bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Predictive Factors Influencing Community Reintegration in Adult Patients with Stroke
Authors: Olawale Olajide Ayinla , Usman Jibrin Sammani , Oke Kayode Israel , Osundiya Oladunni Caroline 
Published: January 2018

ABSTRACT
Objectives: Patients with stroke are faced with gait, balance, and fall difficulties which could impact on their community reintegration. In Nigeria, community reintegration after stroke has been understudied. The objective of this study was to evaluate the predictors of community reintegration in adult patients with stroke. Materials and Methods: Participants were 91 adult patients with stroke. Gait variables, balance self-efficacy, community balance/mobility, and fall self-efficacy were assessed using Rivermead Mobility Index, Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale, Community Balance and Mobility Scale, and Falls Efficacy Scale-International respectively. Reintegration to Normal Living Index was used to assess satisfaction with community reintegration. Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient was used to determine the relationship between community reintegration and gait spatiotemporal variables, balance performance, and risk of fall. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine predictors of community reintegration (P ≤ 0.05). Results: There was significant positive relationship between community reintegration and cadence (r = 0.250, P = 0.017), functional mobility (r = 0.503, P = 0.001), balance self-efficacy (r = 0.608, P = 0.001), community balance/mobility (r = 0.586, P = 0.001), and duration of stroke (r = 0.220, P = 0.036). Stride time (r = −0.282, P = 0.073) and fall self-efficacy (r = 0.566, P = 0.001) were negatively correlated with community reintegration. Duration of stroke, balance self-efficacy, community balance/mobility, and fall self-efficacy (52.7% of the variance) were the significant predictors of community reintegration. Conclusion: Community reintegration is influenced by cadence, functional mobility, balance self-efficacy, community balance/mobility, and duration of stroke. Hence, improving balance and mobility during rehabilitation is important in enhancing community reintegration in patients with stroke.
Unexpected Southern Hemisphere ionospheric response to geomagnetic storm of 15 August 2015
Authors: Edemskiy Ilya , Lastovicka Jan , Buresova Dalia , Habarulema John Bosco , Nepomnyashchikh Ivan 
Published: January 2018

Abstract. Geomagnetic storms are the most pronounced phenomenon of space weather. When studying ionospheric response to a storm of 15 August 2015, an unexpected phenomenon was observed at higher middle latitudes of the Southern Hemisphere. This phenomenon was a localized total electron content (TEC) enhancement (LTE) in the form of two separated plumes, which peaked southward of South Africa. The plumes were first observed at 05:00 UT near the southwestern coast of Australia. The southern plume was associated with local time slightly after noontime (1–2 h after local noon). The plumes moved with the Sun. They peaked near 13:00 UT southward of South Africa. The southern plume kept constant geomagnetic latitude (63–64° S); it persisted for about 10 h, whereas the northern plume persisted for about 2 h more. Both plumes disappeared over the South Atlantic Ocean. No similar LTE event was observed during the prolonged solar activity minimum period of 2006–2009. In 2012–2016 we detected altogether 26 LTEs and all of them were associated with the southward excursion of Bz. The negative Bz excursion is a necessary but not sufficient condition for the LTE occurrence as during some geomagnetic storms associated with negative Bz excursions the LTE events did not appear.
Trends and Variability in the Use of Total Shoulder Arthroplasty for Medicare Patients
Authors: Zmistowski Benjamin , Padegimas Eric M. , Howley Michael , Abboud Joseph , Williams Gerald , Namdari Surena 
Published: January 2018

Introduction:
As policies are implemented to encourage high-quality care, it is important to identify any persistent limitations to the uniform delivery of anatomic and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). The study’s goal was to assess current TSA use and identify predictors of geographic variability.

Methods:
We used data from 2012 through 2014 that was obtained from public Medicare databases to identify the case volume, locations, and names of surgeons performing >10 TSAs annually. We also recorded regional characteristics of the Medicare population, including demographic characteristics and health factors.

Results:
From 2012 through 2014, the number of surgeons performing >10 TSAs annually increased from 824 to 1,060—an increase ranging from 0.75 to 0.95 TSAs per 1,000 beneficiaries. In 2012, there were 59 hospital referral regions with no TSAs performed; the number of regions decreased to 35 by 2014 (P = 0.009). The use of TSA varied widely across regions (range, 0.1 to 6.4 per 1,000 beneficiaries). A larger proportion of white patients and a smaller proportion of patients eligible for Medicaid were independent predictors for increased use of TSA. Despite this finding, 74.4% and 96.9% of the US population resided within 50 km and 200 km, respectively, of a surgeon performing at least 20 TSAs in Medicare patients annually.

Discussion:
TSA utilization in the Medicare population is increasing across the country. Although notable geographic disparities in the use of TSA persist, increased TSA utilization has provided greater access to surgeons with high-volume TSA caseloads.

Conclusion:
Substantial geographic variation in TSA use remains, largely due to socioeconomic factors.
The Reasonableness Test of the Principal Purpose Test Rule in OECD BEPS Action 6 (Tax Treaty Abuse) versus the EU Principle of Legal Certainty and the EU Abuse of Law Case Law
Authors: Weber Dennis 
Published: January 2018

The Reasonableness Test of the Principal Purpose Test Rule in OECD BEPS Action 6 (Tax Treaty Abuse) versus the EU Principle of Legal Certainty and the EU Abuse of Law Case Law
The OECD BEPS Action 6 report contains a principal purpose test rule (PPT rule) for the purpose of combating abuse of tax treaties. This PPT rule is also included in the OECD Multilateral Instrument.The PPT rule is (amongst others) applicable when ‘it is reasonable to conclude’ that a benefit (granted by a tax treaty) was one of the principal purposes of any arrangement/transaction. This requirement contains two elements: the reasonableness test and the principal purpose test.In literature it is observed that (i) the reasonableness test of the PPT rule could be contrary to the European Union’s principle of legal certainty; (ii) that the OECD PPT rule gives the tax authorities too much discretion and, therefore, is not in line with EU law and (iii) there is doubt whether the OECD PPT rule contains a genuine economic activity test and therefore is in contravention of the abuse of law case law of the CJEU.In this contribution, I defend that none of the above-mentioned reasons the OECD PPT rule is contrary to EU law. The only potential problem I see is that the OECD PPT rule is broader (no artificiality required) compared to the GAARs in Anti-Tax Avoidance Directive and the Parent–Subsidiary Directive.
Stabilita stoja po únave brušných svalov
Authors: Gurín Daniel , Novotný Jan 
Published: January 2018

In the pilot experimental study eight men with an average age of 33.5 ± 3.64 years were tested. The probands were tested on the Biodex Balance System before and after the exercise of the abdominal muscles. Exercise was carried out to the subjectively perceived maximum. The file was deliberately composed of mentally and physically trained individuals. Evaluated was the stability index, the smaller the nominal value, the better the stability. After the workout stability parameters were significantly worse than before the exercise (p = 0.025). The fatigue of the abdominal muscles thus negatively affects the stability of the stand.
Efektívnosť športovej prípravy mladších žiakov vo futbale
Authors: Benkovský Ľuboš , Mikulič Martin , Gregora Pavol , Peráček Pavol 
Published: January 2018

The project aimed to deepen and broaden knowledge about sport training in basic phases of sports training younger pupils in football. The project runs parallel to the two youth player selection team FC Spartak Trnava U12, Slovakia (n: 19, age: 12.46 ± 0.23, height: 150.9 ± 6.92 cm, weight: 38.5 ± 4.8 kg; RHR 63.85 ± 7.79) and ŠK Senec U12, Slovakia (n: 17, age: 12.34 ± 0.41, height: 146.3 ± 7.71cm, weight: 37.5 ± 9.4 kg, RHR: 70.95 ± 5.37). Applied have different approaches in terms of the complexity of the content of the training process (methodological forms) between groups, the activity we observed a change in the selected indicators (indicative of motor performance: speed of 10m, 30m, 50m, 5 x 10m, lie-seat, long jump, Leger test, vertical jump without countermovement) in phases over time DT0, DT1, DT2. When intragroup comparison of test phases by the time we found out at FC Spartak Trnava U12 statistically significant differences in almost all the tests at the time DT0 to DT2 and 1% level of significance. The team ŠK Senec U12 were found statistically significant differences at the 1% level of significance at the time DT0 and DT2 speed test in 10m, 30m, 50m, long jump and Leger test). When analyzing game performance were found major differences in the activity coefficient (Ka) and success (KU) offensive and defensive phases of play in FC Spartak Trnava U12. Experimental content of the training process more effectively influenced the group, which were selected training approaches based on greater complexity.
Lateralita a rychlostně reakční schopnosti v badmintonu
Authors: Doležalová Lenka , Korvas Pavel 
Published: January 2018

In this study we focused on the impact of the lower limbs laterality on the speed of the movement to the particular directions on the court. The main goal was to measure the time of the reaction ability to the particular directions (related to the specific movements of the badminton player) and to evaluate whether the differences are significant and related to the laterality of the probands in the research group. The research group consisted of 40 randomly chosen recreational players, 30 of them were righ- -handed and 10 left- handed. The results were elaborated based on the measurement made during the research of quick reaction abilities of the badminton players. The average time for the right-handed players to the front directions was 1497 ms ± 186 to the right and 1492 ms ± 171 to the left, to the back directions it was 1687 ms ± 339 to the right and 1743 ms ± 366 to the left. For the left-handed players the average time to the front directions was 1674 ms ± 288 to the right and 1635 ms ± 217 to the left, to the back directions it was 2289 ms ± 506 to the right and 1864 ms ± 370 to the left. After the processing of the results we can state that right-handed players have quicker reaction ability to the back right direction while left-handed players to the back left direction. In the directions to the front the differences are not that significant. Both right-handed and left-handed players proved quicker reaction ability to the left right corner. The important difference between righ-handed and left-handed players was measured for the direction to the back right corner (p = 0,0001), to the front left corner (p = 0,04) and to the front right corner (p = 0,39). The results of this study should be helpful for the preparation of the trainers and for the players themselves.
The Accelerating Land Carbon Sink of the 2000s May Not Be Driven Predominantly by the Warming Hiatus
Authors: Zhu Zaichun , Piao Shilong , Yan Tao , Ciais Philippe , Bastos Ana , Zhang Xuanze , Wang Zhaoqi 
Published: January 2018

AbstractRecent studies attributed the accelerating land carbon sink (SLAND) during the 2000s to respiration decrease induced by the warming hiatus. We used two long‐term atmospheric inversions, three temperature data sets, and eight ecosystem models to test this attribution. Our results show that the changes in seasonal SLAND trend between the warming (1982–1998) and hiatus (1998–2014) periods do not track evidently the changes in seasonal temperature trends at both global and regional scales. A conceptual model of the annual/seasonal temperature response of respiration suggests that changes in seasonal temperature during this period are unlikely to cause a significant decrease in annual respiration. The ecosystem models suggest that trends in both gross primary production and terrestrial ecosystem respiration slowed down slightly, but the resulting slight acceleration in net ecosystem productivity is insufficient to explain the increasing trend in SLAND. Instead, the roles of alternative drivers on the accelerating SLAND seem to be important.
Mapping Inherited Fractures in the Critical Zone Using Seismic Anisotropy From Circular Surveys
Authors: Novitsky Christopher G. , Holbrook W. Steven , Carr Bradley J. , Pasquet Sylvain , Okaya David , Flinchum Brady A. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractWeathering and hydrological processes in Earth's shallow subsurface are influenced by inherited bedrock structures, such as bedding planes, faults, joints, and fractures. However, these structures are difficult to observe in soil‐mantled landscapes. Steeply dipping structures with a dominant orientation are detectable by seismic anisotropy, with fast wave speeds along the strike of structures. We measured shallow (~2–4 m) seismic anisotropy using “circle shots,” geophones deployed in a circle around a central shot point, in a weathered granite terrain in the Laramie Range of Wyoming. The inferred remnant fracture orientations agree with brittle fracture orientations measured at tens of meters depth in boreholes, demonstrating that bedrock fractures persist through the weathering process into the shallow critical zone. Seismic anisotropy positively correlates with saprolite thickness, suggesting that inherited bedrock fractures may control saprolite thickness by providing preferential pathways for corrosive meteoric waters to access the deep critical zone.
Patient's specific integration of OAR doses (D2 cc) from EBRT and 3D image‐guided brachytherapy for cervical cancer
Authors: Gelover Edgar , Katherine Cabel , Mart Christopher , Sun Wenqing , Kim Yusung 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe objective of this study was to assess the recommended DVH parameter (e.g., D2 cc) addition method used for combining EBRT and HDR plans, against a reference dataset generated from an EQD2‐based DVH addition method. A revised DVH parameter addition method using EBRT DVH parameters derived from each patient's plan was proposed and also compared with the reference dataset. Thirty‐one biopsy‐proven cervical cancer patients who received EBRT and HDR brachytherapy were retrospectively analyzed. A parametrial and/or paraaortic EBRT boost were clinically performed on 13 patients. Ten IMRT and 21 3DCRT plans were determined. Two different HDR techniques for each HDR plan were analyzed. Overall D2 cc and D0.1 cc OAR doses in EQD2 were statistically analyzed for three different DVH parameter addition methods: a currently recommended method, a proposed revised method, and a reference DVH addition method. The overall D2 ccEQD2 values for all rectum, bladder, and sigmoid for a conformal, volume optimization HDR plan generated using the current DVH parameter addition method were significantly underestimated on average −5 to −8% when compared to the values obtained from the reference DVH addition technique (P < 0.01). The revised DVH parameter addition method did not present statistical differences with the reference technique (P > 0.099). When PM boosts were considered, there was an even greater average underestimation of −8~−10% for overall OAR doses of conformal HDR plans when using the current DVH parameter addition technique as compared to the revised DVH parameter addition. No statistically significant differences were found between the 3DCRT and IMRT techniques (P > 0.3148). It is recommended that the overall D2 cc EBRT doses are obtained from each patient's EBRT plan.
Volumetric modulated arc therapy treatment planning of thoracic vertebral metastases using stereotactic body radiotherapy
Authors: Mallory Matthew , Pokhrel Damodar , Badkul Rajeev , Jiang Hongyu , Lominska Christopher , Wang Fen 
Published: January 2018

AbstractPurpose/ObjectivesTo retrospectively evaluate the plan quality, treatment efficiency, and accuracy of volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) plans for thoracic spine metastases using stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT).Materials/MethodsSeven patients with thoracic vertebral metastases treated with noncoplanar hybrid arcs (NCHA) (1 to 2 3D‐conformal partial arcs +7 to 9 IMRT beams) were re‐optimized with VMAT plans using three coplanar arcs. Tumors were located between T2 and T7 and PTVs ranged between 24.3 and 240.1 cc (median 48.1 cc). All prescriptions were 30 Gy in 5 fractions with 6 MV beams treated using the Novalis Tx linac equipped with high definition multileaf collimators (HDMLC). MR images were fused with planning CTs for target and OAR contouring. Plans were compared for target coverage using conformality index (CI), homogeneity index (HI), D90, D98, D2, and Dmedian. Normal tissue sparing was evaluated by comparing doses to the spinal cord (Dmax, D0.35, and D1.2 cc), esophagus (Dmax and D5 cc), heart (Dmax, D15 cc), and lung (V5 and V10). Data analysis was performed with a two‐sided t‐test for each set of parameters. Dose delivery efficiency and accuracy of each VMAT plan was assessed via quality assurance (QA) using a MapCHECK device. The Beam‐on time (BOT) was recorded, and a gamma index was used to compare dose agreement between the planned and measured doses.ResultsVMAT plans resulted in improved CI (1.02 vs. 1.36, P = 0.05), HI (0.14 vs. 0.27, P = 0.01), D98 (28.4 vs. 26.8 Gy, P = 0.03), D2 (32.9 vs. 36.0 Gy, P = 0.02), and Dmedian (31.4 vs. 33.7 Gy, P = 0.01). D90 was improved but not statistically significant (30.4 vs. 31.0 Gy, P = 0.38). VMAT plans showed statistically significant improvements in normal tissue sparing: Esophagus Dmax (22.5 vs. 27.0 Gy, P = 0.03), Esophagus 5 cc (17.6 vs. 21.5 Gy, P = 0.02), and Heart Dmax (13.1 vs. 15.8 Gy, P = 0.03). Improvements were also observed in spinal cord and lung sparing as well but were not statistically significant. The BOT showed significant reduction for VMAT, 4.7 ± 0.6 min vs. 7.1 ± 1 min for NCHA (not accounting for couch kicks). VMAT plans demonstrated an accurate dose delivery of 95.5 ± 1.0% for clinical gamma passing rate of 3%/3 mm criteria, which was similar to NCHA plans.ConclusionsVMAT plans have shown improved dose distributions and normal tissue sparing compared to NCHA plans. Significant reductions in treatment time could potentially minimize patient discomfort and intrafraction movement errors. VMAT planning for SBRT is an attractive option for the treatment of metastases to thoracic vertebrae, and further investigation using alternative fractionation schedules is warranted.
Large‐Scale Nanophotonic Structures for Long‐Term Monitoring of Cell Proliferation
Authors: Bhalla Nikhil , Sathish Shivani , Sinha Abhishek , Shen Amy Q. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractInnovative sensing materials have enabled the discovery of cell biology principles at the nanoscale. In order to evaluate cell behavior and responses, it is necessary to accurately monitor cell proliferation. However, it remains challenging to develop nanomaterials possessing pertinent properties for sensing, while ensuring long‐term cell survival and unaltered cellular responses. This work develops highly sensitive, large‐scale, and biocompatible nanoplasmonic biosensors for long‐term monitoring of cell proliferation, reported for the first time. The nanoplasmonic sensor consists of mushroom‐like structures, with stems of silicon dioxide and caps of gold covering a total surface area of 18.75 cm2. The localized surface plasmons on the nanomushroom caps are exploited to monitor proliferating fibroblast cells. Changes in nanoplasmonic resonances of the nanomushrooms are directly proportional to the number of cells that bind to them. Fibroblast proliferation is successfully monitored for 7 d, demonstrating remarkable biocompatibility of the nanomushroom substrates. These nanomushroom substrates preserve cell viability and serve as a label‐free platform for long‐term monitoring of cell proliferation. These results also open new opportunities in developing standard cell assays without chemical labels to detect cellular responses at the nanoscale.
Terthieno[3,2‐b]Thiophene (6T) Based Low Bandgap Fused‐Ring Electron Acceptor for Highly Efficient Solar Cells with a High Short‐Circuit Current Density and Low Open‐Circuit Voltage Loss
Authors: Shi Xueliang , Chen Jingde , Gao Ke , Zuo Lijian , Yao Zhaoyang , Liu Feng , Tang Jianxin , Jen Alex K.‐Y. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractA terthieno[3,2‐b]thiophene (6T) based fused‐ring low bandgap electron acceptor, 6TIC, is designed and synthesized for highly efficient nonfullerene solar cells. The chemical, optical, and physical properties, device characteristics, and film morphology of 6TIC are intensively studied. 6TIC shows a narrow bandgap with band edge reaching 905 nm due to the electron‐rich π‐conjugated 6T core and reduced resonance stabilization energy. The rigid, π‐conjugated 6T also offers lower reorganization energy to facilitate very low VOC loss in the 6TIC system. The analysis of film morphology shows that PTB7‐Th and 6TIC can form crystalline domains and a bicontinuous network. These domains are enlarged when thermal annealing is applied. Consequently, the device based on PTB7‐Th:6TIC exhibits a high power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 11.07% with a high JSC > 20 mA cm−2 and a high VOC of 0.83 V with a relatively low VOC loss (≈0.55 V). Moreover, a semitransparent solar cell based on PTB7‐Th:6TIC exhibits a relatively high PCE (7.62%). The device can have combined high PCE and high JSC is quite rare for organic solar cells.
Synthesis of V5+‐doped Ag/AgCl photocatalysts with enhanced visible light photocatalytic activity
Authors: Guo Caiping , Song Limin , Li Yamiao , Zhang Shujuan 
Published: January 2018

V5+‐doped Ag/AgCl photocatalysts were prepared via the ion exchange method. The catalysts were characterized using X‐ray diffractometry, transmission electron microscopy, and energy‐dispersive X‐ray, X‐ray photoelectron, Fourier transform infrared and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopies. The V5+‐doped Ag/AgCl photocatalysts show much higher photocatalytic activities than Ag/AgCl under visible light irradiation for methyl orange (MO) decomposition. Especially, the 2.0 wt% V5+‐doped Ag/AgCl photocatalyst shows the highest photocatalytic activity and also high stability after five cycles. The MO degradation rate during each cycle is almost maintained at 97%. Electron spin resonance spectroscopy and radical trapping experiments reveal that holes play an important role in the photocatalytic process.