bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Real‐time approach for oscillatory stability assessment in large‐scale power systems based on MRMR classifier
Authors: Li Xin , Zheng Zhiyi , Ma Zhicheng , Guo Panfeng , Shao Kaixuan , Quan Siping
Published: August 2019

An integrated approach for real‐time oscillatory stability assessment (OSA) based on mutual information theory is proposed in this study. An advanced maximum‐relevance minimum‐redundancy (MRMR) ensemble scheme is designed to explore the internal relations between operation variables and the oscillatory stability margin (OSM). Multiple MRMR procedures are generated in parallel to select multiple different feature subsets, in which each feature presents a relevant and complementary description of OSM. The functional expression of the relationships is obtained by curve fitting. The 21‐bus system and 1648‐bus system are implemented to test the performance of the proposed approach. A compared investigation is made with some other data mining methods. The impacts of the number of feature sets, size of feature sets, size of training set, invalid data and computation time are studied. Experimental results reveal that the proposed approach provides faster and more accurate assessment results and is a real‐time adaptive approach for OSA.
Enhanced soft‐switching strategy for flyback‐based microinverter in PV power systems
Authors: Hasan Rasedul , Hassan Waqas , Farhangi Majid , Mekhilef Saad , Xiao Weidong
Published: August 2019

Flyback topology has been widely used to construct modular power conversion for solar photovoltaic (PV) grid‐tied systems, which creates a parallel interconnection infrastructure and is considered as the most straightforward way to cope with the harmful mismatch effects among PV modules. The challenge becomes the conversion efficiency and system reliability to be competitive with traditional system configurations. This study proposes a comprehensive solution to overcome the present problem, which optimally integrates the technology of resonant circuit, adaptive modulation scheme, and active clamping to enhance soft‐switching capability and system efficiency. The effectiveness of theoretical analysis, circuit design, and modulation scheme is analysed by simulation and verified by experimental evaluation. The California Energy Commission efficiency is tested and shown as 97.4%.
Overcurrent protection scheme for collector lines in wind farm based on fault component current correlation analysis and multi‐agent system
Authors: Zheng Tao , Zhao Yutong , Zhu Yifan
Published: August 2019

Collector line relay failures of large‐scale grid‐connected wind farms have not received much attention so far. In this study, the adaptability of conventional overcurrent setting method is analysed when used in doubly fed induction generator‐based wind farms, revealing the coordination difficulties between collector line relay and fuse protection of wind turbine (WT) branch as well as the potential maloperation causes of backup overcurrent relays (BOCRs). Then, a novel three‐stage setting method of overcurrent relays is proposed. In view of time‐bound instantaneous overcurrent relays, a time delay setting approach is put forward considering the time–current characteristic of fuses. Based on the multi‐agent system, which is both flexible and effective, comprehensive criteria containing fault component current correlation analysis and differential current criterion are applied to BOCRs. The proposed scheme is validated by the simulation of 46‐WT wind farm on DIgSILENT/Powerfactory platform. Simulation results show that the relay is able to trip within 0.32 s and the BOCRs perform well when confronting single fault or even multiple faults.
Erosion of an exoplanetary atmosphere caused by stellar winds
Authors: Rodríguez-Mozos J. M. , Moya A.
Published: August 2019

Aims.We present a formalism for a first-order estimation of the magnetosphere radius of exoplanets orbiting stars in the range from 0.08 to 1.3M⊙. With this radius, we estimate the atmospheric surface that is not protected from stellar winds. We have analyzed this unprotected surface for the most extreme environment for exoplanets: GKM-type and very low-mass stars at the two limits of the habitable zone. The estimated unprotected surface makes it possible to define a likelihood for an exoplanet to retain its atmosphere. This function can be incorporated into the new habitability index SEPHI.

Methods.Using different formulations in the literature in addition to stellar and exoplanet physical characteristics, we estimated the stellar magnetic induction, the main characteristics of the stellar wind, and the different star-planet interaction regions (sub- and super-Alfvénic, sub- and supersonic). With this information, we can estimate the radius of the exoplanet magnetopause and thus the exoplanet unprotected surface.

Results.We have conducted a study of the auroral aperture angles for Earth-like exoplanets orbiting the habitable zone of its star, and found different behaviors depending on whether the star is in rotational saturated or unsaturated regimes, with angles of aperture of the auroral ring above or below 36°, respectively, and with different slopes for the linear relation between the auroral aperture angle at the inner edge of the habitable zone versus the difference between auroral aperture angles at the two boundaries of the habitable zone. When the planet is tidally locked, the unprotected angle increases dramatically to values higher than 40° with a low likelihood of keeping its atmosphere. When the impact of stellar wind is produced in the sub-Alfvénic regime, the likelihood of keeping the atmosphere is almost zero for exoplanets orbiting very close to their star, regardless of whether they are saturated or not.
Dynamo action of the zonal winds in Jupiter
Authors: Wicht J. , Gastine T. , Duarte L. D. V. , Dietrich W.
Published: August 2019

The new data delivered by NASA’s Juno spacecraft significantly increase our understanding of the internal dynamics of Jupiter. The gravity data constrain the depth of the zonal flows observed at cloud level and suggest that they slow down considerably at a depth of about 0.96 rJ, where rJ is the mean radius at the one bar level. The magnetometer onboard Juno reveals the internal magnetic field of the planet. We combine the new zonal flow and magnetic field models with an updated electrical conductivity profile to assess the zonal-wind-induced dynamo action, concentrating on the outer part of the molecular hydrogen region of Jupiter where the conductivity increases very rapidly with depth. Dynamo action remains quasi-stationary and can therefore reasonably be estimated where the magnetic Reynolds number remains smaller than one, which is roughly the region above 0.96 rJ. We calculate that the locally induced radial magnetic field reaches rms values of about 10−6 T in this region and may just be detectable by the Juno mission. Very localized dynamo action and a distinct pattern that reflects the zonal wind system increases the chance to disentangle this locally induced field from the background field. The estimates of the locally induced currents also allow calculation of the zonal-flow-related Ohmic heating and associated entropy production. The respective quantities remain below new revised predictions for the total dissipative heating and total entropy production in Jupiter for any of the explored model combinations. Thus, neither Ohmic heating nor entropy production offer additional constraints on the depth of the zonal winds.
CFD simulation of forced heat transfer of gas in pipe
Authors: Kolev Zhivko , Kadirova Seher
Published: August 2019

This paper presents results from CFD simulation of heat transfer processes in ABAQUS. The investigations are realized at forced convection of air in steel pipe. Verification of the computing mesh and validation of the model, have been done. The average heat convection coefficients have been determined by methodology based on criteria equations, and on simulation methodology. Heat transfer processes between air flow in a steel pipe and the environment, have been experimentally accomplished. In order to analyze the processes of heat convection between the fluid and the internal surface of the pipe, numerical modelling is applied. A geometric model of the fluid flowing in the pipe is built. The computing mesh has been verified by increasing the number of cells and nodes. The numerical model has been validated based on experimentally measured temperature values and the simulation data. The heat convection coefficients have been investigated by analogy of the above. The results demonstrate that the numerical model is adequate and can be used to study similar heat transfer processes.
Some aspects of cycle variability at the Diesel engine fuelled with animal fats
Authors: Nicolici Adrian , Pană Constantin , Negurescu Niculae , Cernat Alexandru , Nuţu Cristian
Published: August 2019

The progressive diminution of the oil reserves all over the world highlights the necessity of using alternative fuels derived from durable renewable resource. The use of the alternative fuels represents a viable solution to reduce the pollutant emissions and to replace fossil fuels. Thus, a viable solution is the use of the animal fats in mixture with the diesel fuel at the diesel engines. A D2156 MTN8 diesel engine was firstly fuelled with diesel fuel and then with different blends of diesel fuel-animal fats (5% and 10% animal fats content). In the paper are presented some results of the experimental investigations of engine fuelled with preheated animal fats. The raw animal fats effects on the combustion process and on the pollutant emissions at different engine loads and 1450 rev/min engine speed are showed. The engine cycle variability increases at the animal fats content increase. The cycle variability for maximum pressure, maximum pressure angle and indicated mean effective pressure is analysed. The cycle variability coefficients values don’t exceed the recommended values of the standard diesel engine.
Instantaneous field measurements of thermal bridge parameters in ground floor residential room
Authors: Ivanov Martin
Published: August 2019

The “thermal bridges” are defined as an isolated building’s areas, where the construction elements have higher thermal conductivity, compared with the rest of the building envelope. Thus, at cold winter conditions, a significant temperature difference may occur between neighbouring solid and air volumes within the construction. Moreover, it has been documented, that the heating energy demand of a building may be increased with more than 30%, due to the existence of thermal bridges and the increased heat losses from the indoors. Consequently, in the recent years, norms and standards have been developed, for avoiding thermal bridges during the building design process. But still, thermal bridges exist in the indoor environment, especially in older buildings, where no energy efficient measures have been applied. That is why, the presented study focuses on instantaneous field measurements of thermal bridge parameters in real existing ground floor residential room. The thermal bridge propagation is analysed relative to the indoor and outdoor air temperature and relative humidity, as well as with infrared thermal images of the affected external walls. The achieved results give valuable information about the generic conditions for thermal bridge existence, without considering the building envelope properties.
Dew point temperature analyses in ground floor residential room with existing thermal bridge
Authors: Ivanov Martin
Published: August 2019

The presented study reveals a dew point temperature analyses in ground floor residential room with existing thermal bridge. The dew point temperature is analysed, based on field measurements of indoor air temperature and relative humidity in the residential room, without organized occupants’ behaviour. Furthermore, the dew point temperature is cross-analysed with existing thermal bridge propagation in one of the outer walls of the room, via infrared thermal images. The results represent a valuable indicator for moisture accumulation over the thermal bridge zone, as well as an indicator for future mold growth and other humidity related problems. In the building design practice, the “thermal bridge” is defined as a distant zone, where construction elements have higher thermal conductivity, compared with the rest of the building envelope. These thermal bridges mostly affect the energy performance of the buildings, because of the higher heat losses from inside towards outside. But even more important, moisture build-up and considerable humidity related problems in the occupied areas are probable, due to the decreased surface temperature over the affected thermal zones.
The initiation stage of Food Court Waste during air versus steam gasification processes
Authors: Nicoleta Tîrtea Raluca , Bulmău Cora , Ionescu Gabriela , Mărculescu Cosmin
Published: August 2019

Using different gasification agents: air and steam, two types of gasification process were performed into a batch reactor at temperature of 750°C and 850°C and atmospheric pressure. The only difference between of the two compared experimental configurations was represented by the gasification agent used in the process. The amount of oxygen introduced into the reactor for air gasification at an ER of 0.3 was computed. Therefore, in the steam gasification process, the same amount of oxygen was introduced, so establishing an unordinary steam to biomass ratio. In this way, the two processes, air vs. steam gasification, were compared, the rest of the process parameters being kept constant. This paper approaches the transitory regimes (initiation stage) of gasification process in order to observe the influence of process temperature and gasification agent on the process run. According to the experimental results, better gas quality is obtained if steam is used as a gasifying agent, yet the conversion and energy efficiencies decreases. By optimizing time residence in steam gasification, process efficiencies may be increased.
Conceptual matrix for the biofuels of the future applicable to the Romanian economy
Authors: Lăzăroiu Gheorghe , Mihăescu Lucian , Negreanu Gabriel , Berbece Viorel , Jarcu Elena-Adriana , Stănescu Laura Alexandra
Published: August 2019

Romania is in a full process of development in regards to producing energy from renewable sources. Successes have been recorded in the wind and hydro sectors, however, challenges are still to be solved in the field of biofuels. In previous years, research and investments targeting facilities that make use of a larger range of renewable fuels and their respective incineration technologies were carried out. The experience thus gained allows for a redefinition of the range of fuels which can constitute cost-worthy power producing solutions. Defining the renewable fuels of the future is of utmost importance for a country with a significant agricultural potential, but also with a temperate climate. After eliminating some cultures specific to warmer climates and not taking into account the quantity/price ratio, the current paper highlights a synthetic approach (a matrix) to the fuels of the future applicable to the power sector in Romania. At the definition base for the matrix also stands data gained from the experience of the researchers in the respective domain.
Biomass consumption in residential sector of Ukraine in 2007–2016
Authors: Antonenko Viacheslav , Levinska Sofiia
Published: August 2019

Residential sector plays a decisive role in the bioenergy sector growth in Ukraine. Larger half of biomass used by households comes from so-called self-production, which is problematic for the statistical monitoring. State Statistics do not publish detailed fuel mix reports on regional level. In this article we are providing a detailed data on fuel mix used by the households at regional level during 2007– 2016 and determine the biofuel self-production amount. The facilities that are direct emission sources and are the final fuel consumers, including individual heating/hot water boilers/stoves out of district heating system and individual cookers are considered in detail.
Demand-side Management Programs – A joint environmental protection action. Case study: The lighting system in the Campus of the University POLITEHNICA of Bucharest
Authors: Scripcariu Mircea , Bitir-Istrate Ioan Sevastian , Gheorghiu Cristian , Pluteanu Ştefăniţă , Neniu Aida Maria
Published: August 2019

The current development of Smart Grids, combined with the pressure enforced by national legislation as a direct effect of the 2012/27/EU and the 2018/844/EU Directives and the ever-growing energy demand lead to a new set of challenges for both the end-users and the utility companies, under the form of optimizing the EPIs (Energy Performance Indicators), reducing the Environmental Impact and flattening the Power Demand Curve. In this paper, the economical viability and the potential environmental impact reduction obtained by implementing a DSM (Demand–Side Management) program in the Campus of the University POLITEHNICA of Bucharest were analysed. The energy boundary consisted of all the 26 Student Dorms and the main Significant Energy Use) consisted of the lighting system. Four different scenarios were conceived, taking into account the initial investment and the energy savings sharing between the end-user and the Utility Company. Based on these scenarios, a technical-economic model is presented. Using the data gathered on-site and the DSM program mode, relevant results were obtained and a development solution for such projects was proposed. In the final part of the paper, the predicted Environmental Impact Reduction was quantified and analysed, under the form of the Carbon Footprint generated, respectively avoided by implementing the most economically efficient DSM program development solution.
Experiments in use of bentonite for energy recovery of used oils
Authors: Dragne Mihai , Pop Elena , Covaliu Cristina Ileana , Matei Ecaterina , Pîşă Ionel
Published: August 2019

The paper proposes the development of advanced, integrated technologies for materials with properties of adsorbents (e.g. bentonite), and the use of these material in processes of used oil recovery with remediation effect and energy recovery. The main objective is to replace diesel fuel, which is an expensive fuel, with revitalized oils for energy production. For these, laboratory experiments are required in two important directions. The first tests are related to the determination the optimum concentration of bentonite for removal of metals from used oil. The revitalization of the used oil leads to the protection of the combustion plant, to the increase of its lifetime and polluting emissions reduction. The second set of experiments relates to the determination of energy characteristics of used oil and revitalized used oil for energy production. Elemental analysis, lower heating value, viscosity, density and ash analysis were determined. Experimental test of combustion process on a small scale boiler has been done and the results shows an improved combustion process of revitalized oil compares with used oil and the decrease of the pollutant emissions.
Femoral head disengagement from Accolade femoral stem in MOM Arthroplasty: a case study and literature review
Authors: Elsheikh Mohamed F. H. , Gul Rehan
Published: August 2019

Background: Metal on Metal Hip arthroplasty was commonly used until the last decade. However Hip Arthroplasty registries of many countries showed increased revision rates of MOM Hips – these high rates of revision caused by trunnionosis, adverse tissue reactions (ALTRs) and Pseudotumor formation.

The Case: Our Case is 73 years old gentleman who had left MOM THR in 2008, and was doing fine till the beginning of 2018 when his left leg stuck while getting out of the car. Despite he heard the pop and his leg was shortened and externally rotated, but he was still walking on it for a while. On reviewing him in our orthopedic clinic and after getting the CT-scan showed that he had dislocated femoral head from the stem.
Angeborene Immunität und Adipositas – Die Rolle der Nod-like-Rezeptoren (NLR)
Authors: Mirza Nora , Bauer Sarah , Kufer Thomas A.
Published: August 2019

Allgemein wird angenommen, dass die mit Adipositas assoziierten Komorbiditäten, vor allem das metabolische Syndrom, wesentlich durch niederschwellige Entzündungsreaktionen, vorrangig im Fettgewebe, ausgelöst werden. In Mausmodellen spielt hierbei die Freisetzung proinflammatorischer Zytokine wie Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) und die Prägung von Immunzellen zu einem proinflammatorischen Phänotyp im Fettgewebe eine wichtige Rolle. Die zugrundeliegenden genetischen und molekularen Determinanten sind jedoch noch nicht im Detail verstanden.

Eine Reihe neuer Arbeiten zeigt, dass Proteine der Nod-like-Rezeptoren(NLR)-Familie wichtige Rollen bei der Entstehung und Ausprägung von Adipositas und Adipositas-assoziierten Entzündungsreaktionen spielen. In diesem Artikel betrachten wir den aktuellen Stand der Forschung auf diesem Gebiet und diskutieren offene Fragen zur Relevanz dieser Daten für das Verständnis der Entstehung von Adipositas und des metabolischen Syndroms im Menschen.
Neues zu Diagnostik und Therapie des idiopathischen Parkinson-Syndroms
Authors: Waldthaler Josefine , Timmermann Lars
Published: August 2019

In Deutschland leben mindestens 300000 Menschen mit einem idiopathischen Parkinson-Syndrom. Aufgrund des demografischen Wandels ist mit einer stetig steigenden Zahl Betroffener zu rechnen. In diesem Beitrag werden die evidenzbasierte Diagnostik und Therapie des idiopathischen Parkinson-Syndroms dargestellt. Insbesondere soll ein Überblick über die neuen Erkenntnisse und Entwicklungen der letzten Jahre gegeben werden.
Effects of Maturation on Striatal Dopamine Transporter Availability in Rats
Authors: Shin Seunghyeon , Kim Keunyoung , Pak Kyoungjune , Nam Hyun-Yeol , Kim Seong-Jang , Kim In Joo
Published: August 2019

Objectives We investigated the effects of maturation on dopamine transporter (DAT) availability in the rat via longitudinal monitoring with positron emission tomography (PET).

Methods Eight 5-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats (113–186 g) were used. Four 18F-FP-CIT PET scans were taken at 5, 10, 15, and 20 weeks. Baseline PET images were manually fused with the built-in magnetic resonance imaging template; volumes of interest (VOIs) were manually defined by placing a spherical region around the hot spot with the maximum count rate. VOIs were placed on bilateral caudate and putamen (CPu), nucleus accumbens (NAc), and cerebellum. Specific binding ratios (SBRs) were calculated as follows: (mean uptake of bilateral targets – mean uptake of bilateral cerebellum)/(mean uptake of bilateral cerebellum).

Results In CPu, SBRs at 5 weeks (3.25 ± 0.66) were lower than those at 10 weeks (4.59 ± 0.78, p = 0.1151) and at 15 weeks (5.56 ± 0.92, p = 0.0182). In NAc, SBRs at 5 weeks (1.41 ± 0.47) were lower than those at 10 weeks (2.03 ± 0.36, p = 0.1960) and at 15 weeks (2.43 ± 0.50, p = 0.0427). SBRs in CPu and NAc significantly increased with maturation until 15 weeks. However, differences in SBR between 15 and 20 weeks were not significant.

Conclusions Striatal DAT availability increases until 15 weeks postnatally, then remains stable, reflecting maturation of the dopaminergic system in rats.
Describing a New Mechanism of Retinal Detachment Secondary to Ophthalmic Artery Vasospasm Following Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: An Experimental Study
Authors: Findik Huseyin , Kanat Ayhan , Aydin Mehmet Dumlu , Cakir Murteza , Ozmen Sevilay Akalp , Okutucu Murat , Baykal Orhan , Sipal Sare
Published: August 2019

Background The pterygopalatine ganglion (PPG) and ophthalmic arteries (OpAs) have important roles in ocular autoregulation and retinal and visual functions. The relationship between PPG neuron density, OpA vasospasm, and retinal detachment in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) has never been studied.

Methods This study was conducted on 25 rabbits. Five animals were in the control group (GI; n = 5), five in the sham group (GII; n = 5), and 15 in the study group (GIII; n = 15). After injection of 1 cc serum saline into the cisterna magna in the sham group, and autologous blood in the SAH group, the animals were followed for 3 weeks. All animals underwent a retinal examination five times a week for 3 weeks before and after the experiment. After the experiment, the neuron density of PPGs of the facial nerves, vasospasm index (VSI) of OpAs, and total basal surface values of the detached retinal parts (DRPs) were calculated.

Results In the funduscopic examination, intravitreous hemorrhage ( Terson's syndrome) was detected in four animals in the SAH group. In the control groups, neuron density was 12,000 ± 1,240/mm3, VSI = 0.345 ± 0.076, and DRP = 0 to 1.5 mm2. Mean neuron density was 9,450 ± 940/mm3, VSI = 1.645 ± 0.940, and DRP = 6.23 ± 1.61 mm2 in the sham group (p < 0.05). Neuron density was 6,890 ± 932/mm3, VSI = 2.92 ± 0.97, and DRP = 9.43 ± 2.54 mm2 in SAH group.

Conclusion Mean neuron density, VSI of OpAs, and DRP values differed statistically significant between the SAH group and other groups (p < 0.005). There is an inverse relationship between PPG neurons and DRP. However, a direct relationship was observed between the mean VSI and DRP values.
Perinatal Pyogenic Liver Abscess: A Rare Entity and First Reported Case of Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Schmiedecke Stacey S. , Napolitano Peter G. , Estrada Sarah M.
Published: August 2019

Introduction Pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) is a rare clinical entity, occurring in ∼2.3 per 100,000 patients. Perinatal PLA syndromes are exceedingly rare with just seven previously described cases in the literature and no prior Klebsiella-associated reports.

Case A 29-year-old gravida 2 para 1 woman at 11 weeks gestation reporting fever, body aches, and headache. Search for an infectious source identified a 4-cm liver abscess. Percutaneous drainage confirmed Klebsiella pneumoniae infection. The patient was treated with antibiotics until imaging verified complete resolution of the abscess.

Conclusion PLA is an uncommon etiology of sepsis in pregnancy. A thorough workup until a source was identified resulted in accurate diagnosis. This allowed for directed therapy and prompt recovery, undoubtedly contributing to favorable pregnancy outcomes in this first report of Klebsiella-associated perinatal PLA.
Investigation of a Common Clinical Approach to Poor Growth in Preterm Infants
Authors: Korff Stephanie G. , Ross Julie , Morella Kristen , Taylor Sarah N.
Published: August 2019

Objective This study aimed to determine the effect of elevated energy intake with medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil or formula powder on growth velocity and weight z-score in very low birth weight infants receiving human milk and human milk fortifier.

Study Design This was a cohort study of infants exposed to MCT oil or formula powder for at least 7 days. Mean 7-day change in growth velocity and weight z-scores were compared pre- and postintervention.

Results Forty-three infants received increased energy with either MCT oil or formula powder. Infants receiving MCT oil were more preterm and had a lower birth weight. When evaluating 7-day changes pre- and postintervention, growth velocity increased from 10.0 g/kg/day to 19.8 g/kg/day, and change in weight Z-score increased from –0.24 to 0.05.

Conclusion This clinical approach using MCT oil or formula powder for additional energy was associated with improved, at least short-term, growth velocity and weight z-score trajectory.
Maternal Age and Preeclampsia Outcomes during Delivery Hospitalizations
Authors: Sheen Jean-Ju , Huang Yongmei , Andrikopoulou Maria , Wright Jason D. , Goffman Dena , D'Alton Mary E. , Friedman Alexander M.
Published: August 2019

Objective To characterize risk and temporal trends for preeclampsia and related outcomes by maternal age.

Study Design Deliveries to women aged 15 to 54 years in the 1998 to 2014 National Inpatient Sample who had a diagnosis of preeclampsia, eclampsia, or both were included in the analysis. Age was categorized as 15 to 17, 18 to 24, 25 to 29, 30 to 34, 35 to 39, 40 to 44, and 45 to 54 years. The primary outcome was temporal trends in preeclampsia based on maternal age. Secondary outcomes analyzed included risk for severe maternal morbidity.

Results The proportion of women with preeclampsia aged 15 to 24 years decreased from 42.3% in 1998 to 30.1% in 2014, while preeclampsia among those 30 to 54 years increased from 32.9 to 43.7%. Preeclampsia risk increased for all groups over the study period. Risk for severe morbidity by age group with and without transfusion was “U-shaped,” with risk highest for women 18 to 24 and 40 to 54 years. The risk for abruption, acute renal failure, acute heart failure or pulmonary edema, and stroke was lowest for women aged 15 to 24 years and increased in a “dose-dependent” manner with increasing maternal age. In contrast, eclampsia risk was highest for women aged 15 to 17 years.

Conclusion With a changing demographic profile of preeclampsia, older women accounted for an increasing proportion of preeclampsia and related adverse outcomes.
Platelet Indices and Risk of Death and Cardiovascular Events: Results from a Large Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Patti Giuseppe , Di Martino Giuseppe , Ricci Fabrizio , Renda Giulia , Gallina Sabina , Hamrefors Viktor , Melander Olle , Sutton Richard , Engström Gunnar , De Caterina Raffaele , Fedorowski Artur
Published: August 2019

Studies evaluating the relationship between platelet indices and cardiovascular (CV) outcomes yielded conflicting results. We assessed the incidence of adverse events according to baseline quintiles of platelet indices in the prospective cohort of the Malmö Diet and Cancer Study. A total of 30,314 individuals (age 57 ± 8 years) were followed for a median of 16 years (468,490 person-years). Outcome measures included all-cause death, CV death, myocardial infarction (MI), and ischemic stroke. The fifth quintile of platelet count (> 274.6 × 109/L) was associated with higher incidence of all-cause death (hazard ratio [HR] 1.20, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.09–1.32, p < 0.001), CV death (HR 1.19, 95% CI 1.00–1.42; p = 0.044), MI (HR 1.32, 95% CI 1.12–1.54; p = 0.001), and ischemic stroke (HR 1.27, 95% CI 1.08–1.50, p = 0.004) compared with the first quintile (≤ 185 × 109/L), and also associated with a lower survival, regardless of previous history of MI (p for interaction = 0.58) or stroke (p for interaction = 0.42). In the highest quintile, history of stroke had a higher risk of CV death (HR 3.18, 95% CI 1.54–6.54) compared with no previous stroke (HR 1.12, 95% CI 0.96–1.31). The risk of MI and stroke was greatest in the fifth quintile, regardless of previous MI or previous stroke, respectively. The risk of all adverse events was similar across different quintiles of mean platelet volume. In conclusion, elevated platelet count is associated with higher mortality and risk of CV events, regardless of previous MI and stroke. Platelet count may thus be a useful marker for further stratification of CV risk, and especially of death.
Influence of Estimated Fetal Weight on Labor Management
Authors: Bushman Elisa T. , Thompson Norris , Gray Meredith , Steele Robin , Jenkins Sheri M. , Tita Alan T. , Harper Lorie M.
Published: August 2019

Objective Prior studies suggest knowledge of estimated fetal weight (EFW), particularly by ultrasound (US), increases the risk for cesarean delivery. These same studies suggest that concern for macrosomia potentially alters labor management leading to increased rates of cesarean delivery. We aimed to assess if shortened labor management, as a result of suspected macrosomia (≥4,000 g), leads to an increased rate of cesarean delivery.

Study Design This is a secondary analysis of a retrospective cohort study at a single tertiary center in 2015 of women with singleton pregnancies ≥36 weeks with documented EFW by US within 3 weeks or physical exam on admission. Women were excluded if an initial cervical exam was ≥6 cm or no attempt was made to labor. In addition, patients were excluded for the diagnosis of hypertension, diabetes, or prior cesarean delivery, as these comorbidities influence the use of US, labor management, and cesarean delivery independent of fetal weight. Patients were classified as EFW of ≥4,000 and <4,000 g. Secondary analysis examined the impact of US within 3 weeks of admission when compared with physical exam at the time of admission. The primary maternal outcomes were duration of labor and cesarean delivery. Duration of labor was evaluated as total time from 4 cm to delivery (with 4-cm dilation being a surrogate marker for active labor), length of time allowed from 4 cm until the first documented cervical change (or delivery), and time in second stage of labor (complete dilation to delivery). Cesarean delivery for arrest of labor was a secondary outcome. Student's t-test, Mann–Whitney U-test, chi-squared test, and Fisher's exact test were used for univariate data analysis as appropriate.

Results Of 1,506 patients included, 54 (3.5%) had EFW of ≥4,000 g. Women with EFW of ≥4,000 g had a larger body mass index, higher fetal birth weight, were more likely to be undergoing induction of labor, had a more advanced gestational age, and were more likely to have had an US within 3 weeks of delivery. They were more likely to undergo cesarean delivery (29.6 vs. 9.3%, adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 2.7, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.3–5.5) despite not having shortened labor times. When analyzing this population by method of obtaining EFW, those with EFW based on US rather than external palpation were more likely to undergo cesarean delivery (13.1 vs. 7.9%, AOR: 1.5, 95% CI: 1.01–2.12), again without having shortened labor times.

Conclusion EFW of ≥4,000 g and use of US to estimate fetal weight do not appear to shorten labor management despite being associated with an increased risk of cesarean delivery.
Thinking in rural gap: mobility and social inequalities
Authors: Camarero Luis , Oliva Jesús
Published: August 2019

The impact of the global financial crisis and the economic recession on Southern European countries has threatened the rural welfare of many regions. The loss by emigration of the young population, austerity policies, and the territorial concentration of essential services have led many of rural areas into a spiral of decline. The growth of regional disparities, even among rural areas, is confirmed by the European official reports. Depopulation and rural decline are highly associated with remoteness. Accessibility is one key issue to mitigating this erosion of socio-territorial cohesion; another is mobility, which is the usual way to confront the scarce opportunities and limited services in deeply rural territories. This paper pays attention to socio-territorial inequalities and considers as working hypothesis that social rights are differentiated by the habitat structure; as a result, territory determines different degrees of citizenship. Traditional perspectives focused on the access to productive resources and material opportunities as the source of disadvantages, but we suggest that a more comprehensive approach is needed to address the rural gap: the difference between living conditions and living expectations in rural areas in contrast with urban ones. We address two main processes involved on it. On the one hand, there are strong interconnections between physical and social mobility, such as commuting to distant labor markets and educative centers, which could increase the social mobility of rural youth. On the other hand, the maps of the provision of services, infrastructures networks and investments not only reshape the territories but also their sociological morphologies. Accessibility and mobility are strongly linked with rural well-being and social sustainability. We explore and illustrate these questions with examples from the Spanish case. The text is structured into four issues regarding the rural gap: the territorial imbalance and social cohesion, the demographic imbalance and rural welfare as the product of the inter-generational equilibrium, the rural disparities in accessibility and the challenges of mobility transition. Finally, we conclude with a discussion of the rural policies and governance required for achieving social and territorial balance.
Inference from absence: the case of archaeology
Authors: Wallach Efraim
Published: August 2019

Inferences from the absence of evidence to something are common in ordinary speech, but when used in scientific argumentations are usually considered deficient or outright false. Yet, as demonstrated here with the help of various examples, archaeologists frequently use inferences and reasoning from absence, often allowing it a status on par with inferences from tangible evidence. This discrepancy has not been examined so far. The article analyses it drawing on philosophical discussions concerning the validity of inference from absence, using probabilistic models that were originally developed to show that such inferences are weak and inconclusive. The analysis reveals that inference from absence can indeed be justified in many important situations of archaeological research, such as excavations carried out to explore the past existence and time-span of sedentary human habitation. The justification is closely related to the fact that archaeology explores thehumanpast via itsmaterialremains. The same analysis points to instances where inference from absence can have comparable validity in other historical sciences, and to research questions in which archaeological inference from absence will be problematic or totally unwarranted.
GSVD- and tensor GSVD-uncovered patterns of DNA copy-number alterations predict adenocarcinomas survival in general and in response to platinum
Authors: Bradley Matthew W. , Aiello Katherine A. , Ponnapalli Sri Priya , Hanson Heidi A. , Alter Orly
Published: August 2019

More than a quarter of lung, uterine, and ovarian adenocarcinoma (LUAD, USEC, and OV) tumors are resistant to platinum drugs. Only recently and only in OV, patterns of copy-number alterations that predict survival in response to platinum were discovered, and only by using the tensor GSVD to compare Agilent microarray platform-matched profiles of patient-matched normal and primary tumor DNA. Here, we use the GSVD to compare whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and Affymetrix microarray profiles of patient-matched normal and primary LUAD, USEC, and OV tumor DNA. First, the GSVD uncovers patterns similar to one Agilent OV pattern, where a loss of most of the chromosome arm 6p combined with a gain of 12p encode for transformation. Like the Agilent OV pattern, the WGS LUAD and Affymetrix LUAD, USEC, and OV patterns are correlated with shorter survival, in general and in response to platinum. Like the tensor GSVD, the GSVD separates these tumor-exclusive genotypes from experimental inconsistencies. Second, by identifying the shorter survival phenotypes among the WGS- and Affymetrix-profiled tumors, the Agilent pattern proves to be a technology-independent predictor of survival, independent also of the best other indicator at diagnosis, i.e., stage. Third, like no other indicator, the pattern predicts the overall survival of OV patients experiencing progression-free survival, in general and in response to platinum. We conclude that comparative spectral decompositions, such as the GSVD and tensor GSVD, underlie a mathematically universal description of the relationships between a primary tumor's genotype and a patient's overall survival phenotype, which other methods miss.
Ionic conductivity of molten alkali-metal carbonates A2CO3 (A = Li, Na, K, Rb, and Cs) and binary mixtures (Li1−xCsx)2CO3 and (Li1−xKx)2CO3: A molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Kiyobayashi Tetsu , Kojima Toshikatsu , Ozaki Hiroyuki , Kiyohara Kenji
Published: August 2019

Based on experimental data, we optimized the potential parameters for the classical molecular dynamics simulation to reproduce the volume and ionic conductivity of the molten alkali-metal carbonates A2CO3 where A = Li, Na, K, Rb, and Cs at T/K = 1223 and ambient pressure. The force field was then applied to the binary mixtures (Li1−xCsx)2CO3 and (Li1−xKx)2CO3. In (Li1−xCsx)2CO3, the diffusion coefficient DCs exceeds DLi at x > 0.6, testifying to the Chemla effect. The net ionic conductivity was broken down into the contributions from the velocity auto- and cross-correlations of each ionic species. The significant negative deviation of the real conductivity of (Li1−xCsx)2CO3 from the one estimated by the Nernst-Einstein (NE) relation is clearly explained by the contribution from the cross correlations; specifically, the cross term between Li+and CO32−, which is negative at x = 0, significantly shifts to the positive side when x increases, which is dominantly responsible for dampening the conductivity from the NE conductivity. A similar behavior was observed in (Li1−xKx)2CO3 with a less pronounced manner than in (Li1−xCsx)2CO3. These observations corroborate the precedent studies pointing to the trapping of Li+ by the anion when a lithium salt is mixed with another salt of which the cation size is greater than that of Li+.
Time-dependent study of anisotropy in Rayleigh-Taylor instability induced turbulent flows with a variety of density ratios
Authors: Zhou Ye , Cabot William H.
Published: August 2019

This study focuses on understanding the time-dependent anisotropy, mixing, scaling of flows induced by Rayleigh-Taylor instability, and complementing the late-time snapshots reported by Cabot and Zhou [“Statistical measurements of scaling and anisotropy of turbulent flows induced by Rayleigh-Taylor instability,” Phys. Fluids 25, 015107 (2013)]. In particular, we utilize three large datasets with different Atwood numbers (density ratios) from well resolved direct numerical simulations at a moderate Reynolds number with the goal of determining the degree of departure of this inhomogeneous flow from that of homogeneous, isotropic turbulence. Three key time-dependent statistical measurements are considered in detail to delineate the role played by the acceleration. First, a number of directional length scales in this anisotropic turbulence are inspected. Second, the relationship among the outer-scale, the turbulence length, and the Taylor-microscale based Reynolds numbers is also clarified. Finally, the normalized dissipation rate is employed to inspect the distinctive features of the flow in the inhomogeneous direction parallel to gravity and in the homogeneous perpendicular directions.
Investigation of the effect of microstructural changes on thermal transport in semicrystalline polymer semiconductors
Authors: Selezneva Ekaterina , Di Pietro Riccardo , Jiao Xuechen , McNeill Christopher R. , Sirringhaus Henning
Published: August 2019

Great progress in the development of new semiconducting polymers over the last two decades alongside improved understanding of electron transport mechanisms have resulted in a dramatic increase in the electron mobility of these materials making them promising candidates for electronic and thermoelectric applications. Heat transport phenomena, on the other hand—which govern thermal conductivity—have not received as much attention up to date. In spite of the simplicity of the principle behind the measurement of thermoelectric properties, the combined uncertainty in thermoelectric figure of merit zT could easily reach 50% with the largest uncertainty coming from thermal conductivity measurements. Such a high measurement uncertainty, often comparable to relative variations in zT encountered when optimizing within a given class of materials, prevents the study of structure-thermal property relationships. Here we present a protocol for the measurement of the thermal conductivity of thin films with reduced measurement uncertainty, which allowed us to investigate the effect of microstructural changes on the thermal conductivity of the conjugated polymer P(NDI2OD-T2). We show that the enhancement of the thermal conductivity upon annealing is much less pronounced than the corresponding increase in the electron mobility that has been reported under the same annealing conditions in the literature. This suggests that semicrystalline conjugated polymers in which thermal transport remains limited by the amorphous domain boundaries in between crystalline grains could be a suitable system for realizing the electron-crystal phonon glass concept and enable higher performance thermoelectric materials.
InAsSb-based heterostructures for infrared light modulation
Authors: Donetsky D. , Liu J. , Kipshidze G. , Shterengas L. , Belenky G. , Sarney W. L. , Svensson S. P.
Published: August 2019

We demonstrate the strong modulation of the long wave infrared transmission of GaInSb/InAsSb/AlInAsSb heterostructures under carrier injection. This results in the population of states in the conduction band of the narrow-gap layer and changes the absorption and refractive index over a broad wavelength range. At λ = 8.6-μm, a single-pass intensity modulation depth up to 9% was demonstrated at T = 77 K for a 1-μm–thick InAs0.58Sb0.42 absorber. By modeling the structure, we show that this corresponds to the electron quasi-Fermi level rising up to 30 meV above the conduction band edge. Due to the strong band-to-band absorption, the change in the quasi-Fermi level is accompanied by a modulation of the refractive index by up to 0.06 in the spectral range below the energy gap of the alloy. This change is orders of magnitude greater than what is achievable in conventional electro-optic materials and allows, for example, the external intensity modulation of long-wave infrared laser sources with a high extinction ratio and a nanosecond-scale time response. Low power requirements make it possible to develop arrays of integrated devices for optical beam steering and shaping.
Passive microscopic fluidic diodes using asymmetric channels
Authors: Mo Jingwen , Ding Yaohuan , Zhu Shu , Kuang Pan , Shen Long , Xiang Nan , Sha Jingjie , Chen Yunfei
Published: August 2019

In this paper, we propose a passive microscopic fluidic diodes with no moving parts for simple fluids using asymmetric channel structures. Finite element simulations demonstrate that the fluidic diode conducts water flows preferentially in one forward direction while blocks flows in the reverse direction in a wide pressure range. The exceptional rectification performance is owing to the anisotropic direction-dependent activation pressures. In the forward direction, the activation pressure is small, which is controlled by the infiltration pressure of the small channel. In the backward direction, the activation pressure is large due to the high release pressure at the channel exit. The effective working pressure range for the fluidic diode can be flexibly adjusted by modifying the channel size or the surface property. Furthermore, we create a microfluidic diode fabricated on silicon membranes using laser direct writing. The diode achieves flow rectifications in a certain pressure range, which confirms the underlying rectification mechanisms. This work provides a novel strategy for flow control or logic computations in integrated micro- and nanofluidic systems.
Low temperature scintillation properties of Ga2O3
Authors: Mykhaylyk V. B. , Kraus H. , Kapustianyk V. , Rudko M.
Published: August 2019

Gallium oxide has recently been identified as a promising scintillator. To assess its potential as a detector material for ionizing radiation at low temperatures, we measured the luminescence and scintillation properties of an undoped Ga2O3 crystal over the 7–295 K temperature range. The emission of the crystal is due to the radiative decay of self-trapped excitons and donor-acceptor pairs and peaks at a wavelength of 380 nm. The scintillation light output of the undoped Ga2O3 increases with a decrease in temperature, reaching a maximum value of 19 300 ± 2200 ph/MeV at 50 K. The measured luminescence kinetics has a recombination character with specific decay time (τ0.1) increasing from 1 to 1.8 μs at cooling. Since radiative decay in the crystal competes with nonradiative processes, material optimization could lead to the scintillator achieving a yield of 40800 ph/MeV, a figure considered to be an upper limit.