bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inbreeded GA for optimal distributed resource allocation in distribution systems
Authors: Kanwar Neeraj , Gupta Nikhil , Niazi Khaleequr Rehman , Swarnkar Anil
Published: November 2017

Although the phenomenon of inbreeding is quite usual in animals, but it has not yet been attempted to enhance the performance of genetic algorithms (GAs). The crossover operator of GA can be modified using the concept of inbreeding in animals. This single measure enhances the pace of GA. However, GA stagnates due to inbreeding, as in animals, which is then overcome by suggesting mandatory mutation in addition to the conventional mutation. This study proposes inbreeded GA (IGA) which is then applied to efficiently solve the simultaneous optimal allocation of shunt capacitors and distributed generations in distribution systems while considering realities of practical distribution systems. The objective considered is to maximise annual energy loss reduction. The proposed method is applied on the benchmark IEEE 33‐bus test distribution system. The application results obtained shows the supremacy of IGA over GA and other existing metaheuristics.
Reactive Power Optimization Dispatch Strategy in Distribution Network with Distributed Generators
Authors: Wang Chun , Xiang Li , Deng Zhenli , Liang Zhifeng
Published: November 2017

In allusion to the current scenario on distribution networks containing distributed generation (DG), the coordinated dispatching of the compensating capacity of capacitors with reactive output of DG is not taken into account, a new optimisation and dispatching strategy of dynamic reactive power in distribution network with DG is researched in this study. This strategy takes into account the number of adjustment times for the capacitor banks. First, the Haar wavelet transform is used to segment and aggregate the payload power prediction curve of the distribution network. Second, the action sequence of the capacitor banks in the day is obtained. Finally, after the determination of the compensating capacity of capacitor banks, the day‐ahead scheduling of DG is drafted. A two‐objective optimisation function is made up of the voltage stability index of the weakest point of the system and the operation network loss. Then a dynamic reactive power optimisation scheduling model of the distribution network considering the voltage stability index is constructed. A modified particle swarm optimisation algorithm is used to analyse the simulation results in the modified IEEE 33‐bus distribution system. Compared with the present methods, the results show that the strategy can effectively improve the voltage stability of the distribution network in most of the day and limit the number of times of the capacitor banks to a given range in spite of the cost of slight increase of the network loss. Hence it is more practical to solve the problem of time–space coupling in dynamic reactive power optimisation.
Battery management system for Li‐ion battery
Authors: Zhu Fangfang , Liu Guoan , Tao Cai , Wang Kangli , Jiang Kai
Published: November 2017

Li‐ion batteries are widely used in the fields of electric vehicles and energy storage because of high energy density, low self‐discharge rate, long cycle life, and wide operation temperature range. To ensure safety and prolong the service life of Li‐ion battery packs, a battery management system (BMS) plays a vital role. In this study, a combined state of charge (SOC) estimation method and passive equilibrium control are mainly studied for lithium cobalt oxide batteries. A BMS experimental platform is designed, including both software programming and hardware. The experimental platform has the following functions: voltage and current measurements, SOC calculation, balance control, over charging and over discharging alarm and protection, battery status detection, liquid crystal display etc.
Short‐term photovoltaic power probability forecasting based on OLPP‐GPR and modified clearness index
Authors: Fen Li , Chunyang Li , Yong Yang , Quanquan Yan , Jinbin Zhao , Lijuan Wang
Published: November 2017

It is important for improving the prediction accuracy of short‐term output of grid‐connected photovoltaic (PV) systems for improving the safety, stability, and economic operation of power system. A short‐term PV power probability forecasting method based on Gaussian process regression (GPR) is proposed under this study. This method classifies the weather type into five categories according to the modified clearness index proposed by Perez et al. Then, the orthogonal locality preserving projection (OLPP) algorithm is used to extract the feature vectors of meteorological variables. Based on the extracted feature vectors of meteorological variables, establish GPR model under different weather types, which were compared with the adaboost‐BP neural network. The simulation results show that OLPP‐GPR based on modified clearness index can be utilised to accurately predict PV power.
Reactive power optimisation of distribution network with dispersed wind farm
Authors: Jiandong Duan , Bing Xue , Lupeng Chen
Published: November 2017

Environmental pollution and energy shortage have resulted in a recent strong demand for distribution networks to accept renewable clean energy. As an important part of distributed generations, dispersed wind power with its clean and flexible characteristics has been an important focus of domestic and foreign entities. In this paper, the voltage deviation model and the maximum wind power real‐time penetration model were established as the two objective functions, and the reactive power output of wind farms was considered to regulate the voltage. The harmonic search algorithm was used to solve the model, simulation test with IEEE33 node system model was carried out, and the results show that the established optimisation model as well as its solution strategy can make full use of the reactive power output of wind farms to achieve the maximum wind power consumption.
Research on capacity configuration method of concentrated reactive power compensator for wind farm LVRT capability
Authors: He Jing , Li Qing , Ma Jing , Zhang Weibo , Zhao Yu
Published: November 2017

In order to fulfil the requirement for low‐voltage ride‐through (LVRT) capability, the wind farms need to inject the reactive currents during grid fault to support voltage recovery. As the main concentrated reactive power compensator, the static var generators (SVGs) are widely employed in the wind farm for reactive current injection. This study investigates the dynamic reactive currents of the wind turbine based on the field‐test data during the grid faults. Then, the scheme that taking wind turbines as main reactive current sources and SVG as compensator is adopted to realise the wind farm LVRT capability. According to this scheme, the capacity configuration method of SVG is developed, which can be used to design SVG capacity to improve the wind farm dynamic reactive current behaviour. Finally, the simulation results are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness and the availability of the proposed method.
„Nicht mehr mit einem Bein im Gefängnis“ Das neue Substitutionsrecht 2017
Authors: Meyer-Thompson Hans-Günter , Behrendt Klaus , Backmund Markus
Published: November 2017

25 Jahre nach Legalisierung der Opioid-Substitution in Deutschland ist am 2.Oktober eine reformierte Betäubungsmittel-Verschreibungsverordnung (BtMVV) inkraftgetreten. Darin folgt das Substitutionsrecht dem wissenschaftlichen Fortschritt und den praktischen Erfordernissen. Und Regelungen, die unmittelbar ärztlich-therapeutische Bewertungen betreffen, werden aus dem Rahmen bundesrechtlicher Regelungen der BtMVV in die Richtlinienkompetenz der Bundesärztekammer (BÄK) überführt. Die beiden wesentlichen Änderungsvorschläge der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Suchtmedizin (DGS) von 2012 haben damit Eingang in das neue Substitutionsrecht gefunden.
Sucht und Angehörige
Authors: Bischof Gallus
Published: November 2017

Liebe Leserinnen, liebe Leser,

in der Beschreibung und Behandlung von Abhängigkeitserkrankungen wurden Angehörige über viele Jahrzehnte übersehen oder - meist im Falle von Partnerinnen - zusätzlich stigmatisiert, indem ihnen unter Konzepten wie der „Co-Abhängigkeit“ eine (Mit-)schuld an Entstehung und Aufrechterhaltung der Erkrankung zugeschrieben wurde. Bezogen auf erwachsene Angehörige kann in diesem Zusammenhang von einer „doppelten Stigmatisierung“ gesprochen werden: über das Stigma hinausgehend, welches leider bis heute allgemein mit Suchterkrankungen verknüpft ist, wird die Entscheidung, den Kontakt zu einem suchtkranken Menschen aufrechterhalten zu wollen, meist mit Unverständnis betrachtet.
Visuelle Analyse von retinalen OCT-Daten
Authors: Röhlig Martin , Jünemann Anselm , Fischer Dagmar-Christiane , Prakasam Ruby , Stachs Oliver , Schumann Heidrun
Published: November 2017

Die optische Kohärenztomografie (OCT) als bildgebendes In-vivo-Verfahren eröffnet völlig neue Möglichkeiten bei der Diagnose von Netzhaut- und Sehnervenerkrankungen. Im Rahmen einer Patientenuntersuchung entstehen hochaufgelöste Volumendatensätze, die kleinste Veränderungen der Netzhaut, wie sie in einem sehr frühen Krankheitsstadium auftreten, erfassen können. Allerdings erschwert die Komplexität des Datenmaterials auch die Auswertung. Deshalb werden die Daten üblicherweise zunächst auf ein handhabbares Maß reduziert, wobei meist automatische, stark vereinfachende Methoden eingesetzt werden. Dies macht es schwer, wenn nicht sogar unmöglich, minimale strukturelle, gegebenenfalls auch lokale Veränderungen der Netzhaut zu extrahieren, um eine entsprechende Diagnose zu stellen. Unser Ziel ist es, die bisherigen etablierten Verfahren um visuell-interaktive Analysemethoden zu ergänzen. Damit soll sowohl eine patientenspezifische Selektion relevanter Daten als auch die Erkennung minimaler Netzhautveränderungen unterstützt werden. Je nach Fragestellung visualisieren wir die OCT-Daten aus unterschiedlichen Perspektiven. Anhand dieser Bilder kann gezielt eine individualisierte Datenselektion durchgeführt werden. Die relevanten Datenbereiche lassen sich dann im Kontext der gesamten Datenmenge hervorheben oder in separaten sogenannten Views anzeigen. So wird es möglich, relevante Substrukturen im Detail zu analysieren und mit Vergleichsdaten zu korrelieren. Insbesondere für Kohortenvergleiche und Vergleiche zwischen Individuen und einer Kontrollgruppe ergeben sich dadurch neue klinische und experimentelle Möglichkeiten. Wir belegen dies beispielhaft anhand einer Studie mit pädiatrischen Patienten mit Diabetes mellitus Typ 1 (T1DM). Unsere Ergebnisse zeigen, dass durch die Einbindung von visuell-interaktiven Analysemethoden entscheidende Fortschritte hinsichtlich einer patientenspezifischen Diagnostik sowie zur Beurteilung von klinischen Studien möglich werden.
1.1.2 Types of N-Heterocyclic Carbenes
Authors: Segarra C. , Albrecht M.
Published: November 2017

This chapter discusses the different types of N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) and is organized according to ring size. The terminology for describing NHCs as normal or abnormal (mesoionic) and remote or nonremote is outlined. The pertinent properties of these different NHCs are compiled, in particular the 13C NMR spectroscopic and crystallographic parameters, as well as steric and electronic effects, which provides insights into the donor properties of the various classes of NHCs.
1.2.4 C—O, C—S, and C—B Bond Formation
Authors: Ronson T. O. , Fairlamb I. J. S.
Published: November 2017

This chapter describes the formation of C—O, C—S, and C—B bonds mediated by N-heterocyclic carbene based transition-metal catalysts. These reactions represent efficient and economical methods to prepare aryl ethers, phenols, sulfides (thioethers), aryl sulfoxides, and aryl boronates, all of which are important as synthetic intermediates or target compounds in natural product and materials chemistry. The transformations can be mediated by a range of metals including palladium, copper, nickel, and zinc, and the chapter is arranged accordingly.
1.3 C—H Bond Functionalization
Authors: Elie M. , Renaud J.-L. , Gaillard S.
Published: November 2017

This chapter deals with C—H bond functionalization catalyzed by N-heterocyclic carbene transition-metal complexes. The C—H bond functionalizations have been classified with respect to the hybridization of the carbon atom and the reaction type.
1.4.1 Hydrogenation
Authors: Makida Y. , Kuwano R.
Published: November 2017

From the viewpoint of atom economy and cost efficiency, hydrogenation is an ideal way to reduce various multiple bonds. In this chapter, some methods are described for the hydrogenation of alkenes, alkynes, carbonyls and related compounds, and (het)arenes using homogeneous metal–N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) catalysts. Moreover, this section also covers enantioselective hydrogenations in which chiral NHCs are employed as ligands.
1.4.2 Transfer Hydrogenation
Authors: Whittlesey M. K.
Published: November 2017

The chapter describes the use of N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) complexes of d-block metals for the transfer hydrogenation of C=O, C=C, C≡C, and C=N bonds, and nitro groups. Emphasis is placed on the most active metal–NHC combinations and those that incorporate valuable properties, including ease of use and inexpensive starting materials. The source of hydrogen is in most cases propan-2-ol, but formic acid/formate salts are also used.
1.4.5 Hydroamination
Authors: Payne P. R. , Gagné M. R.
Published: November 2017

Hydroamination, the addition of an N—H moiety across carbon–carbon unsaturation, is an attractive, atom-economical methodology for the synthesis of nitrogen-containing compounds. N-Heterocyclic and cyclic (alkyl)(amino)carbenes have been applied as supporting ligands for the synthesis of catalysts capable of mediating both inter- and intramolecular (cyclization) reactions with alkynes, allenes, and activated alkenes.
1.4.7 Hydration
Authors: Biffis A. , Tubaro C.
Published: November 2017

The application of metal–N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) complexes as catalysts for the addition of water to multiple bonds in organic substrates is reviewed. Protocols for general and efficient reactions of this kind under mild conditions have been developed, in particular with gold–NHC complexes as catalysts for the hydration of alkynes, which have raised the appeal of this methodology among synthetic organic chemists.
1.4.9 Chloroacylation and Chloroalkoxycarbonylation of Alkynes
Authors: Lastovickova D. N. , Teator A. J. , Bielawski C. W.
Published: November 2017

Transition metal–N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) complexes catalyze a broad range of chloroalkoxycarbonylation and chloroacylation reactions, while simultaneously suppressing undesirable side-reaction pathways. A rhodium–NHC complex facilitates the chloroalkoxycarbonylation of alkynes via the direct addition of chloroformates to give substituted 3-chloroacrylates. Similarly, an iridium–NHC complex enables the chloroacylation of alkynes with acid chlorides to generate β-chloro-α, β-unsaturated ketones. Both of the aforementioned transformations result in high product conversions and excellent degrees of regio- and stereoselectivity, with the Z-isomer often being observed as the major or only product. Iridium–NHC catalyzed chloroacylations are also utilized in the synthesis of 2,5-disubstituted furans from alkynes and acid chlorides.
2.5 Transition-Metal-Catalyzed Oxidations
Authors: Munz D.
Published: November 2017

The use of transition-metal complexes with N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands for oxidative catalysis is summarized in this chapter. Special attention is given to the applicability in organic synthesis and the comparison of results for different reaction conditions and catalyst types. The stoichiometric reactivity of NHC–transition-metal complexes (Ru, Co, Ir, Ni, Pd) with molecular oxygen and the stabilization of high-valent metal complexes with chelating ligands are discussed. The oxidation of alcohols to aldehydes and ketones, Wacker-type oxidation, aziridination and epoxidation of olefins, oxidative scission of alkenes to aldehydes, and oxidation of saturated and aromatic hydrocarbons are addressed.
Computer simulations of alkali-acetate solutions: Accuracy of the forcefields in difference concentrations
Authors: Ahlstrand Emma , Zukerman Schpector Julio , Friedman Ran
Published: November 2017

When proteins are solvated in electrolyte solutions that contain alkali ions, the ions interact mostly with carboxylates on the protein surface. Correctly accounting for alkali-carboxylate interactions is thus important for realistic simulations of proteins. Acetates are the simplest carboxylates that are amphipathic, and experimental data for alkali acetate solutions are available and can be compared with observables obtained from simulations. We carried out molecular dynamics simulations of alkali acetate solutions using polarizable and non-polarizable forcefields and examined the ion-acetate interactions. In particular, activity coefficients and association constants were studied in a range of concentrations (0.03, 0.1, and 1M). In addition, quantum-mechanics (QM) based energy decomposition analysis was performed in order to estimate the contribution of polarization, electrostatics, dispersion, and QM (non-classical) effects on the cation-acetate and cation-water interactions. Simulations of Li-acetate solutions in general overestimated the binding of Li+ and acetates. In lower concentrations, the activity coefficients of alkali-acetate solutions were too high, which is suggested to be due to the simulation protocol and not the forcefields. Energy decomposition analysis suggested that improvement of the forcefield parameters to enable accurate simulations of Li-acetate solutions can be achieved but may require the use of a polarizable forcefield. Importantly, simulations with some ion parameters could not reproduce the correct ion-oxygen distances, which calls for caution in the choice of ion parameters when protein simulations are performed in electrolyte solutions.
Charge-transfer excited states: Seeking a balanced and efficient wave function ansatz in variational Monte Carlo
Authors: Blunt N. S. , Neuscamman Eric
Published: November 2017

We present a simple and efficient wave function ansatz for the treatment of excited charge-transfer states in real-space quantum Monte Carlo methods. Using the recently introduced variation-after-response method [E. Neuscamman, J. Chem. Phys. 145, 081103 (2016)], this ansatz allows a crucial orbital optimization step to be performed beyond a configuration interaction singles expansion, while only requiring calculation of two Slater determinant objects. We demonstrate this ansatz for the illustrative example of the stretched LiF molecule, for a range of excited states of formaldehyde, and finally for the more challenging ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene molecule.
Influence of strain on optical properties of multiferroic EuTiO3 film: A first-principles investigation
Authors: Wang Xinyu , Zhen Siqi , Min Yi , Zhou Pengxia , Huang Yanyan , Zhong Chonggui , Dong Zhengchao , Liu Junming
Published: November 2017

We use first-principles calculations based on the density functional theory to investigate the magnetic properties, optical properties, and electronic structure of perovskite-type multiferroic EuTiO3 (ETO) thin films with biaxial strain. The calculations indicate that, in ETO films, the magnetic moment of Eu ions and the energy of the direct band gap decrease slowly (increase rapidly) with increasing compressive (tensile) strain. A direct band gap tunable from 1.0 to 1.52 eV is expected in ferroelectric and ferromagnetic ETO thin films upon application of 1%–4% tensile strain, and photogenerated carriers with spin-polarization can be induced from Eu 4f to Ti 3d states. This behavior can be confirmed by monitoring the strain-dependent optical absorption coefficient of ETO thin films and is explained by the shift of the strain-tuned electronic structure. These results suggest the potential applications of ETO thin films in multiferroic photovoltaic cells.
Study on stress-wave propagation and residual stress distribution of Ti-17 titanium alloy by laser shock peening
Authors: Pei Yatian , Duan Chenghong
Published: November 2017

Laser shock peening has advantages of less restriction, better reinforcement, stronger controllability, and so on, which could greatly improve the fatigue properties of the material compared with traditional processes. In this paper, dual phase titanium alloy Ti-17 has been studied, and numerical simulation has been taken to analyze the stress-wave propagation rules in Ti-17 titanium alloy plates with different thicknesses. In addition, the distribution of residual stress which is obtained by experiments is used to verify the accuracy of the above rules. Furthermore, the variation rules of fatigue characteristics of plates with different thicknesses under the same laser shock peening parameters are analyzed. The results show that due to the reflection of the stress-wave, the final residual stress and fracture toughness of the specimen decrease, resulting in an increase of the crack propagation rate and crack length. Since thinner specimens have a higher frequency of stress-wave reflection, they show greater effects.
Modulation of the electromagnetic local density of states in graphene-based hyperbolic metamaterials
Authors: Liao Qing-Hua , Song Chen-Cai , Wang Tong-Biao , Zhang De-Jian , Liu Wen-Xing , Yu Tian-Bao , Liu Nian-Hua
Published: November 2017

We theoretically investigate the electromagnetic local density of states (EM-LDOS) within the proximity of graphene-based hyperbolic metamaterials (HMM) that are alternately stacked with graphene and silicon carbide (SiC) by using effective medium theory (EMT). Compared with that in graphene-covered SiC bulk, two broad bands appear in the EM-LDOS spectrum because of the occurrence of hyperbolic modes in HMM. EM-LDOS can be tuned by the chemical potential of graphene and the thickness of SiC. It can be exactly calculated using the transfer matrix method (TMM). We show that the results obtained using TMM are consistent with those obtained using EMT when the distance from HMM is larger than the thickness of SiC. When the width of SiC is sufficiently thick, EM-LDOS is equivalent to that of graphene-covered SiC bulk.
Models of primary runaway electron distribution in the runaway vortex regime
Authors: Guo Zehua , Tang Xian-Zhu , McDevitt Christopher J.
Published: November 2017

A number of recent numerical calculations have shown the formation of a bump in runaway electron (RE) energy distribution by taking into account the synchrontron radiational damping force due to RE's gyromotions. Here, we present a detailed examination on how the bump location changes at different pitch-angles and the characteristics of the RE pitch-angle distribution. Although REs moving along the magnetic field are preferably accelerated and then populate the phase-space of larger pitch-angle mainly through diffusions, an off-axis (i.e., at finite pitch) peak can still form due to the presence of a runaway vortex that accumulates REs at a finite pitch-angle. A simplified Fokker–Planck model and its semi-analytical solutions based on local expansions around the O point are used to illustrate the characteristics of RE distribution around the O point of the runaway vortex in phase-space. The calculated energy location of the O point together with the local energy and pitch-angle distributions agree with the full numerical solution, confirming a previous empirical model for the runaway vortex location and explaining the off-axis peak in the distribution.
A high precision flat crystal spectrometer compatible for ultra-high vacuum light source
Authors: Yang Y. , Xiao J. , Lu D. , Shen Y. , Yao K. , Chen C. , Hutton R. , Zou Y.
Published: November 2017

We report on a flat crystal spectrometer (FCS) featuring a differently pumped rotary feedthrough and double detectors connected to a crystal chamber by extendable bellows built at the Shanghai EBIT Laboratory. It was designed to overcome defects such as oil contamination, little distance from the detector to the crystal and others of an early FCS equipped at the same laboratory, but still keeps a large detectable angle range of detectors and brings new features and functions such as the Bond method measurement and double-crystal measurement which are based on the two-detector and large bellow design. This new FCS could cover an energy range of measurable photons from 570 eV to 10 keV and reach a vacuum better than 6 × 10−10 Torr and thus is compatible for coupling directly to ultra-high vacuum light sources. Off-line tests of the FCS were undertaken where Kα x-rays from solid titanium were measured and analyzed. Measurements of transitions in He-like argon ions were performed when the spectrometer was directly connected to Shanghai EBIT, and the width of the x-ray source was monitored simultaneously using an x-ray slit imaging system. An observed spectral line broadening was 0.869 eV corresponding to a resolving power of 3600, including Doppler broadening of the x-ray source. Taking account of the measured source width, we made simulations using the SHADOW 3 code and got a nominal resolving power of 6500 for the spectrometer. This high nominal resolving power is due to a longer distance from the crystal to the detector, comparing with that in the early FCS.
New Products
Authors: Mandelis Andreas
Published: November 2017

In order to supplement manufacturers’ information, this Department will welcome the submission by our readers of brief communications reporting measurements on the physical properties of materials which supersede earlier data or suggest new research applications.
Measurement of contact angles at room temperature in high magnetic field
Authors: Li Chuanjun , Cao Yang , Guo Rui , He Shengya , Xuan Weidong , Li Xi , Zhong Yunbo , Ren Zhongming
Published: November 2017

The contact angle (CA) goniometer adaptable to a superconducting magnet was developed based on the sessile drop method. The goniometer mainly consisted of the sampling system, the supporting system, and the image acquisition system. Some improvements were taken to avoid the effects of the magnetic field (MF) on the CA measurement. As an example, the CAs of water on two substrates of silica and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) were measured using the goniometer. The results with and without a MF showed a good repeatability and reliability. Additionally, the MF was found to reduce the CA of water, which probably stemmed from the change of the surface tension in the MF. The CA goniometer will become an important tool which is used to study the wettability of liquids on a solid in the MF.
Turning attention to clinician engagement in Victoria
Authors: Jorm Christine , Hudson Robyn , Wallace AM Euan
Published: November 2017

The engagement of clinicians with employing organisations and with the broader health system results in better safer care for patients. Concerns about the adequacy of clinician engagement in the state of Victoria led the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services to commission a scoping study. During this investigation more than 100 clinicians were spoken with and 1800 responded to surveys. The result was creation of a clear picture of what engagement and disengagement looked like at all levels – from the clinical microsystem to state health policy making. Multiple interventions are possible to enhance clinician engagement and thus the care of future patients. A framework was developed to guide future Victorian work with four elements: setting the agenda, informing, involving and empowering clinicians. Concepts of work or employee engagement that are used in other industries don’t directly translate to healthcare and thus the definition of engagement chosen for use centred on involvement. This was designed to encourage system managers to ensure clinicians are full participants in design, planning and evaluation and in all decisions that affect them and their patients.
Role of cube texture on toughness variation of electric resistance welded steel
Authors: Anijdan S. H. Mousavi , Aghaie-Khafri M. , Jafarian H. R. , Khoshakhlagh A. R.
Published: November 2017

Properties changes of an X52 microalloyed steel processed by a full-scale industrial electric resistant welding (ERW) equipment was studied. Lack of proper toughness level in the weld zone was investigated. Results show that the low toughness value could only be satisfactorily addressed after a two-stage annealing process. {100} pole figures for each processing step revealed a completely random texture for the initial plate. However, after the ERW process, a textured structure with the main components of brass, S and copper was obtained. Texture components were substantially weakened after the second stage of annealing and instead a cube texture was developed which could explain satisfactory level of toughness for the ERW pipe after conducting the two-step annealing process.
Leveraging word embeddings and medical entity extraction for biomedical dataset retrieval using unstructured texts
Authors: Wang Yanshan , Rastegar-Mojarad Majid , Komandur-Elayavilli Ravikumar , Liu Hongfang
Published: November 2017

The recent movement towards open data in the biomedical domain has generated a large number of datasets that are publicly accessible. The Big Data to Knowledge data indexing project, biomedical and healthCAre Data Discovery Index Ecosystem (bioCADDIE), has gathered these datasets in a one-stop portal aiming at facilitating their reuse for accelerating scientific advances. However, as the number of biomedical datasets stored and indexed increases, it becomes more and more challenging to retrieve the relevant datasets according to researchers’ queries. In this article, we propose an information retrieval (IR) system to tackle this problem and implement it for the bioCADDIE Dataset Retrieval Challenge. The system leverages the unstructured texts of each dataset including the title and description for the dataset, and utilizes a state-of-the-art IR model, medical named entity extraction techniques, query expansion with deep learning-based word embeddings and a re-ranking strategy to enhance the retrieval performance. In empirical experiments, we compared the proposed system with 11 baseline systems using the bioCADDIE Dataset Retrieval Challenge datasets. The experimental results show that the proposed system outperforms other systems in terms of inference Average Precision and inference normalized Discounted Cumulative Gain, implying that the proposed system is a viable option for biomedical dataset retrieval.

Database URL: https://github.com/yanshanwang/biocaddie2016mayodata
daTALbase: A Database for Genomic and Transcriptomic Data Related to TAL Effectors
Authors: Pérez-Quintero Alvaro L. , Lamy Léo , Zarate Carlos A. , Cunnac Sébastien , Doyle Erin , Bogdanove Adam , Szurek Boris , Dereeper Alexis
Published: November 2017

Transcription activator-like effectors (TALEs) are proteins found in the genus Xanthomonas of phytopathogenic bacteria. These proteins enter the nucleus of cells in the host plant and can induce the expression of susceptibility genes (S genes), triggering disease. TALEs bind the promoter region of S genes following a specific code, which allows the prediction of binding sites based on TALEs amino acid sequences. New candidate S genes can then be discovered by finding the intersection between genes induced in the presence of TALEs and genes containing predicted effector binding elements. By contrasting differential expression data and binding site predictions across different datasets, patterns of TALE diversification or convergence may be unveiled, but this requires the seamless integration of different genomic and transcriptomic data. With this in mind, we present daTALbase, a curated relational database that integrates TALE-related data including bacterial TALE sequences, plant promoter sequences, predicted TALE binding sites, transcriptomic data of host plants in response to TALE-harboring bacteria, and other associated data. The database can be explored to uncover new candidate S genes as well as to study variation in TALE repertories and their corresponding targets. The first version of the database here presented includes data for Oryza sp.–Xanthomonas pv. oryzae interactions. Future versions of the database will incorporate information for other pathosystems involving TALEs.
Preventing Preeclampsia With Aspirin: Does Dose or Timing Matter?
Authors: Tong S. , Mol B.W. , Walker S.P.
Published: November 2017

(Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2017;216(2):95–97)

This editorial addresses 2 meta-analyses on aspirin use to prevent preeclampsia. Published in the February 2017 issue of the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, both focus on the clinical questions of the impact of aspirin dose and timing on preeclampsia. Roberge et al, the same team that published an influential meta-analysis in 2010 suggesting that starting aspirin ≤16 weeks’ gestation is very effective in preventing preeclampsia, published a new meta-analysis in this issue that examines the impact of the dose of aspirin and revisits the 16 weeks’ gestation threshold, updating their meta-analysis with 3 new trials. In this meta-analysis, Roberge et al found a dose-dependent effect where doses of 100 mg of aspirin seemed more effective than lower doses, although this dose-dependent relationship disappeared in studies that randomized women >16 weeks’ gestation.
Risk Factors for Complete Uterine Rupture
Authors: Al-Zirqi I. , Daltveit A.K. , Forsén L. , Stray-Pedersen B. , Vangen S.
Published: November 2017

(Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2017;216(2):165.e1–165.e8)

Complete uterine rupture is a rare peripartum complication that is often associated with catastrophic outcomes for both mother and child. However, there is a lack of accurate knowledge about its risk factors, due in part to the small size and limited time interval of most previous studies, as well as the use of international coding that was unable to differentiate between complete and partial uterine rupture. Because a scarred uterus from previous cesarean delivery (CD) significantly increases the risk of uterine rupture—which means that complete uterine rupture is expected to increase as the rate of cesarean delivery increases—it is vitally important to gain more accurate knowledge of the risk factors for complete uterine rupture. The present population-based registry study sought to identify risk factors for complete uterine rupture during labor in a validated population in Norway that gave birth during the period of 1967 to 2008.
Review of Peripartum Hysterectomy Rates at a Tertiary Australian Hospital
Authors: Cheng H.C. , Pelecanos A. , Sekar R.
Published: November 2017

(Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol. 2016;56(6):614–618)

Peripartum hysterectomy is a surgical procedure performed in the event of catastrophic postpartum hemorrhage uncontrolled by other medical and surgical therapies. In the last 3 decades, the major indication for peripartum hysterectomy has been abnormal placentation, including placenta previa, accreta, increta, or percreta. A large body of evidence suggests that a history of cesarean section (CS) is significantly associated with abnormal placentation, which is especially troubling for the antenatal population of Queensland (QLD), Australia, as the CS rate is currently higher than the national average.
Obstetric and Neonatal Complications in Pregnancies Conceived after Oocyte Donation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Storgaard M. , Loft A. , Bergh C. , Wennerholm U.B. , Soderstrom-Anttila V. , Romundstad L.B. , Aittomaki K. , Oldereid N. , Forman J. , Pinborg A.
Published: November 2017

(BJOG 2017;124:561–572)

There are over 50,000 oocyte donation (OD) treatments performed annually in the United State and Europe. OD pregnancies have been linked with increased risks of preeclampsia, low birth weight, preterm birth, and cesarean section. This systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to determine if OD pregnancies are associated with higher incidences of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Obstetric complications and neonatal outcomes were compared between OD pregnancies and pregnancies conceived by other methods, including autologous in vitro fertilization (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and spontaneous conception (SC).
Umbilical Lactate as a Measure of Acidosis and Predictor of Neonatal Risk: A Systematic Review
Authors: Allanson E.R. , Waqar T. , White C.R.H. , Tuncalp O. , Dickinson J.E.
Published: November 2017

(BJOG 2017;124:584–594)

Testing for acidosis at all deliveries is advocated by some as an early and effective way to identify infants at risk for a range of adverse neonatal outcomes. A low umbilical artery potential of hydrogen (pH) has been associated with poor outcomes such as cerebral palsy, encephalopathy, and death. While acidosis is not the direct cause of these negative outcomes and most acidotic newborns suffer no adverse effects, knowledge of the presence of the acidosis may allow clinicians to alter their treatment in an attempt to improve outcomes.
Reduction of Severe Maternal Morbidity From Hemorrhage Using a State Perinatal Quality Collaborative
Authors: Main E.K. , Cape V. , Abreo A. , Vasher J. , Woods A. , Carpenter A. , Gould J.B.
Published: November 2017

(Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2017;216(3):298.e1–298.e11)

While obstetric hemorrhage is the most common cause of maternal mortality in the world, it is also the most preventable cause of maternal mortality in the United States. The present study sought to determine whether a tool kit of best practices and implementation strategies for the care of a mother with hemorrhage developed by the California Maternal Quality Care Collective (CMQCC) can reduce severe maternal morbidity (SMM) from obstetric hemorrhage when scaled up to include more than 100 hospitals that collectively care for more than 250,000 births per year.
Emerging Nanomedicine Approaches in Obstetrics
Authors: Kannan R.M. , Kannan S.
Published: November 2017

(Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2017;216(3):201–220)

While mortality and morbidity associated with preterm birth has decreased as a result of major advances over the past few decades, ∼1 million deaths are annually attributed to preterm birth. There is a need for therapies which stop preterm labor after uterine contractions begin, as the drugs currently used for this purpose have serious maternal or neonatal side effects. Ideally, these therapies would be localized and short-acting.
Trial of Labor After Cesarean Delivery for Pregnancies Complicated by Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Ganer Herman H. , Kogan Z. , Bar J. , Kovo M.
Published: November 2017

(Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2017;138(1):84–88)

Trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC) is often discouraged because of increased risk of adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. However, few studies have focused on TOLAC with a subgroup of women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), which is known to complicate pregnancies, for example increased risk of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome. In the present study, authors assess rates of TOLAC and subsequent vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) among women with GDM and identify associated factors.
Neuraminidase Inhibitors During Pregnancy and Risk of Adverse Neonatal Outcomes and Congenital Malformations: Population-based European Register Study
Authors: Graner Sophie , Svensson Tobias , Beau Anna-Belle , Damase-Michel Christine , Engeland Anders , Furu Kari , Hviid Anders , Håberg Siri Eldevik , Mølgaard-Nielsen Ditte , Pasternak Björn , Kieler Helle
Published: November 2017

(BMJ. 2017;356:j629)

Pregnant women are at increased risk of serious adverse effects from influenza. As a result, government agencies in the United States and Europe recommend neuraminidase inhibitors for the treatment of parturients with influenza as well as prophylaxis in pregnant women exposed to the virus. However, the safety of these drugs for the fetus has not been well established. As a result of the 2009 H1N1 pandemic there was a large increase in the number of pregnant women exposed to neuraminidase inhibitors. While previous observational studies have not found any connection between neuraminidase inhibitor use during pregnancy and adverse fetal or neonatal outcomes, including congenital anomalies, no randomized controlled study in parturients has been performed. This study looked at the risks of adverse birth outcomes associated with in utero exposure to 2 neuraminidase inhibitors: oseltamivir and zanamivir.
Efficacy and Safety of Carbetocin Given as an Intravenous Bolus Compared With Short Infusion for Caesarean Section: Double-blind, Double-dummy, Randomized Controlled Noninferiority Trial
Authors: Dell-Kuster S. , Hoesli I. , Lapaire O. , Seeberger E. , Steiner L.A. , Bucher H.C. , Girard T.
Published: November 2017

(Br J Anaesth. 2017;118(5):772–780)

Uterotonic drugs, such as oxytocin, are given after cesarean section (CS) to help maintain uterine tone. It is recommended that these drugs be administered as a short, rapid infusion rather than a bolus, so as to minimize adverse side effects. However, there are no trial designs that show noninferiority of uterine tone using a slower mode of drug administration. Carbetocin is a synthetic oxytocin analogue with the same mechanism of action and side effects as oxytocin but with a longer half-life. The authors of the present study investigated the efficacy of a 100 mcg carbetocin dose on uterine contractility administered as a short, rapid infusion compared to a slow manual injection.
Electronic Fetal Monitoring and Cesarean Birth: A Scoping Review
Authors: Paterno M.T. , McElroy K. , Regan M.
Published: November 2017

(Birth. 2016;43(4):277–284)

In the United States, cesarean delivery is performed in more than 32% of all births and is widely recognized to be an overused procedure. Efforts to decrease the cesarean delivery rate have been limited, however, by the inability to pinpoint the causes of overuse. Recently, electronic fetal monitoring (EFM) has been linked to increased cesarean delivery rates. For this paper, a review was conducted to summarize studies examining EFM in the low-risk pregnant population to determine its effect on cesarean birth.
A Comparison of Recommendations for Pharmacologic Thromboembolism Prophylaxis After Caesarean Delivery From 3 Major Guidelines
Authors: Palmerola K.L. , D’Alton M.E. , Brock C.O. , Friedman A.M.
Published: November 2017

(BJOG. 2016;123:2157–2162)

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. Women undergoing cesarean delivery, especially those with other risk factors such as obesity, are considered at increased risk. Mechanical VTE prophylaxis with pneumatic compression devices is recommended for all women undergoing cesarean delivery. The use of postcesarean pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis, either unfractionated or low-molecular weight heparin, has been recommended in women with additional risk factors. However, the optimal clinical strategy for postcesarean pharmacologic prophylaxis is unclear, and the criteria for identifying patients who should receive this prophylaxis differ substantially among the recommendations provided by major medical societies. The aim of this cross-sectional analysis was to determine the impact these varying guidelines from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and the American College of Chest Physicians (Chest) would have on the rate of anticoagulation prophylaxis in women undergoing cesarean delivery at the authors’ academic medical center.
A Survey of Intravenous Remifentanil Use for Labor Analgesia at Academic Medical Centers in the United States
Authors: Aaronson J. , Abramovitz S. , Smiley R. , Tangel V. , Landau R.
Published: November 2017

(Anesth Analg. 2017;124(4):1208–1210)

Currently, there is no standardized protocol regarding the optimal administration, dosing strategy, and maternal monitoring requirements of intravenous (IV) remifentanil for labor analgesia. As this drug has the potential to cause sedation, respiratory depression, oxygen desaturation, and more, it is essential that clear recommendations are established. The authors of the present study surveyed and evaluated current practices for IV remifentanil administration for labor analgesia across academic medical centers in the United States.
Total Spinal Anesthesia Failure: Have You Assessed the Sensory Anesthesia in Sacral Dermatomes?
Authors: de Sá Oliveira R.R. , Módolo M.P. , Mizubuti G.B. , Ho A.M.H. , de Barros G.A.M. , Muniz da Silva L. , Braz L.G. , Módolo N.S.P. , Day A.G. , Phelan R. , Navarro E Lima L.H. , Ganem E.M.
Published: November 2017

(Anesth Analg. 2017;124(5):1674–1677)

Spinal anesthesia failure (SAF), which often results from intrathecal local anesthetic (LA) maldistribution, is sometimes managed with repeated spinal anesthesia (SA). In this brief report, the authors suggested that evaluation of sacral dermatomes before repeating SA can aid in the differentiation of total from partial SAFs, which in turn would lower the risks of neurotoxicity and safely guide subsequent anesthetic management.
Anesthetic and Obstetrical Factors Associated With the Effectiveness of Epidural Analgesia for Labor Pain Relief: An Observational Population-based Study
Authors: Bonnet M.P. , Prunet C. , Baillard C. , Kpéa L. , Blondel B. , Le Ray C.
Published: November 2017

(Reg Anesth Pain Med. 2017;42(1):109–116)

Epidural analgesia is considered the gold standard for pain relief during labor due to its high rate of maternal satisfaction and minimal side effects for both mother and child. However, pain relief during labor is a complex issue and there continues to be efforts to improve epidural analgesia. Many factors can influence maternal satisfaction with their epidural labor analgesia, including the place of delivery, hospital staff behavior, adverse effects, efficacy, and the woman’s involvement in decision-making. This secondary analysis of a population-based study aimed to identify factors associated with successful epidural analgesia, considering both efficacy and maternal satisfaction.
Closed-Set Speech Discrimination Tests for Assessing Young Children
Authors: Vickers Deborah A. , Moore Brian C. J. , Majeed Arooj , Stephenson Natalie , Alferaih Hala , Baer Thomas , Marriage Josephine E.
Published: November 2017

Objective:

The main objective of this study is to obtain data assessing normative scores, test–retest reliability, critical differences, and the effect of age for two closed-set consonant-discrimination tests.

Design:

The two tests are intended for use with children aged 2 to 8 years. The tests were evaluated using normal-hearing children within the appropriate age range. The tests were (1) the closed-set consonant confusion test (CCT) and (2) the consonant-discrimination subtest of the closed-set Chear Auditory Perception Test (CAPT). Both were word-identification tests using stimuli presented at a low fixed level, chosen to avoid ceiling effects while avoiding the use of background noise. Each test was administered twice.

Results:

All children in the age range 3 years 2 months to 8 years 11 months gave meaningful scores and were able to respond reliably using a computer mouse or a touch screen to select one of four response options displayed on a screen for each trial. Assessment of test–retest reliability showed strong agreement between the two test runs (interclass correlation ≥ 0.8 for both tests). The critical differences were similar to those for other monosyllabic speech tests. Tables of these differences for the CCT and CAPT are provided for clinical use of the measures. Performance tended to improve with increasing age, especially for the CCT. Regression equations relating mean performance to age are given.

Conclusions:

The CCT is appropriate for children with developmental age in the range 2 to 4.5 years and the CAPT is appropriate as a follow-on test from the CCT. If a child scores 80% or more on the CCT, they can be further tested using the CAPT, which contains more advanced vocabulary and more difficult contrasts. This allows the assessment of consonant perception ability and of changes over time or after an intervention.