bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coordinated control strategy of reactive power for large‐scale wind power transmission by LCC‐HVDC links
Authors: Zhibing Wang , Yang Xu , Xitian Wang
Published: November 2017

The intermittence and fluctuation of outputs of large‐scale wind farms lead to significant problems in power transmission system by line‐commuted converter high‐voltage direct current (LCC‐HVDC) links. Traditional reactive power compensation devices such as AC filters are not capable of adjusting reactive power balance continuously. This paper presents a coordinated reactive power control strategy to realise continuous adjustment. A synchronous condenser (SC) is applied in the DC converter station to cooperate with AC filters. The capacity of the SC is determined by the minimum capacity and dead zone of the AC filter unit, and cost saving is also taken into account. While power outputs of wind farms fluctuate, the setting value of DC power gets changed. The SC responses rapidly to reduce the reactive power exchange. When the reactive power demand is beyond the capacity of the SC, one AC filter unit operates and the SC readjusts to maintain the reactive power balance. The proposed control strategy is validated by simulation in PSCAD/EMTDC.
VLBA polarimetric monitoring of 3C 111
Authors: Beuchert T. , Kadler M. , Perucho M. , Großberger C. , Schulz R. , Agudo I. , Casadio C. , Gómez J. L. , Gurwell M. , Homan D. , Kovalev Y. Y. , Lister M. L. , Markoff S. , Molina S. N. , Pushkarev A. B. , Ros E. , Savolainen T. , Steinbring T. , Thum C. , Wilms J.
Published: November 2017

Context.While studies of large samples of jets of active galactic nuclei (AGN) are important in order to establish a global picture, dedicated single-source studies are an invaluable tool for probing crucial processes within jets on parsec scales. These processes involve in particular the formation and geometry of the jet magnetic field as well as the flow itself.

Aims.We aim to better understand the dynamics within relativistic magneto-hydrodynamical flows in the extreme environment and close vicinity of supermassive black holes.

Methods.We analyze the peculiar radio galaxy 3C 111, for which long-term polarimetric observations are available. We make use of the high spatial resolution of the VLBA network and the MOJAVE monitoring program, which provides high data quality also for single sources and allows us to study jet dynamics on parsec scales in full polarization with an evenly sampled time-domain. While electric vectors can probe the underlying magnetic field, other properties of the jet such as the variable (polarized) flux density, feature size, and brightness temperature, can give valuable insights into the flow itself. We complement the VLBA data with data from the IRAM 30-m Telescope as well as the SMA.

Results.We observe a complex evolution of the polarized jet. The electric vector position angles (EVPAs) of features traveling down the jet perform a large rotation of ≳180∘ across a distance of about 20 pc. As opposed to this smooth swing, the EVPAs are strongly variable within the first parsecs of the jet. We find an overall tendency towards transverse EVPAs across the jet with a local anomaly of aligned vectors in between. The polarized flux density increases rapidly at that distance and eventually saturates towards the outermost observable regions. The transverse extent of the flow suddenly decreases simultaneously to a jump in brightness temperature around where we observe the EVPAs to turn into alignment with the jet flow. Also the gradient of the feature size and particle density with distance steepens significantly at that region.

Conclusions.We interpret the propagating polarized features as shocks and the observed local anomalies as the interaction of these shocks with a localized recollimation shock of the underlying flow. Together with a sheared magnetic field, this shock-shock interaction can explain the large rotation of the EVPA. The superimposed variability of the EVPAs close to the core is likely related to a clumpy Faraday screen, which also contributes significantly to the observed EVPA rotation in that region.
Thrombosis Prevention with Botulinum Toxin A after Traumatic Crush Injury in a Rat Model
Authors: Hassanpour Seyed Esmail , Tarahomi Mohammadreza , Daryani Amir
Published: November 2017

Background Revascularized digits may fail because of vessel thrombosis. The current study aimed to develop a standard model for crush injury in the rat femoral artery to evaluate the antithrombotic effect of perivascular botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) injection.

Methods We explored bilateral femoral arteries of 10 rats using a microscopic technique. The crush injury was reproduced using a bulldog clamp. One randomly chosen leg of each rat was injected with BTX-A. The other side received normal saline as its own control. After 24 hours, the femoral arteries were ligated distal to the trauma site and were divided between the traumatized and ligated sites.

Results All arteries injected with BTX-A had pulsatile bleeding without thrombosis. Arteries injected with normal saline had thrombosis without bleeding, except for one with oozing. The results showed the efficacy of BTX-A and its potential use in microvascular trauma (p < 0.001).

Conclusion The use of BTX-A preoperatively in the emergency department may help reduce traumatic stress and subsequent thrombosis and improve trauma management results. Complementary studies are needed to assess the ability of BTX-A to reduce thrombosis and vasospasm and improve survival of traumatized digits.
Cross-Correlation of Heart Rate and Oxygen Saturation in Very Low Birthweight Infants: Association with Apnea and Adverse Events
Authors: Lake Douglas , Fairchild Karen
Published: November 2017

Background Analysis of subtle vital sign changes could facilitate earlier treatment of acute inflammatory illnesses. We previously showed that high cross-correlation of heart rate and oxygen saturation (XCorr-HR-SpO2) occurs in some very low birthweight (VLBW) infants with sepsis, and hypothesized that this corresponds to apnea.

Methods In 629 VLBW infants, we analyzed XCorr-HR-SpO2 in relation to central apnea with bradycardia and desaturation (ABD), BD with or without central apnea (BD), and percent time in periodic breathing (PB) throughout the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) stay (75 infant-years). We reviewed 100 days with extremely high XCorr-HR-SpO2 (>0.7) and control days for clinical associations. Next, we identified all cases of late-onset septicemia (LOS) and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and analyzed change in XCorr-HR-SpO2 before diagnosis.

Results Mean XCorr-HR-SpO2 was ∼0.10, and increasing XCorr-HR-SpO2 was associated with increasing ABD, BD, and PB (correlation coefficients >0.93). Days with maximum XCorr-HR-SpO2 >0.7 were more likely to have an adverse event than control days (49% versus 13%). In 93 cases of LOS or NEC, there was a 67% increase in XCorr-HR-SpO2 in the 24-hour period prior to diagnosis compared with the previous day (p < 0.01).

Conclusion High XCorr-HR-SpO2 is associated with apnea and adverse events including LOS and NEC.
Homöopathische Behandlung von chronischen unspezifischen Rückenschmerzen
Authors: Scheer Anke
Published: November 2017

Für die homöopathische Behandlung von Patienten mit chronischen unspezifischen Rückenschmerzen ist eine umfassende Anamnese erforderlich, um die richtige Behandlungsebene definieren zu können. Anhand des Fallbeispiels eines 44-jährigen Patienten wird die Arzneifindung erläutert. Der Behandlungsverlauf wird kommentiert, um typische Entwicklungen im Heilungsverlauf aufzuzeigen. Als Behandlungsziel wird neben der Schmerzreduktion die Wiedererlangung einer Eigenregulationsfähigkeit des Organimus angestrebt. Beide Ziele können bei dem vorgestellten Patienten erreicht werden.
Gastric adenocarcinoma and proximal polyposis of the stomach (GAPPS) – a rare recently described gastric polyposis syndrome – report of a case
Authors: Beer Andrea , Streubel Berthold , Asari Reza , Dejaco Clemens , Oberhuber Georg
Published: November 2017

In rare cases with multiple gastric polyps in the corpus and fundus, a recently described gastric polyposis syndrome called gastric adenocarcinoma and proximal polyposis of the stomach (GAPPS) has to be considered. We report on the findings in a patient fulfilling the criteria of this disease.

A female patient born in 1977 underwent gastroscopy in 2005 due to recurrent abdominal pain. Endoscopy revealed more than 100 fundic gland polyps in the corpus and fundus. An ileocolonoscopy was inconspicuous. The patient did not take proton pump inhibitors. In follow-up biopsies, fundic gland polyps with low-grade dysplasia were observed. In 2015 gastroscopy with biopsy revealed for the first time high-grade dysplasia in a polyp, and the patient underwent prophylactic gastrectomy.

Macroscopic examination of the gastrectomy specimen revealed hundreds of polyps predominantly measuring 3 mm in diameter covering the fundus and corpus. Histology showed fundic gland polyps, mainly covered by normal appearing foveolae. However, several of them were covered by lesions reminiscent of gastric foveolar adenomas with low- and focally high-grade dysplasia. Molecular pathology revealed a point mutation in the adenomatous polyposis coli promotor 1B. These findings in conjunction with the knowledge that the patient’s father had died of gastric carcinoma in his 50 s led to the diagnosis of the autosomal dominant syndrome GAPPS, which has hitherto been described in 9 families.
HBV-Infektionen in Deutschland – Versorgungskosten in einem Real-life-Setting
Authors: Stahmeyer Jona , Becker Hans , Orlemann Anna , Krauth Christian , Manns Michael , Wedemeyer Heiner
Published: November 2017

Hintergrund In Deutschland sind schätzungsweise 500 000 Menschen an einer chronischen Hepatitis B-Infektion erkrankt, mit erheblichen Belastungen für die Infizierten und das Gesundheitssystem. Ziel unserer Untersuchung war die Bestimmung der realen Versorgungskosten und die Analyse soziodemografischer Faktoren.

Methodik Es wurde eine retrospektive, nicht interventionelle, unizentrische Studie von 07/2009 – 12/2012 durchgeführt. Informationen zur Leistungsinanspruchnahme wurden aus Patientenakten extrahiert. Darüber hinaus wurden über Fragebögen neben soziodemografischen Parametern Informationen zum Einfluss der HBV-Infektion auf das tägliche Leben gewonnen.

Ergebnisse Insgesamt wurden 117 Patienten eingeschlossen und in 6 Krankheitsgruppen klassifiziert. Der Fragebogenrücklauf betrug 80 %. Die jährlichen Versorgungskosten lagen im Mittel bei 3509 €. Die Gruppen schwankten zwischen 221 € und 5618 €. Die Hauptkosten der Versorgung macht die antivirale Therapie mit ca. 80 % der Gesamtkosten aus. Die Kosten der Begleitmedikation waren ebenso von untergeordneter Bedeutung wie die Kosten für stationäre Aufenthalte. Die Laborkosten werden primär durch Tests der virologischen Parameter verursacht. Der Übertragungsweg der Hepatitis B-Infektion war in 2/3 der Fälle unbekannt. Einschränkungen der Lebensqualität durch die Erkrankung wurden von 60 % der Patienten angegeben. Patienten unter Interferontherapie berichteten von den größten Einschränkungen. In einer Hochrechnung wurden für Deutschland jährliche Kosten für die Versorgung von Hepatitis B-Patienten von ca. 430 Mio. € ermittelt.

Fazit In dieser Studie werden zum ersten Mal für Deutschland reale Versorgungskosten für die Hepatitis B-Infektion erhoben. Ähnliche Untersuchungen sollten im Kontext der generischen antiviralen Medikamente folgen.
Diagnose: Keuchhusten
Authors: Vrecko Carla
Published: November 2017

Im nachfolgenden Fall der Behandlung einer Keuchhustenerkrankung wird gezeigt, dass ein Mittelpool über die Polaritätsanalyse schnell und gut gefunden und die Behandlung schonend für den Patienten und im weiteren Verlauf klärend für die Folgeverschreibung durchgeführt werden kann. Das Verschwinden der Symptomatik wird aber erst mit dem Mittel erreicht, das die verschiedenen Ebenen des Erkrankungszustands, das heißt von der körperlichen bis zur Geistes- und Gemütsebene, in der Ähnlichkeit abdeckt. Wenn auch der vom Behandelnden individuell gewählte Ausgangsblickwinkel für die Fallanalyse auf jeder Ebene gewählt werden kann, muss er sich doch für die Mittelwahl immer wieder weiten zum Überblick über die gesamte Symptomatik.
S2k Leitlinie Autoimmune Lebererkrankungen
Authors:   Authors,   Collaborators:,   Externe Begutachtung durch:,   Deutsche Gesellschaft für Gastroenterologie, Verdauungs- und Stoffwechselkrankheiten (DGVS) (federführend),   Deutsche Gesellschaft für Innere Medizin (DGIM),   Deutsche M. Crohn/Colitis ulcerosa Vereinigung (DCCV),   Deutsche Leberhilfe e.V.,   Deutsche Gesellschaft für Ultraschall in der Medizin (DEGUM),   Deutsche Gesellschaft für Endoskopie und Bildgebende Verfahren (DGE-BV),   Deutsche Gesellschaft für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin (DGKJ),   Gesellschaft für Pädiatrische Gastroenterologie (GPGE),   Deutsche Gesellschaft für Rheumatologie (DGRh),   Deutsche Röntgengesellschaft (DRG),   Deutsche Transplantationsgesellschaft (DTG),   Deutsche Gesellschaft für Pathologie (DGP) und Bundesverband Deutscher Pathologen (BDP),   Österreichische Gesellschaft für Gastroenterologie (ÖGG),   Schweizer Gastroenterologische Gesellschaft (SGG)
Published: November 2017

Diese Leitlinie wurde unter Federführung der DGVS und mit Beteiligung benachbarter Fachgebiete erstellt und soll als praktische Hilfe für die Diagnostik und Therapie der Autoimmunen Lebererkrankungen dienen. Sie soll den aktuellen Stand der Wissenschaft darstellen, das Erkennen der Erkrankung fördern und die Behandlung der Patienten verbessern.
Psychoonkologie in der Palliativmedizin
Authors: Weißflog Gregor , Mehnert Anja
Published: November 2017

Psychologische Interventionen und klinisch-psychologische Tätigkeit in der (frühen) Palliativversorgung umfassen ein breites Spektrum an
Aufgaben. Dazu gehören die Reduktion psychosozialer Belastungen und die Aufrechterhaltung der Lebensqualität der Patienten und ihrer
Angehörigen. Patienten und ihre Familien sollen bei ihrem Umgang mit der Vielzahl an belastenden Gefühlen, die eng mit der physischen
Symptombelastung und der Verschlechterung der Krankheit zusammenhängen, unterstützt werden. Zu diesen Gefühlen gehören beispielsweise die
Angst vor dem Tod und dem Sterben, Gefühle der Isolation, Traurigkeit, Depression oder Verzweiflung. Weitere psychologische Interventionen
fokussieren auf die Behandlung von Problemen, die mit Veränderungen der Beziehungen und sozialen Rollen, zunehmender Abhängigkeit,
schwierigen Entscheidungsfindungen, einem beeinträchtigten Funktionsstatus sowie mit existenziellen Fragen wie die Suche nach Sinn im Leben,
Hoffnung, Würde, Trauer und Spiritualität verbunden sind. Die psychologische Versorgung als Teil eines teamorientierten
Palliativversorgungsansatzes muss hierfür zeitlich flexibel und auf der Basis einer Vielzahl an psychotherapeutischen Methoden
einschließlich nonverbaler und kultureller Kompetenzen umgesetzt werden.
Is Venlafaxine More Effective than Escitalopram and Nortriptyline in the Management of Painful Symptoms in Patients with Major Depression?
Authors: Jaracz Jan , Gattner Karolina , Jaracz Krystyna , Górna Krystyna , Moczko Jerzy , Hauser Joanna
Published: November 2017

Background Conflicting data regarding the efficacy of antidepressants of different mechanism of action on unexplained painful physical symptoms (UPPS) in depression have been published so far.

Objective The aim of this study was to compare the impact of escitalopram (ESC), nortriptyline (NOR), and venlafaxine (VEN) on UPPS in patients with major depression.

Materials and methods Sixty patients, participants in the GENDEP study, with a diagnosis of depression according to the ICD-10 criteria were randomly assigned to treatment with ESC (10–30 mg, mean dose 15.2, standard deviation [SD]±9.2) or NOR (50–150 mg, mean dose 106.2, SD±8.2). Additionally, 30 patients who were treated with VEN (75–225 mg, mean dose 181.3, SD±8.8) were included. Before inclusion (day 0) and throughout the study (days 14, 28, 42, 56), the severity of pain was monitored using the visual analog scale.

Results The patients treated with ESC, NOR, and VEN did not differ in the intensity of pain at days 0, 14, 28, 42, and 56.

Conclusion Our results do not support the hypothesis suggesting the superiority of VEN over ESC and NOR in the management of UPPS in major depression.
A novel AFM-based 5-axis nanoscale machine tool for fabrication of nanostructures on a micro ball
Authors: Geng Yanquan , Wang Yuzhang , Yan Yongda , Zhao Xuesen
Published: November 2017

This paper presents a novel atomic force microscopy (AFM)-based 5-axis nanoscale machine tool developed to fabricate nanostructures on different annuli of the micro ball. Different nanostructures can be obtained by combining the scratching trajectory of the AFM tip with the movement of the high precision air-bearing spindle. The center of the micro ball is aligned to be coincided with the gyration center of the high precision to guarantee the machining process during the rotating of the air-bearing spindle. Processing on different annuli of the micro ball is achieved by controlling the distance between the center of the micro ball and the rotation center of the AFM head. Nanostructures including square cavities, circular cavities, triangular cavities, and an annular nanochannel are machined successfully on the three different circumferences of a micro ball with a diameter of 1500 μm. Moreover, the influences of the error motions of the high precision air-bearing spindle and the eccentric between the micro ball and the gyration center of the high precision air-bearing spindle on the processing position error on the micro ball are also investigated. This proposed machining method has the potential to prepare the inertial confinement fusion target with the expected dimension defects, which would advance the application of the AFM tip-based nanomachining approach.
Weak dissipative ion-acoustic solitons in relativistically degenerate collisional plasma
Authors: Sahu Biswajit , Sinha Anjana , Roychoudhury Rajkumar
Published: November 2017

Using the quantum hydrodynamical model, we study the effect of collisions on the dynamics of nonlinear ion-acoustic waves in a superdense degenerate electron-ion plasma. The electrons are assumed to be moving with relativistic velocities. The standard reductive perturbation technique leads to a dissipative KdV equation, for small amplitude electrostatic potential disturbances. The dynamics of these solitary waves is studied both analytically as well as numerically. It is observed that the system supports both positive as well as negative potential ion-solitary waves. The interplay between the relativistic degeneracy parameter and the ion-neutral collision frequency gives rise to both dispersion and dissipation, such that the soliton energy, amplitude, and velocity decrease exponentially with time, whereas its width increases.
A polarization converting device for an interfering enhanced CPT atomic clock
Authors: Wang Kewei , Tian Yuan , Yin Yi , Wang Yuanchao , Gu Sihong
Published: November 2017

With interfering enhanced coherent population trapping (CPT) signals, a CPT atomic clock with improved frequency stability performance can be realized. We explore an optical device that converts single-polarized bichromatic light to left and right circularly polarized superposed bichromatic light to generate interfering enhanced CPT resonance with atoms. We have experimentally studied a tabletop CPT atomic clock apparatus with a microfabricated 87Rb atomic chip-scale cell, and the study results show that it is promising to realize a compact CPT atomic clock, even a chip-scale CPT atomic clock through microfabrication, with improved frequency stability performance.
Beam steering of the acoustic metasurface under a subwavelength periodic modulation
Authors: Cai Li , Wen Jihong , Yu Dianlong , Lu Zhimiao , Chen Xing , Zhao Xiang
Published: November 2017

In this study, we introduce a subwavelength periodic thin plate array into an acoustic metasurface and investigate the modulation effect on acoustic surface waves. Both anomalous sound refraction and reflection are observed in the metasurface, and an analytic expression is derived to clarify the underlying mechanism. We theoretically prove that flexible beam steering can be realized by phase gradient acoustic metasurfaces with deep subwavelength periodic modulation. This study potentially adds another degree of freedom to controlling sound transmission by using an acoustic metasurface.
Resonant electron attachment to mixed hydrogen/oxygen and deuterium/oxygen clusters
Authors: Renzler Michael , Kranabetter Lorenz , Barwa Erik , Grubwieser Lukas , Scheier Paul , Ellis Andrew M.
Published: November 2017

Low energy electron attachment to mixed (H2)x/(O2)y clusters and their deuterated analogs has been investigated for the first time. These experiments were carried out using liquid helium nanodroplets to form the clusters, and the effect of the added electron was then monitored via mass spectrometry. There are some important differences between electron attachment to the pure clusters and to the mixed clusters. A particularly notable feature is the formation of HO2− and H2O− ions from an electron-induced chemical reaction between the two dopants. The chemistry leading to these anions appears to be driven by electron resonances associated with H2 rather than O2. The electron resonances for H2 can lead to dissociative electron attachment (DEA), just as for the free H2 molecule. However, there is evidence that the resonance in H2 can also lead to rapid electron transfer to O2, which then induces DEA of the O2. This kind of excitation transfer has not, as far as we are aware, been reported previously.
Measurement of shot noise in magnetic tunnel junction and its utilization for accurate system calibration
Authors: Tamaru S. , Kubota H. , Yakushiji K. , Fukushima A. , Yuasa S.
Published: November 2017

This work presents a technique to calibrate the spin torque oscillator (STO) measurement system by utilizing the whiteness of shot noise. The raw shot noise spectrum in a magnetic tunnel junction based STO in the microwave frequency range is obtained by first subtracting the baseline noise, and then excluding the field dependent mag-noise components reflecting the thermally excited spin wave resonances. As the shot noise is guaranteed to be completely white, the total gain of the signal path should be proportional to the shot noise spectrum obtained by the above procedure, which allows for an accurate gain calibration of the system and a quantitative determination of each noise power. The power spectral density of the shot noise as a function of bias voltage obtained by this technique was compared with a theoretical calculation, which showed excellent agreement when the Fano factor was assumed to be 0.99.
Phase boundaries in the ternary (Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3)x(BaTiO3)y(SrTiO3)1−x−y system
Authors: Marlton Frederick , Standard Owen , Kimpton Justin A. , Daniels John E.
Published: November 2017

The phase boundaries within (Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3)x(BaTiO3)y(SrTiO3)1−x−y with x ≥ 0.68 have been outlined. This was achieved using a combinatorial sample fabrication method and scanning synchrotron X-ray diffraction to rapidly characterise crystallographic structures over a large region of phase space. A parametric refinement method was used to clearly outline the phase boundaries as a function of the composition. The pseudo-cubic structure from the high strain non-ergodic Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3-BaTiO3 composition extends into the phase diagram with doping of SrTiO3, with regions of tetragonal and rhombohedral in the BaTiO3 and Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3 ends, respectively. This information can be used in conjunction with further compositional modifications to develop high strain piezoceramics that make use of electric-field-induced phase transformations and further understand the mechanisms in ergodic vs non-ergodic relaxors.
Kinetic theory of weakly ionized dilute gas of hydrogen-like atoms of the first principles of quantum statistics and dispersion laws of eigenwaves
Authors: Slyusarenko Yurii V. , Sliusarenko Oleksii Yu.
Published: November 2017

We develop a microscopic approach to the construction of the kinetic theory of dilute weakly ionized gas of hydrogen-like atoms. The approach is based on the statements of the second quantization method in the presence of bound states of particles. The basis of the derivation of kinetic equations is the method of reduced description of relaxation processes. Within the framework of the proposed approach, a system of common kinetic equations for the Wigner distribution functions of free oppositely charged fermions of two kinds (electrons and cores) and their bound states—hydrogen-like atoms— is obtained. Kinetic equations are used to study the spectra of elementary excitations in the system when all its components are non-degenerate. It is shown that in such a system, in addition to the typical plasma waves, there are longitudinal waves of matter polarization and the transverse ones with a behavior characteristic of plasmon polaritons. The expressions for the dependence of the frequencies and Landau damping coefficients on the wave vector for all branches of the oscillations discovered are obtained. Numerical evaluation of the elementary perturbation parameters in the system on an example of a weakly ionized dilute gas of the 23Na atoms using the D2-line characteristics of the natrium atom is given. We note the possibility of using the results of the developed theory to describe the properties of a Bose condensate of photons in the diluted weakly ionized gas of hydrogen-like atoms.
Radiation resistance of elastomeric O-rings in mixed neutron and gamma fields: Testing methodology and experimental results
Authors: Zenoni A. , Bignotti F. , Donzella A. , Donzella G. , Ferrari M. , Pandini S. , Andrighetto A. , Ballan M. , Corradetti S. , Manzolaro M. , Monetti A. , Rossignoli M. , Scarpa D. , Alloni D. , Prata M. , Salvini A. , Zelaschi F.
Published: November 2017

Materials and components employed in the presence of intense neutron and gamma fields are expected to absorb high dose levels that may induce deep modifications of their physical and mechanical properties, possibly causing loss of their function. A protocol for irradiating elastomeric materials in reactor mixed neutron and gamma fields and for testing the evolution of their main mechanical and physical properties with absorbed dose has been developed. Four elastomeric compounds used for vacuum O-rings, one fluoroelastomer polymer (FPM) based and three ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber (EPDM) based, presently available on the market have been selected for the test. One EPDM is rated as radiation resistant in gamma fields, while the other elastomers are general purpose products. Particular care has been devoted to dosimetry calculations, since absorbed dose in neutron fields, unlike pure gamma fields, is strongly dependent on the material composition and, in particular, on the hydrogen content. The products have been tested up to about 2 MGy absorbed dose. The FPM based elastomer, in spite of its lower dose absorption in fast neutron fields, features the largest variations of properties, with a dramatic increase in stiffness and brittleness. Out of the three EPDM based compounds, one shows large and rapid changes in the main mechanical properties, whereas the other two feature more stable behaviors. The performance of the EPDM rated as radiation resistant in pure gamma fields does not appear significantly better than that of the standard product. The predictive capability of the accelerated irradiation tests performed as well as the applicable concepts of threshold of radiation damage is discussed in view of the use of the examined products in the selective production of exotic species facility, now under construction at the Legnaro National Laboratories of the Italian Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare. It results that a careful account of dose rate effects and oxygen penetration in the material, both during test irradiations and in operating conditions, is needed to obtain reliable predictions.
Corrigendum to: John Melvin Swan 1924–2015
Authors: Collins David J. , Rae Ian D.
Published: November 2017

John Swan began his career as a chemist working in an explosives factory during World War 2, and attending evening classes at the Melbourne Technical College. His subsequent studies at the University of Melbourne and the University of London were followed by employment at CSIRO before he moved to Monash University in 1966 as Professor of Organic Chemistry. He was subsequently Pro-Vice-Chancellor and then Dean of Science at Monash before ‘retiring'. His involvement in broader fields of science and technology, that had begun during his university years, then expanded and he made significant contributions to marine ecology, wool scouring and other fields. His was, from start to finish, an astonishing career, one that brought him great satisfaction as he worked with colleagues in government, industry, education and environment.
Crossed transposition in a corpus-based study of motion in English and Spanish
Authors: Labrador Belén
Published: November 2017

The present paper reports on a translation-based teaching-oriented study of the expression of path and manner of motion (Talmy 1972) in English and Spanish. The aim is to explore contrastive differences by analysing translations, with special attention to crossed transposition (Molina and Hurtado Albir 2002), which implies a double shift of part-of-speech from the source text to the target text, and is the expected type of transfer between a satellite-framed language like English and a verb-framed language like Spanish. Two corpora have been used, a monolingual corpus of Children’s Short Stories, the CSS-corpus, and a parallel corpus English-Spanish, P-ACTRES 2.0. The results show a high tendency for implicitation of either path or manner and for compression in the translations into Spanish, whereas crossed transposition is preferred in the translations into English. Also, some pedagogical applications are suggested for including these motion expressions in TEFL to young learners through storytelling.
Human stem cell–derived astrocytes replicate human prions in a PRNP genotype–dependent manner
Authors: Krejciova Zuzana , Alibhai James , Zhao Chen , Krencik Robert , Rzechorzek Nina M. , Ullian Erik M. , Manson Jean , Ironside James W. , Head Mark W. , Chandran Siddharthan
Published: November 2017

Prions are infectious agents that cause neurodegenerative diseases such as Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (CJD). The absence of a human cell culture model that replicates human prions has hampered prion disease research for decades. In this paper, we show that astrocytes derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) support the replication of prions from brain samples of CJD patients. For experimental exposure of astrocytes to variant CJD (vCJD), the kinetics of prion replication occur in a prion protein codon 129 genotype–dependent manner, reflecting the genotype-dependent susceptibility to clinical vCJD found in patients. Furthermore, iPSC-derived astrocytes can replicate prions associated with the major sporadic CJD strains found in human patients. Lastly, we demonstrate the subpassage of prions from infected to naive astrocyte cultures, indicating the generation of prion infectivity in vitro. Our study addresses a long-standing gap in the repertoire of human prion disease research, providing a new in vitro system for accelerated mechanistic studies and drug discovery.
Renormalization of the two-dimensional stochastic nonlinear wave equations
Authors: Gubinelli Massimiliano , Koch Herbert , Oh Tadahiro
Published: November 2017

We study the two-dimensional stochastic nonlinear wave equations (SNLW) with an additive space-time white noise forcing. In particular, we introduce a time-dependent renormalization and prove that SNLW is pathwise locally well-posed. As an application of the local well-posedness argument, we also establish a weak universality result for the renormalized SNLW.
Salt bridges gate α-catenin activation at intercellular junctions
Authors: Barrick Samantha , Li Jing , Kong Xinyu , Ray Alokananda , Tajkhorshid Emad , Leckband Deborah
Published: November 2017

Molecular dynamics simulations, equilibrium binding measurements, and fluorescence imaging reveal the influence of a key salt bridge in the mechanical activation of α-catenin at intercellular adhesions. Simulations reveal possible α-catenin conformational changes underlying experimental fluorescence and equilibrium binding data.
STAT3 controls COL1A2 enhancer activation cooperatively with JunB, regulates type I collagen synthesis posttranscriptionally, and is essential for lung myofibroblast differentiation
Authors: Papaioannou Ioannis , Xu Shiwen , Denton Christopher P. , Abraham David J. , Ponticos Markella
Published: November 2017

STAT3 binds the collagen 1α2 enhancer and cooperates with JunB to activate it. We also show that fibroblasts have high basal levels of STAT3 activation, so activation of the enhancer by STAT3 is not affected by IL6. However, IL6 results in protein-level changes. Inhibition of STAT3 blocks collagen production and matrix remodeling.
Cone myoid elongation involves unidirectional microtubule movement mediated by dynein-1
Authors: Lewis Tylor R. , Zareba Mariusz , Link Brian A. , Besharse Joseph C.
Published: November 2017

Using structured illumination microscopy and photoconvertible tubulin in zebrafish photoreceptors, it is shown that microtubules move together during myoid elongation, a dark adaptive process in cone photoreceptors. Additionally, cytoplasmic dynein-1, localized at the base of the elongating myoid, mediates this unidirectional movement of microtubules.
Technology Diffusion, Outcome Variability, and Social Learning: Evidence from a Field Experiment in Kenya
Authors: Crane‐Droesch Andrew
Published: November 2017

This article explores the mechanisms through which social learning mediates technology diffusion. We exploit an experiment on the dissemination of biochar, a soil amendment that can improve fertility on weathered and/or degraded soils. We find that social networks transmit information about the average benefits of adoption, but also its risk, and that observed variability inhibits uptake to a greater degree than positive average results engender it. Paradoxically, this relationship is stronger among networks that do not discuss farming, but disappears among farmer networks that do. This is resolved with a simple model of social learning about conditional, rather than unconditional benefit distributions. As farmers observe factors associated with outcomes in their networks, they constrain the distribution of their own potential outcomes. This conditional distribution diverges from the unconditional distribution that the econometrician observes. We conclude that social learning is characterized by implicit model‐building by sophisticated decision makers, rather than simple herding towards observed good results.
Sim3C: simulation of Hi-C and Meta3C proximity ligation sequencing technologies
Authors: DeMaere Matthew Z , Darling Aaron E
Published: November 2017

Background

Chromosome conformation capture (3C) and Hi-C DNA sequencing methods have rapidly advanced our understanding of the spatial organization of genomes and metagenomes. Many variants of these protocols have been developed, each with their own strengths. Currently there is no systematic means for simulating sequence data from this family of sequencing protocols, potentially hindering the advancement of algorithms to exploit this new datatype.

Findings

We describe a computational simulator that, given simple parameters and reference genome sequences, will simulate Hi-C sequencing on those sequences. The simulator models the basic spatial structure in genomes that is commonly observed in Hi-C and 3C datasets, including the distance-decay relationship in proximity ligation, differences in the frequency of interaction within and across chromosomes, and the structure imposed by cells. A means to model the 3D structure of randomly generated topologically associating domains is provided. The simulator considers several sources of error common to 3C and Hi-C library preparation and sequencing methods, including spurious proximity ligation events and sequencing error.

Conclusions

We have introduced the first comprehensive simulator for 3C and Hi-C sequencing protocols. We expect the simulator to have use in testing of Hi-C data analysis algorithms, as well as more general value for experimental design, where questions such as the required depth of sequencing, enzyme choice, and other decisions can be made in advance in order to ensure adequate statistical power with respect to experimental hypothesis testing.
Echinocandin prophylaxis in patients undergoing haematopoietic cell transplantation and other treatments for haematological malignancies
Authors: Epstein David J , Seo Susan K , Brown Janice M , Papanicolaou Genovefa A
Published: November 2017

Antifungal prophylaxis is the standard of care for patients undergoing intensive chemotherapy for haematological malignancy or haematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Prophylaxis with azoles reduces invasive fungal infections and may reduce mortality. However, breakthrough infections still occur, and the use of azoles is sometimes complicated by pharmacokinetic variability, drug interactions, adverse events and other issues. Echinocandins are highly active against Candida species, including some organisms resistant to azoles, and have some clinical activity against Aspergillus species as well. Although currently approved echinocandins require daily intravenous administration, the drugs have a favourable safety profile and more predictable pharmacokinetics than mould-active azoles. Clinical data support the efficacy and safety of echinocandins for antifungal prophylaxis in haematology and HCT patients, though data are less robust than for azoles. Notably, sparse evidence exists supporting the use of echinocandins as antifungal prophylaxis for patients with significant graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) after HCT. Two drugs that target (1,3)-β-d-glucan are in development, including an oral glucan synthase inhibitor and an echinocandin with unique pharmacokinetics permitting subcutaneous and weekly administration. Echinocandins are a reasonable alternative to azoles and other agents for antifungal prophylaxis in patients undergoing intensive chemotherapy for haematological malignancy or those receiving HCT, excluding those with significant GvHD.
Responsiveness to Change of Functional Limitation Reporting: Cross-sectional Study Using the Intermountain ROMS Scale in Outpatient Rehabilitation
Authors: Brennan Gerard P. , Hunter Stephen J. , Snow Greg , Minick Kate I.
Published: November 2017

Background

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) require physical therapists document patients’ functional limitations. The process is not standardized.  A systematic approach to determine a patient's functional limitations and responsiveness to change is needed.

Objective

The purpose of this study is to compare patient-reported outcomes (PROs) responsiveness to change using 7-level severity/complexity modifier scale proposed by Medicare to a derived scale implemented by Intermountain Healthcare's Rehabilitation Outcomes Management System (ROMS).

Design

This was a retrospective, observational cohort design.

Methods

165,183 PROs prior to July 1, 2013, were compared to 46,334 records from July 1, 2013, to December 31, 2015. Histograms and ribbon plots illustrate distribution and change of patients’ scores. ROMS raw score ranges were calculated and compared to CMS’ severity/complexity levels based on score percentage. Distribution of the population was compared based on the 2 methods. Sensitivity and specificity were compared for responsiveness to change based on minimal clinically important difference (MCID).

Results

Histograms demonstrated few patient scores placed in CMS scale levels at the extremes, whereas the majority of scores placed in 2 middle levels (CJ, CK). ROMS distributed scores more evenly across levels. Ribbon plots illustrated advantage of ROMS’ using narrower score ranges. Greater chance for patients to change levels was observed with ROMS when an MCID was achieved. ROMS narrower scale levels resulted in greater sensitivity and good specificity.

Limitations

Geographic representation for the United States was limited. Without patients’ global rating of change, a reference standard to gauge validation of improvement could not be provided.

Conclusions

ROMS provides a standard approach to identify accurately functional limitation modifier levels and to detect improvement more accurately than a straight across transposition using the CMS scale.
Workplace-Based Interventions for Neck Pain in Office Workers: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Chen Xiaoqi , Coombes Brooke K , Sjøgaard Gisela , Jun Deokhoon , O’Leary Shaun , Johnston Venerina
Published: November 2017

Background

At present, there is no consolidated evidence for workplace-based interventions for the prevention and reduction of neck pain in office workers.

Purpose

The purpose of this review was to investigate the effectiveness of workplace-based interventions for neck pain in office workers.

Data Sources

MEDLINE, PEDro, CINAHL, and CENTRAL were searched for trials published since inception and before May 31, 2016.

Study Selection

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were considered when they met the following criteria: population consisted of office workers, intervention(s) was performed at the workplace, outcome measures included neck and/or neck/shoulder pain intensity and incidence/prevalence, and comparator groups included no/other intervention.

Data Extraction

Data were extracted by 1 reviewer using predefined data fields and checked by a second reviewer. Risk of bias was assessed by 2 independent reviewers using the 2015 Cochrane Back and Neck Group guidelines. Evidence quality was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system.

Data Synthesis

Twenty-seven RCTs were included. There was moderate-quality evidence that neck/shoulder strengthening exercises and general fitness training were effective in reducing neck pain in office workers who were symptomatic, although the effect size was larger for strengthening exercises. Greater effects were observed with greater participation in exercise. Ergonomic interventions were supported by low-quality evidence.

Limitations

Data could not be obtained from some studies for meta-analysis and assessment of risk of bias. Reporting bias might have been present because only studies in the English language were included.

Conclusions

Workplace-based strengthening exercises were effective in reducing neck pain in office workers who were symptomatic, and the effect size was larger when the exercises were targeted to the neck/shoulder. Future RCTs of ergonomic interventions targeted at office workers who are symptomatic are required. More research on neck pain prevention is warranted.
HSP70s Enhance a Phytophthora infestans Effector-Induced Cell Death via an MAPK Cascade in Nicotiana benthamiana
Authors: Lee Joo Hyun , Lee So Eui , Oh Soohyun , Seo Eunyoung , Choi Doil
Published: November 2017

A destructive pathogen, Phytophthora infestans, secretes hundreds of effectors for successful survival in its host plants. The effectors modulate the plant defense system at diverse cellular compartments to take an advantage of pathogen survivals. A few research studies have shown the mode of action of each effector and their interacting proteins in plant cells. Here, we investigated the mode of action of a P. infestans effector, Pi23226, which induces cell death in Nicotiana benthamiana. To identify its host factors, we performed coimmunoprecipitation and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and selected members of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70s) as candidates. These HSP70s, known to function as chaperones, were associated with Pi23226 in planta and accelerated Pi23226-induced cell death. Additionally, they were found to be involved in plant basal defense by suppressing the growth of P. infestans. We also found that specific components of a mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade were involved in Pi23226-induced cell death. Our findings show that HSP70s functions in defense systems by regulating effector-triggered cell death and by suppressing the growth of the pathogen. This suggests that host plants manipulate the ubiquitous proteins to detect pathogen effectors for functioning in the defense system.
The STEADI toolkit
Authors: Mark Janice A. , Loomis Jo
Published: November 2017

Falls are a growing problem in the older adult population, leading to debilitating and traumatic consequences. The CDC's STEADI toolkit was created to assist providers in screening and managing falls. This article introduces the toolkit and examines the process and importance of adopting it into routine clinical practice.
Anticoagulant options in atrial fibrillation
Authors: Cole Connie S. , Zimmerman Richard
Published: November 2017

Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have expanded options for treating patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, DOACs are not warfarin substitutes, and NPs need to be aware of the difference. DOACs are first-line agents when treating AF, yet warfarin has not been replaced. Individualized patient characteristics drive current guidelines.
Nitrous Oxide Versus Oral Sedation for Pain Management of First-Trimester Surgical Abortion—A Randomized Study
Authors: Singh Rameet H. , Montoya Maria , Espey Eve , Leeman Lawrence
Published: November 2017

(Abstracted from Contraception 2017;96:118–123)

Of the approximately 700,000 abortions performed in the United States during 2012; 91.4% were at less than 13 weeks' gestational age. Many first-trimester surgical abortions take place in outpatient clinics.
Cervical Cancer: A Global Health Crisis
Authors: Small William , Bacon Monica A. , Bajaj Amishi , Chuang Linus T. , Fisher Brandon J. , Harkenrider Matthew M. , Jhingran Anuja , Kitchener Henry C. , Mileshkin Linda R. , Viswanathan Akila N. , Gaffney David K.
Published: November 2017

(Abstracted from Cancer 2017;123:2404–2412)

One of the common malignancies in women and causes of cancer death worldwide is cervical cancer. Infection with the human papillomavirus is responsible for nearly all cases of cervical cancer.