bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impaired endocrine-metabolic homeostasis: underlying mechanism of its induction by unbalanced diet
Authors: Maiztegui Bárbara , Román Carolina Lisi , Gagliardino Juan José , Flores Luis Emilio
Published: April 2018

To characterize the intrinsic mechanism by which sucrose induces β-cell dysfunction. Normal rats received for 3 weeks a standard diet supplemented with 10% sucrose in the drinking water (high sucrose (HS)) with/out an antioxidant agent (R/S α-lipoic acid). We measured plasma glucose, insulin, triglyceride, leptin, and lipid peroxidation levels; homeostasis model assessment (HOMA)-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and HOMA for β-cell function (HOMA-β) indexes were also determined. Insulin secretion, β-cell apoptosis, intracellular insulin and leptin mediators, and oxidative stress (OS) markers were also measured in islets isolated from each experimental group. HS rats had increased plasma triglyceride, insulin, leptin, and lipid peroxidation (OS marker) levels associated with an insulin-resistant state. Their islets developed an initial compensatory increase in glucose-induced insulin secretion and mRNA and protein levels of β-cell apoptotic markers. They also showed a significant decrease in mRNA and protein levels of insulin and leptin signaling pathway mediators. Uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-α and -δ mRNA and protein levels were increased whereas mRNA levels of Sirtuin-1 (Sirt-1), glutathione peroxidase, and catalase were significantly lower in these animals. Development of all these endocrine-metabolic abnormalities was prevented by co-administration of R/S α-lipoic acid together with sucrose. OS may be actively involved in the mechanism by which unbalanced/unhealthy diet induces β-cell dysfunction. Since metabolic-endocrine dysfunctions recorded in HS rats resembled those measured in human pre-diabetes, knowledge of its molecular mechanism could help to develop appropriate strategies to prevent the progression of this metabolic state toward type 2 diabetes (T2D).
Evaluating English Morpheme Accuracy, Diversity, and Productivity Measures in Language Samples of Developing Bilinguals
Authors: Potapova Irina , Kelly Sophia , Combiths Philip N. , Pruitt-Lord Sonja L.
Published: April 2018

Purpose

This work explores the clinical relevance of three measures of morpheme use for preschool-age Spanish–English bilingual children with varying language skills. The 3 measures reflect accuracy, diversity (the tense marker total), and productivity (the tense and agreement productivity score [TAP score]) of the English tense and agreement system.

Method

Measures were generated from language samples collected at the beginning and end of the participants' preschool year. Participants included 74 typically developing Spanish–English bilinguals and 19 peers with low language skills. The morpheme measures were evaluated with regard to their relationships with other language sample measures, their ability to reflect group differences, and their potential for capturing morphological development at group and individual levels.

Results

Across both groups, the tense marker total and TAP scores were associated with other language measures and demonstrated both group differences and growth over time. The accuracy measure met few of these benchmarks.

Conclusion

The tense marker total and TAP score, which were designed to capture emerging morphological abilities, contribute valuable information to a comprehensive language assessment of young bilinguals developing English. Case examples are provided to illustrate the clinical significance of including these measures in assessment.
Understanding Disorder Within Variation: Production of English Grammatical Forms by English Language Learners
Authors: Bedore Lisa M. , Peña Elizabeth D. , Anaya Jissel B. , Nieto Ricardo , Lugo-Neris Mirza J. , Baron Alisa
Published: April 2018

Purpose

This study examines English performance on a set of 11 grammatical forms in Spanish–English bilingual, school-age children in order to understand how item difficulty of grammatical constructions helps correctly classify language impairment (LI) from expected variability in second language acquisition when taking into account linguistic experience and exposure.

Method

Three hundred seventy-eight children's scores on the Bilingual English–Spanish Assessment–Middle Extension (Peña, Bedore, Gutiérrez-Clellen, Iglesias, & Goldstein, 2008) morphosyntax cloze task were analyzed by bilingual experience groups (high Spanish experience, balanced English–Spanish experience, high English experience, ability (typically developing [TD] vs. LI), and grammatical form. Classification accuracy was calculated for the forms that best differentiated TD and LI groups.

Results

Children with LI scored lower than TD children across all bilingual experience groups. There were differences by grammatical form across bilingual experience and ability groups. Children from high English experience and balanced English–Spanish experience groups could be accurately classified on the basis of all the English grammatical forms tested except for prepositions. For bilinguals with high Spanish experience, it was possible to rule out LI on the basis of grammatical production but not rule in LI.

Conclusions

It is possible to accurately identify LI in English language learners once they use English 40% of the time or more. However, for children with high Spanish experience, more information about development and patterns of impairment is needed to positively identify LI.
Curriculum-Based Language Interventions: What, Who, Why, Where, and How?
Authors: Meaux Ashley Bourque , Norris Janet A.
Published: April 2018

Purpose

School-based speech-language pathologists (SLPs) have been asked to be contributors to the educational curriculum (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2010). The aim of this tutorial is to provide elementary school-based SLPs with a guide to explore curriculum-based language interventions (CBLIs) in their practices.

Method

In this tutorial, the authors (a) describe CBLI, (b) review the existing literature available to guide this type of practice in elementary school, (c) provide examples of how we have explored CBLIs, and (d) discuss the existing barriers for implementing CBLIs in schools.

Conclusion

SLPs have language and literacy expertise qualifying us to be well-suited for playing an important role in supporting CBLI. The information presented in this article provides school-based SLPs with support to implement CBLIs in early elementary school and illustrates the need for additional evidence to support CBLIs.
Unique Contributors to the Curriculum: From Research to Practice for Speech-Language Pathologists in Schools
Authors: Powell Rachel K.
Published: April 2018

Purpose

This lead article of the Clinical Forum focuses on the research that supports why speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are an integral part of the overarching curriculum for all students in schools.

Method

Focus on education has shifted to student performance in our global world, specifically in college and career readiness standards. This article reviews recommendations on best practice from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association on SLPs' roles in schools, as well as data on school-based services. Implementation of these practices as it is applicable to school initiatives will be explored. Methods of interventions available in schools, from general education to special education, will be discussed based on national guidelines for a Response to Intervention and Multi-Tiered System of Support. Research regarding teacher knowledge of the linguistic principles of reading instruction will be explored, as well as correlation between teacher knowledge and student performance.

Results

The implications for how SLPs as the linguistic experts offer unique roles in curriculum and the evidence available to support this role will be explored. Implications for future research needs will be discussed.

Conclusion

The demands of a highly rigorous curriculum allow SLPs a unique opportunity to apply their knowledge in linguistic principles to increase student performance and achievement. With the increased focus on student achievement, growth outcome measures, and value-added incentives, it is critical that SLPs become contributors to the curriculum for all students and that data to support this role are gathered through focused research initiatives.
Introduction to the Clinical Forum: Exploring Curriculum-Based Language Assessment and Interventions
Authors: Meaux Ashley Bourque
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to introduce the Clinical Forum: Exploring Curriculum-Based Language Assessment and Interventions, which investigates the current evidence supporting curriculum-based language intervention and assessment.

Method

This introduction highlights the need for speech-language pathologists to approach intervention with knowledge of the best evidence available and highlights the 6 articles presented in this clinical forum.

Conclusion

The articles in this clinical forum shed light on the current state of the evidence for curriculum-based language intervention and assessment across the educational continuum. Authors provide readers with access to techniques available to all school-based speech-language pathologists to advocate for, assess, and implement interventions within the classroom curriculum. This forum also establishes the need for more data to support current school-based models of assessment and intervention.
Consonant and Vowel Identification in Cochlear Implant Users Measured by Nonsense Words: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Rødvik Arne Kirkhorn , von Koss Torkildsen Janne , Wie Ona Bø , Storaker Marit Aarvaag , Silvola Juha Tapio
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to establish a baseline of the vowel and consonant identification scores in prelingually and postlingually deaf users of multichannel cochlear implants (CIs) tested with consonant–vowel–consonant and vowel–consonant–vowel nonsense syllables.

Method

Six electronic databases were searched for peer-reviewed articles reporting consonant and vowel identification scores in CI users measured by nonsense words. Relevant studies were independently assessed and screened by 2 reviewers. Consonant and vowel identification scores were presented in forest plots and compared between studies in a meta-analysis.

Results

Forty-seven articles with 50 studies, including 647 participants, thereof 581 postlingually deaf and 66 prelingually deaf, met the inclusion criteria of this study. The mean performance on vowel identification tasks for the postlingually deaf CI users was 76.8% (N= 5), which was higher than the mean performance for the prelingually deaf CI users (67.7%;N= 1). The mean performance on consonant identification tasks for the postlingually deaf CI users was higher (58.4%;N= 44) than for the prelingually deaf CI users (46.7%;N= 6). The most common consonant confusions were found between those with same manner of articulation (/k/ as /t/, /m/ as /n/, and /p/ as /t/).

Conclusions

The mean performance on consonant identification tasks for the prelingually and postlingually deaf CI users was found. There were no statistically significant differences between the scores for prelingually and postlingually deaf CI users. The consonants that were incorrectly identified were typically confused with other consonants with the same acoustic properties, namely, voicing, duration, nasality, and silent gaps. A univariate metaregression model, although not statistically significant, indicated that duration of implant use in postlingually deaf adults predict a substantial portion of their consonant identification ability.

As there is no ceiling effect, a nonsense syllable identification test may be a useful addition to the standard test battery in audiology clinics when assessing the speech perception of CI users.
Prologue: Toward Accurate Identification of Developmental Language Disorder Within Linguistically Diverse Schools
Authors: Oetting Janna B.
Published: April 2018

Purpose

Although the 5 studies presented within this clinical forum include children who differ widely in locality, language learning profile, and age, all were motivated by a desire to improve the accuracy at which developmental language disorder is identified within linguistically diverse schools. The purpose of this prologue is to introduce the readers to a conceptual framework that unites the studies while also highlighting the approaches and methods each research team is pursuing to improve assessment outcomes within their respective linguistically diverse community.

Method

A
disorder within diversity
framework is presented to replace previous
difference vs. disorder
approaches. Then, the 5 studies within the forum are reviewed by clinical question, type of tool(s), and analytical approach.

Conclusion

Across studies of different linguistically diverse groups, research teams are seeking answers to similar questions about child language screening and diagnostic practices, using similar analytical approaches to answer their questions, and finding promising results with tools focused on morphosyntax. More studies that are modeled after or designed to extend those in this forum are needed to improve the accuracy at which developmental language disorder is identified.
Asynchronous sampling terahertz time‐domain spectroscopy using semiconductor lasers
Authors: Döpke B. , Surkamp N. , Hu Y. , Brenner C. , Klehr A. , Knigge A. , Tränkle G. , Hofmann M.R.
Published: April 2018

Asynchronous optical sampling terahertz time‐domain spectroscopy using semiconductor laser‐based ultra‐short pulse sources is demonstrated. A pair of hybridly mode‐locked edge‐emitting external cavity lasers operating at a wavelength of 830 nm is used. Terahertz traces with spectral components over a range of 250 GHz are achieved.
Optimised power control with extended phase shift in dual‐active‐bridge dc–dc converters
Authors: An Feng , Song Wen‐Sheng , Yang Ke‐Xin
Published: April 2018

An optimised power control with extended phase shift (OPC‐EPS) for dual‐active‐bridge (DAB) dc–dc converters is proposed to improve the efficiency and dynamic performance simultaneously. By combining the current stress optimised calculation with direct power control, the smaller current stress and higher efficiency can be achieved compared to the traditional extended phase‐shift scheme, and the dynamic response of DAB converters can be significantly improved under the input voltage fluctuation or load disturbance conditions. Meanwhile, the OPC‐EPS scheme has strong robustness and it has no dependence on the circuit parameters. Finally, experimental results have verified the excellent performance of proposed scheme and the associated analysis in this Letter.
Simple and accurate SEP approximation of hexagonal‐QAM in AWGN channel and its application in parametric , , fading, and log‐normal shadowing
Authors: Sadhwani Dharmendra , Yadav Ram Narayan , Aggarwal Supriya , Raghuvanshi Deepak Kumar
Published: April 2018

In this study, the authors propose a simple yet tighter approximations for the special two‐dimensional Gaussian Q functions using the Trapezoidal rule of numerical integration. This enables a simplified and accurate symbol error probability (SEP) approximation of the hexagonal‐quadrature amplitude modulation (HQAM) in additive white Gaussian noise channel. The proposed approximation further simplifies the SEP calculation of HQAM in parametric , , and fading distributions. Also, the SEP of HQAM over log‐normal shadowing is calculated in this study. The accuracy of the analytical framework is verified using computer simulations.
Disturbance observer‐based consensus control of input‐delayed LTI systems with matched disturbances: a predictor feedback approach
Authors: Zhao Yadong , Zhang Weidong
Published: April 2018

The study addresses the consensus problem of linear time invariant (LTI) multi‐agent systems with constant input delay and matched external disturbances by using relative output information. First, distributed disturbance observers are constructed to estimate the disturbances generated by linear exosystems with unknown initial conditions. Next, a disturbance observer‐based predictor feedback control law is developed for each agent to realise consensus disturbance rejection in the presence of input delay. Then, a linear matrix inequality‐based control design algorithm is given to determine the satisfactory control parameters. It is proved that state consensus can be achieved for both leaderless and leader–follower networks in the presence of large input delay and matched disturbances under the control scheme. Finally, a simulation example is provided to validate the theoretical results.
Gain‐scheduling LPV control for autonomous vehicles including friction force estimation and compensation mechanism
Authors: Alcala Eugenio , Puig Vicenç , Quevedo Joseba , Escobet Teresa
Published: April 2018

This study presents a solution for the integrated longitudinal and lateral control problem of urban autonomous vehicles. It is based on a gain‐scheduling linear parameter‐varying (LPV) control approach combined with the use of an Unknown Input Observer (UIO) for estimating the vehicle states and friction force. Two gain‐scheduling LPV controllers are used in cascade configuration that use the kinematic and dynamic vehicle models and the friction and observed states provided by the Unknown Input Observer (UIO). The LPV–UIO is designed in an optimal manner by solving a set of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). On the other hand, the design of the kinematic and dynamic controllers lead to solve separately two LPV–Linear Quadratic Regulator problems formulated also in LMI form. The UIO allows to improve the control response in disturbance affected scenarios by estimating and compensating the friction force. The proposed scheme has been integrated with a trajectory generation module and tested in a simulated scenario. A comparative study is also presented considering the cases that the friction force estimation is used or not to show its usefulness.
Simple adaptive robust output tracking control schemes of uncertain parametric strict‐feedback non‐linear systems with unknown input saturations
Authors: Wu Hansheng
Published: April 2018

In this study, the problem of robust output tracking control is considered for a class of uncertain strict‐feedback non‐linear systems with any input saturation. A new design approach, called an adaptive design approach, is proposed to deal with saturated input non‐linearities. The main merits of the proposed adaptive design approach can be summarised as follows. (i) It is completely unnecessary to know any information on input saturation non‐linearities. (ii) By utilising the proposed adaptive design approach, the resulting control schemes will have a specially simple structure. (iii) The adaptive design approach proposed in this study is also easy to understand for the system designers, and by combining the proposed adaptive design approach with other control ones, a number of interesting results can be expected for a rather large class of dynamical systems with saturation in the actuators. Finally, a numerical example is given to illustrate the design procedure, and the corresponding simulations are also implemented to show the validity of the theoretical results.
Optimal control approach to persistent monitoring problem based on monitoring index
Authors: Wang Yan‐Wu , Wei Yao‐Wen , Yang Wu
Published: April 2018

A class of persistent monitoring problems in one‐dimensional space with the aid of multi‐agent systems, which is formulated as an optimisation problem of minimising a novel performance metric is studied. The concept of the monitoring index is introduced in the performance metric to describe the importance of different targets in the space due to the requirements of the monitoring task. Based on a given class of moving trajectories, an optimal control approach is used to minimise the performance metric of monitoring space. After some model transformation, the infinitesimal perturbation analysis method is used to design the gradient‐based algorithm, aiming to find the optimal trajectories, where the monitoring index exhibits the effect on the monitoring time for different targets. Numerical simulations are represented to demonstrate the performance of the algorithm and reveal the effectiveness of the monitoring index.
Robust non‐rigid point set registration method based on asymmetric Gaussian and structural feature
Authors: Dou Jun , Niu Dongmei , Feng Zhiquan , Zhao Xiuyang
Published: April 2018

Point set registration is a fundamental problem in many domains of computer vision. In previous work on the registration, the point sets are often represented using Gaussian mixture models and the registration process is represented as a form of a probabilistic solution. For non‐rigid point set registration, however, the asymmetric Gaussian (AG) model can capture spatially asymmetric distributions compared with symmetric Gaussian, and the structural feature of the point sets reserve relatively complete and has important significance in registration. In this work, the authors designed a new shape context (SC) descriptor which combines the local and global structures of the point set. Meanwhile, they proposed a non‐rigid point set registration algorithm which formulates a registration process as the mixture probability density estimation of the AG mixture model, and the method introduce the structural feature by the new SC. Extensive experiments show that the proposed algorithm has a clear improvement over the state‐of‐the‐art methods.
Stochastic optimal TCSC placement in power system considering high wind power penetration
Authors: Xu Xu , Zhao Jian , Xu Zhao , Chai Songjian , Li Jiayong , Yu Yi
Published: April 2018

Large‐scale wind power integration will inevitably affect the dispatch of conventional resources, which could result in transmission line overload. Thyristor‐controlled series capacitors (TCSCs) can be therefore installed in the transmission lines to change their series impedance so as to increase the loadability of the power system and reduce transmission losses. To address the highly uncertain characteristic of wind power output, a stochastic optimisation‐based optimal TCSC planning model is proposed here. This model minimises the expected value of power loss cost and the investment cost of TCSC considering the probability of different scenarios, which are developed by using the classical copula theory, where the temporal interdependence between wind and load is taken into account. Mathematically, this optimal TCSC placement problem is formulated as a two‐stage non‐linear programme. Then the linearisation methods are adopted to transform the model to a mix‐integer linear programme. Comprehensive case studies are carried out on the modified IEEE 57‐bus test system, which demonstrates the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed model.
Integrated energy scheduling under uncertainty in a micro energy grid
Authors: Ghasemi Abolfazl , Banejad Mahdi , Rahimiyan Morteza
Published: April 2018

It is expected that different energy infrastructures and resources to be operated and planned simultaneously in the future smart energy systems. Recently, the concept of energy hub and its corresponding management systems has been proposed in multi‐carrier energy systems. The presented study develops a two‐stage stochastic mixed‐integer linear programming model for a day‐ahead energy scheduling of a multi‐carrier energy system, considering the time‐varying energy price signals and volatility feature of renewable energy resources. In the framework of the proposed method, the objective is set to minimise the energy hub's total cost, while finding the optimal values for decision variables. A set of valid scenarios is considered for the uncertainties of loads and solar energy resources. Finally, the proposed stochastic day‐ahead optimisation is tested in a case study situation. In the process of minimising the operational cost, an energy hub operator is able to fix some decisions such as energy exchange with the main grid and unit commitment, before the actual realisation of the uncertain parameters is observed. The unit commitment results also are compared with those produced by a deterministic model for the case in which the electricity flow is bidirectional.
Entropy model for optimal coordination in high‐voltage dielectric systems
Authors: Onal Emel , Seker Serhat
Published: April 2018

This study describes the use of entropy model for some systems used in the dielectric technique. In this manner, the changes considered in the breakdown voltage are similar to those described by the probability entropy formula. This is particularly the case due to the radius ratios of spherical and cylindrical electrode systems modelled in the high‐voltage technique. The breakdown voltage variations in the spherical and cylindrical electrode systems are consistent with the Shannon formulation of Information. These information curves demonstrate how the system should be operated under optimal conditions and these curves exhibit entropy changes due to voltage and field strength.
Synergistic operation between battery energy storage and photovoltaic generator systems to assist management of microgrids
Authors: Busarello Tiago Davi Curi , Paredes Helmo K.M. , Pomilio José A. , Simões Marcelo G.
Published: April 2018

This study presents a synergistic operation between a battery energy storage (BES) and a photovoltaic generator (PVG) system to assist management of microgrids. The BES and the PVG work synergistically in a virtual single agent. The single agent consists of a group containing the BES, the PVG, and the loads in a feeder. The single agent results in a virtual distributed energy resource, capable to obey orders imposed by the supervisory controller (SC). The loads within the single agent seem not existent anymore to the SC, but they kept fed all the time. This is convenient to the microgrid in terms of management because the SC interacts with only one element and not more with all elements within the single agent. The synergistic operation arises when the SC demands orders to the single agent. To make the single agent obey the SC, the BES and PVG need to decide their operation mode, working synergistically for each other. The conservative power theory is applied to quantify active power, reactive energy, and harmonic currents in points of interest along the microgrid. The efficacy of the synergistic operation is verified through experimental results.
Multi‐stage resource allocation in hybrid 25G‐EPON and LTE‐Advanced Pro FiWi networks for 5G systems
Authors: Lagkas Thomas , Sarigiannidis Panagiotis , Bellavista Paolo , Giannelli Carlo
Published: April 2018

The 5G vision is not restricted solely to the wireless domain and its challenging requirements cannot be fulfilled without the efficient integration of cutting‐edge technologies in all portions of the telecommunications infrastructure. The promoted architectures for next generation telecommunications systems involve high capacity network domains, which operate flexibly and seamlessly to offer full quality of experience to all types of subscribers. The proliferation of highly demanding multimedia services and the features of modern communication devices necessitate the development of end‐to‐end schemes which can efficiently distribute large amount of network resources anywhere and whenever needed. This study introduces a new resource allocation scheme for cutting‐edge fibre‐wireless networks is introduced that can be applied in the fronthaul portion of 5G‐enabled architectures. The adopted technologies are the forthcoming 25G‐Ethernet Passive Optical Network (EPON) for the optical domain and the 5G‐ready long‐term evolution ‐Advanced Pro for the wireless domain. The proposed scheme performs allocation decisions based on the outcome of an adjustable multi‐stage optimisation problem. The optimisation factors are directly related to the major considerations in bandwidth distribution, namely priority‐based traffic differentiation, power awareness, and fairness provision. The conducted evaluations prove that this approach is able to ensure high efficiency in network operations.
Linear ADRC direct current control of grid‐connected inverter with LCL filter for both active damping and grid voltage induced current distortion suppression
Authors: Wang Baochao , Shen Zhaoyuan , Liu Hong , Hu Jianhui
Published: April 2018

The conversion and utilisation of renewable energy generations often require grid‐connected inverters. When applying LCL filter to remove power electronic chopping harmonics, the power quality faces two issues of resonance damping and grid voltage induced current distortion. Conventionally, two separate control algorithms are required to treat the two issues, requiring an additional current sensor, increasing control complexity and limiting performance. This study demonstrates that linear active disturbance rejection control (ADRC) is able to treat both resonance damping and grid voltage induced current distortion as overall disturbance at the same time through a single structure, while achieving higher power quality for dynamic, steady‐state, small and large parameter setup, as well as parameter variations, as validated by experimental results. In principle, the ADRC can be configured with or without knowledge of the system model. This study also reveals that it is the measurement noise tolerance that makes the two configurations different in practice. By using model information in ADRC algorithm, the required bandwidth can be reduced, offering more tolerance to measurement noise. Moreover, the ADRC controller has only two parameters to tune for ‘fast’ or ‘slow’, which makes it easy for implementation.
Modified parameter tuning method for LCL/P compensation topology featured with load‐independent and LCT‐unconstrained output current
Authors: Yao Yousu , Liu Xiaosheng , Wang Yijie , Xu Dianguo
Published: April 2018

Inductive power transfer (IPT) has attracted a lot of attention in recent 30 years due to its advantages of convenience, safety, reliability and weather proof. This study proposes a modified parameter tuning method for primary inductor‐capacitor‐inductor, secondary parallel (LCL/P) compensation topology, which provides the characteristic of excellent constant current output (CCO). This characteristic is analysed on the basis of inductor‐capacitor(LC) and capacitor‐inductor (CL) resonant tanks. To lower the voltage stresses over capacitors and current stresses through inductors, the stress‐based optimisation is conducted. The sensitivity of CCO characteristic with respect to the normalised deviation of compensation parameters is analysed; therefore, the performance of LCL/P compensated IPT system in practical scenarios can be fully understood. The loosely coupled transformer (LCT) is specially designed since it has a significant impact on system efficiency, component stress, power density etc. An exhaustive search algorithm is employed to find the optimal dimensions of the LCT. A 100 W LCL/P compensated IPT prototype is fabricated. The measured end‐to‐end efficiency, from DC input to DC output, is as high as 92.8%. The output current only increases by 2.02% when the load decreases by half. All experiment results agree well with the theoretical analysis.
Effect of wind units on market clearing price, transmission congestion and network reliability in transmission expansion planning
Authors: Ajalli Majid , Pirayesh Abolfazl
Published: April 2018

In this study, a transmission expansion planning problem is studied considering the effects of wind units on transmission congestion and power system reliability in a uniform electricity market. Market clearing price (MCP) is determined based on the maximisation of social welfare. Also, the congestion cost of a transmission system is defined as the difference between the cost of power supply before market clearing disregarding the transmission system (dispatching cost) and the operation cost of generating wind units of power suppliers considering transmission lines limit (re‐dispatching cost). Dispatching cost is calculated using economic load dispatch and the re‐dispatching cost is determined using optimal power flow. Moreover, the effect of wind units on transmission network reliability is studied through the relationship between wind units and lines loading and coherence between lines loading and lines failure rate. In addition, the effects of wind generation on composite transmission and generation reliability is formulated via the relationship between wind units and MCP and considering this price in loss of load and load shedding cost of customers. The proposed model is applied to the IEEE reliability test system and the results are discussed.
Exploring the shape of the γ-ray spectrum around the “π0-bump”
Authors: Yang Rui-zhi , Kafexhiu Ervin , Aharonian Felix
Published: April 2018

The “pion-decay” bump is a distinct signature of the differential energy spectrum of γ-rays between 100 MeV and 1 GeV produced in hadronic interactions of accelerated particles (cosmic rays) with the ambient gas. We use recent parametrisations of relevant cross-sections to study the formation of the “pion-decay” bump. The γ-ray spectrum below the maximum of this spectral feature can be distorted because of contributions of additional radiation components, in particular, due to the bremsstrahlung of secondary electrons and positrons, the products of decays of π±-mesons, accompanying the π0-production. At energies below 100 MeV, a non-negligible fraction of γ-ray flux could originate from interactions of sub-relativistic heavy ions. We study the impact of these radiation channels on the formation of the overall γ-ray spectrum based on a time-dependent treatment of evolution of energy distributions of the primary and secondary particles in the γ-ray production region.
Reconstruction of the Robin boundary condition and order of derivative in time fractional heat conduction equation
Authors: Brociek Rafał , Słota Damian
Published: April 2018

This paper describes an algorithm for reconstruction the boundary condition and order of derivative for the heat conduction equation of fractional order. This fractional order derivative was applied to time variable and was defined as the Caputo derivative. The heat transfer coefficient, occurring in the boundary condition of the third kind, was reconstructed. Additional information for the considered inverse problem is given by the temperature measurements at selected points of the domain. The direct problem was solved by using the implicit finite difference method. To minimize functional defining the error of approximate solution an Artificial Bee Colony (ABC) algorithm and Nelder-Mead method were used. In order to stabilize the procedure the Tikhonov regularization was applied. The paper presents examples to illustrate the accuracy and stability of the presented algorithm.
Applications of fractional derivatives to nanofluids: exact and numerical solutions
Authors: Aman Sidra , Khan Ilyas , Ismail Zulkhibri , Salleh Mohd Zuki
Published: April 2018

In this article the idea of time fractional derivatives in Caputo sense is used to study memory effects on the behavior of nanofluids because some physical processes complex visco-elasticity, behavior of mechatronic and rheology are impossible to described by classical models. In present attempt heat and mass transfer of nanofluids (sodium alginate (SA) carrier fluid with graphene nanoparticles) are tackled using fractional derivative approach. Exact solutions are determined for temperature, concentration and velocity field, and Nusselt number via Laplace transform technique. The obtained solutions are then expressed in terms of wright function or its fractional derivatives. Numerical solutions for velocity, temperature, concentration and Nusselt number are obtained using finite difference scheme. It is found that these solutions are significantly controlled by the variations of parameters including thermal Grashof number, fractional parameter and nanoparticles volume fraction. It is observed that rate of heat transfer increases with increasing nanoparticles volume fraction and Caputo time fractional parameters.
Neutral-Null-Methode – Ein Klassiker
Authors: Zingel Franziska
Published: April 2018

Um das Bewegungsausmaß zu messen, nutzen Therapeuten seit Jahrzehnten die leicht anzuwendende Neutral-Null-Methode. Mit einem Winkelmessers können sie Gelenkeinschränkungen feststellen und Verbesserungen auf Funktionsebene dokumentieren.
THOP-Elternprogramm im Test – Optimale Vorbereitung für die Elterngruppe
Authors: Schwarze Jennifer
Published: April 2018

In der Therapie von Kindern mit ADHS und expansivem Problemverhalten spielt die Elternarbeit eine große Rolle. Das Buch „THOP-Elternprogramm – Manual für Gruppenleiter“ informiert Therapeuten über die Durchführung des Gruppenprogramms und unterstützt sie bei den Vorbereitungen. Ergotherapeutin Jennifer Schwarze hat es für Sie getestet.
Efficacy of transoral incisionless fundoplication for refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: McCarty Thomas , Itidiare Michael , Njei Basile , Rustagi Tarun
Published: April 2018

Background Given poor symptomatic response rates and rising awareness of the adverse events associated with the long-term use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), endoscopic modalities for treatment of refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) have become more prominent. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate feasibility, efficacy, and tolerability of transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF) for the treatment of refractory GERD.

Methods Searches of PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases were performed to March 2017. Measured outcomes included immediate technical success rate and serious adverse events. Symptomatic improvement was measured using GERD Health-related Quality of Life (HRQL), Gastroesophageal Reflux Symptom Score (GERSS), and Reflux Symptom Index (RSI). Objective success was determined by hiatal hernia reduction and pH monitoring.

Results 32 studies (1475 patients; 48.2 % male) met inclusion criteria. TIF success rate was 99 % (95 % confidence interval [CI] 97 to 100; P < 0.001), with an adverse event rate of 2 % (95 %CI 1 to 3; P < 0.001). GERD HRQL, GERSS, and RSI improved significantly post-TIF (mean difference 17.72, 95 %CI 17.31 to 18.14; mean difference 23.78, 95 %CI 22.96 to 24.60; mean difference 14.28, 95 %CI 13.56 to 15.01; all P < 0.001, respectively). Hernia reduction occurred in 91 % of patients (95 %CI 83 to 98; P < 0.001). DeMeester scores improved significantly (mean difference 10.22, 95 %CI 8.38 to 12.12; P < 0.001). PPI therapy was discontinued post-procedure in 89 % of patients (95 %CI 82 to 95; P < 0.001).

Conclusions TIF appears to be a safe and effective endoscopic procedure for patients with refractory GERD. Future controlled trials are needed to directly compare efficacy, long-term durability, and safety between TIF and Nissen fundoplication.
Sternal Reconstruction with the Omental Flap—Acute and Late Complications, Predictors of Mortality, and Quality of Life
Authors: Hörner C. , Sogorski A. , Goertz O. , Ring A. , Harati K. , Lehnhardt M. , Daigeler A. , Kolbenschlag J.
Published: April 2018

Background The omental flap is a reliable flap for the coverage of sternal defects. However, little is known about the predictors of mortality and the long-term outcome in such patients.

Methods We, therefore, performed a retrospective study from 2002 to 2013, including all patients who underwent sternal reconstruction with the omental flap.

Results A total of 50 patients were identified and mean follow-up was 3.8 years. Patient data was collected from the charts and 14 patients were available for telephone interviews. The majority of patients suffered from deep sternal wound infections. There was no complete flap loss and an overall success rate was 96%. In-hospital mortality was 14% and overall survival over follow-up was 50%. Significant predictors of mortality were age > 65, American Society of Anesthesiologists' status, defect size, prolonged ventilation, and the need for tracheotomy. Postoperative quality of life was reduced compared with other cohorts, especially with regard to bodily function. Pain was also a major problem for most patients along with herniation.

Conclusion The omental flap is a safe option even in patients with severe comorbidities. However, based on the data in this study, we would recommend the omental flap as a reserve option rather than first-line treatment for sternal defects.
Long-Term Results of Endovascular Femoropopliteal Interventions
Authors: Marone Luke , Hacker Robert
Published: April 2018

Background and Objective Short-term results of endovascular intervention for femoropopliteal lesions have been extensively reported; however, there exists a paucity of long-term objective data related to outcomes of these interventions. We sought to characterize these long-term results including patency, limb salvage, and mortality.

Methods From May 2003 to July 2009, all patients who underwent technically successful endovascular balloon angioplasty and/or stenting for Trans-Atlantic Inter-Societal Consensus (TASC) II B, C, and D lesions were identified in a retrospective fashion. Patient demographics, clinical characteristics, arterial noninvasive data, and angiographic anatomic data were evaluated.

Results A total of 236 limbs in 186 patients (mean age 74, range 37–94) were treated. Lesion distributions by TASC II classification B, C, and D were 121 (51.3%), 37 (15.7%), and 78 (33%), respectively. Critical limb ischemia (CLI) was the indication for intervention in 42.4% of patients. Five-year primary and primary-assisted patency rates stratified by TASC II classification were B: 55.1%, 91.9%; C: 37.4%, 74.6%; D: 35.5%, 67%, respectively (p = 0.23). Secondary patency based on TASC II classification was B: 92.9%, C: 83%, and D: 75.9%, respectively. Univariate analysis identified age > 75, CLI, and cerebrovascular disease as predictors for loss of patency. Reinterventions to maintain patency were required in 26.5% of TASC II B, 43.2% of TASC II C, and 25.6% of TASCII D lesions (p = NS) and mean time to reintervention ranged from 22 to 29 months with no significant difference related to TASC II classification. A total of eight limbs (3.38%) were converted to open revascularization with two (0.85%) having a change in their initial preoperatively identified bypass target site. Three limbs (1.27%) required a major amputation during follow-up. Survival at 5 years was 44.3%; CLI and smoking were identified as risk factors for death (hazard ratio [HR] 2.6, 1.75–3.84, p < 0.001, HR 3.33, 1.70–6.52, p < 0.001), respectively.

Conclusion Long-term patency of endovascular interventions for complicated femoropopliteal lesions is acceptable across TASC II classification and is associated with excellent limb salvage. Mortality in this patient cohort is significant with CLI and smoking being identified as predictors of death.
A Contemporary Meta-Analysis of Antegrade versus Retrograde Cerebral Perfusion for Thoracic Aortic Surgery
Authors: Takagi Hisato , Mitta Shohei , Ando Tomo
Published: April 2018

Objective To determine which of antegrade and retrograde cerebral perfusion (ACP and RCP) surpasses for a reduction in postoperative incidence of neurological dysfunction and all-cause death in thoracic aortic surgery, we performed a meta-analysis of contemporary comparative studies.

Methods MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched from January 2010 to June 2017. For each study, data regarding the endpoints in both the ACP and RCP groups were used to generate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Study-specific estimates were combined using inverse variance-weighted averages of logarithmic ORs in the fixed-effect model.

Results We identified and included 19 eligible studies with a total of 15,365 patients undergoing thoracic aortic surgery by means of ACP (a total of 7,675 patients) or RCP (a total of 7,690 patients). Pooled analysis demonstrated no statistically significant differences in postoperative incidence of stoke (17 studies enrolling a total of 9,421 patients; OR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.79–1.08; p = 0.32) and mortality (16 studies including a total of 14,452 patients; OR, 1.07; 95% CI, 0.90–1.26; p = 0.46) between ACP and RCP, whereas a trend toward a significant reduction in incidence of temporary neurological dysfunction (TND) for ACP (12 studies enrolling a total of 7922 patients; OR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.69–1.04; p = 0.12) was found.

Conclusion In thoracic aortic surgery, postoperative incidence of stroke and mortality was similar between ACP and RCP, whereas a trend toward a reduction of TND incidence existed in ACP.
Vein Size and Disease Severity in Chronic Venous Diseases
Authors: Radhakrishnan N. , George Deepu , Jayakrishnan R. , Sumi S. , Kartha C.C.
Published: April 2018

Given the high prevalence of chronic venous diseases (CVD), defining criteria to screen patients who are in need for intervention is attaining primacy. An important clinical criterion for treating CVD is incompetence of larger veins. We have assessed the association of size of afflicted veins with disease severity in patients with CVD to define an acceptable criterion to identify patients who need intervention. Demographic characteristics and risk factors were recorded from 6350 patients. Based on physical examination and venous duplex ultrasound study, patients were classified into clinical severity, etiology, anatomy, and pathophysiology (CEAP) classes and grouped according to the size of the veins which had varicosities. Patients with reflux in smaller veins (vein size <4 mm diameter) were considered as type I and those with varicosities in truncal veins (>4 mm diameter) as type II. Risk ratio was determined by multivariate regression analysis. About 47.67% of patients in this study were found to have CEAP class 3 disease. Compared with varicose veins of large truncal veins, patients with varicosities in smaller superficial veins had 2.85-fold (p < 0.01) more risk of edema and 5.71-fold (p < 0.01) higher prevalence of hyperpigmentation. Varicosities in small superficial veins were associated with higher risk of ulceration (odds ratio 3.93, 95% confidence interval 2.51–6.18) compared with truncal vein reflux. Our study reveals that presence of small varicose veins in patients without truncal saphenous reflux involvement is associated with severe manifestations of venous insufficiency such as edema and skin lesions even in the absence of varicosities in truncal saphenous veins.
Gastroduodenal Stent-Related Complications and Management
Authors: Kim Kyung
Published: April 2018

Placement of a gastroduodenal self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) is a safe and well-established procedure for the palliative care of malignant gastric outlet obstruction. There have been reported complications related to the SEMS procedure such as stent occlusion, migration of the stent, biliary obstruction, bleeding, and bowel perforation. Early detection and proper management of the complications are crucial to maintain the quality of life and prolong the life expectancy of the patients. In this article, we will discuss the diagnosis and treatment of SEMS-related complications.
Die Rechtsfrage: Darf ein Patient allein im Therapieraum üben?
Authors: Bossow Karsten
Published: April 2018

Darf ein Therapeut nach der Behandlung seinen Patienten noch allein einige Übungen im Therapieraum machen lassen, ohne dass der Therapeut dabei ist?”

Jochen Schomacher aus der Schweiz