bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of cavotricuspid isthmus depth on the ablation index for successful first-pass typical atrial flutter ablation
Authors: Kashiwagi Manabu , Kuroi Akio , Katayama Yosuke , Terada Kosei , Fujita Suwako , Hozumi Takeshi , Shimamura Kunihiro , Shiono Yasutsugu , Tanimoto Takashi , Kubo Takashi , Tanaka Atsushi , Akasaka Takashi 
Published: November 2021

AbstractCavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) linear ablation has been established as the treatment for typical atrial flutter. Recently, ablation index (AI) has emerged as a novel marker for estimating ablation lesions. We investigated the relationship between CTI depth and ablation parameters on the procedural results of typical atrial flutter ablation. A total of 107 patients who underwent CTI ablation were retrospectively enrolled in this study. All patients underwent computed tomography before catheter ablation. From the receiver-operating curve, the best cut-off value of CTI depth was < 4.1 mm to predict first-pass success. Although the average AI was not different between deep CTI (DC; CTI depth ≥ 4.1) and shallow CTI (SC; CTI depth < 4.1), DC required a longer ablation time and showed a lower first-pass success rate (p < 0.01). In addition, the catheter inversion technique was more frequently required in the DC (p < 0.01). The lowest AI sites of the first-pass CTI line were determined in both the ventricular (2/3 segment of CTI) and inferior vena cava (IVC, 1/3 segment of CTI) sides. The best cut-off values of the weakest AIs at the ventricular and IVC sides for predicting first-pass success were > 420 and > 386, respectively. Among patients with these cut-off values, the first-pass success rate was 89% in the SC and 50% in the DC (p < 0.01). Although ablation parameters were not significantly different, the first-pass success rate was lower in the DC than in the SC. Further investigation might be required for better outcomes in deep CTIs.
Spontaneous eye blinking as a diagnostic marker in prolonged disorders of consciousness
Authors: Magliacano Alfonso , Rosenfelder Martin , Hieber Nina , Bender Andreas , Estraneo Anna , Trojano Luigi 
Published: November 2021

AbstractClinical diagnosis of patients with prolonged disorders of consciousness is very challenging. As spontaneous eye blink rate (EBR) is reliably correlated with cognitive activity in healthy individuals, we investigated whether EBR could serve as a marker of patients’ level of consciousness. We assessed ten patients in prolonged Vegetative State/Unresponsive Wakefulness Syndrome (VS/UWS; three females; mean age = 50.3 ± 17.8 years) and fourteen patients in Minimally Conscious State (MCS; three females; mean age = 52.9 ± 17.5 years) at their admission to a rehabilitation unit after the acute phase. During two separate 3-min rest conditions, we recorded patients’ EBR by integrating on-line visual and off-line electro-oculographic count. We also assessed EBR during two auditory oddball tasks, i.e. passive listening and active counting of target tones in a sub-group of patients. EBR was significantly higher in MCS than in VS/UWS; moreover, EBR positively correlated with a validated index of responsiveness derived from the Coma Recovery Scale-Revised. Patients’ mean EBR showed no significant differences within sessions and across experimental conditions of the oddball task, in both VS/UWS and MCS. Our findings suggest that, at least in the post-acute phase, observing patients’ EBR for 3 min at rest could help to discriminate between VS/UWS and MCS, improving accuracy of clinical diagnosis.
Oral vaccination of piglets against Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae using silica SBA-15 as an adjuvant effectively reduced consolidation lung lesions at slaughter
Authors: Mechler-Dreibi Marina L. , Almeida Henrique M. S. , Sonalio Karina , Martines Mariela A. C. , Petri Fernando A. M. , Zambotti Beatriz B. , Ferreira Marcela M. , Storino Gabriel Y. , Martins Tereza S. , Montassier Hélio J. , Sant’Anna Osvaldo A. , Fantini Márcia C. A. , de Oliveira Luís Guilherme 
Published: November 2021

AbstractMycoplasma (M.) hyopneumoniae is the main pathogen of porcine enzootic pneumonia (PEP). Its controlling is challenging, and requires alternative strategies. This study aimed to develop an oral vaccine against M. hyopneumoniae using a nanostructured mesoporous silica (SBA-15) as an adjuvant, and compare its effect with an intramuscular (IM) commercial vaccine (CV). Fifty 24 day-old M. hyopneumoniae-free piglets composed five equal groups for different immunization protocols, consisting of a CV and/or oral immunization (OI). Control piglets did not receive any form of immunization. All piglets were challenged with M. hyopneumoniae strain 232 on D49 by tracheal route. IgA antibody response in the respiratory tract, bacterial shedding and serum IgG were evaluated. The piglets were euthanized on 28 (D77) and 56 (D105) days post-infection. Lung lesions were macroscopically evaluated; lung fragments and bronchoalveolar fluid (BALF) were collected for estimation of bacterial loads by qPCR and/or histopathology examination. All immunization protocols induced reduction on Mycoplasma-like macroscopic lung lesions. IgA Ab responses anti-M. hyopneumoniae, the expression of IL-4 cytokine and a lower expression of IL-8 were induced by CV and OI vaccines, while IgG was induced only by CV. Oral immunization using silica as a carrier-adjuvant can be viable in controlling M. hyopneumoniae infection.
Population receptive fields of human primary visual cortex organised as DC-balanced bandpass filters
Authors: Kristensen Daniel Gramm , Sandberg Kristian 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe response to visual stimulation of population receptive fields (pRF) in the human visual cortex has been modelled with a Difference of Gaussians model, yet many aspects of their organisation remain poorly understood. Here, we examined the mathematical basis and signal-processing properties of this model and argue that the DC-balanced Difference of Gaussians (DoG) holds a number of advantages over a DC-biased DoG. Through functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) pRF mapping, we compared performance of DC-balanced and DC-biased models in human primary visual cortex and found that when model complexity is taken into account, the DC-balanced model is preferred. Finally, we present evidence indicating that the BOLD signal DC offset contains information related to the processing of visual stimuli. Taken together, the results indicate that V1 pRFs are at least frequently organised in the exact constellation that allows them to function as bandpass filters, which makes the separation of stimulus contrast and luminance possible. We further speculate that if the DoG models stimulus contrast, the DC offset may reflect stimulus luminance. These findings suggest that it may be possible to separate contrast and luminance processing in fMRI experiments and this could lead to new insights on the haemodynamic response.
Radiocesium in the Taiwan Strait and the Kuroshio east of Taiwan from 2018 to 2019
Authors: Huang Wei-Jen , Lee Ming-Ta , Huang Kuei-Chen , Kao Kai-Jung , Lee Ming-An , Yang Yiing-Jang , Jan Sen , Chen Chen-Tung Arthur 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe release of anthropogenic radiocesium to the North Pacific Ocean (NPO) has occurred in the past 60 years. Factors controlling 137Cs (half-life, 30.2 year) and 134Cs (half-life, 2.06 year) activity concentrations in the Kuroshio east of Taiwan and the Taiwan Strait (latitude 20° N–27° N, longitude 116° E–123° E) remain unclear. This study collected seawater samples throughout this region and analyzed 134Cs and 137Cs activity concentrations between 2018 and 2019. A principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to analyze the controlling factors of radiocesium. Results of all 134Cs activity concentrations were below the detection limit (0.5 Bq m−3). Analyses of water column 137Cs profiles revealed a primary concentration peak (2.1–2.2 Bq m−3) at a depth range of 200–400 m (potential density σθ: 25.3 to 26.1 kg m−3). The PCA result suggests that this primary peak was related to density layers in the water column. A secondary 137Cs peak (1.90 Bq m−3) was observed in the near-surface waters (σθ = 18.8 to 21.4 kg m−3) and was possibly related to upwelling and river-to-sea mixing on the shelf. In the Taiwan Strait, 137Cs activity concentrations in the near-surface waters were higher in the summer than in the winter. We suggest that upwelling facilitates the vertical transport of 137Cs at the shelf break of the western NPO.
Manufacturing and performance evaluation of medical radiation shielding fiber with plasma thermal spray coating technology
Authors: Kim Seon-Chil , Son Jun-Sik 
Published: November 2021

AbstractLead, which has been used for radiation shielding in medicine, is currently sought to be replaced by an eco-friendly shielding material. Therefore, it should be replaced with shielding materials possessing excellent processability and radiation shielding performance similar to that of lead. In this study, a new process technology was developed focusing on the processability of tungsten, a representative eco-friendly shielding material. It is difficult to reproduce the shielding performance when using the method of coating nonwoven fabrics with a liquid using tungsten powder on a polymer material, which is adopted to ensure the flexibility of the shielding fabric. To address this, tungsten powder was sprayed on the fabric using a plasma thermal spray coating process and coated to a thickness of 0.2 mm to evaluate the shielding performance. Compared to standard lead with a thickness of 0.2 mm, the shielding efficiency differed by approximately 15%. Since the developed process can maintain the amount of injection in an area, it is possible to ensure the reproducibility of the shielding performance and automated process for mass production. This approach is economically feasible as it does not entail the mixing of polymer materials; hence, it can be used for preparing radiation shielding clothing for medical institutions.
TheraPearl Eye Mask and Blephasteam for the treatment of meibomian gland dysfunction: a randomized, comparative clinical trial
Authors: Olafsson Jonatan , Lai Xiaoran , Landsend Erlend Christoffer Sommer , Olafsson Snorri , Parissi Eric , Utheim Øygunn A. , Raeder Sten , Badian Reza A. , Lagali Neil , Dartt Darlene A. , Utheim Tor P. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractMeibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is the most common cause of dry eye disease (DED). In this study, we aimed to compare the effects of eyelid warming treatment using either TheraPearl Eye Mask (Bausch & Lomb Inc., New York, USA) or Blephasteam (Spectrum Thea Pharmaceuticals LTD, Macclesfield, UK) in a Norwegian population with mild to moderate MGD-related DED. An open label, randomized comparative trial with seventy patients (49 females, 21 males; mean age 53.6 years). Patients were randomly assigned to treatment with Blephasteam (n = 37) or TheraPearl (n = 33). All received a hyaluronic acid based artificial tear substitute (Hylo-Comod, Ursapharm, Saarbrücken, Germany). Patients were examined at baseline, and at three and six months initiation of treatment. Treatment efficacy was primarily evaluated by fluorescein breakup time (FBUT) and Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) scores. Other outcome measures included ocular surface staining (OSS), Schirmer’s test, and meibomian quality and expressibility. Baseline parameter values did not differ between the groups. After six months of treatment, Blephasteam improved FBUT by 3.9 s (p < 0.01) and OSDI by 13.7 (p < 0.01), TheraPearl improved FBUT by 2.6 s (p < 0.01) and OSDI by 12.6 (p < 0.01). No difference between treatments was detected at 6 months (p = 0.11 for FBUT and p = 0.71 for OSDI), nor were there differences in the other tested parameters between the treatment groups. Blephasteam and TheraPearl are equally effective in treating mild to moderate MGD in a Norwegian population after 6-months of treatment.Clinicaltrials.gov ID: NCT03318874; Protocol ID: 2014/1983; First registration: 24/10/2017.
A novel AlGaN/GaN heterostructure field-effect transistor based on open-gate technology
Authors: Liu Yang , Lv Yuanjie , Guo Shuoshuo , Luan Zhengfang , Cheng Aijie , Lin Zhaojun , Yang Yongxiong , Jiang Guangyuan , Zhou Yan 
Published: November 2021

AbstractIn this study, a novel AlGaN/GaN heterostructure field-effect transistor based on open-gate technology was fabricated. Sample transistors of different structures and sizes were constructed. Through measurements, it was found that by changing the width of the opening, the threshold voltage of the device could be easily modulated across a larger range. The open-gate device had two working modes with different transconductance. When the gate-source voltage VGS ≤  − 4.5 V, only the open region was conductive, and a new working mechanism modulated the channel current. Corresponding theoretical analysis and calculations showed that its saturation mechanism was related to a virtual gate formed by electron injection onto the surface. Also, the gate-source voltage modulated the open channel current by changing the channel electron mobility through polarization Coulomb field scattering. When used as class-A voltage amplifiers, open-gate devices can achieve effective voltage amplification with very low power consumption.
Impact of the different biliopancreatic limb length on diabetes and incretin hormone secretion following distal gastrectomy in gastric cancer patients
Authors: Park Ji Yeon , Kwon Oh Kyoung , Jeon Jae-Han , Choi Yeon-Kyung , Park Ki Bum 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe present study aimed to investigate changes in glucose metabolism and incretin hormone response following longer intestinal bypass reconstruction after distal gastrectomy (DG) in low BMI patients with gastric cancer and type 2 diabetes. A total of 20 patients were prospectively recruited and underwent either conventional Billroth I (BI), Billroth II with long-biliopancreatic limb (BII), or Roux-en-Y anastomosis with long-Roux limb (RY) after DG. A 75g-oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was given preoperatively; and at 5 days, 3 months, and 6 months postoperatively. Serum glucose, insulin, glucagon, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) were serially measured. At 6 months after surgery, complete diabetes remission was achieved in 57.1% of the BII group but in no patients in the other two groups (p = 0.018). BII group showed a significant reduction in glucose concentration during OGTT at 6 months in contrast to the other 2 groups. In the BII group, a significant increase in GLP-1 secretion was observed after surgery but not maintained at 6 months, while postoperative hyperglucagonemia was alleviated along with a reduction in GIP. BII gastrojejunostomy with long biliopancreatic limb achieved better diabetes control with favorable incretin response after DG compared to BI or RY reconstruction.
Traumatic brain injury to primary visual cortex produces long-lasting circuit dysfunction
Authors: Frankowski Jan C. , Foik Andrzej T. , Tierno Alexa , Machhor Jiana R. , Lyon David C. , Hunt Robert F. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractPrimary sensory areas of the mammalian neocortex have a remarkable degree of plasticity, allowing neural circuits to adapt to dynamic environments. However, little is known about the effects of traumatic brain injury on visual circuit function. Here we used anatomy and in vivo electrophysiological recordings in adult mice to quantify neuron responses to visual stimuli two weeks and three months after mild controlled cortical impact injury to primary visual cortex (V1). We found that, although V1 remained largely intact in brain-injured mice, there was ~35% reduction in the number of neurons that affected inhibitory cells more broadly than excitatory neurons. V1 neurons showed dramatically reduced activity, impaired responses to visual stimuli and weaker size selectivity and orientation tuning in vivo. Our results show a single, mild contusion injury produces profound and long-lasting impairments in the way V1 neurons encode visual input. These findings provide initial insight into cortical circuit dysfunction following central visual system neurotrauma.
Le problème à N corps qui se cache derrière l’ordinateur quantique
Authors: Waintal Xavier 
Published: November 2021

Le concept d’ordinateur quantique recouvre deux réalités très différentes. Il y a d’une part de très belles expériences de physique qui se basent sur des systèmes appartenant à la nanoélectronique quantique (supraconducteurs, semi-conducteurs), l’optique quantique ou la physique atomique. D’autre part, il y a une promesse, celle que ces systèmes puissent être décrits avec grande précision par un modèle mathématique très épuré. Ce modèle est une instance d’un problème plus général, le problème quantique à N corps, que les physiciens étudient depuis des dizaines d’années.
Dans cet article, nous verrons qu’envisager l’ordinateur quantique sous l’angle du problème quantique à N corps donne un éclairage utile pour comprendre à quoi il pourrait servir ou les diffi cultés liées à son élaboration.
Reactivation of unaccusative and unergative verbs in Mandarin
Authors: Lin Yowyu 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Intransitives can be classified into two subclasses: unaccusative verbs and unergative verbs. According to the Unaccusative Hypothesis, the difference between unaccusatives and unergatives lies in where the single argument is generated in the underlying syntactic structure. Subjects of unaccusative verbs are base-generated in the object position and moved to the subject positions. Subjects of unergative verbs, however, are external and thus are not resulted from arguments moving from the object position. If the Unaccusative Hypothesis is correct, a trace is left at the original place for unaccusative verbs when movement occurs but no trace for unergative verbs. Friedmann et al. (2008) used the cross-modal lexical priming paradigm to examine the Unaccusative Hypothesis but their results could only lend limited support for the Unaccusative Hypothesis. Since the argument of Mandarin unaccusative verbs can occur preverbally and postverbally, it offers us a balanced testing ground to re-examine reactivation during sentence comprehension. Results of the current study lend support for the Unaccusative Hypothesis. When the argument occurred preverbally, a V-shaped line was observed. An inverted V-shaped line was observed when the argument occurred postverbally. For unergative verbs, the line showed a decay of reactivation.
The trappings of order
Authors: Oenbring Raymond , Klumm Matthias 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
This study builds off of previous research into Caribbean Standard Englishes (which has largely used newspaper genres) by comparing the rates of features found in corpora of Bahamian, Jamaican, British, and American administrative writing, paying particular attention to whether and how the noted formality of Caribbean Standard Englishes manifests itself in administrative writing. The study employs expanded versions of ICE administrative subcorpora for the analysis. Features analyzed include lexis, orthography, as well as different morphosyntactic constructions such as be-passives and modals of obligation and necessity. The study finds that the contemporary British administrative writing corpus contains the most informal lexical choice of the national corpora studied, problematizing a Caribbean folk narrative that associates formality in administrative language and practice with Britishness.
The sociolinguistic city
Authors: Johnstone Barbara 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
What might we learn if sociolinguists’ objects of study were cities rather than speech communities within cities? Drawing on urban sociology, I suggest that we think of a city as a site of encounter among different sociolinguistic worlds. This would force us to confront heterogeneity, to ask how and when disparate linguistic resources, language ideologies, and communicative practices bump up against each other and impinge on each other. We would have to consider urban mobilities and their sociolinguistic consequences. We would also need to rethink how sociolinguistic practices circulate in non-face-to-face contexts, asking about the role of material artifacts in this process. I illustrate each of these points with examples from my and others’ research.
Ascochyta koolunga
. [Distribution map].
Authors: CABI  , EPPO  
Published: November 2021

Abstract

A new distribution map is provided for
Ascochyta koolunga
(Davidson et al.) Hou, Cai and Crous (Dothideomycetes: Didymellaceae: Pleosporales). Host: field pea (
Pisum sativum
). Information is given on the geographical distribution in Oceania (Australia, South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia).
Meloidogyne marylandi
. [Distribution map].
Authors: CABI  , EPPO  
Published: November 2021

Abstract

A new distribution map is provided for
Meloidogyne marylandi
Jepson and Golden. Chromodorea: Tylenchida: Meloidogynidae. Hosts: turfgrasses, including Bermuda grass (
Cynodon dactylon
) and Zoysiagrass (
Zoysia japonica
). Information is given on the geographical distribution in Asia (Israel, Japan, Kyushu, Korea Republic) and North America (Costa Rica, USA, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Maryland, Nevada, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah).
Evaluation of the tribological properties of two PEEKs sliding against Al2O3, WC and DLC coatings under dry friction and water lubrication
Authors: Lin Bin , Zou Hongbo , Meng Yaqi , Sui Tianyi , Yan Shuai 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
The tribology performance of two carbon fiber-reinforced polyether-ether-ketones (450FC30 and WG101) sliding against stainless steel 3Cr13 and 3Cr13 coated with aluminium oxide (Al2O3), tungsten carbide (WC) and diamond-like carbon (DLC) under dry friction and water lubrication were studied to reduce the coefficient of friction and improve the wear resistance of water-lubricated bearings. The friction and wear mechanism of different tribopairs were determined via pin-on-disc sliding tests. Experimental results showed that the WG101/Al2O3 tribopair exhibited excellent wear resistance under dry friction and water lubrication. Carbon fibers were exposed on the friction surface of WG101 when WG101 slid against Al2O3. These carbon fibers bore most of the load to reduce wear. This work provides a practical basis for selecting the optimal tribopair for water-lubricated bearings.