bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on modelling and solution of stochastic SCUC under AC power flow constraints
Authors: Nan Yang , Di Ye , Zheng Zhou , Jiazhan Cui , Daojun Chen , Xiaoming Wang
Published: April 2018

With the more precise day‐ahead scheduling strategy for large‐scale wind power integration, a model of stochastic security‐constrained unit commitment (SCUC) under AC constraints is built and its corresponding solution is given here. A unit commitment model under AC power flow is developed based on network security constraints considering the uncertainty of wind power. In order to analyse this model in time, an ordinal optimisation is presented. The proposed method is verified by the numerical test on a modified IEEE‐118 test system. The results show that the risk of voltage over‐limit in large‐scale wind power integration can be reduced effectively. Meanwhile, the validity of day‐ahead generation schedule is enhanced. Furthermore, the computational efficiency of the proposed algorithm is improved significantly compared with that of the traditional one.
Backprojection inverse filtration for laminographic reconstruction
Authors: Blumensath Thomas
Published: April 2018

Traditional tomography uses circular trajectories and here, filtered backprojection often works well. However, for objects with large aspect ratios, rotational tomography is often not feasible. In these cases, other trajectories can be more appropriate. For generic trajectories, filtered backprojection methods might not work well and full iterative reconstruction can be computationally demanding. In this study, the authors thus propose a third paradigm that combines aspects of both of these techniques. They use interpolation and backprojection techniques to generate an initial estimate of an object's internal structure using projection images taken at different orientations. Depending on the scanning geometry used to calculate the tomographic projections, this initial estimate can be understood as a blurred (filtered) approximation of the actual structure. For each scanning geometry, they specify the equivalent blurring operator that would provide the same estimate directly from a representation of the object's internal structure. They then use iterative techniques to invert this filtering operation, thus estimating the internal structure from the estimate of its blurred representation.
Planar sensor for powder grain characterisation
Authors: Coutinho Marcelo S. , Silva Crislane Priscila N. , Oliveira Manuelle R. T. , Silva Filho Hawson V. H. , Machado Gabriel G. , de Melo Marcos T.
Published: April 2018

This study presents a microwave planar sensor for characterisation of powdered foods. The sensor is based on four coupled resonators designed to have four poles in the frequency range of 1.0–3 GHz. The pole with more sensitivity is used to measure the samples. The frequency characteristics of the sensor are obtained measuring several well‐known samples. It is used to estimate the permittivity of six types of grains. The grains are two types of oatmeal, three types of corn and wheat flour. The experimental results have shown a sensitivity of 36 MHz/Fm−1. The estimated permittivity of materials can be used as the preliminary data for further investigation.
Spectrum analysis of high‐resolution SAR data to obtain Bragg signatures of power cables
Authors: Willetts Ben , Stevens Malcolm B. , Stove Andrew G. , Gashinova Marina S.
Published: April 2018

A spectrum analysis method is presented that can be used on high‐resolution synthetic aperture radar (SAR) measurements to concentrate the returns from overhead power cables into discrete angles, alongside the resulting images and information obtained by applying the technique to spotlight SAR data obtained at Ka‐band. The angular width and position of the specular and Bragg lobes are used to estimate the periodic length of the cable structure. The results presented also show the potential of detecting variations in the tautness of a power line along its length and hence make any vulnerabilities to the supply of electrical power detectable remotely. Detailed high‐resolution images constructed also support peculiarities measured in these signatures. The presented results show that the described method has the ability to detect distribution line vulnerabilities and hazards to the surrounding area. As the cable structure is also related to temperature, this technique has the potential to observe changes in the climate.
Asymmetric Type-Ia supernova origin of W49B as revealed from spatially resolved X-ray spectroscopic study
Authors: Zhou Ping , Vink Jacco
Published: April 2018

The origin of the asymmetric supernova remnant (SNR) W49B has been a matter of debate: is it produced by a rare jet-driven core-collapse (CC) supernova, or by a normal supernova that is strongly shaped by its dense environment? Aiming to uncover the explosion mechanism and origin of the asymmetric, centrally filled X-ray morphology of W49B, we have performed spatially resolved X-ray spectroscopy and a search for potential point sources. We report new candidate point sources inside W49B. The Chandra X-ray spectra from W49B are well-characterized by two-temperature gas components (~0.27 keV + 0.6–2.2 keV). The hot component gas shows a large temperature gradient from the northeast to the southwest and is over-ionized in most regions with recombination timescales of 1–10 × 1011 cm−3 s. The Fe element shows strong lateral distribution in the SNR east, while the distribution of Si, S, Ar, Ca is relatively smooth and nearly axially symmetric. Asymmetric Type-Ia explosion of a Chandrasekhar-mass white dwarf (WD) well-explains the abundance ratios and metal distribution of W49B, whereas a jet-driven explosion and normal CC models fail to describe the abundance ratios and large masses of iron-group elements. A model based on a multi-spot ignition of the WD can explain the observed high MMn∕MCr value (0.8–2.2). The bar-like morphology is mainly due to a density enhancement in the center, given the good spatial correlation between gas density and X-ray brightness. The recombination ages and the Sedov age consistently suggest a revised SNR age of 5–6 kyr. This study suggests that despite the presence of candidate point sources projected within the boundary of this SNR, W49B is likely a Type-Ia SNR, which suggests that Type-Ia supernovae can also result in mixed-morphology SNRs.
The chemical connection between damped Lyman-α systems and Local Group dwarf galaxies
Authors: Skúladóttir Á. , Salvadori S. , Pettini M. , Tolstoy E. , Hill V.
Published: April 2018

Abundances of the volatile elements S and Zn have now been measured in around 80 individual stars in the Sculptor dwarf spheroidal galaxy, covering the metallicity range − 2.4 ≤ [Fe/H] ≤−0.9. These two elements are of particular interest as they are not depleted onto dust in gas, and their ratio, [S/Zn], has thus commonly been used as a proxy for [α/Fe] in Damped Lyman-α systems (DLAs). The S abundances in Sculptor are similar to other α-elements in this galaxy, consistent with S being mainly created in core-collapse supernovae, but also having some contribution from type Ia supernovae. However, our results show that Zn and Fe do not trace all the same nucleosynthetic production channels. In particular, (contrary to Fe) Zn is not significantly produced by type Ia supernovae. Thus, [S/Zn] cannot be reliably used as a proxy for [α/Fe]. We propose [O/S] as a function of [S/H] as a possible alternative. At higher metallicities, the values of [S/Zn] measured in DLAs are inconsistent with those in local dwarf galaxies, and are more compatible with the Milky Way disk. Low-metallicity DLAs are, however, consistent with the most metal-poor stars in Local Group dwarf spheroidal galaxies. Assuming that the dust depletions of S and Zn are negligible, our comparison indicates that the star formation histories of DLAs are on average different from both the Milky Way and the Sculptor dwarf spheroidal galaxy.
Optimal control of reaction-diffusion systems with hysteresis
Authors: Münch Christian
Published: April 2018

This paper is concerned with the optimal control of hysteresis-reaction-diffusion systems. We study a control problem with two sorts of controls, namely distributed control functions, or controls which act on a part of the boundary of the domain. The state equation is given by a reaction-diffusion system with the additional challenge that the reaction term includes a scalar stop operator. We choose a variational inequality to represent the hysteresis. In this paper, we prove first order necessary optimality conditions. In particular, under certain regularity assumptions, we derive results about the continuity properties of the adjoint system. For the case of distributed controls, we improve the optimality conditions and show uniqueness of the adjoint variables. We employ the optimality system to prove higher regularity of the optimal solutions of our problem. The specific feature of rate-independent hysteresis in the state equation leads to difficulties concerning the analysis of the solution operator. Non-locality in time of the Hadamard derivative of the control-to-state operator complicates the derivation of an adjoint system. This work is motivated by its academic challenge, as well as by its possible potential for applications such as in economic modeling.
A tripartite survey of hyperparasitic fungi associated with ectoparasitic flies on bats (Mammalia: Chiroptera) in a neotropical cloud forest in Panama
Authors: Walker Melissa J. , Dorrestein Annabel , Camacho Jasmin J. , Meckler Lauren A. , Silas Kirk A. , Hiller Thomas , Haelewaters Danny
Published: April 2018

The Darién province in eastern Panama is one of the most unexplored and biodiverse regions in the world. The Chucantí Nature Reserve, in Serranía de Majé, consists of a diverse tropical cloud forest ecosystem. The aim of this research was to explore and study host associations of a tripartite system of bats, ectoparasitic flies on bats (Diptera, Streblidae), and ectoparasitic fungi (Ascomycota, Laboulbeniales) that use bat flies as hosts. We captured bats at Chucantí, screened each bat for presence of bat flies, and screened collected bat flies for presence of Laboulbeniales. We mistnetted for 68 mistnet hours and captured 227 bats representing 17 species. We capturedMicronycteris schmidtorum, a species previously unreported in Darién. In addition, we encountered the rarely collectedPlatyrrhinus dorsalis, representing the westernmost report for this species. Of all captured bats, 148 carried bat flies (65%). The number of sampled bat flies was 437, representing 16 species. One species represents a new country record (Trichobius anducei) and five species represent first reports for Darién (Basilia anceps,Anatrichobius scorzai,Nycterophilia parnelli,T. johnsonae,T. parasiticus). All 74 bat fly species currently reported in Panama are presented in tabulated form. Of all screened bat flies, 30 bore Laboulbeniales fungi (7%). Based on both morphology and large ribosomal subunit (LSU) sequence data, we delimited 7 species of Laboulbeniales:Gloeandromyces nycteribiidarum(newly reported for Panama),G. pageanus,G. streblae,Nycteromyces streblidinus, and 3 undescribed species. Of the 30 infected flies, 21 wereTrichobius joblingi. This species was the only host on which we observed double infections of Laboulbeniales.
Veränderte Indikation zur Parotidektomie im nordwestlichen Brandenburg: Eine Longitudinaluntersuchung
Authors: Franzen Achim M , Franzen Christiane Kaup , Coordes Annekatrin
Published: April 2018

Hintergrund Kenntnisse über die Indikationen zu einer Parotidektomie basieren auf den Mitteilungen einzelner Kliniken, Tumor- und Krankenhausdatenbanken.
Die Studie prüft die Hypothese, dass sich die Operationsindikation während der vergangenen Jahre verändert hat.

Material und Methoden Wir führten eine retrospektive Beobachtungsstudie der Patienten durch, die zwischen 1975 und 2016 (Einteilung in 4 Quartilen) in
einem Ausbildungskranken haus einer Medizinischen Hochschule mit Schwerpunktversorgung eine Parotidektomie erhielten.

Ergebnisse 405 Männer und 366 Frauen wurden wegen eines benignen (600/78 %) oder malignen (116/15 %) Tumors oder einer Parotitis (55/7 %) operiert. Der
Anteil der benignen Tumore blieb weitgehend konstant (78 %), der der malignen Tumore stieg (7 %–23 %) bei gleichzeitigem Abfall der Parotitiden
(17 % – < 1 %). Bei den benignen Tumoren fiel der Anteil der pleomorphen Adenome (60 % –24 %), während Warthin Tumore häufiger auftraten (23 % –58 %). Unter
den malignen Tumoren stieg der Anteil der Metastasen von 2/13 auf 31/49 (insbes. Plattenepithelkarzinomen der Haut).

Diskussion Die vorliegende Studie zeigt die sinkende Bedeutung der Parotitis als Indikation für eine Parotidektomie bedingt durch verbesserte
nicht-chirurgische Verfahren. Die ansteigende Prävalenz von Warthin-Tumoren in der aktuellen Arbeit war mit einem steigenden Anteil der Raucher assoziiert. Der
Anstieg der Malignome war auf die steigende Prävalenz von intraparotidealen Matastasen der Plattenepithelkarzinome der Haut zurückzuführen. Die Ergebnisse der
histologischen Diagnosen basieren auf der Auswertung von Krankenakten und können bisher nicht durch die Auswertungen überregionaler Tumordatenbanken oder
Krankenhausstatistiken (ICD- oder DRG-Bezug) generiert werden. Hierzu befürworten die Autoren die Einrichtung eines speziellen Speicheldrüsenregisters.
Ten-Year Results of the Press Fit Condylar Sigma Cobalt–Chrome Total Knee Replacement
Authors: Brenkel Ivan , Walmsley Phil , Keenan Oisin
Published: April 2018

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is reliant on safe and effective implants. The Press Fit Condylar Sigma Cobalt–Chrome (PFCSCC) was introduced in 2006, but no reports have examined long-term failure rates and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). The primary aim of this study was to assess survival outcomes of the PFCSCC at 10 years after implantation. Prospective data collection was performed on all patients undergoing primary TKA in one orthopaedic department using this prosthesis exclusively from February 1, 2006, to January 31, 2007. Follow-up was at 10 years. Survival analysis was performed using two primary outcome measures: (1) all-cause joint revision and (2) aseptic revision. Secondary outcomes measures included the American Knee Society Score (AKSS) and Oxford Knee Score (OKS). In total, 249 knees of 233 patients underwent primary TKA. Mean patient age was 66.7 years (range 34–80), and mean body mass index (BMI) was 30 kg/m2 (20.7–40.1). Reviewing all causes of revisions, 14 joints (5.6%) of 14 patients required reoperation. Of these, nine were for deep infection, including six in the first year. Four (1.6%) underwent aseptic revision. Mean AKSS changed from 47.6 to 90.4 (n = 140; p < 0.001) at 10 years, and mean OKS changed from 38.3 to 23.2 (n = 149; p < 0.001). Prospective analysis of consecutive TKA cases using this design of prosthesis demonstrated high survival rates of 94.4% (all-cause revision) and 98.4% (aseptic revision) at 10 years. Postoperative gains in PROMs were sustained at 10 years. These real-world data represent a substantial extension to previous reports for the PFCSCC and suggest that it is not prone to late mechanical failure.
Achieving Minimum Clinically Important Difference in Oxford Knee Score and Short Form-36 Physical Component Summary Is Less Likely with Single-Radius Compared with Multiradius Total Knee Arthroplasty in Asians
Authors: Bin Abd Razak Hamid , Allen John , Chong Hwei Chi , Tan Hwee Chye , Lee Wu Chean
Published: April 2018

Single-radius (SR) and multiradius (MR) total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) have produced similar outcomes, albeit most studies originate from Western nations. There are known knee kinematic differences between Western and Asian patients after TKA. The aim of this study is to compare the short-term patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) of SR-TKA versus MR-TKA in Asians. Registry data of 133 SR-TKA versus 363 MR-TKA by a single surgeon were analyzed. Preoperative and 2-year postoperative range of motion (ROM) and PROMs were compared with Student's t-test and Mann–Whitney U-test. Logistic regression model was used to evaluate the odds of SR-TKA or MR-TKA achieving the minimum clinically important difference (MCID) of studied outcomes. Patients in both groups had similar age (65.7 ± 7.6 vs. 65.8 ± 8.2 years; p = 0.317), gender proportion (71% females vs. 79% females; p = 0.119), and ethnic distribution (80% Chinese vs. 84% Chinese; p = 0.258). Preoperatively, there were no statistically significant differences between both groups for ROM, Knee Society Score (KSS), Oxford Knee Score (OKS), and Short Form (SF)-36 scores. At 2 years, all outcomes were statistically similar or failed to achieve a difference of MCID. Controlling for all preoperative variables, SR-TKA has significantly lower odds of achieving MCID for OKS (odds ratio [OR]: 0.275, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.114–0.663; p = 0.004) and SF-36 Physical Component Summary (PCS) (OR: 0.547; 95% CI: 0.316–0.946; p = 0.031) compared with MR-TKA. In conclusion, there are no significant differences in the absolute PROMs between SR-TKA and MR-TKA at 2 years following TKA in Asians. However, SR-TKA has significantly lower odds of achieving the MCID for OKS and SF-36 PCS.
Colgajo perforante de la segunda arteria metacarpiana dorsal: Estudio anatómico en cadáveres y experiencia clínica
Authors: Posso Z Carolina , Delgado A David , Aguilar H Jeison , Vélez R Daniel , Velásquez Juan
Published: April 2018

Introducción Los defectos de cobertura de la mano y de los dedos de tamaño moderado son frecuentes y representan un reto para el cirujano reconstructivo. Existen varias opciones locales disponibles, y el conocimiento de la anatomía vascular de la zona nos ofrece nuevas posibilidades de cobertura.

Material y métodos Se realizó un estudio anatómico en 13 extremidades de cadáveres frescos, describiendo las perforantes cutáneas en el tercio distal de la segunda arteria metacarpiana dorsal. Se presenta adicionalmente nuestra experiencia clínica inicial con el uso del colgajo perforante metacarpiano dorsal en siete casos.

Resultados De forma consistente se encontró en todos los cadáveres la presencia de perforantes distales, y la ausencia de la juntura tendinae, lo que obliga a usar la cabeza del metacarpiano como límite para el punto pivote del colgajo en nuestra población, a diferencia de las descripciones anatómicas previas. En la serie de casos clínicos, el colgajo logró resolver adecuadamente todos los defectos, y se presentó solo un caso de necrosis parcial.

Conclusión Luego del seguimiento de los casos clínicos reconstruidos con ese colgajo, se evidencia su versatilidad, anatomía vascular confiable y baja tasa de complicaciones, convirtiéndolo en una opción de primera línea para la cobertura de defectos digitales.
A Virtual Reality Cataract Surgery Course for Residents
Authors: Paul Samantha , Scott Ingrid , Paul Alfred , Greenberg Paul
Published: April 2018

We report on two key updates to the publically available Brown ophthalmology residency virtual reality (VR) cataract surgery course. The first is a validated proficiency-based VR simulator test. The second is a mental skills training curriculum derived from a course shown to decrease novice general surgeons' cognitive stress under difficult performance conditions.
Interobserver Variability of the Diagnosis of Scaphoid Proximal Pole Fractures
Authors: Beks Reinier , Drijkoningen Tessa , Claessen Femke , Guitton Thierry , Ring David ,   Science of Variation Group
Published: April 2018

Purpose Fractures of the proximal pole of the scaphoid are prone to adverse outcomes such as nonunion and avascular necrosis. Distinction of scaphoid proximal pole fractures from waist fractures is important for management but it is unclear if the distinction is reliable.

Methods A consecutive series of 29 scaphoid fractures from one tertiary hospital was collected consisting of 5 scaphoid proximal pole and 24 scaphoid waist fractures. Fifty-seven members of the Science of Variation Group (SOVG) were randomized to diagnose fracture location and displacement by using radiographs alone or radiographs and a computed tomography (CT) scan.

Results Observers reviewing radiographs alone and observers reviewing radiographs and CT scans both had substantial agreement on fracture location (κ = 0.82 and κ = 0.80, respectively; p = 0.54). Both groups had only fair agreement on fracture displacement (κ = 0.28 and κ = 0.35, respectively; p = 0.029).

Conclusion Proximal pole fractures are sufficiently distinct from proximal waist fractures that CT does not improve reliability of diagnosis.

Level of Evidence Level IV interobserver reliability case-control study.
Might Bilirubin Serve as a Natural Antioxidant in Response to Neonatal Encephalopathy?
Authors: Bin-Nun Alona , Mimouni Francis , Kasirer Yair , Schors Irina , Schimmel Michael , Kaplan Michael , Hammerman Cathy
Published: April 2018

Background Neonatal asphyxia is often associated with hepatic injury. We hypothesized that this might lead to increased bilirubin concentrations.

Study Design Term neonates admitted between January 2015 and April 2017 who remained hospitalized for ≥ 4 days and who had serial serum bilirubin concentrations recorded were divided into those with neonatal encephalopathy (NE) and controls. Serial serum bilirubin concentrations during the first days of life were compared between groups.

Results Twenty-nine neonates with NE and 84 age-matched controls were identified. Mean total serum bilirubin concentrations of NE babies were significantly lower than those controls throughout the first days of life. At 96 hours of age, NE serum bilirubin concentrations were 4.5 (3.2, 5.8) versus controls of 10.5 (9.4, 11.5) mg/dL (p < 0.0001). The mean area under the curve (AUC) for the NE group was 268 (215, 321) versus 663 (608, 718), p < 0.0001, for the control group. All of the NE babies remained below the 40th percentile of the Bhutani curve and none required phototherapy.

Conclusion Contrary to our hypothesis, bilirubin concentrations in NE infants are significantly lower than expected during the first 4 days postnatally. We speculate that, under conditions of severe oxidative stress, bilirubin is consumed as an antioxidant.
Laryngopharyngealer Reflux
Authors: Reiter Rudolf , Heyduck Adrienne , Seufferlein Thomas , Hoffmann Thomas , Pickhard Anja
Published: April 2018

Die Prävalenz von laryngopharyngealem Reflux (LPR) wird in der Allgemeinbevölkerung mit bis zu 31 % angegeben. Bei Patienten mit Stimmproblemen bzw.
Kehlkopferkrankungen tritt ein LPR bei ca. 50 % der Patienten als Begleiterscheinung auf. Typische refluxbedingte Erkrankungen am Larynx sind eine chronische
Laryngitis und das Kontaktgranulom. Nicht abschließend geklärt ist die Rolle des LPR bei der Genese des Stimmlippenkarzinoms. Für die Diagnose des LPR gibt es
noch keine evidenzbasierten Daten, er kann jedoch üblicherweise klinisch aus der Kombination typischer Symptome (Heiserkeit, chronischer Hustenreiz/Räuspern,
Globusgefühl/Dysphagie) und dem charakteristischen laryngoskopischen Bild (ein Schleimhauterythem bzw. eine Schleimhauthyperplasie mit Fältelung der
Interarytenoidregion und ein Stimmlippenödem) gestellt werden. Gelegentlich wird eine LPR zusätzlich durch eine pharyngeale 24h-pH-Metrie-Untersuchung
gesichert. Die Therapie des LPR umfasst mehrere Bereiche, wie z.B. diätetische Maßnahmen, die medikamentöse Therapie mit Protonenpumpeninhibitoren (PPIs) und
ggf. eine chirurgische Intervention. Bei symptomatischen Patienten erfolgt oft eine Therapie mit PPIs, bei der der HNO-Arzt im engen Dialog mit dem
Gastroenterologen steht.
Mode competition and hopping in optomechanical nano-oscillators
Authors: Zhang Xingwang , Lin Tong , Tian Feng , Du Han , Zou Yongchao , Chau Fook Siong , Zhou Guangya
Published: April 2018

We investigate the inter-mode nonlinear interaction in the multi-mode optomechanical nano-oscillator which consists of coupled silicon nanocantilevers, where the integrated photonic crystal nanocavities provide the coupling between the optical and mechanical modes. Due to the self-saturation and cross-saturation of the mechanical gain, the inter-mode competition is observed, which leads to the bistable operation of the optomechanical nano-oscillator: only one of the mechanical modes can oscillate at any one time, and the oscillation of one mode extremely suppresses that of the other with a side mode suppression ratio (SMSR) up to 40 dB. In the meantime, mode hopping, i.e., the optomechanical oscillation switches from one mode to the other, is also observed and found to be able to be provoked by excitation laser fluctuations.
A perfect Fresnel acoustic reflector implemented by a Fano-resonant metascreen
Authors: Amin M. , Siddiqui O. , Farhat M. , Khelif A.
Published: April 2018

We propose a perfectly reflecting acoustic metasurface which is designed by replacing the curved segments of the traditional Fresnel reflector by flat Fano-resonant sub-wavelength unit cells. To preserve the original Fresnel focusing mechanism, the unit cell phase follows a specific phase profile which is obtained by applying the generalized Snell's law and Fermat's principle. The reflected curved phase fronts are thus created at the air-metasurface boundary by tailoring the metasurface dispersion as dictated by Huygens' principle. Since the unit cells are implemented by sub-wavelength double slit-shaped cavity resonators, the impinging sound waves are perfectly reflected producing acoustic focusing with negligible absorption. We use plane-wave solution and full-wave simulations to demonstrate the focusing effects. The simulation results closely follow the analytical predictions.
Optimizing the longitudinal and transverse electroosmotic pumping in a rectangular channel with horizontal baffle plates
Authors: Lai Anison K. R. , Chang Chien-Cheng , Wang Chang-Yi
Published: April 2018

This paper presents a continued study to our previous work on electroosmotic (EO) flow in a channel with vertical baffle plates by further investigating EO flow through an array of baffle plates arranged in parallel to the channel walls. The flow may be driven either in the direction along or in the direction transverse to the plates, thus distinguishing the longitudinal EO pumping (LEOP) and the transverse EO pumping (TEOP). In both types of EO pumping, it is more interesting to examine the cases when the baffle plates develop a higher zeta potential (denoted by α) than that on the channel walls (β). This semi-analytical study enables us to compare between LEOP and TEOP in the pumping efficiency under similar conditions. The TEOP case is more difficult to solve due to the higher order governing partial differential equations caused by the induced non-uniform pressure gradient distribution. In particular, we examine how the EO pumping rates deviate from those predicted by the Helmholtz-Smoluchowski velocity and illustrate the general trend of optimizing the EO pumping rates with respect to the physical and geometric parameters involved.
Annealing effects on hydrogenated diamond NOR logic circuits
Authors: Liu J. W. , Oosato H. , Liao M. Y. , Imura M. , Watanabe E. , Koide Y.
Published: April 2018

Here, hydrogenated diamond (H-diamond) NOR logic circuits composed of two p-type enhancement-mode (E-mode) metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect-transistors (MOSFETs) and a load resistor are fabricated and characterized. The fabrication process and the annealing effect on the electrical properties of the NOR logic circuit are demonstrated. There are distinct logical characteristics for the as-received and 300 °C annealed NOR logic circuits. When one or both input voltages for the E-mode MOSFETs are −10.0 V and “high” signals, output voltages respond 0 V and “low” signals. Instead, when both input voltages are 0 V and “low” signals, output voltage responds −10.0 V and a “high” signal. After annealing at 400 °C, the NOR logical characteristics are damaged, which is possibly attributed to the degradation of the H-diamond MOSFETs.
Decrease in electrical resistivity on depletion of islands of mobility during aging of a bulk metal glass
Authors: Aji Daisman P. B. , Johari G. P.
Published: April 2018

The effect of structural relaxation on electrical resistivity, ρglass, of strain-free Zr46.75Ti8.25Cu7.5Ni10Be27.5 bulk metallic glass was studied during isothermal aging at several temperatures, Tas. Since cooling of a liquid metal increases its resistivity ρliq, one expects ρglass to increase on aging toward ρliq at T = Ta. Instead, ρglass decreased non-exponentially with the aging time. The activation energy of aging kinetics is 189 kJ mol−1, which is higher than the activation energy of the Johari-Goldstein (JG) relaxation. After considering the sample’s contraction, phase separation, and crystallization as possible causes of the decrease in ρglass, we attribute the decrease to depletion of islands of atomic mobility, soft spots, or static heterogeneity. Vibrations of the atoms in these local (loosely packed) regions and in the region’s interfacial area contribute to electron scattering. As these deplete on aging, the contribution decreases and ρglass decreases, with a concomitant decrease in macroscopic volume, enthalpy, and entropy (V, H, and S). Local regions of faster mobility also decrease on cooling as V, H, and S of a liquid decrease, but structure fluctuations dominate electron scattering of a liquid metal and ρliq increases effectively according to the Ziman-Nagel theory for a homogenously disordered structure. Whether depletion of such local regions initiates the structural relaxation of a glass, or vice versa, may be resolved by finding a glass that physically ages but shows no JG relaxation.
Computational Spectroscopic Characterization of a Bistable Binuclear Complex [(CO)2(benzoate)FeII/III(terephthalate)CoIII/II(benzoate)(CO)2]+
Authors: Shirani Hossein , Sabzyan Hassan
Published: April 2018

Electric dipole moments, polarizabilities, and IR, Raman, optical rotatory dispersion, and electronic and vibrational circular dichroism spectra of the four cis–trans isomers of the proposed [(CO)2(benzoate)FeII/III(terephthalate)CoIII/II(benzoate)(CO)2]+ binuclear complex, having bistablity due to intramolecular charge transfer (IMCT), is investigated using the time-dependent density functional theory ((TD)DFT) B3LYP/6–31G(d,p)[LanL2DZ] method. Results show that the two FeII–CoIII and FeIII–CoII IMCT states of this binuclear complex have distinctly different spectroscopic, optical, and electric response properties, and are sensitive to the cis–trans arrangement of the ligands around the two metallic centres. Furthermore, intrinsic reaction coordinates inter-connecting the two IMCT states are identified using the Duschinsky matrix method. Only one or two of the normal coordinates remain almost (above 80 %) intact during the IMCT reaction which denotes global changes in the bonding strengths and potential energy hypersurface of this bistable binuclear complex. Analysis of the calculated spin densities characterizes the IMCT transition state structures of the trans–trans, cis–cis, and trans–cis isomers as early, early, and late transition states, respectively.
Small Hydropower Development in Rwanda: Trends, Opportunities and Challenges
Authors: Geoffrey Gasore , Zimmerle Daniel , Ntagwirumugara Etienne
Published: April 2018

The Rift Valley region of Sub-Saharan Africa represents a promising area for the development of small (<5MW) hydropower resources. This study compiles data from government and UN agency reports to analyze different development outlooks. The study found that there has been a rapid deployment of small hydropower in the last 10 years. From the current total deployed small hydro of 47.5 MW, 16.5MW (35%) were deployed from 1957 to 1984 while the remaining 31 MW (65%) were deployed from 2007 to 2017. While all systems constructed prior to 1985 are grid-connected, one third of the 24 facilities constructed after 2007 are connected to off-grid systems. The study provides an overview of the economic incentives for developing small hydropower systems in Rwanda and the potential contribution of that development to Rwanda’s electrification goals.
Chiron: translating nanopore raw signal directly into nucleotide sequence using deep learning
Authors: Teng Haotian , Cao Minh Duc , Hall Michael B , Duarte Tania , Wang Sheng , Coin Lachlan J M
Published: April 2018

Sequencing by translocating DNA fragments through an array of nanopores is a rapidly maturing technology that offers faster and cheaper sequencing than other approaches. However, accurately deciphering the DNA sequence from the noisy and complex electrical signal is challenging. Here, we report Chiron, the first deep learning model to achieve end-to-end basecalling and directly translate the raw signal to DNA sequence without the error-prone segmentation step. Trained with only a small set of 4,000 reads, we show that our model provides state-of-the-art basecalling accuracy, even on previously unseen species. Chiron achieves basecalling speeds of more than 2,000 bases per second using desktop computer graphics processing units.
A hyperactivating proinflammatory RIPK2 allele associated with early-onset osteoarthritis
Authors: Jurynec Michael J , Sawitzke Allen D , Beals Timothy C , Redd Michael J , Stevens Jeff , Otterud Brith , Leppert Mark F , Grunwald David Jonah
Published: April 2018

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common debilitating disease characterized by abnormal remodeling of the cartilage and bone of the articular joint. Ameliorating therapeutics are lacking due to limited understanding of the molecular pathways affecting disease initiation and progression. Notably, although a link between inflammation and overt OA is well established, the role of inflammation as a driver of disease occurrence is highly disputed. We analyzed a family with dominant inheritance of early-onset OA and found that affected individuals harbored a rare variant allele encoding a significant amino acid change (p.Asn104Asp) in the kinase domain of receptor interacting protein kinase 2 (RIPK2), which transduces signals from activated bacterial peptidoglycan sensors through the NF-κB pathway to generate a proinflammatory immune response. Functional analyses of RIPK2 activity in zebrafish embryos indicated that the variant RIPK2104Asp protein is hyperactive in its signaling capacity, with augmented ability to activate the innate immune response and the NF-κB pathway and to promote upregulation of OA-associated genes. Further we show a second allele of RIPK2 linked to an inflammatory disease associated with arthritis also has enhanced activity stimulating the NF-κB pathway. Our studies reveal for the first time the inflammatory response can function as a gatekeeper risk factor for OA.
Rethinking the outpatient medication list: increasing patient activation and education while architecting for centralization and improved medication reconciliation
Authors: Pandolfe Frank , Wright Adam , Slack Warner V , Safran Charles
Published: April 2018

Objective

Identify barriers impacting the time consuming and error fraught process of medication reconciliation. Design and implement an electronic medication management system where patient and trusted healthcare proxies can participate in establishing and maintaining an inclusive and up-to-date list of medications.

Methods

A patient-facing electronic medication manager was deployed within an existing research project focused on elder care management funded by the AHRQ, InfoSAGE, allowing patients and patients’ proxies the ability to build and maintain an accurate and up-to-date medication list. Free and open-source tools available from the U.S. government were used to embed the tenets of centralization, interoperability, data federation, and patient activation into the design.

Results

Using patient-centered design and free, open-source tools, we implemented a web and mobile enabled patient-facing medication manager for complex medication management.

Conclusions

Patient and caregiver participation are essential to improve medication safety. Our medication manager is an early step towards a patient-facing medication manager that has been designed with data federation and interoperability in mind.
Cost Transparency in Neurosurgery: A Single-Institution Analysis of Patient Out-of-Pocket Spending in 13 673 Consecutive Neurosurgery Cases
Authors: Mooney Michael A , Yoon Seungwon , Cole Tyler , Sheehy John P , Bohl Michael A , Barranco F David , Nakaji Peter , Little Andrew S , Lawton Michael T
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND

Patient out-of-pocket (OOP) spending is an increasingly discussed topic; however, there is minimal data available on the patient financial burden of surgical procedures.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze hospital and surgeon expected payment data and patient OOP spending in neurosurgery.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study of neurosurgical patients at a tertiary-referral center from 2013 to 2016. Expected payments, reflecting negotiated costs-of-care, as well as actual patient OOP payments for hospital care and surgeon professional fees were analyzed. A 4-tiered model of patient OOP cost sharing and a multivariate model of patient expected payments were created.

RESULTS

A total of 13 673 consecutive neurosurgical cases were analyzed. Patient age, insurance type, case category, severity of illness, length of stay (LOS), and elective case status were significant predictors of increased expected payments (P < .05). Craniotomy ($53 397 ± 811) and posterior spinal fusion ($48 329 ± 864) were associated with the highest expected payments. In a model of patient OOP cost sharing, nearly all neurosurgical procedures exceeded yearly OOP maximums for Healthcare Marketplace plans. Mean patient payments for hospital care and surgeon professional fees were the highest for anterior/lateral spinal fusion cases for commercially insured patients ($1662 ± 165). Mean expected payments and mean patient payments for commercially insured patients increased significantly from 2013 to 2016 (P < .05).

CONCLUSION

Expected payments and patient OOP spending for commercially insured patients significantly increased from 2013 to 2016, representing increased healthcare costs and patient cost sharing in an evolving healthcare environment. Patients and providers can consider this information prior to surgery to better anticipate the individual financial burden for neurosurgical care.
Petrosal Meningiomas: Factors Affecting Outcome and the Role of Intraoperative Multimodal Assistance to Microsurgery
Authors: Tomasello Francesco , Angileri Filippo Flavio , Conti Alfredo , Scibilia Antonino , Cardali Salvatore , La Torre Domenico , Germanò Antonino
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND

Petrous meningiomas (PMs) represent a subset of posterior fossa tumors accounting for ∼8% of all intracranial meningiomas. Surgical treatment of PMs is challenging because of their relationships with vital neurovascular structures of the cerebellopontine angle.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate independent pre- and intraoperative predictors of PM surgery outcome.

METHODS

We reviewed the surgical and outcome data of patients who underwent microsurgical resection of PMs from 1997 to 2016. From 2007 onward, a multimodal intraoperative protocol consisting of intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM), endoscopy, and indocyanine green (ICG) videoangiography was applied. Outcome variables included extent of resection, Karnofsky performance status (KPS), overall survival, and progression-free survival (PFS).

RESULTS

A total of 54 patients were included. Independent predictors of gross total resection (GTR) included retromeatal location (P < .0175; odds ratio [OR] 4.05), absence of brainstem compression (P < .02; OR 3.55), and histological WHO grade I (P < .001; OR 3.47). Nongiant size (P < .012; OR 4.38), and WHO grade I (P < .0001; OR 7.7) were independent predictors of stable or improved KPS. The use of multimodal intraoperative tools to assist surgery independently predicted GTR (P < .002; OR 6.8) and good KPS (P < .018; OR 4.23). Nongiant size (P = .01) and WHO grade I (P = .002) were significantly associated with increased PFS.

CONCLUSION

Notwithstanding the limitations of a retrospective study, our results suggest that support of microsurgery by a combination of IONM, endoscopy, and ICG videoangiography may improve patient outcome in PM surgery.
Pathogenicity of Ganoderma Species on Landscape Trees in the Southeastern United States
Authors: Loyd Andrew L. , Linder Eric R. , Anger Nicolas A. , Richter Brantlee S. , Blanchette Robert A. , Smith Jason A.
Published: April 2018

The genus Ganoderma contains species that are associated with dead and declining host trees. Many species have been described as pathogens in literature, because anecdotally, the presence of fruiting bodies on living trees has been widely associated with a general decline in tree health. Few studies have investigated the pathogenicity of Ganoderma species on landscape trees in the southeastern U.S. Pathogenicity tests were used to determine the pathogenicity of G. curtisii, G. meredithiae, G. sessile, and G. zonatum on young, healthy landscape trees (Pinus elliottii var. elliottii, P. taeda, Quercus shumardii, Q. virginiana, and Butia odorata) common to the southeastern U.S. Inoculations were made by drilling into the sapwood of the lower bole and inserting wooden dowels that were infested with each Ganoderma species. In two field experiments, 11 to 12 months post inoculation, trees had no visual, external symptoms of disease. There were differences in the extent of internal xylem discoloration near the site of inoculation in comparison with the mock-inoculated control in experiment 1, but there were no differences relative to the control in experiment 2. In both experiments, G. sessile was the only species that was successfully reisolated from the pine and oak hosts. Although disease symptoms were not obvious, the reisolation of G. sessile outside the inoculation point was a significant finding, and suggests that this species was capable of infecting healthy sapwood. G. sessile constitutively produces chlamydospores within its vegetative mycelium, which may contribute to its persistence in the discolored sapwood. These data suggest that the Ganoderma species tested, following trunk wounding, are not pathogens of young, actively growing landscape trees that only possess sapwood. The establishment of these fungi using alternative infection courts (e.g., roots) and their interactions in older living trees (e.g., trees with heartwood) needs investigation to better understand their effects on tree health.
Simultaneous Detection of Multiple Benzimidazole-Resistant β-Tubulin Variants of Botrytis cinerea using Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification
Authors: Duan Ya Bing , Yang Ying , Wang Jian Xin , Chen Chang Jun , Steinberg Gero , Fraaije Bart A , Zhou Ming Guo
Published: April 2018

Optimal disease management depends on the ability to monitor the development of fungicide resistance in plant pathogen populations. Benzimidazole resistance is caused by the point mutations of the β-tubulin gene in Botrytis cinerea, and three mutations (E198A, E198K, and E198V) at codon 198 account for more than 98% of all resistant strains. Although traditional methods remain a cornerstone in monitoring fungicide resistance, molecular methods that do not require the isolation of pathogens can detect resistance alleles present at low frequencies, and require less time and labor than traditional methods. In this study, we present an efficient, rapid, and highly specific method for detecting highly benzimidazole-resistant B. cinerea isolates based on loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP). By using specific primers, we could simultaneously detect all three resistance-conferring mutations at codon 198. The LAMP reaction components and conditions were optimized, and the best reaction temperatures and times were 60 to 62°C and 45 min, respectively. When B. cinerea field isolates were assessed for benzimidazole resistance, similar results were obtained with LAMP, minimal inhibition concentration, and sequencing. The LAMP assay developed in the current study was highly suitable for detection of highly benzimidazole-resistant field isolates of B. cinerea.
Responses ofHeterodera glycinesandMeloidogyne incognitaInfective Juveniles to Root Tissues, Root Exudates, and Root Extracts from Three Plant Species
Authors: Wang Congli , Masler Edward P. , Rogers Stephen T.
Published: April 2018

The infective juvenile (J2) stage of endoparasitic plant nematodes uses plant chemical signals, released from roots, to localize and infect hosts. We examined the behaviors of soybean cyst nematode (Heterodera glycines) and root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) J2 in the presence of root signals from marigold (Tagetes patula), soybean (Glycine max), and pepper (Capsicum annuum). Signals were obtained from sources commonly used in phytoparasitic nematode chemotaxis studies: root tips, root exudates, and root extracts. Root tips from each plant species attracted M. incognita but H. glycines was attracted only to soybean. In contrast, root exudates prepared from marigold, pepper, or soybean seedlings were attractive to H. glycines but were repellent to M. incognita. Root extracts had the same effect as exudates. Fractionation of exudates by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) (acetonitrile [CH3CN] and 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid) revealed highly polar and less polar components affecting behaviors. Fractions eluting at 12% CH3CN from all three plants attracted H. glycines and repelled M. incognita. None of the less polar HPLC fractions (>15% CH3CN) affected H. glycines but those from G. max and T. patula repelled M. incognita. Differences among exudates and effects of fractionation on behavior are discussed.
Molecular Characterization, Fitness, and Mycotoxin Production of Fusarium asiaticum Strains Resistant to Fludioxonil
Authors: Qiu J. B. , Yu M. Z. , Yin Q. , Xu J. H. , Shi J. R.
Published: April 2018

Fludioxonil is used in seedborne disease management of various fungal pathogens, including Fusarium asiaticum, the predominant causal agent of Fusarium head blight in China. In this study, we screened resistant strains from a large number of F. asiaticum strains collected from 2012 to 2016 and found that 4 of 1,000 field strains were highly resistant to fludioxonil. The 50% effective concentration values of the resistant strains and induced mutants ranged from 80 to >400 μg/ml. Compared with field-sensitive strains, all field-collected and laboratory-induced resistant strains exhibited fitness defects in traits including mycelial growth, conidial production, pathogenicity, and sensitivity to osmotic conditions. In the presence of fludioxonil, significantly higher glycerol accumulation was found in sensitive strains but not in resistant individuals. The fludioxonil-resistant strains produced lower amounts of glycerol in liquid culture and lower amounts of trichothecene mycotoxins in rice culture and inoculated wheat spikelets than the fludioxonil-sensitive strains. Sequence analyses of the key genes of the two-component histidine kinase signaling pathway showed various amino acid substitutions in the Os1, Os4, and Os5 genes between field-sensitive and resistant strains or mutants. The results of this study suggest a potential risk of fludioxonil resistance development and a possible influence of resistance mutations on fitness parameters and toxin production in F. asiaticum.