bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Simulating Pressure Transient Events in the Fuel Gas Supply to a Multi-Block Combined Cycle Plant
Authors: Schroeder Robert , Zitkus Matthew , Czyszczewski Michael , Rovagnati Beniamino 
Published: September 2017

As power plant combustion turbines (CTs) are pushed towards higher thermal efficiencies, increased attention is being given to operating requirements for their fuel gas supply such as the maximum allowable rate-of-change in pressure. It is important to perform detailed analyses for multi-unit plants to ascertain whether pressure transient events, such as those caused by initial trip of one or two combustion turbines, will cause additional combustion turbines to trip off. In this paper, single and dual CT trips were postulated in a near-realistic combined cycle power plant. Predictions of the gas flow behavior, along with propagation and superposition of pressure waves, was carried out using the method of characteristics (MOC) for compressible flows. Specifically, the rate of change in fuel gas supply pressure to each CT was monitored and compared against a typical manufacturer limit of 0.8 bar/s. Instances where simulations showed this threshold exceeded were noted, since such events correspond to automatic valve closure that would shut down one more CT and thereby further reduce plant electrical output.
The overall goal of fuel gas transient analyses is to improve pipeline designs, iteratively when necessary, such that those additional trips are avoided. To that end, this paper presents several simulation cases to illustrate pressure transient phenomena and to show the impact of various pipeline design alterations, some of which caused 40% reductions in the worst pressure rate-of-change during simulations.
A new interface weak-capacitance detection ASIC of capacitive liquid level sensor in the rocket
Authors: Yin Liang , Qin Yao , Liu Xiao-Wei 
Published: September 2017

A new capacitive liquid level sensing interface weak-capacitance detection ASIC has been designed. This ASIC realized the detection of the output capacitance of the capacitive liquid level sensor, which converts the output capacitance of the capacitive liquid level sensor to voltage. The chip is fabricated in a standard [Formula: see text] CMOS process. The test results show that the linearity of capacitance detection of the ASIC is 0.05%, output noise is [Formula: see text] (when the capacitance which will be detected is 40 pF), the stability of capacitance detection is [Formula: see text] (1[Formula: see text], 1[Formula: see text]h), the output zero position temperature coefficient is 4.5 uV/[Formula: see text]C. The test results prove that this interface ASIC can meet the requirement of high accuracy capacitance detection. Therefore, this interface ASIC can be applied in capacitive liquid level sensing and capacitive humidity sensing field.
An Increasing Trend in the Early Winter Precipitation during Recent Decades along the Coastal Areas of the Sea of Japan
Authors: Yasunaga Kazuaki , Tomochika Masashi 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
Long-term changes in the monthly precipitation along the coastal areas of the Sea of Japan are examined using monthly operational observation data from the Japan Meteorological Agency. The monthly precipitation in December significantly increased from the mid-1980s to 2015, even though no remarkable changes were found in January, February, or November. Significant positive trends in the December precipitation extend widely over the coastal areas of the Sea of Japan, and the amounts increase to approximately 50% of the climatological precipitation in December at most observational stations. The interannual variations in other variables, including the monthly accumulated actual sunshine duration, days with lightning detection, and satellite-retrieved outgoing longwave radiation, also show significant trends that are consistent with the precipitation increase in December. The effect of the sea surface temperature (SST) on precipitation change is discussed based on correlation and regression analyses. The interannual variations in the December precipitation averaged over the observational stations near the Sea of Japan are significantly correlated with the SSTs in the prior month (November). However, the SST increase in November is insufficient to account for the increase in precipitation. In addition, it was found that the satellite-retrieved surface wind speed in December has grown stronger in recent years over the Sea of Japan. It is suggested that the stronger wind corresponds to the enhanced monsoonal flow and is the primary cause of the precipitation increase in December.
Surgical Treatment for Early Stage Glottic Carcinoma with Involvement of the Anterior Commissure
Authors: Wolber Philipp , Schwarz David , Stange Thoralf , Ortmann Magdalene , Balk Matthias , Anagiotos Andreas , Gostian Antoniu‐Oreste 
Published: September 2017

ObjectiveAssessment of the value of transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) compared with open surgery (OS) for early stage squamous cell carcinoma of the glottic larynx with special regard to involvement of the anterior commissure (AC).Study DesignCase series with chart review.SettingTertiary care otolaryngology clinic.Subjects and MethodsReview of clinicopathological data of all patients with previously untreated T1a, T1b, and T2 glottic squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx who were consecutively enrolled over a 10‐year period (January 1, 1992, to December 31, 2002).ResultsLocal recurrence rate was 20.4% (10 of 49) for TLM and 10.7% (3 of 28) for OS. Comparison of the TLM and OS groups regarding local recurrence rates revealed a significant difference only for tumors invading the AC (P =. 046). Within the TLM group, tumors with involvement of the AC showed a significantly higher recurrence rate (38.1%; 8 of 21) compared with tumors without involvement of the AC (7.1%; 2 of 28; P =. 008). In the OS group, involvement of the AC revealed no significant difference (P =. 45). The overall survival in both groups was comparable in both groups (TLM, 93.9%; OS, 89.3%; P =. 47).ConclusionTLM and OS are equally effective surgical treatments for early stage glottic cancer without involvement of the AC, with selection of treatment based on pretreatment endoscopy. However, TLM is associated with less morbidity. In case of invasion of the AC, OS yields lower recurrence rates.
Anticholinergic burden in older inpatients on psychotropic medication: do we care?
Authors: Lee Mei Shiang , Kisely Steve , Zolotarev Boris , Warren Andrew , Henderson Jack , George Manoj 
Published: September 2017

Objectives: This quality activity explored the prescribing patterns in an Older Persons Mental Health Inpatient Unit in order to establish whether the Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden Scale (ACB Scale) score on admission was reviewed to minimise anticholinergic cognitive burden (ACB) while maintaining therapeutic effects. Methods: A retrospective electronic chart review of 50 discharged patients for any documented ACB review by the treating team, as well as the ACB Scale scores on admission and discharge. Findings: ACB was rarely considered. On average, the total ACB Scale scores on admission and discharge were high. At the time of discharge, the proportion of patients on at least one anticholinergic medication had significantly increased, and only 10% of patients were on no anticholinergic medication. Approximately 50% of patients had an increased ACB Scale score by discharge as opposed to only 8% who had reduced scores. Conclusions: Anticholinergic polypharmacy should be minimised when prescribing to the elderly population to reduce potential anticholinergic burden.
The association between aortic regurgitation and undetermined embolic infarction with aortic complex plaque
Authors: Kim Dae-Won , Cho Jung Sun , Cho Jae Yeong , Kim Kye Hun , Sun Byung Joo , Park Jae-Hyeong 
Published: September 2017

Background Retrograde embolism from the descending thoracic aorta is one possible cause of undetermined ischemic stroke. Significant aortic regurgitation can increase the amount of reversed flow in the thoracic aorta and thus is associated with an increased incidence of stroke. Aims This study aimed to examine the association between significant aortic regurgitation and undetermined embolic infarction with aortic complex plaques. Methods This study included 380 patients with undetermined embolic stroke who did not have abnormal flow such as atrial septal defect, patent foramen ovale determined by agitated saline bubble test, intracardiac thrombi on transesophageal echocardiography, atrial fibrillation, or small vessel stroke, cerebral artery, and carotid stenosis on the brain magnetic resonance imaging. The patients were divided into the complex aortic plaques group (n = 63), which was defined as having plaque with >4 mm in thickness, ulceration, or high mobility, and the no complex aortic plaques group (n = 317). Results Transesophageal echocardiography with a bubble study, brain MRI, and laboratory tests were performed for all subjects. Significant aortic regurgitation was more prevalent in patients with undetermined embolic stroke and complex aortic plaques than in patients without complex aortic plaques (adjusted OR = 4.981; 95% CI = 1.323–18.876, P = 0.028). In addition, the distribution of complex aortic plaques according to the severity of aortic regurgitation in patients with undetermined embolic stroke had a tendency toward the ascending thoracic aorta and proximal aortic arch. Conclusions Significant aortic regurgitation may affect undetermined embolic stroke in patients with complex aortic plaques.
The Natural History of Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy and the Rate of Hospitalization Following Spinal Cord Injury: An Updated Systematic Review
Authors: Tetreault Lindsay A. , Karadimas Spyridon , Wilson Jefferson R. , Arnold Paul M. , Kurpad Shekar , Dettori Joseph R. , Fehlings Michael G. 
Published: September 2017

Study Method: Systematic review (update). Objective: Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) is a degenerative spine disease and the most common cause of spinal cord dysfunction in adults worldwide. The objective of this study is to determine the natural history of DCM by updating the systematic review by Karadimas et al. The specific aims of this review were (1) to describe the natural history of DCM and (2) to determine potential risk factors of disease progression. Method: An updated search based on a previous protocol was conducted in PubMed and the Cochrane Collaboration library for studies published between November 2012 and February 15, 2015. Results: The updated search yielded 3 additional citations that met inclusion criteria and reported the incidence of spinal cord injury and severe disability in patients with DCM. Based on 2 retrospective cohort studies, the incidence rate of hospitalization for spinal cord injury is 13.9 per 1000 person-years in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy and 4.8 per 1000 person-years in patients with myelopathy secondary to ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). In a third small prospective study, the risk of being wheelchair bound or bedridden was 66.7% in DCM patients with OPLL. Conclusion: The overall level of evidence for these estimated rates of hospitalization following spinal cord injury was rated as low.
Can Extravasation Injury Cause Subcutaneous Compartment Syndrome of the Hand?
Authors: Wong Victor W. , Hanwright Philip J. , Manahan Michele A. 
Published: September 2017

Background: Compartment syndrome of the hand is a well-described phenomenon with potentially devastating consequences. Although numerous mechanisms have been proposed, the extravasation of peripheral intravenous (IV) fluids remains a relatively rare etiology. Objective: Surgical dogma mandates emergent decompressive fasciotomies in the presence of hand dysfunction and impending tissue loss from supraphysiologic compartment pressures. The role of the subcutaneous space in acute compartment syndrome remains unclear. Methods: In this report, we present a case of a dorsal hand IV extravasation leading to an acute compartment syndrome of the subcutaneous space. Results: An emergent skin-only incision was used for decompression, with immediate improvement in symptoms and no long-term adverse sequelae. Discussion: The subcutaneous space appears capable of sustaining supraphysiologic pressures that impair cutaneous perfusion. This closed anatomic space can be readily decompressed, resulting in rapid improvement in soft tissue perfusion. However, its role in contributing to acute compartment syndrome of the hand requires further research. Conclusion: We propose consideration of the subcutaneous space as a distinct hand compartment and advocate selective compartment release when prudent.
Loss of Arabidopsis p24 function affects ERD2 trafficking and Golgi structure, and activates the unfolded protein response
Authors: Pastor-Cantizano Noelia , Bernat-Silvestre Cesar , Marcote María Jesús , Aniento Fernando 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACT
The p24 family of proteins (also known as the TMED family) are key regulators of protein trafficking along the secretory pathway, but very little is known about their functions in plants. A quadruple loss-of-function mutant affecting the p24 genes from the δ-1 subclass of the p24δ subfamily (p24δ3δ4δ5δ6) showed alterations in the Golgi, suggesting that these p24 proteins play a role in the organization of the compartments of the early secretory pathway in Arabidopsis. Loss of p24δ-1 proteins also induced the accumulation of the K/HDEL receptor ERD2a (ER lumen protein-retaining receptor A) at the Golgi and increased secretion of BiP family proteins, ER chaperones containing an HDEL signal, probably due to an inhibition of COPI-dependent Golgi-to-ER transport of ERD2a and thus retrieval of K/HDEL ligands. Although the p24δ3δ4δ5δ6 mutant showed enhanced sensitivity to salt stress, it did not show obvious phenotypic alterations under standard growth conditions. Interestingly, this mutant showed a constitutive activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR) and the transcriptional upregulation of the COPII subunit gene SEC31A, which may help the plant to cope with the transport defects seen in the absence of p24 proteins.
MRI of suspected appendicitis during pregnancy: interradiologist agreement, indeterminate interpretation and the meaning of non-visualization of the appendix
Authors: Tsai Richard , Raptis Constantine , Fowler Kathryn J , Owen Joseph W , Mellnick Vincent M 
Published: September 2017

Objective:
To determine the degree of interradiologist agreement between the MRI features of appendicitis during pregnancy, the outcomes associated with an indeterminate interpretation and the negative predictive value of non-visualization of the appendix.

Methods:
Our study was approved by the institutional review board at the Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri (WUStL) and was HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996)-compliant. The informed consent requirement was waived. Cases of suspected appendicitis during pregnancy evaluated using MRI were retrospectively identified using search queries. Scans were re-reviewed by two radiologists (7 and 9 years experience, respectively) to evaluate the interradiologist agreement of different MRI features of appendicitis during pregnancy (visualization of the appendix, appendiceal diameter, appendiceal wall thickening, periappendiceal fat stranding, fluid-filled appendix and periappendiceal fluid). The radiologists were blinded to patient outcome, patient intervention, laboratory data, demographic data and the original MRI reports. Clinical outcomes were documented by surgical pathology or clinical observation. Interradiologist agreement was analysed using Cohen’s κ, while patient demographic and clinical data was analysed using Student's t-testing.

Results:
233 females with suspected appendicitis during pregnancy were evaluated using MRI over a 13-year period (mean age, 28.4 years; range, 17–38 years). There were 14 (6%) positive examinations for appendicitis during pregnancy, including 1 patient whose MRI was interpreted as negative, proven by surgical pathology. The presence of periappendiceal soft-tissue stranding and the final overall impression had the most interradiologist agreement (к = 0.81–1). There were no pregnant patients found to have acute appendicitis who had an indeterminate MR interpretation or when the appendix could not be visualized.

Conclusion:
The final impression by the two retrospectively reviewing radiologists of MR examinations performed for suspected appendicitis during pregnancy had near-perfect agreement. In patients where the appendix could not be visualized or in patients that were interpreted as indeterminate, no patients had acute appendicitis.

Advances in knowledge:
MR impression for suspected appendicitis in the pregnant patient has high interradiologist agreement, and a non-visualized appendix or lack of inflammatory findings at the time of MR, reliably excludes surgical appendicitis.
Stereotactic/hypofractionated body radiation therapy as an effective treatment for lymph node metastases from colorectal cancer: an institutional retrospective analysis
Authors: Franzese Ciro , Fogliata Antonella , Comito Tiziana , Tozzi Angelo , Iftode Cristina , Clerici Elena , Franceschini Davide , Navarria Pierina , Ascolese Anna Maria , Di Brina Lucia , De Rose Fiorenza , D'Agostino Giuseppe R , Cozzi Luca , Scorsetti Marta 
Published: September 2017

Objective:
The colorectal cancer (CRC) might present loco-regional recurrence, including lymph-node metastasis. Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is a non-invasive and well-tolerated ablative treatment. Aim of the present study is to evaluate efficacy and toxicity of SBRT with volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) in this setting.

Methods:
35 patients presenting a total of 47 nodal recurrences from CRC, treated with VMAT-SBRT from 2008 to 2015, were selected. About three fourth of the treatments delivered 45 Gy in 6 daily fractions. End-points were the detection of toxicities, overall survival (OS), local control (LC), disease progression free incidence (DPFI) and disease free survival (DFS). Tumour response was assessed according to the RECIST criteria.

Results:
Only Grade 1 and 2 toxicities were recorded. Median follow-up was 15 months (range 2–68). Local relapse was reported in 6 patients, regional relapse in 10 patients. Complete remission was reported in 20 cases (53%), partial remission in 14 (37%). Rates of LC at 1, 2 and 3 years were 85.3, 75.0 and 75.0%, respectively. At 1 year the actuarial OS was 100%, at 2 and 3 years was 81.4%. Median DFS was estimated in 16 months, with an incidence of 69.4, 33.3 and 19.4% at 1, 2 and 3 years, respectively.

Conclusion:
The use of the VMAT-SBRT in lymph-node recurrence of CRC could prevent severe complications and achieve satisfying rates of disease control.

Advances in knowledge:
The use of VMAT-SBRT is a viable approach for lymph-node recurrence of CRC.
Gender differences in the prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in the Northeast of Thailand: A population-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Summart Ueamporn , Thinkhamrop Bandit , Chamadol Nittaya , Khuntikeo Narong , Songthamwat Metha , Kim Christina Sunyoung 
Published: September 2017

Background. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the leading cause of chronic liver disease. A large number of studies have strongly described larger proportions of men being afflicted with NAFLD than women; however, recent studies investigating the role of gender and NAFLD have exposed the contrary. Methods. This cross-sectional study utilized data from the baseline survey of an ongoing cohort study called the Cholangiocarcinoma Screening and Care Program (CASCAP), conducted in the northeastern region of Thailand between March 2013 and September 2015. Information regarding socio-demographic, including gender, was collected using a standardized self-administered questionnaire. NAFLD was diagnosed with ultrasonography by board-certified radiologists. A binomial regression was used for estimating the prevalence differences, odds ratios (OR) and the 95% confidence intervals (CI) of NAFLD between men and women. Results. A total of 34,709 participants (27,073 females and 7,636 males) were recruited. The prevalence of NAFLD in women was 22.9% (95% CI: 22.5 to 23.5), whereas it was only 18.3% (95% CI: 17.4 to 19.2) in men. After adjusting for age and presence of diabetes mellitus and other underlying diseases, the prevalence was significantly higher in women, with adjusted prevalence difference of 4.2% (95% CI: 3.2 to 5.2) and adjusted OR of 1.3 (95% CI: 1.2 to 1.4). Women had a higher prevalence of NAFLD than men in all age groups and the largest difference was found in those aged 56-60 years (prevalence = 27.4% versus 21.2%; adjusted prevalence difference = 9.4%; 95% CI: 7.9 to 10.9; adjusted OR = 1.8; 95% CI: 1.8 to 2.0). Conclusion. NAFLD is more likely to affect women more than men, in particular, among the population 56-60 years of age, which is the post-menopausal transitional period. Therefore, post-menopausal women should be the target for interventions or further investigation for NAFLD.
Quenching autofluorescence in tissue immunofluorescence
Authors: Yang Jian , Yang Fengtang , Campos Lia S. , Mansfield William , Skelton Helen , Hooks Yvette , Liu Pentao 
Published: September 2017

Background: Immunofluorescence (IF) is one of the most important techniques where fluorochromes conjugated to antibodies are used to detect specific proteins or antigens. In tissue sections, autofluorescence (AF) can lead to poor quality images that impair assessment. The placenta is a pivotal extra-embryonic organ in embryo development, where trophoblasts make up a large proportion of the cells. Teratoma formation is one of the critical assays for pluripotent stem cells. Methods: We tested whether ultraviolet (UV), ammonia (NH3), copper (II) sulfate (CuSO4), Trypan Blue (TB), Sudan Black B (SB), TrueBlack™ Lipofusin Autofluorescence Quencher (TLAQ) and combinations of these treatments could reduce AF in paraffin and frozen sections of placenta and teratoma in FITC, Texas Red and Cy5.5 channels. Results: We found that UV, NH3, TB and CuSO4 quenched AF to some extent in different tissue and filters, but increased AF in Texas Red or Cy5.5 channels in some cases. SB and TLQA exhibited the most consistent effects on decreasing AF, though TLQA reduced the overall IF signal in placenta sections. Not all combined treatments further reduced AF in both placenta and teratoma sections. Conclusions: SB and TLAQ can effectively quench AF in placenta and teratoma IF.