bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance indicators and automatic identification systems in inland freight terminals for intermodal transport
Authors: Carboni Angela , Deflorio Francesco
Published: February 2018

The inland terminals play an important role in the intermodal freight transport network to transfer loading units and achieve seamless cross‐modal processes. Their efficiency contributes to competiveness of intermodal transport which shifts medium distance freight journeys from road to other modes as required by European Policies. Based on the scientific literature, a set of selected performance indicators for inland terminals is identified and classified, considering the terminal subprocess and the actors involved. Also, the main relations between the key performance indicators identified and the possible solutions for automatic identification to detect vehicles and units during the gate operations are analysed. These applications are useful for two main reasons: they contribute to terminal performance improvement, affecting the indicator value, and also may enable the computation of the indicators itself. The aim of the study is to provide a method to measure a particular indicator even in different procedures for check‐in. To compare solutions in homogeneous conditions, with a consistent calculation of the indicator, the scenarios are analysed and modelled with a standard system architectures representation. The approach allows stakeholders a standard and simple analysis to effective compare different possible scenarios, in which alternative detection solutions may be implemented.
Square‐shaped feeding truncated circularly polarised slot antenna
Authors: Kurniawan Farohaji , Sri Sumantyo Josaphat Tetuko , Gao Steven , Ito Koichi , Santosa Cahya Edi
Published: February 2018

A novel S‐band right handed circularly polarised (RHCP) slot antenna for supporting communication system of GAIA II/LAPAN‐Chibasat is presented in this paper. This satellite implemented L‐band Circularly Polarised Synthetic Aperture Radar (CP‐SAR) sensor, X‐band antenna is employed for mission data downlink and S‐band antenna is employed for the command and telemetry. The S‐band antenna is printed on the substrate with the relative permittivity of 2.17 and the thickness is 1.6 mm. A crescent shaped slot is placed on the ground plane. A square‐shaped is set to strengthen the radiation on the edge of the feed‐line. A parasitic strip rectangular‐shaped is added on the ground plane to enhance the gain of the antenna. Truncation technique is employed to increase the bandwidth axial ratio(ARBW) and the gain. The total dimension of the antenna is 170 mm × 170 mm. The antenna produced <3 dB bandwidth axial ratio of 14% and the bandwidth under −10 dB of return loss obtained 90%.The simulated and measured result of the antenna design is satisfied. Detail of the antenna design and the measurement result of the antenna are described and presented.
Utilisation of kinetic energy from wind turbine for grid connections: a review paper
Authors: Wang Dongxiao , Gao Xiaodan , Meng Ke , Qiu Jing , Lai Loi Lei , Gao Sen
Published: February 2018

Variable‐speed operation of wind turbines (WTs) achieved through electronic converters can decouple wind generator dynamics from power systems. Besides, the wide rotor operation range makes it possible for the WT to tap the potential of kinetic energy (KE) in the rotating mass. This study provides an overview of utilising KE from WTs for grid connections. The availability of KE in WTs is acquired by the rotor speed alternation, both in static and dynamic processes. For the static state, the rotors of WTs operate at a pre‐defined power curve which leaves the generation margin for KE release; while for the dynamic process, the KE is passively changed by the imbalance between mechanical and electrical power. Some emerging technologies in frequency regulation and low‐voltage ride through capability with the participation of KE stored in WTs are investigated. The applications of KE in terms of wind smoothing are summarised as well. Finally, this literature review also discusses some potential future applications of KE management.
Ship detection using online update of clutter map based on fuzzy statistics and spatial property
Authors: Pan Xueli , Liao Guisheng , Yang Zhiwei , Dang Hongxing
Published: February 2018

The ship detection is the key importance for the maritime surveillance. If the sea clutter is contaminated by the ship targets or interferences, that is the outliers, the detection performance will deteriorate. Aiming at this question, the study develops the detection method of the extended ship targets using the online update of the clutter map in circular scanning synthetic aperture radar (SAR) mode. The algorithm first removes the outliers using the prior clutter map, and then further obtains the pure clutter distribution based on the iterative censoring algorithm which rejects the outliers using the fuzzy statistical theory, the spatial property of the ship target and goodness‐of‐fitness test. After censoring the outliers, the constant false alarm rate detection is used. As the intensity of a ship target is fluctuant, the detected ship may be split into several parts, and thus the target clustering is an imperative procedure. Meanwhile, the false targets are rejected by the prior size of the ship. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed detection method is verified by the real data from airborne circular scanning SAR. Compared with other conventional methods, the experimental results indicate that the proposed method has a good performance and strong availability.
Improved method for deinterleaving radar signals and estimating PRI values
Authors: Liu Yanchao , Zhang Qunying
Published: February 2018

In the electronic countermeasure, the electronic support measure (ESM) receiver intercepts the interleaved radar pulse streams, which radiates from surrounding radar emitters. At present, deinterleaving algorithm based on time of arrival which is called pulse repetition interval (PRI) deinterleaving occupies an important part of the ESM. The sequential difference histogram (SDIF) is a well‐known and effective PRI deinterleaving algorithm, but it has several disadvantages. When the PRI jitter and pulse missing exist in the pulse streams, the SDIF algorithm cannot estimate the real PRI value reliably, and then cannot separate the radar pulse trains corresponding to the real PRI value from the interleaved pulse streams. In order to overcome these disadvantages, an improved SDIF algorithm using clustering algorithm and PRI transform is proposed. Simulation results have proved that this improved algorithm has higher reliability and accuracy in the presence of PRI jitter and pulse missing.
Near‐binary multisine design with arbitrary sparse spectrum for fast BIS measurement
Authors: Zhang Fu , Teng Zhaosheng , Yang Yuxiang , Li Jianmin , Zhong Haowen , Sang Jiangyan
Published: February 2018

Bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) measurement is widely used in various biological medical applications. Broadband excitation signals with sparse spectra can be beneficial to increasing the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) and decreasing the time of BIS measurements. This study introduces a rapid synthesis method to generate near‐binary multisines (NBMs) with arbitrary sparse spectra that have the advantage of lower crest factor and less aliasing compared with the traditional multisines or binary signals. One of the NBM examples, abbreviated as Quasi‐Log‐Flat‐19, which contains 19 quasi‐logarithmical and flat desired components from 1 kHz to 1 MHz is used as the voltage source or the current source for BIS measurements (only 1 ms required). The results show that the impedance SNR by using Quasi‐Log‐Flat‐19 (68.9 dB in average from the voltage source and 63.5 dB in average from the current source) is always higher in comparison of the corresponding optimised multisine with the same desired spectrum (65.1 dB in average from the voltage source and 58.5 dB in average from the current source). It can be concluded that NBMs can be used as good alternatives to traditional optimised multisines with sparse spectrum distribution in fast BIS measurement.
Study on evaporation duct estimation from point‐to‐point propagation measurements
Authors: Zhang Qi , Yang Kunde
Published: February 2018

Studies are conducted to estimate the evaporation duct refractivity structure inversely using signal strength sampled in the point‐to‐point propagation measurements. The repulsive particle swarm optimisation (RPSO) is adopted as an efficient optimisation algorithm to improve the efficiency of the inverse process. To verify the performance of the RPSO algorithm, numerical simulations are done to compare it with genetic algorithm and particle swarm optimisation for a typical inverse problem in estimating evaporation duct height and transmitting distance simultaneously. Moreover, to get better inversion accuracy, a layered evaporation duct model is also adopted and further numerical study based on measured refractivity profiles clearly demonstrate the better performance of layered model over other models to exhibit a closer match to the sonde data.
Improved efficiency of a fan drive system without using an encoder or current sensors
Authors: Liu Tian‐Hua , Huang Jyun‐Jie
Published: February 2018

This study proposes a closed‐loop fan drive system without using an encoder or current sensors. The cost and size of the fan drive system, therefore, are significantly reduced. By using low‐resolution three‐phase Hall‐effect position sensors, three‐phase sinusoidal pulse‐width modulation voltages are generated to control a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) that a fan is connected to. Two methods, including the back‐EMF estimation method and the impedance‐phase estimation method, are proposed to determine the input voltage amplitude and phase of the PMSM. A digital signal processor, TMS 320F28335, is used to execute the control algorithms. The proposed impedance‐phase estimation method is 25% more efficient than the back‐EMF estimation method at low‐speed operating range – below 1000 r/min. A detailed sensitivity analysis of the motor parameter variations is discussed. The implemented drive circuit, which is very compact, can be attached at the back of the PMSM and fan. Several experimental results are provided.
Decoupling control for aircraft brushless wound‐rotor synchronous starter‐generator in the starting mode
Authors: Jiao Ningfei , Liu Weiguo , Meng Tao , Sun Chenghao , Jiang Yu
Published: February 2018

The main generator (MG) and main exciter (ME) of the aircraft wound‐rotor synchronous starter‐generator (WRSSG) are electromechanically coupled seriously, which makes the start control for the WRSSG complex in the starting mode. A decoupling control method for the MG and ME of the WRSSG is proposed in this study based on the estimation of the MG field current. In the proposed decoupling method, the MG field current is estimated first and used in the closed‐loop excitation control for the ME to make the MG field current meet the MG demand. With the desired field current, the MG is decoupled with the ME and is controlled by using a traditional synchronous motor to start the aircraft engine at maximum torque per ampere. The feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed decoupling control method are verified by experimental results.
Decoupled TAB converter with energy storage system for HVDC power system of more electric aircraft
Authors: Liu Ran , Xu Lie , Kang Yuanli , Hui Yannian , Li Yongdong
Published: February 2018

It is an important trend to develop the more electric aircraft (MEA) ±270 V high‐voltage direct current (HVDC) power system because of its better reliability, power quality and power density. However, there also exists the low‐voltage 28 V DC system in HVDC power system, for the aviation battery and some equipment still rely on it. In traditional MEA power systems, battery is only used as a backup power supply, hardly participating in the adjustment of the power system. On the other hand, the function of turbine engine is unidirectional. Hence, it's necessary to add an energy storage port. In this research, the authors put forward the problems of power coupling and strong non‐linearity in traditional three‐port triple active bridge (TAB) converters, and propose a decoupled TAB topology, which has the feature of decoupled power flow. The topology is compatible with ±270 V DC, 28 V DC and energy storage system with high‐power density and efficiency. In addition, the authors unify the efficiency optimisation problem of dual active bridge topology mathematically and provide an optimal parameter design approach for inductance and turns ratio. Simulation results show the power flow control strategy is appropriate for the topology.
Tracking of square reference signals using internal model‐based LQG robust controller for positioning of a micro‐electro‐mechanical systems micromirror
Authors: Tan Jiazheng , Sun Weijie , Yeow John
Published: February 2018

This work studies the Lorentz force‐based polymer hard‐magnetic micromirror for optical switch application. For this purpose, a robust control design is proposed, which is based on the linear quadratic gaussian method incorporating with the well‐known internal model principle. The proposed scheme can simultaneously be easily implemented and it can improve the positioning performances and noise rejection ability. The effectiveness is verified by experimental results.
Synthesis and characterisation of fluorescent and biocompatible hydroxyapatite nanoparticles with cerium doping
Authors: Huang Wenjie , Mao Zhou , Chen Li , Chi Yuling , Jiang Hao , Zimba Bhahat Lawlley , Xiong Guoxi , Wu Qingzhi
Published: February 2018

In this work, the fluorescent hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HA NPs) were synthesised by doping cerium (Ce) ions into the crystal structure of HA at different concentrations. The fluorescent property of the Ce‐doped HA NPs was determined by the content of Ce doping. The results show that HA NPs with the Ce‐doping content of 5% displayed the highest fluorescent emission peak near 380 nm at the excitation wavelength of 300 nm. The CCK‐8 assay showed that no significant cytotoxicity was observed when the L929 cells were incubated with the fluorescent HA NPs with the Ce‐doping content of 5% for 12 h at the dose lower than 0.1 mg/ml. Therefore, the fluorescent HA NPs could be used as a fluorescent probing for cellular imaging and antioxidant agent against oxidative stress‐induced cell damages.
Modelling of proton acceleration in application to a ground level enhancement
Authors: Afanasiev A. , Vainio R. , Rouillard A. P. , Battarbee M. , Aran A. , Zucca P.
Published: February 2018

Context. The source of high-energy protons (above ~500 MeV) responsible for ground level enhancements (GLEs) remains an open question in solar physics. One of the candidates is a shock wave driven by a coronal mass ejection, which is thought to accelerate particles via diffusive-shock acceleration. Aims. We perform physics-based simulations of proton acceleration using information on the shock and ambient plasma parameters derived from the observation of a real GLE event. We analyse the simulation results to find out which of the parameters are significant in controlling the acceleration efficiency and to get a better understanding of the conditions under which the shock can produce relativistic protons.

Methods. We use the results of the recently developed technique to determine the shock and ambient plasma parameters, applied to the 17 May 2012 GLE event, and carry out proton acceleration simulations with the Coronal Shock Acceleration (CSA) model.

Results. We performed proton acceleration simulations for nine individual magnetic field lines characterised by various plasma conditions. Analysis of the simulation results shows that the acceleration efficiency of the shock, i.e. its ability to accelerate particles to high energies, tends to be higher for those shock portions that are characterised by higher values of the scattering-centre compression ratio rc and/or the fast-mode Mach number MFM. At the same time, the acceleration efficiency can be strengthened by enhanced plasma density in the corresponding flux tube. The simulations show that protons can be accelerated to GLE energies in the shock portions characterised by the highest values of rc. Analysis of the delays between the flare onset and the production times of protons of 1 GV rigidity for different field lines in our simulations, and a subsequent comparison of those with the observed values indicate a possibility that quasi-perpendicular portions of the shock play the main role in producing relativistic protons.
Mapping the core of the Tarantula Nebula with VLT-MUSE
Authors: Castro N. , Crowther P. A. , Evans C. J. , Mackey J. , Castro-Rodriguez N. , Vink J. S. , Melnick J. , Selman F.
Published: February 2018

We introduce VLT-MUSE observations of the central 2′× 2′ (30 × 30 pc) of the Tarantula Nebula in the Large Magellanic Cloud. The observations provide an unprecedented spectroscopic census of the massive stars and ionised gas in the vicinity of R136, the young, dense star cluster located in NGC 2070, at the heart of the richest star-forming region in the Local Group. Spectrophotometry and radial-velocity estimates of the nebular gas (superimposed on the stellar spectra) are provided for 2255 point sources extracted from the MUSE datacubes, and we present estimates of stellar radial velocities for 270 early-type stars (finding an average systemic velocity of 271 ± 41 km s−1). We present an extinction map constructed from the nebular Balmer lines, with electron densities and temperatures estimated from intensity ratios of the [S II], [N II], and [S III] lines. The interstellar medium, as traced by Hα and [N II] λ6583, provides new insights in regions where stars are probably forming. The gas kinematics are complex, but with a clear bi-modal, blue- and red-shifted distribution compared to the systemic velocity of the gas centred on R136. Interesting point-like sources are also seen in the eastern cavity, western shell, and around R136; these might be related to phenomena such as runaway stars, jets, formation of new stars, or the interaction of the gas with the population of Wolf–Rayet stars. Closer inspection of the core reveals red-shifted material surrounding the strongest X-ray sources, although we are unable to investigate the kinematics in detail as the stars are spatially unresolved in the MUSE data. Further papers in this series will discuss the detailed stellar content of NGC 2070 and its integrated stellar and nebular properties.
Sensitivity analysis of water consumption in an office building
Authors: Suchacek Tomas , Tuhovcak Ladislav , Rucka Jan
Published: February 2018

This article deals with sensitivity analysis of real water consumption in an office building. During a long-term real study, reducing of pressure in its water connection was simulated. A sensitivity analysis of uneven water demand was conducted during working time at various provided pressures and at various time step duration. Correlations between maximal coefficients of water demand variation during working time and provided pressure were suggested. The influence of provided pressure in the water connection on mean coefficients of water demand variation was pointed out, altogether for working hours of all days and separately for days with identical working hours.
Assessment the impact of samplers change on the uncertainty related to geothermalwater sampling
Authors: Wątor Katarzyna , Mika Anna , Sekuła Klaudia , Kmiecik Ewa
Published: February 2018

The aim of this study is to assess the impact of samplers change on the uncertainty associated with the process of the geothermal water sampling. The study was carried out on geothermal water exploited in Podhale region, southern Poland (Małopolska province). To estimate the uncertainty associated with sampling the results of determinations of metasilicic acid (H2SiO3) in normal and duplicate samples collected in two series were used (in each series the samples were collected by qualified sampler). Chemical analyses were performed using ICP-OES method in the certified Hydrogeochemical Laboratory of the Hydrogeology and Engineering Geology Department at the AGH University of Science and Technology in Krakow (Certificate of Polish Centre for Accreditation No. AB 1050). To evaluate the uncertainty arising from sampling the empirical approach was implemented, based on double analysis of normal and duplicate samples taken from the same well in the series of testing. The analyses of the results were done using ROBAN software based on technique of robust statistics analysis of variance (rANOVA). Conducted research proved that in the case of qualified and experienced samplers uncertainty connected with the sampling can be reduced what results in small measurement uncertainty.
Wise use of water in smart cities - possibilities and limitations
Authors: Bąk Joanna
Published: February 2018

The need to save water is due, inter alia, to the paradigm of sustainable development. There are many ways to minimize the consumption of high quality water supplied by the water supply network. These include the simplest way and those complex, requiring additional installation. The lack of water is a big problem, but not only water deficit are dangerous. There is a possibility of secondary water pollution in the water supply network due to changes in network parameters. Changes in these parameters may occur due to reduced demand for water by residents and, as a result, reduced water flow - at the same pipe diameter. The article includes a review with comparative analysis of various classification systems for the tap fittings and other sanitary equipment, such as the Water Efficiency Label (WELL) in Europe or the Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) in Australia. Several types of perlators and flow regulators were compared in the research section. This equipment was tested in the household. The possibilities of minimizing water consumption by using them was collated. In addition, the work also analyses the evolution of water consumption in Poland in recent years and their possible relationship with the threats quality of drinking water supplied to consumers.
Possibilities of heat energy recovery from greywater systems
Authors: Niewitecka Kaja
Published: February 2018

Waste water contains a large amount of heat energy which is irretrievably lost, so it is worth thinking about the possibilities of its recovery. It is estimated that in a residential building with full sanitary fittings, about 70% of the total tap water supplied is discharged as greywater and could be reused. The subject of the work is the opportunity to reuse waste water as an alternative source of heat for buildings. For this purpose, the design of heat exchangers used in the process of greywater heat recovery in indoor sewage systems, public buildings as well as in industrial plants has been reviewed. The possibility of recovering heat from waste water transported in outdoor sewage systems was also taken into consideration. An exemplary waste water heat recovery system was proposed, and the amount of heat that could be obtained using a greywater heat recovery system in a residential building was presented. The work shows that greywater heat recovery systems allow for significant savings in preheating hot tap water, and the rate of cost reimbursement depends on the purpose of the building and the type of installation. At the same time, the work shows that one should adjust the construction solutions of heat exchangers and indoor installations in buildings to the quality of the medium flowing, which is greywater.
Synthesis of Symmetrical N-Aryl-C-phosphonoacetamidines
Authors: Svintsitskaya Nataly , Erkhitueva Elena , Panikorovskii Taras , Trifonov Rostislav , Dogadina Аlbina
Published: February 2018

An efficient synthesis of a series of novel symmetrical N-aryl-C-phosphonoacetamidines through reaction of diisopropyl (chloroethynyl)phosphonate with primary aryl amines was developed. This procedure tolerates a wide range of functional groups and has a good atom economy. The (E)-isomer was the major product that crystallized preferentially over the (Z)-isomer.
Regeln sind Regeln
Authors: Weimer Tobias
Published: February 2018

Bei Krankenhauskooperationsverträgen müssen Kliniken streng die Vorgaben des Vergaberechts einhalten. Wer das bei der Vergabe ignoriert oder sogar bewusst Verbote missachtet, könnte das im Streitfall teuer bezahlen. Denn: Unrechtmäßige Verträge bieten laut aktueller Rechtsprechung keinerlei Schutz und sind nichtig.
Klinik Unternehmen: Auf-/Absteiger des Monats
Authors: Schmidt Hartmut
Published: February 2018

Börsenexperte, analysiert für kma die Jahresabschlüsse* ausgewählter Kliniken

*Quelle: Geschäftsberichte, elektronischer Bundesanzeiger
RSNA: Size does matter
Authors: Buchholz Ralf
Published: February 2018

Das Jahrestreffen der Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) in Chicago ist jedes Jahr wieder eine große Nummer – und Radiologen aus aller Welt pilgern in die Hallen und Vortragssäle. 2017 thronte ein Thema über allem: künstliche Intelligenz.
Reha-Kliniken müssen kämpfen: Lean Healthcare als Chance im Wettbewerb?
Authors: Beyer Stefan
Published: February 2018

Prozesse in einer Reha-Klinik können natürlich auch ohne Lean Management oder ein Prozesscontrolling ablaufen. Die Lean Philosophie kann aber dabei helfen, die Wettbewerbsfaktoren Zeit, Kosten und Qualität zu optimieren, um sich gegenüber den Wettbewerbern und im Reha-Markt langfristig zu behaupten.
The Primary Physis
Authors: Choi David , Moore Michael , Brian James
Published: February 2018

The primary physis is responsible for long bone growth in children and adolescents. Injury and physiologic or metabolic stress to the primary physis present unique radiologic findings that are important for radiologists to recognize and diagnose. Appreciation of the anatomy and histology of the primary physis forms the basis for understanding the imaging findings associated with pathologic conditions affecting the primary physis. Salter-Harris injuries, physeal bars, growth arrest lines, rickets, and focal periphyseal edema zones are common conditions with recognizable radiologic presentations. Proper diagnosis of these primary physeal conditions will aid in the treatment of affected pediatric patients.
Nuclear Medicine Applications in Pediatric Musculoskeletal Diseases: The Added Value of Hybrid Imaging
Authors: Iyer Ramesh , Stanescu A. , Parisi Marguerite
Published: February 2018

The introduction of diphosphonates in the 1970s revolutionized not only nuclear medicine but musculoskeletal imaging as well, providing functional assessment of entities such as osteomyelitis, trauma, and osseous metastatic disease. Although rarely the first-line imaging modality used today, nuclear medicine procedures continue to play a pivotal role in the evaluation of musculoskeletal diseases in children, providing whole-body assessment of disease involvement. More recently, the introduction of technologies such as single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT), as well as newer positron-emitting tracers such as 18fluorine-fluorodeoxyglucose and sodium 18F-fluorine, particularly when combined with CT (positron emission tomography/CT), have injected new life into the older established techniques and expanded the application of nuclear medicine imaging into new arenas. This article discusses the utility of standard nuclear medicine procedures as they apply to children with musculoskeletal disorders, focusing on the added value of and indications for SPECT/CT. Subsequently, we discuss the expanding role of positron-emitting agents in infection, trauma, and for the diagnosis, staging, and therapeutic response monitoring of children with malignant bone and soft tissue tumors. Differences between disease processes encountered in children as compared with adults are discussed; developmental variants that can, but should not, be confused with disease are illustrated. The need for pediatric-specific protocols is addressed.
Hepatitis B – Ein Ausblick auf aktualisierte Leitlinien
Authors: Cornberg Markus
Published: February 2018

Was ist neu?

Natürlicher Verlauf und Therapieindikation Die Nomenklatur der 4 Phasen der chronischen Hepatitis-B-Virus (HBV) -Infektion wurde modifiziert. Es wird zwischen HBeAg-positiver Infektion, HBeAg-positiver Hepatitis, HBeAg-negativer Infektion und HBeAg-negativer Hepatitis unterschieden. Eine klare Therapieindikation besteht bei einer Hepatitis, insbesondere bei Leberfibrose oder Leberzirrhose. Die Therapie von Schwangeren mit hoher HBV-DNA > 200 000 IU/ml zur Verhinderung der vertikalen Transmission auf das Neugeborene hat nun einen höheren Stellenwert. Unter immunsuppressiver Therapie kann eine inaktive oder „ausgeheilte“ HBV-Infektion in lebensbedrohlicher Form reaktivieren. Die Prävention einer HBV-Reaktivierung ist daher ein zentrales Thema in neuen Leitlinien.

Therapie der chronischen Hepatitis B Neben dem Standard (direkt antiviral wirkende Nukleosid/Nukleotidanaloga [NA]) steht mit Tenofovir-Alafenamid (TAF) ein neues NA zur Verfügung. Die antivirale Wirksamkeit ist mit Tenofovir-Disoproxil (TDF) vergleichbar. Durch höhere intrazelluläre Konzentrationen des Wirkstoffs Tenofovir ist eine geringere Ausgangsdosis des Prodrugs TAF erforderlich, sodass Nebenwirkungen geringer sein können. Die Anwendung beschränkt sich aber auf Patienten mit Niereninsuffizienz und oder Osteoporose, die Therapie mit NA ist meist eine Dauertherapie. Bei HBeAg-negativen Patienten sollte die Therapie erst nach Erreichen eines HBsAg-Verlusts abgesetzt werden. Allerdings kann man in Einzelfällen die NA-Therapie jetzt früher abbrechen. Geeignete Kandidaten sind Patienten ohne fortgeschrittene Fibrose mit einer langjährigen HBV-DNA-Suppression (> 3 Jahre) – mit einem engmaschigen Kontrollintervall als Voraussetzung. Das neue Ziel in der HBV-Therapie heißt „HBV-cure“, d. h. die funktionelle Heilung der chronischen Infektion. Hier laufen aktuell zahlreiche Phase-I- bis II-Studien.

Hepatitis Delta Bei der Hepatitis Delta ist weiterhin pegyliertes Interferon-alfa (PEG-IFN) die einzig effektive Therapie. Die Therapiedauer sollte mindestens 48 Wochen betragen. Eine längere Therapiedauer kann bei deutlichem Abfall des HBsAg sinnvoll sein, um einen HBsAg-Verlust zu erreichen. Aktuell werden hoffnungsvolle neue antivirale Konzepte (z. B. Lonafarnib, Myrcludex) in Phase-II-Studien evaluiert. Da die Hepatitis Delta einen „Orphan Disease“-Status hat, können diese Medikamente schneller entwickelt bzw. zugelassen werden.
Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials challenging the usefulness of purgative preparation before small-bowel video capsule endoscopy
Authors: Gkolfakis Paraskevas , Tziatzios Georgios , Dimitriadis George , Triantafyllou Konstantinos
Published: February 2018

Background The usefulness of purgative preparation before small-bowel video capsule endoscopy is controversial. We aimed to examine the effect of purgative preparation on small-bowel video capsule endoscopy outcomes.

Methods We performed literature searches in MEDLINE and the Cochrane library for randomized controlled trials evaluating the effect of purgative preparation (polyethylene glycol, sodium phosphate, others) vs. clear-liquid diet/fasting in patients undergoing small-bowel capsule endoscopy. Meta-analysis outcomes included the examination’s diagnostic yield, small-bowel mucosal visualization quality, the examination’s completion rate, and gastric and small-bowel transit times. The effect size on study outcomes was calculated using a fixed- or random-effect model, as appropriate, and is shown as the risk ratio (RR) with 95 % confidence interval (CI).

Results We identified 12 eligible trials with 17 sets of data including 1221 subjects. Significant heterogeneity was detected with no evidence of publication bias. As compared with clear-liquid diet, purgative bowel preparation did not increase capsule endoscopy diagnostic yield (RR 1.17 [95 %CI 0.97 to 1.40]; P = 0.11). Neither the small-bowel mucosal visualization quality (RR 1.14 [95 %CI 0.96 to 1.35]; P = 0.15) nor completion rate for the examination (RR 0.99 [95 %CI 0.95 to 1.04]; P = 0.76) significantly improved after purgative preparation. Purgatives also had no effect on video capsule endoscopy gastric and small-bowel transit times.

Conclusions Our analysis challenges the usefulness of purgative preparation for improving the diagnostic yield of small-bowel video capsule endoscopy and the quality of small-bowel mucosal visualization.
Interdisziplinäre Therapie der Lungentuberkulose
Authors: Pfannschmidt Joachim , Schönfeld Nicolas
Published: February 2018

Die chirurgische Therapie der Lungentuberkulose war seit der breiten Verfügbarkeit effektiver Antibiotika nur noch in seltenen Fällen indiziert. Die zunehmende Problematik multiresistenter Tuberkulosestämme in den letzten 2 Jahrzehnten hat die Bedeutung chirurgischer Therapieverfahren jedoch erneut in den Fokus gerückt. Ziel dieser Arbeit ist die Darstellung der wesentlichen Indikationskriterien zur chirurgischen Behandlung im interdisziplinären Konzept mit den heutigen Möglichkeiten der tuberkulostatischen Therapie.
Mixed ice accretion on aircraft wings
Authors: Janjua Zaid A. , Turnbull Barbara , Hibberd Stephen , Choi Kwing-So
Published: February 2018

Ice accretion is a problematic natural phenomenon that affects a wide range of engineering applications including power cables, radio masts, and wind turbines. Accretion on aircraft wings occurs when supercooled water droplets freeze instantaneously on impact to form rime ice or runback as water along the wing to form glaze ice. Most models to date have ignored the accretion of mixed ice, which is a combination of rime and glaze. A parameter we term the “freezing fraction” is defined as the fraction of a supercooled droplet that freezes on impact with the top surface of the accretion ice to explore the concept of mixed ice accretion. Additionally we consider different “packing densities” of rime ice, mimicking the different bulk rime densities observed in nature. Ice accretion is considered in four stages: rime, primary mixed, secondary mixed, and glaze ice. Predictions match with existing models and experimental data in the limiting rime and glaze cases. The mixed ice formulation however provides additional insight into the composition of the overall ice structure, which ultimately influences adhesion and ice thickness, and shows that for similar atmospheric parameter ranges, this simple mixed ice description leads to very different accretion rates. A simple one-dimensional energy balance was solved to show how this freezing fraction parameter increases with decrease in atmospheric temperature, with lower freezing fraction promoting glaze ice accretion.
Rethinking the theoretical description of photoluminescence in compound semiconductors
Authors: Valkovskii V. , Jandieri K. , Gebhard F. , Baranovskii S. D.
Published: February 2018

Semiconductor compounds, such as Ga(NAsP)/GaP or GaAsBi/GaAs, are in the focus of intensive research due to their unique features for optoelectronic devices. The optical spectra of compound semiconductors are strongly influenced by the random scattering potentials caused by compositional and structural disorder. The disorder potential is responsible for the red-shift (Stokes shift) of the photoluminescence (PL) peak and for the inhomogeneous broadening of the PL spectra. So far, the anomalous broadening of the PL spectra in Ga(NAsP)/GaP has been explained assuming two coexisting length scales of disorder. However, this interpretation appears in contradiction to the recently observed dependence of the PL linewidth on the excitation intensity. We suggest an alternative approach that describes the PL characteristics in the framework of a model with a single length scale of disorder. The price is the assumption of two types of localized states with different, temperature-dependent non-radiative recombination rates.
Strengthening effects of interstitial nitrogen on rhenium
Authors: Qi Lei , Lei Li , Hu Qiwei , Zhang Leilei , Feng Leihao , Pu Meifang , Ohfuji Hiroaki , Irifune Tetsuo
Published: February 2018

Introducing interstitial nitrogen atoms into the rhenium lattices is accepted for enhancing the mechanical and thermal properties of the metal. Here, we present an experimental study on the strengthening effects of interstitial nitrogen in rhenium on bulk modulus B0 and elastic shear constant C44 by comparing the difference in the compression and vibration behaviors between Re3N and Re in the in situ high pressure angle dispersive X-ray diffraction and high-pressure Raman scattering. The incorporation of interstitial N atoms introduces the covalent bonding and the special Z-type structure along the c-axis, which caused the bulk modulus B0 and elastic shear constant C44 increase by 14% and 15%, and the incompressibility of the c-axis is obviously enhanced. In addition, this work well explains the strengthening effects of interstitial N atoms on mechanical and vibrational properties.
Opacity measurements of a molybdenum plasma with open M-shell configurations
Authors: Qing Bo , Zhang Zhiyu , Wei Minxi , Yang Yimeng , Yang Zhiwen , Yang Guohong , Zhao Yang , Lv Min , Xiong Gang , Hu Zhimin , Zhang Jiyan , Yang Jiamin , Yan Jun
Published: February 2018

The opacity of a molybdenum plasma in local thermodynamic equilibrium with open M-shell configurations was measured in the energy range from 200 eV to 800 eV, corresponding to the Δn = 1 M to N shell and Δn = 2 M to O shell transitions. The sample was heated by thermal x-ray radiation generated with a gold cavity. The electron temperature was diagnosed with the absorption spectrum of doped aluminum, giving a value of Te = (67 ± 4) eV. The density was 9.7 mg/cm3, which was deduced from the known initial area density and the plasma thickness by radiographic measurements of the expansion of the heated foil sample. The spectrally resolved transmission data were compared to a detailed-configuration-accounting model calculation and about 20% to 100% discrepancies were found.
Water entrapment and structure ordering as protection mechanisms for protein structural preservation
Authors: Arsiccio A. , Pisano R.
Published: February 2018

In this paper, molecular dynamics is used to further gain insight into the mechanisms by which typical pharmaceutical excipients preserve the protein structure. More specifically, the water entrapment scenario will be analyzed, which states that excipients form a cage around the protein, entrapping and slowing water molecules. Human growth hormone will be used as a model protein, but the results obtained are generally applicable. We will show that water entrapment, as well as the other mechanisms of protein stabilization in the dried state proposed so far, may be related to the formation of a dense hydrogen bonding network between excipient molecules. We will also present a simple phenomenological model capable of explaining the behavior and stabilizing effect provided by typical cryo- and lyo-protectants. This model uses, as input data, molecular properties which can be easily evaluated. We will finally show that the model predictions compare fairly well with experimental data.
Can the heat transfer coefficients for single-phase flow and for convective flow boiling be equivalent?
Authors: Dorao C. A. , Drewes S. , Fernandino M.
Published: February 2018

During the past few decades, heat transfer during convective flow boiling inside pipes has been widely studied with the goal of unveiling the physics of the process. Different heat transfer mechanisms have been suggested based on different assumptions. This fact has resulted in a large number of models including different dimensionless numbers and in some cases up to a dozen of adjusted parameters. Here, we show that the convective flow boiling heat transfer coefficient is equivalent to the one for single-phase flow when the influence of the vapour velocity is taken into account.
Does 3,4-dimethylpyrazole phosphate or N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide reduce nitrous oxide emissions from a rain-fed cropping system?
Authors: Li Guangdi D. , Schwenke Graeme D. , Hayes Richard C. , Xing Hongtao , Lowrie Adam J. , Lowrie Richard J.
Published: February 2018

Nitrification and urease inhibitors have been used to reduce nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions and increase nitrogen use efficiency in many agricultural systems. However, their agronomic benefits, such as the improvement of grain yield, is uncertain. A two-year field experiment was conducted to (1) investigate whether the use of 3,4-dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP) or N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT) can reduce N2O emissions and increase grain yield and (2) explore the financial benefit of using DMPP or NBPT in a rain-fed cropping system in south-eastern Australia. The experiment was conducted at Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia with wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in 2012 and canola (Brassica napus L.) in 2013. Results showed that urea coated with DMPP reduced the cumulative N2O emission by 34% for a wheat crop in 2012 (P < 0.05) and by 62% for a canola crop in 2013 (P < 0.05) compared with normal urea, but urea coated NBPT had no effect on N2O emission for the wheat crop in 2012. Neither nitrification nor urease inhibitors increased crop yields because the low rainfall experienced led to little potential for gross N loss through denitrification, leaching or volatilisation pathways. In such dry years, only government or other financial incentives for N2O mitigation would make the use of DMPP with applied N economically viable.
Twins and twin-related domains in a grain boundary-engineered 304 stainless steel
Authors: Liu Tingguang , Xia Shuang , Ru Xiangkun , Bai Qin , Zhou Bangxin , Lu Yonghao
Published: February 2018

The grain boundary (GB) network of a GB-engineered 304 stainless steel was investigated in three dimensions. The GB-engineered sample had a high proportion of twin-related boundaries (∼70%). However, these boundaries were not distributed uniformly, but rather in large-sized twin-related domains (TRDs). All grains within a TRD can be connected by a tree-shaped twin-chain. Any two grains within a TRD have ∑3 n-type misorientation, where the n-value could be determined according to the twin-chain. These results show that the formation of large-sized TRDs is correlated with extensively progressed multiple-twinning processes. A quadruple-junction has three twin-boundaries at most. Furthermore, all observed quadruple-junctions within TRDs have at least one twin-boundary. The common spatial morphologies of twin-boundaries are plane-shape, tunnel-shape and semi-closed tunnel-shape.

This paper is part of a thematic issue on Nuclear Materials.
The Cognitive and Communicative Functions of Term Variation in Research Articles: A Comparative Study in Psychology and Geology
Authors: Fernández-Silva Sabela
Published: February 2018

This article reports a study about the behavior and functions of term variation in research articles (RAs) in Geology and Psychology. The aim of the study was twofold: first, to investigate the role of intra-textual term variation as a device for the representation and transfer of specialized knowledge; second, to explore whether there are disciplinary differences and whether these differences can be chalked up to different perceptions of this phenomenon among subject field experts. Two methods of data collection were combined: corpus-based analysis of 38 RAs in Spanish; and semi-structured interviews with six experts. Results show that the incidence of term variation is higher in Psychology, although both groups manifested a positive attitude toward variation. Corpus analysis and interviews confirm that term variation is used as a cognitive device, to provide information about the concept’s characteristics and relationships with other concepts; and as a communicative device to avoid repetition, to accommodate to the audience and to generalize. In sum, term variation proves to be an important device for constructing and communicating specialized knowledge for both disciplines.
It is time to apply biclustering: a comprehensive review of biclustering applications in biological and biomedical data
Authors: Xie Juan , Ma Anjun , Fennell Anne , Ma Qin , Zhao Jing
Published: February 2018

Biclustering is a powerful data mining technique that allows clustering of rows and columns, simultaneously, in a matrix-format data set. It was first applied to gene expression data in 2000, aiming to identify co-expressed genes under a subset of all the conditions/samples. During the past 17 years, tens of biclustering algorithms and tools have been developed to enhance the ability to make sense out of large data sets generated in the wake of high-throughput omics technologies. These algorithms and tools have been applied to a wide variety of data types, including but not limited to, genomes, transcriptomes, exomes, epigenomes, phenomes and pharmacogenomes. However, there is still a considerable gap between biclustering methodology development and comprehensive data interpretation, mainly because of the lack of knowledge for the selection of appropriate biclustering tools and further supporting computational techniques in specific studies. Here, we first deliver a brief introduction to the existing biclustering algorithms and tools in public domain, and then systematically summarize the basic applications of biclustering for biological data and more advanced applications of biclustering for biomedical data. This review will assist researchers to effectively analyze their big data and generate valuable biological knowledge and novel insights with higher efficiency.
Translating Basic Research on the Aging Family to Caregiving Intervention: The Case of Within-Family Differences
Authors: Pillemer Karl , Gilligan Megan
Published: February 2018

Since its inception, the field of gerontology has sought to establish optimal connections between the scientific activities of researchers and the real-world concerns of practitioners and clinicians. The concept of translational research has emerged in recent years as a model for bridging the gap between science and service. This article provides an example of how basic research findings can be translated to provide guidance for intervention in the area of family caregiving. We review findings from an innovative program of research on within-family differences, which extends theory and research from the developmental psychological study of children to the family in later life. The within-family difference perspective focuses on how the individual parent–child dyads in a particular family differ from and are affected by other dyads. Basic research on this topic has revealed the extent of parental favoritism in later life, factors related to parental differential treatment of offspring, and the consequences of such favoritism and treatment on sibling relationship quality and psychological well-being. Four examples are provided of ways in which attention to within-family differences research could enhance caregiving interventions.