bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Task experience influences coordinative structures and performance variables in learning a slalom ski‐simulator task
Authors: Dutt‐Mazumder A. , Newell K. M. 
Published: January 2018

The experiment investigated the progressions of the qualitative and quantitative changes in the movement dynamics of learning the ski‐simulator as a function of prior‐related task experience. The focus was the differential timescales of change in the candidate collective variable, neuromuscular synergies, joint motions, and task outcome as a function of learning over 7 days of practice. Half of the novice participants revealed in day 1 a transition of in‐phase to anti‐phase coupling of center of mass (CoM)‐platform motion whereas the remaining novices and experienced group all produced on the first trial an anti‐phase CoM‐platform coupling. The experienced group also had initially greater amplitude and velocity of platform motion—a performance advantage over the novice group that was reduced but not eliminated with 7 days of practice. The novice participants who had an in‐phase CoM‐platform coupling on the initial trials of day 1 also showed the most restricted platform motion in those trials. Prior‐related practice experience differentially influenced the learning of the task as evidenced by both the qualitative organization and the quantitative motion properties of the individual degrees of freedom (dof) to meet the task demands. The findings provide further evidence to the proposition that CoM‐platform coupling is a candidate collective variable in the ski‐simulator task that provides organization and boundary conditions to the motions of the individual jointdofand their couplings.
Regulation of bone blood flow in humans: The role of nitric oxide, prostaglandins, and adenosine
Authors: Heinonen I. , Boushel R. , Hellsten Y. , Kalliokoski K. 
Published: January 2018

The mechanisms that regulate bone blood flow (BBF) in humans are largely unknown. Animal studies suggest that nitric oxide (NO) could be involved, and in this study, we investigated the effects of inhibition of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) alone and in combination with inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme, thus prostaglandin (PG) synthesis on femoral bone marrow blood flow by positron emission tomography in healthy young men at rest and during one‐leg dynamic exercise. In an additional group of healthy men, the role of adenosine (ADO) in the regulation of BBF during exercise was investigated by use of an adenosine receptor blocker (aminophylline). Inhibitors were directly infused into the femoral artery. Resting BBF was 1.1 ± 0.4 mL 100 g−1min−1 and increased to almost sixfold in response to exercise (6.3 ± 1.5 mL 100 g−1 min−1). Inhibition of NOS reduced BBF at rest to 0.7 ± 0.3 mL 100 g−1 min−1 (P = .036), but did not affect BBF significantly during exercise (5.5 ± 1.4 mL 100 g−1 min−1, P = .25). On the other hand, while combined NOS and COX inhibition did not cause any further reduction of blood flow at rest (0.6 ± 0.2 mL 100 g−1min−1), the combined blockade reduced BBF during exercise by ~21%, to 5.0 ± 1.8 mL 100 g−1 min−1 (P = .014). Finally, the ADO inhibition during exercise reduced BBF from 5.5 ± 1.9 mL 100 g−1 min−1 to 4.6 ± 1.2 mL 100 g−1 min−1 (P = .045). In conclusion, our results support the view that NO is involved in controlling bone marrow blood flow at rest, and NO, PG, and ADO play important roles in controlling human BBF during exercise.
Handheld 3‐dimensional wound measuring system
Authors: Pavlovčič U. , Jezeršek M. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBackgroundMeasuring wound dimensions is important for monitoring and predicting the healing process. In our paper we propose and validate a handheld measuring system with dedicated software for measuring wound dimensions.MethodsThe measuring system comprises a commercial DSLR camera and a light pattern projection system. It is based on triangulation and structured illumination principles which enable handheld measuring. An edge of the wound is detected from the colour information of the measurement. Across the area of the wound, virtual healthy skin is approximated which enables the calculation of the wound volume and area, in addition to the wound circumference, which is calculated from the detected edge.ResultsIn vitro verification using virtual standards showed that the accuracy of the analysis software is over 95% and 93% for measuring the area and volume respectively. A significant part of the error can be attributed to the inability of approximation to replicate entirely missing features. The accuracy of measuring the volume reduced to about 89% when a 3D measuring step was included in the analysis. When measuring in vivo wounds, the unrepeatability of the system was under 8% for measuring the area, which is a bit lower than comparable systems, and 5% for measuring the volume, which is about 4 times lower.ConclusionBased on these results and the ease of use, we conclude that the system is suitable to be used in daily clinical practice for measuring wound dimensions.
Comparison of two kinds of skin imaging analysis software: VISIA® from Canfield and IPP® from Media Cybernetics
Authors: Wang X. , Shu X. , Li Z. , Huo W. , Zou L. , Tang Y. , Li L. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBackgroundSkin imaging analysis, acting as a supplement to noninvasive bioengineering devices, has been widely used in medical cosmetology and cosmetic product evaluation. The main aim of this study is to assess the differences and correlations in measuring skin spots, wrinkles, vascular features, porphyrin, and pore between two commercially available image analysis software.Materials and MethodsSeventy healthy women were included in the study. Before taking pictures, the dermatologist evaluated subjects’ skin conditions. Test sites included the forehead, cheek, and periorbital skin. A 2 × 2 cm cardboard was used to make a mark on the skin surface. Pictures were taken using VISIA® under three kinds light conditions and analyzed using VISIA® and IPP® respectively.Results(1) Skin pore, red area, ultraviolet spot, brown spot, porphyrin, and wrinkle measured with VISIA® were correlated with those measured with IPP® (P < .01). (2) Spot, wrinkle, fine line, brown spot, and red area analyzed with VISIA® were correlated with age on the forehead and periorbital skin (P < .05). L‐value, Crow's feet, ultraviolet spot, brown spot, and red area analyzed with IPP® were correlated with age on the periorbital skin (P < .05). (3) L‐value, spot, wrinkle, fine line, porphyrin, red area, and pore analyzed with VISIA® and IPP® showed correlations with the subjective evaluation scores (P < .05).ConclusionsVISIA® and IPP® showed acceptable correlation in measuring various skin conditions. VISIA® showed a high sensibility when measured on the forehead skin. IPP® is available as an alternative software program to evaluate skin features.
Changes in dermal structure and skin oxidative stress in overweight and obese Japanese males after weight loss: a longitudinal observation study
Authors: Matsumoto M. , Ogai K. , Aoki M. , Urai T. , Yokogawa M. , Tawara M. , Kobayashi M. , Minematsu T. , Sanada H. , Sugama J. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBackground/PurposePrevious studies have reported decreased dermal echogenicity and increased skin oxidative stress in overweight males. However, it is unknown whether these skin parameters of overweight and obese people are similar to those of individuals exhibiting a normal body weight following weight loss. The purpose of this study was to (1) compare the changes in the dermal structure parameters and levels of skin oxidative stress before and after weight loss in overweight and obese people in Japan and (2) to clarify how these aspects changed when body weight would be reduced to normal body weight.MethodsMale volunteers with a body mass index of ≥25 kg/m2 were recruited. The dermal structure was visualized and dermal echogenicity and thickness were measured using ultrasound scanners. The mRNA expression level of heme oxygenase‐1 in the hair follicles was quantitatively analyzed as a marker of skin oxidative stress.ResultsWhen overweight individuals in their 20s to 30s reduced their weight to normal, decreased dermal thickness in the abdominal region was observed in 50% of the subjects; however, no increase in dermal echogenicity was observed. A decrease in dermal thickness and an increase in dermal echogenicity in the thighs was observed in 83.3% of the subjects. No decrease in the level of dermal oxidative stress was observed.ConclusionThe dermal structure in the thighs of overweight young individuals can be improved to the level of the structure in those of normal body weight individuals following weight loss.
Phosphorus bioavailability in ash from straw and sewage sludge processed by low‐temperature biomass gasification
Authors: Müller‐Stöver D. S. , Jakobsen I. , Grønlund M. , Rolsted M. M. M. , Magid J. , Hauggaard‐Nielsen H. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractReuse of phosphorus (P) from waste streams used for bioenergy conversion is desirable to reduce dependence on nonrenewable P resources. Two different ash materials from low‐temperature biomass gasification of wheat straw and sewage sludge, respectively, were investigated with regard to their P bioavailability. A set of pot experiments with spring barley was carried out to compare the ash P fertiliser value with mineral P fertiliser and the sewage sludge feedstock. An indirect radioactive labelling approach with 33P was used to determine the amount of P taken up from the fertiliser materials. Depending on the application rate, straw gasification ash produced a fertiliser response comparable to mineral P. However, P uptake from the ash was generally less than uptake from equivalent amounts of mineral P, and the calculated relative effectiveness was 44% after 6 weeks of plant growth. In contrast, the P fertiliser value of Fe‐rich sewage sludge after low‐temperature gasification was practically zero. These results suggest that ash from low‐temperature gasification could be developed into alternative P fertilisers; however, as the P bioavailability depends greatly on the feedstock used, a greater emphasis on feedstock composition is required.
Infection transmission among lung transplant couples
Authors: Rademacher Jessica , Fuge Jan , Welte Tobias , Gottlieb Jens , Suhling Hendrik 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe risk of transmission of infections in partnerships between 2 transplant recipients is unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate transmission in such couples. In this single‐center study, lung transplant (LTx) couples were identified among outpatients between 1988 and 2016. Infection rates per year and survival were compared to matched LTx‐recipients not living in a transplant partnership. Twelve transplant couples were analyzed with cumulative 65 years of relationship. Overall infections were similar between LTx‐couples and matched LTx‐patients. No significant differences were noted in bacterial infections (.12 vs .27 per year), community‐acquired viral (CARV) infections (.26 vs .22 per year), rejection treatments (.22 vs .12 per year), or hospitalizations (.26 vs .46 per year) in transplant couples and matched controls, respectively. There was no transmission of any microbial colonization from 1 partner to the other. Five cases of simultaneously detected CARV infections occurred (metapneumovirus [3], H1N1 [1], and respiratory syncytial virus [RSV; 1]). Three couples exhibited cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation in both partners at the same time with confirmed seronegativity before transplantation. In this case series of 12 lung transplant couples, the partnerships between 2 transplant recipients have no greater risk of bacterial infection and colonization transmission in comparison with recipients not living in a transplant relationship. However, transplant couples should be informed about the risk for transmission of viral infections, which could impact the development of chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD).
Obstetric intra‐operative cell salvage and maternal fetal red cell contamination
Authors: Sullivan I.J. , Ralph C.J. 
Published: January 2018

SUMMARYBackgroundThe significance of fetal red blood cell (RBC) contamination in obstetric intra‐operative cell salvage is not fully known. It is unclear if we re‐infuse a larger volume of fetal RBCs into the maternal circulation than the amount that occurs secondary to transplacental haemorrhages is unclear. We also do not know if there is a critical volume required to cause alloimmunisation or if larger volumes increase the risk.ObjectivesThe aim of this study is to provide data on the level of fetal RBC contamination in the maternal circulation prior to delivery and immediately post‐partum and to compare these levels to those found in processed cell‐salvaged blood.MethodsIn the first part of this study, we quantified the levels of fetal RBCs circulating in women immediately prior to delivery. This was then repeated with a separate group measuring the levels of fetal RBCs pre‐ and post‐delivery.ResultsWe found that 37% of women had fetal cells detected in their circulation, median 0·00 mL (IQR 0–0·24; average 0·3 mL, maximum 4·56 mL). Fetal RBCs were present pre‐delivery (maximum 0·66 mL) in 16% of women, increasing to 53% post‐delivery (median 0·66 mL; IQR 0·22–2·20, maximum 21·20 mL).ConclusionsWe have shown that fetal RBCs are present in the maternal circulation throughout pregnancy and that the volumes are comparable to that obtained from intra‐operative salvage, with contamination amounts of up to 19 mL. At the Royal Cornwall Hospital, our experience and evidence supports offering intra‐operative salvage to all women, and we have not noted an increase in antibody formation, compared to allogeneic transfusion.
RBC alloantibody prevalence and specificity in a Western Norwegian tertiary hospital
Authors: Erikstein B. S. , Hagen K. G. , Hervig T. 
Published: January 2018

SUMMARYBackground and ObjectiveAlthough several studies focus on red blood cell (RBC) alloantibody distribution in selected patient populations, few address the specificity and frequency in all relevant groups. This study reports alloantibody frequency, distribution and the relationship to age and gender in blood donors, pregnant women and potential recipients of blood products.MethodsThis historical cohort study included 55 462 consecutive antibody screening tests from a tertiary Western Norwegian Hospital. Descriptive statistics were performed, and the results were compared with the literature.ResultsThe detection and immunisation frequency for the whole cohort were 0·39 and 0·51%, respectively, whereas the RBC alloantibody prevalence was 0·73%. The most frequent RBC alloantibodies were anti‐E (20·1%), anti‐M (18·7%), anti‐K (9·8%), anti‐D (8·9%) and anti‐Fy(a) (7·0%). In pregnant women, the most frequent RBC alloantibodies were anti‐M, anti‐D and anti‐Le(a) (20·8, 18·9 and 18·9%, respectively), whereas there was no anti‐K detected. Anti‐E and anti‐M were the dominating RBC alloantibodies in the pre‐transfusion testing of in‐hospital patients (24·1 and 17·1%, respectively). Eighteen (9·2%) persons in the total cohort had two RBC alloantibodies, six persons had three alloantibodies, and two persons had four alloantibodies.Rh and K typing to prevent future immunisations was only performed in 21·0% of the individuals who presented with a new alloantibody; despite that, 50·5% of the detected alloantibodies had such specificities.ConclusionsThe immunisation frequency and the level of anti‐K are low compared to national and international studies. Rh and K phenotype‐matched blood transfusions might be a feasible future strategy to further decrease RBC alloantibodies.
Mechanisms linking T‐wave alternans to spontaneous initiation of ventricular arrhythmias in rabbit models of long QT syndrome
Authors: Liu Weiqing , Kim Tae Yun , Huang Xiaodong , Liu Michael B. , Koren Gideon , Choi Bum‐Rak , Qu Zhilin 
Published: January 2018

Key points
T‐wave alternans (TWA) and T‐wave lability (TWL) are precursors of ventricular arrhythmias in long QT syndrome; however, the mechanistic link remains to be clarified.
Computer simulations show that action potential duration (APD) prolongation and slowed heart rates promote APD alternans and chaos, manifesting as TWA and TWL, respectively.
Regional APD alternans and chaos can exacerbate pre‐existing or induce de novo APD dispersion, which combines with enhanced ICa,L to result in premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) originating from the APD gradient region.
These PVCs can directly degenerate into re‐entrant arrhythmias without the need for an additional tissue substrate or further exacerbate the APD dispersion to cause spontaneous initiation of ventricular arrhythmias.
Experiments conducted in transgenic long QT rabbits show that PVC alternans occurs at slow heart rates, preceding spontaneous intuition of ventricular arrhythmias.
AbstractT‐wave alternans (TWA) and irregular beat‐to‐beat T‐wave variability or T‐wave lability (TWL), the ECG manifestations of action potential duration (APD) alternans and variability, are precursors of ventricular arrhythmias in long QT syndromes. TWA and TWL in patients tend to occur at normal heart rates and are usually potentiated by bradycardia. Whether or how TWA and TWL at normal or slow heart rates are causally linked to arrhythmogenesis remains unknown. In the present study, we used computer simulations and experiments of a transgenic rabbit model of long QT syndrome to investigate the underlying mechanisms. Computer simulations showed that APD prolongation and slowed heart rates caused early afterdepolarization‐mediated APD alternans and chaos, manifesting as TWA and TWL, respectively. Regional APD alternans and chaos exacerbated pre‐existing APD dispersion and, in addition, APD chaos could also induce APD dispersion de novo via chaos desynchronization. Increased APD dispersion, combined with substantially enhanced ICa,L, resulted in a tissue‐scale dynamical instability that gave rise to the spontaneous occurrence of unidirectionally propagating premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) originating from the APD gradient region. These PVCs could directly degenerate into re‐entrant arrhythmias without the need for an additional tissue substrate or could block the following sinus beat to result in a longer RR interval, which further exacerbated the APD dispersion giving rise to the spontaneous occurrence of ventricular arrhythmias. Slow heart rate‐induced PVC alternans was observed in experiments of transgenic LQT2 rabbits under isoproterenol, which was associated with increased APD dispersion and spontaneous occurrence of ventricular arrhythmias, in agreement with the theoretical predictions.
Water Treatment in Citrus Processing Plants
Authors: Lohkamp A. T. 
Published: January 2018

The primary aim of this paper is to point out the need for proper water treatment for boiler and refrigeration equipment in the citrus industry. Generally speaking, the treatment that applies in this industry will apply in any other industry as well. However, since many packing and processing plants in Florida have grown up practically overnight, the production end of the operation has been stressed but some of the basic needs have been by-passed because there has, at times, been a lack of capital. At other times speed was an essential and some of the fundamentals of good operation were forgotten.
Paper published with permission.
Design Considerations for Cold Storage Warehousing
Authors: Fiske James M. 
Published: January 2018

A general expansion of existing Cold Storage Warehousing or a program for construction of entirely new facilities calls for the proper analysis of design considerations and, most important, it requires that management properly establish the design consideration or search-out through study and professional advice, all fundamental considerations for analysis. The high cost per unit of warehouse space plus the fact that, once in use, the building and mechanical equipment cannot be readily and inexpensively repaired, changed, or added to makes careful selection and analysis of all considerations most important.
Paper published with permission.
Progress in Waste Treatment in the Citrus Industry
Authors: Wakefield John W. 
Published: January 2018

Pollution has been defined as “too much of anything” and that is about as satisfactory as any other definition. Thus, the discharge of sewage into a bathing lake to such an extent as to render the waters unsatisfactory for bathing purposes is definitely pollution. By the same token, so is the discharge of acid wastes in sufficient quantity so that the biological balance of a stream is upset also pollution. In like manner, the discharge of heated water into an underground stratum from which cooling water is taken may constitute pollution and, in some cases, decaying vegetation or fertilizer washed from the soil by surface runoff has been considered pollution.
Paper published with permission.
Booster Compressors for the Citrus Industry: Reciprocating, Rotary and Centrifugal
Authors: St. Onge L. R. 
Published: January 2018

To a citrus engineering group, refrigeration is a common-place item. However, except to those directly concerned with the subject, immediate reference to specific terms might be somewhat confusing. Since our subject is “Booster Compressors For The Citrus Industry”, it might be well to define a booster compressor.
Paper published with permission.
Continuous Vacuum Dehydration of Citrus Juices
Authors: Bonnell J. M. 
Published: January 2018

The dry, nonvolatile solids of citrus juices, produced by high vacuum dehydration, represent the ultimate in edible juice concentrates. Upon the addition of certain volatile constituents, and reconstitution with water, a juice can be obtained which closely resembles the fresh original material. The major difference is that the reconstituted powder lacks the bouquet characteristic of fresh juice. So far as this author knows, the only method of returning this “fresh bouquet” to vacuum concentrated citrus juices is by the addition of “cut back” fresh juice to the product. With a dry powder this is, of course, impossible.
Paper published with permission.
Steam Economics of Molasses Plant Evaporators: Molasses Plant Place in Citrus Industry
Authors: Cahill John M. 
Published: January 2018

Processors of citrus fruit are faced with disposal of the pulp left over after juice is extracted from the fruit. Generally, the pulp is dried in steam or oil fired dryers and then sold as cattle feed. If disposal of the pulp is the prime factor of interest to the operator; shredding and hot air drying is sufficient. For more efficient removal of water from the pulp and the obtainment of other by-products, mainly citrus molasses and stripper oil, consideration should be given to the installation of presses and a molasses evaporator. Most authorities will agree that water can be evaporated more efficiently in a multiple effect evaporator than in a hot air dryer. Presses and an evaporator represent considerable investment, therefore the decision to install a Molasses Plant must be weighed carefully, balancing potential savings against the installed cost.
Paper published with permission.