bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrically varactor‐tuned bandpass filter with constant bandwidth and self‐adaptive transmission zeros
Authors: Cai Jing , Chen Jian‐Xin , Zhang Xue‐Feng , Yang Yong‐Jie , Bao Zhi‐Hua
Published: June 2017

This paper presents a wideband frequency‐agile bandpass filter (BPF) with constant absolute bandwidth (ABW) and two self‐adaptive transmission zeros (TZs) at lower and higher stopbands. A frequency‐dependent source‐to‐load (S‐L) coupling is incorporated in this design so that two symmetrical TZs close to the tunable passband are self‐adaptive and the separations between the passband center frequency and two TZs can almost keep the same for achieving continuous high selectivity in the frequency‐tuning process. A lumped capacitor C1 and a varactor diode are loaded to the two open ends of the half‐wavelength resonator. With the aid of the employed C1, the desired external quality factor can be obtained in a wide frequency‐tuning range. Meanwhile, properly choosing the specific coupling region can make the coupling coefficient close to the desired one. As a result, the constant ABW can be obtained as the passband frequency changes. For demonstration, the proposed BPF is designed and fabricated. The simulated and measured results are presented. The results exhibit the tuning range from 430 MHz to 720 MHz with 3‐dB constant ABW of around 75 MHz and the insertion loss of 1.34–2.92 dB, and the distance from TZs to center frequency is nearly constant at 150 MHz.
Millimetre‐wave low‐temperature co‐fired ceramic bandpass filter with independently controllable dual passbands
Authors: Li Yun‐Li , Chen Jian‐Xin , Qin Wei , Lu Qing‐Yuan , Bao Zhi‐Hua
Published: June 2017

This study presents a detailed investigation on the frequency properties of the stub‐loaded stepped‐impedance resonator (SIR). For the first time, the frequency controllability of the third and fifth harmonic resonant frequencies (f3 and f5) of the SIR under different ratios of impedance and electric length is subjected to a complete theoretical analysis. It can be found that there is a length ratio which makes f3 and the voltage‐null point at f3 never be affected by the change of the impedance ratio. Furthermore, the stub loaded at this voltage‐null point also has no effect on f3. These features are successfully applicable to realise independent frequency control for dual‐band bandpass filters (BPFs). In this situation, a new coupling path through the loaded stub can be constructed only for f5, and the coupling coefficients for the two bands can be individually varied. Accordingly, both the operational frequencies and bandwidths of the two bands can be separately adjusted. For demonstration, an independently controllable dual‐band BPF operating at 27.5/33 GHz is designed and fabricated for millimetre‐wave wireless applications. Good accordance is achieved between the simulated and measured results.
Integrated optimum design of metal space frame radomes with variable size members involving electromagnetic and structural analysis
Authors: Xu Wanye , Duan BaoYan , Li Peng , Yang Guigeng , Qiu Yuanying
Published: June 2017

The presence of a metal space frame (MSF) radome inevitably degrades the electromagnetic (EM) performance of the enclosed antenna, while the deformation of the radome can worsen the degradations. In this study, with the introduction of the concept of variable size member, a multidisciplinary optimisation model is proposed to implement the sizing optimisation for the members of MSF radomes to improve simultaneously the EM performance, structural performance, and self‐weight simultaneously where EM analysis and structural analysis are involved. Furthermore, a method is presented to boost the efficiency of the EM performance analysis, which makes possible the optimisation of electrically large MSF radomes. A 70 m MSF radome is simulated, and the results indicate that the proposed radome design with variable size members is superior to the conventional radome design with constant size members in terms of all the optimisation objectives, especially the EM performance and self‐weight. Several conclusions with guidance values are drawn based on the results.
X‐band antenna printed on a multilayered substrate
Authors: Kumar Jayendra , Basu Banani , Talukdar Fazal Ahmed , Nandi Arnab
Published: June 2017

In this communication, a single element high‐gain antenna with wide half power beamwidth (HPBW)is reported. The antenna exhibits high gain (10.01 dBi) and excellent radiationefficiency (98.8%) with wide HPBW in both vertical () and horizontal () planes. The overall volume of the antennais and electrical height () is at at centre frequency 11 GHz. Thedielectric constant of the multilayered substrate is extracted using resonantcavity model of a rectangular microstrip antenna. The proposed antenna operatesat higher order, mode excited by the loaded parasitic on theupper layer of the substrate and behaves similarly to a two‐dimensional‐leakywave antenna. The loaded parasitics are transforming the capacitive behaviour ofthe antenna input impedance into the inductive. The antenna offerswide‐impedance bandwidth of 1.01 GHz and 610 MHz considering the inputreflection parameter below −10 dB and −20 dB, respectively. It exhibits a verygood antenna figure of merit of 1.03 in terms of gain, bandwidth, HPBW andelectrical height. The prototypes of the antennas are fabricated and executionis accepted using measured results.
Taxonomy of trans-Neptunian objects and Centaurs as seen from spectroscopy
Authors: Merlin F. , Hromakina T. , Perna D. , Hong M. J. , Alvarez-Candal A.
Published: June 2017

Context. Taxonomy of trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs) and Centaurs has been made in previous works using broadband filters in the visible and near infrared ranges. This initial investigation led to the establishment of four groups with the aim to provide the mean colors of the different classes with possible links with any physical or chemical properties. However, this taxonomy was only made with the Johnson-Cousins filter system and the ESO J, H, Ks filters combination, and any association with other filter system is not yet available.

Aims. We aim to edit complete visible to near infrared taxonomy and extend this work to any possible filters system. To do this, we generate mean spectra for each individual group, from a data set of 43 spectra. This work also presents new spectra of the TNO (38628) Huya, on which aqueous alteration has been suspected, and the Centaur 2007 VH305.

Methods. To generate the mean spectra for each taxonomical group, we first averaged the data for each of the four taxonomical groups and checked that spectroscopic and photometric data were consistent according to their relative errors.

Results. We obtained four complete spectra corresponding to the different classes from 0.45 to 2.40 microns. Our results based on spectroscopy are in good agreements with those obtained in photometry for the bluest (BB) and reddest (RR) objects. At the contrary, no clear patterns appear for the two intermediate groups (BR and IR). Both BR and IR mean-spectra are almost intermixed, probably due to the fact that part of these objects have not always clear affiliation to one particular taxonomical group.

Conclusions. We provide mean spectra that could be used to edit colors in different filters system working in this wavelength range. This work clearly establish the mean spectra of the BB and RR group while the two other groups need probably further refinement.
McKenzie – Mechanische Diagnose und
Therapie
Authors: Genucchi Reto , Supp Georg
Published: June 2017

Erfahrene Therapeutinnen und Therapeuten wissen, dass anhaltende Therapieerfolge
nur durch Eigenverantwortung und Selbstmanagement der Patienten zu erreichen
sind. MDT betont die Eigenaktivität der Patienten. Das Einbeziehen der
Patienten bereits in den Untersuchungsprozess zeichnet die Methode aus. Unsere
Dozenten Georg Supp und Reto Genucchi vom McKenzie Institut beantworten die
wichtigsten Fragen.
Atraumatic Delta Head Fracture in a Ceramic-On-Polyethylene Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Oak Sameer , Frangiamore Salvatore , Rueda Carlos , Molloy Robert , Klika Alison
Published: June 2017

A 47-year-old man underwent a left ceramic-on-polyethylene total hip arthroplasty with a delta ceramic femoral head. At 20 months postoperatively, he presented with acute left groin pain after he stepped over a fishing rod while on a boat. A fracture of the femoral head without trauma was diagnosed upon presentation. Manufacturing practices with improvements in each successive generation have decreased historically high ceramic fracture rates considerably. Although femoral head fractures have proven to be extremely rare both in ceramic-on-polyethylene articulations and with the newest delta femoral head, it is important to remain vigilant in all situations involving ceramics.
Oropharyngeal Administration of Colostrum Increases Salivary Secretory IgA Levels in Very Low-Birth-Weight Infants
Authors: Greecher Coleen , Doheny Kim , Glass Kristen
Published: June 2017

Aim Oropharyngeal administration of colostrum (OAC) has been proposed to provide mother's early milk to very low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants in the first few days of life. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that OAC would increase salivary secretory IgA (SsIgA).

Patients and Methods Overall, 30 VLBW infants randomized to receive OAC or sterile water had salivary sampling for SsIgA on the day of life (DOL) 2, 7, and 14. The incidence of late-onset sepsis (LOS) and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) was determined prospectively. Within and between-group comparisons were made by paired and independent samples t-tests.

Results Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. SsIgA was higher in OAC versus the control group (p < 0.05) on DOL 7, but not subsequently on DOL 14. There was no difference in LOS or NEC.

Conclusion OAC increased SsIgA at DOL 7. A large, multicenter trial is needed to determine if OAC decreases LOS or NEC in VLBW infants.
Resultate nach Rückumstellung von intravitrealem Aflibercept auf Ranibizumab bei persistierender Aktivität einer altersbedingten Makuladegeneration
Authors: Waibel Sören , Matthé Egbert , Sandner Dirk
Published: June 2017

Hintergrund In der vorliegenden Fallserie sollte die Wirksamkeit einer Therapierückumstellung von intravitrealem Aflibercept auf Ranibizumab bei Patienten mit persistierender Aktivität einer altersbedingten Makuladegeneration untersucht werden.

Patienten und Methoden Es wurde eine kleine Patientengruppe (17 Augen von 17 Patienten) untersucht, bei der zuerst eine Therapieumstellung von Ranibizumab auf Aflibercept und schließlich eine Therapierückumstellung auf Ranibizumab erfolgte. Als primäre Endpunkte wurden die Visusentwicklung und Veränderung der zentralen Netzhautdicke im SD-OCT festgelegt. Sekundärer Endpunkt war die Analyse prädiktiver Faktoren mit günstigem Effekt auf die Therapierückumstellung. Hierfür wurden das Geschlecht der Patienten, der Ausgangsvisus und die Netzhautdicke vor Therapierückumstellung sowie die jeweilige Anzahl der Vorinjektionen untersucht.

Ergebnisse Der durchschnittliche Visus vor Therapieumstellung betrug 0,64 ± 0,36 logMAR, vor Therapierückumstellung 0,87 ± 0,40 logMAR mit einer leichten, jedoch nicht signifikanten Verbesserung auf 0,85 ± 0,58 logMAR nach Therapierückumstellung (p = 0,896). Die zentrale Netzhautdicke vor Therapieumstellung betrug 448,6 ± 181,5 µm. Diese verringerte sich auf 343,8 ± 161,3 µm nach Therapieumstellung (p = 0,614) und knapp nicht statistisch signifikant auf 299,1 ± 155,8 µm nach Therapierückumstellung (p = 0,133). Insgesamt konnte bei 8 Patienten (47%) eine Visusverbesserung erreicht werden, wohingegen bei 5 Patienten (30%) trotz Therapierückumstellung eine progrediente Visusverschlechterung zu beobachten war. Die Analysen der prädiktiven Faktoren ergaben, dass Männer durchschnittlich von einer Therapierückumstellung hinsichtlich der Visusentwicklung profitierten, während diese bei Frauen im Mittel keinen Einfluss auf die progrediente Visusminderung hatte. Hierbei zeigte sich im Vergleich vor und nach Therapierückumstellung ein signifikanter Unterschied (p = 0,016) zugunsten der Männer.

Schlussfolgerungen Eine Therapierückumstellung von Aflibercept auf Ranibizumab könnte bei Patienten mit persistierender Aktivität einer altersbedingten Makuladegeneration, welche nicht mehr von der Therapieumstellung profitierten, eine Verbesserung der morphologischen Parameter und Visusstabilisierung ermöglichen.
Asthma bronchiale – notfallmedizinische Versorgung
Authors: Hansen Michael , Hachenberg Thomas
Published: June 2017

Die Versorgung von Asthmapatienten mit lebensbedrohlichen Anfällen ist eine Herausforderung für den Notfallmediziner. Die schnelle und korrekte Therapie, basierend auf inhalativen β2-Mimetika und Anticholinergika kombiniert mit systemischen Glukokortikoiden verhindert meist fatale Verläufe. Bei Nichtansprechen müssen zusätzlich systemische β2-Mimetika, MgSO4 und evtl. Theophyllin zur Anwendung kommen, um eine Intubation und invasive Beatmung möglichst zu vermeiden.

Die Patienten – und insbesondere jene mit Risikofaktoren für einen fatalen Verlauf – müssen bis zur Beschwerdefreiheit unter Beobachtung bleiben. Leichte und mittelschwere Anfälle können bei Erreichen von Beschwerdefreiheit ambulant versorgt werden. Im Rettungsdienst muss die Beobachtungszeit bis zur Beschwerdefreiheit gewährleistet sein, ansonsten sollten die Patienten in das nächstgelegene geeignete Krankenhaus transportiert und in der Notaufnahme vorgestellt werden.
The Effect of a Simulated Soccer Match on Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Risk Factors
Authors: Wright Matthew , Chesterton Paul , Wijnbergen Mark , O’Rourke Adrian , Macpherson Tom
Published: June 2017

To investigate the effect of within match fatigue on knee kinematics and jump kinetics in girls’ soccer players, a quasi-experiment time series design was employed collecting data before, after and at 15-min intervals during a 90-min simulated soccer match. 15 girl players (age 13.1±1.4 years) performed a counter movement jump and a single-leg drop jump. Mean concentric force and flight time to contraction time ratio were derived from the counter movement jump. Knee valgus and flexion angles were calculated during the single-leg drop from 3-dimensional motion capture. Subjective ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and readiness were collected at each time series. Small to large increases in RPE and reductions in readiness were observed throughout the match from baseline. Moderate to large improvements in mean concentric force were shown at 15, 75 and 90-min when compared to baseline. Flight time to contraction time ratio increased moderately at 15 min. Changes in kinematics were typically trivial or unclear however, small increases in knee valgus were shown after 30 min compared to baseline. Subjective measures may provide useful information to understand the physical response of young players to match play.
Das Critical Incident Reporting System im Risikomanagement der Klinik für Augenheilkunde in Freiburg
Authors: Luebke Jan , Lang Stefan , Reinhard Thomas
Published: June 2017

Hintergrund Im medizinischen Alltag in Krankenhäusern und Arztpraxen geschehen immer wieder Fehler, die mittels eines Meldesystems im Rahmen des klinischen Risikomanagements registriert werden können. Wir zeigen in dieser Arbeit Daten dieser Meldungen aus unserer Klinik seit der Einführung eines Meldesystems im Jahr 2012.

Material und Methoden Alle eingegangenen Fehlermeldungen seit 2012 wurden ausgewertet. Hierbei wurde die jährliche Anzahl der Meldungen, die Berufsgruppe der Meldenden und, sofern verfügbar, der angenommene Grund des fehlerhaften Vorgangs untersucht.

Ergebnisse Im Durchschnitt wurden 33 Meldungen pro Jahr aufgegeben. Diese stammten zu Beginn größtenteils von ärztlichen Mitarbeitern, im Verlauf aber ausgeglichen sowohl von Pflegemitarbeitern als auch von Ärzten. Die Zahl der tatsächlich veranlassten Maßnahmen aus diesen Meldungen schwankte über den Erhebungszeitraum hinweg deutlich. Als die am häufigsten berichtete Ursache für fehlerhafte Vorgänge zeigten sich Missstände in der Kommunikation unter den Mitarbeitern.

Schlussfolgerung Unsere Zahlen zeigen, dass über mehrere Jahre hinweg Meldungen eingehen können, die sowohl von pflegerischer als auch von ärztlicher Seite stammen. Der Hauptgrund für fehlerhafte Vorgänge scheint die Kommunikation unter den Mitarbeitern zu sein. Vergleichbare Zahlen aus anderen Kliniken werden sich mit zunehmender Implementation von Meldesystemen erheben lassen.
Präoperative Evaluation erwachsener Patienten vor elektiven, nicht herz-thoraxchirurgischen Eingriffen1*
Authors:   Gemeinsame Empfehlung der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Anästhesiologie und Intensivmedizin, der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Chirurgie und der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Innere Medizin
Published: June 2017

Die präoperative Anamnese und körperliche Untersuchung sind anerkannter Standard bei der Risikoevaluation von Patienten vor elektiven chirurgischen Eingriffen. Ob und unter welchen Umständen technische Voruntersuchungen dazu beitragen können, das perioperative Risiko zu reduzieren, ist bislang nur unzureichend untersucht. Auch besteht unter Anästhesisten, Chirurgen und Internisten vielfach Unsicherheit im perioperativen Umgang mit der Dauermedikation. Die deutschen wissenschaftlichen Fachgesellschaften für Anästhesiologie und Intensivmedizin (DGAI), Chirurgie (DGCH) und Innere Medizin (DGIM) haben daher eine gemeinsame Empfehlung zur präoperativen Evaluation erwachsener Patienten vor elektiven, nicht herz-thoraxchirurgischen Eingriffen erarbeitet und erstmals im Jahr 2010 publiziert. Die vorliegende Fassung ist eine Überarbeitung der Stellungnahme von 2010 unter Einbeziehung der seither publizierten Literatur sowie von aktuellen Leitlinien internationaler Fachgesellschaften. Zunächst werden die allgemeinen Prinzipien der präoperativen Evaluation dargestellt (Teil A). Das Vorgehen bei Patienten mit bekannten oder vermuteten kardiovaskulären Vorerkrankungen wird gesondert betrachtet (Teil B: „Erweiterte kardiale Diagnostik“). Abschließend wird der perioperative Umgang mit der Dauermedikation diskutiert (Teil C). Die vorgestellten Konzepte stellen fachübergreifende Empfehlungen dar, die ein strukturiertes und gemeinsames Vorgehen ermöglichen sollen. Ihr Ziel ist es, durch transparente und verbindliche Absprachen eine hohe Patientenorientierung unter Vermeidung unnötiger Voruntersuchungen zu gewährleisten, präoperative Untersuchungsabläufe zu verkürzen sowie letztlich Kosten zu reduzieren. Die gemeinsamen Empfehlungen von DGAI, DGCH und DGIM spiegeln den gegenwärtigen Kenntnisstand, aber auch die Meinungen von Experten wider, da nicht für jede Fragestellung wissenschaftliche Evidenz besteht. Daher werden eine regelmäßige Überprüfung und Aktualisierung der Empfehlungen erfolgen, sobald gesicherte neue Erkenntnisse vorliegen.
Rapid Transient Production of a Monoclonal Antibody Neutralizing the Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDV) in Nicotiana benthamiana and Lactuca sativa
Authors: Rattanapisit Kaewta , Srijangwad Anchalee , Chuanasa Taksina , Sukrong Suchada , Tantituvanont Angkana , Mason Hugh , Nilubol Dachrit , Phoolcharoen Waranyoo
Published: June 2017

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) causes acute diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, weight loss, and high mortality rate in neonatal piglets. Porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) has been reported in Europe, America, and Asia including Thailand. The disease causes substantial losses to the swine industry in many countries. Presently, there is no effective PEDV vaccine available. In this study, we developed a plant-produced monoclonal antibody (mAb) 2C10 as a prophylactic candidate to prevent the PEDV infection. Recently, plant expression systems have gained interest as an alternative for the production of antibodies because of many advantages, such as low production cost, lack of human and animal pathogen, large scalability, etc. The 2C10 mAb was transiently expressed in Nicotiana benthamiana and lettuce using geminiviral vector. After purification by protein A affinity chromatography, the antibody was tested for the binding and neutralizing activity against PEDV. Our result showed that the plant produced 2C10 mAb can bind to the virus and also inhibit PEDV infection in vitro. These results show excellent potential for a plant-expressed 2C10 as a PEDV prophylaxis and a diagnostic for PEDV infection.
Albumin (BSA) adsorption onto graphite stepped surfaces
Authors: Rubio-Pereda Pamela , Vilhena J. G. , Takeuchi Noboru , Serena Pedro A. , Pérez Rubén
Published: June 2017

Nanomaterials are good candidates for the design of novel components with biomedical applications. For example, nano-patterned substrates may be used to immobilize protein molecules in order to integrate them in biosensing units. Here, we perform long MD simulations (up to 200 ns) using an explicit solvent and physiological ion concentrations to characterize the adsorption of bovine serum albumin (BSA) onto a nano-patterned graphite substrate. We have studied the effect of the orientation and step size on the protein adsorption and final conformation. Our results show that the protein is stable, with small changes in the protein secondary structure that are confined to the contact area and reveal the influence of nano-structuring on the spontaneous adsorption, protein-surface binding energies, and protein mobility. Although van der Waals (vdW) interactions play a dominant role, our simulations reveal the important role played by the hydrophobic lipid-binding sites of the BSA molecule in the adsorption process. The complex structure of these sites, that incorporate residues with different hydrophobic character, and their flexibility are crucial to understand the influence of the ion concentration and protein orientation in the different steps of the adsorption process. Our study provides useful information for the molecular engineering of components that require the immobilization of biomolecules and the preservation of their biological activity.
Negligible spin-orbit coupling effect in the Mott-insulating antiferromagnet KRuO4
Authors: Xu Yuanhui , Liu Shanshan , Sun Keju , Yu Shengxue , Hao Xianfeng
Published: June 2017

A comprehensive investigation of the electronic and magnetic properties of KRuO4 has been performed using the first-principles calculations in order to clarify the importance of Coulomb interaction and spin-orbit coupling effect. The results indicate that its ground state is of a G-type Mott-insulating antiferromagnet with nearest-neighbor antiferromagnetic coupling, and the computed magnetic moment of Ru7+ ion is 0.50 μB, in nice agreement with the observed value of 0.57(7) μB. In addition, the electronic structure near the Fermi level is dominated by strong hybridized Ru 4d and O 2p states. In sharply contrast with KOsO4, the significantly weaker spin orbit coupling of Ru 4d electrons has negligible impact on the electronic and magnetic properties of KRuO4, and the orbital contribution to the total moment is minor. On the other hand, the on-site Coulomb repulsion affects the band structure significantly, and is indispensable for appraising the electronic properties, opening the band gap, establishing the orbital ordering of the quarter-filled eg manifold.
Communication: Orientational structure manipulation in nematic liquid crystal droplets induced by light excitation of azodendrimer dopant
Authors: Shvetsov Sergey A. , Emelyanenko Alexander V. , Boiko Natalia I. , Liu Jui-Hsiang , Khokhlov Alexei R.
Published: June 2017

Reversible orientational transitions in the droplets of a nematic liquid crystal (NLC) caused by the change of boundary conditions under the low intensity diode illumination are investigated. Photosensitivity of NLC is achieved by the addition of the dendrimer compound with azobenzene terminal groups. Two types of NLC droplets in glycerol are considered: the spherical droplets in the bulk of glycerol and the droplets laid-down onto the solid substrate. In the second case, the first order phase transition is revealed. The effects described can be useful for the development of highly sensitive chemical detectors and microsized photo-tunable optical devices.
Robust reconstruction of time-resolved diffraction from ultrafast streak cameras
Authors: Badali Daniel S. , Dwayne Miller R. J.
Published: June 2017

In conjunction with ultrafast diffraction, streak cameras offer an unprecedented opportunity for recording an entire molecular movie with a single probe pulse. This is an attractive alternative to conventional pump-probe experiments and opens the door to studying irreversible dynamics. However, due to the “smearing” of the diffraction pattern across the detector, the streaking technique has thus far been limited to simple mono-crystalline samples and extreme care has been taken to avoid overlapping diffraction spots. In this article, this limitation is addressed by developing a general theory of streaking of time-dependent diffraction patterns. Understanding the underlying physics of this process leads to the development of an algorithm based on Bayesian analysis to reconstruct the time evolution of the two-dimensional diffraction pattern from a single streaked image. It is demonstrated that this approach works on diffraction peaks that overlap when streaked, which not only removes the necessity of carefully choosing the streaking direction but also extends the streaking technique to be able to study polycrystalline samples and materials with complex crystalline structures. Furthermore, it is shown that the conventional analysis of streaked diffraction can lead to erroneous interpretations of the data.
Communication: A novel implementation to compute MP2 correlation energies without basis set superposition errors and complete basis set extrapolation
Authors: Dixit Anant , Claudot Julien , Lebègue Sébastien , Rocca Dario
Published: June 2017

By using a formulation based on the dynamical polarizability, we propose a novel implementation of second-order Møller-Plesset perturbation (MP2) theory within a plane wave (PW) basis set. Because of the intrinsic properties of PWs, this method is not affected by basis set superposition errors. Additionally, results are converged without relying on complete basis set extrapolation techniques; this is achieved by using the eigenvectors of the static polarizability as an auxiliary basis set to compactly and accurately represent the response functions involved in the MP2 equations. Summations over the large number of virtual states are avoided by using a formalism inspired by density functional perturbation theory, and the Lanczos algorithm is used to include dynamical effects. To demonstrate this method, applications to three weakly interacting dimers are presented.
Enhanced nitrogen fertiliser technologies support the ‘4R' concept to optimise crop production and minimise environmental losses
Authors: Snyder Clifford S.
Published: June 2017

Fertiliser nitrogen (N) has been, and will continue to be, essential in nourishing, clothing and providing bioenergy for the human family. Yet, emissions of ammonia (NH3) and nitrous oxide (N2O), and losses of nitrate-N (NO3-N) to surface and groundwater resources are risks associated with fertiliser N use that must be better managed to help meet expanding societal expectations. Nitrogen fertilisers with polymer coatings, or with the addition of urease and/or nitrification inhibitors, or those possessing other characteristics that afford them either improved agronomic response and/or lessened loss of N to the environment (compared with a reference water-soluble fertiliser) may be considered enhanced-efficiency N fertilisers (EEFs). Agronomic and horticultural research with these technologies has been performed for many decades, but it has been primarily in the past decade that research has increasingly also measured their efficacy in reducing N losses via volatilisation, leaching, drainage, run-off and denitrification. Expanded use of EEFs, within the ‘4R’ concept (right source, right rate, right time, right place) of N management may help increase crop yields while minimising environmental N losses. Coupling these 4R N management tools with precision technologies, information systems, crop growth and N utilisation and transformation models, especially weather models, may improve opportunities for refined N management in the future.
Study of stinging nettle (urtica dioica l.) Fibers reinforced green composite materials : a review
Authors: Agus Suryawan I G P , Suardana N P G , Suprapta Winaya I N , Budiarsa Suyasa I W , Tirta Nindhia T G
Published: June 2017

Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica L., latin) is a wild plant that grows in Indonesia, Asia, and Europe. Nettle in Bali, Indonesia is called as Lateng, Jelatang. Nettle plant has a very strong fiber and high fixed carbon. Nettle plants are covered with fine hairs, especially in the leaves and stems. When it is touched, it will release chemicals, sting and trigger inflammation that causes redness, itching, bumps and irritation to the skin. Nettle plants grow in the wild, regarded as a weed in the agricultural industry, easy to grow and snatch food from the parent plant. The main objective of this paper is to review of the potential nettle fibers and then explain about the potential of local nettle plant in Indonesia. Nettle is a plant group at the end of bast. Its plant fibers taken from the bark, as reinforcement in composite materials. Nettle fibers have three main advantages such as strong, lightweight and low environmental impact.
BreakPoint Surveyor: a pipeline for structural variant visualization
Authors: Wyczalkowski Matthew A , Wylie Kristine M , Cao Song , McLellan Michael D , Flynn Jennifer , Huang Mo , Ye Kai , Fan Xian , Chen Ken , Wendl Michael C , Ding Li
Published: June 2017

BreakPoint Surveyor (BPS) is a computational pipeline for the discovery, characterization, and visualization of complex genomic rearrangements, such as viral genome integration, in paired-end sequence data. BPS facilitates interpretation of structural variants by merging structural variant breakpoint predictions, gene exon structure, read depth, and RNA-sequencing expression into a single comprehensive figure.

Availability and implementation

Source code and sample data freely available for download at https://github.com/ding-lab/BreakPointSurveyor, distributed under the GNU GPLv3 license, implemented in R, Python and BASH scripts, and supported on Unix/Linux/OS X operating systems.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Standards of Beauty: The Impact of Mannequins in the Retail Context
Authors: Argo Jennifer J , Dahl Darren W
Published: June 2017

Across six studies, a female mannequin is demonstrated to have negative implications for both male and female consumers low in appearance self-esteem. In particular, consumers who are lower in appearance self-esteem evaluate a product displayed by a mannequin more negatively as compared with consumers higher in appearance self-esteem. As mannequins signal the normative standard of beauty and consumers with low self-esteem in regard to their appearance believe they fail to meet this standard, these consumers become threatened by the beauty standard when exposed to a mannequin and in response denigrate the product the mannequin is displaying. We provide evidence for the underlying process in three ways: 1) through the finding that the effect for male and female consumers with low appearance self-esteem arises only when the mannequin is displaying an appearance-related product, 2) through mediation analysis demonstrating that the mannequin conveys society’s standard of beauty and that this negatively impacts product evaluations, and 3) through mitigation of the effect by removing the presence of threat via a self-affirmation task or decreasing the mannequin’s beauty (e.g., marking its face, removing its hair, or removing its head). Multiple avenues for future research are forwarded.
The sticky business of adhesion prevention in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery
Authors: Han Esther S. , Scheib Stacey A. , Patzkowsky Kristin E. , Simpson Khara , Wang Karen C.
Published: June 2017

Purpose of review

The negative impact of postoperative adhesions has long been recognized, but available options for prevention remain limited. Minimally invasive surgery is associated with decreased adhesion formation due to meticulous dissection with gentile tissue handling, improved hemostasis, and limiting exposure to reactive foreign material; however, there is conflicting evidence on the clinical significance of adhesion-related disease when compared to open surgery. Laparoscopic surgery does not guarantee the prevention of adhesions because longer operative times and high insufflation pressure can promote adhesion formation. Adhesion barriers have been available since the 1980s, but uptake among surgeons remains low and there is no clear evidence that they reduce clinically significant outcomes such as chronic pain or infertility. In this article, we review the ongoing magnitude of adhesion-related complications in gynecologic surgery, currently available interventions and new research toward more effective adhesion prevention.

Recent findings

Recent literature provides updated epidemiologic data and estimates of healthcare costs associated with adhesion-related complications. There have been important advances in our understanding of normal peritoneal healing and the pathophysiology of adhesions. Adhesion barriers continue to be tested for safety and effectiveness and new agents have shown promise in clinical studies. Finally, there are many experimental studies of new materials and pharmacologic and biologic prevention agents.

There is great interest in new adhesion prevention technologies, but new agents are unlikely to be available for clinical use for many years. High-quality effectiveness and outcomes-related research is still needed.
A comprehensive review of Asherman's syndrome: causes, symptoms and treatment options
Authors: Salazar Christina A. , Isaacson Keith , Morris Stephanie
Published: June 2017

Purpose of review

Intrauterine adhesions, also known as Asherman's syndrome, can have an impact on both reproductive outcomes and gynaecologic symptoms. Understanding the cause of intrauterine adhesions and the common clinical presentation will increase awareness of the condition and guide the patient to appropriate therapy. Surgical management offers favourable fertility outcomes and is often successful in restoring menstruation.

Recent findings

Surgical management with hysteroscopic lysis of adhesions is the gold standard for treatment and adopting an office-based approach offers several advantages. Prevention of reformation of adhesions remains challenging and no single method for preventing recurrence has shown superiority. Cell-based therapies using endometrial stem/progenitor cells hold promise for future use in regenerating inadequate endometrium.

Increased awareness of the symptoms suggestive of intrauterine adhesive disease, as well as recognition of common causes and preceding events, is crucial for early diagnosis, patient counselling and treatment.

Video abstract

http://links.lww.com/COOG/A36.
EVALUATION OF PATCHY ATROPHY SECONDARY TO HIGH MYOPIA BY SEMIAUTOMATED SOFTWARE FOR FUNDUS AUTOFLUORESCENCE ANALYSIS
Authors: Miere Alexandra , Capuano Vittorio , Serra Rita , Jung Camille , Souied Eric , Querques Giuseppe
Published: June 2017

Purpose:

To evaluate the progression of patchy atrophy in high myopia using semiautomated software for fundus autofluorescence (FAF) analysis.

Methods:

The medical records and multimodal imaging of 21 consecutive highly myopic patients with macular chorioretinal patchy atrophy (PA) were retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent repeated fundus autofluorescence and spectral domain optical coherence tomography over at least 12 months. Color fundus photography was also performed in a subset of patients. Total atrophy area was measured on FAF images using Region Finder semiautomated software embedded in Spectralis (Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany) at baseline and during follow-up visits. Region Finder was compared with manually measured PA on FAF images.

Results:

Twenty-two eyes of 21 patients (14 women, 7 men; mean age 62.8 + 13.0 years, range 32–84 years) were included. Mean PA area using Region Finder was 2.77 ± 2.91 SD mm2 at baseline, 3.12 ± 2.68 mm2 at Month 6, 3.43 ± 2.68 mm2 at Month 12, and 3.73 ± 2.74 mm2 at Month 18 (overall P < 0.005); this accounts for PA progression rate of 0.821 mm2/year. Atrophy progression was significantly greater among eyes with larger PA compared with smaller baseline PA at Months 6, 12, and 18. There was no statistically significant difference between semiautomated Region Finder PA area and manually measured PA area on FAF images.

Conclusion:

Fundus autofluorescence analysis by Region Finder semiautomated software provides accurate measurements of lesion area and allows us to quantify the progression of PA in high myopia. In our series, PA enlarged significantly over at least 12 months, and its progression seemed to be related to the lesion size at baseline.
A SERIES OF FIVE PATIENTS WITH FOVEAL HYPOPLASIA DEMONSTRATING GOOD VISUAL ACUITY
Authors: Kirchner Ian D. , Waldman Corey W. , Sunness Janet S.
Published: June 2017

Background/Purpose:

Foveal hypoplasia is associated with low vision in a variety of conditions. We report and show imaging studies for a series of five patients with foveal hypoplasia who had visual acuity ranging from 20/25 to 20/60.

Methods:

Observational case series.

Patients:

This series includes five patients aged 5 to 18 years who presented to the Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Hoover Low Vision Clinic. All patients showed a partial or complete absence of the fovea in both eyes on examination.

Results:

Eight eyes exhibited absence of foveal depression on spectral domain optical coherence tomography (Cirrus high-definition OCT; Carl Zeiss Meditec). Four eyes exhibited Grade 3 foveal hypoplasia, two eyes exhibited Grade 4 foveal hypoplasia, and two eyes exhibited Grade 1 foveal hypoplasia. For two eyes (one patient), the optical coherence tomography was no longer available for grading, but was interpreted as foveal hypoplasia in both eyes in the chart. Visual acuities ranged from 20/25 to 20/60. Only two of five patients showed signs of albinism.

Conclusion:

Despite the presence of foveal hypoplasia, patients can retain a high level of visual acuity, which suggests that a foveal depression is not essential for the development of good visual acuity.
Depressive Symptoms Moderate the Association Between Appetite and Health Status in Patients With Heart Failure
Authors: Andreae Christina , Strömberg Anna , Chung Misook L. , Hjelm Carina , Årestedt Kristofer
Published: June 2017

Background:

Decreased appetite and depressive symptoms are clinical problems in patients with heart failure. Both may result in impaired health status.

Objective:

The aims of this study were to investigate the association between appetite and health status in patients with heart failure and to explore whether depressive symptoms moderate this association.

Methods:

In this cross-sectional study, patients with heart failure (n = 186; mean age, 71 years), New York Heart Association class II to IV, participated. Data on appetite (Council of Nutrition Appetite Questionnaire), depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), and health status (EQ-5D 3-level scale [EQ-5D-3L] descriptive system, EQ-5D-3L index, and EQ Visual Analog Scale) were collected by self-rating questionnaires. Pearson correlation was used to investigate the association between appetite and health status. Multiple regression was performed to examine whether depressive symptoms moderate the association between appetite and health status.

Results:

There was a significant association between appetite and health status for EQ-5D-3L descriptive system, mobility (P < .001), pain/discomfort (P < .001), and anxiety/depression (P < .001). This association was also shown in EQ-5D-3L index (P < .001) and EQ Visual Analog Scale (P < .001). Simple slope analysis showed that the association between appetite and health status was only significant for patients without depressive symptoms (B = 0.32, t = 4.66, P < .001).

Conclusions:

Higher level of appetite was associated with better health status. In moderation analysis, the association was presented for patients without depressive symptoms. Decreased appetite is an important sign of poor health status. To improve health status, health professionals should have greater attention on appetite, as well on signs of depressive symptoms.
Carrying Skills From One C-Suite to Another
Authors: Adams Jeffrey M.
Published: June 2017

This interview of Dr Maureen Swick chronicles career development and preparation for a transition into the role of CEO of the American Organization of Nurse Executives. While there are an estimated 400 000 nurses in middle management roles in the United States and 5700 in the most senior nursing positions in US hospitals, Dr Swick has assumed a role leading the leaders and highlights those experiences that have influenced her and provides insights into her vision for nursing leadership.
An Unconventional Path Leads to a Lifetime Commitment to the Nursing Profession
Authors: Shaffer Franklin A.
Published: June 2017

The author shares his learnings as a nurse leader. Currently, the president and chief executive officer (CEO) of CGFNS International, Inc. (formerly known as the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools), he discusses job transitions; the importance of networks and colleagues, and collaboration.
The Regional Autopsy Center
Authors: Atherton Daniel Stephen , Reilly Stephanie
Published: June 2017

Rates of autopsied deaths have decreased significantly for the last several decades. It may not be practical for some institutions to maintain the facilities and staffing required to perform autopsies. In recent years, the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) has established contracts to perform autopsies for several regional institutions including the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences (ADFS), the United States Veterans Affairs, the local prison system, local community hospitals, and with families for private autopsy services. Contracts and autopsy data from 2004 to 2015 were obtained and reviewed. Since 2004, the number of UAB hospital autopsies trended slightly downward. On average, UAB hospital cases comprised most yearly cases, and the ADFS was the second largest contributor of cases. Income generated from outside autopsies performed from 2006 to 2015 totaled just more than 2 million dollars, and most of the income was generated from referred ADFS cases. This study provides evidence that a centralized institution (regional autopsy center [RAC]) can provide regional autopsy service in a practical, feasible, and economically viable manner, and a RAC can benefit both the referring institutions as well as the RAC itself.
Which Knife Was Used?
Authors: Zohn Allison , Melinek Judy
Published: June 2017

Forensic pathologists who autopsy stab wound victims may be called upon to determine whether a specific weapon recovered as evidence caused the decedent's wounds. Some forensic training programs instruct pathologists to excise wounds and place them in formalin. There is little published information about the reliability of these assessments. To address these deficiencies, a porcine model was used to establish the limits of in situ knife wound measurements of wounds caused by 3 knives of different widths stabbed at 90 degrees to the skin surface. The results indicate that within the 95% confidence interval, most stab wounds when measured on the surface of the skin will be within 1 to 3 mm of the size of the knife blade. Four wounds from different anatomical areas of the pig were excised from the body, and after excision, their measurements differed from their in situ length. After fixation in a 10% buffered formalin solution, one wound stayed the same, one wound lengthened, one shrunk minimally, and the one from the thinner abdominal skin shrunk by 6 mm (11%). This study presents a porcine model that can be used to define parameters for testimony.
Minor Suture Fusion in Syndromic Craniosynostosis
Authors: Runyan Christopher M. , Xu, M.D. Wen , Alperovich Michael , Massie, M.D. Jonathan P. , Paek Gina , Cohen Benjamin A. , Staffenberg David A. , Flores Roberto L. , Taylor Jesse A.
Published: June 2017

Background:

Infants with craniofacial dysostosis syndromes may present with midface abnormalities but without major (calvarial) suture synostosis and head shape anomalies. Delayed presentation of their calvarial phenotype is known as progressive postnatal craniosynostosis. Minor sutures/synchondroses are continuations of major sutures toward and within the skull base. The authors hypothesized that minor suture synostosis is present in infants with syndromic, progressive postnatal craniosynostosis, and is associated with major suture synostosis.

Methods:

The authors performed a two-institution review of infants (<1 year) with syndromic craniosynostosis and available computed tomographic scans. Major (i.e., metopic, sagittal, coronal, and lambdoid) and minor suture/synchondrosis fusion was determined by two craniofacial surgeons and one radiologist using Mimics or Radiant software.

Results:

Seventy-three patients with 84 scans were included. Those with FGFR2 mutations were more likely to lack any major suture fusion (OR, 19.0; p = 0.044). Minor suture fusion occurred more often in the posterior branch of the coronal arch (OR, 3.33; p < 0.001), squamosal arch (OR, 7.32; p < 0.001), and posterior intraoccipital synchondroses (OR, 15.84; p < 0.001), among FGFR2 versus other patients. Patients (n = 9) with multiple scans showed a pattern of minor suture fusion followed by increased minor and major suture synostosis. Over 84 percent of FGFR2 patients had minor suture fusion; however, six (13 percent) were identified with isolated major suture synostosis.

Conclusions:

Minor suture fusion occurs in most patients with FGFR2-related craniofacial dysostosis. Syndromic patients with patent calvarial sutures should be investigated for minor suture involvement. These data have important implications for the pathophysiology of skull growth and development in this select group of patients.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Risk, III.