bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kirigami-based Elastic Metamaterials with Anisotropic Mass Density for Subwavelength Flexural Wave Control
Authors: Zhu R. , Yasuda H. , Huang G. L. , Yang J. K.
Published: January 2018

A novel design of an elastic metamaterial with anisotropic mass density is proposed to manipulate flexural waves at a subwavelength scale. The three-dimensional metamaterial is inspired by kirigami, which can be easily manufactured by cutting and folding a thin metallic plate. By attaching the resonant kirigami structures periodically on the top of a host plate, a metamaterial plate can be constructed without any perforation that degrades the strength of the pristine plate. An analytical model is developed to understand the working mechanism of the proposed elastic metamaterial and the dispersion curves are calculated by using an extended plane wave expansion method. As a result, we verify an anisotropic effective mass density stemming from the coupling between the local resonance of the kirigami cells and the global flexural wave propagations in the host plate. Finally, numerical simulations on the directional flexural wave propagation in a two-dimensional array of kirigami metamaterial as well as super-resolution imaging through an elastic hyperlens are conducted to demonstrate the subwavelength-scale flexural wave control abilities. The proposed kirigami-based metamaterial has the advantages of no-perforation design and subwavelength flexural wave manipulation capability, which can be highly useful for engineering applications including non-destructive evaluations and structural health monitoring.
Angiopoietins bind thrombomodulin and inhibit its function as a thrombin cofactor
Authors: Daly Christopher , Qian Xiaozhong , Castanaro Carla , Pasnikowski Elizabeth , Jiang Xiabo , Thomson Benjamin R. , Quaggin Susan E. , Papadopoulos Nicholas , Wei Yang , Rudge John S. , Thurston Gavin , Yancopoulos George D. , Davis Samuel
Published: January 2018

Angiopoietin-1 (Ang1) and Angiopoietin-2 (Ang2) are ligands for Tie2, an endothelial-specific receptor tyrosine kinase that is an essential regulator of angiogenesis. Here we report the identification, via expression cloning, of thrombomodulin (TM) as another receptor for Ang1 and Ang2. Thrombomodulin is an endothelial cell surface molecule that plays an essential role as a coagulation inhibitor via its function as a cofactor in the thrombin-mediated activation of protein C, an anticoagulant protein, as well as thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI). Ang1 and Ang2 inhibited the thrombin/TM-mediated generation of activated protein C and TAFI in cultured endothelial cells, and inhibited the binding of thrombin to TM in vitro. Ang2 appears to bind TM with higher affinity than Ang1 and is a more potent inhibitor of TM function. Consistent with a potential role for angiopoietins in coagulation, administration of thrombin to mice rapidly increased plasma Ang1 levels, presumably reflecting release from activated platelets (previously shown to contain high levels of Ang1). In addition, Ang1 levels were significantly elevated in plasma prepared from wound blood, suggesting that Ang1 is released from activated platelets at sites of vessel injury. Our results imply a previously undescribed role for angiopoietins in the regulation of hemostasis.
A green method to leach vanadium and chromium from residue using NaOH-H2O2
Authors: Peng Hao , Liu Zuohua , Tao Changyuan
Published: January 2018

Hydrogen peroxide as an oxidant was applied in leaching of vanadium and chromium in concentrated NaOH solution. Under the optimal reaction conditions (the liquid to solid ratio of 4.0 ml/g, residue particle size of <200 mesh, the mass ratio of NaOH-to-residue of 1.0 g/g, the volume ratio of H2O2-to-residue of 1.2 ml/g, reaction temperature of 90 °C and reaction time of 120 min), the leaching efficiency of vanadium and chromium could reach up to 98.60% and 86.49%, respectively. Compared with the current liquid-phase oxidation technologies, the reaction temperature was 90–310 °C lower, and the NaOH concentration of the reaction medium is lower by more than 50 wt% (the mass ratio of NaOH-to-residue of 1.0 g/g equals to concentration of 20 wt%). The kinetics study revealed that leaching process of chromium and vanadium were interpreted with shrinking core model under chemical reaction control. The apparent activation energy of chromium and vanadium dissolution was 22.19 kJ/mol and 6.95 kJ/mol, respectively.
Calcium-phosphate complex increased during subchondral bone remodeling affects earlystage osteoarthritis
Authors: Jung Youn-Kwan , Han Min-Su , Park Hye-Ri , Lee Eun-Ju , Jang Ji-Ae , Kim Gun-Woo , Lee Sun-Young , Moon DaeWon , Han Seungwoo
Published: January 2018

An activation of osteoclasts and subchondral bone remodeling is a major histologic feature of early-stage osteoarthritis (OA), which can be accompanied by an increase of calcium (Ca) and phosphate (Pi) level in the subchondral milieu. Considering articular cartilage gets most of nutrition from subchondral bone by diffusion, these micro-environmental changes in subchondral bone can affect the physiology of articular chondrocytes. Here, we have shown that Ca is increased and co-localized with Pi in articular cartilage of early-stage OA. The Ca-Pi complex increased the production of MMP-3 and MMP-13 in the hypertrophic chondrocytes, which was dependent on nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB), p38 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk) 1/2 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase and Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling. The Ca-Pi complexes increased the expression of endocytosis markers, and the inhibition of the formation of the Ca-Pi complex ameliorated the Ca-Pi complex-mediated increases of MMPs expression in hypertrophic chondrocytes. Our data provide insight regarding the Ca-Pi complex as a potential catabolic mediator in the subchondral milieu and support the pathogenic role of subchondral bone in the early stages of cartilage degeneration.
Characterization of isoprene-derived secondary organic aerosols at a rural site in North China Plain with implications for anthropogenic pollution effects
Authors: Li Jianjun , Wang Gehui , Wu Can , Cao Cong , Ren Yanqin , Wang Jiayuan , Li Jin , Cao Junji , Zeng Limin , Zhu Tong
Published: January 2018

Isoprene is the most abundant non-methane volatile organic compound (VOC) and the largest contributor to secondary organic aerosol (SOA) burden on a global scale. In order to examine the influence of high concentrations of anthropogenic pollutants on isoprene-derived SOA (SOA
i
) formation, summertime PM2.5 filter samples were collected with a three-hour sampling interval at a rural site in the North China Plain (NCP), and determined for SOA
i
tracers and other chemical species. RO2+NO pathway derived 2-methylglyceric acid presented a relatively higher contribution to the SOA
i
due to the high-NOx (~20 ppb) conditions in the NCP that suppressed the reactive uptake of RO2+HO2 reaction derived isoprene epoxydiols. Compared to particle acidity and water content, sulfate plays a dominant role in the heterogeneous formation process of SOA
i
. Diurnal variation and correlation of 2-methyltetrols with ozone suggested an important effect of isoprene ozonolysis on SOA
i
formation. SOA
i
increased linearly with levoglucosan during June 10–18, which can be attributed to an increasing emission of isoprene caused by the field burning of wheat straw and a favorable aqueous SOA formation during the aging process of the biomass burning plume. Our results suggested that isoprene oxidation is highly influenced by intensive anthropogenic activities in the NCP.
Clinical Value of 99mTc-3PRGD2 SPECT/CT in Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma with Negative 131I Whole-Body Scan and Elevated Thyroglobulin Level
Authors: Gao Rui , Zhang Guang-Jian , Wang Yuan-Bo , Liu Yan , Wang Fan , Jia Xi , Liang Yi-Qian , Yang Ai-Min
Published: January 2018

The aim of this study was to assess the usefulness of integrin imaging with 99mTc-PEG4-E[PEG4-c(RGDfK)]2 (99mTc-3PRGD2) single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)/computed tomography (CT) in detecting recurrent disease in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC), negative radioiodine whole-body scan (WBS) and high serum thyroglobulin (Tg). Thirty-seven patients who underwent total thyroidectomy followed by radioactive iodine ablation and had negative radioiodine WBS but elevated Tg levels were included. 99mTc-3PRGD2 SPECT/CT was performed 1 week after the negative diagnostic 131I WBS. Diagnostic performance indicators, including sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV), for 99mTc-3PRGD2 SPECT/CT was calculated. The correlations between SPECT/CT results and clinic-pathological characteristics were examined. In 30 (81.1%) of the 37 patients, 99mTc-3PRGD2 SPECT/CT showed positive uptake. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of SPECT/CT to detect recurrent disease at follow-up were 96.6%, 75%, 93.3% and 85.7%, respectively. The sensitivity and PPV of SPECT/CT increased with increasing serum Tg levels. 99mTc-3PRGD2 SPECT/CT showed high sensitivity and PPV in the detection of recurrence among DTC patients with higher Tg levels and negative WBS, and the probability of obtaining a positive SPECT/CT result was related with the level of Tg.
Racial Differences in Four Leukemia Subtypes: Comprehensive Descriptive Epidemiology
Authors: Zhao Yinjun , Wang Yu , Ma Shuangge
Published: January 2018

Leukemia is a malignant progressive disease and has four major subtypes. Different racial groups differ significantly in multiple aspects. Our goal is to systematically and comprehensively quantify racial differences in leukemia. The SEER database is analyzed, and comprehensive descriptive analysis is provided for the four major subtypes, namely ALL (acute lymphoblastic leukemia), CLL (chronic lymphoblastic leukemia), AML (acute myeloid leukemia), and CML (chronic myeloid leukemia), and for two age groups (≤14 and >14) separately. The racial groups studied include NHW (non-Hispanic White), HW (Hispanic White), BL (Black), and API (Asian and Pacific Islander). Univariate and multivariate analyses are conducted to quantify racial differences in patients’ characteristics, incidence, and survival. For patients’ characteristics, significant racial differences are observed in gender, age at diagnosis, diagnosis era, using radiation for treatment, registry, cancer history, and histology type. For incidence, significant racial differences are observed, and the patterns vary across subtypes, gender, and age groups. For most of the subtypes and gender and age groups, Blacks have the worst five-year survival, and significant racial differences exist. This study provides a comprehensive epidemiologic description of racial differences for the four major leukemia subtypes in the U.S. population.
The details of past actions on a smartphone touchscreen are reflected by intrinsic sensorimotor dynamics
Authors: Balerna Myriam , Ghosh Arko
Published: January 2018

Unconstrained day-to-day activities are difficult to quantify and how the corresponding movements shape the brain remain unclear. Here, we recorded all touchscreen smartphone interactions at a sub-second precision and show that the unconstrained day-to-day behavior captured on the phone reflects in the simple sensorimotor computations measured in the laboratory. The behavioral diversity on the phone, the speed of interactions, the amount of social & non-social interactions, all uniquely influenced the trial-to-trial motor variability used to measure the amount of intrinsic neuronal noise. Surprisingly, both the motor performance and the early somatosensory cortical signals (assessed using EEG in passive conditions) became noisier with increased social interactions. Inter-individual differences in how people use the smartphone can help thus decompose the structure of low-level sensorimotor computations.
Green synthesis and evaluation of an iron-based metal–organic framework MIL-88B for efficient decontamination of arsenate from water
Authors: Hou Shuliang , Wu Yi-nan , Feng Lingyu , Chen Wei , Wang Ying , Morlay Catherine , Li Fengting
Published: January 2018

A sustainable approach for the preparation of MIL-88B(Fe) was developed involving the use of a safer solvent and reduced energy input, exhibiting great performance as sorbent in water purification.
Conversion of CO2 into cyclic carbonates by a Co(ii) metal–organic framework and the improvement of catalytic activity via nanocrystallization
Authors: Ji Xiao-He , Zhu Ning-Ning , Ma Jian-Gong , Cheng Peng
Published: January 2018

Nanocrystallization of MOFs provides a strategy for efficiently applying MOFs as catalysts towards CO2 conversion and other MOF-catalyzed processes.
Effects of volatile oil from ginger on the murine B16 melanoma cells and its mechanism
Authors: Wang Li-Xia , Qian Jia , Zhao Li-Nan , Zhao Shao-Hua
Published: January 2018

Volatile oil from ginger suppressed melanogenesis through its antioxidant properties and the inhibitory effects on tyrosinase activity and melanogensis-related proteins.
Organocatalytic [3 + 2] cycloaddition of oxindole-based azomethine ylides with 3-nitrochromenes: a facile approach to enantioenriched polycyclic spirooxindole-chromane adducts
Authors: Wu Shiqi , Zhu Guodong , Wei Shiqiang , Chen Hongbo , Qu Jingping , Wang Baomin
Published: January 2018

An organocatalytic asymmetric [3 + 2] cycloaddition of oxindole-based azomethine ylides with 3-nitro-2H-chromenes is reported, delivering densely functionalized polycyclic spirooxindole-chromane adducts.
A general method for the metal-free, regioselective, remote C–H halogenation of 8-substituted quinolines
Authors: Motati Damoder Reddy , Uredi Dilipkumar , Watkins E. Blake
Published: January 2018

An operationally simple, metal-free protocol for regioselective halogenation of a range of 8-substituted quinolines has been established using recyclable trihaloisocyanuric acids.
Nickel-catalyzed coupling reaction of alkyl halides with aryl Grignard reagents in the presence of 1,3-butadiene: mechanistic studies of four-component coupling and competing cross-coupling reactions
Authors: Iwasaki Takanori , Fukuoka Asuka , Yokoyama Wataru , Min Xin , Hisaki Ichiro , Yang Tao , Ehara Masahiro , Kuniyasu Hitoshi , Kambe Nobuaki
Published: January 2018

The detailed reaction mechanism of anionic Ni complex-promoted C–C bond forming reactions was clarified by experimental and theoretical methods.
Discrimination of saturated alkanes and relevant volatile compounds via the utilization of a conceptual fluorescent sensor array based on organoboron-containing polymers
Authors: Qi Yanyu , Xu Wenjun , Kang Rui , Ding Nannan , Wang Yelei , He Gang , Fang Yu
Published: January 2018

A conceptual sensor array for the efficient discrimination and fast detection of saturated alkanes and commonly found volatile solvents is reported.
Compact microstrip eight‐channel multiplexer with independently switchable passbands
Authors: Chen Chi‐Feng , Tseng Bo‐Hao , Wang Guo‐Yun , Li Jhong‐Jhen
Published: January 2018

A compact eight‐channel multiplexer with independently switchable passbands has been presented and investigated. The use of the dual‐mode stub‐loaded resonators can lead to significant size reduction for the multiplexer, this is because the required resonator number is reduced. In addition, the multiplexer is designed based on the distributed coupling technique, so that each passband can be designed individually due to the loading effect is small. Moreover, the complicated nine‐port matching network at the input is not required. Besides, since the p‐i‐n diodes are connected to the output resonators for each channel, all passbands of the multiplexer can be independently switched on and off when the diode is in the reverse‐biased and forward‐biased states, respectively. Therefore, the proposed multiplexer can arbitrarily transfer to a single‐band bandpass filter, a diplexer, a triplexer, a quadruplexer, a quinqueplexer, a sexaplexer, a septiplexer, and an octoplexer. For a demonstration, an eight‐channel multiplexer with the second‐order bandpass response have been designed and fabricated with microstrip in printed circuit board. The measured results are in good agreement with the full‐wave simulation results.
Compact ACS‐fed CRLH MIMO antenna for wireless applications
Authors: Ibrahim Ahmed A. , Abdalla Mahmoud A. , Hu Zhirun
Published: January 2018

This study introduces a compact asymmetric coplanar strip (ACS)‐fed composite right–left‐handed (CRLH) multiple‐input–multiple‐output (MIMO) antenna for multiband operation. The ACS fed MIMO antenna is composed of two elements; each is operating at 5, 5.8 and 6.3 GHz; for different wireless applications. The overall MIMO antenna size is compact (46 × 26 mm2). A unit cell of the CRLH connected to 50 Ω ACS fed is considered the main block of the antenna. The edge‐to‐edge separation between antenna elements equals 0.4λ0 at 5 GHz. The insertion loss, correlation coefficient, diversity gain and channel capacity are used to evaluate the performance of the ACS‐fed MIMO antenna. The isolation higher than 25 dB and envelope correlation lower than 0.05 have been achieved without using any extra decoupling structures. The experimental results are reasonably well agreed with simulated ones.
Improved UFLS with consideration of power deficit during shedding process and flexible load selection
Authors: Jallad Jafar , Mekhilef Saad , Mokhlis Hazlie , Laghari Javed Ahmad
Published: January 2018

This study presents an improved under‐frequency load shedding (UFLS) scheme that can detect power deficit during the shedding process and accordingly adjust the amount of load shedding. This is achieved by continuous monitoring of the overshooting signal of the second frequency derivative of the centre of inertia. Once detected, an equivalent system inertia constant is estimated in order to quantify the new power deficit. The scheme is also equipped with an optimisation algorithm to determine the best combination of loads that is close to the amount of power deficit, which minimises frequency overshoot/undershoot. The optimisation technique selected for this work is based on particle swarm optimisation. The performance of the proposed UFLS scheme was validated using a modified IEEE 33 bus with two mini‐hydro generators and one full converter wind turbine. The system and the proposed UFLS was modelled and simulated in PSCAD/EMTDC software. The results confirmed that the proposed scheme is capable of shedding loads with minimum undershoot/overshoot, and detect and estimate a new power deficit during load shedding. The results reported by the proposed scheme proved to be significantly better than those reported by conventional and adaptive load shedding schemes.
Modelling and allocation of open‐UPQC‐integrated PV generation system to improve the energy efficiency and power quality of radial distribution networks
Authors: Lakshmi Shubh , Ganguly Sanjib
Published: January 2018

The study presents the modelling and allocation strategy for open unified power quality conditioner (UPQC‐O) integrated photovoltaic (PV) generation system in radial distribution networks to improve the energy efficiency and PQ. An UPQC is a custom power device, which consists of series and shunt inverters. In UPQC‐O, these inverters are placed in different locations in a network. There is a communication channel to share the information among these inverters to select the respective set point. Two models proposed are: (i) UPQC‐O with battery and PV array (UPQC‐O‐WB) and (ii) UPQC‐O with only PV array (UPQC‐O‐WOB). In UPQC‐O‐WB, the energy generated by PV array is stored during its operation hour to utilise it during peak hour. However, in UPQC‐O‐WOB, the energy generated by PV array is directly injected to the network. The proposed models are incorporated in the forward–backward sweep load flow to determine the operational parameters such as bus voltage. An optimisation problem is formulated to determine the optimal placement of UPQC‐O with PV array in distribution networks. The objective function includes the investment and operational costs of inverters, battery and PV array, and the cost of energy loss. The particle swarm optimisation is used as the solution strategy.
Evaluation of reliability in risk‐constrained scheduling of autonomous microgrids with demand response and renewable resources
Authors: Vahedipour‐Dahraie Mostafa , Anvari‐Moghaddam Amjad , Guerrero Josep M.
Published: January 2018

Uncertainties in renewable energy resources and electricity demand have introduced new challenges to energy and reserve scheduling of microgrids, particularly in autonomous mode. In this study, a risk‐constrained stochastic framework is presented to maximise the expected profit of a microgrid operator under uncertainties of renewable resources, demand load and electricity price. In the proposed model, the trade‐off between maximising the operator's expected profit and the risk of getting low profits in undesired scenarios is modelled by using the conditional value‐at‐risk (CVaR) method. The influence of consumers’ participation in demand response (DR) programs and their emergency load shedding for different values of lost load (VOLL) are then investigated on the expected profit of the operator, CVaR, expected energy not served and scheduled reserves of the microgrid. Moreover, the impacts of different VOLL and risk aversion parameters are illustrated on the system reliability. Extensive simulation results are also presented to illustrate the impact of risk aversion on system security issues with and without DR. Numerical results demonstrate the advantages of customers’ participation in the DR program on the expected profit of the microgrid operator and the reliability indices.
Target detection for a kind of troposcatter over‐the‐horizon passive radar based on channel fading information
Authors: Wang Mengnan , Wang Zhuang , Cheng Zhu , Chen Jing
Published: January 2018

The troposcatter over‐the‐horizon (OTH) passive radar plays an important role in the beyond‐line‐of‐sight surveillance, for its high propagation reliability and low probability of interception. However, it has two major limitations, namely, large propagation losses and multipath scattering fading. Since the captured signals are non‐stationary with low signal‐to‐noise ratio, high antenna gain is indispensable, which results in narrow beamwidth. To deal with the contradiction between narrow beamwidth and real‐time wide spatial coverage, array receiving is promising. Then, the primary problem is the array signal detection under troposcatter fading correlations. Based on recent troposcatter fading model, this study addresses this passive detection problem in three cases: (i) the spatial–temporal correlation is known, and a Neyman–Pearson detector is proposed as benchmark; (ii) uncertain statistics exist in the spatial–temporal correlation, and a generalised likelihood ratio test is adopted to overcome this uncertainty; (iii) the fading correlation is totally unknown, and a spatial–temporal weighted covariance‐based detector is proposed. The performances of the proposed detectors are verified by Monte‐Carlo simulations and experiments in a linear array, which is instructive for this kind of passive radar design in practical. Comparisons with existing detectors and the benchmark confirm the feasibility and effectiveness for troposcatter OTH passive radar.
Non-grey dimming events of KIC 8462852 from GTC spectrophotometry
Authors: Deeg Hans J. , Alonso Roi , Nespral David , Boyajian Tabetha S.
Published: January 2018

We report ground-based spectrophotometry of KIC 8462852 obtained during its first dimming events since the end of the Kepler mission. The dimmings show a clear colour signature and are deeper in visual blue than in red wavelengths. The wavelength dependency of the flux loss can be described with an absorption Ångström coefficient of 2.19 ± 0.45, which is compatible with absorption by optically thin dust with particle sizes of the order of 0.0015 to 0.15 μm. These particles would be smaller than is required to be resistant against blow-out by radiation pressure when close to the star. During occultation events, these particles must be replenished from a comoving body on time-scales of days. If dust is indeed the source of the dimming events of KIC 8462852, deeper dimming events should show more neutral colours, as is expected from optically thick absorbers.
The Optimum Dataset method – examples of the application
Authors: Błaszczak-Bąk Wioleta , Sobieraj-Żłobińska Anna , Wieczorek Beata
Published: January 2018

Data reduction is a procedure to decrease the dataset in order to make their analysis more effective and easier. Reduction of the dataset is an issue that requires proper planning, so after reduction it meets all the user’s expectations. Evidently, it is better if the result is an optimal solution in terms of adopted criteria. Within reduction methods, which provide the optimal solution there is the Optimum Dataset method (OptD) proposed by Błaszczak-Bąk (2016). The paper presents the application of this method for different datasets from LiDAR and the possibility of using the method for various purposes of the study. The following reduced datasets were presented: (a) measurement of Sielska street in Olsztyn (Airbrone Laser Scanning data – ALS data), (b) measurement of the bas-relief that is on the building in Gdańsk (Terrestrial Laser Scanning data – TLS data), (c) dataset from Biebrza river measurment (TLS data).
Geodetic survey as a means of improving fast MASW (Multichannel Analysis Of Surface Waves) profiling in difficult terrain/land conditions
Authors: Matuła Rafał , Lewińska Paulina
Published: January 2018

This paper revolves around newly designed and constructed system that can make 2D seismic measurement in natural, subsoil conditions and role of land survey in obtaining accurate results and linking them to 3D surface maps. A new type of land streamer, designed for shallow subsurface exploration is described in this paper. In land seismic data acquisition methods a vehicle tows a line of seismic cable, lying on construction called streamer. The measurements of points and shots are taken while the line is stationary, arbitrary placed on seismic profile. Exposed land streamer consists of 24 innovatory gimballed 10 Hz geophones. It eliminates the need for hand ‘planting’ of geophones, reducing time and costs. With the use of current survey techniques all data obtained with this instrument are being transferred in to 2D and 3D maps. This process is becoming more automatic.
The use of GIS tools for road infrastructure safety management
Authors: Budzyński Marcin , Kustra Wojciech , Okraszewska Romanika , Jamroz Kazimierz , Pyrchla Jerzy
Published: January 2018

There are many factors that influence accidents and their severity. They can be grouped within the system of man, vehicle and environment. The article focuses on how GIS tools can be used to manage road infrastructure safety. To ensure a better understanding and identification of road factors, GIS tools help with the acquisition of road parameter data. Their other role is helping with a clear and effective presentation of risk ranking. GIS is key to identifying high-risk sections and supports the effective communication of safety levels. This makes it a vital element of safety management. The article describes the use of GIS for the collection and visualisation of road parameter data which are not available in any of the existing databases, i.e. horizontal curve parameters. As we know from research and statistics, they are important factors that determine the safety of road infrastructure. Finally, new research is proposed as well as the possibilities for applying GIS tools for the purposes of road safety inspection.
The circle object detection with the use of Msplit estimation
Authors: Janowski Artur
Published: January 2018

The paper presents the use of Msplit(q)- estimation in the filtration and aggregation of point clouds containing a known number of elliptical shapes with preliminary unknown - locations and dimensions. These theoretical solutions may have practical relevance especially in the modelling of terrestrial laser scanning data of objects that have similar shape to circles. Mentioned shapes can be scanned of tree trunks, columns, gutters, etc., that are elliptical in the horizontal plane. The results are satisfied and encourage furthermore detailed research, particularly with the extension of 3D applications.
Status of the KLOE-2 experiment
Authors: Domenici Danilo
Published: January 2018

The KLOE-2 experiment is steadily taking data since November 2014 at DAFNE, the Φ-factory in the Frascati National Laboratories. 3.5 fb−1 of integrated luminosity have been collected up to now, with an average rate of 10 pb−1/day. Performance of the detector, data taking conditions and data quality monitoring are briefly summarized.
Models & Searches of CPT Violation: a personal, very partial, list
Authors: Mavromatos Nick E.
Published: January 2018

In this talk, first I motivate theoretically, and then I review the phenomenology of, some models entailing CPT Violation (CPTV). The latter is argued to be responsible for the observed matter-antimatter asymmetry in the Cosmos, and may owe its origin to either Lorentz-violating background geometries, whose effects are strong in early epochs of the Universe but very weak today, being temperature dependent in general, or to an ill-defined CPT generator in some quantum gravity models entailing decoherence of quantum matter as a result of quantum degrees of freedom in the gravity sector that are inaccessible to the low-energy observers. In particular, for the latter category of CPTV, I argue that entangled states of neutral mesons (Kaons or B-systems), of central relevance to KLOE-2 experiment, can provide smoking-gun sensitive tests or even falsify some of these models. If CPT is ill-defined one may also encounter violations of the spin-statistics theorem, with possible consequences for the Pauli Exclusion Principle, which I only briefly touch upon.
Towards a dispersive determination of the η and η′ transition form factors
Authors: Kubis Bastian
Published: January 2018

We discuss status and prospects of a dispersive analysis of the η and η′ transition form factors. Particular focus is put on the various pieces of experimental information that serve as input to such a calculation. These can help improve on the precision of an evaluation of the η and η′ pole contributions to hadronic light-by-light scattering in the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon.
Skull Base Reconstruction in the Pediatric Patient
Authors: Duek Irit , Pener-Tessler Alon , Yanko-Arzi Ravit , Zaretski Arik , Abergel Avraham , Safadi Ahmad , Fliss Dan
Published: January 2018

Introduction Pediatric skull base and craniofacial reconstruction presents a unique challenge since the potential benefits of therapy must be balanced against the cumulative impact of multimodality treatment on craniofacial growth, donor-site morbidity, and the potential for serious psychosocial issues.

Objectives To suggest an algorithm for skull base reconstruction in children and adolescents after tumor resection.

Materials and Methods Comprehensive literature review and summary of our experience.

Results We advocate soft-tissue reconstruction as the primary technique, reserving bony flaps for definitive procedures in survivors who have reached skeletal maturity. Free soft-tissue transfer in microvascular technique is the mainstay for reconstruction of large, three-dimensional defects, involving more than one anatomic region of the skull base, as well as defects involving an irradiated field. However, to reduce total operative time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative hospital stay, and donor-site morbidity, locoregional flaps are better be considered the flap of first choice for skull base reconstruction in children and adolescents, as long as the flap is large enough to cover the defect. Our “workhorse” for dural reconstruction is the double-layer fascia lata. Advances in endoscopic surgery, image guidance, alloplastic grafts, and biomaterials have increased the armamentarium for reconstruction of small and mid-sized defects.

Conclusions Skull base reconstruction using locoregional flaps or free flaps may be safely performed in pediatrics. Although the general principles of skull base reconstruction are applicable to nearly all patients, the unique demands of skull base surgery in pediatrics merit special attention. Multidisciplinary care in experienced centers is of utmost importance.
Developmental Considerations in Pediatric Skull Base Surgery
Authors: LoPresti Melissa , Sellin Jonathan , DeMonte Franco
Published: January 2018

Objectives To review developmental surgical anatomy and technical nuances related to pediatric skull base surgery.

Design Retrospective, single-center case series with literature review.

Setting MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Participants Patients undergoing pediatric skull base surgery.

Main Outcome Measures Review developmental anatomy of the pediatric skull base as it relates to technical nuance of various surgical approaches and insight gained from a 25-year institutional experience with this unique patient population.

Results Thirty-nine patients meeting these criteria were identified over a 13-year period from 2003 to 2016 and compared to a previously reported earlier cohort from 1992 to 2002. The most common benign pathologies included nerve sheath tumors (11%), juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibromas (9.5%), and craniopharyngiomas (4.8%). The most common malignancies were chondrosarcoma (11%), chordoma (11%), and rabdomyosarcoma (11%). Varied surgical approaches were utilized and were similar between the two cohorts save for the increased use of endoscopic surgical techniques in the most recent cohort. The most common sites of tumor origin were the infratemporal fossa, sinonasal cavities, clivus, temporal bone, and parasellar region. Gross total resection and postoperative complication rates were similar between the two patient cohorts.

Conclusions Pediatric skull base tumors, while rare, often are treated surgically, necessitating an in depth understanding of the anatomy of the developing skull base.
Effect of N-Acetylserotonin on TLR-4 and MyD88 Expression during Intestinal Ischemia-Reperfusion in a Rat Model
Authors: Ben Shahar Yoav , Halabi Salim , Bitterman Nir , Dorfman Tatiana , Pollak Yulia , Coran Arnold , Bitterman Arie , Sukhotnik Igor
Published: January 2018

Background Accumulating evidence indicates that changes in intestinal toll-like receptors (TLRs) precede histological injury in a rodent model of necrotizing enterocolitis. N-acetylserotonin (NAS) is a naturally occurring chemical intermediate in the biosynthesis of melatonin. A recent study has shown that treatment with NAS prevents gut mucosal damage and inhibits programmed cell death following intestinal ischemia-reperfusion (IR). The objective of this study was to determine the effects of NAS on TLR-4, myeloid differentiation factor 88 (Myd88), and TNF-α receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) expression in intestinal mucosa following intestinal IR in a rat.

Materials and Methods Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to one of the four experimental groups: 1) Sham rats underwent laparotomy; 2) Sham-NAS rats underwent laparotomy and were treated with intraperitoneal (IP) NAS (20 mg/kg); 3) IR rats underwent occlusion of both superior mesenteric artery and portal vein for 20 minutes followed by 48 hours of reperfusion; and 4) IR-NAS rats underwent IR and were treated with IP NAS immediately before abdominal closure. Intestinal structural changes, mucosal TLR-4, MyD88, and TRAF6 mucosal gene, and protein expression were examined using real-time PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry.

Results Significant mucosal damage in IR rats was accompanied by a significant upregulation of TLR-4, MyD88, and TRAF6 gene and protein expression in intestinal mucosa compared with control animals. The administration of NAS decreased the intestinal injury score, inhibited cell apoptosis, and significantly reduced the expression of TLR-4, MyD88, and TRAF6.

Conclusion Treatment with NAS is associated with downregulation of TLR-4, MyD88, and TRAF6 expression along with a concomitant decrease in intestinal mucosal injury caused by intestinal IR in a rat.
Hausärztliche Versorgungssituation und Einführung neuer Versorgungsformen in schwer zu versorgenden Regionen: Eine Befragung der Bevölkerung
Authors: Tangermann Ulla , Kleij Kim-Sarah , Krauth Christian , Amelung Volker Eric
Published: January 2018

Ziel der Studie Eine der derzeit zentralen gesundheitspolitischen Herausforderungen liegt in der flächendeckenden Sicherstellung der hausärztlichen Versorgung. Allerdings ist bislang nicht ausreichend bekannt wie die Bevölkerung die regionale Versorgungssituation sowie die Einführung neuer Versorgungsformen, die als Lösungsansatz zur Sicherstellung der Versorgung dienen können, bewertet. Die Zielsetzung dieser Studie liegt demnach darin zu erheben, wie die Bevölkerung die regionale hausärztliche Versorgung bewertet und welche neuen Versorgungsformen bevorzugt werden. Zudem wird untersucht, ob diesbezüglich Unterschiede zwischen schwer zu versorgenden und normal zu versorgenden Regionen vorliegen.

Methodik Basierend auf Fokusgruppendiskussionen sowie einer systematischen Literaturübersicht wurde ein Fragebogen entwickelt, um die Bewertung der regionalen Versorgungssituation sowie ausgewählter neuer Versorgungsformen durch die Bevölkerung zu erheben. Der Fragebogen wurde an eine Zufallsstichprobe von 2000 Personen in 8 Regionen in Niedersachsen geschickt.

Ergebnisse Die bereinigte Rücklaufquote der Befragung lag bei 51% (n=996). Mit 97% hat der überwiegende Anteil der Befragten einen Hausarzt, der im Schnitt 5,4-mal jährlich aufgesucht wird. Die durchschnittliche Entfernung zum Hausarzt liegt bei 13 min. Während die gegenwärtige hausärztliche Versorgung überwiegend als gut bewertet wird, wird insbesondere in schwer zu versorgenden Regionen eine Verschlechterung der Versorgungssituation erwartet. Unter den neuen Versorgungsformen werden die Delegation ärztlicher Tätigkeiten sowie mobilitätsorientierte Konzepte bevorzugt, während die Telemedizin überwiegend Ablehnung erfährt.

Schlussfolgerung Neue Versorgungsformen können nach der Einschätzung der Bevölkerung zur Sicherstellung der Versorgung beitragen. Werden jene Versorgungsformen, die von der Bevölkerung akzeptiert werden, bereits frühzeitig eingeführt, so können die Befürchtungen vor einer sich verschlechternden Versorgungssituation verringert werden. Zudem können jene neuen Versorgungsformen, die eine geringere Akzeptanz seitens der Bevölkerung erfahren, in Modellprojekten ausgetestet werden. Verlaufen diese Projekte erfolgreich, so steigt möglicherweise die Zustimmung der Bevölkerung.
Gesundheitskompetenz – Ergos haben Schlüsselrolle
Authors: Weishaar Heide , Berens Eva-Maria , Vogt Dominique , Gille Svea , Horn Annett , Schmidt-Kaehler Sebastian , Schaeffer Doris
Published: January 2018

Gesundheitsinformationen zu finden, zu verstehen, zu bewerten und zu nutzen – das fällt mehr als jedem zweiten Deutschen schwer. Kein Wunder, wenn daher Patienten Übungen nicht umsetzen. Es fehlt an Gesundheitskompetenz. Wissenschaftler suchen nach Ursachen und Lösungen – Ergotherapeuten spielen dabei eine wesentliche Rolle.
Foto-Interview – „Das möchte ich verbessern“
Authors: Peter Viktoria
Published: January 2018

Das Foto-Interview unterstützt Ergotherapeuten und Pädagogen darin, Alltagsziele mit Kindern zu definieren und umzusetzen. Bei dieser lösungsfokussierten und ressourcenorientierten Intervention entscheidet das Kind, was es genau verändern, lernen oder erreichen möchte.
Bálint-Syndrom aus Klientensicht – Wenn nur ein Ausschnitt bleibt
Authors: Vogel Silvia
Published: January 2018

Nach einer Gehirnblutung war bei Silvia Vogel nichts mehr wie früher. Sich anziehen, orientieren, lesen, rechnen – alles nicht mehr möglich. Sie erzählt, wie sie diese Zeit erlebt hat, warum sie ihre Therapie als Glück empfi ndet und wie es ihr heute geht.
Wenn Betroffene zu Entscheidern werden
Authors: Tewes Sandra , Brause Michaela
Published: January 2018

Unterstützung für Angehörige potenzieller Organspender Patienten auf der Intensivstation sind meist so schwerwiegend erkrankt oder
verletzt, dass sie nicht mehr entscheidungsfähig sind. Weitere Behandlungsschritte müssen in diesem Fall mit den nächsten Angehörigen
besprochen werden. Besonders in Fällen von potenziellen Organspenden rücken die Angehörigen in den Mittelpunkt für die anstehenden
Entscheidungsprozesse. Auf den meisten Intensivstationen ist eine Organspende ein eher seltenes Ereignis und für alle Beteiligten, die
Angehörigen und das Behandlungsteam eine große Herausforderung. Dabei ist oft nicht die Versorgung des potenziellen Organspenders für das
Behandlungsteam problematisch, sondern der Umgang mit den trauernden Angehörigen.
Vom passiven zum aktiven Angehörigentelefonat
Authors: Keim Carolin , Maier Jürgen , Naef Rahel , Massarotto Paola
Published: January 2018

Telefonate als wirksame Pflegeintervention Das aktive Angehörigentelefonat auf der Intensivstation dient dazu, die
Informationsqualität für Angehörige zu erhöhen und die Zahl der eingehenden Anrufe von Familienmitgliedern zu reduzieren. Um zu ermitteln,
wie sich dieses neu eingeführte Angebot auf der Intensivstation Innere Medizin des Universitätsspitals Zürich auswirkt, führte das
Autorenteam Fokusgruppeninterviews mit dem Behandlungsteam durch. Pflegefachpersonen und Ärzte berichteten, dass sie durch den Wechsel von
einer passiven zu einer aktiven Rolle herausgefordert waren. Die Planbarkeit der Anrufe und den positiven Einfluss auf die Beziehung zu den
Angehörigen nannten sie als besondere Vorteile.
Manuelle Schlucktherapie – Mammutaufgabe
Authors: Albrecht Sindy , Nusser-Müller-Busch Ricki
Published: January 2018

Posturale Kontrolle, Atmung, Zungenmotorik – zum Schlucken gehört weitaus mehr als die Halsstrukturen. Das Verständnis für diese Zusammenhänge liegt der manuellen Schlucktherapie zugrunde. Mit gezielten Techniken mobilisiert man Nerven, Faszien und Muskeln und erleichtert Patienten den Schluckvorgang. Physio-, Ergotherapeuten und Logopäden arbeiten dafür im Team zusammen, wie das Fallbeispiel zeigt.
Hypermobilität aus Patientensicht – Wie der Segen zum Fluch wurde
Authors: Bonno Isabelle
Published: January 2018

Seit ihrer Kindheit ist Elke Hullemann-Kilb extrem beweglich. Was ihr in jungen Jahren zu Erfolgen im Turnen verhalf, entwickelte sich Jahre später zu einem chronischen Schmerzsyndrom. In einem Buch gibt sie ihre Erfahrungen weiter und sensibilisiert für ein Thema, das bislang in Medizin und Physiotherapie wenig bekannt ist.
Low temperature texture development in Nd2Fe14B/α-Fe nanocomposite magnets via equal channel angular pressing
Authors: Besley L. , Garitaonandia J. S. , Molotnikov A. , Kishimoto H. , Kato A. , Davies C. , Suzuki K.
Published: January 2018

While suitable texture has been developed in Nd2Fe14B/α-Fe nanocomposites via thermomechanical processing methods such as die upsetting by incorporating low melting point eutectic Nd-Cu additives, significant grain coarsening occurs during this process due to the high temperature and long timescales involved, resulting in a loss of exchange coupling. Equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) is a severe plastic deformation technique which has been successfully used to produce a suitable texture in single-phase Nd2Fe14B at temperatures on the order of 500°C while preserving grain sizes on the order of 20-30nm. We investigate the development of texture in a commercial Nd2Fe14B/α-Fe nanocomposite alloy with added Nd90Cu10 produced via ECAP and then characterise it using texture x-ray diffraction and magnetic measurements. It is found that initial texture can be developed in this nanocomposite system at T = 520°C via ECAP. The average grain size of Nd2Fe14B as measured via X-ray diffraction after ECAP remains below 50nm with a developed texture. The effect of varying the amount of Nd90Cu10 additive is also investigated. It is found that with decreasing Nd90Cu10, the degree of texture is reduced while the volume fraction of α-Fe increases. This work demonstrates the development of texture in nanocomposite Nd2Fe14B/α-Fe with Nd-Cu additives whilst maintaining a grain size of approximately 50nm.
Identification of DNA methylated regions by using methylated DNA immunoprecipitation sequencing in Brassica rapa
Authors: Takahashi Satoshi , Fukushima Naoki , Osabe Kenji , Itabashi Etsuko , Shimizu Motoki , Miyaji Naomi , Takasaki-Yasuda Takeshi , Suzuki Yutaka , Seki Motoaki , Fujimoto Ryo
Published: January 2018

DNA methylation is an epigenetic gene regulatory mechanism that plays an essential role in gene expression, transposon silencing, genome imprinting and plant development. We investigated the influence of DNA methylation on gene expression in Brassica rapa L., to understand whether epigenetic differences exist between inbred lines. Genome-wide DNA methylation was analysed by methylated DNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (MeDIP-seq) of 14-day-old first and second leaves from two inbred lines of Chinese cabbage, one susceptible and one resistant to fusarium yellows caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. conglutinans. MACS (model-based analysis for ChIP-seq) identified DNA methylation peaks in genic regions including 2 kb upstream, exon, intron and 2 kb downstream. More than 65% of genes showed similar patterns of DNA methylation in the genic regions in the two inbred lines. DNA methylation states of the two inbred lines were compared with their transcriptome. Genes having DNA methylation in the intron and in the 200 bp upstream and downstream regions were associated with a lower expression level in both lines. A small number of genes showed a negative correlation between differences in DNA methylation levels and differences in transcriptional levels in the two inbred lines, suggesting that DNA methylation in these genes results in transcriptional suppression.
Seasonal variations of leaf chlorophyll–protein complexes in the wintergreen herbaceous plant Ajuga reptans L.
Authors: Dymova Olga , Khristin Mikhail , Miszalski Zbigniew , Kornas Andrzej , Strzalka Kazimierz , Golovko Tamara
Published: January 2018

The chlorophyll and carotenoid content, and the spectra of low-temperature fluorescence of the leaves, chloroplasts and isolated pigment–protein complexes in the perennial herbaceous wintergreen plant Ajuga reptans L. (bugle) in different seasons of the year were studied. During winter, these plants downregulate photosynthesis and the PSA is reorganised, including the loss of chlorophyll, possible reductions in the number of functional reaction centres of PSII, and changes in aggregation of the thylakoid protein complexes. We also observed a restructuring of the PSI–PSII megacomplex and the PSII–light-harvesting complex II supercomplex in leaves covered by snow. After snowmelt, the monomeric form of the chl a/b pigment–protein complex associated with PSII (LHCII) and the free pigments were also detected. We expect that snow cover provides favourable conditions for keeping photosynthetic machinery ready for photosynthesis in spring just after snowmelt. During winter, the role of the zeaxanthin-dependent protective mechanism, which is responsible for the dissipation of excess absorbed light energy, is likely to increase.