bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Paternal history of depression or anxiety disorder and infant–father attachment
Authors: Lucassen Nicole , Tharner Anne , Prinzie Peter , Verhulst Frank C. , Jongerling Joran , Bakermans‐Kranenburg Marian J. , van IJzendoorn Marinus H. , Tiemeier Henning
Published: November 2017

Paternal depression and anxiety are important risk factors for a problematic parent–child relationship and subsequent child development. We explored the association between paternal history of depression and anxiety disorder and infant–father attachment security, taking into account the possible mediating roles of sensitivity and perceived family stress. In a sample of 94 infant–father dyads, a structured diagnostic interview and a questionnaire on family stress were administered during pregnancy. Paternal sensitivity was observed using the Ainsworth coding scales, and infant–father attachment was observed in the strange situation procedure during a lab visit at 14 months. Linear regression models were used to examine the association of father's lifetime depression or anxiety with the continuous scales for infant–father attachment security and disorganization. Father's history of depression or anxiety disorder was not significantly related to infant–father attachment security in the total sample. Interestingly, daughters of fathers with a history of depression or anxiety had higher scores on attachment security than daughters of fathers without this diagnosis. Perceived family stress and paternal sensitivity were not significant mediators. We discuss these unexpected findings, suggesting alternative mechanisms for how paternal vulnerability to depression or anxiety may be associated with the infant–father attachment relationship.

Highlights

We examine the association between paternal history of depression and anxiety disorder and infant‐father attachment security.

In 94 infant‐father dyads, a structured diagnostic interview was administered and infant‐father attachment was observed in the Strange Situation Procedure.

Daughters of fathers with a psychiatric history had higher scores on attachment security. Mechanisms of paternal vulnerability are discussed.
Association between urine retinol‐binding protein levels and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A cross‐sectional study in Chinese population
Authors: Zhang Juanwen , Liu Zeyu , Zhang Xuyao , Zhang Li , Jin Xi
Published: November 2017

Objective

The prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been rapidly increased, becoming a public health problem worldwide. Our objective was to investigate the association between urine retinol‐binding protein (RBP) and NAFLD in a Chinese population and develop a multivariate logistic regression model for NAFLD prediction.

Methods

A total of 317 NAFLD patients and 391 healthy controls were enrolled in this cross‐sectional study based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, from whom fasting urine and blood were collected for further study. Urine RBP level and other parameters were measured and compared between NAFLD subjects and controls.

Results

Urine RBP levels (expressed by RBP/creatinine ratio) in NAFLD patients were significantly higher than controls (median 133.1 mg/g vs 110.7 mg/g; P < .001). Urine RBP/creatinine ratio was verified as an independent factor for NAFLD prediction after adjustment in multivariate logistic regression. The area under curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) was 0.889 with the 95% confidence interval from 0.867 to 0.912.With a cutoff point of 0.215, the sensitivity and specificity of urine RBP/creatinine ratio in NAFLD prediction were 81.1% and 84.5%, respectively.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrated that urine RBP/creatinine ratio was an independent risk factor for NAFLD while the predictive model for NAFLD diagnosis is noninvasive with high sensitivity and specificity.
Measurement of HE4 and CA125 and establishment of reference intervals for the ROMA index in the sera of pregnant women
Authors: Lu Jie , Zheng Zhipeng , Zhang Qi , Li Guoli , Li Fengying , Le Zhian , Huang Jun , Xie Xinyou , Zhang Jun
Published: November 2017

Introduction

Cancer antigen 125 (CA125) and human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) are biomarkers for ovarian cancer. Their specificity and sensitivity are often limited during pregnancy as a result of great fluctuations. The risk of ovarian malignancy algorithm (ROMA) score, which combines CA125, HE4, and menopausal status, may improve diagnostic performance. There are no reports regarding the ROMA index in pregnant women. Therefore, the aim of our study was to establish appropriate reference intervals (RIs) for the ROMA index in pregnant Chinese women and compare them with those of CA125 and HE4 during pregnancy.

Methods

Serum concentrations of CA125 and HE4 were simultaneously measured in healthy pregnant women via electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA). The ROMA index was calculated using premenopausal algorithms.

Results

The RIs for the ROMA index calculated by premenopausal algorithms were substantially closer to the normal range in the first 2 trimesters. For pregnant women, the great misclassifications identified in CA125 may be reversed by the use of ROMA index.

Conclusions

We established the RIs for HE4 and CA125, as well as the ROMA index, in pregnant women at different gestational periods. The ROMA index is suggested to be a more promising tumor marker for pregnant women diagnosed with malignance.
Chemometric analysis of minerals in gluten‐free products
Authors: Gliszczyńska‐Świgło Anna , Klimczak Inga , Rybicka Iga
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND

Numerous studies indicate mineral deficiencies in people on a gluten‐free (GF) diet. These deficiencies may indicate that GF products are a less valuable source of minerals than gluten‐containing products. In the study, the nutritional quality of 50 GF products is discussed taking into account the nutritional requirements for minerals expressed as percentage of recommended daily allowance (%RDA) or percentage of adequate intake (%AI) for a model celiac patient. Elements analyzed were calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium, copper, iron, manganese, and zinc. Analysis of %RDA or %AI was performed using principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA).

RESULTS

Using PCA, the differentiation between products based on rice, corn, potato, GF wheat starch and based on buckwheat, chickpea, millet, oats, amaranth, teff, quinoa, chestnut, and acorn was possible. In the HCA, four clusters were created. The main criterion determining the adherence of the sample to the cluster was the content of all minerals included to HCA (K, Mg, Cu, Fe, Mn); however, only the Mn content differentiated four formed groups.

CONCLUSION

GF products made of buckwheat, chickpea, millet, oats, amaranth, teff, quinoa, chestnut, and acorn are better source of minerals than based on other GF raw materials, what was confirmed by PCA and HCA. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Consensus Statement on the classification of tremors. from the task force on tremor of the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Authors: Bhatia Kailash P. , Bain Peter , Bajaj Nin , Elble Rodger J. , Hallett Mark , Louis Elan D. , Raethjen Jan , Stamelou Maria , Testa Claudia M. , Deuschl Guenther ,   the Tremor Task Force of the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Published: November 2017

Background

Consensus criteria for classifying tremor disorders were published by the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society in 1998. Subsequent advances with regard to essential tremor, tremor associated with dystonia, and other monosymptomatic and indeterminate tremors make a significant revision necessary.

Objectives

Convene an international panel of experienced investigators to review the definition and classification of tremor.

Methods

Computerized MEDLINE searches in January 2013 and 2015 were conducted using a combination of text words and MeSH terms: “tremor”, “tremor disorders”, “essential tremor”, “dystonic tremor”, and “classification” limited to human studies. Agreement was obtained using consensus development methodology during four in‐person meetings, two teleconferences, and numerous manuscript reviews.

Results

Tremor is defined as an involuntary, rhythmic, oscillatory movement of a body part and is classified along two axes: Axis 1—clinical characteristics, including historical features (age at onset, family history, and temporal evolution), tremor characteristics (body distribution, activation condition), associated signs (systemic, neurological), and laboratory tests (electrophysiology, imaging); and Axis 2—etiology (acquired, genetic, or idiopathic). Tremor syndromes, consisting of either isolated tremor or tremor combined with other clinical features, are defined within Axis 1. This classification scheme retains the currently accepted tremor syndromes, including essential tremor, and provides a framework for defining new syndromes.

Conclusions

This approach should be particularly useful in elucidating isolated tremor syndromes and syndromes consisting of tremor and other signs of uncertain significance. Consistently defined Axis 1 syndromes are needed to facilitate the elucidation of specific etiologies in Axis 2. © 2017 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Effectiveness of fenugreek as a galactagogue: A network meta‐analysis
Authors: Khan Tahir Mehmood , Wu David Bin‐Chia , Dolzhenko Anton V.
Published: November 2017

A systematic review and network‐meta analysis (NMA) were performed to test significance of the galactagogue effect of fenugreek administrated to lactating women versus other comparators (i.e., placebo/control/other galactagogues). A pairwise comparison for the treatment effect was carried out to generate the forest plot for the NMA. League tables were generated using treatment effect, weighted mean difference (WMD; 95% confidence interval, CI) for all pairwise comparisons, where WMD > 0 favors the column‐defining treatment. Five studies were identified with 122 participants receiving treatment with fenugreek. The NMA results of 4 studies indicated that consumption of fenugreek significantly increased amount of the produced breast milk [11.11, CI 95% 6.77, 15.46] versus placebo. The pairwise comparison revealed that fenugreek was effective as a galactagogue compared to placebo, control, and reference groups WMD 17.79 [CI 11.71, 23.88]. However, the effect of fenugreek was substantially inferior to Coleus amboinicus Lour and palm date. The NMA using pairwise comparison demonstrated the effect of C. amboinicus and palm date in the stimulation of the breast milk production was comparable and superior to all comparators.
Note on discounted continuous-time Markov decision processes with a lower bounding function
Authors: Guo Xin , Piunovskiy Alexey , Zhang Yi
Published: November 2017

We consider the discounted continuous-time Markov decision process (CTMDP), where the negative part of each cost rate is bounded by a drift function, sayw, whereas the positive part is allowed to be arbitrarily unbounded. Our focus is on the existence of a stationary optimal policy for the discounted CTMDP problems out of the more general class. Both constrained and unconstrained problems are considered. Our investigations are based on the continuous-time version of the Veinott transformation. This technique has not been widely employed in the previous literature on CTMDPs, but it clarifies the roles of the imposed conditions in a rather transparent way.
A dichotomy for sampling barrier-crossing events of random walks with regularly varying tails
Authors: Dieker A. B. , Lagos Guido R.
Published: November 2017

We study how to sample paths of a random walk up to the first time it crosses a fixed barrier, in the setting where the step sizes are independent and identically distributed with negative mean and have a regularly varying right tail. We introduce a desirable property for a change of measure to be suitable for exact simulation. We study whether the change of measure of Blanchet and Glynn (2008) satisfies this property and show that it does so if and only if the tail index α of the right tail lies in the interval (1, 3/2).
Functional status of microvascular vasomotion is impaired in spontaneously hypertensive rat
Authors: Liu Mingming , Zhang Xiaoyan , Wang Bing , Wu Qingbin , Li Bingwei , Li Ailing , Zhang Honggang , Xiu Ruijuan
Published: November 2017

Accumulating evidence demonstrates that microcirculation plays a role in the pathogenesis of hypertension. In the current study, we demonstrated that pancreatic islet microvascular vasomotion of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) lost the ability to regulate blood flow perfusion and exhibited a lower microvascular blood perfusion pattern which was negative correlated with blood glucose level. SHRs administrated with insulin revealed an improvement of pancreatic islet microvascular vasomotion and blood perfusion pattern. In vitro, the expressions of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and phospho-eNOSser1177 (p-eNOSser1177) were significantly decreased in high glucose exposed islet endothelial cells (iECs), accompanied with a higher ratio of eNOS monomer to eNOS dimer and a significantly increased malondialdehyde and nitrite levels. Meanwhile, barrier function, tube formation and migration capacities of high glucose exposed iECs were significantly inhibited. In contrast, iECs dysfunction induced by glucose toxicity and oxidative stress was attenuated or improved by supplement with insulin, L-arginine and β-mercaptoethanol. In summary, our findings suggest that functional status of pancreatic islet microvascular vasomotion is impaired in SHRs and provide evidence that treatment with insulin, L-arginine and β-mercaptoethanol improves endothelium-dependent microvascular vasomotion and meliorates iECs function due to anti-hyperglycemic and anti-oxidative effects, partly through mechanism involving regulation of eNOS and p-eNOSser1177.
Altered spontaneous calcium signaling of in situ chondrocytes in human osteoarthritic cartilage
Authors: Gong Xiaoyuan , Xie Wenbin , Wang Bin , Gu Lingchuan , Wang Fuyou , Ren Xiang , Chen Cheng , Yang Liu
Published: November 2017

Intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) signaling is an essential universal secondary messenger in articular chondrocytes. However, little is known about its spatiotemporal features in the context of osteoarthritis (OA). Herein, by examining the cartilage samples collected from patients undergoing knee arthroscopic surgery, we investigated the spatiotemporal features of spontaneous [Ca2+]i signaling in in situ chondrocytes at different OA stages. Our data showed zonal dependent spontaneous [Ca2+]i signaling in healthy cartilage samples under 4 mM calcium environment. This signal was significantly attenuated in healthy cartilage samples but increased in early-degenerated cartilage when cultured in 0 mM calcium environment. No significant difference was found in [Ca2+]i intensity oscillation in chondrocytes located in middle zones among ICRS 1–3 samples under both 4 and 0 mM calcium environments. However, the correlation was found in deep zone chondrocytes incubated in 4 mM calcium environment. In addition, increased protein abundance of Cav3.3 T-type voltage dependent calcium channel and Nfatc2 activity were observed in early-degenerated cartilage samples. The present study exhibited OA severity dependent spatiotemporal features of spontaneous [Ca2+]i oscillations of in situ chondrocytes, which might reflect the zonal specific role of chondrocytes during OA progression and provide new insight in articular cartilage degradation during OA progression.
Evolution of Energy Related Metabolites in Plasma from Newborns with Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy during Hypothermia Treatment
Authors: Sánchez-Illana Ángel , Núñez-Ramiro Antonio , Cernada María , Parra-Llorca Anna , Valverde Eva , Blanco Dorotea , Moral-Pumarega Maria Teresa , Cabañas Fernando , Boix Hector , Pavon Antonio , Chaffanel Mercedes , Benavente-Fernández Isabel , Tofe Inés , Loureiro Begoña , Fernández-Lorenzo José R. , Fernández-Colomer Belén , García-Robles Ana , Kuligowski Julia , Vento Máximo ,   HYPOTOP Study Group, Cordeiro Malaika , Arriaga María , Ureta-Velasco Noelia , Caballero M. Angeles , Fernández Cristina , Castilla Yolanda , Ferreira J. F. , Lubián-López Simón P. , Jaraba Pilar , López de Heredia Jon
Published: November 2017

Therapeutic hypothermia (TH) initiated within 6 h from birth is the most effective therapeutic approach for moderate to severe hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). However, underlying mechanisms and effects on the human metabolism are not yet fully understood. This work aims at studying the evolution of several energy related key metabolites in newborns with HIE undergoing TH employing gas chromatography – mass spectrometry. The method was validated following stringent FDA requirements and applied to 194 samples from a subgroup of newborns with HIE (N = 61) enrolled in a multicenter clinical trial (HYPOTOP) for the determination of lactate, pyruvate, ketone bodies and several Krebs cycle metabolites at different sampling time points. The analysis of plasma samples from newborns with HIE revealed a decrease of lactate, pyruvate and β-hydroxybutyrate concentrations, whereas rising malate concentrations were observed. In healthy control newborns (N = 19) significantly lower levels of pyruvate and lactate were found in comparison to age-matched newborns with HIE undergoing TH, whereas acetoacetate and β-hydroxybutyrate levels were clearly increased. Access to a validated analytical method and a controlled cohort of newborns with HIE undergoing hypothermia treatment for the first time allowed the in-depth study of the evolution of key metabolites of metabolic junctions in this special population.
Healthy food choices are happy food choices: Evidence from a real life sample using smartphone based assessments
Authors: Wahl Deborah R. , Villinger Karoline , König Laura M. , Ziesemer Katrin , Schupp Harald T. , Renner Britta
Published: November 2017

Research suggests that “healthy” food choices such as eating fruits and vegetables have not only physical but also mental health benefits and might be a long-term investment in future well-being. This view contrasts with the belief that high-caloric foods taste better, make us happy, and alleviate a negative mood. To provide a more comprehensive assessment of food choice and well-being, we investigated in-the-moment eating happiness by assessing complete, real life dietary behaviour across eight days using smartphone-based ecological momentary assessment. Three main findings emerged: First, of 14 different main food categories, vegetables consumption contributed the largest share to eating happiness measured across eight days. Second, sweets on average provided comparable induced eating happiness to “healthy” food choices such as fruits or vegetables. Third, dinner elicited comparable eating happiness to snacking. These findings are discussed within the “food as health” and “food as well-being” perspectives on eating behaviour.
Effective in vivo gene delivery with reduced toxicity, achieved by charge and fatty acid -modified cell penetrating peptide
Authors: Kurrikoff Kaido , Veiman Kadi-Liis , Künnapuu Kadri , Peets Elin Madli , Lehto Tõnis , Pärnaste Ly , Arukuusk Piret , Langel Ülo
Published: November 2017

Non-viral gene delivery systems have gained considerable attention as a promising alternative to viral delivery to treat diseases associated with aberrant gene expression. However, regardless of extensive research, only a little is known about the parameters that underline in vivo use of the nanoparticle-based delivery vectors. The modest efficacy and low safety of non-viral delivery are the two central issues that need to be addressed. We have previously characterized an efficient cell penetrating peptide, PF14, for in vivo applications. In the current work, we first develop an optimized formulation of PF14/pDNA nanocomplexes, which allows removal of the side-effects without compromising the bioefficacy in vivo. Secondly, based on the physicochemical complex formation studies and biological efficacy assessments, we develop a series of PF14 modifications with altered charge and fatty acid content. We show that with an optimal combination of overall charge and hydrophobicity in the peptide backbone, in vivo gene delivery can be augmented. Further combined with the safe formulation, systemic gene delivery lacking any side effects can be achieved.
Additive-modulated switchable reaction pathway in the addition of alkynes with organosilanes catalyzed by supported Pd nanoparticles: hydrosilylation versus semihydrogenation
Authors: Duan Yanan , Ji Guijie , Zhang Shaochun , Chen Xiufang , Yang Yong
Published: November 2017

A supported Pd nanoparticles on N,O-doped hierarchical porous carbon enabled additive-modulated reaction pathway for alkyne addition with organosilanes between hydrosilylation and semihydrogenation.
Zhenbao pill protects against acute spinal cord injury via miR-146a-5p regulating the expression of GPR17
Authors: He Yongxiong , Lv Bokang , Huan Yanqiang , Liu Bin , Li Yutang , Jia Lizhou , Qu Chenhui , Wang Dongsheng , Yu Hai , Yuan Hongwei
Published: November 2017

The aim of the present study was to observe the effect of zhenbao pill on the motor function of acute spinal cord injury (ASCI) rats and the molecular mechanisms involving miR-146a-5p and G-protein-coupled receptor 17 (GPR17). ASCI rat model was established by modified Allen method, and then the rats were divided into three groups. SH-SY5Y cells were cultured overnight in hypoxia condition and transfected with miR-146a-5p mimic or miR-146a-5p inhibitor. The hind limb motor function of the rats was evaluated by Basso, Beattie, Bresnahan (BBB) scoring system. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot were used to detect the expression of miR-146a-5p, GPR17, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), interleukin 1β (IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α). Neuronal apoptosis was measured using flow cytometry assay. Luciferase reporter assay was performed to determine the regulation of miR-146a-5p on GPR17. Zhenbao pill could enhance hind limb motor function and attenuate the inflammatory response caused by ASCI. Moreover, zhenbao pill increased the level of miR-146a-5p and decreased GPR17 expression in vivo and in vitro. Bioinformatics software predicted that GPR17 3′-UTR had a binding site with miR-146a-5p. Luciferase reporter assay showed that miR-146a-5p had a negative regulatory effect on GPR17 expression. Knockdown of miR-146a-5p could reverse the effect of zhenbao pill on the up-regulation of GPR17 induced by hypoxia, reversed the inhibitory effect of zhenbao pill on the cell apoptosis induced by hypoxia and the recovery of zhenbao pill on hind limb motor function in ASCI rats. Zhenbao pill could inhibit neuronal apoptosis by regulating miR-146a-5p/GPR17 expression, and then promoting the recovery of spinal cord function.
Localised surface plasmons of a corrugated metal–insulator–metal ring resonator for enhanced multiband antenna
Authors: Zavvari M. , Ebadzadeh R. , Mohammadifar M.
Published: November 2017

A compact multiband antenna is presented by using a metal–insulator–metal (MIM) ring resonator in its ground plane. Two arrays of corrugated MIM are served as ring resonator and surround the radiating patch. The localised surface plasmons of the resonator are excited by the patch to show multi‐band operation of antenna. Design procedure of ring resonators and its impact on the impedance matching in multi‐band operation is studied and the results are validated by experimental analysis of fabricated structure. The presented CPW‐fed antenna operates at five bands, WLAN in 2.4‐GHz (2.4–2.484 GHz), 5.2‐GHz (5.15–5.35 GHz), C‐Band in 6.5‐GHz (6–7 GHz) and X‐Band in 9‐GHz (8.5–10 GHz), 9.8 GHz (9.7–9.9 GHz).
Simple linearising front‐end‐circuit for giant magneto‐resistance sensors
Authors: Sen T. , Anoop C.S. , Sen S.
Published: November 2017

A simple and efficient linearisation front‐end circuit for giant magneto‐resistance (GMR) sensors are presented. This circuit essentially uses only a single opamp to linearise the (non‐linear) GMR sensor output. A novel methodology that places an active GMR element, present inside the GMR sensor, in the feedback loop of the opamp is employed for linearisation. Initial validation of the front‐end is performed using simulation and emulation studies. Then, the front‐end, fabricated on a printed‐circuit board, is interfaced with a GMR sensor. Experimentation showed output non‐linearity is around 0.6%. The proposed front‐end possess merits, like, low component‐count and minimal error, no requirement of expensive amplifiers or matched resistors for linearisation, fast response, over the existing methods.
Winding orientation method to minimise the secondary leakage of a gapped transformer utilised in LLC resonant converter
Authors: Noah M. , Umetani K. , Yamamoto M. , Imaoka J.
Published: November 2017

It is a common practice in the LLC resonant converter to utilise the transformer leakage inductance as an inductive component in the resonant tank. Nonetheless, the leakage does not exist only on the primary side but also on the secondary side. This Letter proposes a winding orientation method to minimise the undesirable secondary leakage in the transformer. The basic theory of the proposed method relies on Dowell's model and Ampere's law to minimise the stored magnetic energy originated from the secondary windings. Along with the theoretical analysis, experimental tests have been conducted to evaluate the proposed method. The measurements of the leakage inductance are consistent with the expectations of the proposed winding orientation method.
Combination strategy of DC power flow controller for multi‐terminal HVDC system
Authors: Zhong Xu , Zhu Miao , Huang Ruanming , Cai Xu
Published: November 2017

The insertion of DC power‐flow controller (DC‐PFC) in the DC grid can increase the control dimension of the DC current and improve the active power distribution and coordination control of DC grid. In this study, the combined application of DC‐PFC for multi‐terminal HVDC system has been proposed. Based on the analysis of existing DC‐PFC, it shows that the two combined application structures of DC‐PFCs can achieve multi‐objective power‐flow control and increase the control dimension with greater flexibility. Also, a composite DC‐PFC is proposed to obtain the completely decoupled power‐flow control. A simulation mode is built to test the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed composite DC‐PFC.
Cardiac Air Embolism in Neonates: A Hemodynamic Perspective
Authors: Amer Reem , Elsayed Yasser , Louis Deepak
Published: November 2017

Cardiac air embolism should be suspected in any neonate with acute unexplained cardiovascular collapse or worsening oxygenation. We present here five cases that presented with the above symptoms. A comprehensive evaluation including targeted neonatal echocardiography and near-infrared spectroscopy helped confirm the diagnosis and assess the hemodynamic state. Management was supportive including left lateral positioning, chest compressions, and cardiovascular medications to treat pulmonary hypertension and systemic hypotension.
Effekte der telefonischen Nachsorge in der onkologischen Rehabilitation nach Brustkrebs – Ergebnisse einer randomisierten Studie
Authors: Hass H. , Muthny F. , Stepien J. , Lerch J. , von der Marwitz C. , Schröck R. , Berger D. , Tripp J.
Published: November 2017

Hintergrund Die Effekte und Evidenz der onkologischen Rehabilitation und von Nachsorgeprogrammen nach onkologischer Erkrankung werden unverändert kontrovers beurteilt. Ziel dieser Studie war daher die Evaluation der Durchführbarkeit und der Nutzen einer telefonischen Nachsorge zur Verbesserung von therapeutischen Effekten nach onkologischer Rehabilitation.

Methodik 172 Brustkrebspatientinnen (27 – 54 Jahre) wurden zu Beginn der stationären Rehabilitation (T1), zu Reha-Ende (T2) und 6 Monate nach Reha-Ende (T3) (Kontroll-Gruppe ohne, Interventionsgruppe mit telefonischer Nachsorge in 4-wöchigen Abständen) mit einem Fragebogenpaket untersucht (u. a. IRES-24. HADS, LZI, Emotional Thermometer, Fragebogen „Return-to-work).

Ergebnisse Für den IRES-24 ergab sich in der 2-faktoriellen Varianzanalyse ein signifikanter Haupteffekt für den Messzeitpunkt (F(2,116) = 40,49, p < 0,01), ebenso für den HADS-Angst- sowie Depressionswert (F(2,117) = 31,50, p < 0,01; (F(2,11 6) = 31,19, p < 0,01), jedoch keine signifikanten Unterschiede in Abhängigkeit von der Intervention (KG vs. NG; (F(2,116) = 3,03, p = 0,059).

Schlussfolgerung Eine Verbesserung der Wirkung durch die telefonische Nachsorge ließ sich nicht belegen. Ursächlich hierfür könnte neben einer zu geringen Dosis der Intervention auch die in den letzten Jahren schon umgesetzten multimodalen Therapiekonzepte in der onkologischen Rehabilitation sein.
A novel method to predict current voltage characteristics of positive corona discharges based on a perturbation technique. I. Local analysis
Authors: Shibata Hisaichi , Takaki Ryoji
Published: November 2017

A novel method to compute current-voltage characteristics (CVCs) of direct current positive corona discharges is formulated based on a perturbation technique. We use linearized fluid equations coupled with the linearized Poisson’s equation. Townsend relation is assumed to predict CVCs apart from the linearization point. We choose coaxial cylinders as a test problem, and we have successfully predicted parameters which can determine CVCs with arbitrary inner and outer radii. It is also confirmed that the proposed method essentially does not induce numerical instabilities.
Preparation and thermal volatility characteristics of In2O3/ITO thin film thermocouple by RF magnetron sputtering
Authors: Liu Yantao , Ren Wei , Shi Peng , Liu Dan , Liu Ming , Jing Weixuan , Tian Bian , Ye Zuoguang , Jiang Zhuangde
Published: November 2017

In2O3/ITO thin film thermocouples for high temperature measurement (up to 1250 °C) were prepared by radio frequency magnetron sputtering method with different annealing temperatures from 1100 °C to 1250 °C. The changes with microstructure characteristics and the thickness of the thin film thermocouples were investigated as a function of sintering temperature in the range of 1100 °C -1250 °C and annealing time from 2 hrs to 10 hrs at 1200 °C by using XRD and SEM techniques. The thermoelectric output was measured and its results indicated that this thermocouple had a steady and constant voltage output from room temperature to 1247 oC. The thermoelectric voltage and Seebeck coefficient of In2O3/ITO thermocouples measured at 1247 oC were 166.7 mV and 136.3 μV/oC, respectively.
Grassroots organizations in hong kong: Influence on the democratization process and public policy
Authors: Cheng Joseph Y S
Published: November 2017

This article examines the emergence and development of grassroots community organizations in Hong Kong from the late 1960s to the present. It analyzes their contribution to the democratization movement, and how they in turn have been supported by the development of representative government. The article then considers the relationship between grassroots community organizations and the pro-democracy political parties: their mutual support, tensions, etc. Difficulties and challenges facing grassroots community organizations in the 1990s are discussed. An attempt has also been made to study the impact of the community’s values on the development of grassroots groups. As published literature on the subject is limited, the author relies heavily on interviews with the leading grassroots activists.
Eyewitness to history: Public servant perspectives, methodological suggestions, and professional publications
Authors: Leitner Peter M. , Stupak Ronald J.
Published: November 2017

Involvement in formulating, implementing or evaluating public policy initiatives, regulatory requirements, or executive/legislative interaction provides a rich opportunity for “reflective practitioners” of public policy to inform the outside community on how the government really operates. However, their close involvement in the process requires a multifaceted methodological approach to ensure objectivity and clarity. The combination of participant observation and case study offers such a vehicle. This approach may create an expanded qualitative methodological vehicle for reflective practitioners to inform students of public policy by breaking out of the confining and simplistic “iron-triangle” model, as well as adding “substantive flesh” to the “stark skeletons” of systems analysis, operations research, rational incrementalism, and logical positivism. Though the search is for objectivity in the social sciences, this does not mean that one is required to become a cybernetic machine or to pursue the study of politics and policy to the exclusion of the involved actor's perspective. The development of this article will hopefully add behavioral, operational, and methodological legitimacy for the reflective practitioner's input to the existing academic, journalistic, and impressionistic literature on the policy-making process.
The learning organization: an empirical test of a normative perspective
Authors: Goh Swee C.
Published: November 2017

This paper proposes a framework for understanding the concept of a learning organization from a normative perspective. A questionnaire was developed to operationally measure the described management practice attributes of a learning organization. Using a sample of four organizations and 612 subjects, support was found for three a priori predictive hypotheses derived from a conceptual framework. Implications of the results and further empirical research are discussed, especially for linking learning organization attributes to performance using larger samples and multiple measures.
Who Benefits from the Party Organization? Evidence from Republican House Members' Attendance at Caucus Meetings
Authors: Dynes Adam M. , Reeves Andrew
Published: November 2017

As the role of US congressional parties in the legislative process has increased, so has the importance of understanding the institutions within these organizations. In this article, we examine the weekly caucus meetings held by Republican House leaders with their rank‐and‐file. We consider how members’ characteristics relate to their decision to attend based on the collective and private benefits that caucus participation affords. Using interviews of members and staffers as well as members’ attendance records at these meetings from 2007 to 2013, we find, among other things, that members who vote less with their party or who have more seniority are less likely to attend while those in leadership positions or who are electorally vulnerable are more likely to do so. Together, these findings provide additional insights on the relationship between party leaders and their members and which members benefit from this central party‐building activity.
Road salt and organic additives affect mosquito growth and survival: an emerging problem in wetlands
Authors: Schuler Matthew S. , Relyea Rick A.
Published: November 2017

The global increase in the application rate of road salts such as sodium chloride (NaCl) has led to concern about their negative effects on roadside habitats and freshwater ecosystems. To reduce the application rate of NaCl and minimize the ecological effects of road salts, transportation agencies are continuously seeking alternative salts such as magnesium chloride (MgCl2) and organic additives such as beet juice and distillation byproducts. Yet, there is remarkably little information about how these road salt alternatives and additives affect aquatic communities, including their effects on mosquito populations. Nonetheless, understanding how anthropogenic factors such as road salts and salt additives affect mosquito populations could help minimize threats to human health, especially in urban environments. We used outdoor, freshwater mesocosms to experimentally investigate how the road salt MgCl2 and two organic additives affect mosquito Culex restuans survival and emergence. Additionally, we measured changes to abiotic aspects of the environment that could affect mosquito larvae during development. We found that increased concentrations of MgCl2 reduced mosquito survival while organic additives increased food resources that, in turn, reduced the average time to emergence for mosquitoes. Additionally, the organic additives reduced dissolved oxygen (DO) to hypoxic levels, which might negatively affect mosquito predators such as fish. In the absence of toxic concentrations of MgCl2 or other salts, reduced predation coupled with the faster emergence times, means that organic additives, might increase mosquito population size. More comprehensive studies of multi‐trophic interactions in freshwater ecosystems should be conducted before agencies promote the application of alternative road salts and road salt additives.
Power Sector Reforms and Technical Performance: Good News from an Instrumental Variable Analysis
Authors: Urpelainen Johannes , Yang Joonseok , Liu Di
Published: November 2017

Over the past three decades, various power sector reforms have overhauled the governance of electricity generation, transmission, and distribution in almost a hundred countries. Have these reforms produced benefits? Using instrumental variables, we improve upon earlier studies and demonstrate that power sector reforms enacted between 1982 and 2008 have both had large positive effects on the availability of generation capacity and reduced transmission and distribution losses. We also show that the positive effects on generation capacity are pronounced in developing countries and that hybrid reforms falling short of privatization and free competition are effective in improving generation capacity in particular. Overall, the results show that these reforms are an effective tool to remove an important constraint on economic growth.
Application of PIV Measurements and Snapshot POD Analysis in a Cylinder Head of Diesel Engine
Authors: Zhang Zhenyang , Ma Hongwei , Jin Chao , Xue Cheng , Huang Yunlong
Published: November 2017

The characteristic of coolant flow field in the water jacket of a cylinder head plays an important role in heat exchange, which could even influence the diesel engine’s performance and service life. Measurements and analysis methods to coolant flow field are limited by the complex internal geometrical structure of the cylinder head. In this paper, flow fields in a small and complicated spatial structure are measured by particle image velocimetry (PIV) system and the data are analyzed using proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) method. Time varying coolant flow structures located among two valve seats, a fuel injector seat and a side wall in a real cylinder head are measured by a two dimensional PIV system. PIV results of three measuring planes are displayed in different ways to show flow structures in the water jacket. Distinctive areas can be recognized easily in distributions of different flow parameters. A snapshot POD method is employed to analyze PIV data. Flow structures, which contain different amount of energy, are decomposed into different modes by POD method. POD Mode 1 and ensemble mean flow field are compared together and the relevance index shows a relatively high similarity between these two flow fields. The results also indicate a significant convergence of energy distribution. Energy contained in Mode 1 varies from 22% to 61% of the total energy in different measuring planes. 90% of the total energy is captured in top 10% of the total modes which belong to low-order modes. Energy in high-order modes, which occupy more than 60% of the total modes, contains less than 1% of the total energy. In summary, this paper presents the application of PIV measurements to coolant flow field in a real cylinder head and data processing using a snapshot POD method to analyze PIV results. A set of comprehensive properties showing the spatial and temporal characteristics of coolant flow structure is discussed and concluded detailedly. The data obtained can be used to build an experimental database to optimize coolant flow field structures and verify CFD numerical simulations in order to promote coolant flow passage design and simulation credibility of the diesel engine cooling system.
Modelling Approach for a Hydrolysis Reactor for the Ammonia Production in Maritime SCR Applications
Authors: Johe Katrin , Sattelmayer Thomas
Published: November 2017

The catalytic generation of ammonia from a liquid urea solution is a critical process determining the performance of SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) systems. Solid deposits on the catalyst surface from the decomposition of urea have to be avoided, as this leads to reduced system performance or even failure. At present, reactor design is often empirical, which poses a risk for costly iterations due to insufficient system performance. The presented research project proposed a performance prediction and modelling approach for SCR hydrolysis reactors generating ammonia from urea. Different configurations of hydrolysis reactors were investigated experimentally. Ammonia concentration measurements provided information about parameters influencing the decomposition of urea and the system performance. The evaporation of urea between injection and interaction with the catalyst was identified as the critical process driving the susceptibility to deposit formation. The spray of urea solution was characterised in terms of velocity distribution by means of particle-image velocimetry. Results were compared with theoretical predictions and calculation options for processes in the reactor were determined. Numerical simulation was used as an additional design and optimisation tool of the proposed model. The modelling approach is presented by a step-by-step method which takes into account design constraints and operating conditions for hydrolysis reactors.
A Compression Ratio Selection Method of the Non-Road Diesel Engine Without EGR System to Meet Stage V Emission Standards
Authors: Lee Jongyoon , Cho Jayun , Yoo Dockoon
Published: November 2017

Fuel efficiency is the key buying factor in the non-road diesel engine market, because the engine mainly operates in the high torque region and consumes relatively large amount of fuel in a short term. A compression ratio of diesel engine is deeply related to a thermal efficiency and it is one of the key design parameter influencing on the fuel efficiency. In this paper, the new approach to select compression ratio is described and the design constrains such as in-cylinder max allowable pressure, max allowable temperature at turbine front end and max allowable temperature at compressor back end were considered. The base engine is 3.4 liter non-road diesel engine without EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) system for Stage V emission standards and is originated from the same engine system with EGR system to meet Tier 4 Final emission standards. Its official compression ratio is 17.0. The purpose of this study is to select an optimal compression ratio for non-road diesel engine system with non-EGR system to meet Stage V emission standards. The methodology to be presented in this study is based on the 1-D engine performance simulations, the 3-D CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) combustion simulations, and the engine bench test. In these simulations, a compression ratio and a SOI (Start of Injection) were considered for sweeping parameters. With analyzing the results of parameter studies and engine design constraints, an optimal compression ratio is found to be 18.0. As a result of many engine bench tests, a fuel consumption has been improved by 1.5% with new piston bowl of which compression ratio is 18.0, meeting Stage V emission standards.
Seizure Improved Lead-Free Electroplated Bearing Overlay System for Heavy Duty Truck and Off-Highway Applications
Authors: Jupe Kevin , Gorges Roger , Rathod Anil , Carey John , Stearns John
Published: November 2017

The move to lead-free bearing materials is well known and upcoming legislation, such as the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS), is increasing the drive to extend this trend towards heavy duty diesel truck and off-highway applications.

During the development of lead-free systems, new electroplated overlays and bronze-based substrates have been developed by various suppliers, but little attention has been given to the interlayer or diffusion barrier between the overlay and substrate materials. This interlayer is particularly necessary for tin-based solutions as it prevents the rapid diffusion of overlay species into the bronze substrate.

The present development focuses on improving this often overlooked element in the system and provides a further robustness that could even be adapted to lead-based systems where increased performance is required.

The incorporation of hexagonal boron nitride as a solid lubricant in the nickel interlayer changes dramatically the interlayer properties and provides more typical bearing-like behavior for seizure resistance scuff performance compared to nickel alone.

The paper details findings of respective rig tests as well as an actual engine test supporting the change in material characteristics and the associated improvement in seizure resistance.
Optimized Engine Performance for a 1 KW UAV Hybrid Powertrain
Authors: Brown Sean P. , Hagen Christopher L.
Published: November 2017

This paper is one of the first publications documenting the performance optimization of a port fuel injected, spark ignited, internal combustion engine for an unmanned aerial vehicle hybrid powertrain. An optimized hybrid powertrain enables long-duration quadcopter flight and provides vertical takeoff and landing capability for fixed-wing aircraft. This technology can improve flight times and lessen runway requirements, helping to solve two of the biggest problems faced by the booming UAV industry.

The main activities contributing to this hybrid powertrain effort are the development of a small engine test facility, design of powertrain vehicle integration hardware, and the testing and characterization of both electric motor-generators and fuel-injected two-stroke engines. This paper investigates engine testing completed to date including experimental setup, testing procedures, data post processing, and results.
Real-Time Processing of Engine Acoustic Emission for Diesel Injectors Diagnostic and Recentering
Authors: Ponti F. , Ravaglioli V. , De Cesare M.
Published: November 2017

Diesel engine control strategies use complex injection patterns which are designed to meet the increasing request for engine-out emissions and fuel consumption reduction. As a result of the large number of tuneable injection parameters in modern injection systems (such as start and duration of each injection), injection patterns can be designed with many degrees of freedom. Each variation of the injection parameters modifies the whole combustion process and, consequently, engine-out emissions.

Aging of the injection system usually affects injection location within the cycle as well as the amount of injected fuel (compared to the target value), especially for small pre-injections. Since Diesel combustion is very sensitive to injection pattern variations, aging of injectors strongly affects engine behavior, both in terms of efficiency and pollutant emissions production. Moreover, such variations greatly affect other quantities related to the effectiveness of the combustion process, such as noise radiated by the engine.

This work analyses the effects of pre-injection variations on combustion, pollutant emissions and noise radiated by the engine. In particular, several experimental tests were run on a 1.3L Common Rail Diesel engine varying the amount of fuel injected in pre-injections. Torque delivered by the engine and center of combustion (MFB50) were kept constant using a specifically designed closed-loop combustion controller. During the tests, noise radiated by the engine was measured by properly processing the signal coming from a microphone faced to the engine block. The investigation of the correlation between the combustion process and engine noise can be used to set up a closed-loop algorithm for detecting and recentering injectors’ drifts over time.