can be changed according to the temperature. In our previous study, we found that a sensor with one strain gauge and a steel plate had a small error and a large sensitivity range. Therefore, in the present study, we miniaturize this type of sensor. Moreover, in order to describe the viscoelastic behavior more accurately, we propose a transfer function using a generalized Maxwell model. We verify the proposed model experimentally and estimated the parameters by system identification. In addition, we realize miniaturization of the sensor and achieve the same performance as in our previous study. It is shown that the proposed transfer function can capture the viscoelastic behavior of the proposed SMP sensor quite well.
Diabetic Foot Assessment of People With Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy And Associated Factors To Plantar Pressure Changes.
Authors: Jorgetto Juliana Vallim , Oggiam Daniella Silva , Gamba Monica Antar , Kusahara Denise Miyuki 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Diabetic neuropathy is one of the main complications of Diabetes Mellitus, which can lead to loss of protective sensation, motor alteration, in plantar pressure, generating deformities, abnormal gait and mechanical trauma to the feet.OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the distribution of plantar pressure, sensorimotor changes, balance and associated factors to plantar pressure changes in people with peripheral diabetic neuropathy.METHOD: Cross-sectional study conducted with individuals registered in the municipal public health network of a city in the east of São Paulo - Brazil, with Diabetes Mellitus and Peripheral Neuropathy identified by the Michigan Screening Instrument, sensory-motor changes by the International Consensus, static and dynamic assessments of plantar pressure using Baropodometry with BaroScan and balance using the Berg scale.RESULTS: Of the 200 individuals evaluated, 52.55% had no plantar protective sensitivity, the static evaluation did not identify changes in the peak of plantar pressure, however in the dynamics the average in the right foot was 6.08 (± 2) kgf / cm2 and 6 , 7 (± 1.62) kgf / cm2 on the left foot, the center of static pressure on the right foot was lower (10.55 ± 3.82) than on the left foot (11.97 ± 3.90), pointing hyper plantar pressure. The risk of falling was high, ranging from 8 to 56 points, with an average of 40.96 (± 10.77).CONCLUSION: The absence of protective plantar sensitivity, increased pressure, biomechanical changes lead to loss of balance and are predictive of complications in the feet due to diabetic neuropathy.
Effect of Preoperative Keratometry on Visual Outcomes After Small-incision Lenticule Extraction for Myopia
Authors: Lee Seongjun , Bae Sinwoo , Jung Moonsun 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Purpose: To investigate the relationship between preoperative keratometry (K) and postoperative refraction, and compare the visual outcomes after small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) between preoperative flat and steep corneas.Methods: This study involved 814 consecutive eyes of 409 patients who underwent SMILE. A month later, a linear regression analysis of the relationship between preoperative K and the residual spherical equivalent (SE) along with eyes divided by a single standard deviation between flat and steep corneas (< 41.85 D, > 44.57 D, respectively) was conducted. Eyes were distinguished based on the degree of myopia. Results: One month after surgery, no significant correlation existed between mean preoperative K and residual SE (P = 0.459). Linear regression analysis showed a weak negative correlation between flat corneas (r2 = 0.042, P =0.025) rather than steep corneas (P = 0.908). Eyes with preoperative low myopia (< 3.00 D) (r2 = 0.233, P = 0.001) had a weak correlation compared with moderate and high myopia (P = 0.272, P = 0.257, respectively). Twelve months later, the predictability, safety, and efficacy did not vary between preoperative flat and steep corneas (P > 0.05).Conclusions: One month after SMILE for myopia, the corneas were flatter in the preoperative flat corneas or all the low myopic corneas, and they were more overcorrected. However, preoperative corneal curvature does not influence visual outcomes at 1 year after SMILE.
Imaging Capability at Close Range of High Frequency Ultrasound Transducer on the Perforation of Bony Walls Simulating Pedicle Screw Placement
Authors: Li Zhiqiang , Li Dongze , Li Suoyuan , Shao Weiwei , Li Peiyang , Jiao Yang , Yang Chen , Lu Wenjia , Cui Yaoyao , Fan Junjie , Wang Donglai , Zou Tianming , Shen Jun 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Ultrasound has been proved to be a promising alternative spine navigation method. High frequency ultrasound transducer has the advantage of high resolution on surface structure, but imaging at close range is difficult, especially in narrow space of the pilot-hole in pedicle.Methods: Twenty cortical bone chips were made and different size of hole with diameter of 1mm, 2mm, 3mm or 5mm was randomly carved in each bone chip. A tailored 30MHz high frequency transducer scanned bone samples at the distance of 4mm, 3mm, 2mm and 1mm. Successive transmission ringingeffect elimination, Hilbert transform and Gray-scale mapping method were utilized to process and optimize attained original images.Results: At the distance of 4mm, 3mm, 2mm and 1mm, the holes with diameter of 5mm, 3mm and 2mm could be discerned. At the distance of 1mm, only the holes with 5mm and 3mm could be clearly distinguished and the 2mm hole appeared obscure. The holes with diameter of 1mm could not be detected at any distance. The holes with diameter of 2mm were able to be detected at the distance of 1mm.Conclusions: This study indicated that the high frequency transducer had limited imaging capability at close range on the bony surface. These results lay a foundation for further developing a novel ultrasound-based spinal pedicle interior imaging and navigation system.
Impact of Electrode Position on the Dynamic Range of a Human Auditory Nerve Fiber
Authors: Rattay Frank , Tanzer Thomas 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Electrodes of a cochlear implant generate spikes in auditory nerve fibers. While the insertion depth of each of the electrodes is linked to a frequency section of the acoustic signal, the amplitude of the stimulating pulses controls the loudness of the related frequency band. The firing efficiency of an auditory nerve fiber, stimulated by a train of pulses varies between 0 and 100%. 100% firing efficiency means every pulse elicits a spike, 50% defines threshold. The dynamic range of an auditory nerve fiber is the range of stimulus intensities that causes a firing probability between 10 and 90%. This ‘electrical’ dynamic range is quite small in comparison to the variation of spiking rates measured during acoustic stimulation. Consequently, an increased dynamic range may improve the quality of auditory perception for cochlear implant users. Electrodes are often placed as close as possible to the center axis of the cochlea. Analysis of simulated auditory nerve firing showed that this placement is disadvantageous for the dynamic range. Five times larger dynamic ranges are expected for electrodes close to the terminal of the dendrite or at mid-dendritic placement.
Tailoring Interfacial Effect in Multilayers With Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya Interaction by Helium Ion Irradiation
Authors: Sud A. , Tacchi S. , Sagkovits D. , Barton C. , Sall M. , Diez L. H. , Stylianidis E. , Smith N. , Wright L. , Zhang S. , Zhang X. , Ravelosona D. , Carlotti G. , Kurebayashi H. , Kazakova O. , Cubukcu M. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
We show a method to control magnetic interfacial effects in multilayers with Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction (DMI) using helium (He+) ion irradiation. We compare results from SQUID magnetometry, ferromagnetic resonance as well as Brillouin light scattering results on multilayers with DMI as a function of irradiation fluence to study the effect of irradiation on the magnetic properties of the multilayers. Our results show clear evidence of the He+ irradiation effects on the magnetic properties which is consistent with interface modification due to the effects of the He+ irradiation. This external degree of freedom offers promising perspectives to further improve the control of magnetic skyrmions in multilayers, that could push them towards integration in future technologies.
Higher One-year Achievement Rate of Serum Phosphate Associated with Lower Cardiovascular Mortality in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Zhang Weichen , Ye Guoxin , Bi Zhaori , Chen Weisheng , Qian Jing , Zhang Minmin , Ding Ding , Wang Mengjing , Chen Jing 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Estimation of phosphate load in hemodialysis patients is always controversial in clinical practice. The aim of this study was to verify individual achievement rate of serum phosphate as the evaluation of phosphate load through investigating its impact on cardiovascular mortality in hemodialysis patients.Methods: This was a single-center, retrospective cohort study. A total of 251 maintenance hemodialysis patients were enrolled. The individual achievement rate of serum phosphate was defined as the times of tests within the target range divided by total times of tests over a period of time. Cox regression model was used to examine the relationship between individual achievement rate of serum phosphate and cardiovascular mortality. Results: The mean age of the study population was 61±13 years old. A total of 44 (17.5%) patients died from cardiovascular disease (CVD) during a median follow-up of 65 months. Multivariable Cox analysis showed that one-year serum phosphate achievement rate of 0% (HR=4.117, P=0.016) and 25% (HR=3.343, P=0.023) increased the risk of cardiovascular mortality while the achievement rate of 50% (HR=2.129, P=0.162) and 75% (HR=1.080, P=0.902) did not, compared to the rate of 100%. Urea reduction ratio (URR) was positively, while serum intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), normalized protein catabolic rate (nPCR), and total phosphate-binding capacity of drug were negatively associated with achievement in target of serum phosphate.Conclusions: Keeping one-year achievement rate of serum phosphate higher than 50% provides significant clinical benefits in reducing cardiovascular mortality.
Analysis of Photon Characteristics in Anticorrelation of a Hong-Ou-Mandel Dip for On-Demand Quantum Correlation Control
Authors: Ham Byoung 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Over the last several decades, quantum entanglement has been intensively studied for potential applications in quantum information science. The Hong-Ou-Mandel (HOM) dip is the most important test tool for direct proof of entanglement between paired photons, whose coincidence detection results in anticorrelation due to photon bunching on a beam splitter. Although anticorrelation is due to destructive quantum interference between paired photons, a wavelength-sensitive interference fringe has never been observed in any HOM-type experiments. Here, a typical HOM dip is investigated for entangled photon pairs generated by parametric down conversion processes (SPDC) to understand fundamental physics of anticorrelation. In addition, a pure coherence optics-based Hong-Ou-Mandel scheme is proposed and analyzed for general understanding of anticorrelation in an interferometric system. This study sheds light on deterministic quantum correlation control and opens the door to potential applications of on-demand quantum information science.
What’s in a Head? Comparative Morphology of Head Muscles in the Three Drusinae Clades (Insecta: Trichoptera)
Authors: Zittra Carina , Vitecek Simon , Schwaha Thomas , Handschuh Stephan , Martini Jan , Vieira Ariane , Kuhlmann Hendrik C. , Waringer Johann 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
The subfamily Drusinae (Limnephilidae, Trichoptera) comprises a range of species exhibiting differently shaped head capsules in their larval stages. These correspond to evolutionary lineages pursuing different larval feeding ecologies, each of which uses a different hydraulic niche: scraping grazers and omnivorous shredders sharing rounded head capsules and filtering carnivores with indented and corrugated head capsules. In this study, we assess whether changes in head capsule morphology are reflected by changes in internal anatomy of Drusinae heads. To this end, internal and external head morphology was visualized using µCT methods and histological sections in three Drusinae species – Drusus bosnicus, D. franzi and D. discolor – representing the three evolutionary lineages. Our results indicate that Drusinae head musculature is highly conserved across the evolutionary lineages with only minute changes between taxa. Conversely, the tentorium is reduced in D. discolor, the species with the most aberrant head capsule investigated here. Integrating previous research on Drusinae head anatomy, we propose a fundamental Drusinae blueprint comprising 29 cephalic muscles and discuss significance of larval head capsule corrugation in Trichoptera.
Respiratory function declines in children with asthma associated with chemical species of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in Nagasaki, Japan
Authors: Kim Yoonhee , Park Eun Ha , Ng Chris Fook Sheng , Chung Yeonseung , Hashimoto Kunio , Tashiro Kasumi , Hasunuma Hideki , Doi Masataka , Tamura Kei , Moriuchi Hiroyuki , Nishiwaki Yuji , Kim Hwajin , Yi Seung-Muk , Kim Ho , Hashizume Masahiro 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background

The differential effects of PM2.5 fractions on children’s lung function remain inconclusive. This study aimed to examine whether lung function in asthmatic children was associated with increased PM2.5 fractions in urban areas in Nagasaki prefecture, Japan, where the air pollution level is relatively low but influenced by transboundary air pollution.
Methods

We conducted a multiyear panel study of 73 asthmatic children (boys, 60.3%; mean age, 8.2 years) spanning spring 2014–2016 in two cities. We collected self-measured peak expiratory flow (PEF) twice a day and daily time-series data for PM2.5 total mass and its chemical species. We fitted a linear mixed effects model to examine short-term associations between PEF and PM2.5, adjusting for individual and time-varying confounders. A generalized linear mixed effects model was also used to estimate the association for worsening asthma defined by severe PEF decline. Back-trajectory and cluster analyses were used to investigate the long-range transboundary PM2.5 in the study areas.
Results

We found that morning PEFs were adversely associated with higher levels of sulfate (-1.61 L/min; 95% CI: -3.07, -0.15) in Nagasaki city and organic carbon (OC) (-1.02 L/min; 95% CI: -1.94, -0.09) in Isahaya city, per interquartile range (IQR) increase at lag1. In addition, we observed consistent findings for worsening asthma, with higher odds of severe PEF decline in the morning for sulfate (odds ratio (OR) = 2.31; 95% CI: 1.12, 4.77) and ammonium (OR = 1.73; 95% CI: 1.06, 2.84) in Nagasaki city and OC (OR = 1.51; 95% CI: 1.06, 2.15) in Isahaya city, per IQR increase at lag1. The significant chemical species were higher on days that could be largely attributed to the path of Northeast China origin (for sulfate and ammonium) or both the same path and local sources (for OC) than by other clusters.
Conclusions

This study provides evidence of the differential effects of PM2.5 fractions on lung function among asthmatic children in urban areas, where the Japanese national standards of air quality have been nearly met. Continuous efforts to promote mitigation actions and public awareness of hazardous transboundary air pollution are needed to protect susceptible children with asthma.