bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Simulation and spatiotemporal pattern of air temperature and
precipitation in Eastern Central Asia using RegCM
Authors: Meng Xianyong , Long Aihua , Wu Yiping , Yin Gang , Wang Hao , Ji Xiaonan
Published: February 2018

Central Asia is a region that has a large land mass, yet meteorological
stations in this area are relatively scarce. To address this data issues, in this
study, we selected two reanalysis datasets (the ERA40 and NCEP/NCAR) and downscaled
them to 40 × 40 km using RegCM. Then three gridded datasets (the CRU, APHRO, and WM)
that were extrapolated from the observations of Central Asian meteorological
stations to evaluate the performance of RegCM and analyze the spatiotemporal
distribution of precipitation and air temperature. We found that since the 1960s,
the air temperature in Xinjiang shows an increasing trend and the distribution of
precipitation in the Tianshan area is quite complex. The precipitation is increasing
in the south of the Tianshan Mountains (Southern Xinjiang, SX) and decreasing in the
mountainous areas. The CRU and WM data indicate that precipitation in the north of
the Tianshan Mountains (Northern Xinjiang, NX) is increasing, while the APHRO data
show an opposite trend. The downscaled results from RegCM are generally consistent
with the extrapolated gridded datasets in terms of the spatiotemporal patterns. We
believe that our results can provide useful information in developing a regional
climate model in Central Asia where meteorological stations are scarce.
Radiosensitization Effect of Talazoparib, a Parp Inhibitor, on Glioblastoma Stem Cells Exposed to Low and High Linear Energy Transfer Radiation
Authors: Lesueur Paul , Chevalier François , El-Habr Elias A. , Junier Marie-Pierre , Chneiweiss Hervé , Castera Laurent , Müller Etienne , Stefan Dinu , Saintigny Yannick
Published: February 2018

Despite continuous improvements in treatment of glioblastoma, tumor recurrence and therapy resistance still occur in a high proportion of patients. One underlying reason for this radioresistance might be the presence of glioblastoma cancer stem cells (GSCs), which feature high DNA repair capability. PARP protein plays an important cellular role by detecting the presence of damaged DNA and then activating signaling pathways that promote appropriate cellular responses. Thus, PARP inhibitors (PARPi) have recently emerged as potential radiosensitizing agents. In this study, we investigated the preclinical efficacy of talazoparib, a new PARPi, in association with low and high linear energy transfer (LET) irradiation in two GSC cell lines. Reduction of GSC fraction, impact on cell proliferation, and cell cycle arrest were evaluated for each condition. All combinations were compared with a reference schedule: photonic irradiation combined with temozolomide. The use of PARPi combined with photon beam and even more carbon beam irradiation drastically reduced the GSC frequency of GBM cell lines in vitro. Furthermore, talazoparib combined with irradiation induced a marked and prolonged G2/M block, and decreased proliferation. These results show that talazoparib is a new candidate that effects radiosensitization in radioresistant GSCs, and its combination with high LET irradiation, is promising.
Overexpression of preeclampsia induced microRNA-26a-5p leads to proteinuria in zebrafish
Authors: Müller-Deile Janina , Schröder Patricia , Beverly-Staggs Lynne , Hiss Rebecca , Fiedler Jan , Nyström Jenny , Thum Thomas , Haller Hermann , Schiffer Mario
Published: February 2018

So far the pathomechanism of preeclampsia in pregnancy is focussed on increased circulating levels of soluble fms-like tyrosin kinase-1 (sFLT-1) that neutralizes glomerular VEGF-A expression and prevents its signaling at the glomerular endothelium. As a result of changed glomerular VEGF-A levels endotheliosis and podocyte foot process effacement are typical morphological features of preeclampsia. Recently, microRNA-26a-5p (miR-26a-5p) was described to be also upregulated in the preeclamptic placenta. We found that miR-26a-5p targets VEGF-A expression by means of PIK3C2α in cultured human podocytes and that miR-26a-5p overexpression in zebrafish causes proteinuria, edema, glomerular endotheliosis and podocyte foot process effacement. Interestingly, recombinant zebrafish Vegf-Aa protein could rescue glomerular changes induced by miR-26a-5p. In a small pilot study, preeclamptic patients with podocyte damage identified by podocyturia, expressed significantly more urinary miR-26a-5p compared to healthy controls. Thus, functional and ultrastructural glomerular changes after miR-26a-5p overexpression can resemble the findings seen in preeclampsia and indicate a potential pathophysiological role of miR-26a-5p in addition to sFLT-1 in this disease.
A large, open source dataset of stroke anatomical brain images and manual lesion segmentations
Authors: Liew Sook-Lei , Anglin Julia M. , Banks Nick W. , Sondag Matt , Ito Kaori L. , Kim Hosung , Chan Jennifer , Ito Joyce , Jung Connie , Khoshab Nima , Lefebvre Stephanie , Nakamura William , Saldana David , Schmiesing Allie , Tran Cathy , Vo Danny , Ard Tyler , Heydari Panthea , Kim Bokkyu , Aziz-Zadeh Lisa , Cramer Steven C. , Liu Jingchun , Soekadar Surjo , Nordvik Jan-Egil , Westlye Lars T. , Wang Junping , Winstein Carolee , Yu Chunshui , Ai Lei , Koo Bonhwang , Craddock R. Cameron , Milham Michael , Lakich Matthew , Pienta Amy , Stroud Alison
Published: February 2018

Stroke is the leading cause of adult disability worldwide, with up to two-thirds of individuals experiencing long-term disabilities. Large-scale neuroimaging studies have shown promise in identifying robust biomarkers (e.g., measures of brain structure) of long-term stroke recovery following rehabilitation. However, analyzing large rehabilitation-related datasets is problematic due to barriers in accurate stroke lesion segmentation. Manually-traced lesions are currently the gold standard for lesion segmentation on T1-weighted MRIs, but are labor intensive and require anatomical expertise. While algorithms have been developed to automate this process, the results often lack accuracy. Newer algorithms that employ machine-learning techniques are promising, yet these require large training datasets to optimize performance. Here we present ATLAS (Anatomical Tracings of Lesions After Stroke), an open-source dataset of 304 T1-weighted MRIs with manually segmented lesions and metadata. This large, diverse dataset can be used to train and test lesion segmentation algorithms and provides a standardized dataset for comparing the performance of different segmentation methods. We hope ATLAS release 1.1 will be a useful resource to assess and improve the accuracy of current lesion segmentation methods.
Epidemiological characteristics of human-infective RNA viruses
Authors: Woolhouse Mark E. J. , Brierley Liam
Published: February 2018

RNA viruses are a major threat to human health. Here, based on extensive literature searches carried out over a period of 18 years, we provide a catalogue of all 214 known human-infective RNA virus species. We link these viruses to metadata for a number of traits that influence their epidemiology, including the date of the first report of human infection, transmissibility in human populations, transmission route(s) and host range. This database can be used in comparative studies of human-infective RNA viruses to identify the characteristics of viruses most likely to pose the greatest public health threat, both now and in the future.
Multitude NMR studies of α-synuclein familial mutants: probing their differential aggregation propensities
Authors: Bhattacharyya Dipita , Kumar Rakesh , Mehra Surabhi , Ghosh Anirban , Maji Samir K. , Bhunia Anirban
Published: February 2018

Familial mutations in α-synuclein affect the immediate chemical environment of the protein's backbone, changing its aggregation kinetics and forming diverse structural and functional intermediates.
Re-examining ammonia addition to the Criegee intermediate: converging to chemical accuracy
Authors: Misiewicz Jonathon P. , Elliott Sarah N. , Moore Kevin B. , Schaefer Henry F.
Published: February 2018

Theory shows ammonia is unlikely to be significant in Criegee chemistry and demonstrates the importance of perturbative quadruple excitations in Criegee chemistry.
Localization-controlled two-color luminescence imaging via environmental modulation of energy transfer in a multichromophoric species
Authors: Bonaccorsi Paola , Papalia Teresa , Barattucci Anna , Salerno Tania M. G. , Rosano Camillo , Castagnola Patrizio , Viale Maurizio , Monticone Massimiliano , Campagna Sebastiano , Puntoriero Fausto
Published: February 2018

A bichromophoric species emits different light in hydrophobic or hydrophilic cellular environments.
Temporal trends of halogenated flame retardants in the atmosphere of the Canadian Great Lakes Basin (2005–2014)
Authors: Shunthirasingham Chubashini , Alexandrou Nick , Brice Kenneth A. , Dryfhout-Clark Helena , Su Ky , Shin Cecilia , Park Richard , Pajda Artur , Noronha Ronald , Hung Hayley
Published: February 2018

Temporal and spatial trends of total air concentrations (gas + particle) of halogenated flame retardants at the Canadian Great Lakes Basin were assessed (2005–2014).
Effect of fisetin supplementation on inflammatory factors and matrix metalloproteinase enzymes in colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Farsad-Naeimi Alireza , Alizadeh Mohammad , Esfahani Ali , Darvish Aminabad Esmaeil
Published: February 2018

Promising effects of fisetin on the inflammation status in colorectal cancer.
Grape seed proanthocyanidins influence gut microbiota and enteroendocrine secretions in female rats
Authors: Casanova-Martí Àngela , Serrano Joan , Portune Kevin J. , Sanz Yolanda , Blay M. Teresa , Terra Ximena , Ardévol Anna , Pinent Montserrat
Published: February 2018

An 8-day treatment of GSPE changed the microbiota composition, and several microbiota taxa correlated with metabolic parameters and enterohormones.
The role of mass spectrometry in radioactive contamination assessment after the Fukushima nuclear accident
Authors: Bu Wenting , Ni Youyi , Steinhauser Georg , Zheng Wang , Zheng Jian , Furuta Naoki
Published: February 2018

The Fukushima nuclear accident caused the release of large amounts of radionuclides into the environment.
Enabling precision manufacturing of active pharmaceutical ingredients: workflow for seeded cooling continuous crystallisations
Authors: Brown Cameron J. , McGlone Thomas , Yerdelen Stephanie , Srirambhatla Vijay , Mabbott Fraser , Gurung Rajesh , L. Briuglia Maria , Ahmed Bilal , Polyzois Hector , McGinty John , Perciballi Francesca , Fysikopoulos Dimitris , MacFhionnghaile Pól , Siddique Humera , Raval Vishal , Harrington Tomás S. , Vassileiou Antony D. , Robertson Murray , Prasad Elke , Johnston Andrea , Johnston Blair , Nordon Alison , Srai Jagjit S. , Halbert Gavin , ter Horst Joop H. , Price Chris J. , Rielly Chris D. , Sefcik Jan , Florence Alastair J.
Published: February 2018

Presentation and applied case study of a system-wide workflow which supports rapid, systematic and efficient continuous seeded cooling crystallisation process design, with the aim to deliver a robust, consistent process with tight control of particle attributes.
Force determination in lateral magnetic tweezers combined with TIRF microscopy
Authors: Madariaga-Marcos J. , Hormeño S. , Pastrana C. L. , Fisher G. L. M. , Dillingham M. S. , Moreno-Herrero F.
Published: February 2018

We have designed and calibrated a magnetic tweezers module to laterally stretch DNA molecules at a constant force, which can be incorporated into conventional magnetic tweezers. We demonstrate the combination of lateral magnetic tweezers with TIRF microscopy by characterizing DNA binding by ParB.
Hollow carbon nanospheres with high surface areas for fast, broad-spectrum and sensitive adsorption of pollutants
Authors: Zheng Juan , Huang Junlong , Xu Fei , Ni Chuyi , Xie Xintong , Zhu Fang , Wu Dingcai , Ouyang Gangfeng
Published: February 2018

Hollow carbon nanospheres (HCNs) with numerous nanopores in their ultrathin carbon shells have been prepared and applied as SPME fiber coatings.
Facet-dependent photocatalytic decomposition of N2O on the anatase TiO2: a DFT study
Authors: Wang Lu , Song Weiyu , Deng Jianlin , Zheng Huiling , Liu Jian , Zhao Zhen , Gao Manglai , Wei Yuechang
Published: February 2018

The reaction mechanism of N2O photoreduction reaction to N2 on the anatase TiO2 (101) and (001) facets has been investigated.
Optimizing interfacial transport properties of InO2 single atomic layers in In2O3(ZnO)4 natural superlattices for enhanced high temperature thermoelectrics
Authors: Liang Xin , Shen Lei
Published: February 2018

Enhancement of the high-temperature thermoelectric properties of In2O3(ZnO)4 natural superlattices via synergistic optimization of the interfacial transport properties of InO2 single atomic layers.
Rhodium(iii)-catalyzed Oxidative Coupling of N-Methoxybenzamides and Ethenesulfonyl fluoride: a C–H Bond Activation Strategy for the Preparation of 2-Aryl ethenesulfonyl fluorides and Sulfonyl fluoride Substituted γ-Lactams
Authors: Wang Shi-Meng , Li Chen , Leng Jing , Bukhari Syed Nasir Abbas , Qin Hua-Li
Published: February 2018

The synthesis of a new class of 2-aryl ethenesulfonyl fluorides was achieved via a rhodium(iii)-catalyzed sp2 C–H bond activation strategy.
Effect of glycine functionalization of 2D titanium carbide (MXene) on charge storage
Authors: Chen Chi , Boota Muhammad , Urbankowski Patrick , Anasori Babak , Miao Ling , Jiang Jianjun , Gogotsi Yury
Published: February 2018

The expanded MXene by glycine functionalization exhibited an improved rate and cycling performance.
Asymmetric vinylogous Mukaiyama aldol reaction of isatins under bifunctional organocatalysis: enantioselective synthesis of substituted 3-hydroxy-2-oxindoles
Authors: Laina-Martín Víctor , Humbrías-Martín Jorge , Fernández-Salas José A. , Alemán José
Published: February 2018

A highly enantioselective organocatalytic vinylogous Mukaiyama aldol reaction of silyloxy dienes and isatins under bifunctional organocatalysis is presented.
High-silica hollow Y zeolite by selective desilication of dealuminated NaY crystals in the presence of protective Al species
Authors: Pagis Céline , Morgado Prates Ana Rita , Bats Nicolas , Tuel Alain , Farrusseng David
Published: February 2018

High-silica hollow faujasite crystals were obtained by dealumination of standard NaY crystals followed by their selective desilication in the presence of protective aluminum species.
Conformationally restricted benzothienoazepine respiratory syncytial virus inhibitors: their synthesis, structural analysis and biological activities
Authors: Fordyce Euan A. F. , Fraser Hunt S. , Crepin Damien , Onions Stuart T. , Parra Guillaume F. , Sleigh Chris J. , King-Underwood John , Finch Harry , Murray John
Published: February 2018

Study of atropisomerism around RSV inhibitors allows identification of bioactive conformation.
Synthesis of multilayered structure of nano-dimensional silica glass/reduced graphene oxide for advanced electrochemical applications
Authors: Ghosh Arnab , Miah Milon , Majumder Chinmoy , Bag Shekhar , Chakravorty Dipankar , Saha Shyamal Kumar
Published: February 2018

Multilayered structures of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and silica nanoglass are synthesized and their electrochemical properties are explored for supercapacitor applications.
Ultrathin silver telluride nanowire films and gold nanosheet electrodes for a flexible resistive switching device
Authors: Seo Ho Jun , Jeong Wooseong , Lee Sungwon , Moon Geon Dae
Published: February 2018

Ultrathin Te nanowire (NW) and Au nanosheet (NS) was assembled as two-dimensional macroscale films. The AuNS–Ag2TeNW–AuNS device is applicable to wearable resistive switching device due to their paper-like flexibility.
Correction: Menaquinone biosynthesis inhibition: a review of advancements toward a new antibiotic mechanism
Authors: Boersch M. , Rudrawar S. , Grant G. , Zunk M.
Published: February 2018

Correction for ‘Menaquinone biosynthesis inhibition: a review of advancements toward a new antibiotic mechanism’ by M. Boersch et al., RSC Adv., 2018, 8, 5099–5105.
Highly active nano-sized iridium catalysts: synthesis and operando spectroscopy in a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer
Authors: Lettenmeier P. , Majchel J. , Wang L. , Saveleva V. A. , Zafeiratos S. , Savinova E. R. , Gallet J.-J. , Bournel F. , Gago A. S. , Friedrich K. A.
Published: February 2018

Ultra-high purity nano-sized iridium enclosed in a monolayer of IrIII/IrIV oxides/hydroxides leads to an enhancement in OER activity.
A yolk–shelled Co9S8/MoS2–CN nanocomposite derived from a metal–organic framework as a high performance anode for sodium ion batteries
Authors: Wang Yuyu , Kang Wenpei , Cao Dongwei , Zhang Minghui , Kang Zixi , Xiao Zhenyu , Wang Rongming , Sun Daofeng
Published: February 2018

A yolk–shelled Co9S8/MoS2–CN nanocomposite derived from ZIF 67 possesses impressive rate capability and cycling performance as an anode material for sodium ion batteries (SIBs).
The Effects of Varying Directional Bandwidth in Hearing Aid Users' Preference and Speech-in-Noise Performance
Authors: Goyette Adriana , Crukley Jeff , Galster Jason
Published: February 2018

Purpose

Directional microphone systems are typically used to improve hearing aid users' understanding of speech in noise. However, directional microphones also increase internal hearing aid noise. The purpose of this study was to investigate how varying directional microphone bandwidth affected listening preference and speech-in-noise performance.

Method

Ten participants with normal hearing and 10 participants with hearing impairment compared internal noise levels between hearing aid memories with 4 different microphone modes: omnidirectional, full directional, high-frequency directionality with directional processing above 900 Hz, and high-frequency directionality with directional processing above 2000 Hz. Speech-in-noise performance was measured with each memory for the participants with hearing impairment.

Results

Participants with normal hearing preferred memories with less directional bandwidth. Participants with hearing impairment also tended to prefer the memories with less directional bandwidth. However, the majority of participants with hearing impairment did not indicate a preference between omnidirectional and directional above 2000 Hz memories. Average hearing-in-noise performance improved with increasing directional bandwidth.

Conclusions

Most participants preferred memories with less directional bandwidth in quiet. Participants with hearing impairment indicated no difference in preference between directional above 2000 Hz and the omnidirectional memories. Speech recognition in noise performance improved with increasing directional bandwidth.
Management of Recurrent Vestibular Neuritis in a Patient Treated for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Roberts Richard A.
Published: February 2018

Purpose

This clinical report is presented to describe how results of vestibular function testing were considered along with other medical history to develop a management plan that was ultimately successful.

Method

The patient underwent audio-vestibular assessment including comprehensive audiogram, videonystagmography, cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential, and postural stability testing.

Results

Results from initial testing were most consistent with uncompensated peripheral vestibular dysfunction affecting the right superior vestibular nerve. These results, considered along with history and symptoms, supported vestibular neuritis. After a second vertigo event, we became concerned about the potential temporal association between the patient's rheumatoid arthritis treatment and symptom onset. It is established that treatment for rheumatoid arthritis can exacerbate latent viral issues, but this has not specifically been reported for vestibular neuritis. There are reports in the literature in which patients successfully used viral suppressant medication to decrease viral activity while they were able to continue benefiting from immunosuppressive therapy. We hypothesized that, if the current patient's vestibular neuritis events were related to her treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, she may also benefit from use of viral suppressant medication while continuing her otherwise successful immunosuppressive intervention.

Conclusions

Patients treated with biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs are more susceptible to viral issues, and this may include vestibular neuritis. For the current case, identifying this possibility and recommending viral suppressant medication allowed her to continue with successful treatment of rheumatoid arthritis while avoiding additional vertigo events.
Acoustic Predictors of Pediatric Dysarthria in Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Allison Kristen M. , Hustad Katherine C.
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The objectives of this study were to identify acoustic characteristics of connected speech that differentiate children with dysarthria secondary to cerebral palsy (CP) from typically developing children and to identify acoustic measures that best detect dysarthria in children with CP.

Method

Twenty 5-year-old children with dysarthria secondary to CP were compared to 20 age- and sex-matched typically developing children on 5 acoustic measures of connected speech. A logistic regression approach was used to derive an acoustic model that best predicted dysarthria status.

Results

Results indicated that children with dysarthria secondary to CP differed from typically developing children on measures of multiple segmental and suprasegmental speech characteristics. An acoustic model containing articulation rate and the F2 range of diphthongs differentiated children with dysarthria from typically developing children with 87.5% accuracy.

Conclusion

This study serves as a first step toward developing an acoustic model that can be used to improve early identification of dysarthria in children with CP.
Pitch and Time Processing in Speech and Tones: The Effects of Musical Training and Attention
Authors: Sares Anastasia G. , Foster Nicholas E. V. , Allen Kachina , Hyde Krista L.
Published: February 2018

Purpose

Musical training is often linked to enhanced auditory discrimination, but the relative roles of pitch and time in music and speech are unclear. Moreover, it is unclear whether pitch and time processing are correlated across individuals and how they may be affected by attention. This study aimed to examine pitch and time processing in speech and tone sequences, taking musical training and attention into account.

Method

Musicians (16) and nonmusicians (16) were asked to detect pitch or timing changes in speech and tone sequences and make a binary response. In some conditions, the participants were focused on 1 aspect of the stimulus (directed attention), and in others, they had to pay attention to all aspects at once (divided attention).

Results

As expected, musicians performed better overall. Performance scores on pitch and time tasks were correlated, as were performance scores for speech and tonal stimuli, but most markedly in musicians. All participants performed better on the directed versus divided attention task, but again, musicians performed better than nonmusicians.

Conclusion

In general, this experiment shows that individuals with a better sense of pitch discrimination also have a better sense of timing discrimination in the auditory domain. In addition, although musicians perform better overall, these results do not support the idea that musicians have an added advantage for divided attention tasks. These findings serve to better understand how musical training and attention affect pitch and time processing in the context of speech and tones and may have applications in special populations.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.5895997
Void discharge behaviours as a function of cavity size and voltage waveform under very low‐frequency excitation
Authors: Nguyen Hong Viet Phuong , Phung Bao Toan
Published: February 2018

Measurement of partial discharge (PD) is a vital method to assess the health of the electrical insulation in high‐voltage power equipment. As diagnostic testing at very low frequency (VLF) is increasingly being used, it is important to investigate PD behaviours under such a low‐frequency voltage excitation. This study presents the PD characteristics at VLF excitation under different applied voltage waveforms, including sinusoidal and trapezoid‐based waves. Also, the effects of cavity size on PD behaviours at VLF are investigated. Experiments were performed to measure PDs in a cylindrical void bounded by solid insulation. The results show that discharge activities at VLF, in general, exhibit lower magnitude and repetition rate when compared with power frequency. Also revealed is the strong dependency of discharge parameters on the rate of voltage rise. Physical mechanisms to explain discharge behaviours are given.
STTC design for vehicular communication systems employing fixed‐gain AF PLNC over cascaded fading channels
Authors: Ata Serdar Ö. , Altunbaş Ibrahim
Published: February 2018

In this study, the authors combine physical layer network coding (PLNC) and space‐time trellis coding (STTC) techniques to improve the error performance of vehicle‐to‐vehicle (V2V) communication systems where all fading channels are assumed to undergo double Rayleigh fading (DRF) which is worse than Rayleigh fading used in cellular communications. In the authors' analysis, they show that the DRF channels can be modelled by using the mixture gamma distribution. After that, pairwise error probability (PEP) analysis is performed for a fixed‐gain amplify‐and‐forward PLNC V2V system employing STTC over the DRF channels, and an upper bound for the PEP is obtained. By examining the behaviour of the upper bound expression in the high SNR region, they derive a new design criterion for STTCs. Finally, using this criterion they propose novel STTCs with 4 and 8 states for V2V systems employing PLNC over the DRF channels.
Non‐communication protection scheme for power transmission system based on transient currents, HHT and SVM
Authors: Guo Zhenwei , Yang Shengjie , Yu WenXin , Zhang Lieping , Zhong Zhixian , Sui YongBo
Published: February 2018

How to improve the reliability has been a challenging task for transient protection, which has been affected seriously by the fault initial angle (FIA) and transient resistance (TR). Based on support vector machine (SVM), a novel smart transient protection method is presented in this study, which protects a bus and two transmission lines connected to the bus. The method is based on the measurements from the two close‐in ends of the two lines. Hilbert–Huang transform is used to extracting instantaneous amplitude from the measured currents. The fault area is determined from the two instantaneous amplitude‐integral (IA) of the transient fault currents, the difference of the two IAs, FIA, and the TR. SVM is utilised to determine the fault area. Two IAIs, difference of IAs, FIA and TR are treated as the input to SVMs. Faults with different FIA and TR are treated as a different class of fault, respectively. Correspondingly, a different criterion of discrimination is automatically employed by SVMs for a different fault class. The influence of FIA and TR is eliminated significantly, and the reliability of protection is enhanced substantially. The performance of the method is tested using ATP/EMTP with satisfactory results.
ZnO nanorod/multi‐walled carbon nanotube nanocomposite for ethanol vapour detection
Authors: Cao Feifei , Li Cuiping , Li Mingji , Li Hongji , Yang Baohe
Published: February 2018

Zinc oxide nanorods (ZnONRs) were grown directly on the generally used sensing electrodes of alumina ceramic tubes by a hydrothermal method. Multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were assembled on the surface of the ZnONRs using ultrasonic dispersing. The ethanol gas sensing properties of the prepared ZnONRs sensor, MWCNTs sensor, and ZnONRs/MWCNTs nanocomposite gas sensor were investigated. The ZnONRs/MWCNTs nanocomposite sensor demonstrated a higher response, faster response‐recovery, and better selectivity to ethanol than the ZnONRs and MWCNTs sensors. At an optimal working temperature of 370°C, the response to 100 ppm ethanol is 26.1 for the ZnONRs/MWCNTs nanocomposite sensor, which is much higher than those of the ZnONRs sensor (10.4) and MWCNTs sensor (5.1). A short response time of 2 s and a recovery time of 16 s are achieved for the ZnONRs/MWCNTs sensor. Moreover, the long‐term stability and repeatability of the ZnONRs/MWCNTs sensor were also discussed. The improved ethanol sensing properties of the ZnONRs/MWCNTs sensor can be attributed to the synergistic effects of ZnONRs and MWCNTs, including the large specific surface area and high electron transport capability.
Comparison between stereoscopic structure of nano‐silver colloid pre‐ and post‐intervened with PVA through arc discharge
Authors: Tseng Kuo‐Hsiung , Chou Chih‐Ju , Shih Sheng‐Hao , Tien Der‐Chi , Wu Tong‐chi , Stobinski Leszek
Published: February 2018

The study used arc discharge method (ADM) to produce silver nano‐colloid in deionised water (DW), and compared the difference between pre‐adding and post‐adding of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). First, they added 50 ppm of PVA into 200 mL silver nano‐colloid, named Ag‐PVA. Second, they added 50 ppm of PVA into 200 mL DW as the dielectrics and produced silver nano‐colloid through it, named PVA‐Ag. Then they compared the differences between two samples with several instruments. They examined wavelength and absorbance by using UV–visible spectrophotometer (UV–vis), used Zetasizer to measure particle size and zeta potential, adopted scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) to observe shape, size, and distribution of the silver nanoparticles in the colloid. The results indicated that colloid PVA‐Ag had higher zeta potential and better suspension.
Optical absorption properties and nanosensing application based on metallic rectangle nanoparticles array
Authors: Chen Fang
Published: February 2018

This work studies field distribution and nanosensing based on a metallic rectangle nanoparticles arrays structure. The structure consists of a metallic rectangle nanoparticles layer, a dielectric layer and a metallic layer. A finite‐difference time‐domain approach is adopted to investigate the optical properties. Simulation results show that the localised surface plasmon resonance of the metallic rectangle nanoparticles give rise to absorption peaks in the spectra. Also, the absorption spectrum can be controlled by varying the geometrical parameters of the structure. It is also found that the reflection spectra dependence on the surrounding refractive index. The proposed structure can be used as an excellent plasmonic nanosensor. The simulation results show that the proposed plasmonic structure can serve as an optical absorber in the range of 700–1800 nm, which will have potential application in optical switching, optical modulator and nanosensors.
Spectroscopic and physical parameters of Galactic O-type stars
Authors: Markova N. , Puls J. , Langer N.
Published: February 2018

Context.Massive stars play a key role in the evolution of galaxies and our Universe.

Aims.Our goal is to compare observed and predicted properties of single Galactic O stars to identify and constrain uncertain physical parameters and processes in stellar evolution and atmosphere models.

Methods.We used a sample of 53 objects of all luminosity classes and with spectral types from O3 to O9.7. For 30 of these, we determined the main photospheric and wind parameters, including projected rotational rates accounting for macroturbulence, and He and N surface abundances, using optical spectroscopy and applying the model atmosphere code FASTWIND. For the remaining objects, similar data from the literature, based on analyses by means of the CMFGEN code, were used instead. The properties of our sample were then compared to published predictions based on two grids of single massive star evolution models that include rotationally induced mixing.

Results.Any of the considered model grids face problem in simultaneously reproducing the stellar masses, equatorial gravities, surface abundances, and rotation rates of our sample stars. The spectroscopic masses derived for objects below ~30M⊙tend to be smaller than the evolutionary ones, no matter which of the two grids have been used as a reference. While this result may indicate the need to improve the model atmosphere calculations (e.g. regarding the treatment of turbulent pressure), our analysis shows that the established mass problem cannot be fully explained in terms of inaccurate parameters obtained by quantitative spectroscopy or inadequate model values ofVroton the zero age main sequence. Within each luminosity class, we find a close correlation of N surface abundance and luminosity, and a stronger N enrichment in more massive and evolved O stars. Additionally, we also find a correlation of the surface nitrogen and helium abundances. The large number of nitrogen-enriched stars above ~30M⊙argues for rotationally induced mixing as the most likely explanation. However, none of the considered models can match the observed trends correctly, especially in the high mass regime.

Conclusions.We confirm mass discrepancy for objects in the low mass O-star regime. We conclude that the rotationally induced mixing of helium to the stellar surface is too strong in some of the models. We also suggest that present inadequacies of the models to represent the N enrichment in more massive stars with relatively slow rotation might be related (among other issues) to problematic efficiencies of rotational mixing. We are left with a picture in which invoking binarity and magnetic fields is required to achieve a more complete agreement of the observed surface properties of a population of massive main-sequence stars with corresponding evolutionary models.
Impact of gaps in the asteroseismic characterization of pulsating stars
Authors: Pascual-Granado J. , Suárez J. C. , Garrido R. , Moya A. , García Hernández A. , Rodón J. R. , Lares-Martiz M.
Published: February 2018

Context. It is known that the observed distribution of frequencies in CoRoT and Kepler δ Scuti stars has no parallelism with any theoretical model. Pre-whitening is a widespread technique in the analysis of time series with gaps from pulsating stars located in the classical instability strip, such as δ Scuti stars. However, some studies have pointed out that this technique might introduce biases in the results of the frequency analysis. Aims. This work aims at studying the biases that can result from pre-whitening in asteroseismology. The results will depend on the intrinsic range and distribution of frequencies of the stars. The periodic nature of the gaps in CoRoT observations, only in the range of the pulsational frequency content of the δ Scuti stars, is shown to be crucial to determining their oscillation frequencies, the first step in performing asteroseismology of these objects. Hence, here we focus on the impact of pre-whitening on the asteroseismic characterization of δ Scuti stars.

Methods. We select a sample of 15 δ Scuti stars observed by the CoRoT satellite, for which ultra-high-quality photometric data have been obtained by its seismic channel. In order to study the impact on the asteroseismic characterization of δ Scuti stars we perform the pre-whitening procedure on three datasets: gapped data, linearly interpolated data, and data with gaps interpolated using Autoregressive and Moving Average models (ARMA).

Results. The different results obtained show that at least in some cases pre-whitening is not an efficient procedure for the deconvolution of the spectral window. Therefore, in order to reduce the effect of the spectral window to a minimum, in addition to performing a pre-whitening of the data, it is necessary to interpolate with an algorithm that is aimed to preserve the original frequency content.
Using social network analysis to evaluate the impacts of the research: on the transition to organic farming in the Camargue
Authors: Quiédeville Sylvain , Barjolle Dominique , Stolze Matthias
Published: February 2018

This paper evaluates the relevance of undertaking a Social Network Analysis (SNA) to better understand the role played by the network of actors during innovation processes as well as validate stakeholders’ views on actors’ relationships in a case study on the transition to organic farming in the Camargue territory (South of France). The SNA method is part of a set of methods that forms an approach that was developed to evaluate ex-post the impacts of agronomic research in the framework of the European research project IMPRESA. The analysis particularly confirms, through the indicator of Betweenness, the growing role played by INRA (French National Institute of Agronomic Research) in the network and its contribution to the transition to organic agriculture. This is due in particular to closer relationships between farmers and INRA. The results also indicate a growing role played by CIRAD (Agricultural Research Center for International Development) through the lens of increased relationships with farmers. Additionally, the analysis confirms the great influence of the creation of the firm Biosud in 2003 on the transition to organic farming. SNA proved to be an excellent research tool for confirming stakeholders’ statements about impact pathway, the events described in it, and the intensity of links between events. The reconstruction of the actor network over 5 different periods allows a significant deepening of the analysis. This method could be more largely used in evaluating impacts of research.
Habitat use and population structure of the invasive red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii (Girard, 1852) in a protected area in northern Italy
Authors: Donato Roberta , Rollandin Marta , Favaro Livio , Ferrarese Alessio , Pessani Daniela , Ghia Daniela
Published: February 2018

The red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii is one of the most invasive alien species in Europe and included in the list of invasive species of Union concern. We describe for the first time some life-history traits of a red swamp crayfish population in the Nature Reserve of the Lago di Candia (Italy). We investigated (1) preferences of this species for specific environmental features on the banks of the lake, and (2) differences in size, sex ratio, and condition index between individuals caught in lake and marsh. Moreover, we compared sampling effort and the features of individuals caught in the lake, for two sampling seasons in 2014 and 2015. Findings indicated that the population was well established, and the marsh seemed to have better conditions for growth of individuals than the lake. Accordingly, continuity of riparian vegetation, opportunity to dig burrows, and trophic resource availability seems to facilitate the proliferation of the crayfish in the lake. Our study demonstrated that massive removal efforts over the whole active period of the species and more than one year of trapping are necessary to increase the controlling activities' success. This study could have important implications for further population management projects directed at biodiversity conservation in the area.
Graft-Sparing Strategy for Thoracic Prosthetic Graft Infection
Authors: Yoshida Takeshi , Kakii Bunpachi , Furui Masato , Uchino Gaku
Published: February 2018

Objective Thoracic prosthetic graft infection is a rare but serious complication with no standard management. We reported our surgical experience on graft-sparing strategy for thoracic prosthetic graft infection.

Methods This study included patients who underwent graft-sparing surgery for thoracic prosthetic graft infection at Matsubara Tokushukai Hospital in Japan from January 2000 to October 2017.

Results There were 17 patients included in the analyses, with a mean age at surgery of 71.0 ± 10.5 years; 11 were men. In-hospital mortality was observed in five patients (29.4%).

Conclusions Graft-sparing surgery for thoracic prosthetic graft infection is an alternative option particularly for early graft infection after hemiarch replacement.
Nuss Procedure for a Patient with Negative Haller Index
Authors: Dore Mariela , Triana Junco Paloma , De La Torre Carlos , Vilanova-Sánchez Alejandra , Bret Monserrat , Gonzalez Gaspar , Nuñez Cerezo Vanesa , Jimenez Gomez Javier , Luis Encinas Jose , Hernandez Francisco , Martínez Martínez Leopoldo , Lopez Santamaria Manuel
Published: February 2018

Introduction Minimally invasive repair for pectus excavatum (MIRPE) is controversial in extremely severe cases of pectus excavatum (PE) and an open repair is usually favored. Our aim is to describe a case of a patient with an extremely severe PE that underwent a minimally invasive approach.

Case report An 8-year-old girl with severe sternum depression was assessed. She had a history of exercise intolerance, nocturnal dyspnea, fatigue, and shortness of breath. Chest computed tomography showed that sternum depression was posterior to the anterior vertebral column; therefore, Haller and correction index could not be measured. Spirometry indicated an obstructive ventilation pattern (forced expiratory volume in 1 second = 74.4%), and echocardiogram revealed a dilated inferior vena cava, mitral valve prolapse with normal ventricular function. After multidisciplinary committee evaluation, a MIRPE approach was performed.

All symptoms had disappeared at the 3-month postoperative follow-up; the desired sternum shape was achieved and normalization of cardiopulmonary function was observed. The Nuss bars were removed after a 2-year period. After 18-month follow-up, the patient can carry out normal exercise and is content with the cosmetic result.

Conclusion Nuss procedure is feasible in our 8-year-old patient. In this case, both the Haller and correction index were not useful to assess the severity of PE. Therefore, under these circumstances, other radiologic parameters have to be taken into consideration for patient evaluation.
Angiosarcoma of the Left Atrium: A Case Report
Authors: Schlachtenberger Georg , Gerfer Stephen , Kröner Axel , Wahlers Thorsten
Published: February 2018

Background Primary cardiac tumors are rare, and many diagnosed tumors are benign with an incidence of 0.001% to 0.03%. The primary angiosarcoma is one of the malignant entities.

Discussion We discuss a case report of a 76-year-old male who underwent a preoperative diagnosis for an upcoming shoulder operation when his cardiologist diagnosed a large cardiac tumor. The patient was referred to our department where he received further diagnostics. The transesophageal echocardiography and the cardiac-magnetic resonance imaging showed a massive tumor with a dimension of 8.6 × 5.6 cm with no signs of malignity.

Method The operation was performed by standard median sternotomy. The tumor was adherent to the septum and the left atrium, and we were able to remove the specimen in toto. Pathological examinations showed an angiosarcoma with neovascularization and core expression of ERG+ and cytoplasmic expression of CD31+/CD34+, due to the size of the mass. The resection of primary cardiac tumors is mostly the therapy of choice, but in this case concerning an angiosarcoma the prognosis is poor, considering that the angiosarcoma responds very badly to chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Which is the Best Minimal Invasive Approach for the Treatment of Spontaneous Pneumothorax? Uniport, Two, or Three Ports: A Prospective Randomized Trail
Authors: Kocaturk Celalettin , Akin Hasan , Erdogan Sertan , Bilen Salih , Karapinar Kemal , Sezen Celal , Saydam Ozkan , Kutluk Ali
Published: February 2018

Objective Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) has become the standard treatment method for primary spontaneous pneumothorax. Concerns about lesser pain and better cosmesis led to the evolution of uniportal access. This study prospectively compared the results of the uniportal, two-port, and three-port thoracoscopic surgery.

Material and Methods One hundred and thirty-five patients were randomized into three groups according to the port numbers. The groups were compared regarding the operation time, hospital stay, amount of drainage, area of pleurectomy, complications, recurrences, and pain scores.

Results Except for the amount of drainage (p = 0.03), no factors were found to be statistically significant. The overall recurrence rate was 5%. Although the first and second week pain scores were not statistically significant, the single-incision group patients had significantly less pain at 4, 24, and 72 hours (p < 0.05).

Conclusion The study indicated that uniportal VATS approach is less painful and has better cosmetic results, besides it is as efficient as two- or three-port VATS approach.
TechnoCare – die Rolle assistiver Technologien in der Organisation von
Care
Authors: Kollewe Carolin
Published: February 2018

Technik mit Folgen Assistiven Technologien des Ambient Assisted Living (AAL – Umgebungsunterstütztes
Wohnen) wird gemeinhin in der Zukunft ein großes Potenzial in der Gestaltung von Pflege und Unterstützung
älterer und alter Menschen zugeschrieben. Sie sollen dazu beitragen, dass Menschen so lange wie möglich
selbstbestimmt und selbstständig in ihrer Wohnung bleiben können. Zu fragen ist jedoch auch, welchen Einfluss
diese Technologien auf die Pflege und Betreuung alter Menschen haben. Strukturieren solche Technologien
Arbeitsprozesse in der Pflege?
Was ist Gerontologische Pflege?
Authors: Brandenburg Hermann
Published: February 2018

Begriffsbestimmung Gerontologische Pflege beschreibt, analysiert und betrachtet in kritischer Weise
Pflegesituationen alter Menschen. Und das in ihrem Umfeld: im Kontext von Familie, Institutionen und der
Gesellschaft. Themenbereiche, die berührt werden, sind Klinik, Sozial- und Kulturwissenschaft, Ethik und
Politik.
Hilfreiche Technik zum Menschen bringen
Authors: Degen Lukas , Stephan René
Published: February 2018

Technische Alltagshilfen Das Projekt „Besser leben im Alter durch Technik“ (BLIADT) sowie weitere
Projekte und Direktbeauftragungen des FZI Forschungszentrum Informatik Karlsruhe haben sich zum Ziel gesetzt,
die Möglichkeiten technischer Assistenzsysteme der breiten Öffentlichkeit näherzubringen. Ein Dreiklang aus
persönlicher Beratung, öffentlicher Datenbank im Internet sowie bundesweiten Veranstaltungen stellt sicher,
dass Fachzielgruppen und die breite Öffentlichkeit einen umfassenden Zugang zu Informationen über
Möglichkeiten und Verfügbarkeit technischer Alltagshilfen haben.
Assessment Tinetti-Test (Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment – POMA)
Authors: Zemke Jens
Published: February 2018

Standarduntersuchung Der Tinetti-Test ermöglicht eine rasche und unkomplizierte Beurteilung des Gang-
und Balanceverhaltens älterer Patienten. Wie auch der Timed „Up & Go“-Test (TUG) gehört der Tinetti-Test
zu den Standarduntersuchungen im geriatrischen Mobilitätsassessment (AGAST 1995, Arbeitsgruppe Geriatrisches
Assessment) und ist Bestandteil des § 113a SGB XI Expertenstandards zur Sicherung und Weiterentwicklung der
Qualität in der Pflege.
Alt werden können im Quartier: Chancen und Herausforderungen für Menschen mit geistiger
Behinderung und für andere
Authors: Heine Michael
Published: February 2018

Praktizierte Teilhabe Es sind diese vier Säulen, auf denen eine erfolgreiche Quartiersentwicklung
beruht: Vernetzung und Kooperation, Information, Partizipation, Begegnung initiieren. Hier dargestellt am
Beispiel des Quartiers am Ledenhof, ein Konversionsprojekt des Landschaftsverbands Rheinland (LVR) in
Bonn-Vilich.
Mehr als vier Räder – Rollstuhlversorgung in der geriatrischen Klinik
Authors: Wittmershaus Caren
Published: February 2018

Individuelle Anpassung Mobilität stellt für geriatrische Patienten ein hohes Gut dar, das in der
Rollstuhlversorgung mit Respekt bedacht werden muss. Rollstuhlversorgung ist ein interdisziplinärer Prozess,
der sich an den Bedarfen des Nutzers und seines Umfelds orientiert und ein breites Wissen über Ausstattung und
Versorgungswege voraussetzt. Wenn eine gute Versorgung den Erhalt der Lebensqualität und den Schutz vor
Folgeerkrankungen gewährleisten soll, ist nur eine individuell angepasste Ausstattung zielführend.