bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved power quality charging scheme for heavy‐duty vehicle battery swapping stations
Authors: Kalla Ujjwal Kumar , Suthar Rakhi , Singh Bhim
Published: May 2019

This study, presents a generalised multi‐pulse converter (MPC)‐based improved power quality charging scheme for heavy‐duty vehicle battery swapping stations. The proposed control is a generalised control, which is used to develop an MPC‐based charging scheme for any pulse number such as 2‐pulse, 6‐pulse, 12‐pulse, 18‐pulse and 24‐pulse charging schemes for heavy‐duty vehicle battery swapping stations. The 2‐pulse, 6‐pulse and 12‐pulse charging schemes are implemented in the laboratory using proposed generalised control. This proposed scheme operates on fundamental switching frequency, therefore, it significantly reduces the switching losses, electromagnetic interference, radio frequency interference levels in heavy‐duty vehicle battery swapping stations. Moreover, the sliding mode controller has been introduced in the current control loop of the proposed battery charger which removes all the possibilities of the occurring of undershoot and overshoot in the battery charging, that significantly improves the life of the battery banks. Test results of all these developed schemes are presented in this study for validating the proposed scheme.
Extended efficiency control method for WPT systems in smart grid under loose coupling extremes
Authors: Wang Junhua , Cai Changsong , Li Liang , Zhang Pengcheng , Liu Qisheng , Zhang Fan , Fang Zhijian
Published: May 2019

This study presents an extended efficiency control method with resonant frequency tracking, load optimisation and output voltage regulation of extremely loosely coupled wireless power transfer (WPT) systems for smart grid applications. Adaptive resonant frequency tracking of this specified system is proposed and implemented to achieve a robust and efficient transmission efficiency with fast searching and less fluctuation. Automatic load optimisation of the system with the required output is realised to further improve the efficiency by adjusting the phase‐shift angle of the converter on the transmitter side. Owing to a receiving feedback circuit, the proposed system does not require any communication which is suited for operating under high‐voltage insulation conditions. Input current from source is the only parameter to be sensed for the proposed strategy of extended efficiency control, which makes the method cost‐effective and work‐robust even in the harsh environments. Experimental results prove the feasibility of the extended efficiency control method, which can be used in wireless powered devices in a smart grid or other extremely loosely coupled WPT systems.
Ergodic sum‐rate analysis for multicast network with wireless energy harvesting relay
Authors: Liu Yingting , Ding Haiyang , Pan Zhengwei , Yan Chunman , Yang Hongwu
Published: May 2019

In the letter, a wireless energy harvesting (WEH) multicast network is proposed. Two source nodes communicate with their respective destination nodes via a WEH relay node. Adopting the power splitting relaying (PSR) protocol and analogue network coding (ANC), the relay node simultaneously harvests the energy and receives the information from the signals transmitted by the two source nodes in the first time slot , and retransmits the amplified signal to the destination nodes in the second time slot using all harvested energy. The analytical expressions of the ergodic sum‐rate of the proposed network are derived. Numerical results corroborate the derived expressions and show that the proposed scheme nearly doubles the maximal ergodic sum‐rate in comparison with the conventional unicast four time slots WEH scheme.
Interpretation through experimental simulations of phase functions revealed by Rosetta in 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko dust coma
Authors: Levasseur-Regourd A. C. , Renard J.-B. , Hadamcik E. , Lasue J. , Bertini I. , Fulle M.
Published: May 2019

Context.The dust-brightness phase curves that have been measured by the OSIRIS cameras on board the Rosetta spacecraft within the coma of comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko (67P) present a remarkable flattened u-shape.

Aims.Our goal is to compare these phase curves with those of tentatively analog dust samples to assess the key dust properties that might induce this shape.

Methods.Light-scattering measurements have been made with the PROGRA2 instrument in the laboratory and in microgravity conditions on samples of different physical properties and compositions that are likely to be representative of cometary dust particles.

Results.We find that the brightness phase curves of a series of interplanetary dust analogs that have been recently developed (to fit the polarimetric properties of the inner zodiacal cloud and their changes with heliocentric distance) are quite comparable to those of 67P. Key dust properties seem to be related to the composition and the porosity.

Conclusions.We conclude that the shape of the brightness phase curves of 67P has to be related to the presence of a significant amount of organic compounds (at least 50% in mass) and of fluffy aggregates (of a size range of 10–200μm). We also confirm similarities between the dust particles of this Jupiter-family comet and the particles within the inner zodiacal cloud.
Verzögerte Diagnose eines MYH9-assoziierten Syndroms bei einem Mann mit Azoospermie und Kinderwunsch
Authors: Cooper Nina , Sachs Ulrich , Heidinger Kathrin
Published: May 2019

Wir berichten über einen 46-jährigen Patienten mit einer seit 20 Jahren bestehenden Diagnose einer chronischen Immunthrombozytopenie. Die Vorstellung des Patienten in unserer Gerinnungsambulanz erfolgte zur Abklärung der Thrombozytopenie und zur Therapieempfehlung vor geplantem Eingriff zur operativen Spermatozoengewinnung bei einer nicht obstruktiven Azoospermie und Kinderwunsch. Kortikosteroide zeigten in der Vergangenheit keinen klinischen Effekt. Klinisch relevante Blutungen waren bisher nicht aufgetreten. Im Alter von 36 Jahren wurde eine Kataraktoperation durchgeführt, ferner bestand ein beginnender Hörverlust im hohen Frequenzbereich. Unsere Untersuchungen ergaben eine Plättchenzahl von 31 × 109/l, ein erhöhtes mittleres Thrombozytenvolumen (MPV 16,8 fl) und keinen Nachweis freier oder gebundener thrombozytärer Autoantikörper. Ein Bernard-Soulier-Syndrom konnte ausgeschlossen werden. Im Blutausstrich zeigten sich Einschlusskörperchen in den neutrophilen Granulozyten. Der Verdacht auf eine MYH9-assoziierte Thrombozytopenie konnte durch eine genetische Untersuchung des MYH9-Gens bestätigt werden (c.5717C>T; p.Thr1906Met [heterozygot]) und eine heterozygote Duplikation des Bereichs des Intron-Exon-Übergangs von Exon 37. Die testikuläre Spermienextraktion konnte erfolgreich mit präoperativer Gabe von Desmopressin i. v. durchgeführt werden. Dieser Fall zeigt, dass Patienten mit einer MYH9-assoziierten Thrombozytopenie als Patienten mit Immunthrombozytopenie fehldiagnostiziert werden können und es dadurch zu falschen Therapieentscheidungen kommen kann. Dabei kann die einfache Beurteilung des mittleren Thrombozytenvolumens und des Blutausstrichs bei der Diagnosefindung sehr hilfreich sein.
Toxische Dermatitis nach Quallenkontakt
Authors: Schneiderat S. , Berndt K. , Heyne S. , Aschoff R. , Abraham S.
Published: May 2019

Verletzungen durch Quallen werden besonders am australischen und asiatischen Pazifik sowie am Atlantik beobachtet. Sie können ausgeprägte Hautreaktionen bis zu systemischen Vergiftungen verursachen. Im Folgenden stellen wir eine 56-jährige Patientin mit einer toxischen Dermatitis an den Beinen nach Quallenkontakt im pazifischen Meer von Vietnam vor. Im klinischen Befund zeigten sich eine Woche nach der initialen Verletzung an den genannten Arealen Ödeme, teils livide Streifen in makulöser bzw. erosiver Form, eine palpable Purpura sowie hämorrhagische Blasen. Im Verlauf heilten diese Hautveränderungen durch eine Lokaltherapie mit topischen Glukokortikoiden mit postinflammatorischen Hyperpigmentierungen und Narben an der rechten Kniekehle ab.
Über ein partiell amelanotisches Schleimhautmelanom der Vulva
Authors: Becker S. , Bennewitz A. , Blau K. , Meier F. , Beissert S. , Proske U.
Published: May 2019

Infolge ihrer häufig partiell oder vollständig amelanotischen Ausprägung, der verdeckten Lokalisation und fehlender Risikofaktoren werden die seltenen vulvo-vaginalen Melanome erst in späteren Stadien diagnostiziert und behandelt. Wir berichten über den Fall einer 70-jährigen Patientin, die sich mit einem Wundgefühl und zwei pigmentierten Läsionen des Labium majus dextrum vorstellte. Nach diagnostischer Exzision bestätigte die histologische Befundung ein partiell amelanotisches mukosales malignes Melanom. Die Nach-Exzision mit Sentinel-Lymphknotenexstirpation ergab das Vorliegen einer maximalen Tumordicke von 1,1 mm. Die erforderliche erweiterte Nach-Resektion erfolgte als vordere Vulvektomie. Das Exzidat der Vulvektomie zeigte weiterhin Reste der In-situ-Komponente bei jedoch tumorfreien Resektionsrändern und Sentinel-Lymphknoten (SLNB 0/1). Die abschließende Tumorklassifikation ergab AJCC (2017) Stadium IB. Nach komplikationsloser Primärheilung befindet sich die Patientin im interdisziplinären dermatologisch-gynäkologischen Nachsorgeprogramm.
Lichenoide Dermatosen der Vulva
Authors: Gieseking F. , Moll I.
Published: May 2019

Dieser Artikel gibt einen aktuellen Überblick über die 3 lichenoiden Erkrankungen der Vulva. Es handelt sich um chronische Dermatosen. Sie verursachen nicht notwendigerweise Beschwerden und fallen bisweilen erst bei sorgfältiger Anamnese und der gynäkologischen Untersuchung auf. Während der vulväre Lichen simplex chronicus als harmlos angesehen werden kann, führen Lichen planus und Lichen sclerosus zu langanhaltenden und hartnäckigen Beschwerden. Der Lichen sclerosus und der Lichen planus werden als Risikofaktoren für die Entwicklung eines HPV-negativen Vulvakarzinoms angesehen. Die meisten Frauen mit malignen Befunden an der Vulva hatten zuvor häufig einen Lichen sclerosus oder einen Lichen planus. Die Ursachen der lichenoiden Erkrankungen gelten als unbekannt. Eine Störung des Immunsystems wird angenommen. Ein abschließendes Urteil zu diesen Erkrankungen ist noch nicht möglich.
Erfolgreiche Therapie eines sehr schweren Pemphigus vulgaris mit Rituximab
Authors: Heyne S. , Schneiderat S. , Beissert S. , Günther C.
Published: May 2019

Der Pemphigus vulgaris ist eine blasenbildende Autoimmunerkrankung, die aufgrund der Hautbarrierestörung im Bereich der Blasen ein erhöhtes Irritations- und Infektionsrisiko bedingt. Wir berichten über einen 62-jährigen Patienten mit ausgeprägten Mundschleimhaut- und Hautmanifestationen eines Pemphigus vulgaris, der sich auf initiale Therapie mit hochdosierter Gabe von Prednisolon und steroidsparenden Immunsuppressiva nicht regredient zeigte. Der schwere Krankheitsverlauf wurde durch eine intensivpflichtige Sepsis zusätzlich kompliziert. Durch Gabe von Rituximab und einer begleitenden Immunapheresebehandlung konnte nach 8 Monaten eine partielle Remission und nach 1,5 Jahren eine komplette Remission erreicht werden. Der Pemphigus vulgaris ist auch heute eine schwere und komplikationsreiche Hauterkrankung, die eine therapeutische Herausforderung darstellen kann.
Imaging in Large Vessel Vasculitides
Authors: Guggenberger Konstanze , Bley Thorsten
Published: May 2019

Background Large vessel vasculitides comprise primary vasculitides of large and medium-sized arteries with various clinical, laboratory and radiological presentations. Imaging has become increasingly important in the diagnosis and monitoring of large vessel vasculitides. It complements clinical and laboratory examination and displays vasculitic changes of large extra- and intracranial arteries with relatively good diagnostic reliability and a low level of invasiveness.

Method This review presents the most important imaging modalities and some typical imaging findings in the context of the two main forms of large vessel vasculitis, giant cell arteritis and Takayasu’s arteritis, with special regard to the recently launched EULAR (The European League Against Rheumatism) recommendations on the role of imaging in patients with suspected large vessel vasculitides.

Results and Conclusion Color-coded duplex sonography (CCDS), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography are today’s common imaging methods in large vessel vasculitides representing a reasonable and less invasive alternative or at least a good complement to temporal artery biopsy. Today’s EULAR guidelines recommend an imaging test as the first complementary method to clinical examination with CCDS as the preferred diagnostic test in suspected giant cell arteritis, MRI as the equivalent alternative in the case of inconclusive results, and MRI as the first choice in suspected Takayasu’s arteritis.

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Citation Format
Oncogenes and Clotting Factors: The Emerging Role of Tumor Cell Genome and Epigenome in Cancer-Associated Thrombosis
Authors: Tawil Nadim , Bassawon Rayhaan , Rak Janusz
Published: May 2019

There are emerging linkages between biological and genetic aspects of cancer progression and the mechanisms of cancer-associated thrombosis. It is argued that reciprocal influences between cancer cells, their associated vascular stroma, and the hemostatic system may shape the mechanism of coagulopathy. In this regard, glioblastoma multiforme offers a paradigm where the prevalent occurrence of local microthrombosis and peripheral venous thromboembolism can be linked to the profiles of oncogenic driver mutations and their impact on the expression of coagulation-related genes (coagulome). These relationships can be recapitulated in cellular models of glioblastoma, where the expression of tissue factor, podoplanin, and the release of procoagulant microparticles (extracellular vesicles) remains under the control of oncogenic pathways (epidermal growth factor receptor variant III, isocitrate dehydrogenase 1). These pathways define molecular subtypes of glioblastoma that express differential coagulomes. Moreover, single-cell sequencing of glioblastoma samples reveals a combinatorial rather than common profile of both subtype markers and coagulation-related genes. Based on these emerging observations, the authors suggest that cancers may operate as coagulant composites, where individual cells and their dominant populations express different procoagulant phenotypes, resulting in the net impact on the hemostatic system. They suggest that relating these mechanisms to clinical presentations of thrombosis may facilitate a more causality-based, personalized, and possibly cancer-specific thromboprophylaxis and treatment.
Hemostatic Abnormalities in Dementia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Loures Cristina de Mello Gomide , Duarte Rita Carolina Figueiredo , Silva Marcos Vinícius Ferreira , Cicarini Walter Batista , de Souza Leonardo Cruz , Caramelli Paulo , Borges Karina Braga Gomes , Carvalho Maria das Graças
Published: May 2019

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is considered the most frequent cause of dementia. It is known that vascular risk factors play an important role in the development and progression of this condition. Alterations in vascular walls represent documented findings in patients with AD and other dementias affecting elderly people. The authors performed a systematic review and meta-analysis, aiming to synthesize observational studies that evaluated how the hemostatic system may contribute to cognitive decline in the elderly, using papers published until April 2018 and as indexed in Medline (PubMed), Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Lilacs, Cinahl, PsycINFO, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Among 5,278 studies identified, 32 were included in the final synthesis, and these included 485 patients with mild cognitive impairment, 568 with vascular dementia (VD), 1,781 with AD, and 2,855 participants without dementia. AD patients had increased plasma von Willebrand factor (VWF) (standardized mean difference [SMD]: 2.53; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.10–4.95), D-dimer (SMD: 0.50; 95% CI: 0.35–0.66), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (SMD: 3.34; 95% CI: 1.01–5.67), thrombomodulin (SMD: 1.08; 95% CI: 0.53–1.62), and homocysteine levels (SMD: 0.65; 95% CI: 0.15–1.15). In contrast, the VD group showed increased fibrinogen levels (SMD: 0.77; 95% CI: 0.13–1.41), activated factor VII (SMD: 0.36; 95% CI: 0.05–0.67), factor VIII (SMD: 0.57; 95% CI: 0.22–0.91), VWF (SMD: 2.34; 95% CI: 0.38–4.29), D-dimer (SMD: 1.14; 95% CI: 0.51–1.78), and homocysteine (SMD: 2.17; 95% CI: 1.67–2.68). AD showed an elevation in some markers of endothelial dysfunction, whereas VD presented mostly an involvement of coagulation cascade components.
Gene Therapy: Paving New Roads in the Treatment of Hemophilia
Authors: Yamaguti-Hayakawa Gabriela G. , Ozelo Margareth C.
Published: May 2019

Hemophilia is a monogenic disease with robust clinicolaboratory correlations of severity. These attributes coupled with the availability of experimental animal models have made it an attractive model for gene therapy. The road from animal models to human clinical studies has heralded significant successes, but major issues concerning a previous immunity against adeno-associated virus and transgene optimization remain to be fully resolved. Despite significant advances in gene therapy application, many questions remain pertaining to its use in specific populations such as those with factor inhibitors, those with underlying liver disease, and pediatric patients. Here, the authors provide an update on viral vector and transgene improvements, review the results of recently published gene therapy clinical trials for hemophilia, and discuss the main challenges facing investigators in the field.
Shear-, Sound-, and Light-Sensitive Nanoparticles for Thrombolytic Drug Delivery
Authors: Qu Shu , Ding Xingwei
Published: May 2019

Thrombotic diseases, as potentially induced by blood clots or vascular embolization, frequently occur with high rates of mortalities worldwide. Current drug thrombolysis, a primary clinical therapy, may increase fatal risk of hemorrhage when thrombolysis agents become systemically distributed. Given current thrombolysis limitations, some novel drug delivery systems based on nanoparticles have been recently exploited to achieve a more controlled release of loaded thrombolytic agents, able to respond to environmental changes, and resulting in a safer thrombolysis. In this review, the authors outline and discuss some prominent examples of early and recent thrombolytic agent delivery systems using controlled release by physical stimuli (shear, sound and light). Shear-sensitive systems are designed to exploit the specific biomechanical feature of thrombosis, that is, the increased blood shear stress. Sound- and light-sensitive systems reflect “remote control” of drug release by responding to external ultrasound or light stimulus. These smart thrombolytic drug delivery systems hold promise for more effective and safer future thrombolytic therapy.
Rechtskolumne: Höheres Honorar als Indiz für Freiberuflichkeit
Authors: Häser Isabel
Published: May 2019

Im Rahmen der Verhandlungen zum Entlassmanagement wurde die Arztnummer für Krankenhausärzte zur Belastungsprobe. Mittlerweile steht der Stufenplan zur Umsetzung – und das bedeutet gegebenenfalls viel Arbeit für die Krankenhäuser.
ÖVKT-tagung In Pörtschach 2019: Bereit für das digitale Krankenhaus
Authors: Thalmayr Maria
Published: May 2019

Robotik, Drohnen, 3D-Druck, BIM, Big Data, … Auf das Gesundheitswesen rollt eine Welle neuer Technologien zu. Den Stand der Dinge zu durchleuchten, vorherzusehen wie innovative Techniken das Arbeiten im Krankenhaus verändern und wie man diese möglichst nutzbringend einsetzt, ist Ziel der diesjährigen ÖVKT-Tagung vom 25. bis 27. September in Pörtschach.
Sprechstunde in der PR-Ambulanz: Wie überlebe ich eine Pressekonferenz?
Authors: Endele Kerstin
Published: May 2019

Kerstin Endele ist zur Hälfte Journalistin und zur Hälfte Biochemikerin. Seit mehr als 15 Jahren ist sie Expertin für Gesundheitskommunikation und war fünf Jahre Kommunikationschefin und Pressesprecherin der Charité. Wenn sie nicht Klinikvorstände aus Krisen rettet und Pressesprechern diverser Krankenhäuser dabei hilft, ein bisschen Strategie ins übliche Chaos zu bringen, betreibt sie mit der PR-Ambulanz (www.pr-ambulanz.com) einen der größten Blogs zur Klinikkommunikation in Deutschland.
Identifying short- and long-time modes of the mean-square displacement: An improved nonlinear fitting approach
Authors: Riahi M. K. , Qattan I. A. , Hassan J. , Homouz D.
Published: May 2019

This paper is concerned with fitting the mean-square displacement (MSD) function, and extract reliable and accurate values for the diffusion coefficient D. In this work, we present a new optimal and robust nonlinear regression model capable of fitting the MSD function with different regimes corresponding to different time scales. The algorithm presented here achieves two major goals; a more accurate estimation of D as well as extracting information about the short time behavior. The algorithm fits the MSD to a continuous piece-wise function and predicts all the coefficients in the model including the breakpoints. The novelty of this approach lies in its ability to find the breakpoints which separate different modes of motion. We tested our algorithm using numerical experiments, and our fits described the data remarkably well. In addition, we applied our algorithm to extract D for water based on Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations. The results of our fits are in good agreement with the experimentally reported values.
Hall effect on Titania nanofluids thin film flow and radiative thermal behavior with different base fluids on an inclined rotating surface
Authors: Shah Zahir , Ullah Asad , Bonyah Ebenezer , Ayaz Muhammad , Islam Saeed , Khan Ikramullah
Published: May 2019

The present study is about the investigation of different aspects of viscous and electrically conducting Titania nanofluids with different base fluids. A three dimensional geometry is assumed for the steady nanofluid flow over an inclined rotating disk by applying magnetic field. The time-independent partial differential equations are constructed from the demonstrated geometry for the continuity, momentum and energy balance. By using similarity variables transformation these equations are reduced to a system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations. A numerical technique is used to solve the reduced system of equations. State variables are depicted to investigate the effects of various parameters with their variation. The influence of different physical parameters, like magnetic parameter M, Hall parameter m, porosity parameter γ, radiation parameter Rd and thickness parameter δ are briefly discussed graphically. In addition, the Nusselt number and skin friction are discussed graphically. A comparison of the applied numerical approach with the homotopy analysis method is carried out in the tabular form. Tables show the reliability of our technique verses the homotopy analysis method. The convergence of the implemented technique is presented by graph for the number of iterations performed.
Comparative non-destructive classification of partial waxy wheats using near-infrared and Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Liu Dongli , Wu Yixuan , Gao Zongmei , Yun Yong-Huan
Published: May 2019

Waxy proteins play a key role in amylose synthesis in wheat. Eight lines of common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) carrying mutations in the three homoeologous waxy loci, Wx-A1, Wx-B1 and Wx-D1, have been classified by near-infrared (NIR) and Raman spectroscopy combined with chemometrics. Sample spectra from wheat seeds were collected by using a NIR spectrometer in the wave rage 1600–2400 nm, and then Raman spectrometer in the wave range 700–2000 cm–1. All samples were split randomly into a calibration sample set containing 284 seeds (~35 seeds per line) and a validation sample set containing the remaining 92 seeds. Classification of these samples was undertaken by discriminant analysis combined with principal component analysis (PCA) based on the raw spectra processed by appropriate pre-treatment methods. The classification results by discriminant analysis indicated that the percentage of correctly identified samples by NIR spectroscopy was 84.2% for the calibration set and 84.8% for the validation set, and by Raman spectroscopy 94.4% and 94.6%, respectively. The results demonstrated that Raman spectroscopy combined with chemometrics as a rapid method is superior to NIR spectroscopy in classifying eight partial waxy wheat lines with different waxy proteins.
Extending the duration of the ear construction phase to increase grain yield of bread wheat
Authors: Acuña Tina Botwright , Richards Richard , Partington Debra , Merry Angela , Christy Brendan , Zhang Heping , O'Leary Garry , Riffkin Penny
Published: May 2019

We tested the hypothesis that lengthening the duration between the terminal spikelet stage of development and anthesis (referred to here as the construction-phase duration, CPD) will increase yield per unit area in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Field experiments were undertaken at 17 sites across the high-rainfall zone of south-eastern and Western Australia in 2014 and 2015. In total, 205 wheat genotypes were grown. Genetic material included a set of near-isogenic lines (NILs) varying in photoperiod and vernalisation alleles; commercial wheat cultivars and breeding lines; and lines selected from the Multiparent Advanced Generation Inter Cross population. As such, this is the only comprehensive dataset in which the effect of variation in CPD on grain yield in field plots has been evaluated in diverse field environments. Within an optimum anthesis window of 10 days, longer CPD significantly increased grain yield by >11% at two sites and tended to increase grain yield at another 11 sites (not statistically significant). The average yield increase across these sites was 5.5%. There was no consistent trend whereby a specific yield component was responsible for the increase across sites. We suggest that CPD can be extended by genetic selection and by sacrificing some of the vegetative period without any detriment to grain yield. We also found that CPD is increased by extending the duration from sowing to flowering through earlier sowing, which may be associated with increased yields in some environments. We conclude that, for the same anthesis date, a longer CPD may be beneficial in moderately favourable rainfed environments with a relatively even distribution of rainfall. We explore the basis of these relationships and implications for growers and plant breeders.
Impact of an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus on the growth and nutrition of fifteen crop and pasture plant species
Authors: Tran Binh T. T. , Watts-Williams Stephanie J. , Cavagnaro Timothy R.
Published: May 2019

The formation of arbuscular mycorrhizas (AM) can result in positive, neutral or negative responses in the growth and mineral nutrition of host plants, particularly that of P, Zn and other micronutrients. This study examined the growth and nutritional responses of 15 agriculturally important plant species, including cereals, legumes and vegetables, with and without inoculation with the AM fungus (AMF) Rhizophagus irregularis. Furthermore, we explored whether the responses differed between different functional groups of plants such as monocots and dicots, C3 and C4 plants, and N-fixing and non-N-fixing plants. We found that that mycorrhizal colonisation of roots, plant growth and plant nutrient responses differed between plant species. Among the species analysed, leek (Allium ampeloprasum L. var. porrum) was the most mycorrhiza-responsive, displaying the highest mycorrhizal colonisation and biomass response, and the greatest increases in most mineral nutrients. In other plant species, the concentration of P, Cu, Zn and S were generally enhanced by inoculation with AMF. Furthermore, ionomes differed more greatly between plant species than in response to inoculation with AMF. This research further improves our understanding of the responses of different and diverse plant species to the formation of AM in terms of growth and ionomics under standardised growth conditions. The results of this study may be used in further studies and to inform agricultural practices.
Morphometric variations between seasonal migrants of anadromous shad Tenualosa ilisha (Hamilton, 1822) from Hooghly Estuary, India
Authors: Dwivedi A. K.
Published: May 2019

The morphometric variations between two seasonal migrants (winter and monsoon) of anadromous shad Tenualosa ilisha from Hooghly Estuary were evaluated and compared using geometric morphometrics (GM). Altogether, 128 fish samples of T. ilisha, comprising 64 samples each from winter and the monsoon season, were collected for two successive years (2017 and 2018) and 14 landmarks were digitised uniformly on each individual. Relative warps (RW), principal component analysis (PCA), canonical variate analysis (CVA) and discriminant function analysis (DFA) were used to determine shape variations between seasonal runs. The deformation grid of RW showed that monsoon specimens have a deeper body profile, whereas winter specimens have a slender body profile. The PCA showed low variance (40.45% for first two principal components) and high overlap among all the groups. The CVA-extracted Mahalanobis and Procrustes distances (3.473 and 0.032 respectively) between the two groups (winter and monsoon) were highly significant (P<0.0001). The DFA also separated two groups with high cross-validated classification rates (85.94 and 95.31% of winter and monsoon specimens respectively were correctly classified). Hence, the results of RW, CVA and DFA clearly indicate the existence of two morphologically distinct units of T. ilisha in Hooghly Estuary.
On the functions of sort of in New Zealand TV programs
Authors: Sabet Peyman G. P.
Published: May 2019

Sort of is a pragmatic particle with a range of functions in different contexts. There are
different factors which can contribute to its varied functions. Focusing on the media discourse, this study investigates the
frequency and pragmatic functions of sort of in New Zealand English. Based on the analysis of the data from a
current affairs TV program, the study shows that sort of is a pragmatic particle under-used in this discourse type. The analysis of its pragmatic functions demonstrates that right amount of information and mitigation fulfill a substantial
proportion of sort of functions. The other two functions, avoidance and discourse management, are less frequent,
but still perform important roles in effective media communication.
Enjoyment and affective responses to two regimes of high intensity interval training in inactive women with obesity
Authors: Astorino Todd A. , Clark Amy , De La Rosa Annie , De Revere Jamie L.
Published: May 2019

This study examined changes in enjoyment, affective valence, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) in obese women performing two regimes of high intensity interval training (HIIT) differing in structure and volume. Nineteen obese and inactive women (age and body mass index = 37.5 ± 10.5 yr and 39.0 ± 4.3 kg/m2) were randomized to 6 wk of traditional (TRAD, n = 10) or periodized interval training (PER, n = 9) which was performed on a cycle ergometer during which structure changed weekly. Two supervised sessions per week were performed in a lab, and one session per week was performed unsupervised. During every lab‐based session, perceptual responses including enjoyment, affective valence, and RPE were acquired. Data showed a groupXtraining interaction for enjoyment (p = 0.02) which was lower by 10–25 units during PER versus TRAD. In addition, there was a groupXtimeXtraining interaction for RPE (p = 0.01). RPE did not change in response to TRAD yet varied during PER, with lower RPE values exhibited during brief supramaximal bouts (6.3 ± 0.9) compared to longer intervals (7.3 ± 1.2). Both regimes showed reductions in affective valence during training, with the lowest values equal to 1.5 ± 1.6 in TRAD and −0.2 ± 1.6 in PER. Compared to TRAD, more aversive responses were shown in PER throughout training by 0.4–2.0 units. Data show lower enjoyment and more aversive responses to higher‐volume bouts of interval training, which suggests that shorter bouts may be perceived more favourably by obese women.
Acquisition and segmentation images algorithm for the temporary study of the dynamic speckle phenomenon
Authors: Benjumea E , Vega F , Torres C , Vilardy J , Nuñez L
Published: May 2019

Dynamic speckle is an interferometric phenomenon, which has been considered a sensitive way to monitor the weak changes in biological samples, and therefore it is a reliable tool that can be applied in many areas, from medicine to farming. Its use demanded the appearance of a series of methods to illuminate, process the images and provide their analysis. For this reason, for its implementation it requires systems of acquisition of images and algorithms of detection or identification of the biological material of the rest of the whole of the image. This work proposes an algorithm that allows the acquisition and segmentation of biological samples of plant origin. The algorithm developed requires the CMOS camera of a cell phone for the acquisition and transmission of the images of size 720x480 pixels, a computer for the management, reception and processing of the same, a wireless local area network, a He-Ne laser 633 nm with 10 mW of power as a coherent light source, an optical diffuser and an aluminum surface for the placement of biological samples. The study showed satisfactory results to acquire images and store them, allowing their subsequent segmentation.
Capillary resonator as optical sensor for the measurement of the hydrostatic pressure. A theoretical study of its sensitivity
Authors: Avila D , Horta S , Torres C O
Published: May 2019

We report the study of an optical device for the measurement of hydrostatic pressure in fluids. The device studied is a sensor based on a dielectric optical resonator in the form of a capillary that confines the light in its interior through the phenomenon of total internal reflection. For the analytical study of sensitivity, we have considered the solution of the Helmholtz scalar equation for the case of a resonant cavity in form of cylinder composed of three layers with different refractive index. During the study, the excitation of the Whispering Gallery Modes WGMs on a transverse plane along the axial axis of the cavity is studied and the equation of eigenvalues that has information of the wavelengths of resonances for the TE and TM modes were obtained from the resonance conditions. To determine the sensitivity of the device, the shift of the wavelengths of resonances as a function of the internal pressure in the cavity were analyzed. The results show that it is possible to increase the sensitivity of the microresonator when the wall thickness of the cavity is thin, and the maximum diameter is increased.
Design and manufacture of a didactic tool through the use of 3D printing technology to teach the capacitor charging and discharging phenomenon
Authors: Cordoba D , Sierra J , Benjumea E , Avila D A , Horta S D
Published: May 2019

This paper reports the design and manufacture of an easy-to-use and accessible teaching system by using 3D printing as a tool for the teaching of the capacitor charging and discharging phenomenon. The didactic system developed, is structured in modules-built piece by piece with 3D printing technology. They are made in a relatively low-cost polymer that could facilitate both teachers and students to improve the teaching-learning processes. This didactic system is reliable, easy to use and low cost. As a way to improve the functionality, the built system is complemented by the use of a free access software and a simple generator of signals that allows to simulate a virtual oscilloscope. This is an additional strategy that would allow the didactic system to enrich the study of the phenomena and eliminate the use of high cost devices that generally limit the experimentation developed traditionally in the teaching of physics. The practical application and implementation of 3D printing technology can be incorporated into a wide variety university subjects in the development of experiments in circuit theory, electricity and magnetism, among others, for its advantages in facilitating the comprehension and assimilation of difficult theoretical concepts and the learning of the physical tangibility of the phenomena under study.
Smart gridlock? Challenging hegemonic framings of mitigation solutions and scalability
Authors: Sareen Siddharth , Rommetveit Kjetil
Published: May 2019

Urban energy transitions are key components of urgently requisite climate change mitigation. Promissory discourse accords smart grids pride of place within them. We employ a living lab to study smart grids as a solution geared towards upscaling and systematisation, investigate their limits as a climate change mitigation solution, and assess them rigorously as urban energy transitions. Our 18 month living lab simulates a household energy management platform in Bergen. Norway’s mitigation focus promotes smart meter roll-out as reducing carbon emissions, by (i) unlocking efficiency gains, and (ii) increasing awareness for demand-side management. We problematise this discourse. Raising awareness encounters intractable challenges for smart grid scalability. Scattered efficiency gains constitute modest increments rather than the substantial change requisite for rapid mitigation. Whereas promissory smart grid discourse overlooks these ground-truthed limits, our findings caution against misplaced expectations concerning mitigation. We contest discursive enthusiasm on smart grids and argue for aligning local and systemic concerns before upscaling to avoid obscuring risks. Scaling up requires understanding and addressing interdependencies and trade-offs across scales. Focus group discussions and surveys with living lab participants who used sub-meter monitors to track real-time household electricity consumption data over an extended period show that technical issues and energy behaviour, as well as political economic and policy structures and factors, pose significant limits to smart grids. Urban strategies for climate change mitigation must be informed by this recognition. Our results indicate that upscaling relies on bottom-up popular acceptance of the salient technical, organisational and standardisation measures, but that measures to improve the democratic legitimacy of and participation in energy transitions remain weak. We highlight limits to smart grids as a standalone urban mitigation solution and call for a sharper focus on accompanying thrust areas for systematisation and scalability, such as renewable energy integration and grid coordination.
Premalignant Clonal Hematopoietic Proliferations
Authors: Nardi Valentina , Kuo Frank C , Hasserjian Robert P
Published: May 2019

Objectives

The 2017 Workshop of the Society for Hematopathology/European Association for Hematopathology aimed to review premalignant clonal hematopoietic proliferations.

Methods

The workshop panel reviewed 27 cases of clonal proliferations of indeterminate significance or potential (18 myeloid, nine lymphoid) and rendered consensus diagnoses.

Results

Immunophenotyping and genetic studies on peripheral blood, bone marrow, and lymph node samples have led to the incidental detection of small clonal populations in asymptomatic individuals. These premalignant clonal myeloid and lymphoid proliferations include monoclonal gammopathy of uncertain significance, monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis, in situ follicular neoplasia, in situ mantle cell neoplasia, clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential, and clonal cytopenia of undetermined significance.

Conclusions

Current diagnostic criteria for the diagnoses of premalignant clonal hematopoietic proliferations are reviewed and discussed in the context of the cases presented at the workshop.
Zero or More: Methodological Challenges of Counting and Estimating Deaths Related to Antibiotic-resistant Infections
Authors: Temkin Elizabeth , Carmeli Yehuda
Published: May 2019

Estimates of the number of deaths from antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) infections are important data for clinicians and public health officials advocating for resources to prevent and treat these infections. The aims of this article are to describe the various approaches to calculating deaths from AMR infections, to compare the tally of deaths by each approach, and to explain how to interpret the results. Currently, none of the 3 methods employed by vital statistics systems to count deaths from specific causes (underlying cause of deaths, multiple causes of death, and avoidable deaths) count deaths from AMR infections. These deaths can be estimated by 4 approaches: case-fatality rate, infection-related mortality, and excess mortality using controls with antibiotic-susceptible infections or controls without antibiotic-resistant infections. When encountering discrepant estimates of AMR-related deaths, it is important to consider which method was used and whether it was the right method to answer the question being asked.
Cardioprotective effect of the secretome of Sca-1+ and Sca-1− cells in heart failure: not equal, but equally important?
Authors: Könemann Stephanie , Sartori Luiz V , Gross Stefan , Hadlich Stefan , Kühn Jens-Peter , Samal Rasmita , Bahls Martin , Felix Stephan B , Wenzel Kristin
Published: May 2019

Aims

Both progenitor and differentiated cells were previously shown to secrete cardioprotective substances, but so far there has been no direct comparison of the paracrine effects of the two cell types on heart failure. The study sought to compare the paracrine effect of selected progenitors and the corresponding non-progenitor mononuclear cardiac cells on the cardiac function of transgenic heart failure mice. In addition, we aimed to further enhance the paracrine effect of the cells via pretreatment with the heart failure mediator aldosterone.

Methods and results

Transgenic heart failure mice were injected with the supernatant of murine cardiac stem cell antigen-1 positive (Sca-1+) and negative (Sca-1−) cells with or without aldosterone pretreatment. Cardiac function was determined using small animal magnetic resonance imaging. In addition, heart failure markers were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, RT–PCR, and bead-based multiplexing assay. While only the secretome of aldosterone pretreated Sca-1+ cells led to a significant improvement in cardiac function, N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide plasma levels were significantly lower and galectin-1 levels significantly higher in mice that were treated with either kind of secretome compared with untreated controls.

Conclusion

In this first direct comparison of the paracrine effects of progenitor cells and a heterogeneous population of mononuclear cardiac cells the supernatants of both cell types showed cardioprotective properties which might be of great relevance for endogenous repair. During heart failure raised aldosterone levels might further increase the paracrine effect of progenitor cells.
Level and source of fat in the diet of gestating beef cows: I. Effects on the prepartum performance of the dam and birth weight of the progeny1
Authors: Añez-Osuna Federico , Penner Gregory B , Campbell John , Dugan Michael E R , Fitzsimmons Carolyn J , Jefferson Paul G , Lardner Herbert A , McKinnon John J
Published: May 2019

A 2-yr study was conducted to evaluate the effects of level and source of fat in the diet of gestating beef cows on their prepartum performance and birth weight of progeny. Each year, 75 multiparous (≥3 calving) pregnant Angus cows were stratified by BW (663 ± 21.5 kg) and BCS (2.6 ± 0.12; 1 to 5 scale) and randomly assigned to 1 of 15 outdoor pens. Subsequently, each pen was randomly assigned to 1 of 3 (n = 5) treatments: a low-fat diet (LF; 1.4 ± 0.12% EE) consisting of grass-legume hay, barley straw, and barley grain, or 1 of 2 high-fat diets (HF; 3.3 ± 0.20% EE) that included either a canola seed (CAN) or a flaxseed (FLX) based pelleted feed. Diets were formulated to meet the requirements of pregnant beef cows during the last 2 trimesters of gestation (0.183 ± 4.8 d), adjusted for changes in environmental conditions, and offered such that each pen on average received similar daily amounts of DE (31.2 ± 2.8 Mcal/cow), CP (1.36 ± 0.13 kg/cow), and DM (12.9 ± 1.0 kg/cow). Data were analyzed as a randomized complete block design with contrasts to separate the effects of level (LF vs. HF) and source (CAN vs. FLX) of fat. After 160 d on trial, conceptus corrected-BW (CC-BW) of LF cows (708 kg) and the proportion of overconditioned cows (13.2%) were greater (P ≤ 0.04) than those of HF, with no difference (P ≥ 0.84) between CAN and FLX for CC-BW (697 kg) and proportion of overconditioned cows (3.6% vs. 2.9%). Feeding FLX diet during gestation resulted in cows with a greater (P ≤ 0.01) concentration of conjugated linolenic acid (0.12% vs. 0.05%) and n-3 (0.58% vs. 0.37%) fatty acids, and a tendency (P = 0.09) for conjugated linoleic acid concentration (1.05% vs. 0.88%) to be greater in subcutaneous adipose tissue (SCAT) when compared with cows fed the CAN diet. By the end of gestation, serum NEFA concentration of LF cows (592 µEq/L) was lower (P < 0.01) than that of HF cows, and FLX cows had greater (P < 0.01) serum NEFA concentration than CAN cows (636 vs. 961 µEq/L). Cows receiving the LF diet during gestation gave birth to lighter (P < 0.01) calves compared with those receiving the HF diets (40.2 vs. 42.9 kg), with no difference (P = 0.24) between calves born to CAN (42.4 kg) and FLX (43.3 kg) cows. In conclusion, these results suggest a partitioning of the ME in pregnant beef cows that is dependent on the type of dietary energy, resulting in heavier calves at birth for cows fed high-fat diets. Also, the type of fatty acid in the diet of gestating beef cows affected the fatty acid profile in SCAT and serum NEFA concentration.
A Guide to the ICDR International Arbitration Rules
Authors: Gusy Martin F , Hosking James M
Published: May 2019

The International Centre for Dispute Resolution (ICDR) is the international division of the American Arbitration Association (AAA). Given that in excess of 600 arbitrations are now administered every year under the ICDR Rules, this book answers the need for a comprehensive comparative guide devoted to them. This second edition is fully revised and updated throughout to reflect all changes and updates to the Rules since the first edition published. The ICDR International Arbitration Rules are structured in accordance with the typical life cycle of an international arbitration and the book follows this thematic structure, providing cross-referencing to assist the reader in understanding the relationship between the various rules and genuine issues likely to be encountered during an arbitration. The commentary embraces each of the Articles in their entirety, as well as the Expedited Procedure Articles, and includes discussion of how each provision compares to analogous rules of other major arbitral institutions. The book’s comparative perspective emphasizes key issues to consider when drafting an arbitral clause or strategizing over the conduct of an arbitration. This second edition features multiple appendices and difficult-to-find resources to form a collection of core materials which include the ICDR Rules, the administrative fee schedule, guidelines for exchanges of information, practice notes, and key AAA cooperation agreements with other institutions.