bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The prognostic value of highly sensitive cardiac troponin assays for adverse events in men and women with stable heart failure and a preserved vs. reduced ejection fraction
Authors: Gohar Aisha , Chong Jenny P.C. , Liew Oi Wah , den Ruijter Hester , de Kleijn Dominique P.V. , Sim David , Yeo Daniel P.S. , Ong Hean Yee , Jaufeerally Fazlur , Leong Gerard K.T. , Ling Lieng H. , Lam Carolyn S.P. , Richards A. Mark
Published: August 2017

Aims

Circulating biomarkers are important in the diagnosis, risk stratification and management of patients with heart failure (HF). Given the current lack of biomarkers in HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), we aimed to investigate the prognostic performance of the newly developed high‐sensitivity (hs) assays for cardiac troponin I (hsTnI) compared with troponin T (hsTnT) for adverse events in HFpEF vs. HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Findings in these two HF subgroups were also compared with those in the recently defined HF with mid‐range ejection fraction (HFmrEF) subgroup.

Methods and results

Both hsTnI and hsTnT were measured in 1096 patients with HFrEF [left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <50%; n = 853] or HFpEF (LVEF ≥50%; n = 243) enrolled in the Singapore Heart Failure Outcomes and Phenotypes (SHOP) study. Both troponin assays were more strongly associated with the composite endpoint (all‐cause mortality or first rehospitalization for HF) in HFpEF than in HFrEF. The hsTnT assay provided the greatest additional prognostic value in HFpEF in comparison with hsTnI and NT‐proBNP. TnI was more strongly associated with composite events in men with HFpEF [hazard ratio (HR) 3.33, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.82–6.09; P < 0.001 per standard deviation (SD) increase in log‐transformed hsTnI] than in women with HFpEF (HR 1.35, 95% CI 0.94–1.93; P = 0.10 per SD increase in log‐transformed hsTnI).

Conclusions

There is a potential role for the prognostic use of high‐sensitivity troponin assays, particularly hsTnT, in men and women with HFpEF. The predictive association of hsTnI with outcome appears strongest in men with HFpEF.
Synthesis and Characterization of a Series of Nickel Complexes with Tripodal and Related Ligands: Electroreductive Coupling of Alkynes and Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Alexopoulou Konstantina I. , Leibold Michael , Walter Olaf , Zevaco Thomas A. , Schindler Siegfried
Published: August 2017

Nickel(II) complexes of a series of tripodal ligands (and derivatives), for example, [Ni(Me6tren)(DMF)](ClO4)2 [Me6tren = tris(2‐dimethylaminoethyl)‐amine], are prepared and structurally characterized. The complexes are tested for their potential to be used as mediators for electroreductive coupling of butadiene and carbon dioxide. From the whole series, the complex [Ni(Me5dien)(DMF)3](ClO4)2 (Me5dien = 1,1,4,7,7‐pentamethyl‐diethylenetriamine) yields the highest amount of 3 hexene‐1,6 diacid (HDS), thus leading to the same result as the best nickel complex (with the ligand 2,4,4‐trimethyl‐1,5,9‐triazacyclodecan, N3) so far reported in the literature.
Recent advances in CE and microchip‐CE in clinical applications: 2014 to mid‐2017
Authors: Phillips Terry M.
Published: August 2017

CE and microchip CE (ME) are powerful tools for the analysis of a number of different analytes and have been applied to a variety of clinical fields and human samples. This review will present an overview of the most recent applications of these techniques to different areas of clinical medicine during the period of 2014 to mid‐2017. CE and ME have been applied to clinical chemistry, drug detection and monitoring, hematology, infectious diseases, oncology, endocrinology, neonatology, nephrology, and genetic screening. Samples examined range from serum, plasma, and urine to lest utilized materials such as tears, cerebral spinal fluid, sweat, saliva, condensed breath, single cells, and biopsy tissue. Examples of clinical applications will be given along with the various detection systems employed.
Parametric studies on droplet generation reproducibility for applications with biological relevant fluids
Authors: Wiedemeier Stefan , Eichler Marko , Römer Robert , Grodrian Andreas , Lemke Karen , Nagel Krees , Klages Claus‐Peter , Gastrock Gunter
Published: August 2017

Although the great potential of droplet based microfluidic technologies for routine applications in industry and academia has been successfully demonstrated over the past years, its inherent potential is not fully exploited till now. Especially regarding to the droplet generation reproducibility and stability, two pivotally important parameters for successful applications, there is still a need for improvement. This is even more considerable when droplets are created to investigate tissue fragments or cell cultures (e.g. suspended cells or 3D cell cultures) over days or even weeks. In this study we present microfluidic chips composed of a plasma coated polymer, which allow surfactants‐free, highly reproducible and stable droplet generation from fluids like cell culture media. We demonstrate how different microfluidic designs and different flow rates (and flow rate ratios) affect the reproducibility of the droplet generation process and display the applicability for a wide variety of bio(techno)logically relevant media.
First-generation annotations for the fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) genome
Authors: Saari Travis W. , Schroeder Anthony L. , Ankley Gerald T. , Villeneuve Daniel L.
Published: August 2017

Ab initio gene prediction and evidence alignment were used to produce the first annotations for the fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) genome. We also describe a genome browser, hosted by the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, that provides simplified access to the annotation data in context with the genomic sequence. The present study extends the utility of the fathead minnow genome and supports the continued development of this species as a model organism for predictive toxicology. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:3436–3442. Published 2017 Wiley Periodicals Inc. on behalf of SETAC. This article is a US government work and, as such, is in the public domain in the United States of America.
Splicing variant profiles and single nucleotide polymorphisms of the glucocorticoid receptor gene in relation to glucocorticoid sensitivity of B‐cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
Authors: Huang Meixian , Inukai Takeshi , Kagami Keiko , Abe Masako , Shinohara Tamao , Watanabe Atsushi , Somazu Shinpei , Oshiro Hiroko , Goi Kumiko , Goto Hiroaki , Minegishi Masayoshi , Iwamoto Shotaro , Urayama Kevin Y. , Sugita Kanji
Published: August 2017

Glucocorticoid (GC) shows antileukaemic activity via binding to the GC receptor (GR). The human GR gene has 4 splicing variants besides the functional isoform GRα, but their significance in GC sensitivity of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) has been inconsistent. Additionally, several studies evaluated the relevance of GR gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the GC sensitivity of ALL, but the current cumulative evidence appears inconclusive. Addressing limitations in previous studies, we used a large series of B‐cell precursor ALL (BCP‐ALL) cell lines established from Japanese patients to comprehensively examine all 5 splicing variants of the GR gene and candidate SNPs, and their association with GC‐sensitivity. We performed real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) analyses with 10 sets of primers that differentially quantify the 5 isoforms in different combinations, and the strongest correlations with GC sensitivity were observed for the real‐time RT‐PCR of exons 7 and 8 (prednisolone sensitivity; r = −0.534, R2 = 0.29, P = 1.4 × 10−6) and exons 8 and 9a (r = −0.583, R2 = 0.34, P = 7.6 × 10−8), both specific for GRα and GRγ isoforms. In contrast, the real‐time RT‐PCR of junction of exons 3g and 4 and exon 4, specific for GRγ isoform alone, did not show significant correlation with GC sensitivity (prednisolone sensitivity; r = −0.403, R2 = 0.16, P = 4.6 × 10−4). These observations are consistent with the notion that GRα plays a central role in the GC‐mediated proapoptotic activity in BCP‐ALL. In addition, a promoter region SNP genotype (rs72555796) showed a significant association with GC sensitivity (prednisolone sensitivity; P = .010) and tended to show an association with GR gene expression (RT‐PCR of exons 7 and 8; P = .170). These findings indicate that isoform profiles and SNP genotypes of the GR gene may be useful indicators of GC sensitivity in BCP‐ALL.
Food Accessibility in the Tapacari Province of Bolivia
Authors: Baer Brian
Published: August 2017

The project investigated the potential food accessibility improvements from the construction of greenhouses in the Tapacari province of Bolivia. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reducing radiotherapy waiting times for palliative patients: The role of the Advanced Practice Radiation Therapist
Authors: Job Mary , Holt Tanya , Bernard Anne
Published: August 2017

Introduction

Palliative radiotherapy is effective in reducing symptom burden and improving quality of life in patients with symptomatic metastatic cancer and should be delivered in a timely manner. The aim of this study was to determine whether referring patients directly to a Palliative Advanced Practice Radiation Therapist (APRT) improves access to palliative radiotherapy and reduces time from referral to treatment.

Methods

At Radiation Oncology Mater Center (ROMC) in Brisbane, Australia a new referral pathway was developed which involved patients requiring palliative radiotherapy, being referred directly to the APRT from a single external hospital medical oncology and palliative care departments. Over a 5 months period, patient demographics and time in working days from referral to treatment were compared for consecutive palliative patients seen within our department. Patients were stratified by method of referral i.e. via the new referral pathway (NP) or via standard referral pathway (SP).

Results

Between October 2014 and March 2015, a total of 150 patients were referred for palliative radiotherapy. Of these patients, 48 were referred and processed via the NP. There was a significant reduction in the number of days from referral to treatment for patients referred through the NP. Patients referred through the NP via the APRT had a mean and median wait time of 3.5 and 3 days respectively compared with 8.1 and 5 days for patients referred through the SP (P = <0.001). Patients were also more likely to have the treatment completed with less visits to the hospital (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The new referral pathway utilising a dedicated palliative APRT decreased waiting times for patients receiving palliative radiotherapy and improved timely access to the radiotherapy service for both referrers and patients.
Synergistic antiviral activity of Sofosbuvir and type‐I interferons (α and β) against Zika virus
Authors: Snyder Beth , Goebel Scott , Koide Fusataka , Ptak Roger , Kalkeri Raj
Published: August 2017

Zika virus (ZIKV) is transmitted by mosquitoes and causes Dengue‐like illness, neurological symptoms such as Guillain‐Barré Syndrome and microcephaly in children born to infected pregnant mothers. Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared ZIKV infection as a Global Health Emergency. However, there are no known prophylactic or therapeutic measures against this virus. As a proof of concept toward combination therapeutic strategy against ZIKV, combinations of host‐targeted (Interferon‐α and Interferon‐β) and direct acting (Sofosbuvir) antivirals were evaluated in a hepatic cell line (Huh7) using a Cytoprotection (CP) assay. The combination of these antivirals resulted in synergistic inhibition of ZIKV infection in the in vitro CP assay. Additional testing in a ZIKV yield assay demonstrated that combination treatment of these antivirals conferred >2‐log reduction in the release of viral RNA. Measurement of ZIKV proteins in the cells infected with multiple ZIKV strains isolated from different geographical regions (Americas, Asia, and Africa) using an immunofluorescence assay confirmed the effective antiviral activity of this combination against ZIKV. These results demonstrate the in vitro proof of concept (POC) for using a combination approach utilizing the strengths of both virus and host‐targeted antivirals. These results suggest the effectiveness of the combination strategy in combating ZIKV, in the in vitro systems. Further evaluation of such combination therapies in vivo might provide an impetus for the development of effective ZIKV therapeutic strategies.
Detection of cancerous kidney tissue by means of SERS spectroscopy of extracellular fluid
Authors: Velicka M. , Pucetaite M. , Urboniene V. , Ceponkus J. , Jankevicius F. , Sablinskas V.
Published: August 2017

We present a novel approach for detection of cancerous kidney tissue areas by measuring surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectra of extracellular fluid taken from kidney tissue. The method is based on spectral analysis of the cancerous and normal tissue areas in order to find the specific spectral markers. The samples were prepared by sliding the kidney tissue over a substrate—calcium fluoride optical window. For producing the SERS signal, the dried extracellular fluid film was covered by silver nanoparticle colloidal solution. In order to suppress fluorescence background, the measurements of the dried samples were performed in the NIR spectral region with the Raman excitation wavelength of 1,064 nm. The most significant spectral differences—spectral markers—were found in the wavenumber region between 400 and 1,800 cm−1, where spectral bands related to various vibrations of carbohydrates, amino acids, and nucleic acids are located. Spectral markers in the SERS spectra are different from those in IR absorption spectra. The SERS spectroscopic method has a potential to be used directly during the surgery.
Ectopic Intrathyroidal Thymic Tissue Mimicking Thyroid Nodules in Children
Authors: Frates Mary C. , Benson Carol B. , Dorfman David M. , Cibas Edmund S. , Huang Stephen A.
Published: August 2017

Ectopic intrathyroidal thymic tissue is a benign lesion of nonthyroid origin occasionally found in the pediatric thyroid gland. Accurate diagnosis of such lesions is critical to avoid unnecessary biopsy or surgery. Twelve children referred to our center for the concern of thyroid nodules were found to have intrathyroidal thymic tissue. Most of the lesions had a classic sonographic appearance of a hypoechoic mass with sharp margins and multiple focal internal nonshadowing echogenicities identical to thymic tissue. Sonography and, in select cases, fine‐needle aspiration can be used to diagnose benign thymic tissue within the thyroid and avoid unnecessary surgery.
Diagnostic Performance of Superb Microvascular Imaging and Other Sonographic Modalities in the Assessment of Lateral Epicondylosis
Authors: Arslan Serdar , Karahan Ali Yavuz , Oncu Fatih , Bakdik Suleyman , Durmaz Mehmet Sedat , Tolu Ismet
Published: August 2017

Objectives

The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic performance of different sonographic modalities for diagnosing lateral epicondylosis.

Methods

A total of 50 symptomatic and 50 asymptomatic common extensor tendons in 44 patients with lateral epicondylosis, and 25 healthy participants were prospectively examined by B‐mode sonography, color Doppler imaging, power Doppler imaging, Superb Microvascular Imaging (SMI; Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation, Tokyo, Japan), and strain elastography. We evaluated blood flow in common extensor tendons by using a grading system with color Doppler imaging, power Doppler imaging, and SMI. The diagnostic performance of the modalities was compared.

Results

When a cutoff value of hypoechogenicity was used for the mean strain ratio, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy rates were 92.0%, 94%.0, 93.9%, 92.2%, and 93.0%, respectively. When a cutoff point of grade 1 was used, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy rates were 26.0%, 10.0%, 10.0%, 57.5%, and 63.0, for color Doppler imaging; 40.0%, 10.0%, 10.0%, 62.5%, and 70.0% for power Doppler imaging; and 84.0%, 94.0%, 93.0%, 85.5%, and 89.0% for SMI. When a cutoff value of 3.94 was used for the mean strain ratio, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy rates were 78.0%, 92.0%, 90.7%, 80.7%, and 85.0%, respectively. A statistically significant correlation was detected between SMI, strain elastography, and visual analog scale scores (P < .001).

Conclusions

The combination of SMI and B‐mode sonography was found to have excellent diagnostic performance for lateral epicondylosis. Neovascularzation in patients' tendons with lateral epicondylosis was identified much better with SMI compared to color or power Doppler imaging.
Highly Efficient Excitation of Surface Plasmons Using a Si Gable Tip
Authors: Dewanjee Arnab , Alam M. Z. , Aitchison J. Stewart , Mojahedi Mo
Published: August 2017

A compact and highly efficient technique to excite SPP mode at an Au/SiO2 interface by using an engineered high index (silicon) gabled tip at the 1550 nm wavelength has been proposed. The optimized geometry of the Si tip enables a highly efficient excitation of the single interface SPP mode through near field interaction in an ultra‐compact setup. An experimental demonstration of the proposed scheme is also presented in the paper which converts 25.5% of the total input power to an SPP mode. With an improved fabrication, this efficiency can reach as high as 52%. The device is compact, facilitates on‐chip excitation of the SPP, its fabrication is compatible with the standard Si fabrication processes, and, as such it is expected to be very useful in the design of future integrated photonic circuits as well as integrated sensors. Also, this scheme can find applications in studying nonlinear characteristics of materials.
Zero‐Hopf bifurcation in the Volterra‐Gause system of predator‐prey type
Authors: Ginoux Jean‐Marc , Llibre Jaume
Published: August 2017

We prove that the Volterra‐Gause system of predator‐prey type exhibits 2 kinds of zero‐Hopf bifurcations for convenient values of their parameters. In the first, 1 periodic solution bifurcates from a zero‐Hopf equilibrium, and in the second, 4 periodic solutions bifurcate from another zero‐Hopf equilibrium. This study is done using the averaging theory of second order.
An ultra‐high field strength MR image‐guided robotic needle delivery system for in‐bore small animal interventions
Authors: Gravett Matthew , Cepek Jeremy , Fenster Aaron
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to develop and validate an image‐guided robotic needle delivery system for accurate and repeatable needle targeting procedures in mouse brains inside the 12 cm inner diameter gradient coil insert of a 9.4 T MR scanner. Many preclinical research techniques require the use of accurate needle deliveries to soft tissues, including brain tissue. Soft tissues are optimally visualized in MR images, which offer high‐soft tissue contrast, as well as a range of unique imaging techniques, including functional, spectroscopy and thermal imaging, however, there are currently no solutions for delivering needles to small animal brains inside the bore of an ultra‐high field MR scanner. This paper describes the mechatronic design, evaluation of MR compatibility, registration technique, mechanical calibration, the quantitative validation of the in‐bore image‐guided needle targeting accuracy and repeatability, and demonstrated the system's ability to deliver needles in situ.

Methods

Our six degree‐of‐freedom, MR compatible, mechatronic system was designed to fit inside the bore of a 9.4 T MR scanner and is actuated using a combination of piezoelectric and hydraulic mechanisms. The MR compatibility and targeting accuracy of the needle delivery system are evaluated to ensure that the system is precisely calibrated to perform the needle targeting procedures. A semi‐automated image registration is performed to link the robot coordinates to the MR coordinate system. Soft tissue targets can be accurately localized in MR images, followed by automatic alignment of the needle trajectory to the target. Intra‐procedure visualization of the needle target location and the needle were confirmed through MR images after needle insertion.

Results

The effects of geometric distortions and signal noise were found to be below threshold that would have an impact on the accuracy of the system. The system was found to have negligible effect on the MR image signal noise and geometric distortion. The system was mechanically calibrated and the mean image‐guided needle targeting and needle trajectory accuracies were quantified in an image‐guided tissue mimicking phantom experiment to be 178 ± 54 μm and 0.27 ± 0.65°, respectively.

Conclusions

An MR image‐guided system for in‐bore needle deliveries to soft tissue targets in small animal models has been developed. The results of the needle targeting accuracy experiments in phantoms indicate that this system has the potential to deliver needles to the smallest soft tissue structures relevant in preclinical studies, at a wide variety of needle trajectories. Future work in the form of a fully‐automated needle driver with precise depth control would benefit this system in terms of its applicability to a wider range of animal models and organ targets.
Nematicidal activity of grammicin produced by Xylaria grammica KCTC 13121BP against Meloidogyne incognita
Authors: Kim Tae Yoon , Jang Ja Yeong , Yu Nan Hee , Chi Won Jae , Bae Chang‐Hwan , Yeo Joo Hong , Park Ae Ran , Hur Jae‐Seon , Park Hae Woong , Park Ji‐Yeon , Park Jong‐Hwan , Lee Sung Ki , Kim Jin‐Cheol
Published: August 2017

BACKGROUND

The endolichenic fungus Xylaria grammica KCTC 13121BP showed strong nematicidal activity against Meloidogyne incognita. This study aimed to identify the nematicidal metabolites and to evaluate the efficacy of the strain as a biocontrol agent under pot and field conditions.

RESULTS

Bioassay‐guided fractionation and instrumental analyses led to grammicin being identified as the nematicidal metabolite. Because patulin is a mycotoxic isomer of grammicin and is known to have strong antibacterial and cytotoxic activities, several biological activities of the two compounds were compared. Grammicin showed strong second‐stage juvenile killing and egg‐hatching inhibitory effects, with a 50% effective concentration at 72 h (EC50/72 h) of 15.9 µg/mL and a 50% effective concentration at 14 days (EC50/14 days) of 5.87 µg/mL, respectively, whereas patulin was virtually inactive in both respects. Patulin was strongly active toward various phytopathogenic bacteria in vitro, whereas grammicin was weakly so. Patulin at the concentration range of 0.1–10 µg/mL also showed dose‐dependent cytotoxicity toward the human first‐trimester trophoblast cell line SW.71, whereas grammicin was not toxic toward this cell line. In pot and field experiments, a wettable powder‐type formulation and fermentation broth filtrate of X. grammica KCTC 13121BP effectively suppressed the development of root‐knot nematode disease on tomato and melon plants.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that X. grammica and grammicin may have potential applications for control of root‐knot nematode disease of various crops. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Tailorable Stiffness Chiral Metastructure
Authors: Runkel Falk , Molinari Giulio , Arrieta Andres F. , Ermanni Paolo
Published: August 2017

This letter presents a cellular solid characterized by extreme tailorability of its mechanical response over a large range of macroscopic strains. The proposed periodic structure is based on a hexagonal chiral lattice topology, modified by introducing transverse curvature in the ligaments, key to the resulting unconventional behavior. The resulting topology allows to exploit different levels of structural hierarchy for tailoring the mechanical behavior of the continuous medium. The capability of the initially curved ligaments to change shape under global deformations is exploited to alter the microstructural motions and – as a result – the macroscopic response. We explore the effect of the additional geometrical design parameter, namely the transverse ligament curvature, on the strain‐dependent stiffness of the chiral lattice, evaluating its interplay with the conventional attributes defining the chiral topology and assessing the attainable envelope of mechanical responses. Purposely choosing the parameters permits to tailor the behavior of the chiral lattice, enabling extreme variations in stiffness. The possibility to attain effective negative and zero‐stiffness regimes over large compressive strains further exemplifies the potential of this design. These unique characteristics can be used to attain specific wave propagation properties, augment structural damping, control vibrations and noise, and tune the deformation of compliant structures.
Application of sustainability design to an existing viaduct in a hilly area
Authors: Shibata Toshio , Asai Hirotaka , Fujioka Taisuke , Kasuga Akio , Sakai Koji
Published: August 2017

The World Commission on Environment and Development of the United Nations defined “sustainable development” for the first time in 1987, indicating the necessity for considering development that fulfils the needs of both present and future generations. However, the current situation of the sharp growth in the population and resources/energy consumption that adversely affects the global climate has been adding significance to the concept of sustainable development. From this background, the authors proposed a sustainability design system. This design method includes systems to clearly set the performance requirements to be considered with respect to social, economic, and environmental aspects, calculate the attained performance, and verify if the performance requirements are met. This paper describes the application feasibility of the sustainability design through the above procedures using an existing prestressed concrete viaduct. Additionally, comprehensive evaluation is carried out regarding the relationship between the elements of sustainability in comparison with the general method to clarify the effectiveness of sustainability design. It is concluded that sustainability design system has great potential of its applicability to concrete structures and promoting technical innovation based on setting of high‐performance requirements.
LIDAR‐assisted radial basis function neural network optimization for wind turbines
Authors: Han Bing , Zhou Lawu , Zhang Zhiwen
Published: August 2017

Increasing use of large commercial wind turbines motives energy efficiency improvement and fatigue load mitigation in wind turbines. Advanced control methods designed with remote sensing techniques are considered as promising solutions. In this paper, we design a radial basis function neural network feedforward control based on light detection and ranging (LIDAR) measurement. In this control method, the measurements of wind‐speed disturbance from LIDAR are used to train weights online in a neural network for optimizing the blade pitch angle and electromagnetic torque in a wind turbine, which is helpful in tracking the maximum wind energy and alleviate fatigue loads. The effectiveness of the proposed controller is validated with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's typical three‐blade wind turbine. © 2017 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
DFIG Wind Farm Modeling for Subsynchronous Control Interaction Analysis
Authors: Wang Liang , Sun Xia , You Yuyang
Published: August 2017

Single doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) model is adopted in present subsynchronous control interaction (SSCI) analyses because of its ease of use. But, there are hundreds of wind turbine generators (WTGs) under different operating conditions in practical wind farms. A two‐DFIG model is employed in this paper to check the influences of different system factors on SSCI. These analyses indicate that resonant frequency of SSCI predominantly depends on the leakage inductances of the generator and transformer. It indicates that the impedance of the resonant circuit mainly consists of the above inductances and the series capacitor. Thus, in the sense of resonance, the whole system can be simplified into an LC circuit. According to the resonant power conservation of this LC circuit, a multi‐DFIG model can be aggregated into a single‐DFIG model. Eigenvalue analysis and simulation results show that the proposed single‐DFIG model possesses acceptable precision in the representation of SSCI in a multi‐DFIG system. © 2017 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Knowledge about big cats matters: Insights for conservationists and managers
Authors: Engel Mônica Taís , Vaske Jerry J. , Marchini Silvio , Bath Alistair J.
Published: August 2017

Jaguars (Panthera onca) and pumas (Puma concolor) are declining in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest because of anthropogenic threats (e.g., habitat loss, depletion of prey, human persecution). We assessed the influence of local people's factual knowledge about jaguars and pumas on fear of these big cats, attitudes toward big cats, and the acceptability of big cats. We also examined the influence of demographics (i.e., age, gender) on knowledge. We collected data from 326 rural residents adjacent to 2 protected areas located in a pristine fragment of the Atlantic Forest: Alto do Ribeira State Park and Intervales State Park. Although factual knowledge did not influence attitudes, knowledge was related to fear of big cats and acceptability of these species in the wild. Individuals that were more knowledgeable about big cats were less afraid and more tolerant of jaguars and pumas. Males and adults were more knowledgeable about big cats than were females and younger individuals. Our findings provide evidence that local knowledge can affect tolerance for big cats in the region and potentially reduce people–big cat conflict. Our findings also suggest that conservation efforts should focus on women and youth. © 2017 The Wildlife Society.
Metal Complexes of Biologically Important Ligands, Part CLXXVIII. Addition of the Pentacarbonylrhenium Cation [(OC)5Re]+ to the Xanthine Alkaloids Caffeine, Theophylline, and Theobromine
Authors: Schweiger Martin J. , Beck Wolfgang
Published: August 2017

By reaction of pentacarbonyltetrafluoroboratorhenium with the neutral methylated xanthine derivatives the cationic complexes [(OC)5Re‐L]+BF4– (L = caffeine, isocaffeine, theophylline, theobromine) were prepared and spectroscopically characterized.
Effects of rifampin, itraconazole and esomeprazole on the pharmacokinetics of alisertib, an investigational aurora a kinase inhibitor in patients with advanced malignancies
Authors: Zhou Xiaofei , Pant Shubham , Nemunaitis John , Craig Lockhart A. , Falchook Gerald , Bauer Todd M. , Patel Manish , Sarantopoulos John , Bargfrede Michael , Muehler Andreas , Rangachari Lakshmi , Zhang Bin , Venkatakrishnan Karthik
Published: August 2017

Aim Two studies investigated the effect of gastric acid reducing agents and strong inducers/inhibitors of CYP3A4 on the pharmacokinetics of alisertib, an investigational Aurora A kinase inhibitor, in patients with advanced malignancies. Methods In Study 1, patients received single doses of alisertib (50 mg) in the presence and absence of either esomeprazole (40 mg once daily [QD]) or rifampin (600 mg QD). In Study 2, patients received single doses of alisertib (30 mg) in the presence and absence of itraconazole (200 mg QD). Blood samples for alisertib and 2 major metabolites were collected up to 72 h (Study 1) and 96 h (Study 2) postdose. Area under the curve from time zero extrapolated to infinity (AUC0-inf) and maximum concentrations (Cmax) were calculated and compared using analysis of variance to estimate least squares (LS) mean ratios and 90% confidence intervals (CIs). Results The LS mean ratios (90% CIs) for alisertib AUC0-inf and Cmax in the presence compared to the absence of esomeprazole were 1.28 (1.07, 1.53) and 1.14 (0.97, 1.35), respectively. The LS mean ratios (90% CIs) for alisertib AUC0-inf and Cmax in the presence compared to the absence of rifampin were 0.53 (0.41, 0.70) and 1.03 (0.84, 1.26), respectively. The LS mean ratios (90% CIs) for alisertib AUC0-inf and Cmax in the presence compared to the absence of itraconazole were 1.39 (0.99, 1.95) and 0.98 (0.82, 1.19), respectively. Conclusions The use of gastric acid reducing agents, strong CYP3A inhibitors or strong metabolic enzyme inducers should be avoided in patients receiving alisertib.
Legal Consequences of Peremptory Norms in International Law
Authors: Costelloe Daniel
Published: August 2017

When is a norm peremptory? This is a question that has troubled legal scholars throughout the development of modern international law. In this work, Daniel Costelloe suggests - through an examination of State practice and international materials - that it is the legal consequences of a norm which distinguish it as peremptory. This book sheds new light on the legal consequences that peremptory norms have, for instance, in the law of treaties, international responsibility and state immunity. Unlike their substance or identification, the consequences of peremptory norms have remained under-studied. This book is the first specifically on this topic and is essential reading for all scholars and practitioners of public international law.
An equatorward force acting on large floating ice masses: Polfluchtkraft
Authors: Engelhardt Hermann , Engelhardt Michael
Published: August 2017

This study reviews the effects of a force acting upon ice shelves and icebergs arising from the oblateness of the Earth's geoid and the displacement between the center of mass and the center of buoyancy for an object floating on water. The force has been introduced earlier as Polfluchtkraft or ‘pole-fleeing force’ by Alfred Wegener and others in the context of continental drift, but it is here applied to floating ice for the first time. It propels icebergs towards the equator, but also tugs on ice shelves making them more likely to break apart in a warming climate with possible consequences for the entire ice sheet.
Leidenfrost drops cooling surfaces: theory and interferometric measurement
Authors: van Limbeek Michiel A. J. , Klein Schaarsberg Martin H. , Sobac Benjamin , Rednikov Alexey , Sun Chao , Colinet Pierre , Lohse Detlef
Published: August 2017

When a liquid drop is placed on a highly superheated surface, it can be levitated by its own vapour. This remarkable phenomenon is referred to as the Leidenfrost effect. The thermally insulating vapour film results in a severe reduction of the heat transfer rate compared to experiments at lower surface temperatures, where the drop is in direct contact with the solid surface. A commonly made assumption is that this solid surface is isothermal, which is at least questionable for materials of low thermal conductivity, resulting in an overestimation of the surface temperature and heat transfer for such systems. Here we aim to obtain more quantitative insight into how surface cooling affects the Leidenfrost effect. We develop a technique based on Mach–Zehnder interferometry to investigate the surface cooling of a quartz plate by a Leidenfrost drop. The three-dimensional plate temperature field is reconstructed from interferometric data by an Abel inversion method using a basis function expansion of the underlying temperature field. By this method we are able to quantitatively measure the local cooling inside the plate, which can be as strong as 80 K. We develop a numerical model which shows good agreement with experiments and enables extending the analysis beyond the experimental parameter space. Based on the numerical and experimental results we quantify the effect of surface cooling on the Leidenfrost phenomenon. By focusing on the role of the solid surface we provide new insights into the Leidenfrost effect and demonstrate how to adjust current models to account for non-isothermal solids and use previously obtained isothermal scaling laws for the neck thickness and evaporation rate.
Inertial gravity currents produced by fluid drainage from an edge
Authors: Momen Mostafa , Zheng Zhong , Bou-Zeid Elie , Stone Howard A.
Published: August 2017

We present theoretical, numerical and experimental studies of the release of a finite volume of fluid instantaneously from an edge of a rectangular domain for high Reynolds number flows. For the cases we considered, the results indicate that approximately half of the initial volume exits during an early adjustment period. Then, the inertial gravity current reaches a self-similar phase during which approximately 40 % of its volume drains and its height decreases as $\unicode[STIX]{x1D70F}^{-2}$, where $\unicode[STIX]{x1D70F}$ is a dimensionless time that is derived with the typical gravity wave speed and the horizontal length of the domain. Based on scaling arguments, we reduce the shallow-water partial differential equations into two nonlinear ordinary differential equations (representing the continuity and momentum equations), which are solved analytically by imposing a zero velocity boundary condition at the closed end wall and a critical Froude number condition at the open edge. The solutions are in good agreement with the performed experiments and direct numerical simulations for various geometries, densities and viscosities. This study provides new insights into the dynamical behaviour of a fluid draining from an edge in the inertial regime. The solutions may be useful for environmental, geophysical and engineering applications such as open channel flows, ventilations and dam-break problems.
Mobergellans from the early Cambrian of Greenland and Labrador: new morphological details and implications for the functional morphology of mobergellans
Authors: Skovsted Christian B. , Topper Timothy P.
Published: August 2017

New morphological features of the mobergellan Discinella micans (Billings, 1871) from the lower Cambrian (Stage 4) of Northeast Greenland and southern Labrador are described. The new features include: (1) the morphology of the larval shell, which is shown to be cap-shaped, subcircular, and with impressions of the internal muscle attachment scars; (2) a range of unusual shell deformations (changes in growth direction resulting in thickened shells, partial detachment of shell laminae and subsequent regrowth, internal projections of shell material increasing the depth of the shell by up to 150%, disturbances and irregular fusion of muscle scars). In addition, we provide new details about the variability in number and shape of the anteriormost internal muscle scars, which often fuse and may vary in number from one to three (resulting in nine to 11 scars in total). Together the new observations provide additional strength for the hypothesis that mobergellan shells represent opercula of an as yet unknown tubular organism.
Nationalism on Their Own Terms: The National Products Movement and the Coca-Cola protest in Shanghai, 1945–1949
Authors: YAO LIANG
Published: August 2017

This article re-examines the meanings of Chinese nationalism and its relationship to vibrant and recurring National Products movements in modern China through the case of the Shanghai Coca-Cola protest of 1947–1948. In a campaign to revitalize national industry, the Chinese business community of Shanghai targeted Coca-Cola as a foreign luxury, and asked the Nationalist government to prohibit the importation of raw materials for Coca-Cola. However, archival materials show that not only was the Coca-Cola bottler in Shanghai—Watson's Mineral Water Company—a Chinese company but they had made large contributions during previous National Products movements. Using imported raw materials was also a very common practice in the Chinese soft drinks industry in the first half of the twentieth century. By revealing inconsistencies between the Chinese business community's statement of protest and the actual character of Coca-Cola's Shanghai bottler, this article argues that in this case Chinese nationalism became a pretext and tool for business competition. This research suggests that Chinese nationalism as an analytical lens remains complicated and its role and meaning in history must not be over-generalized. Rather than the existence of a unified and singular nationalism, Chinese nationalisms have been socially constructed over time, with multiple faces, interpretations, and functions for different interest groups.
The Vice of Admiration
Authors: van der Rijt Jan-Willem
Published: August 2017

Moral exemplars are often held up as objects to be admired. Such admiration is thought beneficial to the admirer, inducing him or her to emulate virtuous conduct, and deemed flattering to the admired. This paper offers a critical examination of admiration from a broadly Kantian perspective, arguing that admiration – even of genuine moral exemplars – violates the duty of self-respect. It also provides an explanation for the fact that moral exemplars themselves typically shun admiration. Lastly, it questions the assumption that admiration leads to emulation on the basis of scientific findings that indicate that admiration induces passivity in the admirer rather than an incentive to self-improvement.
NOTES FROM ROME 2016–17
Authors: Coates-Stephens Robert
Published: August 2017

This gazette presents to the reader outside Rome news of recent archaeological activity (primarily in 2016, but also in the first part of 2017), gleaned from public lectures, conferences, exhibitions and newspaper reports.
DO STUDY RESULTS TRANSLATE INTO PRACTICE? INTRACRANIAL STENTING IN GERMANY
Authors: Schillinger Gerhard , Hagenmeyer Ernst-Günther , Pritzkau Andreas , Friedrich Jörg
Published: August 2017

Objectives: Enrolment into the SAMMPRIS trial published in September 2011 had to be stopped due to a 2.5 higher 30-day stroke and death rate in patients with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting (PTAS) compared with the control group with only medical therapy. After these results were published, one would have expected a change toward a clearer definition of indications for intracranial stent implantation in patients with intracranial artery stenosis, using this treatment only in patients suffering from recurrent strokes despite aggressive medical management.

Methods: The frequency of intracranial stenting and indication parameters in patients with intracranial artery stenosis were assessed from 2010 to 2013 using claims data for all inpatient episodes from Germany's largest provider of statutory health insurance.

Results: The number of intracranial stenting procedures decreased slowly from 580 in 2010 to 375 in 2013. With a rate of 29 percent there was no change between 2010 and 2013 of patients who were admitted to hospital for stent implantation, without documentation of an acute stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). Before PTAS, one-third of patients were admitted twice because of a stroke or TIA over a period of 5 years, 17 percent of patients had been prescribed platelet aggregation inhibitors and at least two admissions to hospital were for an ischemic cerebrovascular event before PTAS.

Conclusions: Our analysis of German claims data provides little evidence of changed indications for stenting in cases of intracranial atherosclerotic disease which one might expect to be caused by the emergence of high-level evidence.
Approximation of a Great Circle by using a Circular Arc on a Mercator Chart
Authors: Lapaine Miljenko , Jogun Tomislav
Published: August 2017

This paper describes George Biddell Airy's almost completely unknown method of approximating an orthodromic arc (great circle arc) using a circular arc in the normal aspect Mercator projection of a sphere. In addition, it is demonstrated that the centre of the circle can be defined in at least two different ways, which yields slightly different results. Airy's approach is built upon in this paper. The method of computing coordinates of Airy's circle arc centre is described. The formulae derived in the paper can be used to calculate the length of Airy's approximation of the orthodromic arc connecting two points on the sphere and on the Mercator chart. Moreover, the actual length of the orthodromic arc on the sphere and on the Mercator chart can be computed using the formulae derived in this paper. The purpose of the paper is not to suggest an application of Airy's method in navigation, but to analyse Airy's proposal and to show that a great circle arc on a Mercator chart is close to a circular arc for distances which are not too great. This property can be useful in education, having in mind that the stereographic projection is the only one that maps any circle on a sphere onto a circle in the projection plane.
The Phoenix of Colonial War: Race, the Laws of War, and the ‘Horror on the Rhine’
Authors: GILADI ROTEM
Published: August 2017

The article explores the demise of the ‘colonial war’ category through the employment of French colonial troops, under the 1918 armistice, to occupy the German Rhineland.

It traces the prevalence of – and the anxieties underpinning –antebellumdoctrine on using ‘Barbarous Forces’ in ‘European’ war. It then records the silence ofpostbellumscholars on the ‘horror on the Rhine’ – orchestrated allegations of rape framed in racialized terms of humanity and the requirements of the law of civilized warfare. Among possible explanations for this silence, the article follows recent literature that considers this scandal as the embodiment of crises in masculinity, white domination, and European civilization.

These crises, like the scandal itself, expressedantebellumjurisprudential anxieties about the capacity – and implications – of black soldiers being ‘drilled white’. They also deprivedpostbellumlawyers of the vocabulary necessary to address what they signified: breakdown of the laws of war; evident, self-inflicted European barbarity; and the collapse of international law itself, embodied by the VersaillesDiktattreating Germany – as Smuts warned, ‘as we would not treat akaffirnation’ – as a colonial ‘object’, as Schmitt lamented.

Last, the article traces the resurgence of ‘colonial war’. It reveals how, at the moment of collapse, in the very instrument embodying it, the category found a new life. Article 22(5) of the League of Nations Covenant (the Covenant) reasserted control over the colonial object, furnishing international lawyers with a new vocabulary to address the employment of colonial troops – yet, now, as part of the ‘law of peace’. Reclassified, both rule and category re-emerged, were codified, and institutionalized imperial governance.