bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correction: Comment on “Isomerization of the methoxy radical revisited: the impact of water dimers” by B. Bandyopadhyay et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2016, 18, 27728 and “Isomerization of methoxy radical in the troposphere: competition between acidic, neutral and basic catalysts” by P. Kumar, B. Bandyopadhyay et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2017, 19, 278
Authors: Dibble Theodore S.
Published: May 2018

Correction for ‘Comment on “Isomerization of the methoxy radical revisited: the impact of water dimers” by B. Bandyopadhyay et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2016, 18, 27728 and “Isomerization of methoxy radical in the troposphere: competition between acidic, neutral and basic catalysts” by P. Kumar, B. Bandyopadhyay et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2017, 19, 278’ by Theodore S. Dibble et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2018, 20, 11481–11482.
Synthesis of high-Si hierarchical beta zeolites without mesoporogen and their catalytic application in the methanol to propene reaction
Authors: Zhao Xuebin , Wang Linying , Guo Peng , Yan Nana , Sun Tantan , Lin Shanfan , Guo Xinwen , Tian Peng , Liu Zhongmin
Published: May 2018

High-Si single-crystalline beta zeolites with intracrystal mesopores were synthesized for the first time and investigated as catalysts for the methanol to propene (MTP) reaction.
Comparison of hydroxycarboxylato imidazole molybdenum(iv) complexes and nitrogenase protein structures: indirect evidence for the protonation of homocitrato FeMo-cofactors
Authors: Wang Si-Yuan , Jin Wan-Ting , Chen Hong-Bin , Zhou Zhao-Hui
Published: May 2018

Glycolato and lactato imidazole molybdenum(iv) complexes are used for structural comparison with FeMo-cofactors of MoFe-protein structures.
Lithium effect on the electronic properties of porous silicon for energy storage applications: a DFT study
Authors: González I. , Sosa A. N. , Trejo A. , Calvino M. , Miranda A. , Cruz-Irisson M.
Published: May 2018

A theoretical study on the effect of Li on the electronic properties of porous Si; these properties change drastically if the Li is superficial or interstitial.
Extending lead-free hybrid photovoltaic materials to new structures: thiazolium, aminothiazolium and imidazolium iodobismuthates
Authors: Li Tianyue , Wang Qifei , Nichol Gary S. , Morrison Carole A. , Han Hongwei , Hu Yue , Robertson Neil
Published: May 2018

We report on the synthesis, crystal structures, optoelectronic properties and solar cell device studies of three novel hybrid bismuth-halide materials as lead-free light harvesters.
Consumption of pomegranate decreases plasma lipopolysaccharide-binding protein levels, a marker of metabolic endotoxemia, in patients with newly diagnosed colorectal cancer: a randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: González-Sarrías A. , Núñez-Sánchez M. A. , Ávila-Gálvez M. A. , Monedero-Saiz T. , Rodríguez-Gil F. J. , Martínez-Díaz Francisco , Selma M. V. , Espín J. C.
Published: May 2018

Consumption of pomegranate decreases, in a time-dependent fashion, metabolic endotoxemia in patients with newly diagnosed colorectal cancer.
Microwave-assisted valorization of pig bristles: towards visible light photocatalytic chalcocite composites
Authors: Zuliani Alessio , Muñoz-Batista Mario J. , Luque Rafael
Published: May 2018

A novel exploitation of pig bristles as a carbon and sulphur source through the production of photocatalytically active Cu2S composites.
2,3-Ethylene-bridged dihomooxacalix[4]arenes: synthesis, X-ray crystal structures and highly selective binding properties with anions
Authors: An Lin , Wang Jia-wei , Wang Chan , Zhou Shan-shan , Sun Jing , Yan Chao-Guo
Published: May 2018

Three novel 2,3-ethylene-bridgedp-tert-butyldihomooxacalix[4]arenes3a–3cwere selectively synthesized by directO-alkylation ofp-tert-butyldihomooxacalix[4]arene1with excess of 1,2-dibromoethane in controlled basic systems.
Fluorographite to hydroxy graphene to graphene: a simple wet chemical approach for good quality graphene
Authors: Rajeena Uruniyengal , Akbar Mohammed , Raveendran Poovanthinthodiyil , Ramakrishnan Resmi M.
Published: May 2018

Good quality graphene is prepared in a scalable manner from fluorographite by nucleophilic substitution of F with OH− ions.
BSA-caged metal clusters to exfoliate MoS2 nanosheets towards their hybridized functionalization
Authors: Guan Guijian , Liu Shuhua , Cheng Yuan , Zhang Yong-Wei , Han Ming-Yong
Published: May 2018

Herein, we develop a facile exfoliation and in situ functionalization strategy to produce hybridized Au/MoS2 nanostructures comprised of size-controlled gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) and ultrathin MoS2 nanosheets using bovine serum albumin (BSA)-caged Au25 clusters as both exfoliating and functionalizing agents.
Halo-substituted benzenesulfonyls and benzenesulfinates: convenient sources of arenes in metal-catalyzed C–C bond formation reactions for the straightforward access to halo-substituted arenes
Authors: Li Haoran , Sasmal Arpan , Shi Xinzhe , Soulé Jean-François , Doucet Henri
Published: May 2018

The use of halo-substituted ArSO2R as an aryl source in metal-catalyzed C–C bond formation reactions presents several advantages, as the reaction often proceeds without cleavage of the C–halo bonds.
Facile synthesis of 2,3-benzodiazepines using one-pot two-step phosphate-assisted acylation–hydrazine cyclization reactions
Authors: Sumita Akinari , Lee Jinhee , Otani Yuko , Ohwada Tomohiko
Published: May 2018

We present a one-pot two-step methodology, in which an unprotected amino is tolerated, for rapidly synthesizing 2,3-benzodiazepinesviaphosphate-assisted acylation reaction and hydrazine cyclization reaction.
Intramolecularly enhanced molecular tweezers with unusually strong binding for aromatic guests in unfavorable solvents
Authors: Xing Xiaoyu , Zhao Yan
Published: May 2018

Molecular tweezers using aromatic interactions for binding normally work best in polar instead of nonpolar solvents due to the strong solvophobic effect in the binding.
Trace water accelerating the CO2 cycloaddition reaction catalyzed by an indium–organic framework
Authors: Hou Sheng-Li , Dong Jie , Jiao Zhuo-Hao , Jiang Xiao-Lei , Yang Xiu-Pei , Zhao Bin
Published: May 2018

A unique four-fold interpenetrated In–MOF is utilized as a catalyst in the chemical fixation of CO2, and the catalytic activity is promoted by trace water.
Organocatalytic asymmetric [3 + 2] annulation of 1,4-dithiane-2,5-diol with azlactones: access to chiral dihydrothiophen-2(3H)-one derivatives
Authors: Yu Ji-cong , Yu Le-mao , Zhao Xiao-yun , Gan Lu , Zhu Wei-wei , Wang Ze-chen , Wang Rui , Jiang Xianxing
Published: May 2018

Herein, the first organocatalyst-mediated enantioselective [3 + 2] annulations of 1,4-dithiane-2,5-diol with various azlactones utilizing C4 and C5 reactivity using squaramide as the catalyst in a ring-opening manner have been reported.
MC4R variant rs17782313 and manifestation of obese phenotype in Pakistani females
Authors: Rana Sobia , Rahmani Soma , Mirza Saad
Published: May 2018

The current study significantly contributes to the knowledge of the genetic proneness to obesity in Pakistani females and could also be helpful for forthcoming meta-analysis studies.
Copper complexes as prospective anticancer agents: in vitro and in vivo evaluation, selective targeting of cancer cells by DNA damage and S phase arrest
Authors: Mahendiran Dharmasivam , Amuthakala Sethu , Bhuvanesh Nattamai S. P. , Kumar Raju Senthil , Rahiman Aziz Kalilur
Published: May 2018

The thiosemicarbazone-based copper(i) complexes causing S phase arrest and apoptosis involving the mitochondrial controlled pathway has been investigated.
Investigation of the size effect of graphene nano-platelets (GnPs) on the anti-corrosion performance of polyurethane/GnP composites
Authors: Um Jun Geun , Jun Yun-Seok , Alhumade Hesham , Krithivasan Hariharan , Lui Gregory , Yu Aiping
Published: May 2018

In this article, polyurethane/graphene nano-platelet (PU/GnP) composites were fabricatedviaplanetary centrifugal mixer (PCM) and cast on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and copper substrates.
Enhanced lithium storage performance of porous exfoliated carbon fibers via anchored nickel nanoparticles
Authors: Huang Xue , Diao Guiqiang , Li Siqi , Balogun Muhammad-Sadeeq , Li Nan , Huang Yongchao , Liu Zhao-Qing , Tong Yexiang
Published: May 2018

Herein, flexible carbon fiber cloth (CFC) is modified by embedding Ni nanoparticles via a thermal reduction strategy, and it is used as a suitable anode material for lithium-ion batteries.
Hydrazone-based cobalt complexes toward multielectron redox and spin crossover
Authors: Huang Wei , Li Yujie , Yong Juan , Liu Yang , Wu Dayu
Published: May 2018

Hydrazone-based derivatives modified by substitution at different positions were utilized to prepare a series of bis-homoleptic cobalt complexes toward multielectron redox and spin crossover.
Recrystallization techniques for the synthesis of ZnO nanorods: an in situ process for carbon doping and enhancing the dispersion concentration of ZnO nanorods
Authors: Hossain Muhammad Mohsin , Islam Md. Akherul , Shima Hossain , Hasan Mudassir , Hilal Muhammad , Lee Moonyong
Published: May 2018

Dispersed ZnO hexagonal nanorods in ethanol solvent and its interfacial behavior in this liquid phase.
Charge and hydration structure of dendritic polyelectrolytes: molecular simulations of polyglycerol sulphate
Authors: Nikam Rohit , Xu Xiao , Ballauff Matthias , Kanduč Matej , Dzubiella Joachim
Published: May 2018

Macromolecules based on dendritic or hyperbranched polyelectrolytes have been emerging as high potential candidates for biomedical applications.
Growth of wormlike micelles of surfactant induced by embedded polymer: role of polymer chain length
Authors: Kwiatkowski Alexander L. , Molchanov Vyacheslav S. , Sharma Hari , Kuklin Alexander I. , Dormidontova Elena E. , Philippova Olga E.
Published: May 2018

Long polymer chains embedded in wormlike surfactant micelles can act as crosslinks connecting neighboring micelles.
A dual band electrochromic device switchable across four distinct optical modes
Authors: Barawi Mariam , Veramonti Giulia , Epifani Mauro , Giannuzzi Roberto , Sibillano Teresa , Giannini Cinzia , Rougier Aline , Manca Michele
Published: May 2018

The paper reveals a dual-band electrochromic device capable of selectively controlling the transmitted sunlight in the visible and near-infrared regions.
UV assisted ultrasensitive trace NO2gas sensing based on few-layer MoS2nanosheet–ZnO nanowire heterojunctions at room temperature
Authors: Zhou Yong , Gao Chao , Guo Yongcai
Published: May 2018

MoS2–ZnO p–n heterojunctions are employed to sensitively detect trace NO2gas under UV illumination at room temperature.
One-pot synthesis of Cu-modified HNb3O8 nanobelts with enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen production
Authors: Zhao Yifang , Li Jian , Lin Cong , Qiu Yaming , Yang Yanquan , Wang Xiaoge , Pan Fengjuan , Wang Ligang , Lin Jianhua , Sun Junliang
Published: May 2018

Cu-doped HNb3O8 nanobelts were obtained by one-pot hydrothermal synthesis and enhanced the photocatalytic activity (8 times) significantly.
Interface-engineered hematite nanocones as binder-free electrodes for high-performance lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Wang Lei , Liang Kun , Wang Guanzhi , Yang Yang
Published: May 2018

One-dimensional α-Fe2O3 nanocone arrays exhibited an enhanced electrochemical performance with high specific capacity, good rate capability, and excellent cyclability.
Monolayer tellurene–metal contacts
Authors: Yan Jiahuan , Zhang Xiuying , Pan Yuanyuan , Li Jingzhen , Shi Bowen , Liu Shiqi , Yang Jie , Song Zhigang , Zhang Han , Ye Meng , Quhe Ruge , Wang Yangyang , Yang Jinbo , Pan Feng , Lu Jing
Published: May 2018

Two-dimensional (2D) atomic crystals are promising channel materials for next generation electronics due to its outstanding gate electrostatics and few dangling bonds.
Criteria to Classify Children as Having Auditory Processing Disorders
Authors: Yathiraj Asha , Vanaja Chitnahalli Shankaranarayan
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The study aimed to determine a criterion to diagnose the presence of auditory processing disorder (APD) in children.

Method

Using a standard comparison design, 280 children “not at risk” for APD and 100 children “at risk” for APD were evaluated on 4 different tests: Speech-in-Noise Test in Indian English (Yathiraj, Vanaja, & Muthuselvi, 2010), Dichotic Consonant–Vowel (Yathiraj, 1999), Duration Pattern Test (Musiek, Baran, & Pinheiro, 1990), and the Revised Auditory Memory and Sequencing Test in Indian English (Yathiraj, Vanaja, & Muthuselvi, 2010). The age of the children ranged from 6 to 10 years.

Results

With a cutoff criterion of 1SDbelow the mean of the test scores, 8% of the children “at risk” for APD passed all the tests, whereas 28% passed with a criterion of 2SDs below the mean scores. The tests most frequently failed by these children were Speech-in-Noise Test in Indian English and Dichotic Consonant–Vowel.

Conclusions

A cutoff criterion of 2SDs below the mean scores of typically developing children is recommended to diagnose children as having APD if they performed poorly on only one test. For children who performed poorly on more than one test, a cutoff criterion of 1SDbelow the mean scores of typically developing children is recommended.
Zero‐error convergence of iterative learning control based on uniform quantisation with encoding and decoding mechanism
Authors: Zhang Chao , Shen Dong
Published: May 2018

In this study, the zero‐error convergence of the iterative learning control for a tracking problem is realised by incorporating a uniform quantiser with an encoding and decoding mechanism. Under this scheme, the system output is first transformed and encoded. Then, the encoded information is transmitted back for updating the input. The results are extended to a finite quantisation level situation under the same framework and a simulation using a permanent magnet linear motor is performed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Almost output regulation bumpless transfer control for switched linear systems
Authors: Zhao Ying , Ma Dan , Zhao Jun
Published: May 2018

This study focuses on the problem of almost output regulation bumpless transfer control for switched linear systems. The authors aim at solving the almost output regulation problem with the bumpless transfer performance achieved via a multiple Lyapunov functions scheme. First, a concept of the bumpless transfer performance for a switched linear system is introduced. Then, a sufficient condition on the almost output regulation bumpless transfer performance of the system is obtained by dual design of a controller and a switching law. The sufficient condition allows that each subsystem does not satisfy the almost output regulation bumpless transfer property. Furthermore, a solution to the almost output regulation bumpless transfer control problem for the system is also offered in terms of linear matrix equalities and linear matrix inequalities. Finally, an example of controlling a turbofan model is given, showing that the proposed control strategy is effective.
Hybrid architecture for vehicle lateral collision avoidance
Authors: Ariola Marco , De Tommasi Gianmaria , Tartaglione Gaetano , Amato Francesco
Published: May 2018

In this study, the authors consider the problem of collision avoidance of ground vehicles. In this framework, they focus on a single vehicle, and they guarantee that a given safe set is not exited during a mission. More specifically, they consider the yaw‐lateral motion of a two‐wheel vehicle subject to a side wind, and they design a state‐feedback controller such that the vehicle follows the nominal trajectory with a given maximum error. For these purposes, they resort to a control system where a supervisor, implemented as a hybrid automata, decides to switch between two controllers, depending on the measured vehicle lateral displacement from the nominal trajectory. The two controllers are designed using an approach and the input–output finite‐time stability approach, respectively. Some simulation results are included, showing the effectiveness of the proposed architecture.
Prediction of electricity demand of China based on the analysis of decoupling and driving force
Authors: He Yongxiu , Guang Fengtao , Chen Rongjun
Published: May 2018

The emerging complex circumstances caused by the essence of the new economic normal and the low‐carbon development of power industry lead to the demand for electricity from the rapid growth phase to a ‘new normal’ pace for China. To better capture the more and more non‐linear and non‐stationary characteristics of electricity demand, Tapio decoupling model is applied to research the decoupling of electricity demand from economic growth, and T 's correlation degree is used to measure the influencing degree and reveal the role direction of each driver on electricity demand. On these bases, a novel improved particle swarm optimisation‐extreme learning machine (IPSO‐ELM) hybrid forecasting model is proposed to predict electricity demand. In IPSO‐ELM, a mutation operator of genetic algorithm is introduced into standard PSO to ensure the overall convergence and enhance the accuracy of convergence, and the improved PSO is adopted to optimise the input weights and hidden bias of traditional ELM which are randomly generated. Finally, the case study of China demonstrated the efficacy and feasibility of IPSO‐ELM. Simultaneously, the comparisons with ELM, back propagation neural network, support vector machine, GM (1, 1), and logistic model showed that IPSO‐ELM has a better forecasting performance in electricity demand.
Optimal planning and operation of static VAR compensators in a distribution system with non‐linear loads
Authors: Alvarez‐Alvarado Manuel S. , Rodríguez‐Gallegos Carlos D. , Jayaweera Dilan
Published: May 2018

This study presents an innovative design for the optimal sizing, placement, and dispatch approach of distribution static var compensators (D‐SVCs) in a radial power distribution system to improve the technical and economic aspects of the grid. The approach incorporates the total harmonic distortion (THD) effects into the assessment with the presence of non‐linear loads. A multi‐state particle swarm optimisation algorithm is also proposed, at first to select the placement and size and then to select the dispatch strategy of D‐SVCs. Three IEEE test systems were used for the case study to show the efficacy of the method. The results reveal that the approach is viable, and it determines the cases where the highest savings were achievable fulfilling the grid voltage and THD constraints.
Probabilistic binary similarity distance for quick binary image matching
Authors: Mustafa Adnan A.Y.
Published: May 2018

Here, the author presents the gamma binary distance, an exceptional distance for measuring similarity between binary images. The gamma distance is a probabilistic pixel mapping measure that is a modification of the Hamming distance. Employing a probabilistic approach to image matching enables gamma to measure similarity more accurately than employing traditional binary distances. The author shows the advantage of employing the gamma distance for similarity measurement by comparing it to three of the most popular similarity distances used for binary image matching: correlation, sum of the absolute difference method, and mutual information. Results of extensive testing conducted on a large database are presented where the superiority of the gamma distance over other similarity distances is shown.
Real‐time estimation of solar irradiance and module temperature from maximum power point condition
Authors: Moshksar Ehsan , Ghanbari Teymoor
Published: May 2018

Real‐time estimation techniques are presented to estimate solar irradiance and photovoltaic (PV) module temperature simultaneously from maximum power point condition. An algebraic equation which is function of PV output voltage and current measurements is utilised to estimate solar radiation. A non‐linear model‐based technique of immersion and invariance is employed to derive an update low for module temperature estimation. It is shown that the estimated temperature globally asymptotically converges, where its accuracy depends on solar radiation estimator. The proposed algorithms are accurate, fast, and easy to implement at optimal operating conditions of PV modules.
Improved SNR to detect the unknown characteristic frequency by SR
Authors: Zhang Jingling , Yang Jianhua , Liu Houguang , Zhou Dengji
Published: May 2018

Stochastic resonance (SR) is widely used in signal processing issues. The classic evaluation index of SR must know the characteristic frequency in prior. However, the accuracy frequency which needs to be detected is not known in advance. To solve this problem, the authors propose a new index, which calls improved signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) in adaptive SR. This new index is effective without knowing the accuracy characteristic frequency first. Meanwhile, the general scale transformation and random particle swarm optimisation algorithm are used to satisfy the conditions of SR and help to obtain the optimal system parameters. On the basis of this new index, the simulation and experimental bearing fault signals are both processed perfectly when compared with the classic SNR index. More importantly, it overcomes the drawbacks of the classic SNR index that the accuracy characteristic frequency must be known in advance. Therefore, these results indicate that new index has important practical values in signal processing issues.
Multi-band high resolution spectroscopy rules out the hot Jupiter BD+20 1790b
Authors: Carleo I. , Benatti S. , Lanza A. F. , Gratton R. , Claudi R. , Desidera S. , Mace G. N. , Messina S. , Sanna N. , Sissa E. , Ghedina A. , Ghinassi F. , Guerra J. , Harutyunyan A. , Micela G. , Molinari E. , Oliva E. , Tozzi A. , Baffa C. , Baruffolo A. , Bignamini A. , Buchschacher N. , Cecconi M. , Cosentino R. , Endl M. , Falcini G. , Fantinel D. , Fini L. , Fugazza D. , Galli A. , Giani E. , González C. , González-Álvarez E. , González M. , Hernandez N. , Hernandez Diaz M. , Iuzzolino M. , Kaplan K. F. , Kidder B. T. , Lodi M. , Malavolta L. , Maldonado J. , Origlia L. , Perez Ventura H. , Puglisi A. , Rainer M. , Riverol L. , Riverol C. , San Juan J. , Scuderi S. , Seemann U. , Sokal K. R. , Sozzetti A. , Sozzi M.
Published: May 2018

Context. Stellar activity is currently challenging the detection of young planets via the radial velocity (RV) technique.

Aims. We attempt to definitively discriminate the nature of the RV variations for the young active K5 star BD+20 1790, for which visible (VIS) RV measurements show divergent results on the existence of a substellar companion.

Methods. We compare VIS data with high precision RVs in the near-infrared (NIR) range by using the GIANO–B and IGRINS spectrographs. In addition, we present for the first time simultaneous VIS-NIR observations obtained with GIARPS (GIANO–B and HARPS–N) at Telescopio Nazionale Galileo (TNG). Orbital RVs are achromatic, so the RV amplitude does not change at different wavelengths, while stellar activity induces wavelength-dependent RV variations, which are significantly reduced in the NIR range with respect to the VIS.

Results. The NIR radial velocity measurements from GIANO–B and IGRINS show an average amplitude of about one quarter with respect to previously published VIS data, as expected when the RV jitter is due to stellar activity. Coeval multi-band photometry surprisingly shows larger amplitudes in the NIR range, explainable with a mixture of cool and hot spots in the same active region.

Conclusions. In this work, the claimed massive planet around BD+20 1790 is ruled out by our data. We exploited the crucial role of multi-wavelength spectroscopy when observing young active stars: thanks to facilities like GIARPS that provide simultaneous observations, this method can reach its maximum potential.
Fully discrete finite element data assimilation method for the heat equation
Authors: Burman Erik , Ish-Horowicz Jonathan , Oksanen Lauri
Published: May 2018

We consider a finite element discretization for the reconstruction of the final state of the heat equation, when the initial data is unknown, but additional data is given in a sub domain in the space time. For the discretization in space we consider standard continuous affine finite element approximation, and the time derivative is discretized using a backward differentiation. We regularize the discrete system by adding a penalty on theH2-semi-norm of the initial data, scaled with the mesh-parameter. The analysis of the method uses techniques developed in E. Burman and L. Oksanen [Numer. Math.139(2018) 505–528], combining discrete stability of the numerical method with sharp Carleman estimates for the physical problem, to derive optimal error estimates for the approximate solution. For the natural space time energy norm, away fromt= 0, the convergence is the same as for the classical problem with known initial data, but contrary to the classical case, we do not obtain faster convergence for theL2-norm at the final time.
Effect of hydraulic conductivity of unsaturated soil on the earth dam performance
Authors: Fattah Mohammed , Ahmed Mahmood , Ali Nawar
Published: May 2018

In this paper, the finite element method is uzed to solve the governing equations of flow through earth dams. The computer program Geo-Slope is used in the analysis through its sub-program named SEEP/W. A case study is considered to be Al-Adhaim dam which consists of zoned embankment with a total length of 3.1 km. The dam in its actual design is analyzed. Then, an attempt is made to study the seepage in unsaturated zone of the dam through studying the effect of several parameters including the effect of changing the unsaturated hydraulic conductivity with the degree of saturation of the core soil and changing of water level in the reservoir. A procedure is proposed to define the hydraulic conductivity function from the soil water characteristic curve which is measured by the filter paper method. Fitting methods are applied through the program SoilVision. A parametric study was carried out and different parameters were changed to study their effects on the behavior of partially saturated soil. The study reveals that the rate of flow is decreased by about 20 - 27% when the degree of saturation of the core material is decreased from 100% to 50% at water level 115.75 m, while the exit gradient of flow is decreased by about 13 -15%. This decrease in flow rate becomes 13-15% and 8-9.5% when the reservoir water level is 131.5 m and 143.5 m, respectively, while the exit gradient of flow is increased by about 23-29.5% and 29-29.5% when the reservoir water level is 131.5 m and 143.5 m, respectively. When the state of soil changes from fully saturated S= 100% to partially saturated S= 90%, a rapid increase in head gradient and pore water takes place at the embankment base for different water levels in the reservoir. This decrease plateaus out on further decrease in the degree of saturation.
Volume change behavior of bentonite-sand mixture under constant suction condition
Authors: Al-Badran Yasir , Schanz Tom
Published: May 2018

The unsaturated state of soil can raise many geotechnical problems upon wetting-drying cycles such as volume change resulting in collapse or swell, change in the shear strength, and change in the hydraulic conductivity. The classical principles of soil mechanics for saturated soil are often not suitable for explaining these phenomena. An experimental work was carried out to study the volume change behavior of Bentonite-Sand mixture under constant suction condition. A mixture of 30% Calcigel bentonite and 70 % Haider sand (30B) were tested in this study. The applied suction was kept constant through the tests. Thirteen 30B specimens were tested under constant suction condition. Two different initial states (slurry and loose) were chosen to examine the effect of initial state on the volume change at unsaturated state. The results of first group (initially slurry state) show that once the suction was applied the compressibility of the specimens in this group followed the isotropic NCL up to 255 kPa suction. Subsequently, the slope of compression curve decreased. The results of increasing suction for initially slurry state show that the slope of compression lines became near to zero for suction higher than 600 kPa. Moreover, when applied suction is lower than the air-entry value, saev, the soil behaviors as the saturated soil. Therefore, the effective stress equation can be applied. The results of second group (initially loose state) show that the unsaturated preconsolidation pressure increases as the constant suction increases. The slopes of the unsaturated over consolidated paths in all tests were closed to the slope of saturated over consolidated path (Cr), while the slopes of the unsaturated normal consolidated (yield) state are higher than the slope of saturated NCL. Finally the results show that the slope of the unsaturated NCL is higher (steeper) than the slope of saturated NCL.
Freezing and thawing resistance of internally cured high performance concrete
Authors: Saadi Muthana , al-Attar Tareq , Hasan Shatha
Published: May 2018

The behavior of internally cured high performance concrete, HPC, exposed to freezing and thawing cycles, was investigated. Two saturated curing agents, Limestone dust and powder of Porcelanite rock, were used to facilitate internal curing for concrete. These agents were used as partial replacements of fine aggregate in two volumetric percentages, 20 and 30 percent. The cast concrete specimens were separated in two groups according to curing method: water-cured and sealed (only internally-cured) specimens. The concrete specimens were subjected to three exposure systems, F0: without freezing and thawing, and F1 and F2: with 50 and 100 cycles of freezing and thawing, respectively. The freezing and thawing test was done as stipulated by the ASTM C666. The conducted tests for each exposure were: compressive and flexural strengths. The results revealed that internal curing does not enhance the concrete resistance to freezing and thawing cycles. Using saturated agents has increased the moisture content of concrete and makes it more vulnerable to frost action deterioration. Sealed specimens for all investigated mixes showed lower reductions in strength than water-cured ones. The lesser water content of these mixes may be the reason for that behavior.
Static and dynamic water wells levels of Kirkuk city represented by geo-statistical algorithms in GIS
Authors: Mohammed Ghadah
Published: May 2018

Water is great importance for human life as well as for agriculture therefore, different scientific methods are used for curtailed the time and possibilities for well water sources investigation. Fresh water is the most importance for Human life and cannot be healthy without it. In the paper two different interpolation methods were used, which are the ordinary kriging and Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) to predict static and dynamic water levels of wells in Kirkuk City, and the number of wells was 64. The data of wells were obtained from digging water wells in Directorate of Kirkuk. By using different methods different results were introduced. Furthermore, three wells were used as testing wells for interpolation algorithms.These are office of the Nation Mission, the Emergency department, and Wahid Athar district wells and it was found that the Emergency department well is the most accurate and nearest from the actual levels for both static and dynamic with RMSE of - 2.23 and - 1.35 in kriging method respectively as well as -2.97 and - 2.65 respectively in IDW method. However, the average of the three testing wells overall IDWinterpolation algorithm is the best, accurate and nearest from the true elevations in stable levels of wells.
Effect of baffle block configurations on characteristics of hydraulic jump in adverse stilling basins
Authors: Abbas Ali , Alwash Haider , Mahmood Ali
Published: May 2018

The construction of stilling basin with adverse slope change the characteristics of hydraulic jump such as sequent depth ratio, length of jump ratio, length of roller and energy dissipation ratio, consequently the dimensions of stilling basin are changed, also using baffle blocks with different configurations develop these characteristics. In this study different shapes of baffle block (models (A), (B), (C) and (D)) installed in the stilling basins at adverse slopes (- 0.03, - 0.045, - 0.06) in addition to horizontal bed, all these models are tested in the stilling basin to show their effects on the characteristics of hydraulic jump, the experiments applied for the range of Froude number (Fr1) between 3.99 and 7.48. The baffle block model (D) showed good results when compared with models (B) and (C), therefore it used with arrangement of (single and double row) and compared with baffle block model (A) at slopes (0, - 0.03, - 0.045, - 0.06) to study the effects of baffle blocks on hydraulic jump when bed slopes are changed. In general using baffle block caused a reduction in sequent depth ratio, length of jump ratio and the length of the roller, but the energy dissipation ratio increased.
The use of modal parameters in structural health monitoring
Authors: Al-Ghalib Ali , Mohammad Fouad
Published: May 2018

The concrete is liable to damage due to various stresses which compensate its adequacy and safety. The estimation of remaining strength in reinforced concrete beams when subjected to increased loading action utilizing vibration parameters is investigated. For this reason, three beams are loaded statically close to failure in various increasing load steps and then repaired. The beams are all of same dimensions, but are different in strength and range of defects introduced to each sample. Following each loading step, the experimental modal testing is utilized to collect the vibration parameters (natural frequency, damping ratio and mode shapes) of each beam when tested under free support boundary conditions. The use of vibration parameters for the purpose of damage identification are known to be an elaborate and lengthy process. On the other hand, they are successful for the structural health monitoring given that they are able to provide global on-site automated continuous monitoring. The paper features post analysis procedures for experimental modal measurements of three concrete samples to obtain and correlate the basic modal parameters (natural frequency, modal damping and mode shapes). The results of the extracted modal parameters and their combination are exploited in this research as quantified identification parameters. This paper concludes that modal parameters are successful in determining the location and quantity of structural degradation, when holistic approach considered through a system.
Digitalisierung des Gesundheitswesens: Aufbruch in die Zukunft
Authors: Völker Ingrid , Fink Ulf
Published: May 2018

Der Hauptstadtkongress Medizin und Gesundheit ist das bedeutendste Kongressereignis des deutschen Gesundheitswesens. „Digitalisierung und vernetzte Gesundheit“ lautet in diesem Jahr das Motto des Kongresses, der zum 21. Mal stattfindet. In Berlin treffen über 8 000 Entscheidungsträger aus Politik, Kliniken, Gesundheitswirtschaft, aus Medizin und Pflege, aus den Reihen der Kostenträger sowie aus Wissenschaft und Forschung zusammen.
Deutscher Pflegekongress 2018: Deutscher Pflegekongress: Wege zur Zukunftsfähigkeit!
Authors: François-Kettner Hedwig
Published: May 2018

Der Deutsche Pflegekongress im Rahmen des Hauptstadtkongresses ist der bedeutsame Treffpunkt für Pflegemanager, Pädagogen, pflegerische Fachverbände und Pflegeprofis aus allen Sektoren unseres Gesundheitssystems. Der multiprofessionelle Dialog mit den Akteuren im deutschen Gesundheitswesen ist die Grundlage der Zukunftsfähigkeit bei der pflegerischen Leistungserbringung.
Bundesverband privater anbieter Sozialer Dienste E. V.: Der Fachkräftemangel ist das zentrale Problem
Authors: Meurer Bernd
Published: May 2018

Der Begriff „Digitalisierung“ klingt nicht nur in der Altenpflege wie eine Verheißung. Trotz der Entwicklung von innovativen technischen Errungenschaften dürfen wir aber die zentrale Herausforderung der nächsten Jahre nicht aus den Augen verlieren: die Sicherstellung der pflegerischen Versorgung.
Hormones and Auditory Perception: Study of Dichotic Listening in Women during the Menstrual Cycle
Authors: Carneiro Cláudia , Almeida Anna , Ribas Angela , Kluk-De Kort Karolina , Lima Daviany , Araújo Aline , Ferreira Danilo Augusto , Martins Mariana , Freitas Thais , de Rosa Marine
Published: May 2018

Introduction Dichotic listening refers to the ability to hear different sounds presented to each ear simultaneously.

Objective The aim of the present study was to assess dichotic listening in women throughout the menstrual cycle.

Methods The volunteers who met the eligibility criteria participated in a dichotic listening assessment composed of three tests: 1) staggered spondaic word test; 2) dichotic digits test; and 3) consonant-vowel test. The female participants were tested during two different phases of the menstrual cycle: the follicular (days 11 to 13) and luteal (days 23 to 26) phases. The phases were confirmed by measuring serum levels of the hormone estradiol.

Results A total of 20 volunteers aged 18 to 49 years participated in the study (9 females and 11 males). In test 1, only the right ear of females showed better performance during the follicular phase (high estrogen levels), compared with the luteal phase (low estrogen levels); in test 2, there were no significant differences for any of the groups; and in test 3, both males and females showed significantly better performance in their right ear compared with their left ear.

Conclusion The better performance of females during the follicular phase of the cycle may indicate that estrogen levels might have an influence on dichotic listening in women.
Hearing Assessment of Neonates at Risk for Hearing Loss at a Hearing Health High Complexity Service: An Electrophysiological Assessment
Authors: Reis Flavia Mara , Gonçalves Claudia , Conto Juliana , Iantas Milena , Lüders Débora , Marques Jair
Published: May 2018

Introduction Hearing is the main sensory access in the first years of life. Therefore, early detection and intervention of hearing impairment must begin before the first year of age.

Objective To analyze the results of the electrophysiological hearing assessment of children at risk for hearing loss as part of the newborn hearing screening (NHS).

Methods This is a cross-sectional study held at a hearing health public service clinic located in Brazil, with 104 babies at risks factors for hearing loss referred by public hospitals. A questionnaire was applied to parents, and the auditory brainstem response (ABR) test was held, identifying those with alterations in the results. The outcome of the NHS was also analyzed regarding risk factor, gestational age and gender.

Results Among the 104 subjects, most of them were male (53.85%), and the main risk factor found was the admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for a period longer than 5 days (50.93%). Eighty-five (81.73%) subjects were screened by NHS at the maternity and 40% of them failed the test. Through the ABR test, 6 (5.77%) infants evidenced sensorineural hearing loss, 4 of them being diagnosed at 4 months, and 2 at 6 months of age; all of them failed the NHS and had family history and admission at NICU for over 5 days as the most prevalent hearing risks; in addition, family members of all children perceived their hearing impairment.

Conclusion Advances could be observed regarding the age of the diagnosis after the implementation of the NHS held at the analyzed public service clinic.
Handmade Traction Wrist Tower
Authors: Zolotov Alexander
Published: May 2018

The article presents handmade traction wrist tower, made from improvised means, which can be an alternative for expensive branded traction devices. The proposed device can be used successfully for wrist joint arthroscopy, as well as for performing various surgical procedures on the wrist and forearm, when traction is needed. This a Level IV study.
CONTRA: Postoperative Epiduralanalgesie – der Goldstandard?
Authors: Gerbershagen Hans
Published: May 2018

Die Epiduralanalgesie (EDA) kann nicht für alle Eingriffe mit mittelstarkem bis starkem Schmerzniveau der Goldstandard der Therapie sein. Die EDA ist der PCA (patientenkontrollierte Analgesie) und den oralen Analgetika in Bezug auf Reduktion der postoperativen Schmerzintensität überlegen [1]. Mögliche schwerwiegende Komplikationen sowie die höheren Kosten der EDA erfordern aber eine sorgfältige, evidenzbasierte operationsspezifische Abwägung.
PRO: Epiduralanalgesie – Goldstandard bei abdominalen und thorakalen Eingriffen
Authors: Listing Hannah , Pöpping Daniel
Published: May 2018

Die Kombination aus thorakaler Epiduralanalgesie (TEA) und Allgemeinanästhesie hat sich bei großen abdominellen und thorakalen Operationen aufgrund der ausgezeichneten Analgesiequalität bewährt 1. Komplikationen sind selten, aber potenziell schwerwiegend – sie müssen rasch erkannt und therapiert werden. Daher sollte die TEA in ein den gesamten perioperativen Verlauf umfassendes Konzept integriert sein, wie es in diesem Beitrag vorgestellt wird.
Efficacy and tolerability of linaclotide in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with constipation in a real‑world setting – results from a German noninterventional study
Authors: Andresen Viola , Miehlke Stephan , Beck Elmar , Wiseman Gwen , Layer Peter
Published: May 2018

Background Linaclotide is a minimally absorbed peptide guanylate cyclase-C agonist approved for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C). This study assessed the efficacy and tolerability of linaclotide in IBS-C in routine clinical practice in Germany.

Methods This was a 52-week, noninterventional study of linaclotide in patients aged ≥ 18 years with moderate to severe IBS-C. Severity of abdominal pain and bloating and frequency of bowel movements were assessed over 5 study visits. Treatment-related adverse events were recorded.

Results The study enrolled 375 patients; the mean observation duration was 4.4 months. Linaclotide marketing was halted during the study period for economic reasons, accounting for low patient numbers and short observation duration. Linaclotide significantly reduced mean (standard deviation [SD]) scores between treatment start (visit 1) and study end (visit 5) for abdominal pain intensity (visit 1: 4.87 [2.63] vs. visit 5: 2.40 [2.20], p < 0.0001), mean [SD] bloating intensity (visit 1: 5.30 [2.70] vs. visit 5: 2.86 [2.34], p < 0.0001), and increased mean [SD] bowel movement frequency (visit 1: 2.71 [1.80] vs. 4.38 [1.86], p < 0.0001). Diarrhea, occurring in 5.1 % of patients, was the most common adverse event.

Conclusion Linaclotide is effective in improving the major symptoms of IBS-C and demonstrates a favorable safety profile in the real-world environment of routine clinical practice. DRKS (www.drks.de/): DRKS00005088.
Characteristics of chiral plasma plumes generated in the absence of external magnetic field
Authors: Nie LanLan , Liu FengWu , Zhou XinCai , Lu XinPei , Xian YuBin
Published: May 2018

A chiral plasma plume has recently been generated inside a dielectric tube without the use of an external magnetic field. In this paper, we seek to further study the key properties of such a chiral plume to improve our understanding of how this interesting structure is generated and controlled. The chiral plume is generated by externally mounting a stainless steel helical coil or a ring onto the dielectric tube. By changing the pitch of the helical coil, the pitch of the plasma plume can be controlled, with the shape of the plume following the shape of the helical coil. The addition of the helical coil significantly expands the range of parameters under which the chiral plasma plume appears. When the frequency of the applied voltage increases, additional stable discharge channels appear between the adjacent helices. The addition of two helical coils results in the formation of two chiral plasma plumes, which follow the shape of the helical coils. When a metal ring is placed on the outside of the tube, there is no chiral plasma plume between the high voltage electrode and the ring; however, a chiral plasma plume appears on the right side of the ring if the distance between the ring and the high voltage electrode is small. These findings suggest that the chiral plasma can be effectively modulated and guided using an externally mounted helical coil, which acts as the floating/actual ground to reduce the impedance of the discharge and as such contributes to the emergence of the chiral plasma plume behavior.
Progress towards modeling tokamak boundary plasma turbulence and understanding its role in setting divertor heat flux widths
Authors: Chen B. , Xu X. Q. , Xia T. Y. , Li N. M. , Porkolab M. , Edlund E. , LaBombard B. , Terry J. , Hughes J. W. , Ye M. Y. , Wan Y. X.
Published: May 2018

The heat flux distributions on divertor targets in H-mode plasmas are serious concerns for future devices. We seek to simulate the tokamak boundary plasma turbulence and heat transport in the edge localized mode-suppressed regimes. The improved BOUT++ model shows that not only Ip but also the radial electric field Er plays an important role on the turbulence behavior and sets the heat flux width. Instead of calculating Er from the pressure gradient term (diamagnetic Er), it is calculated from the plasma transport equations with the sheath potential in the scrape-off layer and the plasma density and temperature profiles inside the separatrix from the experiment. The simulation results with the new Er model have better agreement with the experiment than using the diamagnetic Er model: (1) The electromagnetic turbulence in enhanced Dα H-mode shows the characteristics of quasi-coherent modes (QCMs) and broadband turbulence. The mode spectra are in agreement with the phase contrast imaging data and almost has no change in comparison to the cases which use the diamagnetic Er model; (2) the self-consistent boundary Er is needed for the turbulence simulations to get the consistent heat flux width with the experiment; (3) the frequencies of the QCMs are proportional to Er, while the divertor heat flux widths are inversely proportional to Er; and (4) the BOUT++ turbulence simulations yield a similar heat flux width to the experimental Eich scaling law and the prediction from the Goldston heuristic drift model.
A two-dimensional statistical framework connecting thermodynamic profiles with filaments in the scrape off layer and application to experiments
Authors: Militello F. , Farley T. , Mukhi K. , Walkden N. , Omotani J. T.
Published: May 2018

A statistical framework was introduced in Militello and Omotani [Nucl. Fusion 56, 104004 (2016)] to correlate the dynamics and statistics of L-mode and inter-ELM plasma filaments with the radial profiles of thermodynamic quantities they generate in the Scrape Off Layer. This paper extends the framework to cases in which the filaments are emitted from the separatrix at different toroidal positions and with a finite toroidal velocity. It is found that the toroidal velocity does not affect the profiles, while the toroidal distribution of filament emission renormalises the waiting time between two events. Experimental data collected by visual camera imaging are used to evaluate the statistics of the fluctuations, to inform the choice of the probability distribution functions used in the application of the framework. It is found that the toroidal separation of the filaments is exponentially distributed, thus suggesting the lack of a toroidal modal structure. Finally, using these measurements, the framework is applied to an experimental case and good agreement is found.