bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cross‐Shelf Transport of Submarine Groundwater Discharge Tracers: A Sensitivity Analysis
Authors: Lamontagne S. , Webster I. T.
Published: December 2018

The coastal mass balance for environmental tracers can be used to evaluate submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) and is often estimated using advective‐dispersive cross‐shelf transport models. Here we evaluate the sensitivity of different types of SGD tracers to key variables in this transport model under a wide range of environmental conditions. Salinity and long‐lived radionuclides (here represented by 226Ra; half‐life = 1,600 years) were transported by a combination of advection and dispersion under the scenarios considered, but short‐lived radionuclides (here represented by 224Ra; half‐life = 3.66 days) were mostly dispersed unless the offshore coefficient of solute dispersivity (Kx) was very low (<1 m2/s). Sensitivity to variations in key transport variables was further evaluated by reinterpreting the cross‐shelf trends in Ra activity in the semiarid Gulf St Vincent of South Australia (GSV). In GSV, the trends in most Ra isotopes (223Ra, 228Ra, and 226Ra) in seawater could be explained similarly by a large number of parameter combinations, implying these tracers would provide highly uncertain SGD estimates in this environment. However, the range of possible parameter combinations was relatively smaller for 224Ra, suggesting that SGD estimates derived from this tracer would be most reliable for GSV. In both the sensitivity analysis and the reevaluation of the GSV data, Kx was the most sensitive parameter in the transport equation. Because Kx is an empirical parameter potentially encompassing different dispersion processes in time and space (tidal currents, storms, etc.), it is likely to be tracer, time, and site specific.
Long‐Term Nutrient Variations in the Bohai Sea Over the Past 40 Years
Authors: Wang Junjie , Yu Zhigang , Wei Qinsheng , Yao Qingzhen
Published: December 2018

As China's only continental sea, the Bohai Sea is a relatively closed environment and is vulnerable to natural changes and human activities. In this paper, the long‐term variations in nutrients in the Bohai Sea and the potential influencing factors were analyzed based on historical summer and winter data from 1978 to 2016. The results showed that the concentrations of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) in the Bohai Sea continuously increased from 1990 and rapidly increased after 2002, the phosphate (PO4‐P) concentration exhibited a decreasing trend, and the silicate (SiO3‐Si) concentration decreased from 1978 to 1987 and increased from 1987 to 2008. The nutrient concentrations were lower in summer than in winter, and the bottom concentrations were higher than the surface concentrations in summer, whereas the vertical differences were insignificant in winter. The dominant factor determining the long‐term variations in DIN were atmospheric deposition and nonpoint sources due to various human activities; the primary factors affecting PO4‐P were riverine inputs and nonpoint sources related to natural changes and human activities; the primary factors afftecting SiO3‐Si were riverine inputs. The N/P ratio followed the DIN variation, the Si/P ratio followed the SiO3‐Si variation, and the Si/N ratio decreased. The nutrient ratios were lower at the bottom than at the surface and were lower in winter than in summer. The nutrient limitation changed from nitrogen limitation to phosphorus and silicon limitations. The long‐term nutrient variations in the Bohai Sea have potential ecological impacts on the local red tide features.
Anthropogenically Forced Decadal Change of South Asian Summer Monsoon Across the Mid‐1990s
Authors: Luo Feifei , Dong Buwen , Tian Fangxing , Li Shuanglin
Published: December 2018

Analysis of observations indicates that there was a significant decadal change in summer (June–August) mean rainfall over South Asia and Southeast Asia across the mid‐1990s, which is characterized by less rainfall over central‐northern India and northern Indo‐China Peninsula. This study investigates impacts of anthropogenic forcing on the observed decadal change across the mid‐1990s. A set of experiments using the coupled atmosphere‐ocean‐mixed‐layer model MetUM‐GOML2 has been performed to quantify the relative roles of changes in anthropogenic greenhouse gases and anthropogenic aerosols (AA). Results indicate a dominant role of anthropogenic changes in the observed decadal changes. Separately, the changes in greenhouse gases forcing play an important role in the reduction of rainfall over central‐northern India through the changes of atmospheric circulation (i.e., the local Hadley circulation and the Walker circulation), with additional contribution from changes in AA forcing. The changes in AA forcing dominate the reduction of rainfall over northern Indo‐China Peninsula due to high‐pressure anomalies over northern South Asia and the western subtropical Pacific. These high‐pressure anomalies are induced by the surface cooling, mainly via aerosol‐radiation interaction that decreases downward clear‐sky shortwave radiation over South Asia during summer and aerosol‐radiation interaction and aerosol‐cloud interaction that decrease downward shortwave radiation over the western subtropical Pacific during presummer seasons.
The Acidity Distribution of Drops in a Deep Convective Cloud
Authors: Hu J. Y. , Yin Y. , Chen Q.
Published: December 2018

A cloud model with detailed bin microphysics as well as aqueous‐phase chemistry is used to investigate how the acidity distribution of drops changes in a deep convective cloud. The results show that the concentration of hydrogen ion is higher in the relatively large droplets at the initial stage of the cloud, whereas it has an opposite dependence on the drop size at the later stage of the cloud. The spectrum distribution of drop acidity also highly varies with space, reflecting the different effects of macrophysical and microphysical processes on drop acidity. For the entire simulation period, evaporation process contributes the most to the decrease in pH values of drops, which is related to the decrease in cloud water. Condensation and collision‐coalescence play an important role in modifying the chemical rates of hydrogen ion production, leading to changes in the pH values. In addition, both higher concentration of sulfur dioxide and enhanced aerosol loading lead to lower pH values of drops, but the differences in pH values under different aerosol loadings vary with time and space, which is associated with the different contribution of microphysical processes. The sensitivity tests reveal that the changes of pH values by varying aerosol loadings could have a significant impact on sulfuric acid production through aqueous oxidation of sulfur dioxide.
Effective determination of trace residues of glibenclamide in urine samples using dispersive micro solid-phase extraction and its final detection by chromatographic analysis
Authors: Eilami Owrang , Asfaram Arash , Ghaedi Mehrorang , Goudarzi Alireza
Published: December 2018

An analytical procedure for rapid and effective dispersive micro-solid-phase extraction (DMSPE) of glibenclamide (GB) from urine samples was set up by using sulfur doped tin oxide nanoparticles (S@SnO2-NPs) loaded on activated carbon (AC), as the sorbent, and clean-up materials, followed by detection.
Asymmetric α-alkylation of cyclic β-keto esters and β-keto amides by phase-transfer catalysis
Authors: Wang Yakun , Li Yueyun , Lian Mingming , Zhang Jixia , Liu Zhaomin , Tang Xiaofei , Yin Hang , Meng Qingwei
Published: December 2018

A facile and efficient asymmetric α-alkylation of β-keto esters and β-keto amides has been achieved by phase-transfer catalysis.
Delayed sampling technique for high‐order BOC signals acquisition
Authors: Liu Zhijun , Li Baiyu , Zhu Xiangwei , Li Lixun , Sun Guangfu
Published: December 2018

Binary offset carrier (BOC) signals are applied in modernised global navigation satellite system. High‐order BOC signals provide good performance in spectrum separation and signal tracking. However, for high‐order BOC signals, the sampling frequency is much higher than that of binary phase‐shift keying signals, which increases computational complexity. Meanwhile, the zero crossings in the correlation function degrade the detection performance. In this Letter, band‐pass sampling is introduced for BOC signals to reduce the computational complexity and remove the zero crossings. A delayed replica of the received signal is used to construct a complex signal which is sampled with a much lower sampling frequency than the Nyquist frequency. The correlation function of the sampled signal has no secondary peaks. Thus, the detection probability is higher and the computational complexity is lower.
Cyber–physical microgrid components fault prognosis using electromagnetic sensors
Authors: Agarwal Tanushree , Niknejad Payam , Rahimnejad Abolfazl , Barzegaran M.R. , Vanfretti Luigi
Published: December 2018

Higher operational requirements in cyber–physical microgrid system stress the electrical system and may push it to the edge of stability. Therefore, prognosis of the imminent failures is vital. Accessing stray electromagnetic waves of power components helps in power system protection and non‐intrusive prognosis of electric components faults in a cyber–physical microgrid environment. This study implements a cyber–physical approach associated between the electromagnetic waves radiated by components in the microgrid and the communication structure. To verify the same, the entire system is implemented on a real‐time lab‐based microgrid environment. The major problem with the stray electromagnetic waves is receiving appropriate fields. This is resolved by placing magnetic coil antennas at optimal distances and monitoring the radiated electromagnetic waves and their harmonics. Quick response code recognition technique is used to recognise the source and its corresponding healthy mode while harmonic analysis through artificial neural network helps to find the type and origin of faults. This would be an artificial intelligence‐enabled system which self‐optimises and acts according to the patterns. The proposed monitoring system can be utilised in any cyber–physical microgrid system especially those located in extreme/remote areas.
ACT: an ACTNet for visual tracking
Authors: Li Ning , Ji Qingge , Ma Tianjun
Published: December 2018

Owing to convolutional neural network (CNN) models’ success in various fields of computer vision, the authors proposed an advanced convolutional network (ACTNet) to enhance the accuracy of visual tracking. Different from prior methods, they regard a CNN as not only a semantic feature map extractor but also a position predictor. Rectified Linear Unit (RLU) and sigmoid are both used in ACTNet for feature extraction and position determination. To avoid overfitting in pre‐training, they introduce adding Erlang noise to create more training samples and to improve the robustness of each base learner. Experiments on widely used evaluation datasets demonstrate that their proposed ACT method outperforms state‐of‐the‐art methods.
Abnormal region detection in cervical smear images based on fully convolutional network
Authors: Zhang Jianwei , He Junting , Chen Tianfu , Liu Zhenmei , Chen Danni
Published: December 2018

Automation‐assisted cervical screening via liquid‐based cytology has achieved great success using segmentation and classification methods. This work tries to do abnormal region detection on field of view cervical cell images based on deep learning, which is a novel way to solve cervical cytological screening problem. Since some abnormal nuclei gather in groups, the proposed method chooses abnormal regions instead of abnormal nuclei as the detection targets in order to locate the abnormal regions for the further diagnosis of the pathologists. In this study, a novel abnormal region detection approach for cervical screening is proposed based on a size‐sensitive fully convolutional network (R‐FCN). Due to the regular feature distribution, a fewer‐layer convolutional neural backbone network is designed for more efficient feature extraction and less running time. In addition, a new measure named hit degree is defined to describe the degree how closely each detected region and the corresponding ground truth matches up. Experimental results show that an average precision of 93.2% is achieved for abnormal region detection in cervical smear images. The proposed method is promising for the development of computer‐aided systems in clinical cervical cytological screening.
Characterisation of on‐chip wireless interconnects based on silicon nanoantennas via near‐field scanning optical microscopy
Authors: Díaz‐Fernández Francisco J. , Pinilla-Cienfuegos Elena , García-Meca Carlos , Lechago Sergio , Griol Amadeu , Martí Javier
Published: December 2018

Recently, a novel Photonic‐Integrated Circuit (PIC) paradigm based on the use of a new kind of ultra‐directive, low‐loss, highly efficient and broadband silicon nanoantenna has enabled the first demonstration of an on‐chip wireless interconnect, with potential applications in reconfigurable networks and lab‐on‐a‐chip systems. Despite the fact that the far‐field properties of these nanoantennas have been widely studied, their near‐field behaviour stays unexplored. Here, the authors study this feature through scanning near‐field optical microscopy (SNOM). For this purpose, the authors design and characterise an on‐chip two‐port wireless link using a tailored SNOM. The conducted near‐field measurements will be useful to improve the design of these integrated photonic devices with potential impact on a variety of applications, from biosensing to optical communications.
Iterative learning based model identification and state of charge estimation of lithium‐ion battery
Authors: Zhu Qiao , Chen Jun‐Xiong , Xu Meng‐En , Zou Chen
Published: December 2018

This work focuses on the accurate identification of lithium‐ion battery's non‐linear parameters by using an iterative learning method. First, the second‐order resistance‐capacitance model and its regression form of the battery are introduced. Then, when the battery repeatedly implements a discharge trial from the state of charge (SOC) 100 to 0%, an iterative learning based recursive least square (IL‐RLS) algorithm is presented to accurately identify the non‐linear parameters of the regression model. The essential idea of the IL‐RLS algorithm is to improve the current parameter estimates by learning the predictive errors of the previous trials. After that, the parameters are identified as the functions of SOC by using the IL‐RLS, which are verified by comparing with the results of the classic identification method for current pulses. As a result, an application‐oriented SOC estimation scheme is proposed, where the IL‐RLS calibrates the battery parameters offline and the classic extended Kalman filter (EKF) estimates the SOC in real‐time. Finally, based on the EKF as well as the parameters identified by the IL‐RLS, one static and three dynamic operating conditions are given to show the efficiency of the IL‐RLS, where all the SOC estimation errors are <2%.
Static voltage sharing technology of multi‐break mechanical switch for hybrid HVDC breaker
Authors: Yang Qiuyu , Huang Daochun , Wang Xuezong , Qiu Zhibin , Ruan Jiangjun
Published: December 2018

The hybrid high‐voltage direct current (HVDC) breaker combines mechanical and power electronics switching that enables it to interrupt power flows within a few milliseconds. Mechanical switch is a key component of hybrid HVDC breaker and has a number of serially connected interrupter units which ideally would divide the voltage equally. The static voltage distribution characteristics and voltage sharing design of a multi‐break mechanical switch were discussed in this study. A finite‐element model was developed to study the static voltage distribution characteristics and capacitance parameters of multi‐break mechanical switch (which actually consists of resistance and capacitance parameters under direct current) as a preliminary study. Comparisons were made under the simulation of vertical and U‐shaped arrangement forms. The results indicate that the static voltage distribution of the high‐voltage terminal is at least more than 65%, whereas the severe non‐uniform voltage distribution can be well improved by means of the method proposed in this study.
Research on coordinated reactive power control strategy of hybrid‐HVDC
Authors: Huang Ying , Li Chunhua , Liu Tao
Published: December 2018

Based on the hybrid HVDC transmission system, which is composed by line‐commutated converter (LCC) in parallel with voltage source converter (VSC), a coordinated reactive power control strategy of hybrid‐HVDC in both steady and transient states is proposed. The operation characteristics in situations like low load operation, filter switching, and de‐locking process are analysed. Influence of the method to AC bus voltage and system power factor is taken into account. Three kinds of reactive control methods of VSC and LCC are studied, and the logical relationship between the filter and VSC reactive power controller is also given. Considering both the system voltage drop and the risk of commutation failure caused by AC faults, the VSC in voltage control mode is utilised to maintain AC bus voltage stability by providing emergency power support. Simulation results show the feasibility and effectiveness of presented control strategy, then the proposed strategy is applied in practical DC project, whose results achieve the desired effect by engineering field test.
Research on the strategy of cooperative control between photovoltaic grid‐connected and reactive power compensation technology
Authors: Li Zhigang , Peng Yalan , Yao Fang , Liu Mingyu
Published: December 2018

When connecting a large number of generating sets into power grid, there will be the harmonic wave generated in power grid causing voltage and current distortion, which affects power quality seriously. Based on the instantaneous reactive power theory, the active current, reactive current and harmonic current can be real‐time monitored. The P–Q method can be adopted to control reactive power compensation. By building the converter control model, the variation of reactive power of power grid between photovoltaic grid‐connected inverter working under stand‐alone mode and grid‐connected mode can be analysed via a simulation system. The experimental analysis of reactive power compensation and harmonic suppression, the availability of the control strategy of the photovoltaic grid‐connected inverter system can be proved. Using this novel strategy, the photovoltaic grid‐connected power system can not only provide active power but also compensate reactive power and suppress harmonic, which will improve power quality.
Effect of different carbon supporter on the Ni/C catalyst for water oxidation
Authors: Wang Ke , Sun Zhiyan , Zhu Yan , Chunhui Li
Published: December 2018

Exploring efficient and inexpensive oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalysts is essential for clean renewable energy systems. Ni‐based nanomaterials have been intensively pursued for NiOOH can play a key role in OER processes in alkaline electrolytes. In this work, Ni nanoparticles (NPs) absorbed onto commercial carbon black and nitrogen‐doped reduced graphene oxide as electrochemical catalysts activities in OER have been explored. The study found that the current density and Tafel slope of Ni/C nanocomposite in OER were affected obviously by different carbon supporter and the surface properties of Ni NPs. The work revealed that the Ni NPs electrical contact with supporter and surface hydrophilism of catalytically active species is more important than the size and loaded amount. The awareness of the catalytic kinetics difference deepened their comprehension of the structure–property relationship of the electrocatalyst, which would contribute to the rational design of excellent OER catalysts.
Hilar Arteriovenous Pattern in a Case of Horseshoe Kidney
Authors: Miorin Ana , Cabral Rôksanny , Bellini Rafael , Batigália Fernando , Chacon Erivelto , Boer Nagib Pezati
Published: December 2018

Horseshoe kidney is a poor congenital formation that results in the union of the lower poles of the kidneys through the fibrous isthmus that crosses the median line, with a prevalence of 0.25% (1 in 400 births), a higher rate in males (2:1 or 3:1), and an important variation in the arrangement of arteries and veins in the hilum. The present study aims to describe the arteriovenous pattern in the renal hilum in a case of horseshoe kidney. A conventional retroperitoneal dissection was performed in a 64-year-old female corpse of brown skin color, legally belonging to the Anatomy Laboratory of Unicastelo, Fernandópolis, state of São Paulo, Brazil, with causa mortis associated with uterine cancer. The dissection revealed a horseshoe kidney, with the right kidney measuring 5.69 cm, the left kidney measuring 11.65 cm, and the isthmus measuring 6.40 cm, and with the presence of a single right superior polar segmental artery (originated in the posterior aspect of the renal artery), of a double left superior polar segmental artery (originated in the renal artery, with one for each renal aspect), of one renal isthmus artery (originated in the posterior aspect of the abdominal aorta), and of one renal isthmus vein (left common iliac vein). Horseshoe kidney is a congenital abnormality whose arteries may originate from branches of the renal artery, of the inferior mesenteric artery, or of the iliac artery. Its veins drain into the renal vein, into the inferior vena cava, or into the iliac vein. It may be associated with hydronephrosis and nephroblastoma. However, no reports in the literature are found regarding the correlation with uterine cancer, highlighting the relevance of the hilar vascular pattern of the reported case.
Simulation-Based Team Training Improves Team Performance among Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Staff
Authors: Colman Nora , Figueroa Janet , McCracken Courtney , Hebbar Kiran
Published: December 2018

Simulation training fosters collaborative learning and improves communication among interdisciplinary teams. In this prospective observational cohort study, we evaluated the impact of interdisciplinary simulation-based team training (SBTT) on immediate learning of team performance behaviors. In a 3-month period, 30 simulation sessions were conducted and 165 staff members, including physicians, nurses, and respiratory therapists, were trained. Regression analysis showed a statistically significant improvement in team performance (p < 0.0001). Study results demonstrate that SBTT is effective in immediate acquisition of optimal team performance behaviors by multidisciplinary pediatric intensive care unit staff, including physicians with higher level subspecialty training in the simulation environment.
Pediatric Nurses' Knowledge of and Self-Efficacy in Breastfeeding Counseling
Authors: Farrag Nesrine Saad , Abdelsalam Sherehan Adel , Laimon Wafaa , El-Gilany Abdel-Hady
Published: December 2018

Objective Sound breastfeeding (BF) knowledge among health professionals is vital for proper institutional support of BF mothers. This study aims to measure both BF knowledge and self-efficacy (SE) of pediatric nurses in supporting BF and to determine their associated factors.

Study Design A cross-sectional study was conducted in Mansoura University Children's Hospital and Mansoura New General Hospital during the period from January to March 2017. A total of 186 nurses completed a predesigned self-administered questionnaire developed by the investigators to measure BF knowledge and SE in BF counseling.

Results The overall total means of BF knowledge and SE scores were 26.8 (6.4) and 3.8 (0.6), respectively. Linear regression showed that having bachelor education, working in neonatal department, having a child (aged 2–5 years) were significant independent predictors of BF knowledge score (R
2 = 0.448, p ≤ 0.001), while BF knowledge score is the only significant independent predictor of SE in BF counseling (R
2= 0.36, p ≤ 0.001).

Conclusion Higher pregraduation education, working in neonatal department, having children aged 2 to 5 years are independent predictors of BF knowledge. Improving BF knowledge may improve nurses' SE in supporting BF.
Profile Analysis of the Scientific Articles Published in the Journal of Morphological Sciences between 2000 and 2017: A Bibliometric Study
Authors: Rueff-Barroso Carlos , Sepulchro Lorraine , Delpupo Fernanda , Damm Patrícia , Pomer-Escher Graziela , Camisasca Danielle , Fazan Valéria
Published: December 2018

Introduction The Journal of Morphological Sciences (JMS), the official journal of the Brazilian Society of Anatomy, is an interesting option for researchers to publish in the field of morphology. It includes articles that cover a wide variety of topics, such as gross and microscopic human and animal anatomy, embryology, cell and molecular biology, clinical cases and reviews. We aimed to perform a bibliometric study to analyze the profile of JMS publications from 2000 to 2017, in order to understand in depth the origins of the researches and the subject of the manuscripts published in this journal.

Material and Methods This is a descriptive bibliographical review research, with a bibliometric analysis of the scientific production of the JMS between 2000 and 2017. A total of 894 publications were analyzed, and they were distributed in 63 issues and organized into 18 volumes. Three groups of information were considered: a) “identification of the published articles;” b) “origin and authorship of the published articles;” and c) “research subject in the published articles.”

Results Most of the published manuscripts were original articles (72.5%) and their subjects were mainly microscopic animal anatomy (27%) and gross human anatomy (26.6%). A total 63.3% of the manuscripts involved at least one Brazilian institution, and 59.4% of those were public institutions.

Conclusion This manuscript provides an important contribution to those who are publishing in the JMS, since the authors can find a great deal of information on the quality of the science that is being published in the journal, as well as demographic information on authors and institutions.
Environmental correlates of total and domain‐specific sedentary behaviour in young people. The UP&DOWN study
Authors: Cabanas‐Sánchez Verónica , Izquierdo‐Gómez Rocío , García‐Cervantes Laura , Castro‐Piñero José , Conde‐Caveda Julio , Veiga Oscar L.
Published: December 2018

This study investigated the associations between the characteristics of the nearby physical environment with the total and domain‐specific leisure‐time sedentary behaviour (SB) in young people. The study included 1578 youth (9–18 years) from the UP&DOWN study. Total leisure‐time SB was objectively‐assessed by accelerometers. Participants self‐reported the time spent during leisure‐time in different domains of SB (i.e. screen‐based, educational‐based, social‐based, and other‐based SB). Information regarding the basic characteristics of the house, the perceived neighbourhood environment, the amount of physical activity facilities, equipment and materials attainable at home, and the media equipment available at home and in the own bedroom was collected. Linear mixed models were performed, including school and city as random effects. The availability of yard was related to lower total SB and time spent surfing the Internet in boys, but not in girls. More favourable perceived neighbourhood environment was associated with lower total SB and time spent playing video games in girls, but not in boys. The amount of physical activity materials at home was negatively associated with screen‐based SB, while the availability of a computer in the own bedroom was positively related to the time spent surfing the Internet in boys and girls. The number of televisions at home and having a computer in the own bedroom was associated with lower time in educational‐based SB in boys and girls, respectively. Increasing the number of PA materials at home and decreasing the number of TVs at home and the availability of a computer in the bedroom could improve SB profiles of youth.
Pacing during a cross‐country mountain bike mass‐participation event according to race performance, experience, age and sex
Authors: Moss Samantha Louise , Francis Ben , Calogiuri Giovanna , Highton Jamie
Published: December 2018

This study describes pacing strategies adopted in an 86‐km mass‐participation cross‐country marathon mountain bike race (the ‘Birkebeinerrittet’). Absolute (km·h−1) and relative speed (% average race speed) and speed coefficient of variation (%CV) in five race sections (15.1, 31.4, 52.3, 74.4 and 100% of total distance) were calculated for 8182 participants. Data were grouped and analysed according to race performance, age, sex and race experience. The highest average speed was observed in males (21.8 ± 3.7 km/h), 16–24 yr olds (23.0 ± 4.8 km/h) and those that had previously completed >4 Birkebeinerrittet races (22.5 ± 3.4 km/h). Independent of these factors, the fastest performers exhibited faster speeds across all race sections, whilst their relative speed was higher in early and late climbing sections (Cohen's d = 0.45–1.15) and slower in the final descending race section (d = 0.64–0.98). Similar trends were observed in the quicker age, sex and race experience groups, who tended to have a higher average speed in earlier race sections and a lower average speed during the final race section compared to slower groups. In all comparisons, faster groups also had a lower %CV for speed than slower groups (fastest %CV = 24.02%, slowest %CV = 32.03%), indicating a lower variation in speed across the race. Pacing in a cross‐country mountain bike marathon is related to performance, age, sex and race experience. Better performance appears to be associated with higher relative speed during climbing sections, resulting in a more consistent overall race speed.
The biomechanical characteristics of high‐performance endurance running
Authors: Preece Stephen J. , Bramah Christopher , Mason Duncan
Published: December 2018

The biomechanical profile of high‐level endurance runners may represent a useful model that could be used for developing training programmes designed to improve running style. This study, therefore, sought to compare the biomechanical characteristics of high‐performance and recreational runners. Kinematic and kinetic measurements were taken during overground running from a cohort of 14 high‐performance (8 male) and 14 recreational (8 male) runners, at four speeds ranging from 3.3 to 5.6 m s−1. Two‐way ANOVA analysis was then used to explore group and speed effects and principal component analysis used to explore the interdependence of the tested variables. The data showed the high‐performance runners to have a gait style characterised by an increased vertical velocity of the centre of mass and a flight time that was 11% longer than the recreational group. The high‐performance group were also observed to adopt a forefoot strike pattern, to contact the ground with their foot closer to their body and to have a larger ankle moment. Importantly, although observed group differences were mostly independent of speed, the tested variables showed a high degree of interdependence suggesting an underlying unitary phenomenon. This is the first study to compare high‐performance and recreational runners across a full range of kinematic and kinetic variables. The results suggest that high‐performance runners maintain stride length with a prolonged aerial phase, rather than by landing with a more extended knee. These findings motivate future intervention studies that should investigate whether recreational runners could benefit from instruction to decrease shank inclination at foot contact.
Reciprocal hybridization between diploid Ficaria calthifolia and tetraploid Ficaria verna subsp. verna: evidence from experimental crossing, genome size and molecular markers
Authors: Popelka Ondřej , Sochor Michal , Duchoslav Martin
Published: December 2018

Ficaria is a taxonomically intriguing polyploid complex with high morphological variability. Both hybridization and polyploidization have been suggested as the main evolutionary forces behind the high morphological variability in this genus; however, detailed studies are lacking. In Central Europe, two Ficaria taxa (diploid F. calthifolia and tetraploid F. verna subsp. verna) occasionally co-occur in local sympatry, which might result in hybridization. We investigated sympatric populations of the two Ficaria taxa using flow cytometry, chromosome counts, AFLP analysis and plastid DNA sequencing; we also performed experimental homoploid and heteroploid crosses to determine the frequency and direction of hybrid triploid formation, an alternative route of triploid origin (autopolyploidy) and the possibility of a one-step neoallotetraploid origin. Sympatric populations were composed of three genetic clusters corresponding to diploid F. calthifolia (2n = 16), tetraploid F. verna subsp. verna (2n = 32) and triploid plants (2n = 24). The holoploid genome size and AFLP data suggest a hybrid origin of the triploids, thereby making their formation via autopolyploidization in F. calthifolia unlikely. The triploid populations are monoclonal and of independent origin. In contrast, the parental populations exhibit high genotypic diversity and frequent sexual reproduction, including those of predominantly asexual F. verna subsp. verna. Experimental crossing confirmed that both parental taxa produce fertile seeds via a sexual pathway, but not by apomixis, and that both serve as pollen acceptors in heteroploid crosses, which is consistent with the plastid sequencing. However, hybridization is asymmetric, with maternal-excess crosses being significantly more successful. No signs of neoautotetraploidization or neoallotetraploidization were detected. In summary, recent gene flow between the studied Ficaria taxa is either limited or absent.
Unitary Representations with Dirac Cohomology: Finiteness in the Real Case
Authors: Dong Chao-Ping
Published: December 2018

Let $G$ be a complex connected simple algebraic group with a fixed real form $\sigma $. Let $G({\mathbb{R}})=G^\sigma $ be the corresponding group of real points. This paper reports a finiteness theorem for the classification of irreducible unitary Harish-Chandra modules of $G({\mathbb{R}})$ (up to equivalence) having nonvanishing Dirac cohomology. Moreover, we study the distribution of the spin norm along Vogan pencils for certain $G({\mathbb{R}})$, with particular attention paid to the unitarily small convex hull introduced by Salamanca-Riba and Vogan.
Identifying the Components of Acidosis in Patients With Severe Plasmodium falciparum Malaria Using Metabolomics
Authors: Leopold Stije J , Ghose Aniruddha , Allman Erik L , Kingston Hugh W F , Hossain Amir , Dutta Asok Kumar , Plewes Katherine , Chotivanich Kesinee , Day Nicholas P J , Tarning Joel , Winterberg Markus , White Nicholas J , Llinás Manuel , Dondorp Arjen M
Published: December 2018

Background

Acidosis in severe Plasmodium falciparum malaria is associated with high mortality, yet the pathogenesis remains incompletely understood. The aim of this study was to determine the nature and source of metabolic acids contributing to acidosis in patients with severe falciparum malaria.

Methods

A prospective observational study was conducted to characterize circulating acids in adults with P. falciparum malaria (n = 107) and healthy controls (n = 45) from Bangladesh using high-resolution liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry metabolomics. Additional in vitro P. falciparum culture studies were performed to determine if parasites release the acids detected in plasma from patients with severe malaria acidosis.

Results

We identified previously unmeasured plasma acids strongly associated with acidosis in severe malaria. Metabolomic analysis of P. falciparum parasites in vitro showed no evidence that these acids are released by the parasite during its life cycle. Instead, 10 of the plasma acids could be mapped to a gut microbial origin. Patients with malaria had low L-citrulline levels, a plasma marker indicating reduced gut barrier integrity. Longitudinal data showed the clearance of these newly identified acids was delayed in fatal cases.

Conclusions

These data suggest that a compromise in intestinal barrier function may contribute significantly to the pathogenesis of life-threatening acidosis in severe falciparum malaria.

Clinical Trials Registration

NCT02451904.
Exposures to temperature beyond threshold disproportionately reduce vegetation growth in the northern hemisphere
Authors: Wu Xiuchen , Guo Weichao , Liu Hongyan , Li Xiaoyan , Peng Changhui , Allen Craig D , Zhang Cicheng , Wang Pei , Pei Tingting , Ma Yujun , Tian Yuhong , Song Zhaoliang , Zhu Wenquan , Wang Yang , Li Zongshan , Chen Deliang
Published: December 2018

In recent decades, terrestrial vegetation in the northern hemisphere (NH) has been exposed to warming and more extremely high temperatures. However, the consequences of these changes for terrestrial vegetation growth remain poorly quantified and understood. By examining a satellite-based vegetation index, tree-ring measurements and land-surface model simulations, we discovered a consistent convex pattern in the responses of vegetation growth to temperature exposure (TE) for forest, shrub and grass in both the temperate (30°−50° N) and boreal (50°−70° N) NH during the period of 1982−2012. The response of vegetation growth to TE for the three vegetation types in both the temperate and boreal NH increased convergently with increasing temperature, until vegetation type-dependent temperature thresholds were reached. A TE beyond these temperature thresholds resulted in disproportionately weak positive or even strong negative responses. Vegetation growth in the boreal NH was more vulnerable to extremely high-temperature events than vegetation growth in the temporal NH. The non-linear responses discovered here provide new insights into the dynamics of northern terrestrial ecosystems in a warmer world.
Lung Lavage with Dilute Surfactant vs. Bolus Surfactant for Meconium Aspiration Syndrome
Authors: Arayici Sema , Sari Fatma Nur , Kadioglu Simsek Gulsum , Yarci Erbu , Alyamac Dizdar Evrim , Uras Nurdan , Canpolat Fuat Emre , Oguz Serife Suna
Published: December 2018

Objective

To compare the effectiveness of lung lavage with surfactant vs. bolus surfactant treatment in meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS).

Patients and methods

This randomized controlled trial included newborns ventilated with MAS. In lavage group (n = 17) 30 ml/kg of diluted porcine surfactant was instilled into the lung. In bolus group (n = 16) porcine surfactant (100 mg/kg) was administered as bolus. Respiratory outcomes and mortality were compared between groups.

Results

Duration of respiratory support was found to be similar between lavage and bolus groups (3 vs. 3.5 days, p = 0.36). Death or requirement for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) was 12% vs. 6%; respectively (RR: 2, 95% CI 0.16–24.48; p = 1.0). Duration of oxygen therapy, high-frequency ventilation or inhaled nitric oxide requirement did not differ among the groups.

Conclusion

Lung lavage did not show any advantage over bolus therapy on duration of respiratory support. The incidence of pneumothorax and surfactant re-administration decreased nonsignificantly in lavage group.

Clinical Trial Registration

We registered the trial to ClinicalTrials.gov (http://clinicaltrials.gov) under identifier NCT02041546.

Registry name

Lung Lavage With Dilute Poractant Alfa for Meconium Aspiration Syndrome.
Female Sexual Dysfunction and the Placebo Effect: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Weinberger James M. , Houman Justin , Caron Ashley T. , Patel Devin N. , Baskin Avi S. , Lenore Ackerman A. , Eilber Karyn S. , Anger Jennifer T.
Published: December 2018

(Abstracted from Obstet Gynecol 2018;132:453–458)

Female sexual dysfunction has an immense effect on both relationships and quality of life. Estimated lifetime prevalence rates are 30% to 50%.
Vaginal Progesterone Is as Effective as Cervical Cerclage to Prevent Preterm Birth in Women With a Singleton Gestation, Previous Spontaneous Preterm Birth, and a Short Cervix: Updated Indirect Comparison Meta-analysis
Authors: Conde-Agudelo Agustin , Romero Roberto , Da Fonseca Eduardo , O'Brien John M. , Cetingoz Elcin , Creasy George W. , Hassan Sonia S. , Erez Offer , Pacora Percy , Nicolaides Kypros H.
Published: December 2018

(Abstracted from Am J Obstet Gynecol 2018;219(1):10–25)

It is widely accepted that preterm birth is a syndrome caused by several pathological processes such as infection, vascular and decidual disorders, uterine overdistension, breakdown of maternal fetal tolerance, a decline in progesterone action, and cervical disease. A previous spontaneous preterm birth is a well-known risk factor for recurrent spontaneous preterm delivery.
Repeat Antenatal Betamethasone and Cardiometabolic Outcomes
Authors: Cartwright Robert D. , Harding Jane E. , Crowther Caroline A. , Cutfield Wayne S. , Battin Malcolm R. , Dalziel Stuart R. , McKinlay Christopher J. D.
Published: December 2018

(Abstracted from Pediatrics 2018;142(1):e20180522)

Antenatal corticosteroid therapy is one of the most effective interventions for preterm birth, resulting in rapid maturation of fetal organ systems. The Australasian Collaborative Trial of Repeat Doses of Steroids (ACTORDS) revealed that neonatal benefit is greatest when antenatal corticosteroids are administered in repeat doses, which can be used to reduce the incidence and severity of preterm lung disease and other serious neonatal morbidity, with absolute benefits similar to that of an initial course of antenatal corticosteroids.
Radiation Prophylaxis for Hip Salvage Surgery in Cerebral Palsy: Can We Reduce the Incidence of Heterotopic Ossification?
Authors: Davis Eric , Williams Kathryn , Matheney Travis H. , Snyder Brian , Marcus Karen J. , Shore Benjamin J.
Published: December 2018

Background:

Heterotopic ossification (HO) is a well-recognized complication of proximal femoral resection (PFR) surgery in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Although single-dose radiation prophylaxis (SDRP) has been shown to be effective at lowering the rates of HO following adult total hip arthroplasty; there has been limited study examining the efficacy of SDRP for HO prevention in children with CP undergoing PFR. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of SDRP in children with CP undergoing PFR.

Methods:

This retrospective case control series identified all patients from one tertiary children's hospital undergoing PFHR. Patients were dichotomized into (1) SDRP and (2) non-SDRP groups. In SDRP, radiation was delivered preoperatively at a dose of 7.5 Gy utilizing a 6 MV photon beam. The incidence of HO in the SDRP cohort was compared to historic data using binomial testing. The size of HO lesions was compared using Wilcoxon signed-rank test. McCarthy, Brooker, and Anatomic Classifications of HO were compared using repeated measures logistic regression.

Results:

Twenty-three patients (mean age, 15.5) and 35 hips (17 SDRP, 18 Non-SDRP) were included in the analysis. There were 17 females and 6 males in the cohort with the majority classified as GMFCS V, 21/23 (91%). HO was seen in 6 of the SDRP cohort (6/17, 35%) and 15 of the non-SDRP cohort (15/18, 83%) (P=0.015). The average size of HO at maturity was 282.7 mm2 in the SDRP cohort compared with 1221.5 mm2 in the Non-SDRP cohort (P=0.026). Radiation treatment was associated with a 938.9 mm2 decrease in HO size at maturity (P= 0.026). Multivariate repeated measures logistic regression analysis found that non-SDRP hips had 13 times higher odds of developing HO (P=0.015). There were no significant differences in infection rates between the 2 cohorts and there were no radiation-associated complications.

Conclusions:

Short-term follow up demonstrates that SDRP is a safe and efficacious intervention in decreasing the incidence and size of HO in children with CP undergoing PFR.

Levels of Evidence:

Level III—Case control cohort study.
Hook Plate Fixation of Medial Malleolar Fractures
Authors: Vajapey Sravya , Plummer Darren R. , Santiago Juan E. , Harrison Ryan K.
Published: December 2018

Ankle fractures are common injuries treated by orthopedic surgeons. Medial malleolar fractures, occurring in isolation or in combination with lateral or posterior malleolar fractures, usually require surgical fixation if there is any amount of fracture displacement. With the recent advancement in surgical techniques, many different methods of fixation have been described in the literature from cannulated screws to sled devices. The objective of this study is to describe the hook plate technique for open reduction and internal fixation of medial malleolar fractures and present outcomes in 2 patients who underwent this procedure. Hook plate fixation of medial malleolar fractures results in acceptable outcomes and is be a good alternative to traditional methods of fixation in patients.
Benefit of Mohs Micrographic Surgery Over Wide Local Excision for Melanoma of the Head and Neck: A Rational Approach to Treatment
Authors: Demer Addison M. , Vance Karl K. , Cheraghi Nikoo , Reich Hilary C. , Lee Peter K.
Published: December 2018

BACKGROUND

There are limited published data comparing wide local excision (WLE) with Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) for the treatment of melanoma.

OBJECTIVE

To describe a novel treatment algorithm for the surgical management of head and neck melanoma and compare rates of local recurrence for tumors treated with either MMS using immunohistochemistry or WLE.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A 10-year retrospective chart review including all in situ and invasive melanomas of the head and neck treated at one institution from January 2004 to June 2013.

RESULTS

Among 388 patients with melanoma, MMS was associated with decreased rates of local recurrence (p = .0012). However, patient and tumor characteristics varied significantly, and WLE subgroup was largely composed of higher stage and risk tumors. Subgroup analysis found that patients with in situ or thin invasive tumors (<0.8 mm) treated with MMS had improved local recurrence outcomes (p = .0049), despite more frequent tumor location on high risk anatomic sites (e.g., central face). In addition, MMS was associated with a favorable delay in time to local recurrence among in situ tumors (HR = 31.8; p = .0148).

CONCLUSION

These findings further support the use of MMS for treatment of melanoma of the head and neck and help to validate our proposed clinical decision tree.
A Survey of Mohs Tissue Tracking Practices
Authors: Dietert Jessica B. , MacFarlane Deborah F.
Published: December 2018

BACKGROUND

There are little data regarding error within the multistep process of Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS).

OBJECTIVE

A survey of Mohs surgeons was performed to evaluate variation in tissue handling and processing within the MMS process.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

A 9-question electronic survey was distributed to members of the American College of Mohs Micrographic Surgery. A total of 97 responses were analyzed.

RESULTS

Most surgeons personally transport the tissue (71.1%), most frequently in a specimen container (54.6%). Method of tissue identification during transportation varied significantly. Most surgeons personally hand-draw the map (77.1%). A diagram was most commonly used to convey tissue orientation to the histotechnician (65.4%). Only 31.3% of histotechnicians used labeling of blocks to identify tissue within the cryostat. Most respondents (72.2%) are the only surgeon processing tissue in the laboratory at one time; however, 28.9% reported performing 10 or more cases per day.

CONCLUSION

Most respondents are responsible for tissue transport and mapping, which likely reduces potential error. However, the method of transport and labeling, as well as identification by the histotechnician, was more variable. Ultimately, having a consistent process and clear communication with personnel will help reduce potential error during Mohs surgery.