bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sliding mode duty cycle control with current balancing algorithm for an interleaved buck converter‐based PV source simulator
Authors: Mahmud Mohammad Hazzaz , Zhao Yue
Published: August 2018

Photovoltaic (PV) source simulators are widely used to evaluate the performance of solar inverters and study their grid integration issues in the laboratory settings. Most of the commercial PV simulators are designed based on the programmable dc power supply platform. Owing to bulky output capacitors, the dynamic response and the bandwidth of these PV simulators are significantly limited, which, therefore, cannot meet the requirements to test advanced features of the solar inverters. In this study, a cost‐effective high bandwidth PV simulator is proposed. A three‐phase interleaved buck converter is utilised as the power stage and a novel sliding mode duty‐cycle controller with auto current balancing algorithm is proposed to ensure the accurate and fast reference tracking along with phase current balancing. Both simulation and experimental studies are carried out to validate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed PV source simulator.
Assessment of wind energy potential at Kuwaiti Islands by statistical analysis of wind speed data
Authors: Al-Salem Khaled , Al-Nassar Waleed
Published: August 2018

Kuwait possesses a potential of renewable energy, such as solar and wind energy. Wind energy is an alternative clean energy source compared to fossil fuel, which pollute the lower layer of the atmosphere. In this study, statistical methods are used to analyze the wind speed data at Mubarak port (at Bubiyan Island), Failaka Island and Um-AlMaradim Island; which are located respectively in the north, mid and south of Kuwait territorial waters. Wind speed is the most important parameter in the design and study of wind energy conversion systems. The wind speed data were obtained from the Costal Information System Database (CIS) at Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research [1, 2 and 3]over a thirty seven years period, 1979 to 2015. In the present study, the wind energy potential of the locations was statistically analyzed based on wind speed data, over a period of thirty seven years. The probability distributions are derived from the wind data and their distributional parameters are identified. Two probability density functions are fitted to the probability distributions on a yearly basis. The wind energy potential of the locations was studied based on the Weibull and the Rayleigh models.
Biogas Generation Using Kitchen Waste
Authors: Younas T , Taha M , Ehtesham S F , Siddiqui M F
Published: August 2018

The previous years has been very crucial for the whole world so in Pakistan. This situation arise due to shocking increment in the rates of oil. In order to overcome this issue most of the countries are working for the development of technology using renewable resources. These resources include solar, wind and biomass. Biomass includes cow dung, kitchen waste, wood etc. The geographical location of Pakistan is a best suit for biomass energy operation. Among these biomasses this paper will be focusing on the kitchen waste which will result in around 60% of methane gas, 30% will include carbon dioxide, 8% nitrogen and rest 1 to 2 % of hydrogen sulphide. This paper will state the best possible option to perform anaerobic digestion process in order to generate excess amount of biogas at homes. It will also discuss procedure for the removal of toxic gases which exist in biogas and can be harmful for humans as well as it degrade biogas quality. In our research, the generation of biogas and methane is done from the sugary and starch-rich material and is determined at small scale using the elementary digesters.
Coastal protection of the Romanian nearshore throughout hybrid wave and offshore wind farms
Authors: Raileanu Alina , Onea Florin , Rusu Liliana
Published: August 2018

The objective of the present work is to estimate the influence of several hybrid wind and wave farm configurations on the wave conditions reported in the vicinity of the Saint George coastal area, in the Romanian nearshore of the Black Sea. Based on the wave data coming from a climatological database (ERA20C) and also on in situ measurements, it was possible to identify the most relevant wave patterns, which will be further considered for assessment. The numerical simulations were carried out with the SWAN (Simulating Waves Nearshore) wave model, which may provide a comprehensive picture of the wave transformation in the presence of the marine farms. Although the impact of the wind farm is not visible from the spatial maps, from the analysis of the values corresponding to the reference points, it was noticed that a maximum variation of 2% may occur for several wave parameters.
Weather data errors analysis in solar power stations generation forecasting
Authors: Eroshenko Stanislav , Khalyasmaa Alexandra
Published: August 2018

The paper presents a short-term forecasting model for solar power stations (SPS) generation developed by the authors. This model is based on weather data and built into the existing software product as a separate short-term forecasting module for the SPS generation. The main problems associated with forecasting the SPS generation on cloudy days were revealed in the framework of authors' research, which is due not to the error of the developed model but to the use of the same learning sample for both solar and cloudy days. This paper contains analysis of the main problems related to the learning sampling, samples pattern, quality and representativeness for forecasting the SPS generation on cloudy days. Besides, the paper includes a calculation example performed for the existing SPS and a detailed analysis of the forecast generation on cloudy days based on the actual weather provider data.
Machine learning techniques for short-term solar power stations operational mode planning
Authors: Eroshenko Stanislav , Khalyasmaa Alexandra , Snegirev Denis
Published: August 2018

The paper presents the operational model of very-short term solar power stations (SPS) generation forecasting developed by the authors, based on weather information and built into the existing software product as a separate module for SPS operational forecasting. It was revealed that one of the optimal mathematical methods for SPS generation operational forecasting is gradient boosting on decision trees. The paper describes the basic principles of operational forecasting based on the boosting of decision trees, the main advantages and disadvantages of implementing this algorithm. Moreover, this paper presents an example of this algorithm implementation being analyzed using the example of data analysis and forecasting the generation of the existing SPS.
The Development of Swirling Decaying Laminar Flow in an Annular Pipe
Authors: Chen Baiman , Qin Frank G.F. , Shao Youyuan , Xiao Hanmin , Huang Simin , Ho Kelvin
Published: August 2018

Work on the hydrodynamic entry length of pipe and duct flow has been well studied over the years. The assumption of fully developed flows is commonly used in many practical engineering applications (e.g. Moody's chart). For laminar axial pipe flow, the hydrodynamic entry length can be found through the monomial proposed by Kays, Shah and Bhatti (KSB) (Lh=0.056ReDh). In contrast, several approximations exist for fully turbulent flows (i.e. 10Dh-150Dh). Through theoretical and numerical investigations, the hydrodynamic entry length for swirling decaying pipe flow in the laminar regime is investigated. It was found that, the development length Lh for the axial velocity profile changes when a tangential component is added to the mean flow. The reduction in the hydrodynamic length was found to be dependent on the inlet swirl angle θ. The results indicate that a modification can be made on the KSB equation for two-dimensional swirling annular pipe flow.
Managing the influence of microstructure defects on the strength of EN AW 5754 aluminium alloy welded joints executed with the TIG method
Authors: Woźny Piotr , Błachnio Józef
Published: August 2018

The paper concerns the issue of the impact of welding defects on the strength of EN AW 5754 aluminium alloy welded joints, executed with the TIG welding method (tungsten inert gas, i.e., a method of welding with a non-consumable tungsten electrode shielded with inert gases). The article presents examples of operating damage to welded joints and discusses the factors impacting the weld quality. The strength test results of welding samples taken under different process parameters were presented. The impact of welding defects and non-conformities identified with a CAT test on the weld joint impact was analysed. The studies showed a strong relation between the presence of welding defects, welding process parameters and weld strength.
Optimization of double-layer sound absorber in a broadband frequency range using transfer matrix method and Evolution Strategies algorithm
Authors: Ghadimi Parviz , Gholamipour Morteza , Feizi Chekab Mohammad A.
Published: August 2018

Curtailment of the ambient noise level for providing a better living environment is immensely important. Accordingly, acoustic isolation via different combinations of porous materials is the most widely used passive soundproofing system. The present study focuses on the optimization of single and double-layer absorbers in different frequencies. To this end, the transfer matrix and the Evolution Strategy (ES) method are firstly explained. Afterward, the optimization of single and double-layer absorbers is considered for up to 10 parameters (material porosity, air gap, perforated plate characteristics among others) at 350 Hz frequency and has been compared with the results obtained through other methods (Genetic Algorithm among others). It has been illustrated that ES algorithm provides better optimization in this field. Subsequently, since the incident sound in most cases is a correlation of different frequencies, the broadband optimization of the single and double-layer absorbers is considered in three frequency ranges (100–800 Hz, 800–1600 Hz, 1600–3000 Hz), with an increment of 1 Hz, for three different materials (polyester, fiber and foam). After the optimization, the resulting optimum parameters are presented in form of characteristics charts of the optimized materials for different frequency ranges, as a reference for material designers and manufacturers. Also, the absorption coefficient of all optimized cases are calculated and presented in range of 100 Hz to 3 kHz as a reference for the absorber selection for different situations. Finally, by presenting the improvement chart of double layer versus single layer combinations, it has been shown that double layer combination can improve the absorption coefficient of different materials up to 4% in different frequencies depending on the material (4% for polyester and foam for under 800 Hz, 3–4% for polyester and fiber for 800–1600 Hz and 2.6% for foam in 1600–3000 Hz).
Diabetes und Revaskularisation
Authors: Reith Sebastian , Schächinger Volker
Published: August 2018

Patienten mit Diabetes mellitus haben im Vergleich zur Normalpopulation ein signifikant erhöhtes Risiko, kardiovaskuläre Ereignisse zu erleiden. Durch spezifische diabetesassoziierte pathophysiologische Veränderungen schreitet die koronare Atherosklerose bei Patienten mit Diabetes mellitus in der Regel schneller und diffuser voran. Mithilfe des SYNTAX-Scores können der morphologische Schweregrad der koronaren Herzerkrankung graduiert und somit die optimale Revaskularisationsstrategie festgelegt werden. Diabetische Patienten mit einer komplexen Koronar- und Stenoseanatomie profitieren, sofern das operative Risiko vertretbar ist, am ehesten von einer aortokoronaren Bypassoperation. Bei weniger komplexer KHK stellt die perkutane Koronarintervention eine valide Therapiealternative dar, hier sollten heutzutage aber ausschließlich medikamentenbeschichtete Stents der 2. Generation verwendet werden.
Metabolic Determinants of Impaired Pulmonary Function in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Röhling Martin , Pesta Dominik , Markgraf Daniel , Strassburger Klaus , Knebel Birgit , Burkart Volker , Szendroedi Julia , Müssig Karsten , Roden Michael ,   for the GDS study group
Published: August 2018

Aims Impaired lung function associates with deterioration of glycemic control and diabetes-related oxidative stress in long-standing type 2 diabetes. We hypothesized that recent-onset type 2 diabetes patients exhibit abnormal pulmonary function when compared to glucose-tolerant controls and that the frequencies of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), known to associate with lung dysfunction, are different between both groups.

Methods Type 2 diabetes patients with a known disease duration<1 year (n=34) had similar age, sex distribution and BMI as overweight controls (n=26). Lung function was assessed by spirometry comprising predicted forced vital capacity (FVC%), predicted forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1%) and the FEV1/FVC ratio. Multivariable linear regressions were performed to investigate group differences, which were adjusted for potential confounders such as age, sex, BMI, height and smoking status. SNP genotyping was conducted using real-time polymerase chain reaction-based allelic discrimination.

Results Patients with type 2 diabetes had lower FEV1%, FEV1/FVC and VO2max (all p<0.05). Among patients with type 2 diabetes, FEV1% correlated positively with VO2max (r=0.40, p<0.05) and FEV1/FVC correlated negatively with HbA1c (r=−0.49, p<0.01). Regression analyses across the whole cohort indicated that the group differences in FEV1/FVC can be explained by the confounding effect of HbA1c. The frequencies of the SNPs rs1042713, rs1079572, rs11172113, rs12504628, rs1422795, rs1481345, rs2235910, rs2277027, rs2284746, rs4341, rs7068966, rs925284, rs993925 and rs3824658 did not differ between both groups.

Conclusions Recent-onset type 2 diabetes patients exhibit reductions in features of pulmonary function, which might be at least in part resulting from glucotoxicity.
Levels of Glucagon-like Peptide 1 are Decreased in Macrosomic Neonates from Non-Diabetic Mothers
Authors: Aktulay Ayla , Engin-Ustun Yaprak , Yasar Ozlem , Yilmaz Canan , Erkaya Salim , Ozgu-Erdinc A.
Published: August 2018

Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) is a gut-derived peptide with insulin-like effects. Our aim was to analyze cord blood GLP-1 levels of macrosomic and appropriate-gestational-age (AGA) neonates from non-diabetic mothers. A case-control study was conducted with 22 term macrosomic neonates (birth weight≥4000 g) and 22 AGA (birth weight>10th percentile and<4000 g) pregnancies. Cord blood GLP-1 levels of neonates were measured. There were no significant differences in maternal age, gestational age and gravida between the 2 groups. Umbilical cord blood GLP-1 levels were significantly lower in macrosomic neonates (6.9±2.9 pg/mL) compared with control group (10.3±3.7 pg/mL) (p=0.002). Binary logistic regression analysis showed only the maternal BMI to be an independent statistically significant predictor of macrosomia (odds ratio=2.459; 95% CI, 1.170–5.170; P=0.018). The results of our study revealed decreased GLP-1 levels in macrosomic neonates, and maternal BMI was an independent predictor of macrosomia.
Prostaglandin E2 Activates NLRP3 Inflammasome in Endothelial Cells to Promote Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Wang Yixin , Tao Jianxin , Yao Yong
Published: August 2018

Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) is the leading cause of blindness and accounts for approximately 12% of all new cases of blindness. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and nucleotide-binding domain and Leucine-rich repeat Receptor containing a Pyrin domain 3 (NLRP3) inﬂammasomes have been long considered to be associated with PDR. Levels of pro-inflammatory mediators were examined by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) measurements. PGE2 levels were analyzed by using the Prostaglandin E2 Monoclonal EIA Kit. Human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMECs) were stained with Annexin V/propidium iodide and analyzed by ﬂow cytometry for testing the apoptosis. Expression levels of NLRP3 inflammasome components under various conditions were detected by Western blot and real-time PCR. Inﬂammasome markers and PGE2 were highly expressed in the vitreous of PDR patients. PGE2 and NLRP3 induced apoptosis of HRMECs. PGE2 upregulated the expression of NLRP3 inﬂammasome components and inﬂammatory chemokines. Knockdown of NLRP3 attenuated the expression of NLRP3 inﬂammasome components and inhibited the effect of PGE2. Our results suggest that PGE2 levels and NLRP3 inﬂammasome activation are closely related to the pathogenesis of PDR and nonsteroidal anti-inﬂammatory drugs may have a potential therapeutic effect on PDR.
Mechanism of Cepharanthine Cytotoxicity in Human Ovarian Cancer Cells
Authors: Payon Vilawan , Kongsaden Chanaporn , Ketchart Wannarasmi , Mutirangura Apiwat , Wonganan Piyanuch
Published: August 2018

Cepharanthine (CEP), a medicinal product derived from Stephania cephalantha Hayata, possesses a potent cytotoxicity against several types of cancers. Recently, we have found that CEP could efficiently inhibit the growth of mutated p53 colon cancer cells, which are often resistant to commonly used chemotherapeutic agents. In this study, we evaluated the cytotoxic effect and the underlying mechanisms of CEP on both chemosensitive CaOV-3 and chemoresistant OVCAR-3 ovarian cancer cell lines. The present study demonstrated that CEP significantly inhibited the growth of CaOV-3 and OVCAR-3 cells in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. CEP arrested CaOV-3 and OVCAR-3 cells in the G1 phase and S phase of cell cycle, respectively. Western blot analysis demonstrated that CEP markedly increased the expression of p21Waf1 protein and decreased the expression of cyclins A and D proteins in both CaOV-3 and OVCAR-3 cells. Additionally, CEP triggered apoptotic cell death in OVCAR-3 cells. Taken together, the above results suggest that CEP is a promising anticancer drug for ovarian cancer.
New Cyano-Group-Containing 1,3-Oxaselenoles: Nucleophilic Substitution of a Cyano Group with Rearrangement
Authors: Kachanov Andrey , Zamaraev Andrey , Gerasimenko Andrey , Maslov Konstantin , Slabko Oleg , Kaminskii Vladimir
Published: August 2018

New cyano-group-containing 1,3-oxaselenoles were obtained by the treatment of aroylacetonitriles with selenium(IV) oxide. The resulting products were shown to react with ammonia, hydrazine, or primary amines; this reaction was accompanied by aryl rearrangement.
A Planar-Chiral Pillar[5]arene-Based Monophosphine Ligand with Induced Chirality at the Biaryl Axis
Authors: Nagata Yuuya , Ogoshi Tomoki , Suginome Michinori , Shimada Yasuo , Nishikawa Tsuyoshi , Takeda Ryohei , Uno Makoto
Published: August 2018

A planar-chiral pillar[5]arene with cyclohexylmethoxy side chains and a pendant diphenylphosphine was prepared and used as a chiral ligand in asymmetric reactions. Chirality transfer from the planar-chiral pillar[5]arene scaffold to the chiral biaryl moiety was demonstrated by circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, and asymmetric catalysis.
What Are Predictors for Persistence in Childhood Stuttering?
Authors: Usler Evan , Bostian Anna , Mohan Ranjini , Gerwin Katelyn , Brown Barbara , Weber Christine , Smith Anne , Walsh Bridget
Published: August 2018

Over the past 10 years, we (the Purdue Stuttering Project) have implemented longitudinal studies to examine factors related to persistence and recovery in early childhood stuttering. Stuttering develops essentially as an impairment in speech sensorimotor processes that is strongly influenced by dynamic interactions among motor, language, and emotional domains. Our work has assessed physiological, behavioral, and clinical features of stuttering within the motor, linguistic, and emotional domains. We describe the results of studies in which measures collected when the child was 4 to 5 years old are related to eventual stuttering status. We provide supplemental evidence of the role of known predictive factors (e.g., sex and family history of persistent stuttering). In addition, we present new evidence that early delays in basic speech motor processes (especially in boys), poor performance on a nonword repetition test, stuttering severity at the age of 4 to 5 years, and delayed or atypical functioning in central nervous system language processing networks are predictive of persistent stuttering.
My Client Knows That He's About to Stutter: How Can We Address Stuttering Anticipation during Therapy with Young People Who Stutter?
Authors: Gerlach Hope , Rodgers Naomi , Zebrowski Patricia , Jackson Eric
Published: August 2018

Stuttering anticipation is endorsed by many people who stutter as a core aspect of the stuttering experience. Anticipation is primarily a covert phenomenon and people who stutter respond to anticipation in a variety of ways. At the same time as anticipation occurs and develops internally, for many individuals the “knowing” or “feeling” that they are about to stutter is a primary contributor to the chronicity of the disorder. In this article, we offer a roadmap for both understanding the phenomenon of anticipation and its relevance to stuttering development. We introduce the Stuttering Anticipation Scale (SAS)—a 25-item clinical tool that can be used to explore a client's internal experience of anticipation to drive goal development and clinical decision making. We ground this discussion in a hypothetical case study of “Ryan,” a 14-year-old who stutters, to demonstrate how clinicians might use the SAS to address anticipation in therapy with young people who stutter.
How Can We Overcome the Challenges of Providing School-Based Fluency Services?
Authors: Johnson Laura , Chmela Kristin
Published: August 2018

Providing speech and language services in the school setting can be challenging, especially for complex problems such as stuttering and other fluency disorders. Speech–language pathologists (SLPs) feel less comfortable working with students who have fluency disorders, which makes problem solving around delivering these services even more difficult. The purpose of this article is to identify three categories of challenges school-based therapists may face when evaluating and treating this population. The challenges discussed in this article are drawn from our literature, interviews with several practicing therapists, and the authors' experiences providing assessment and therapy to school-age children, as well as consultations and in-services for school-based SLPs. We provide suggestions for facilitating positive change across these challenges.
Surgical Treatment for Stress Urinary Incontinence in Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Oliveira Letícia Maria de , Dias Marcia Maria , Martins Sérgio Brasileiro , Haddad Jorge Milhem , Girão Manoel João Batista Castello , Castro Rodrigo de Aquino
Published: August 2018

Objective To compare surgical treatments for stress urinary incontinence in terms of efficiency and complications.

Data Sources We searched the MEDLINE and COCHRANE databases using the terms stress urinary incontinence, surgical treatment for stress urinary incontinence and sling.

Selection of Studies Forty-eight studies were selected, which amounted to a total of 6,881 patients with scores equal to or higher than 3 in the Jadad scale.

Data Collection Each study was read by one of the authors, added to a standardized table and checked by a second author. We extracted data on intervention details, follow-up time, the results of treatment and adverse events.

Data Synthesis Comparing retropubic versus transobturator slings, the former was superior for both objective (odds ratio [OR], 1.27; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05–1.54) and subjective (OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.02–1.48) cures. Between minislings versus other slings, there was a difference favoring other slings for subjective cure (OR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.39–0.86). Between pubovaginal sling versus Burch surgery, there was a difference for both objective (OR, 2.04; 95% CI, 1.50–2.77) and subjective (OR, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.10–2.44) cures, favoring pubovaginal sling. There was no difference in the groups: midurethral slings versus Burch, pubovaginal sling versus midurethral slings, transobturator slings, minislings versus other slings (objective cure). Retropubic and pubovaginal slings are more retentionist. Retropubic slings have more bladder perforation, and transobturator slings, more leg and groin pain, neurological lesion and vaginal perforation.

Conclusion Pubovaginal slings are superior to Burch colposuspension surgery but exhibit more retention. Retropubic slings are superior to transobturator slings, with more adverse events. Other slings are superior to minislings in the subjective aspect. There was no difference in the comparisons between midurethral slings versus Burch colposuspension surgery, pubovaginal versus midurethral slings, and inside-out versus outside-in transobturator slings.
Age Distribution and Concomitant Injuries in Pulmonary Contusion: An Analysis Based on Routine Data
Authors: Finkbeiner Rebekka , Krinner Sebastian , Langenbach Andreas , Besendörfer Manuel , Schulz-Drost Stefan
Published: August 2018

Background As the population ages, low-energy thoracic injuries are becoming increasingly relevant in individual injuries, particularly pulmonary contusions (PCs) and their common concomitant injuries. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and age distribution of thoracic trauma, especially PC, to make conclusions about common secondary diagnoses and developments in management.

Methods A retrospective analysis of 209,820 cases, based on German routine data from the years 2009 to 2015, with a main diagnosis (MD) or secondary diagnosis (SD) of thoracic trauma (S27 according to ICD-10) was performed. The entire patient collective with a MD of S27 was examined as well as those with PCs (S27.31).

Results In all 61,016 patients with a MD of S27, 7,558 (12.4%) had a MD of PC and among the 148,804 patients with a SD of S27, 58,247 patients (39.1%) had a SD of PC. PC occurs mostly in the age groups of 20 to 25, 45 to 50, and 70 to 75 years. The proportion of older people tends to be increasing. The most concomitant thoracic injuries were serial rib fractures (27.1%), pneumothorax (11.9%), and sternum fractures (6.2%). Computed tomography scan is the most common diagnostic tool in PC (MD >80%, SD >60%). Therapeutically, intensive care (>50%) and chest drainage are most important (MD: 12.5%, SD: 60.1%), while operative measures are rare (≤ 4%).

Conclusion PC shows a marked increase in the incidence, especially in older patients and as a companion diagnosis in thoracic injuries. It should be diagnosed early as well as its concomitant injuries to avoid complications.
Factors Affecting the Outcome of Multiple Intracranial Aneurysm Surgery
Authors: Abdallah Anas , Asiltürk Murad , Emel Erhan , Güler Abdallah Betül
Published: August 2018

Objectives Multiple intracranial aneurysms (MIAs) are fairly common entities. Unless MIAs are incidentally diagnosed, they remain asymptomatic until they rupture. In this study, the authors investigated factors affecting the surgical outcomes in patients with MIA by evaluating the surgical outcomes of 90 consecutive cases.

Material and Methods Medical records were retrospectively reviewed for 409 consecutive cerebral aneurysm cases that underwent surgery in the hospital from 2011 to 2013. The patients’ data were prospectively collected. All MIA patients (n = 90) constituted the core sample for this study.

Results The authors detected 221 aneurysms in 90 patients (49 females and 41 males; mean age: 50.8 ± 11.9 years; range: 25–82 years). Of the patients, 67 presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage, whereas 23 were incidentally diagnosed with unruptured aneurysms. The mortality rate was 13.3% (n = 12). The morbidity rate was 18.8% (n = 17). Of the patients, 67.8% (n = 61) had returned to their jobs and normal daily activities by their last follow-up (average: 52.3 months). History of coronary artery diseases (CADs) and low neurologic grade at presentation (Hunt-Hess grade 4/5) are independent risk factors for increasing morbidity and mortality in patients with MIA (odds ratio [OR]: 18.46; p = 0.007); (OR: 30.0; p = 0.002) and (OR: 0.06; p = 0.0001); (OR: 0.07; p = 0.002), respectively.

Conclusion History of CADs and high Hunt-Hess grade are independent risk factors for poor surgical outcomes of patients with MIA.
Miniaturized Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy for Split-Thickness Skin Graft Donor Sites
Authors: Mitchell Stuart , Ray Edward , Cordeiro Peter
Published: August 2018

Background Multiple therapeutic options exist for the treatment of split-thickness skin graft (STSG) donor sites, but there is no clear consensus among surgeons about the best option. Negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) has rapidly gained in popularity since its invention. Recently, several miniaturized, single-patient NPWT (SP-NPWT) devices have become available. Compared with traditional NPWT devices, SP-NPWT devices are associated with equal wound healing capability and reliability, but offer several advantages. We present a series of 10 consecutive patients whose STSG donor sites were treated with a commercially available SP-NPWT device.

Methods We performed a retrospective review for 10 consecutive patients who underwent STSG procedures and were treated with SP-NPWT devices.

Results From 2015 to 2017, 10 consecutive patients underwent oncologic reconstruction using STSG and had their donor sites treated with SP-NPWT devices. The SP-NPWT dressing had been left in place for 2 weeks after surgery. The average donor site area measured 80 cm2 (range: 76–106 cm2). In all 10 patients, the donor sites healed uneventfully and with no complications.

Conclusion Off-the-shelf, miniaturized, SP-NPWT systems appear to be at least as effective as traditional dressings for STSG donor sites and require no maintenance (skilled nursing or dressing changes). Compared with larger and less portable standard NPWT devices, SP-NPWT dressing systems provide a potential cost benefit as well as enhanced convenience and portability.
Correction: Resolution of apparent paradoxes in the race-specific frequency of use-of-force by police
Authors: Ross Cody T. , Winterhalder Bruce , McElreath Richard
Published: August 2018

The sub-section 2.1 of the Supplementary Information file in the original article was incorrect. This whole sub-section has now been removed.
Focusing light through random scattering media by simulated annealing algorithm
Authors: Fang Longjie , Zuo Haoyi , Yang Zuogang , Zhang Xicheng , Pang Lin
Published: August 2018

We introduce a simulated annealing algorithm for wavefront control to focus light through highly scattering media. Using 4096 independently controlled segments of modulated light, the intensity at the target is 125 times enhanced over the original intensity at a predefined target. The simulated annealing algorithm and existing phase control algorithms of focusing through scattering media are compared in detail experimentally. It is found that the simulated annealing algorithm achieves the highest enhancement with less time compared to a genetic algorithm.
Electron fishbones destabilized nonresonantly by lower hybrid current drive
Authors: Sugiyama Linda E. , Delgado-Aparicio L. , Shiraiwa S. , Faust I.
Published: August 2018

Fishbone-type oscillations with poloidal and toroidal mode numbers m = 1, n = 1 have been observed during lower hybrid current drive (LHCD) in the Alcator C-Mod tokamak. At relatively high plasma density and collisionality, the driving mechanism appears to be the nonresonant destabilization of an m/n = 1/1 MHD resistive internal kink mode by the pressure of the suprathermal electrons produced by the LHCD rather than a wave-particle resonance between the mode and the fast electrons. Direct measurements of the fast electrons are consistent with nonresonant destabilization and saturation. The effects of the 1/1 mode kink displacement on the LHCD deposition and fast electron concentration lead to nonresonant saturation mechanisms that may also contribute to the saturation of resonant lower hybrid fishbones.
Transition to electrokinetic instability near imperfect charge-selective membranes
Authors: Demekhin E. A. , Ganchenko G. S. , Kalaydin E. N.
Published: August 2018

The hydrodynamics and electrostatics of imperfect electric membranes are examined numerically. The investigation is based on the Nernst–Planck–Poisson–Stokes system of equations. A three-layer geometry, electrolyte–nanoporous membrane–electrolyte, is considered. The threshold of the electrokinetic instability of the one-dimensional quiescent state and the corresponding change of the current regime to the overlimiting one are studied. A map of the bifurcations, transitions, and regimes is constructed in the coordinates of the selectivity, the applied potential difference, and the Debye number. For good membrane selectivity (it corresponds to the dimensionless fixed charge in the membrane, N > 10), the hydrodynamics and electrostatics are quantitatively the same as for perfect membranes: the instability is monotonic and nonequilibrium and the voltage–current (VC) characteristic has all three portions: the underlimiting, limiting, and overlimiting regimes. For intermediate selectivity (1 < N < 10), the imperfect membrane behaves qualitatively as a perfect membrane. For poor membrane selectivity (N < 1), the nonequilibrium electro-osmosis turns to the equilibrium one and the monotonic instability is replaced by an oscillatory one. The concept of slip velocity loses its meaning, surface spike-like coherent structures disappear, and the equilibrium instability is caused by the bulk residual charge. For poor membrane selectivity, the VC characteristic dramatically changes: transition to the overlimiting currents occurs, bypassing the limiting current regime. There is a qualitative agreement between theoretical prediction and experimental observations of the microvortex expansion.
Extreme magnetoresistance and Shubnikov-de Haas oscillations in ferromagnetic DySb
Authors: Liang D. D. , Wang Y. J. , Xi C. Y. , Zhen W. L. , Yang J. , Pi L. , Zhu W. K. , Zhang C. J.
Published: August 2018

The electronic structures of a representative rare earth monopnictide (i.e., DySb) under high magnetic field (i.e., in the ferromagnetic state) are studied from both experimental and theoretical aspects. A non-saturated extremely large positive magnetoresistance (XMR) is observed (as large as 3.7 × 104% at 1.8 K and 38.7 T), along with the Shubnikov-de Haas oscillations that are well reproduced by our first principles calculations. Three possible origins of XMR are examined. Although a band inversion is found theoretically, suggesting that DySb might be topologically nontrivial, it is deeply underneath the Fermi level, which rules out a topological nature of the XMR. The total densities of electron-like and hole-like carriers are not fully compensated, showing that compensation is unlikely to account for the XMR. The XMR is eventually understood in terms of high mobility that is associated with the steep linear bands. This discovery is important to the intensive studies on the XMR of rare earth monopnictides.
Single-root networks for describing the potential energy surface of Lennard-Jones clusters
Authors: Cai Yinjiang , Cheng Longjiu
Published: August 2018

Potential energy surface (PES) holds the key in understanding a number of atomic clusters or molecular phenomena. However, due to the high dimension and incredible complexity of PES, only indirect methods can be used to characterize a PES of a given system in general. In this paper, a branched dynamic lattice searching method was developed to travel the PES, which was described in detail by a single-root network (SRN). The advantage of SRN is that it reflects the topological relation between different conformations and highlights the size of each structure energy trap. On the basis of SRN, to demonstrate how to transform one conformation to another, the transition path that connects two local minima in the PES was constructed. Herein, we take Lennard-Jones (LJ) clusters at the sizes of 38, 55, and 75 as examples. It is found that the PES of these three clusters have many local funnels and each local funnel represents one morphology. If a morphology is located more frequently, it will lie in a larger local funnel. Besides, certain steps of the transition path were generated successfully, such as changing from icosahedral to truncated octahedral of the LJ38-cluster. Though we do not exhibit all the parts of the PES or all transition paths, this method indeed works well in the local area and can be used more widely.
Control of ferromagnetic properties of Ni80Fe20 thin films by voltage-induced oxidation
Authors: Wood J. M. , Oseghale C. I. , Cespedes O. , Grell M. , Allwood D. A.
Published: August 2018

We demonstrate large voltage-induced changes of magnetic properties in thin films of Ni80Fe20 (permalloy) when gated using an ionic liquid medium [1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (EMIMTFSI)]. The coercivity and magnetic moment of 5 nm thick permalloy films could be reduced by 75% and 35%, respectively, by using applied voltages. These changes were partially restored by reversing the potential polarity. Electrochemical, time-course magnetometry and surface analysis measurements suggest that the voltage-induced changes are due to changes in the oxidation state at the surface of the film, causing a thinning of the permalloy layer. The control of soft magnetic properties with low voltages may be of use in tuneable devices.
Colloids get hardcore: New simulation technique yields thermodynamic theory of hard-disk fluids
Authors: Liebendorfer Adam
Published: August 2018

Coupling Gibbs-Cahn integration with Monte Carlo simulations yields accurately modeled solid-liquid interfacial properties of a 2-D system.
An extension of the comparative sociolinguistics approach for sociosyntax
Authors: Comeau Philip
Published: August 2018

This paper integrates aspects of both generative theory and variationist sociolinguistics. To compare the structure of two varieties of French (Acadian French and Laurentian French), I adapt the comparative sociolinguistics approach to compare the syntactic structure of these varieties. Specifically, I focus on the effects of a single linguistic constraint across multiple sociolinguistic variables. I argue that such a comparison provides insights into the underlying grammatical structures of the varieties under comparison, differences that may have remained hidden otherwise. To illustrate the approach, I focus on a single constraint, sentential polarity, and I analyze its effects on two sociolinguistic variables, yes/no questions and future temporal reference. Results show that the polarity constraint is operative in Laurentian French for both variables, but inoperative in Acadian French. To account for this difference, I argue that Laurentian French negative structures involve a negative head above the tense phrase while Acadian French does not.
Constant effects and the independence of variants in controlled judgment data
Authors: Haddican Bill , Johnson Daniel Ezra , Hilton Nanna Haug
Published: August 2018

This article proposes that Kroch’s (1989) Constant Rate Hypothesis – the generalization that contextual effects tend to be stable in processes of diachronic variation in production data – be extended to synchronic variation in controlled judgment data. Two recent, large-sample judgment experiments are discussed suggesting that shared contextual effects across speakers in acceptability judgments can be used to infer a single abstract source for patterns of variation across superficially different contexts. At the same time, the results suggest that not all sets of variants – or “ways of saying the same thing” (Labov 1972: 271) – are linguistic variables of this formally defined type.
Variation as a testing ground for grammatical theory
Authors: Burnett Heather
Published: August 2018

This paper addresses the contribution that corpus-based studies of syntactic variation can make to the construction, elaboration and testing of formal syntactic theories, with a particular focus on the testing dimension. In particular, I present a new empirical study of obligatory and optional asymmetric negative concord phenomena, and I show how an influential analysis for obligatory concord patterns (de Swart, 2010) can be tested using variation data through looking at the predictions that its natural probabilistic extension makes for the forms, interpretations and frequency distributions of expressions in languages in which asymmetric concord is optional. In obligatory negative concord languages like Spanish, negative indefinites, such as nadie ‘no one’, appear bare in preverbal position (i.e. in an expression like Nadie ha venido ‘No one came’), but they co-occur with the negative marker no in postverbal negative concord structures such as No he visto a nadie ‘I did not see anyone.’ (lit. ‘I did not see no one.’). Furthermore, in this language, co-occurrence between a negative marker and an n-word is either prohibited (*Nadie no ha venido), or it is obligatory (*He visto a nadie). Québec French shows a variable version of the Spanish pattern in which the negation marker optionally co-occurs with postverbal negative indefinites (J’ai (pas) vu personne ‘I saw no one’) but is prohibited with preverbal negative indefinites *Personne est pas venu (Ok: Personne est venu. ‘No one came’). I show how the predictions for Montréal French of de Swart’s analysis of Spanish can be tested (and, in this case, mostly verified) using a quantitative study of the distribution of bare and concord structures in the Montréal 84 corpus of spoken Montréal French (Thibault & Vincent, 1990) through looking at its natural extension within Boersma (1998)’s stochastic generalization of the Optimality Theory framework, which is the framework in which de Swart’s proposal is set.
The dynamics of variation in individuals
Authors: Tamminga Meredith , MacKenzie Laurel , Embick David
Published: August 2018

This paper examines the factors conditioning the production of linguistic variables in real time by individual speakers: what we term the dynamics of variation in individuals. We propose a framework that recognizes three types of factors conditioning variation: sociostylistic, internal linguistic, and psychophysiological. We develop two main points against this background. The first is that sequences of variants produced by individuals display systematic patterns that can be understood in terms of sociostylistic conditioning and psychophysiological conditioning. The second is that psychophysiological conditioning and internal linguistic conditioning are distinct in their mental implementations; this claim has implications for understanding the locality of the factors conditioning alternations, the universality and language-specificity of variation, and the general question of whether grammar and language use are distinct. Questions about the dynamics of variation in individuals are set against community-centered perspectives to argue that findings in the two domains, though differing in explanatory focus, can ultimately be mutually informative.
Conceptual Semantics
Authors: Nikanne Urpo
Published: August 2018

In this book, the micro-modular approach known as Tiernet within Conceptual Semantics is introduced. Constructions make up an important part in the approach, but in this approach constructions are considered to be exceptions, licensed links between micro-modules, one of the kinds of symbolic modules in the approach. Similar to construction grammar approaches, the micro-modular approach takes a solid interest in the ‘periphery’ and thus also studies irregular linking principles like constructions.

The book details particulars in the development of generative grammar and the relation of Conceptual Semantics to this development, and then introduces the micro-modular approach and shows its usefulness for the description of language generally by not only using examples from English, but also, and in particular, by applying the micro-modular approach of Conceptual Semantics to data from Finnish.
Forward-looking
Authors: Stukenbrock Anja
Published: August 2018

This chapter deals with the concepts of projection and conditional relevance by examining the temporal and sequential relationship between speech, gesture and gaze in deictic practices. It makes the following claims: Verbal deictics combined with embodied practices that direct the addressee’s attention to visible phenomena form a multimodal, intercorporeal gestalt. They constitute a request for the addressee’s gaze. This means that within the deictic referencing act, a multimodal summons-answer sequence unfolds that comprises recurrent gaze patterns both of the pointing and the gazing participant. These gaze practices are context-sensitive and temporally fine-tuned to the emerging verbal and kinetic practices, they occupy specific positions within the deictic act which in turn can be embedded within other actions such as instructions, requests etc.
Suspending talk
Authors: Iwasaki Shimako
Published: August 2018

This chapter investigates ways in which multiple participants coordinate actions within a temporally unfolding “turn-constructional unit (TCU)” in Japanese conversation. Utterances are shaped by ongoing processes of participation and speakers modulate the structure of their emerging TCU with recipients’ dynamic stance-displays. Building on Iwasaki (2011, 2013), the paper examines ways in which speakers delay the further realization of an unfolding unit by suspending its progressivity, and incorporate recipients’ actions into the design of the turn. The speaker creates interstitial spaces right after or immediately before producing a component conveying speaker’s stance and affiliation, and invites recipient’s actions toward the particular component before completing the turn. This chapter illustrates systematic multimodal practices within unit construction that enable emergent forms of participation.
The temporal organization of conversation while mucking out a sheep stable
Authors: Keevallik Leelo
Published: August 2018

Based on talk-oriented activities, there seems to be a consensus that turn-taking is organized to minimize gaps between turns. This study looks at a conversational sequence that evolved in a multi-party setting during a joint cleaning of a sheep stable, and analyzes how nextness is accomplished in an unproblematic manner after extensive silences. It argues that due to the non-cognitive but physically straining nature of the activity in a confined space, chatting is almost constant but response relevance is reduced. It discusses the moral orders of talk and work in this multiactivity setting, where urgency is not an issue, and suggests that data collection for sequence analysis be more attentive to the systematic differences between talk-oriented and other settings.
Revisiting delayed completions
Authors: Oloff Florence
Published: August 2018

Since Lerner coined the notion of delayed completion in 1989, this recurrent social practice of continuing one’s speaking turn while disregarding an intermediate co-participant’s utterance has not been investigated with regard to embodied displays and actions. A sequential approach to videotaped mundane conversations in German will explain the occurrence and use of delayed completions. First, especially in multi-party and multi-activity settings, delayed completions can result from reduced monitoring and coordinating activities. Second, recipients can use intra-turn response slots for more extended responsive actions than the current speaker initially projected, leading to delayed completion sequences. Finally, delayed completions are used for blocking possibly misaligned co-participant actions. The investigation of visible action illustrates that delayed completions are a basic practice for retrospectively managing co-participant response slots.