bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endoscopic unilateral transethmoid‐paraseptal approach to the central skull base
Authors: Eördögh Márton , Briner Hans Rudolf , Simmen Daniel , Jones Nicholas , Reisch Robert
Published: May 2017

Objectives

The endoscopic technique in transnasal skull base surgery offers optimal visualization and free manipulation in the surgical field. However, it may cause approach‐related sinonasal injury, influencing patients' quality of life (QOL). To minimize rhinological morbidity without restrictions in surgical manipulation and tumor resection, we introduced the unilateral transethmoidal‐paraseptal approach. In this article, we analyzed the long‐term results and sinonasal outcome of this technique.

Study Design

Retrospective analysis of medical records.

Methods

Forty‐two consecutive patients underwent surgery between June 2010 and March 2014 using the transethmoid‐paraseptal approach. Perioperative work‐up included neurological, radiological, endocrinological, ophthalmological, and rhinological analysis. Patients' preoperative, 1‐month and 1‐year postoperative QOL was measured using the Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22).

Results

At all individuals, a unilateral transethmoid‐paraseptal approach was performed. Removal of the turbinates, posterior septal resection or a conversion to biportal surgery could be avoided in all cases. There were no intraoperative neurovascular complications. All patients had a notable improvement in any disease‐related symptoms, as well as by objective criteria. Complete tumor resection was aimed in 39 cases and achieved in 31 of them. The SNOT‐22 scores transiently worsened 1 month after surgery and non‐significantly improved after 1 year, compared with the preoperative status. A subgroup of 7 patients with preoperative sinonasal disease evidence showed continuous significant improvement (p < .05) of SNOT‐22 scores across time. The smell screening tests showed no significant difference across time.

Conclusion

The described approach allows safe removal of various skull base lesions without deterioration in sinonasal QOL and smell function.

Level of Evidence

4.
Fragile X‐associated Tremor/Ataxia Syndrome in an Adolescent Female
Authors: Mittal Shivam Om , Mack Kenneth , Bower James H.
Published: May 2017

View Supplementary Video 1
A Vinayak slotted rectangular microstrip patch antenna design for C‐band applications
Authors: Kaushal Deepanshu , Shanmuganantham T.
Published: May 2017

The design of a Vinayak slotted rectangular microstrip patch antenna that offers a quad band resonance with significant characteristics to serve applications including radio determination, satellite, mobile, and space research is proposed. The design uses a 146 mm × 90 mm × 1.6 mm FR4 epoxy substrate and a coaxial feeding mechanism. The simulation software used is HFSS‐15 and the design has been analyzed for its standard parameters including the reflection coefficient, bandwidth, radiation pattern, gain, VSWR, directivity, and distribution of fields. The experimental and the measured values are in close agreement.
A novel UHF Minkowski fractal antenna for partial discharge detection
Authors: Wang Feng , Bin Feng , Sun Qiuqin , Fan Jingmin , Liang Fangwei , Xiao Xuanyi
Published: May 2017

A compact and wideband ultra‐high‐frequency antenna is developed in this work. Based on the Minkowski fractal geometry of the lateral boundaries of monopole and the upper boundary of ground plane, miniaturization is realized. Meanwhile, by optimizing the dimension of the semi‐elliptical part of monopole and the triangular notch of ground plane, the impedance bandwidth is enhanced. To confirm the performance of antenna, a series of experiments are conducted. The size and ratio bandwidth of antenna are compared with existing broadband ones. The proposed antenna with size of 0.3 λL × 0.25 λL covers the frequency ranging from 700 MHz to more than 3 GHz and possesses an average gain of 4.08 dBi.
Transimpedance amplifier with an integrated analog equalizer
Authors: Choi J. H. , Yan L. , Bach H.‐G.
Published: May 2017

We present a transimpedance amplifier in the optical receiver front‐end featuring with an integrated equalizer up to 45 Gb s−1. It integrates a Schottky‐junction varactor diode at the input. The equalization in frequency‐domain can be achieved by varying the applied voltage at the Schottky diode. For this end, the proposed circuit was fabricated and measured in both frequency and time‐domain. By measuring S‐parameters up to 45 GHz and eye‐waveforms at 40 and 45 Gb s−1, the proposed circuit manifests its functionality as the transimpedance amplifier with an integrated analog equalizer.
Compact triple‐band circularly polarized monopole antenna for WLAN and WiMAX applications
Authors: Tang Hongyan , Wang Ke , Wu Runmiao
Published: May 2017

A novel compact triple‐band circularly polarized monopole antenna has been proposed for wireless local area network (WLAN) and worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) applications. The antenna composes of a square patch etched with an X‐shaped slit and an improved ground plane. Furthermore, an inverted‐L slit is embedded in the square patch to improve axial ratio (AR) and impedance bandwidth. With a compact size of 44 × 46 × 1.5 mm3, the proposed antenna provides a relative wide 3‐dB AR bandwidth of 24.2% (2.22–2.83 GHz), 25.9% (2.92–3.79 GHz), and 9.3% (5.45–5.98 GHz), which successfully covering the bands of WLAN (2.4–2.484 GHz and 5.725‐5.850 GHz) and WiMAX (3.3–3.6 GHz).
Circularly polarized two‐layer conical DRA based on metamaterial
Authors: Gharsallah Hamed , Osman Lotfi , Latrach Lassaad
Published: May 2017

In this article, we propose a conical dielectric resonator antenna with metamaterial operating in the C band and excited by a circular polarization. The circular polarization of the antenna is produced by an inclination of 45° on the two environments with a different dielectric constant of the slot excitation. The metamaterial is superimposed on the antenna by
and thus allows to increase the gain of 3 dB in all the bandwidth. Simulation results are carried out using Ansoft's HFSS software. The parametric study of the antenna has been performed by varying the permittivity ɛ2 and the radius a2 in a first step and by adding the metamaterial in a second step. The obtained bandwidths of the conical dielectric resonator antenna without and with metamaterial are 1.14 GHz and 1.07 GHz, respectively, with a corresponding increase in gain of about 3 dB.
Downscaling method of target geometries with minimum distortions on statistical features of radar cross sections for 77‐GHz automotive radars
Authors: Lee D. , Byun G. , Kim H. , Choo H. , Park J.‐E.
Published: May 2017

This article proposes a downscaling method of radar targets using the Kolmogorov‐Smirnov (K‐S) test to reduce the computational load of the radar cross section (RCS) simulation for 77‐GHz automotive radars. The proposed method is employed to various target geometries, whose shapes are determined by the geometrical factor (GF), and their sizes are adjusted using a linear scale factor (SF). For each target geometry, the cumulative distribution function (CDF) is calculated by using the RCSs that are obtained from various observation angles and frequency points. Then, the K‐S test is applied for the CDF to investigate a proper scaling factor that maintains the K‐S test value of less than 0.1. The proposed method is also extended to a commercial vehicle to further verify the feasibility, and the results show that the geometries of hexahedrons and the vehicle can be downscaled by the factors of 0.6 and 0.8, respectively, without a significant distortion on the statistical features.
Radiation enhanced vivaldi antenna with shaped dielectric cover
Authors: Li Xiang‐Xiang , Lu Bao‐Jun , Sang Lei , Zhang Yan‐Mei , Lv Guo‐Qiang
Published: May 2017

Gain curve of the conventional Vivaldi antenna (CVA) decreases at higher frequencies. A dielectric cover is proposed to correct this problem. The detailed analysis, design and discussion for the CVA with shaped dielectrics (SDCVA) have been carried out. Both the CVA and the DSCVA are fabricated and tested. The results show good agreement with the simulated ones. The measured results show that the proposed SDCVA provides a gain variation of 5.2–14.2 dBi in the wide operating range from 3.5 to 16.5 GHz, which corresponds to a gain enhancement of 0.5–6.5 dBi compared to the CVA. In addition, the E‐plane half power beamwidths are narrowed significantly at higher frequencies. An average improvement of 3.58 dB is achieved in terms of the front‐to‐back ratio. The sidelobe levels, on average, are reduced by 5.88 dB and 3.47 dB for E‐plane and H‐plane, respectively.
Methods of suppression of cross‐polarized power for the CPW‐fed monopole antenna
Authors: Wang Chien‐Jen
Published: May 2017

In this article, we propose several techniques for radiation characteristics improvement of a coplanar waveguide‐fed monopole antenna with an asymmetric ground plane. Although utilization of an asymmetric ground plane provides wideband impedance characteristics, the cross‐polarization of the monopole antenna increases, resulting from the unbalanced horizontal currents of the ground plane. The proposed techniques, which include etching a notch at the feedline, embedding a slot array in the ground plane, and adding several conducting strips on the top and bottom planes, are used to suppress cross‐polarized power. From the simulated and measured results, it can be observed that the ratios of the maximum co‐polarized power to the maximum cross‐polarized power have been enhanced at the operating bands. The mechanisms of cross‐polarization suppression are explained by using current density distributions.
Fractal broken‐cross with Jerusalem load absorber for multiband application with polarization independence
Authors: Heydari Samaneh , Jahangiri Payam , Sharifi Alireza , Zarrabi Ferdows B. , Saee Arezomand Afsaneh
Published: May 2017

The microwave absorber is important in various applications and metamaterial shapes are noticed for multiband application. In this paper, we have developed a microwave absorber based on the broken cross with Jerusalem load for multiband application and in addition the prototype structure shows polarization independence for 0° to 60° incident wave angle. In this article, we have proposed and analyzed a microwave absorber based on the fractal broken cross with Jerusalem load in unit cells for multiband applications. This absorber is simulated with CST by FIT numerical method with periodic boundary condition and prototype structure have fabricated over FR‐4 low cost substrate for dual band application and test in the chamber room. We have done parametric studies about the arms and parasitic elements on absorption manner and resonances. The current distribution shows that how the symmetrical shape is made uniform distribution and made independent of the incident wave polarization. As a result, the designed MA is useful for microwave application in medical imaging and communication systems.
Curved coupled‐line resonators for microwave filter applications
Authors: Alighanbari A. , Hajitashakkori R. , Ramahi O. M.
Published: May 2017

Planar resonant structures made of curved coupled microstrip and slot lines and their application for microwave filtering are presented. The prominent feature of the proposed resonators is their wide bandwidth. It is demonstrated that such resonators are useful for microwave band‐reject and low‐pass filtering applications. The proposed structures were compared with split‐ring resonators (SRRs) and complementary split‐ring resonators (CSRRs). The size of the filters made with the proposed resonators was similar to those made with SRR and CSRR; however, their bandwidths were larger. Prototypes were fabricated and tested.
Transfer efficiency of a misalignment of resonators in MR‐WPT for a laptop computer with SGR
Authors: Kang Seok Hyon , Jung Chang Won
Published: May 2017

This study analyzed the effect of a misalignment of resonators on a magnetic resonant wireless power transfer (MR‐WPT) for a practical laptop computer with a slit ground resonator (SGR). MR‐WPT can be used in many applications for charging mobile devices, such as laptop computers, tablet PCs, and smartphones. We proposed a wireless power‐charging system from a transmitter on a desk or table to the receiver imbedded on a laptop computer. However, transfer efficiency decreased because of the misalignment between the movable receiver and the transmitter. This misalignment could have undue influence on the transfer power of MR‐WPT. To verify the effect of a misalignment of resonators on MR‐WPT, we simulated mutual inductance according to the misaligned distance between the transmitter and the receiver. Moreover, we experimentally proved this relationship through a practical laptop model with an SGR in MR‐WPT.
Transmission in single mode telecom fiber below the cut‐off wavelength
Authors: Kowalczyk M. , Stepniak G. , Maksymiuk L. , Siuzdak J.
Published: May 2017

A method of transmission in a single mode fiber below the cut‐off wavelength is proposed. It makes use of the periodic structure of the frequency response of bimodal fiber link and does not require optical filtering. The throughputs of around 1 Gbps were obtained for 5 km SM fiber at 850 nm.
Varactor‐incorporated bandpass filter with reconfigurable frequency and bandwidth
Authors: Kumar Amarjit , Pathak Nagendra Prasad
Published: May 2017

We report a varactor‐loaded tunable microstrip bandpass filter (BPF) with reconfigurable center frequency and bandwidth. The effects of loading varactors at intercoupled stepped‐impedance resonator (SIR) resonator and at tapped input/output port coupled‐lines are studied. Tuning elements are properly loaded at the middle of the coupled‐line sections for achieving tunable center frequency and bandwidth performance. Initial BPF (without loading varactors) is based on a half‐wavelength (λg/2–) coupled stepped‐impedance resonator (CSIR) structure. For the validation of the proposed concept, a hardware prototype is fabricated and characterized. A total of three varactors are used as the tuning elements. Only two dc control voltages are used for tuning the center frequency and bandwidth.
Highly miniaturized dual band patch antenna loaded with metamaterial unit cell
Authors: Singh Amit Kumar , Abegaonkar Mahesh P. , Koul Shiban K.
Published: May 2017

A highly miniaturized low profile dual band patch antenna loaded with metamaterial unit cell is proposed. The metamaterial unit cell consist of inter digital capacitor (IDC) and a novel modified circular slot ring resonator (MCsRR). The novel MCsRR is a low frequency compact circular slot ring resonator. A microstrip patch antenna circuit analysis depicts that increase in series capacitance can decrease half wavelength resonance frequency, thus reducing electrical size of patch antenna with significant antenna gain. The transmission‐line model of unit cell is analyzed to study pass band characteristic at resonating bands. The proposed antenna have dual band operation with reasonable gain of 2.84 dBi at first center frequency 3.15 GHz with bandwidth of 150 MHz and 3.86 dBi at second center frequency 5.28 GHz with bandwidth of 140 MHz, even though the electrical size of proposed antenna is only 0.199λ × 0.199λ × 0.008λ. The electrical size of proposed patch antenna is miniaturized by 60.10%.
Technical Note: Angular dependence of a 2D monolithic silicon diode array for small field dosimetry
Authors: Stansook Nauljun , Utitsarn Kananan , Petasecca Marco , Newall Matthew K. , Duncan Mitchell , Nitschke Kym , Carolan Martin , Metcalfe Peter , Lerch Michael L.F. , Perevertaylo Vladimir L. , Tomé Wolfgang A. , Rosenfeld Anatoly B.
Published: May 2017

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the 2D monolithic silicon diode array size of 52 × 52 mm2 (MP512) angular response. An angular correction method has been developed that improves the accuracy of dose measurement in a small field.

Methods

The MP512 was placed at the center of a cylindrical phantom, irradiated using 6 MV and 10 MV photons and incrementing the incidence of the beam angle in 15° steps from 0° to 180°, and then in 1° steps between 85° and 95°. The MP512 response was characterized for square field sizes varying between 1 × 1 cm2 and 10 × 10 cm2. The angular correction factor was obtained as the ratio of MP512 response to EBT3 film measured doses as a function of the incidence angle (Ɵ) and was normalized at 0° incidence angle. Beam profiles of the corrected MP512 responses were compared with the EBT3 responses to verify the effectiveness of the method adopted.

Results

The intrinsic angular dependence of the MP512 shows maximum relative deviation from the response normalized to 0° of 18.5 ± 0.5% and 15.5 ± 0.5% for 6 MV and 10 MV, respectively, demonstrating that the angular response is sensitive to the energy. In contrast, the variation of angular response is less affected by field size. Comparison of cross‐plane profiles measured by the corrected MP512 and EBT3 shows an agreement within ±2% for all field sizes when the beams irradiated the array at 0°, 45°, 135°, and 180° angles of incidence from the normal to the detector plane. At 90° incidence, corresponding to a depth dose measurement, up to a 6% discrepancy was observed for a 1 × 1 cm2 field of 6 MV.

Conclusion

An angular correction factor can be adopted for small field sizes. Measurements discrepancies could be encountered when irradiating with very small fields parallel to the detector plane. Using this approach, the MP512 is shown to be a suitable detector for 2D dose mapping of small field size photon beams.
Fabrication and characterization of composites composed of a bioresorbable polyester matrix and surface modified calcium carbonate whisker for bone regeneration
Authors: Wang Jielin , Fan Zhongyong , Li Suming , Liu Xue , Shen Xin , Su Feng
Published: May 2017

This work aims to evaluate the potential of a bioresorbable composite as material for bone regeneration. Surface‐modified calcium carbonate whiskers (CCWs) were prepared by grafting of ethylene glycol (EG) using 1,6‐hexamethylene diisocyanate as coupling agent, followed by ring‐opening polymerization of l‐lactide initiated by the hydroxyl group of EG. The resulting PLLA‐EG‐g‐CCW was used as filler to reinforce a bioresorbable terpolymer, poly(l‐lactide‐co‐trimethylene carbonate‐co‐glycolide) (PLTG). The mechanical properties and thermal stability of the PLTG/PLLA‐EG‐g‐CCW composites were greatly improved. Compared with neat PLTG, a 39.3% increase in tensile strength and 26.7% increase in elongation at break were obtained for the composite with 2 wt% PLLA‐EG‐g‐CCW filler. This was assigned to the reinforcement effect of evenly dispersed PLLA‐EG‐g‐CCW in the polymeric matrix. In fact, entanglement of PLLA grafts at the surface of PLLA‐EG‐g‐CCW with PLTG chains results in a homogeneous distribution of the filler in the matrix. Thus, the composites are simultaneously strengthened and toughened. The cytocompatibility of the materials was evaluated from cell morphology and 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay using L929 mouse fibroblast cell line. The results indicate that the composite presents very low cytotoxicity. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impaired immune function in children and adults with Fanconi anemia
Authors: Myers Kasiani C. , Sauter Sharon , Zhang Xue , Bleesing Jacob J. , Davies Stella M. , Wells Susanne I. , Mehta Parinda A. , Kumar Ashish , Marmer Daniel , Marsh Rebecca , Brown Darron , Butsch Kovacic Melinda
Published: May 2017

Background

Fanconi anemia (FA) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by genome instability, bone marrow failure, and cancer predisposition. Previously, small studies have reported heterogeneous immune dysfunction in FA.

Procedure

We performed a detailed immunologic assessment in a large FA cohort who have not undergone bone marrow transplantation or developed malignancies. Comprehensive quantitative and functional immunologic assessment of 29 FA individuals was compared to healthy age‐matched controls.

Results

Compared to non‐FA persons of similar ages, FA individuals showed lower absolute total B cells (P < 0.001), lower memory B cells (P < 0.001), and decreased IgM (P < 0.001) but normal IgG. NK cells (P < 0.001) and NK cytotoxicity (P < 0.001) were decreased. CD4+ T cells were decreased (P = 0.022), while CD8+ T cell and absolute T‐cell numbers were comparable. Cytotoxic T cells (P < 0.003), and antigen proliferation response to tetanus (P = 0.019) and candida (P = 0.019), were diminished in FA. Phytohemagglutinin responses and plasma cytokines were normal. Within FA subjects, adults and older children (≥10 years) exhibited higher CD8+ T cells than younger children (P = 0.004). Documented atypical infections were infrequent, although oral human papilloma virus (HPV) prevalence was higher (31% positive) in FA.

Conclusions

Overall, these results demonstrate a high rate of significant humoral and cellular immune dysfunction. Continued longitudinal study of immune function is critical to understand evolution with age, bone marrow failure, and cancer development.
Sickle cell disease and implementation science: A partnership to accelerate advances
Authors: King Allison A. , Baumann Ana A.
Published: May 2017

Sickle cell disease (SCD) results in end organ damage and a shortened lifespan. Both the pathophysiology of the disease and the social determinants of health affect patient outcomes. Randomized controlled trials have been completed among this population and resulted in medical advances; however, the gestation of these advances and the lack of penetrance into clinical practice have limited advancements in clinical improvements for many people with SCD. We discuss the role of implementation science in SCD and highlight the need for this science to shorten the length of time to implement evidence‐based care for more people with SCD.
Role of Procalcitonin in Differentiating between Infectious and Noninfectious Fevers among Patients with Lymphoma
Authors: Wang Xiao Jun , Tan Thuan Tong , Lim Soon Thye , Farid Mohamad , Tao Miriam , Quek Richard , Chan Alexandre , Tang Tiffany
Published: May 2017

Objective

The primary objective of this study is to prospectively evaluate the role of procalcitonin (PCT) in distinguishing infectious fever from noninfectious fever (NIF) among febrile lymphoma patients. The secondary objective is to evaluate the usefulness of PCT in distinguishing among bloodstream infections (BSI), local infections and unidentified infections (LIUI), and NIF.

Methods

Patients with lymphoma and fever were prospectively recruited between August 2014 and November 2015. PCT was measured within 24 hours of fever onset (PCT1) and 24–72 hours thereafter (PCT2). The higher PCT value between PCT1 and PCT2 was also documented (PCTmax). PCT levels (PCT1, PCT2, and PCTmax) were compared for BSI, LIUI, and NIF. In addition, the difference between PCT1 and PCT2 was evaluated in patients with complete data on both PCT1 and PCT2.

Results

Of 108 eligible patients, 12 were diagnosed with BSI, 83 with LIUI, and 13 with NIF. PCTmax was statistically different between the infectious fever (BSI and LIUI combined) and NIF groups (median PCTmax: 0.44 ng/ml vs 0.19 ng/ml; p=0.026). PCT1 was not statistically different for patients with BSI, LIUI, and NIF (p=0.217). However, PCT2 and PCTmax were significantly higher in patients with BSI compared to those with NIF (p=0.026 and 0.002, respectively). Meanwhile, patients with BSI have significantly higher PCTmax values than those with LIUI (p=0.034). Among 90 cases with complete data on both PCT1 and PCT2, PCT2 was significantly higher than PCT1 in patients with BSI (median PCT: 0.98 ng/ml vs 0.47 ng/ml; p=0.045) and patients with LIUI (median PCT: 0.43 ng/ml vs 0.24 ng/ml; p=0.004), while not significant in patients with NIF (p=0.374).

Conclusion

Two separate PCT measurements can differentiate between infectious fever and NIF and predict for BSI in lymphoma patients with fever.
Achieving branched polyethylene waxes by aryliminocycloocta[b]pyridylnickel precatalysts: Synthesis, characterization, and ethylene polymerization
Authors: Zhang Randi , Wang Zheng , Flisak Zygmunt , Hao Xiang , Liu Qingbin , Sun Wen‐Hua
Published: May 2017

Cycloocta[b]pyridin‐10‐one was prepared to form the corresponding imino derivatives, which then reacted with (DME)NiBr2 to form 10‐aryliminocycloocta[b]pyridylnickel bromides (Ni1–Ni5). The new compounds were characterized by means of FT‐IR spectroscopy as well as elemental analysis and the organic ligands were also analyzed by the NMR measurements. Furthermore, the molecular structure of a representative complex Ni3 was determined by the single crystal X‐ray diffraction, indicating the distorted tetrahedral geometry around the nickel atom. Upon the activation with either methylaluminoxane (MAO) or diethylaluminium chloride (Et2AlCl), the title nickel complexes exhibited high activity in ethylene polymerization and produced polyethylene of low molecular weight (1.43–6.78 kg mol−1) and low dispersity (1.7–2.4), which suggests a single‐site catalytic system. More importantly, the microstructure of the resultant polyethylene (especially degree of branching) and certain physical properties, such as Tm values, can easily be modulated by selecting the proper substituents within the ligands and adjusting the polymerization conditions. This finding demonstrates that it is plausible to use a single catalyst for synthesizing different types of polyethylene on demand.10‐Aryliminocycloocta[b]pyridylnickel bromides (Ni1–Ni5), upon activation with either MAO or Et2AlCl, exhibited high activity towards ethylene polymerization and produced polyethylenes with low molecular weight (1.43–6.78 kg mol−1) and low dispersity (1.7–2.4). © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 2601–2610
On the dynamics of H2 adsorption on the Pt(111) surface
Authors: Kraus Peter , Frank Irmgard
Published: May 2017

The dynamics and kinetics of the dissociation of hydrogen over the hexagonal close packed platinum (Pt(111)) surface are investigated using Car–Parrinello molecular dynamics and static density functional theory calculations of the potential energy surfaces. The calculations model the reference energy‐resolved molecular beam experiments, considering the degrees of freedom of the catalytic surface. Two‐dimensional potential energy surfaces above the main sites on Pt(111) are determined. Combined with Car–Parrinello trajectories, they confirm the dissociative adsorption of H2 as the only adsorption pathway on this surface at H2 incindence energies above 5 kJ/mol. A direct determination of energy‐resolved sticking coefficients from molecular dynamics is also performed, showing an excellent agreement with the experimental data at incidence energies in the 5–30 kJ/mol range. Application of dispersion corrections does not lead to an improvement in the prediction of the H2 sticking coefficient. The adsorption reaction rate obtained from the calculated sticking coefficients is consistent with experimentally derived literature values.
Set‐based fault detection and isolation for detectable linear parameter‐varying systems
Authors: Silvestre Daniel , Rosa Paulo , Hespanha João P. , Silvestre Carlos
Published: May 2017

In the context of fault detection and isolation of linear parameter‐varying systems, a challenging task appears when the dynamics and the available measurements render the model unobservable, which invalidates the use of standard set‐valued observers. Two results are obtained in this paper, namely, using a left‐coprime factorization, one can achieve set‐valued estimates with ultimately bounded hyper‐volume and convergence dependent on the slowest unobservable mode; and by rewriting the set‐valued observer equations and taking advantage of a coprime factorization, it is possible to have a low‐complexity fault detection and isolation method. Performance is assessed through simulation, illustrating, in particular, the detection time for various types of faults. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of Oxygen Volume Percent on the Acid Solubility of Titanium Slag during the Oxidation Roasting Process
Authors: Zhang Gengyu , Lei Chao , Zhu Qingshan , Fan Chuanlin
Published: May 2017

The influencing mechanism of oxygen volume percent (%VO2) on the acid solubility of the titanium slag during the oxidization at 1273 K (1000 °C) are investigated. %VO2 has marginal effect on the phase composition evolution, but greatly affects the microstructure evolutions during the oxidation, that is, increasing %VO2 promotes Fe outward migration and further results in the formation of pores and Fe‐deficient M3O5 phase, which have opposite effects on the slag solubility. Particularly, for the slag oxidized at low %VO2 (3 vol% O2), its acid solubility is bad, due to no obvious Fe outward migration happens and particles show extremely dense structure, unfavorable for the subsequent reactions. For the slag oxidized at moderate %VO2 (around 6 vol% O2), its acid solubility can be promoted, since Fe outward migration slightly happens and pores form from the original dense structure. However, for the slag oxidized at high %VO2 (21 vol% O2), since excessive Fe outward migration results in the formation of Fe‐deficient M3O5 phase in the particle center, which is hard to be reduced and further leached, its acid solubility is also bad, although more pores form in such cases.
Numerical modeling of the cracking behavior of a steel fiber‐reinforced concrete beam on grade
Authors: Rossi Pierre , Tailhan Jean‐Louis
Published: May 2017

In this paper, a finite element model to analyze the cracking process of a steel fiber‐reinforced concrete (SFRC) beam on grade, loaded in two points, is presented. Already validated in the past, the numerical model used is a probabilistic explicit cracking model. The motivation of the present work is to evaluate the influence of the degree of redundancy of the mechanical system on the mechanical behavior of the beam (bearing capacity and cracking process). The main conclusion of this work is that for analyzing and properly designing SFRC structural members on grade, the only relevant tool is the finite element method using a cracking model.
Induction of fungal laccase production under solid state bioprocessing of new agroindustrial waste and its application on dye decolorization
Authors: Akpinar Merve , Ozturk Urek Raziye
Published: May 2017

Lignocellulosic wastes are generally produced in huge amounts worldwide. Peach waste of these obtained from fruit juice industry was utilized as the substrate for laccase production byPleurotus eryngiiunder solid state bioprocessing (SSB). Its chemical composition was determined and this bioprocess was carried out under stationary conditions at 28 °C. The effects of different compounds; copper, iron, Tween 80, ammonium nitrate and manganese, and their variable concentrations on laccase production were investigated in detail. The optimum production of laccase (43,761.33 ± 3845 U L−1) was achieved on the day of 20 by employing peach waste of 5.0 g and 70 µM Cu2+, 18 µM Fe2+, 0.025% (v/v) Tween 80, 4.0 g L−1ammonium nitrate, 750 µM Mn2+as the inducers. The dye decolorization also researched to determine the degrading capability of laccase produced from peach culture under the above-mentioned conditions. Within this scope of the study, methyl orange, tartrazine, reactive red 2 and reactive black dyes were treated with this enzyme. The highest decolorization was performed with methyl orange as 43 ± 2.8% after 5 min of treatment when compared to other dyes. Up to now, this is the first report on the induction of laccase production byP. eryngiiunder SSB using peach waste as the substrate.
First report ofPhyllosticta citricarpaand description of two new species,P. paracapitalensisandP. paracitricarpa, from citrus in Europe
Authors: Guarnaccia V. , Groenewald J.Z. , Li H. , Glienke C. , Carstens E. , Hattingh V. , Fourie P.H. , Crous P.W.
Published: May 2017

The genusPhyllostictaoccurs worldwide, and contains numerous plant pathogenic, endophytic and saprobic species.Phyllosticta citricarpais the causal agent of Citrus Black Spot disease (CBS), affecting fruits and leaves of several citrus hosts (Rutaceae), and can also be isolated from asymptomatic citrus tissues. Citrus Black Spot occurs in citrus-growing regions with warm summer rainfall climates, but is absent in countries of the European Union (EU).Phyllosticta capitalensisis morphologically similar toP. citricarpa, but is a non-pathogenic endophyte, commonly isolated from citrus leaves and fruits and a wide range of other hosts, and is known to occur in Europe. To determine whichPhyllostictaspp. occur within citrus growing regions of EU countries, several surveys were conducted (2015–2017) in the major citrus production areas of Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal and Spain to collect both living plant material and leaf litter in commercial nurseries, orchards, gardens, backyards and plant collections. A total of 64Phyllostictaisolates were obtained from citrus in Europe, of which 52 were included in a multi-locus (ITS,actA,tef1,gapdh, LSU andrpb2genes) DNA dataset. Two isolates from Florida (USA), three isolates from China, and several reference strains from Australia, South Africa and South America were included in the overall 99 isolate dataset. Based on the data obtained, two known species were identified, namelyP. capitalensis(from asymptomatic living leaves ofCitrusspp.) in Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal and Spain, andP. citricarpa(from leaf litter ofC.sinensisandC.limon) in Italy, Malta and Portugal. Moreover, two new species were described, namelyP. paracapitalensis(from asymptomatic living leaves ofCitrusspp.) in Italy and Spain, andP. paracitricarpa(from leaf litter ofC.limon) in Greece. On a genotypic level, isolates ofP.citricarpapopulations from Italy and Malta (MAT1-2-1) represented a single clone, and those from Portugal (MAT1-1-1) another. Isolates ofP. citricarpaandP. paracitricarpawere able to induce atypical lesions (necrosis) in artificially inoculated mature sweet orange fruit, whileP. capitalensisandP. paracapitalensisinduced no lesions. ThePhyllostictaspecies recovered were not found to be widespread, and were not associated with disease symptoms, indicating that the fungi persisted over time, but did not cause disease.
A FORMAL PROOF OF THE KEPLER CONJECTURE
Authors: HALES THOMAS , ADAMS MARK , BAUER GERTRUD , DANG TAT DAT , HARRISON JOHN , HOANG LE TRUONG , KALISZYK CEZARY , MAGRON VICTOR , MCLAUGHLIN SEAN , NGUYEN TAT THANG , NGUYEN QUANG TRUONG , NIPKOW TOBIAS , OBUA STEVEN , PLESO JOSEPH , RUTE JASON , SOLOVYEV ALEXEY , TA THI HOAI AN , TRAN NAM TRUNG , TRIEU THI DIEP , URBAN JOSEF , VU KY , ZUMKELLER ROLAND
Published: May 2017

This article describes a formal proof of the Kepler conjecture on dense sphere packings in a combination of the HOL Light and Isabelle proof assistants. This paper constitutes the official published account of the now completed Flyspeck project.
GIFTING CULTURES AND ARTISANAL GUILDS IN SIXTEENTH- AND EARLY SEVENTEENTH-CENTURY LONDON
Authors: KILBURN-TOPPIN JASMINE
Published: May 2017

This article reconsiders the gift within London's sixteenth- and early seventeenth-century livery companies. Previous research into guild gift-giving cultures has focused exclusively upon substantial bequests of money and property by mercantile elites to the ‘great twelve’ livery companies. Through charitable gifts, citizens established godly reputations and legacies, perpetuated through the guild institution. It is argued here that a rich culture of material gift-giving, hitherto overlooked by historians, also thrived within London's craft guilds. Drawing on company gift books, inventories, and material survivals from guild collections, this article examines typologies of donors and gifts, the anticipated ‘returns’ on the gift by the recipient company, and the ideal spatial and temporal contexts for gift-giving. This material approach reveals that master artisans negotiated civic status, authority, and memory through the presentation of a wide range of gifted artefacts for display and ritual use in London's livery halls. Moreover, this culture of gift-giving was so deep-rooted and significant that it survived the Reformation upheavals largely intact. Finally, the embellishment of rituals of gifting, and the synchronization of gifting and feasting rites from the second half of the sixteenth century, are further evidence for the resurgence of English civic culture in this era.
Liming demand and plant growth improvements for an Oxisol under long-term no-till cropping
Authors: CARMEIS FILHO A. C. A. , CRUSCIOL C. A. C. , CASTILHOS A. M.
Published: May 2017

The adequate management of soil acidity has long been a challenge in no-till (NT) cropping systems. Some studies conducted in sub-tropical conditions have demonstrated the feasibility of surface liming. However, for tropical regions with dry winters, little long-term information about adequate rates and frequencies of application is available. A 12-year field trial was performed under a tropical no-tillage system with an annual crop rotation scheme. The treatments were composed of four lime rates (0, 1000, 2000 and 4000 kg/ha), estimated via the base saturation (BS) method. Surface application of lime was found to be an effective method for improving the soil fertility profile under this long-term NT cropping system. All three acidity components (pH, hydrogen + aluminium (H + Al), exchangeable Al) and some fertility attributes (phosphorus, exchangeable calcium and magnesium, and BS) were adjusted to a linear function, and better soil chemical conditions were obtained in the 4000 kg/ha treatment, even 4 years after the final application. Due to soil chemical changes, the root length density of wheat and common bean was greater at depths <0·20 m, which led to a higher grain yield, even under unfavourable weather conditions. The results indicate that the application of lime at higher rates can be an acceptable criterion for a tropical Oxisol under a no-tillage system, reducing the frequency of lime application.
A new leproseLeprocaulon(Ascomycota, Leprocaulales) from Great Britain
Authors: ORANGE Alan , EARLAND-BENNETT Peter M. , HITCH Christopher J. B. , POWELL Mark
Published: May 2017

Leprocaulon calcicolais described as new from walls in SE England; it is leprose, pale to mid blue-grey, and contains zeorin and usnic acid. It differs fromL. knudseniifrom North America in its habitat on mortared walls rather than non-calcareous rock and in its ITS sequence. ‘Lecanora’ecorticatadiffers in the yellower colour, and the presence of unidentified fatty acids and traces of unknown terpenoids (but not zeorin) by thin-layer chromatography. Leprose lichens with usnic acid are still poorly known and sequencing must be used to support morphological and chemical studies.
Tapellaria palaeotropica(Pilocarpaceae), a new foliicolous lichen species from the Seychelles, and a world key to the genus
Authors: NEUWIRTH Gerhard , STOCKER-WÖRGÖTTER Elfie
Published: May 2017

The new lichenized ascomyceteTapellaria palaeotropicais described from Mahé Island in the Seychelles. The species is characterized by a crustose, pale green, smooth thallus dispersed in patches and by having black, rounded apothecia with flat discs, hyaline, transversely, 3–5-septate ascospores and a purplish brown excipulum. Morphology, distribution and related species are discussed. A world key to all currently known species in the genus is presented.
New and interesting species in the family Graphidaceae (Ascomycota: Ostropales) from Vietnam
Authors: JOSHI Santosh , UPRETI Dalip K. , THANH Nguyen Thi , NGUYEN Anh Dong , HUR Jae-Seoun
Published: May 2017

The lowland area of southern Vietnam contains a high diversity of corticolous, crustose lichens, particularly in the family Graphidaceae. Two species, Acanthothecis verrucosa S. Joshi, Upreti & Hur and Graphis exuta S. Joshi, Upreti & Hur, are described new to science. Acanthothecis verrucosa is characterized by a verrucose, olive green thallus containing irregular to shortly lirellate apothecia, hyaline to brownish proper exciple apically lined by robust periphysoids, muriform ascospores, 30–70 × 15–20 μm, and the presence of psoromic and subpsoromic acids. Graphis exuta is characterized by a smooth, greenish white thallus, simple lirellae lacking thalline margin, entire labia coarsely white pruinose towards slit, muriform ascospores, 20–35×10–13 μm, and norstictic acid in the thallus. A new name, Acanthothecis yokdonensis S. Joshi & Hur, is proposed here for the species Acanthothecis salazinica S. Joshi & Hur, a later homonym of A. salazinica van den Boom & Sipman. In addition, 34 species from Vietnam are newly reported. A world key to the group of Graphis species characterized by short, simple and sessile lirellae lacking or with basal thalline margins (nuda-morph) is presented.
A randomised controlled trial of three psychological treatments for anorexia nervosa
Authors: Byrne S. , Wade T. , Hay P. , Touyz S. , Fairburn C. G. , Treasure J. , Schmidt U. , McIntosh V. , Allen K. , Fursland A. , Crosby R. D.
Published: May 2017

Background

There is a lack of evidence pointing to the efficacy of any specific psychotherapy for adults with anorexia nervosa (AN). The aim of this study was to compare three psychological treatments for AN: Specialist Supportive Clinical Management, Maudsley Model Anorexia Nervosa Treatment for Adults and Enhanced Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.

Method

A multi-centre randomised controlled trial was conducted with outcomes assessed at pre-, mid- and post-treatment, and 6- and 12-month follow-up by researchers blind to treatment allocation. All analyses were intention-to-treat. One hundred and twenty individuals meeting diagnostic criteria for AN were recruited from outpatient treatment settings in three Australian cities and offered 25–40 sessions over a 10-month period. Primary outcomes were body mass index (BMI) and eating disorder psychopathology. Secondary outcomes included depression, anxiety, stress and psychosocial impairment.

Results

Treatment was completed by 60% of participants and 52.5% of the total sample completed 12-month follow-up. Completion rates did not differ between treatments. There were no significant differences between treatments on continuous outcomes; all resulted in clinically significant improvements in BMI, eating disorder psychopathology, general psychopathology and psychosocial impairment that were maintained over follow-up. There were no significant differences between treatments with regard to the achievement of a healthy weight (mean = 50%) or remission (mean = 28.3%) at 12-month follow-up.

Conclusion

The findings add to the evidence base for these three psychological treatments for adults with AN, but the results underscore the need for continued efforts to improve outpatient treatments for this disorder.

Trial Registration

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN 12611000725965) http://www.anzctr.org.au/
The Treatment of Informal Care-Related Risks as Social Risks: An Analysis of the English Care Policy System
Authors: MORGAN FIONA
Published: May 2017

The social risk literature examines the extent to which states have provided social protection against the ‘old’ social risks of the post-war era and the ‘new’ social risks affecting post-industrial capitalist states. In this paper the contingency of the provision of informal care to people aged 65 and over is discussed. The paper deconstructs the concept of social risk to determine the characteristics and processes which contribute to states recognising specific contingencies as social risks which require social protection. This conceptualisation is applied to make the case that care-related risks associated with the informal care of older people should be recognised and treated as social risks by states. Data from a qualitative study of the English care policy system provide empirical evidence that informal care-related risks are recognised, but not treated, as social risks in England. The findings reveal informal carers, and the older people they care for, receive inadequate and inconsistent statutory protection against the poverty and welfare risks they face. Furthermore the design and operationalisation of the English care policy system generates risks for care relationships.
Does economic vulnerability moderate the association between transportation mode and social activity restrictions in later life?
Authors: LEHNING AMANDA , KIM KYEONGMO , SMITH RICHARD , CHOI MOON
Published: May 2017

Transportation is critical to older adults’ ability to participate in social activities in their community. We examined the association between modes of transportation and restrictions in social activity (i.e.visiting with others, religious attendance, clubs and organised activities, and going out for enjoyment), with particular attention to the moderating effects of economic vulnerability. We used logistic regression to analyse data from 7,197 community-dwelling older adults from the 2011 wave of the National Health and Aging Trends Study, a representative sample of adults aged 65 and over in the United States of America. Economic vulnerability moderated the association between transportation mode and social activity restrictions. Findings suggest that even when economically vulnerable older adults have access to driving, walking or public transit, they may be at a higher risk for social exclusion than their counterparts with more financial resources.
Convex Polygons in Geometric Triangulations
Authors: DUMITRESCU ADRIAN , TÓTH CSABA D.
Published: May 2017

We show that the maximum number of convex polygons in a triangulation ofnpoints in the plane isO(1.5029n). This improves an earlier bound ofO(1.6181n) established by van Kreveld, Löffler and Pach (2012), and almost matches the current best lower bound of Ω(1.5028n) due to the same authors. Given a planar straight-line graphGwithnvertices, we also show how to compute efficiently the number of convex polygons inG.
Right ventricular function after repair of tetralogy of Fallot: a comparison between bovine pericardium and porcine small intestinal extracellular matrix
Authors: Naik Ronak , Johnson Jason , Kumar T. K. S. , Philip Ranjit , Boston Umar , Knott-Craig Christopher J.
Published: May 2017

Background

The porcine small intestinal extracellular matrix reportedly has the potential to differentiate into viable myocardial cells. When used in tetralogy of Fallot repair, it may improve right ventricular function. We evaluated right ventricular function after repair of tetralogy of Fallot with extracellular matrix versus bovine pericardium.

Method

Subjects with non-transannular repair of tetralogy of Fallot with at least 1 year of follow-up were selected. The extracellular matrix and bovine pericardium groups were compared. We used three-dimensional right ventricular ejection fraction, right ventricle global longitudinal strain, and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion to assess right ventricular function.

Results

The extracellular matrix group had 11 patients, whereas the bovine pericardium group had 10 patients. No differences between the groups were found regarding sex ratio, age at surgery, and cardiopulmonary bypass time. The follow-up period was 28±12.6 months in the extracellular matrix group and 50.05±17.6 months in the bovine pericardium group (p=0.001). The mean three-dimensional right ventricular ejection fraction (55.7±5.0% versus 55.3±5.2%, p=0.73), right ventricular global longitudinal strain (−18.5±3.0% versus −18.0±2.2%, p=0.44), and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursions (1.59±0.16 versus 1.59±0.2, p=0.93) were similar in the extracellular matrix group and in the bovine pericardium group, respectively. Right ventricular global longitudinal strain in healthy children is reported at −29±3% in literature.

Conclusion

In a small cohort of the patients undergoing non-transannular repair of tetralogy of Fallot, there was no significant difference in right ventricular function between groups having extracellular matrix versus bovine pericardium patches followed-up for more than 1 year. Lower right ventricular longitudinal strain noted in both the groups compared to healthy children.