bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Failure Analysis and Experimental Research on the Structure of Key Parts of Safety Valves
Authors: Dai Ye , Zhang Huibing , Zhang Hanbo , Wei Wenqiang , Liu Rui
Published: January 2019

In order to design a safety valve with a high safety factor, on the basis of theoretical calculations and ANSYS analysis, stress analysis is performed on the key components of the new nuclear A48 safety valve under open and closed conditions to detect whether the safety valve fails. The natural frequency of the safety valve and the spring are respectively analyzed and tested for seismic performance. The spring parameters are calculated through spring design specifications to determine the method of spring failure calculation and analysis. A lateral deflection measurement bench was built to verify the correctness of the design method through experimental data and provide a reliable theoretical basis for the design of safety valves with high safety factors.
Design and Implementation of Admittance Control for a Dual-Arm Robot under Space Limitation
Authors: Yang Jinxing , Xie Yinhui , Feng Mingqi , Li Jun
Published: January 2019

Aimed at the situation lack of suitable industrial robots with speed requirement and space limitation, a novel simple structured and high speed dual-arm robot is designed. The robot control system has been achieved by using high speed controller, real-time bus EtherCAT and integrating the sensor system via Ethernet interface. Kinematic and dynamic analysis are the basis of its kinematic control and trajectory planning. This paper presents a force-free control method for direct teaching of the robot and adopts a Cartesian admittance control algorithm to realize human-machine interaction. The admittance control is conducted by utilizing six-dimensional force/torque sensor fixed to the end-effector of manipulator. To evaluate the performance of the proposed controller and control algorithm, a point-to-point teaching task is conducted.
Numerical Study of the Thermal Model on High Uniformity Temperature Test Platform
Authors: Wang Zijuan , Zhou Ying , Xiao Han , Jingyi Shao
Published: January 2019

The surface temperature uniformity of a test platform with an effective test area of 600 mm × 600 mm was numerically studied. The conductive heat transfer model for the test platform and the device under test (DUT) installed on the surface was established in the present work, as well as the radiation heat transfer model from the platform surface to the background temperature. The platform surface was divided into 5 or 9 regions where heated independently to make the surface temperature consistent. The temperature uniformity of these two partition designs was compared. The result shows that the 9 regions design has higher temperature uniformity at both target temperatures of -10°C and +45°C.
Design of Electric Linear Load Simulator based on LabVIEW+PXI
Authors: Weidong Pan , Yuanxun Fan , Jianjie Lei , Zhiwei Xu , Jian Tao
Published: January 2019

In order to realize the hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) experiments of a certain type of electric linear actuator in the laboratory, an electric linear load simulator (ELLS) based on LabVIEW+PXI platform was developed to simulate the external force of the actuator under actual working conditions. In structural design, the ball screw is used to convert the PMSM torque into linear force. In hardware design, the system is built using the upper-lower computer system architecture based on PXI bus. In software design, the program is written in LabVIEW, which mainly includes the data processing and display program in the upper computer and the data acquisition program, the loading motor control program and the actuator control program in the lower computer (PXI), in order to ensure the loading accuracy of ELLS, control methods such as force closed-loop PID controller, position feedforward compensation and input feedforward compensation are also introduced in the loading motor program. Finally, the ELLS was built and the signal tracking tests were carried out. The experimental results shows that the loading accuracy can reach 93.5% and 90.3% when ELLS tracks 1000N-2 Hz and 1000N-5 Hz respectively, which proved that the accuracy of ELLS satisfies the “Double Ten Index”.
Islanding Detection Using RT-Lab
Authors: Wu Yu-Chi , Lin Jiajun , Chen Jun-Han , Ming-Yu Hsieh
Published: January 2019

As renewable energy is widely used, distributed power generation systems are also used in wide range. However, some problems in renewable power systems have to be addressed. Among these problems, the islanding operation has the most important impact to the safety of utility workers and the service lives of equipment. This paper studies islanding detection for a microgrid system with unbalanced loads and its implementation on a real-time simulator (RT-Lab) to accelerate simulations. The presented islanding detection approach utilizes rate of change of frequency (ROCOF), under/over frequency, and negative sequence current injection methods. Decoupled double synchronous reference frame software phase lock loop (DDSRF-SPLL) is used to synchronize the grid-connected power converter with the utility voltages under unbalanced load conditions. Two cases are tested in real time. The presented approach detects the islanding in 0.09 seconds after the fault occurs, and the voltage at the point of common coupling (PCC) returns stable in 0.1 seconds after the fault occurs, satisfying the IEEE Standard 1547-2003.
Fuel pyrolysis and its effects on soot formation in non-premixed laminar jet flames of methane, propane, and DME
Authors: Jeon Min-Kyu , Kim Nam Il
Published: January 2019

High-temperature combustion techniques have recently attracted interest with regard to the improvement of the thermal efficiency of combustion systems. Fuel pyrolysis is an important factor, as it can affect such flame structures at high temperatures. In this study, the pyrolysis of methane, propane, and dimethyl ether (DME) was measured and the results were compared with theoretical predictions. Pyrolyzed fuels were quenched to room temperature before being introduced onto the burner. Thus, the pyrolysis effects on laminar non-premixed jet flames could be distinguished from many other complex thermal effects. It was found that the flame length was not notably extended in spite of the great increase in the volumetric flow rates resulting from the pyrolysis. In contrast, fuel pyrolysis could significantly affect the soot formation process,and the number of smoke points could be sharply reduced depending on the pyrolysis temperature. Distributions of the luminous intensity and scattering intensity levels in the soot region were discussed in terms of the soot temperatures obtained with a two-color method. Although the adiabatic flame temperatures of the pyrolyzed fuels were theoretically increased, the actual soot temperatures could be reduced when the soot particles were excessively formulated, as in the case with propane flames.
Making high school students aware of optimization through games and puzzles
Authors: Fornasiero Marianna , Malucelli Federico
Published: January 2019

Optimization is among the oldest mathematical applications in history: human nature tends to obtain the best results with the minimum effort, in many sectors. Nevertheless, optimization and operations research as mathematical disciplines struggle to find their place in high school syllabi and it is usually very hard to explain what they are about to students and common people. This could be due to a lack of “optimization culture” that prevents one to see that many problems that we tackle everyday are actually optimization problems, or a lack of mathematical culture in a broader sense. With this paper we report on a small experience carried out in an Italian high school where we attempted to close this gap. Rather than using a conventional approach, we introduced a set of games, puzzles and challenges based on optimization problems that stimulated students’ intuition and creativity. Indeed the aim of this experiment was not teaching specific optimization methods, but starting the construction of an “optimization awareness” in the students.
Frakturen am Knie: Bildgebung
Authors: Beller Lukas , El Attal René
Published: January 2019

Die Röntgenuntersuchung ist der Goldstandard für die Frakturdiagnostik. Mit den verschiedenen Projektionen können außerdem Operationsplanung, intraoperative Kontrolle, Verlaufsbeurteilung und Funktionsprüfung durchgeführt werden. Dieser Beitrag beschreibt die gängigsten Röntgenprojektionen am Knie, deren Indikationen samt Einstelltechniken. Weiterführende Schnittbilddiagnostik (CT, MRT) wird ebenso besprochen.
Assessment of the Relationship between Serum Vitamin D and Osteocalcin Levels with Metabolic Syndrome in Non-Osteoporotic Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Guney Gurhan , Sener-Simsek Bilge , Tokmak Aytekin , Yucel Aykan , Buyukkagnici Umran , Yilmaz Nafiye , Engin-Ustun Yaprak , Ozgu-Erdinc A.
Published: January 2019

Introduction The aim of this study was to compare serum vitamin D and osteocalcin levels in non-osteoporotic postmenopausal women with and without metabolic syndrome and to analyze the relationship between serum vitamin D and osteocalcin levels and the relationships between these two factors and other clinical/biochemical parameters.

Material and Method This cross-sectional study was carried out in 191 postmenopausal non-osteoporotic (T-score > − 2.5) women. Patients were divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of metabolic syndrome. Blood samples were obtained and evaluated for 25-hydroxyvitamin D, osteocalcin, insulin resistance (using a homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), calcium, phosphorus, deoxypyridinoline, thyroid-stimulating hormone, lipid profile, fasting insulin, fasting glucose and HbA1c levels. Demographic and laboratory parameters were recorded for each woman.

Results Vitamin D was found to be lower in women with metabolic syndrome compared to controls (16.1 ± 11.2 vs. 20.4 ± 13.1 mg/dL; p = 0.013). Similarly, osteocalcin was found to be significantly lower in the metabolic syndrome group compared to the control group (4.2 ± 2.1 vs. 5.5 ± 3.0; p < 0.001). A significant positive correlation was observed between vitamin D and osteocalcin levels (r = 0.198; p = 0.008). There was an inverse correlation between vitamin D and some of the lipid parameters. However, osteocalcin levels were negatively correlated with C-reactive protein, insulin resistance, and HbA1c in both groups (p = 0.003, p = 0.001 and p = 0.048, respectively).

Conclusion Vitamin D deficiency is common in postmenopausal women, even in women who are non-osteoporotic. Serum levels of vitamin D are significantly decreased in cases with metabolic syndrome. Vitamin D may directly improve serum lipid profiles and may indirectly decrease insulin resistance and subclinical systemic inflammation through the impact on the metabolic functions of osteocalcin.
Correlation Between Violence and Antipsychotic Dosage in Schizophrenia: A Secondary Analysis of The Clinical Antipsychotic Trials for Intervention Effectiveness (CATIE) Dataset
Authors: Tasmim Samia , Kolla Nathan J. , Dada Oluwagbenga , Bani-Fatemi Ali , De Luca Vincenzo
Published: January 2019

Introduction Violent behavior is more common in individuals with schizophrenia, compared to the general population. Studies suggest higher psychotic symptoms are predictive of greater violent behavior. On the other hand, violent behaviors are reduced with antipsychotic treatment. However, the relationship between antipsychotic dosage and violence has not been studied to date. Thus, we aimed to determine if there exists an association between antipsychotic dosage and violence scores and whether the maximum violence would be predictive of the final antipsychotic dosage. We hypothesized that the violence scores at the final assessment in the Clinical Antipsychotic Trials for Intervention Effectiveness (CATIE) would be correlated with the corresponding drug dosage and the maximum violence severity score would be predictive of the final dosage.

Methods Antipsychotic dosage at the end of the trial was converted into defined daily dosage and chlorpromazine equivalents (CPZe). Final and maximum violence sum scores were analyzed from the final violence assessment interviews. Spearman’s rank-order correlation and linear regression analyses were used to analyze the relationship between the violence scores and standardized antipsychotic dosages.

Results The analysis was on 952 individuals with schizophrenia. There was a significant association between maximum violence severity score and the final CPZe dosage (p=0.049). Exploratory analysis of age and ethnicity revealed younger non-white individuals to be at a higher risk of engaging in violent activities.

Discussion Violence in schizophrenia is associated with poor illness course. Further studies focusing on violence in younger non-white individuals are warranted.
Clinical Manifestation and Mutation Spectrum of 53 Unrelated Pedigrees with Protein S Deficiency in China
Authors: Li Lei , Wu Xi , Wu Wenman , Ding Qiulan , Cai Xiaohong , Wang Xuefeng
Published: January 2019

Protein S (PS) deficiency is associated with a 10-fold increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), but its diagnosis is quite difficult and complicated. In this study, we identified 53 unrelated pedigrees with PS deficiency in China. Data of their clinical characteristics and laboratory examinations were collected. Genetic analysis of PROS1 including direct sequencing, copy number variant detection and messenger ribonucleic acid analysis was performed in probands and related family members. Of these 53 probands, 52.8% (28/53) experienced multi-site and/or recurrent thrombotic episodes, mainly manifested as deep venous thrombosis and/or pulmonary embolism (82.7%). Additional risk factors of VTE were observed in 39.6% (21/53) probands who exhibited a significantly higher rate of recurrent VTE compared with those not, in which 7 probands were complicated by anti-phospholipid syndrome. Most probands and family members exhibited quantitative PS deficiency with impairment of both activated protein C and tissue factor pathway inhibitor cofactor activities. Note that 87.2% (34/39) PROS1 detectable mutation rate was obtained through comprehensive phenotypic and genetic analysis. A total of 36 PROS1 causative mutations including 16 novel mutations were identified in 48 probands, whereas no PROS1 mutations were detected in the other 5 probands. Three hotspot mutations (Glu67Ala, Arg561Trp and Tyr560*) were identified in the Chinese population for the first time. This article provides a framework for correlating the clinical pathogenesis of PS deficiency to genetic backgrounds in the Chinese population.
Headache, Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks, and Pseudomeningoceles after Resection of Vestibular Schwannomas: Efficacy of Venous Sinus Stenting Suggests Cranial Venous Outflow Compromise as a Unifying Pathophysiological Mechanism
Authors: Higgins J. Nicholas , Macfarlane Robert , Axon Patrick R. , Mannion Richard A. , Tysome James R. , Donnelly Neil , Moffat David A. , Pickard John D.
Published: January 2019

Background Regardless of the operative approach, headache, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks, and pseudomeningoceles remain disproportionately common problems after surgery for vestibular schwannomas and have a significant negative impact on quality of life and potential to return to full employment. Recent work has raised the possibility that these problems may, in part, be related to acquired obstruction of cranial venous outflow. This article explores this idea further with respect to a group of patients with severe and intractable symptoms.

Objective The main objective of this article is to describe our experience diagnosing, investigating, and treating cranial venous outflow obstruction following translabyrinthine resection of vestibular schwannomas.

Methods Retrospective review of all patients (n = 9) at our institution referred for sigmoid sinus stenting following translabyrinthine surgery.

Results Headache resolved or improved after sigmoid stenting in all five patients in whom it was the primary symptom. CSF leak was the primary problem in two patients. In one, the leak was unchanged, but headache improved. In the other, the leak resolved, and headache improved. Two patients had symptomatic pseudomeningoceles and both resolved

Conclusion Assuming a meticulous approach to wound closure, a CSF leak following surgery for vestibular schwannoma can be viewed as a pathological, but essentially homeostatic, response to raised intracranial pressure caused by acquired obstruction to cranial venous outflow. Postoperative headache (from high or low intracranial pressure) and CSF leaks, therefore, may all respond to measures aimed at eliminating the obstructing lesion.
Concurrent Pulmonary, Intracranial, Intramedullary Tuberculoma, and Their Response to Conservative Management
Authors: Khan Sohael , Gupta Suvarn , Jain Shashank , Singhania Shraddha
Published: January 2019

Tuberculomas of the central nervous system are common. However, the incidence of intraspinal intramedullary tuberculomas is very low, and a combination of intramedullary, intracranial, and pulmonary tuberculomas is extremely rare. We report a case of tuberculoma involving the brain and spine with pulmonary tuberculosis in a 46-year-old man initially presenting with back pain and weakness of both lower extremities. Conservative treatment with antituberculous medications resulted in complete resolution of his symptoms.
Birth Control Pills and Thrombotic Risks: Differences of Contraception Methods with and without Estrogen
Authors: Rott Hannelore
Published: January 2019

In Germany one-third of the women in fertile age use combined oral contraceptives (COCs), which consist mostly of ethinylestradiol (EE) and a synthetic progestin. Older COCs with norethisterone or levonorgestrel have a lower risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE) than newer COCs with desogestrel, drospirenone, or gestodene. This is also true for nonoral combined hormonal contraceptives. The risk of newer COCs containing estradiol instead of EE is not clear due to missing data. Progestin-only hormonal contraception is not associated with a significant increase of the risk for VTE with the exception of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate. Emergency contraceptions, which do not contain EE, but only levonorgestrel or ulipristal acetate, do not result in a higher risk for VTE. Oral desogestrel- or levonorgestrel-only contraceptives, intrauterine device, and etonogestrel implants are the contraception of choice in women with a history of VTE and/or suffering from thrombophilia. These safe contraceptives should be offered to women with high risk of VTE due to the much higher VTE risk in pregnancy and postpartum. The screening for thrombophilia is not indicated in every woman with the wish for contraception. This should be restricted to certain cases, for example to women with a positive history for VTE or with close relatives suffering from VTE in younger than 50 years.
Ursachen und Therapie des Delirs
Authors: Maschke Matthias
Published: January 2019

Delirium is a potentially life-threating acute disease accompanied by a mortality up to 30 % of all affected patients. It occurs more frequently in older patients ≥ 65 years. Delirium is defined as acute onset of disturbances in attention, awareness and cognition that develops within a short period of time and fluctuates in severity. It can be subdivided in hyperactive, hypoactive and a mixed type. The hypoactive type occurs more frequently in geriatric patients and has the highest mortality of all types. Differential diagnosis of delirium include stroke, central nervous system infection, metabolic diseases, disturbances in electrolytes as well as Wernicke encephalopathy and psychiatric diseases. Treatment should be initiated rapidly and includes non-pharmacological interventions and specific pharmacological treatments. The review summarizes diagnosis and clinical management of patients with delirium.
Titanium-based thin film metallic glass as diffusion barrier layer for PbTe-based thermoelectric modules
Authors: Yu Chia-Chi , Wu Hsin-jay , Agne Matthias T. , Witting Ian T. , Deng Ping-Yuan , Snyder G. Jeffrey , Chu Jinn P.
Published: January 2019

The thin film metallic glass (TFMG) is an effective diffusion barrier layer for PbTe-based thermoelectric (TE) modules. Reaction couples structured with Cu/TFMG/PbTe are prepared via sputter-deposition and are annealed at 673 K for 8-96 h. The transmission line method is adopted for the assessment of electrical contact resistivity upon the PbTe/TFMG, and the value remains in the range of 3.3-2.5 × 10−9 (Ω m2). The titanium-based TFMG remains amorphous upon annealing at 673 K for 48 h and effectively blocks the inter-diffusion by not having grain-boundaries, which only allows the bulk diffusion between the metal electrode and the TE substrate.
Carbon dots decorated graphene oxide nanosheets prepared by a novel technique with enhanced nonlinear optical properties
Authors: K R Vijesh , Sebastian Mathew , Nampoori V. P. N. , Thomas Sheenu
Published: January 2019

We report a novel technique to synthesize fluorescent carbon dots decorated graphene oxide (CDs-GO) sheets by microwave irradiation using citric acid as the precursor and ethylenediamine as the passivation agent. The samples are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and ultra violet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis). Fluorescence studies reveal strong excitation wavelength dependent fluorescence behaviour for these nanocomposites dispersed in water. Third order nonlinear optical properties of these composites are studied using Z scan technique with Q-switched nanosecond pulsed Nd: YAG laser and the measured highest nonlinear optical susceptibility is 4.624x10-10esu. The optical limiting studies of these nanocomposites yield a lower limiting threshold of 104MW/cm2 enabling them as a strong candidate for optical limiting applications.
Proton irradiation induced defects in β-Ga2O3: A combined EPR and theory study
Authors: von Bardeleben Hans Jürgen , Zhou Shengqiang , Gerstmann Uwe , Skachkov Dmitry , Lambrecht Walter R. L. , Ho Quoc Duy , Deák Peter
Published: January 2019

Proton irradiation of both n-type and semi-insulating bulk samples of β-Ga2O3 leads to the formation of two paramagnetic defects with spin S = 1/2 and monoclinic point symmetry. Their high introduction rates indicate them to be primary irradiation induced defects. The first electron spin resonance (EPR1) has a g-tensor with principal values of gb = 2.0313, gc = 2.0079, and ga* = 2.0025 and quasi-isotropic superhyperfine interaction of 13G with two equivalent Ga neighbors. Under low temperature photoexcitation, this defect is quenched and replaced by a different metastable spin S = 1/2 center of comparable intensity. This second defect (EPR2) has similar principal g-values of gb = 2.0064, gc = 2.0464, and ga* = 2.0024 and shows equally superhyperfine interaction with two equivalent Ga atoms. This EPR2 defect is stable up to T = 100 K, whereas for T > 100 K the initial defect is recovered. Density functional theory calculations of the spin Hamiltonian parameters of various intrinsic defects are carried out using the gauge including projector augmented wave method in order to determine the microscopic structure of these defects. The intuitive models of undistorted gallium monovacancies or self-trapped hole centers are not compatible with neither of these two defects.
The electronic structure of ε-Ga2O3
Authors: Mulazzi M. , Reichmann F. , Becker A. , Klesse W. M. , Alippi P. , Fiorentini V. , Parisini A. , Bosi M. , Fornari R.
Published: January 2019

The electronic structure of ε-Ga2O3 thin films has been investigated by ab initio calculations and photoemission spectroscopy with UV, soft, and hard X-rays to probe the surface and bulk properties. The latter measurements reveal a peculiar satellite structure in the Ga 2p core level spectrum, absent at the surface, and a core-level broadening that can be attributed to photoelectron recoil. The photoemission experiments indicate that the energy separation between the valence band and the Fermi level is about 4.4 eV, a valence band maximum at the Γ point and an effective mass of the highest lying bands of – 4.2 free electron masses. The value of the bandgap compares well with that obtained by optical experiments and with that obtained by calculations performed using a hybrid density-functional, which also reproduce well the dispersion and density of states.
Emergent room temperature polar phase in CaTiO3 nanoparticles and single crystals
Authors: Ramirez Mariola O. , Lummen Tom T. A. , Carrasco Irene , Barnes Eftihia , Aschauer Ulrich , Stefanska Dagmara , Sen Gupta Arnab , de las Heras Carmen , Akamatsu Hirofumi , Holt Martin , Molina Pablo , Barnes Andrew , Haislmaier Ryan C. , Deren Przemyslaw J. , Prieto Carlos , Bausá Luisa E. , Spaldin Nicola A. , Gopalan Venkatraman
Published: January 2019

Polar instabilities are well known to be suppressed on scaling materials down to the nanoscale, when the electrostatic energy increase at surfaces exceeds lowering of the bulk polarization energy. Surprisingly, here we report an emergent low symmetry polar phase arising in nanoscale powders of CaTiO3, the original mineral named perovskite discovered in 1839 and considered nominally nonpolar at any finite temperature in the bulk. Using nonlinear optics and spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and microscopy studies, we discover a well-defined polar to non-polar transition at a TC = 350 K in these powders. The same polar phase is also seen as a surface layer in bulk CaTiO3 single crystals, forming striking domains with in-plane polarization orientations. Density functional theory reveals that oxygen octahedral distortions in the surface layer lead to the stabilization of the observed monoclinic polar phase. These results reveal new ways of overcoming the scaling limits to polarization in perovskites.
Metallicity in SrTiO3 substrates induced by pulsed laser deposition
Authors: Balakrishnan Purnima P. , Veit Michael J. , Alaan Urusa S. , Gray Matthew T. , Suzuki Yuri
Published: January 2019

Oxygen deficiency has been known to induce metallic conduction in bulk and thin film SrTiO3 (STO). Here, we report on the metallicity of STO substrates induced by the pulsed laser deposition (PLD) process of STO films under various oxygen-poor growth conditions. Depositions as short as 2 min result in conduction through the STO substrate. Films grown on other substrates are insulating, and STO substrates annealed under the same growth conditions without laser ablation remain insulating. By varying background gas composition during deposition, we find that the transport behavior transitions from metallic to insulating behavior at progressively higher ambient pressures for O2, 99% N2/1% O2, N2, and Ar. Metallic behavior persists to deposition pressures as high as 10−2 Torr in Ar. These results suggest that, during the PLD process, the deposition kinetics and plume energy are a dominant factor in the formation of oxygen vacancies which then diffuse into the substrate. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial to prevent STO substrate reduction during PLD of films which require low O2 partial pressures during growth.
Deformation-induced phase transition in Weyl semimetals: pseudo-field origin of effect
Authors: Alisultanov Z. Z. , Abdullaev G. O. , Demirov N. A.
Published: January 2019

The deformation of the crystal lattice of Weyl materials, in which the Weyl points with opposite chiralities are separated in the momentum space, leads to the appearance of gauge pseudo-fields: magnetic and electric. Two types (type I and type II) of Weyl fermions can coexist in some Weyl semimetals under the action of such fields. The latter is associated with the fact that the phase transition between types I and II under the effect of pseudo-fields occurs only near one of the Weyl points. Such a phase transition was predicted during the bending of thin Weyl semimetal films.
Effect of electron irradiation on the transverse conductivity of the YBa2Cu3O7–δ single crystal
Authors: Khadzhai G. Ya. , Vovk N. R. , Vovk R. V.
Published: January 2019

It is shown that electron irradiation leads to the appearance of macroscopic (comparable with the sample thickness) fluctuations in the sample composition, which coexist with mesoscopic fluctuations. A decrease in Тс caused by a change in the oxygen deficiency and/or the appearance of displaced Cu, Y, and Ba atoms, was also detected. A resistance minimum is observed in the normal state, which shifts toward high temperatures after irradiation.
Magnon Modes for a Magnetic Disc in a Cone Vortex State
Authors: Uzunova V. A. , Ivanov B. A.
Published: January 2019

A cone phase appears as the ground state of uniaxial magnets with comparable second-order and fourth-order anisotropy constants. In such systems, specific vortex states can exist. The authors have studied magnetization oscillations in small cylindrical particles in a cone vortex state. The study has determined the frequencies of magnon excitations in the presence of a vortex in the cone phase of a ferromagnet. It has been established that there is a significant splitting of the doublets of modes with opposite values ​​of the azimuthal number m, including modes with |m| > 1.
Leaf phenological traits of the tree fern Cyathea praecincta (Cyatheaceae) in a Brazilian lowland tropical forest
Authors: Silva Mayara Magna , de Paiva Farias Rafael , da Costa Lucas Erickson Nascimento , Barros Iva Carneiro Leão
Published: January 2019

Phenological studies are fundamental to our understanding of how the environment can influence plant growth and reproductive processes. Environmental triggers of fern phenology are poorly known. We investigated the leaf phenological traits of the tree fern Cyathea praecincta (Kunze) Domin in a Brazilian lowland tropical forest with a short dry season. We monitored 47 plants over an 18-month period, measuring leaf production, leaf fertility, leaf mortality and the relation of these variables with rainfall and temperature. Data on leaf expansion and lifespan were also presented. Full leaf expansion in C. praecincta took up to 3 months. The production of sterile and fertile leaves showed dissimilar interactions with climate, a common pattern among most tree ferns studied worldwide. Whereas production of sterile leaves of C. praecincta was not influenced by climatic variability, leaf fertility was driven by increasing rainfall. Some fertile plants (30%) produced exclusively fertile leaves and attained full maturity, playing a key role in the maintenance and growth of the population. The estimated leaf lifespan was 17.9±5.89 months. The finding that leaf mortality was driven by decreasing rainfall is in contrast with most tree ferns, which are not influenced by climate. None of the phenological variables was influenced by temperature. We demonstrated that rainfall plays a crucial role on leaf fertility and leaf mortality of C. praecincta in a tropical forest remnant with a short dry season and inversely related rainfall and temperature.
Biosolids application increases grasshopper abundance in the short term in a northern Canadian grassland
Authors: Gaudreault Emma S. , Lalonde Robert G. , Lawson Kirstie , Doyle Frank I. , Hodges Karen E.
Published: January 2019

Degraded grasslands are common worldwide, often due to overgrazing by livestock; such degradation often reduces plant growth and water quality, while increasing soil erosion, wildfires, and invasive species. Recent restoration efforts have used organic amendments to increase soil nutrients, improve water retention, and increase forage production. Biosolids, the stabilised and pathogen-treated remains from wastewater treatment plants, have strong impacts on soil nutrients and plant growth, but there is very little known about impacts on higher trophic levels. We worked on northern grasslands in British Columbia, Canada, to test whether biosolids applications changed grasshopper abundances, body sizes, or species richness. We used hoop transects to measure density and timed net samples to determine richness and evenness. There were significantly higher (~3.8×) grasshopper densities at sites where biosolids were applied 1–2 years before sampling compared with control sites or sites where biosolids were applied in the year of sampling. Tibia lengths of grasshoppers varied with treatment, species, and sex, but there was no clear signature of biosolids leading to bigger body sizes. There were no significant differences in species richness or equitability in relation to the year of the biosolids application. Collectively, our results show that biosolids have large impacts on grasshopper densities, but no clear impact on community structure or body size. Because grasshoppers can be dominant insect herbivores and are critical prey for many birds and mammals, our results suggest biosolids could be an important tool in the context of site restoration or efforts to improve populations of insectivorous vertebrates.
Mapping the potential risk of Escherichia coli leaching through soils of the Waikato River catchment, New Zealand
Authors: McLeod M. , Aislabie J. , McGill A. , Rhodes P. , Hunter D. W. F. , Thornburrow D.
Published: January 2019

A regional-scale map showing the potential risk of Escherichia coli leaching through soil on flat to rolling land was developed for the soils within the Waikato River catchment. Microbial breakthrough curves were developed for representative soils of the catchment that are commonly under dairy land use. These microbial breakthrough curves were generated under laboratory conditions using large, intact soil lysimeters irrigated with farm dairy effluent followed by continuous clean water irrigation. Some of the lysimeters were later used to monitor E. coli leaching under field conditions. The soils were rated as having a high, medium or low potential for leaching E. coli based on the microbial breakthrough curves or concentrations of E. coli in leachates from the field investigation. The potentials were correlated with the New Zealand Soil Classification to allow regionalisation to all soils within the Waikato River catchment. The catchment-scale map revealed that ~60% of the flat to rolling soils in Waikato are rated as having a low potential for leaching E. coli. These soils are typically Pumice or Allophanic Soils. The map can be used to raise the awareness of management of farm effluent irrigation to minimise microbial pathogen contamination of water bodies.
Thermomagnetic recording fidelity of nanometer-sized iron and implications for planetary magnetism
Authors: Nagy Lesleis , Williams Wyn , Tauxe Lisa , Muxworthy Adrian R. , Ferreira Idenildo
Published: January 2019

Significance

Extraterrestrial rocks that contain particles of iron or kamacite are thought to carry paleomagnetic recordings from the time of the formation of the Solar System. Interpretation of these recordings has hitherto falsely assumed particles were uniformly magnetized. We have reexamined the magnetic recording reliability of these minerals using numerical models that account for the more complex magnetic structures that are likely to exist and show that iron and kamacite particles are exceptionally good and thermally stable recorders of ancient magnetic fields, dominated by the recording made when iron cools through its Curie point. Additional recordings for thermal events that occur substantially below the Curie temperature will be difficult to extract from iron-dominated samples.
Distinction of self-produced touch and social touch at cortical and spinal cord levels
Authors: Boehme Rebecca , Hauser Steven , Gerling Gregory J. , Heilig Markus , Olausson Håkan
Published: January 2019

Differentiation between self-produced tactile stimuli and touch by others is necessary for social interactions and for a coherent concept of “self.” The mechanisms underlying this distinction are unknown. Here, we investigated the distinction between self- and other-produced light touch in healthy volunteers using three different approaches: fMRI, behavioral testing, and somatosensory-evoked potentials (SEPs) at spinal and cortical levels. Using fMRI, we found self–other differentiation in somatosensory and sociocognitive areas. Other-touch was related to activation in several areas, including somatosensory cortex, insula, superior temporal gyrus, supramarginal gyrus, striatum, amygdala, cerebellum, and prefrontal cortex. During self-touch, we instead found deactivation in insula, anterior cingulate cortex, superior temporal gyrus, amygdala, parahippocampal gyrus, and prefrontal areas. Deactivation extended into brain areas encoding low-level sensory representations, including thalamus and brainstem. These findings were replicated in a second cohort. During self-touch, the sensorimotor cortex was functionally connected to the insula, and the threshold for detection of an additional tactile stimulus was elevated. Differential encoding of self- vs. other-touch during fMRI correlated with the individual self-concept strength. In SEP, cortical amplitudes were reduced during self-touch, while latencies at cortical and spinal levels were faster for other-touch. We thus demonstrated a robust self–other distinction in brain areas related to somatosensory, social cognitive, and interoceptive processing. Signs of this distinction were evident at the spinal cord. Our results provide a framework for future studies in autism, schizophrenia, and emotionally unstable personality disorder, conditions where symptoms include social touch avoidance and poor self-vs.-other discrimination.
Water quality monitoring and evaluation using remote sensing techniques in China: a systematic review
Authors: Wang Xiaoyan , Yang Wu
Published: January 2019

Introduction
: The application of remote-sensing techniques for water quality assessment has become increasingly popular in China. However, existing reviews are often limited to qualitative description and are quite fragmented.

Outcomes
: We conducted a quantitative systematic review to display current research status and identify the existing challenges and future directions. Our review revealed that the application of remote-sensing techniques in water quality research has expanded dramatically in China, but the spatial distribution is quite uneven. Second, the ground object spectrometer is the most widely applied data source. Water color indicators such as chlorophyll a and suspended solid are the most widely investigated in China. Third, semiempirical method is the most commonly used inversion method. Existing studies rarely considered the anthropogenic factors, which limited the model robustness and its application in human-dominated aquatic ecosystems.

Discussion and Conclusion
: We concluded that, in the past several decades, China has made notable progresses in monitoring and evaluation of water quality using the remote-sensing techniques (especially in inland lakes). We proposed that further improvements would be needed in terms of temporal and spatial coverage, indicator list, the incorporation of human–nature interactions, inversion accuracy, and model generalization.
Self-reactive CD4+ IL-3+ T cells amplify autoimmune inflammation in myocarditis by inciting monocyte chemotaxis
Authors: Anzai Atsushi , Mindur John E. , Halle Lennard , Sano Soichi , Choi Jennifer L. , He Shun , McAlpine Cameron S. , Chan Christopher T. , Kahles Florian , Valet Colin , Fenn Ashley M. , Nairz Manfred , Rattik Sara , Iwamoto Yoshiko , Fairweather DeLisa , Walsh Kenneth , Libby Peter , Nahrendorf Matthias , Swirski Filip K.
Published: January 2019

Acquisition of self-reactive effector CD4+ T cells is a major component of the autoimmune response that can occur during myocarditis, an inflammatory form of cardiomyopathy. Although the processes by which self-reactive T cells gain effector function have received considerable attention, how these T cells contribute to effector organ inflammation and damage is less clear. Here, we identified an IL-3–dependent amplification loop that exacerbates autoimmune inflammation. In experimental myocarditis, we show that effector organ–accumulating autoreactive IL-3+ CD4+ T cells stimulate IL-3R+ tissue macrophages to produce monocyte-attracting chemokines. The newly recruited monocytes differentiate into antigen-presenting cells that stimulate local IL-3+ CD4+ T cell proliferation, thereby amplifying organ inflammation. Consequently, Il3−/− mice resist developing robust autoimmune inflammation and myocardial dysfunction, whereas therapeutic IL-3 targeting ameliorates disease. This study defines a mechanism that orchestrates inflammation in myocarditis, describes a previously unknown function for IL-3, and identifies IL-3 as a potential therapeutic target in patients with myocarditis.
Mass concentration and chemical composition of submicron particulate matter (PM1) in the Polish urban areas
Authors: Rogula-Kozłowska W , Majewski G , Rogula-Kopiec P , Mathews B
Published: January 2019

Samples of PM1 were collected at two urban background sites, one in Zabrze and one in Warsaw (Poland), in summer (24 June - 22 August 2014) and winter (8 January - 8 March 2015) in parallel. At each site, in each season, 60 diurnal (24-h) samples were taken. The samples were analyzed for carbon (organic OC, and elemental, EC) and water soluble ions (Na+, NH4
+, Cl−, SO4
2−, NO3
−) by using, respectively, a Sunset Laboratory carbon analyzer and a Herisau Metrohm AG ion chromatograph. Each 24-h sample of PM1 was checked for mass closure using the categorization of the chemical components into: primary (POM) and secondary (SOM) organic matter, secondary inorganic matter (SIM), elemental carbon (EC), and sodium and chlorine (Na_Cl). The seasonal effects, typical of urban areas in Poland, are clearly seen in the whole series of the 24-hour PM1 concentrations. Most of the PM1components and PM1 had their mean concentrations higher in winter than in summer. Secondary aerosol (SOM+SIM) accounts for approx. 55% of the PM1 mass in Warsaw and 40% in Zabrze.
Tetralogy of Fallot and abnormal coronary artery: use of a prosthetic conduit is outdated
Authors: Pontailler Margaux , Bernard Chloé , Gaudin Régis , Moreau de Bellaing Anne , Mostefa Kara Mansour , Haydar Ayman , Barbanti Claudio , Bonnet Damien , Vouhé Pascal , Raisky Olivier
Published: January 2019

OBJECTIVES

Repair of tetralogy of Fallot (ToF) can be challenging in the presence of an abnormal coronary artery (CA) in 5–12% of cases. The aim of this study was to report our experience with ToF repair without the systematic use of a right ventricle-to-pulmonary artery (RV-PA) conduit.

METHODS

We conducted a monocentric retrospective study from 2000 to 2016, including 943 patients with ToF who underwent biventricular repair, of whom 8% (n = 76) presented with an abnormal CA. Mean follow-up time was 50 months (1 month–18 years).

RESULTS

The most frequent CA anomaly was the left descending artery arising from the right CA (n = 47, 61.8%). The median age at repair was 7.7 months (1.8 months–16 years). Thirteen patients (17%) required prior palliation, mostly systemic pulmonary shunts for anoxic spells in the neonatal period. Surgical repair allowed us to preserve the annulus in 40 patients (53%) by combining PA trunk plasty, commissurotomy and infundibulotomy under the abnormal CA. If the annulus had to be opened (n = 35, 46%), a transannular patch was inserted after a vertical incision of the PA trunk and extended obliquely on the RV over the anomalous crossing CA (with an infundibulotomy under the abnormal CA). Three patients (4%) required the insertion of an RV-PA conduit (1 valved tube and 2 RV-PA GORE-TEX tubes with annulus conservation). The early mortality rate was 4% (n = 3); none of the deaths was coronary related. Four patients (5%) required reoperation (2 early and 2 late reoperations) for residual pulmonary stenosis, 3 of whom had annulus preservation during the initial repair. The mean RV/left ventricle (LV) pressure ratio and an RV/LV pressure ratio >2/3 were identified as risk factors for right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) reinterventions (P = 0.0026, P = 0.0085, respectively), RVOT reoperations (P = 0.0002 for both) and reoperation for RVOT residual stenosis (P = 0.0002, P = 0.0014, respectively). Two patients underwent pulmonary valve replacement. Freedom from late reoperation was 100% at 1 year, 97% at 5 years and 84% at 10 and 15 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Repair of ToF and abnormal CA can be performed without an RV-PA conduit, with an acceptable low reintervention rate. The high early mortality rate in this series remains a concern. If any doubt remains about the surgical relief of the RVOT obstruction, the RV/LV pressure ratio should always be measured in the operating room.
A Pilot Study to Reduce Central Line–Associated Bloodstream Infections in Children From Extremely Low-Income Settings With Intestinal Failure—Meeting the Challenge
Authors: Fuchs Inbal , Rosenbaum Dov , Klein Ilana , Einhorn Menachem , Pinsk Vered , Shelef Yonat , Sherf Amir , Press Yan , Yerushalmi Baruch
Published: January 2019

Background

Central line–associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) are major sources of morbidity, death, and healthcare costs in patients who receive home parenteral nutrition (HPN). The majority of HPN-dependent children in southern Israel reside in poor communities with substandard living conditions, which creates significant challenges for the safe provision of HPN. We developed a pilot intervention that aimed to reduce the rates of CLABSI and central venous catheter (CVC) replacements in this vulnerable population in our region.

Methods

Between 2012 and 2014, all HPN-dependent children with intestinal failure who were treated in our center, received HPN through a Hickman catheter, and experienced at least 1 previous CLABSI episode participated in the intervention. The intervention included home visits to assess the caregivers’ CVC-handling technique, instillation of prophylactic ethanol lock solution, and the convening of regular multidisciplinary staff debriefings. We calculated CLABSI and CVC-replacement rates before and after the intervention.

Results

Eight patients who served as their own historical controls were included in the intervention (total of 2544 catheter-days during the intervention period). The mean CLABSI rate decreased from 9.62 to 0.79 CLABSI episodes per 1000 catheter-days; the CVC-replacement rate decreased from 2.5 to 1.2 replacements per 1000 catheter-days in the preintervention and intervention periods respectively. The median hospital length of stay and individual monthly cost of medical care decreased compared to those found in the preintervention period.

Conclusions

The results of this study offer a proof of concept for a strategy to reduce CLABSI rates in pediatric patients who reside in remote and low-resource environments and are undergoing HPN.