bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cochlear implantation in infants below 12 months of age
Authors: Miyamoto Richard T. , Colson Bethany , Henning Shirley , Pisoni David
Published: February 2018

Objectives

To provide safety and efficacy data on infants implanted below 12 months of age.

Methods

With the wide application of newborn hearing screening programs, infants with deafness are being identified at birth. When a hearing aid trial fails, cochlear implantation is the only option to restore hearing. Mounting evidence suggests that age at implantation is a strong predictor of language outcomes. Using the minimally invasive surgical technique we have employed for nearly two decades, a limited clinical trial was initiated in the year 2000 because this age limitation fell outside of FDA guidelines. The infants were initially assessed using the preferential listening paradigm to confirm that they could learn associations between speech sounds and objects. Sufficient time was allowed to pass to administer more traditional language measures.

Results

No surgical or anesthetic complications occurred in this group of infants. The pattern of listening skill development mirrored that seen in normal hearing infants. Long‐term language assessments using the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test (PPVT) and other measures have demonstrated that many of infants achieved age appropriate language skills.

Conclusion

Cochlear implantation in children less than 12 months of age is safe and efficacious as demonstrated by long‐term PPVT language data.
Marcellus Shale Gas Development and Farming
Authors: Hoy Kyle A. , Xiarchos Irene M. , Kelsey Timothy W. , Brasier Kathryn J. , Glenna Leland L.
Published: February 2018

We study changes in farming in the Marcellus region associated with unconventional natural gas drilling activity. Due to concerns raised by the popular press, we consider 18 different county-level agricultural variables. While we find no significant changes in the number of farms or land in farms in drilling counties relative to non-drilling counties, there is an increase in median farm sizes, indicating potential consolidation in drilling counties. Despite anecdotal evidence suggesting a transition away from dairy farming to either beef or hay production, we find no support for this at the county level.
Range extension and reproduction of the barnacle Balanus perforatus in the eastern English Channel
Authors: Herbert R.J.H. , Hawkins S.J. , Sheader M. , Southward A.J.
Published: February 2018

The distribution of the warm-water barnacle, Balanus perforatus, was surveyed along the south coast of England and the north-east coast of France between 1993 and 2001, repeating work carried out between the 1940s and 1960s. The species has recovered from catastrophic mortality during the severe winter of 1962–1963 and was found over 120 km (UK) and 190 km (France) east of previous records on both sides of the Channel. The presence of the species in the eastern Channel refutes suggestions in the 1950s that larvae, and hence adults, would not be found east of the Isle of Wight because of reproductive sterility close to the limits of distribution. Brooding of specimens translocated to Bembridge, Isle of Wight, commenced in May, earlier than previously observed in British waters, and continued until September. The stage of embryo development at Bembridge in mid-August was comparable to that of the large population at Lyme Regis, Dorset 100 km further west. However the size of brood per standard body weight was greater at Lyme Regis. Factors influencing the rate of colonization and further geographic range extension of the species as a possible result of climate change, are discussed.
Effects of Herbicides on Growth and Extractable Phenylalanine Ammonia-Lyase Activity in Light- and Dark-Grown Soybean (Glycine max) Seedlings
Authors: Hoagland Robert E. , Duke Stephen O.
Published: February 2018

Effects of 16 herbicides representing 14 herbicide classes on growth and extractable phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL, EC 4.3.1.5) were examined in light- and dark-grown soybean [Glycine max(L.) Merr. ‘Hill’] seedlings. High purity (96 to 100%) herbicides were supplied via aqueous culture at various concentrations: 0.5 mM amitrole (3-amino-s-triazole), 0.1 mM atrazine [2-chloro-4-(ethylamino)-6-(isopropylamino)-s-triazine], 0.07 mM diclofop-methyl {methyl ester of 2-[4-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)phenoxy] propanoicacid}, 0.5 mM DSMA (disodium methanearsonate), 0.2 mM fenuron (1,1-dimethyl-3-phenylurea), 0.05 mM fluridone {1-methyl-3-phenyl-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-4(1H)-pyridinone}, 0.5 mM MH (1,2-dihydro-3,6-pyridazinedione), 0.5 mM metribuzin [4-amino-6-tert-butyl-3-(methylthio)-as-triazin-5(4H)-one], 1.8 μM nitralin [4-(methylsulfonyl)-2,6-dinitro-N,N-dipropylaniline], 0.5 mM norflurazon [4-chloro-5-(methylamino)-2-(α,α,α-trifluoro-m-tolyl)-3(2H)-pyridazinone], 0.05 mM paraquat (1,1′-dimethyl-4,4′-bipyridinium ion), 0.15 mM perfluidone {1,1,1-trifluoro-N-[2-methyl-4-(phenylsulfonyl)phenyl] methanesulfonamide}, 0.2 mM propanil (3′,4′-dichloropropionanilide), 0.1 mM propham (isopropyl carbanilate), 0.5 mM TCA (trichloroacetic acid), and 0.05 mM 2,4-D [(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)acetic acid]. Dark-grown soybean seedlings (3-day-old) were transferred to control solutions (2 mM CaSO4) or to herbicide solutions (in 2 mM CaSO4) and grown at 25 C in continuous white light (200 μE•m-2•s-1) or continuous darkness until harvested 24 or 48 h after transfer. After 48 h, growth (fresh weight, dry weight, elongation) was inhibited by most of the chemicals. Other signs of toxicity (necrosis, secondary root stunting, and root tip swelling) were noted for some treatments. Roots were most affected, although hypocotyls were generally not changed. Hypocotyl elongation was stimulated by atrazine, fluridone, and norflurazon after 48 h light. Extractable PAL activity from soybean axes was decreased by atrazine, fenuron, metribuzin, norflurazon, propanil, propham, and 2,4-D. Amitrole and paraquat were the only herbicides that increased extractable PAL activity. Other compounds tested had no effect on the enzyme. None of the herbicides significantly affected in vitro PAL activity.
Control of Annual Bluegrass (Poa annua) in Perennial Ryegrass (Lolium perenne) Seed Fields
Authors: Lee W. O.
Published: February 2018

Ethofumesate [(±)-2-ethoxy-2,3-dihydro-3,3-dimethyl-5-benzofuranyl methanesulfonate] applied postemergence in November at rates from 1.4 to 4.5 kg/ha eliminated all annual bluegrass (Poa annuaL.) that had survived application of diuron [3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea] in fall carbon-planted perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenneL.) seed fields. Ethofumesate also eliminated all annual bluegrass in established perennial ryegrass seed fields when applied in late October at rates from 1.1 to 3.4 kg/ha or when applied as sequential treatments with atrazine [2-chloro-4-(ethylamino)-6-(isopropylamino)-s-triazine] at 1.4 kg/ha or with simazine [2-chloro-4,6-bis(ethylamino)-s-triazine] at 2.2 kg/ha. In most experiments, perennial ryegrass seed yields were not adversely affected by applications of ethofumesate alone or by sequential treatments with diuron, atrazine, or simazine.
Response of Honey Mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) and Understory Vegetation to Herbicides
Authors: Meyer Robert E. , Bovey Rodney W.
Published: February 2018

Honey mesquite [Prosopis glandulosa(Torr.) ♯ PRCJG] was treated with several herbicides and herbicide combinations primarily on the Texas Post Oak Savannah over a 4-yr period. Sprays of glyphosate [N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine], picloram (4-amino-3,5,6-trichloropicolinic acid), 2,4,5-T [(2,4,5-trichlorophenoxy)acetic acid], and triclopyr {[(3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinyl)oxy] acetic acid} generally caused a high degree of canopy reduction in the fall of the year the spraying was done. However, sprays of clopyralid (3,6-dichloro-2-pyridinecarboxylic acid) and picloram were the most effective herbicides for killing honey mesquite 1 yr after application. At 1.1 kg ai/ha, clopyralid killed 70 to 95% and picloram killed 20 to 65% of plants 3 yr or older. Picloram plus 2,4,5-T was intermediate in effectiveness. Sprays of 2,4,5-T and triclopyr killed some plants. Picloram and tebuthiuron {N-[5-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl]-N,N′-dimethylurea} pellets killed few if any honey mesquite. Hexazinone [3-cyclohexyl-6-(dimethylamino)-1-methyl-1,3,5-triazine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione] boluses killed no more than 37% of the honey mesquite at rates up to 4.5 kg ai/ha. Herbicides sometimes killed more honey mesquite with sprouts 2 or 3 yr old than at 1 yr old.
Effectiveness of Herbicides and Tillage on Quackgrass (Elytrigia repens) Control in Corn (Zea mays)
Authors: Curran William S. , Werner Edward L. , Hartwig Nathan L.
Published: February 2018

Postemergence applications of nicosulfuron and primisulfuron were compared to preplant glyphosate and atrazine plus simazine for quackgrass control in reduced tillage and no-till corn. The level of quackgrass control was reduced by no-till practices. At 6 wk after planting, glyphosate and atrazine plus simazine were most effective in controlling quackgrass. Quackgrass biomass 12 wk after planting indicated that the performance of the herbicides were generally similar, although primisulfuron was less effective in no-till. One year after corn planting, levels of quackgrass control in the tilled plots were the same as or better than in the no-till treatments. Atrazine plus simazine was the most effective herbicide treatment over tillage systems, while primisulfuron was the least effective.
History of Water on Mars’s Surface Is Longer Than We Thought
Authors: Cook Terri
Published: February 2018

Curiosity’s two-step heating experiment of mudstone at Gale crater reveals minerals that formed in the presence of water less than 3 billion years ago.
A Decade of Atmospheric Data Aids Black Hole Observers
Authors: Cartier Kimberly
Published: February 2018

Astrophysicists are using a global atmospheric model to help them coordinate a multicontinent, radio-frequency observing campaign to gaze at the black hole at the center of the Milky Way.
Mesenchymal stem cells over-expressing cxcl12 enhance the radioresistance of the small intestine
Authors: Chang Pengyu , Zhang Boyin , Shao Lihong , Song Wei , Shi Weiyan , Wang Libo , Xu Tiankai , Li Dong , Gao Xiuzhu , Qu Yaqin , Dong Lihua , Wang Jin
Published: February 2018

The chemokine C–X–C motif chemokine 12 (CXCL12) greatly impacts various biological processes in mammals, including cell survival, growth and migration. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are promising tools for carrying foreign genes to treat radiation-induced injuries in the intestinal epithelium. In this study, human adipose-derived MSCs were constructed to over-express the mouse cxcl12 gene to treat such injuries. In vitro, because of the high levels of mouse CXCL12 in conditioned medium produced by mouse cxcl12 gene-modified cells, phosphorylation of Akt at Ser473 and Erk1/2 at Thr202/Thr204 was increased within crypt cells of irradiated organoids compared with unmodified controls. Moreover, intracellular stabilization of β-catenin was achieved after treatment of mouse cxcl12 gene-modified cells with conditioned medium. As a result, survival of crypt cells was maintained and their proliferation was promoted. When delivering mouse cxcl12 gene-modified cells into irradiated BALB/c nude mice, mice were rescued despite the clearance of cells from the host within 1 week. Irradiated mice that received mouse cxcl12 gene-modified MSCs exhibited reduced serum levels of interleukin-1α (IL-1α) and IL-6 as well as elevated levels of CXCL12. Additionally, epithelial recovery from radiation stress was accelerated compared with the irradiated-alone controls. Moreover, mouse cxcl12 gene-modified MSCs were superior to unmodified cells at strengthening host repair responses to radiation stress as well as presenting increased serum CXCL12 levels and decreased serum IL-1α levels. Furthermore, the number of crypt cells that were positive for phosphorylated Akt at Ser473 and phosphorylated Erk1/2 at Thr202/Thr204 increased following treatment with mouse cxcl12 gene-modified MSCs. Thus, cxcl12 gene-modified MSCs confer radioresistance to the intestinal epithelium.
Raman spectroscopic imaging for quantification of depth-dependent and local heterogeneities in native and engineered cartilage
Authors: Albro M. B. , Bergholt M. S. , St-Pierre J. P. , Vinals Guitart A. , Zlotnick H. M. , Evita E. G. , Stevens M. M.
Published: February 2018

Articular cartilage possesses a remarkable, mechanically-robust extracellular matrix (ECM) that is organized and distributed throughout the tissue to resist physiologic strains and provide low friction during articulation. The ability to characterize the make-up and distribution of the cartilage ECM is critical to both understand the process by which articular cartilage undergoes disease-related degeneration and to develop novel tissue repair strategies to restore tissue functionality. However, the ability to quantitatively measure the spatial distribution of cartilage ECM constituents throughout the tissue has remained a major challenge. In this experimental investigation, we assessed the analytical ability of Raman micro-spectroscopic imaging to semi-quantitatively measure the distribution of the major ECM constituents in cartilage tissues. Raman spectroscopic images were acquired of two distinct cartilage tissue types that possess large spatial ECM gradients throughout their depth: native articular cartilage explants and large engineered cartilage tissue constructs. Spectral acquisitions were processed via multivariate curve resolution to decompose the “fingerprint” range spectra (800–1800 cm−1) to the component spectra of GAG, collagen, and water, giving rise to the depth dependent concentration profile of each constituent throughout the tissues. These Raman spectroscopic acquired-profiles exhibited strong agreement with profiles independently acquired via direct biochemical assaying of spatial tissue sections. Further, we harness this spectroscopic technique to evaluate local heterogeneities through the depth of cartilage. This work represents a powerful analytical validation of the accuracy of Raman spectroscopic imaging measurements of the spatial distribution of biochemical components in a biological tissue and shows that it can be used as a valuable tool for quantitatively measuring the distribution and organization of ECM constituents in native and engineered cartilage tissue specimens.
A perovskite oxide LaCoO3 cocatalyst for efficient photocatalytic reduction of CO2 with visible light
Authors: Qin Jiani , Lin Lihua , Wang Xinchen
Published: February 2018

As a unique class of functional materials, perovskite oxides have shown great opportunities in various energy storage and conversion applications.
Electro-caloric effect in a BCZT single crystal
Authors: Liu Donglin , Li Qiang , Yan Qingfeng
Published: February 2018

The electro-caloric effect of the [001]-oriented (Ba,Ca)(Zr,Ti)O3 (BCZT) single crystal was investigated in a wide temperature range from −100 °C to Curie temperature (122 °C).
Cocrystallization in vitamin B9 gels to construct stoichiometry-controlled isostructural materials
Authors: Bao Junjie , Zhang Zaiyong , Yan Zhicheng , Wang Jian-Rong , Mei Xuefeng
Published: February 2018

The potential application of structurally equivalent Cl, Br, and I in the design of isostructural materials in VB9 gels is illustrated by constructing pairs of solids that exhibit different fluorescence properties.
Predicting anisotropic thermal displacements for hydrogens from solid-state NMR: a study on hydrogen bonding in polymorphs of palmitic acid
Authors: Wang Luther , Uribe-Romo Fernando J. , Mueller Leonard J. , Harper James K.
Published: February 2018

Solid-state NMR and DFT methods establish anisotropic thermal displacements for COOH hydrogens in several polymorphs of palmitic acid.
Enhanced photocatalytic properties of ZnO nanorods by electrostatic self-assembly with reduced graphene oxide
Authors: Wang Fengzhi , Zhou Yusong , Pan Xinhua , Lu Bin , Huang Jingyun , Ye Zhizhen
Published: February 2018

A series of ZnO nanorod (NR)-reduced graphene oxide(rGO) nanocomposites (NCs) with varying rGO loadings were fabricated by electrostatic self-assembly of positively charged ZnO NRs with negatively charged graphene oxide, followed by the hydrothermal reduction of GO to rGO.
Poly(vinylidene fluoride)/poly(3-methylthiophene) core–shell nanocomposites with improved structural and electronic properties of the conducting polymer component
Authors: Ogurtsov Nikolay A. , Bliznyuk Valery N. , Mamykin Andrii V. , Kukla Oleksandr L. , Piryatinski Yuri P. , Pud Alexander A.
Published: February 2018

Significant improvements in structural, electronic and sensory properties of P3MT have been achieved due to its synthesis in the presence of submicron PVDF particles.
Spin-state dependence of the structural and vibrational properties of solvated iron(ii) polypyridyl complexes from AIMD simulations: aqueous [Fe(bpy)3]Cl2, a case study
Authors: Lawson Daku Latévi M.
Published: February 2018

LS and HS IR spectra of aqueous [Fe(bpy)3]2+ and corresponding HS–LS difference IR spectrum as obtained from state-of-the-art ab initio molecular dynamics simulations applied to the determination of the structural and vibrational properties of the solvated complex.
Design and synthesis of multifunctional metal–organic zeolites
Authors: Tan Yan-Xi , Wang Fei , Zhang Jian
Published: February 2018

In this review, we focus on the recent advances in metal–organic zeolites (MOZs), an important branch of metal–organic frameworks.
Carbon flakes based metal organic frameworks for H2, CH4 and CO2 gas storage: a GCMC simulation study
Authors: Gopalsamy Karuppasamy , Subramanian Venkatesan
Published: February 2018

In this study, new metal organic frameworks have been designed by modifying the linker of IRMOF-1 with different carbon flakes (circular, rectangular and rhombus).
Enhanced tribological properties of composite films based on ionic liquids with MoS2 nanosheets as additives
Authors: Wang Yongxia , Cao Xing’an , Lang Haojie , Zeng Xingzhong , Chen Bo , Chen Ruling , Peng Yitian
Published: February 2018

The tribological performances of IL films are improved as a function of the load-carrying phase of MoS2.
Complexes of guest–host type between C60 and group 9 metalloporphyrins
Authors: To Ching Tat , Chan Kin Shing
Published: February 2018

Half-sandwich iridium(iii) and cobalt(iii) porphyrin-C60 co-crystals, C60·IrIII(ttp)Ph and C60·CoIII(ttp)Ph/C7H8, and triangular-sandwich C60·3IrIII(ttp)Ph, where ttp = tetra-p-tolylporphyrinato dianion, were synthesized.
Amine-functionalized MIL-101(Cr) embedded with Co(ii) phthalocyanine as a durable catalyst for one-pot tandem oxidative A3coupling reactions of alcohols
Authors: Shaabani Ahmad , Mohammadian Reza , Hashemzadeh Alireza , Afshari Ronak , Amini Mostafa M.
Published: February 2018

In this study, we report a metal–organic framework (MIL-101(Cr)-NH2) postsynthetically modifiedviacovalent immobilization of cobalt(ii) phthalocyanine as an efficient and mild catalytic system.
Magnetic protein imprinted polymers: a review
Authors: Boitard Charlotte , Bée Agnès , Ménager Christine , Griffete Nébéwia
Published: February 2018

Synthesis of protein imprinted polymers coupled to magnetic nanoparticles to obtain specific recognition systems is very promising, but is still challenging.
Doping and oxidation effects under ambient conditions in copper surfaces: a “real-life” CuBe surface
Authors: Glaser M. , Ciccullo F. , Giangrisostomi E. , Ovsyannikov R. , Calzolari A. , Casu M. B.
Published: February 2018

The CuBe surface oxidizes in air similarly to a pure copper surface and contaminants do not affect its electronic properties.
Photoredox generation of the trifluoromethyl radical from borate complexes via single electron reduction
Authors: Smirnov Vladimir O. , Maslov Anton S. , Kokorekin Vladimir A. , Korlyukov Alexander A. , Dilman Alexander D.
Published: February 2018

A trifluoromethyl radical is generated by single electron reduction of CF3-substituted borate complexes.
Flavin–iodine coupled organocatalysis for the aerobic oxidative direct sulfenylation of indoles with thiols under mild conditions
Authors: Ohkado Ryoma , Ishikawa Tatsuro , Iida Hiroki
Published: February 2018

The environmentally friendly direct sulfenylation of indoles with thiols was performed by a unique coupled redox organocatalysis system using flavin and iodine.
Oxygen doping in nickel oxide for highly efficient planar perovskite solar cells
Authors: Niu Guangda , Wang Siyu , Li Jiangwei , Li Wenzhe , Wang Liduo
Published: February 2018

The presence of oxygen decreased the energy mismatch between NiO and perovskites, and led to a final efficiency of 19.2%.
3D optimised hybrid implicit–explicit FDTD method with suppressed numerical dispersion
Authors: Niu Kaikun , Huang Zhixiang , Wu Bo , Wu Xianliang
Published: February 2018

A 3D optimised hybrid implicit–explicit finite‐difference time‐domain (HIE‐FDTD) method aimed at suppressing the numerical dispersion is proposed. Compared with the original HIE‐FDTD method, the optimised parameters are introduced without costing any additional computational resource. In addition, the proposed algorithm sacrifices Courant–Friedrichs–Lewy condition and just requires a modest amount of reprogramming. The update equations of the proposed HIE‐FDTD method are given and numerical results demonstrate that the proposed method performs better in the numerical dispersion.
490 fs pulse generation from passively mode‐locked single section quantum dot laser directly grown on on‐axis GaP/Si
Authors: Liu S. , Jung D. , Norman J. C. , Kennedy M. J. , Gossard A. C. , Bowers J. E.
Published: February 2018

We demonstrate, for the first time, a single section passively mode‐locked InAs/InGaAs quantum dot laser directly grown on on‐axis (001) GaP/Si substrate. The laser has a continuous‐wave threshold current of 34 mA at 20°C. By forward biasing the laser gain section current at 470 mA, 490 fs pulse generation with 31 GHz repetition rate can be obtained. This simple femtosecond pulse generation structure with CMOS fabrication compatibility makes the laser a promising light source candidate in future large‐scale silicon photonic applications.
Stochastic suppression and stabilisation of non‐linear hybrid delay systems with general one‐sided polynomial growth condition and decay rate
Authors: Zhu Song , Sun Kaili , Chang Wenting , Wang Min
Published: February 2018

This study investigates the stochastic suppression and stabilisation of non‐linear hybrid delay systems with general one‐sided polynomial growth condition and decay rate. Given an unstable non‐linear hybrid delay system with general one‐sided polynomial growth condition, the authors introduce two independent Brownian noise and perturb this system into stochastic hybrid delay system . It is shown that the non‐linear diffusion term may suppress the potential explosion of hybrid delay system. Under a stronger condition, another linear diffusion term will make the perturbed stochastic hybrid delay system is almost surely stable with general decay rate.
Real‐time segmentation of various insulators using generative adversarial networks
Authors: Chang Wenkai , Yang Guodong , Yu Junzhi , Liang Zize
Published: February 2018

The conventional inspection of fragile insulators is critical to grid operation and insulator segmentation is the basis of inspection. However, the segmentation of various insulators is still difficult because of the great differences in colour and shape, as well as the cluttered background. Traditional insulator segmentation algorithms need many artificial thresholds, thereby limiting the adaptability of algorithms. A compact end‐to‐end neural network, which is trained in the framework of conditional generative adversarial networks, is proposed for the real‐time pixel‐level segmentation of insulators. The input image is mapped to a visual saliency map, and various insulators with different poses are filtered out at the same time. The proposed two‐stage training and empty samples are also used to improve the segmentation quality. Extensive experiments and comparisons are performed on many real‐world images. The experimental results demonstrate superior segmentation and real‐time performance. Meanwhile, the effectiveness of the proposed training strategies and the trade‐off between performance and speed are analysed in detail.
Research on the correlation between the frequency‐domain characteristics of corona current and A‐weighted sound level of audible noise for UHV DC transmission line
Authors: Liu Yingyi , Liu Yuanqing , Yuan Haiwen , Ji Liang
Published: February 2018

Audible noise is closely related to the frequency‐domain characteristics of corona current. Based on the largest ultra‐high‐voltage (UHV) DC corona cage in the world and an actual UHV DC transmission line, a large amount of audible noise and corona current were measured simultaneously here. According to the statistical analysis of the experimental data, the correlation relationship between the frequency‐domain characteristics of corona current and audible noise was obtained, and the causes of correlation rule were also analysed. Meanwhile, the correlation formula between the spectrum characteristics of corona current and A‐weighted sound level of audible noise was discovered. The experimental results showed that the mathematical correlation formula discovered has good universality. The obtained results can provide theory and experimental foundation for deeply research on the essential connection between corona current and audible noise, which makes it possible to explore the causes of audible noise's change law from the perspective of ‘sound source’ and may provide a new method for audible noise estimation.
Generalised non‐locally centralised image de‐noising using sparse dictionary
Authors: Ji Jian , Ren Fen , Ji Hua‐Feng , Yao Ya‐Feng , Hou Guo‐Fei
Published: February 2018

Recently, image de‐noising algorithm based on sparse representation has received an increasing amount of attention. Such algorithms proposed a comprehensive sparse representation model, by solving the sparse coding problem and choosing the proper method for dictionary updating to achieve better de‐noising results. Therefore, the construction of learning dictionary has become one of the key problems that limit the de‐noising effectiveness. The non‐locally centralised sparse representation de‐noising algorithm uses principal component analysis method to achieve dictionary updating. Nevertheless, the instability of a single complete dictionary in sparse coding leads to erratic result in the process of the original image restoration. In this study, the authors present a new method named generalised non‐locally centralised sparse representation algorithm. In the proposed method, the authors cluster the training patches extracted from a set of example images into subspaces, and then train dictionaries for subspaces by sparse analysis k‐singular value decomposition dictionary, which is utilised to construct coded sub‐block dictionary to avoid the instable results caused by a single dictionary. Experiments show that the improved method has better signal‐to‐noise ratio and de‐noising effect compared with other methods.
Deployment of multistatic radar system using multi‐objective particle swarm optimisation
Authors: Yang Yichuan , Zhang Tianxian , Yi Wei , Kong Lingjiang , Li Xiaolong , Wang Bing , Yang Xiaobo
Published: February 2018

The authors consider an optimisation problem of multistatic radar system (MSRS) deployment, which includes both the antenna placement and the transmitted power allocation. To improve the surveillance performance of MSRS that equipped with different detection methods, they mainly aim at two goals: (i) to improve the coverage ratio of a surveillance region; (ii) to get an even distribution of signal energy in the surveillance region. Through introducing two objective functions for the above two mentioned goals, respectively, they formulate a multi‐objective optimisation problem. To overcome drawbacks caused by the significant difference between the values of these two objective functions, they propose a multi‐objective particle swarm optimisation (MOPSO) algorithm with non‐dominated relative crowding distance (MOPSO‐NRCD). Specifically, through the non‐dominative relationship comparison and normalisation of crowding distance, a novel method is proposed to select the global best solution. Moreover, a multi‐swarm structure is applied to labour division of all particles. Comparing with the MOPSO with the traditional crowding distance, simulation results show that the MOPSO‐NRCD can provide better candidate schemes, which are capable to satisfy more stringent performance requirements.
Permanent magnet synchronous machine starter/generators based high‐voltage DC parallel electric power system for the more electric aircraft
Authors: Liu Feipeng , Xu Lie , Li Yongdong , Kang Yuanli , Wu Zhiyong
Published: February 2018

A high‐voltage direct current (HVDC) electric power system (EPS) has become an attractive power distribution architecture for the more electric aircraft. The structure of a typical HVDC parallel EPS based on the permanent magnet synchronous machine (PMSM) starter/generators (S/Gs) is proposed in this study. On the basis of this structure, the control strategy for a single PMSM S/G system is presented, which is suitable for wide‐speed operation and high‐power application. It can not only achieve both starter and generator functions but also achieve the stability of DC bus voltage. A master–slave current sharing method is derived and can be applied in the HVDC parallel system, compared with the droop‐control strategy. The validity of the proposed strategies is verified by simulation studies in a Matlab/Simulation environment.
230 VAC/28 VDC high‐power density power supply for more electric aircraft applications
Authors: Liu Ran , Xu Lie , Kang Yuanli , Hui Yannian , Li Yongdong
Published: February 2018

The most important characteristics of aircraft power system are power density, reliability, availability and power quality. The traditional more electric aircraft (MEA) 28 VDC network is used to power the core electronic system. However, the 28 VDC network in modern MEAs such as B787 or A380 is a centralised power network obtained by transformer rectifier unit (TRU), battery charge and rectifier unit (BCRU) or two‐stage power conversion (AC/DC + DC/DC) from 230 VAC, 400–800 Hz variable frequency input. The traditional centralised architecture is of low‐power density and low fault tolerance. Furthermore, compared to distributed power network, the centralised architecture is of less availability inherently, therefore a single‐stage, isolated, low‐power and high‐power density power supply is required to achieve the distributed 28 VDC network. In this study, a three‐phase single‐switch discontinuous mode AC–DC flyback converter is proposed. The converter directly rectifies a three‐phase, 400–800 Hz, 230 VAC network into a 28 VDC network. The operation modes of the converter are analysed. A prototype is carefully designed and implemented using high‐frequency planner transformer and SiC MOSFET techniques, aiming at higher performance. Experimental results demonstrate the practicability and high performance of the proposed power supply system.
Thermal analysis of fault‐tolerant electrical machines for more electric aircraft applications
Authors: Madonna Vincenzo , Giangrande Paolo , Gerada Chris , Galea Michael
Published: February 2018

For safety critical applications, electrical machines need to satisfy several constraints, in order to be considered fault‐tolerant. In fact, if specific design choices and appropriate control strategies are adopted, fault‐tolerant machines can operate safely even in faulty conditions. However, particular care must be taken for avoiding uncontrolled thermal overload, which can cause severe failures. This study describes the thermal modelling of a three‐phase, synchronous machine for aerospace applications, analysing the machine's thermal behaviour under open‐circuit fault conditions. A particular winding's layout is chosen with the purpose of satisfying fault‐tolerance constraints. The winding temperature is evaluated by using a simplified thermal model, which was experimentally validated. Copper and iron losses, necessary for the thermal simulations, are calculated analytically and through electromagnetic finite element analysis, respectively. Finally, an aerospace study case is presented and the machine's thermal behaviour is analysed during both healthy and open‐circuit conditions.
Spectral analysis of a SVPWM modulated matrix converter based on 3D Fourier integral
Authors: Lin Qiu , Lie Xu , Yongdong Li , Xiaoyan Huang , Youtong Fang
Published: February 2018

Matrix converter (MC) is a typical high‐power‐density converter used in more electric aircraft, in which MC can be used as electric de‐icer converter and generation starter converter; this study proposes an analytical spectral calculation method based on three‐dimensional (3D) Fourier integral to obtain accurate spectra of both output voltage and input current of a space vector pulse width modulation (SVPWM) MC. The MC is a direct AC–AC power converter without an intermediate DC link; three‐phase output is synthesised by three‐phase input through nine bidirectional switches. At present, there is no such research on spectral analysis for MC space vector modulation. This study focuses on spectral calculation, by the adoption of 3D Fourier integral, spectral of bidirectional switch duty cycle function, output voltage and input current can be achieved. When analytic spectral solution is obtained, the correspondence between SVPWM and harmonic components is established. Simulation and experimental results are given to demonstrate the theoretical work.
Recent Progress in Methylation of (Hetero)Arenes by Cross-Coupling or C–H Activation
Authors: Liu Yahu , Liao Xuebin , Hu Lu
Published: February 2018

Owing to the ‘magic methyl effect’ on a compound’s physical and biological properties, methylation is a strategy frequently used by medicinal chemists in structure–activity relationship studies or in lead optimization. This article highlights the most recent reported methods for the direct methylation of (hetero)arenes, which mainly involve either C–H functionalization or cross-coupling of methylating reagents with (hetero)aryl halides. Methylation of C–H bonds of (hetero)-arenes, which is atom economical, has been explored by several research groups in recent years. Given the unmatchable availability of (hetero)aryl halides, we believe that Ni-catalyzed methylation using iodomethane or deuterated iodomethane as the methyl source is one of the most convenient methods.
Novel Surgical Approach for Decompression of the Scalene Triangle in Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Authors: Ricci Joseph , Eberlin Kyle , Hagan Robert
Published: February 2018

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a cause of upper extremity and shoulder dysfunction. TOS can present with a wide range of symptoms due to compression of the brachial plexus or its branches during their passage through the cervicothoracobrachial region or scalene triangle. There are three types of TOS: arterial, venous, and neurogenic. Neurogenic TOS (nTOS) is by far the most frequent type and represents more than 95% of all cases. Historically, surgical intervention for all types of TOS has evolved based on the treatment for a vascular etiology and has typically included a first rib resection. Despite nTOS being by far the more common type, most previous interventions have not considered treatment via peripheral nerve decompression.

We describe surgical treatment of nTOS, performed on an outpatient basis, which focuses on the surgical decompression of the structures associated with the scalene triangle in conjunction with release of the pectoralis minor insertion through limited incisions. The procedure avoids the morbidity associated with first rib resection and is successful in ameliorating nTOS symptoms. Further, we propose a nomenclature shift to scalene triangle syndrome (STS) to reflect the nerve and arterial compressions needing to be addressed.
The Association of Metabolic Dysfunction with Breastfeeding Outcomes in Gestational Diabetes
Authors: Glover Angelica , Berry Diane , Schwartz Todd , Stuebe Alison
Published: February 2018

Objective To evaluate the relationship between prenatal metabolic markers and breastfeeding outcomes in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Study Design Secondary analysis of a cluster-randomized trial of a lifestyle intervention to improve metabolic health among women with GDM. Women were enrolled between 22 and 36 weeks' gestation and followed through 10 months postpartum. Metabolic markers were measured at enrollment. Women reported when they stopped breastfeeding, whether they breastfed as long as desired, and when they introduced formula. We evaluated the association of tertiles of metabolic markers with undesired weaning and time to breastfeeding cessation using Cox proportional hazards models and Mantel–Haenszel chi-square tests, respectively.

Results Eighty-two women were eligible for analysis. There was a statistically significant difference in time to breastfeeding cessation among tertiles of fasting glucose, hemoglobin A1c (A1c), body mass index (BMI), and skinfolds (all p < 0.05). Women with higher fasting glucose, BMI, or skinfolds were also more likely to report undesired weaning; women with higher fasting glucose introduced formula earlier.

Conclusion Higher fasting glucose, A1c, BMI, and subscapular skinfolds were associated with earlier breastfeeding cessation in women with GDM. These markers may identify mothers in need of enhanced postpartum support to achieve their breastfeeding goals.
Neuro-ophthalmology Training in Ophthalmology Residency Programs in the United States
Authors: Wayman Laura , Chen John , Leavitt Jacqueline
Published: February 2018

Background The status of neuro-ophthalmology education in ophthalmology residency training in the United States is unknown. There are numerous articles in the literature detailing resident outcomes for surgical procedures; however, there are no articles detailing teaching of a nonprocedural specialty. There are no specific Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) requirements for neuro-ophthalmology training within ophthalmology residency. Each program determines the amount of neuro-ophthalmology training and level of training within ophthalmology residency. There are no publications that detail the extent of neuro-ophthalmology training during ophthalmology residency.

Objective To determine the status of neuro-ophthalmology education in ophthalmology residency training programs in the United States.

Methods A survey was sent in 2014 to residency directors and neuro-ophthalmologists of all ophthalmology residency programs who participated in the Ophthalmology Residency Matching Program in the United States to determine the amount of neuro-ophthalmology training that residents receive.

Results From a total of 113 ophthalmology residency programs in the United States utilizing the Ophthalmology Residency Matching Program, 104 surveys were returned (92% response rate). Duration of neuro-ophthalmology training ranged from 1 to 112 days, with an average of 34.5 days. Most rotations occurred within postgraduate year 2 or 3.

Conclusion This is the first evaluation of the amount of neuro-ophthalmology training within ophthalmology residencies participating in the matching program in the United States, which demonstrates large variability among the different programs. Future studies could ascertain if there is a correlation between resident satisfaction in neuro-ophthalmology training and the amount of training.
Postpartum Thromboembolism Prophylaxis during Delivery Hospitalizations
Authors: Merriam Audrey , Huang Yongmei , Ananth Cande , Wright Jason , D'Alton Mary , Friedman Alexander
Published: February 2018

Objective This article evaluates trends in venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis during delivery hospitalizations in the United States.

Methods We utilized an administrative database to determine if women hospitalized for vaginal or cesarean delivery received pharmacologic VTE prophylaxis, mechanical VTE prophylaxis, or both from January 2011 through March 2015. Mechanical prophylaxis included sequential compression devices, graduated compression stockings, and other pneumatic devices. Pharmacologic prophylaxis included unfractionated heparin, low molecular weight heparin, or fondaparinux. Probability of use of thromboprophylaxis for individual hospitals was estimated in an adjusted model.

Results A total of 956,428 women who underwent cesarean and 1,914,142 women who underwent vaginal delivery were included in the analysis. Cesarean VTE prophylaxis declined between 2011 (50.3%) and 2015 (47.7%; p < 0.01). Of women undergoing vaginal delivery, 2.9% received prophylaxis. Delivery hospital was an important determinant of cesarean prophylaxis: in the adjusted model, one-third of hospitals used prophylaxis for less than 20% of deliveries, one-third of hospitals used prophylaxis for 20 to 80% of deliveries, and the final third of hospitals used prophylaxis in greater than 80% of deliveries.

Conclusion While many hospitals appear to be following best clinical practices, some do not provide routine cesarean VTE prophylaxis. Minimizing care quality variation may improve maternal safety.
Neurally Adjusted Ventilatory Assist Is Associated with Greater Initial Extubation Success in Postoperative Congenital Heart Disease Patients when Compared to Conventional Mechanical Ventilation
Authors: Mushtaq Nasir , Brown Kellie , Littlefield Vanette , Barton Roger , Sood Shawn
Published: February 2018

Extubation failure is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality in postoperative patients with congenital heart disease (CHD). The study purpose was to investigate initial extubation success utilizing neurally adjusted ventilatory assist (NAVA) compared with pressure-regulated volume controlled, synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation with pressure support (SIMV-PRVC + PS) for ventilatory weaning in patients who required prolonged mechanical ventilation (MV). Also, total days on MV, inotropes, sedation, analgesia, and pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) length of stay (LOS) between both groups were compared. This was a non-randomized pilot study utilizing historical controls (SIMV-PRVC + PS; n = 40) compared with a prospective study population (NAVA; n = 35) in a Level I PICU and was implemented to help future trial designs. All patients (n = 75) required prolonged MV ≥96 hours due to their complex postoperative course. Ventilator weaning initiation and management was standardized between both groups. Ninety-seven percent of the NAVA group was successfully extubated on the initial attempt, while 80% were in the SIMV-PRVC + PS group (p = 0.0317). Patients placed on NAVA were eight times more likely to have successful initial extubation (odds ratio [OR]: 8.50, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01, 71.82). The NAVA group demonstrated a shorter median duration on MV (9.0 vs. 11.0 days, p = 0.032), PICU LOS (9.0 vs. 13.5 days, p < 0.0001), and shorter median duration of days on dopamine (8.0 vs. 11.0 days, p = 0.0022), milrinone (9.0 vs. 12.0 days, p = 0.0002), midazolam (8.0 vs. 12.0 days, p < 0.0001), and fentanyl (9.0 vs. 12.5 days, p < 0.0001) compared with the SIMV-PRVC + PS group. NAVA compared with SIMV-PRVC + PS was associated with a greater initial extubation success rate. NAVA should be considered as a mechanical ventilator weaning strategy in postoperative congenital heart disease (CHD) patients and warrants further investigation.
Risk factors for patients with diabetes who have abnormal toe-brachial index and normal ankle-brachial index
Authors: Hamasaki Hidetaka , Hamasaki Yasuteru
Published: February 2018

Aim To investigate the association of ankle-brachial index (ABI) and toe-brachial index (TBI) with metabolic parameters and the risk factors causing a divergence between ABI and TBI in patients with diabetes.

Methods Outpatients who were simultaneously examined for both ABI and TBI were included. Multiple regression analysis was performed to assess the association of ABI and TBI with metabolic parameters. Furthermore, logistic regression analysis was performed to detect the risk factors causing a divergence between ABI and TBI.

Results Of the 307 patients that were enrolled, 77 had normal ABI but decreased TBI. ABI was inversely associated with plasma glucose and triglycerides and positively associated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. In contrast, TBI was inversely associated with the duration of diabetes, plasma glucose and haemoglobin A1c. Logistic regression analysis showed that smoking history and a history of cardiovascular disease were associated with an increased risk of the divergence between ABI and TBI.

Conclusion Our findings suggest that smoking history and a history of cardiovascular disease are important risk factors in patients with diabetes who had normal ABI but decreased TBI. Patients with multiple vascular complications are at a high risk of coexisting peripheral artery disease, even if their ABI is normal.
Associations of TNFRSF1A Polymorphisms with Autoimmune Thyroid Diseases: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Shao Xiao-Qing , Ding Xiao-Lian , Mu Kaida , Wang Xuan , An Xiao-Fei , Yao Qiu-Ming , Li Ling , Li Qian , Song Rong-Hua , He Shuang-tao , Xu Jian , Zhang Jin-An
Published: February 2018

Previous studies have shown associations of polymorphisms in the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor super family member 1A (TNFRSF1A) gene with several groups of inflammatory and autoimmune related diseases, but associations of TNFRSF1A polymorphisms with autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD), mainly including two sub-types of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) and Graves’ disease (GD), in the Chinese Han population is unclear. A case-control study of 1812 subjects (965 AITD patients and 847 unrelated healthy controls) was conducted to assess AITD associations with five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), including rs4149576, rs4149577, rs4149570, rs1800693, and rs767455 in the TNFRSF1A gene locus. Genotyping was performed and evaluated using the platform of ligase detection reaction. No significant difference was observed in the allele and genotype frequencies between HT or GD patients and controls in any of the five SNPs in the TNFRSF1A gene (all p values >0.05). However, a moderate association of rs4149570 with HT was found after adjusting for age and gender [odds ratio (OR)=1.40, p=0.03]. No obvious difference was found in the haplotype distribution of any of the five SNPs in the TNFRSF1A gene between the AITD patients and controls. These data suggest that these five SNPs in the TNFRSF1A gene are not associated with AITD in the Chinese Han population, but rs4149570 shows a weak association with HT after adjusting for gender and age.