bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A virtual engine laboratory for teaching powertrain engineering
Authors: Burke Richard D. , De Jonge Nicholas , Avola Calo , Forte Biagio 
Published: June 2017

AbstractA virtual engine laboratory application for use in automotive engineering education is proposed to allow the practical teaching of powertrain calibration. The laboratory software is built as a flexible Matlab tool that can easily be transferred for applications in other disciplines and promotes the link between teaching and research.
pH‐Responsive Fluorescence Enhancement in Graphene Oxide–Naphthalimide Nanoconjugates: A Fluorescence Turn‐On Sensor for Acetylcholine
Authors: Mangalath Sreejith , Abraham Silja , Joseph Joshy 
Published: June 2017

AbstractA pH‐sensitive, fluorescence “turn‐on” sensor based on a graphene oxide–naphthalimide (GO–NI) nanoconjugate for the detection of acetylcholine (ACh) by monitoring the enzymatic activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in aqueous solution is reported. These nanoconjugates were synthesized by covalently anchoring picolyl‐substituted NI derivatives on the GO/reduced GO surface through a 1‐ethyl‐3‐(3‐dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide/N‐hydroxysuccinimide coupling strategy, and the morphological and photophysical properties were studied in detail. Synergistic effects of π–π interactions between GO and the NI chromophore, and efficient photoinduced electron‐ and energy‐transfer processes, were responsible for the strong quenching of fluorescence of these nanoconjugates, which were perturbed under acidic pH conditions, leading to significant enhancement of fluorescence emission. This nanoconjugate was successfully employed for the efficient sensing of pH changes caused by the enzymatic activity of AChE, thereby demonstrating its utility as a fluorescence turn‐on sensor for ACh in the neurophysiological range.
Distinguishing parathyroid and thyroid lesions on ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration: A correlation of clinical data, ancillary studies, and molecular analysis
Authors: Cho Margaret , Oweity Thaira , Brandler Tamar C. , Fried Karen , Levine Pascale 
Published: June 2017

BACKGROUNDDifferentiating parathyroid and thyroid lesions can be challenging because of considerable morphologic overlap and anatomic proximity. Therefore, the authors sought to identify characteristic morphologic patterns and useful adjunct tests to distinguish these 2 entities.METHODSA search was conducted in the study institution database for clinically indeterminate thyroid nodules from 2000 through 2016 with an emphasis on confirmed parathyroid nodules. Pathology reports, slides, ancillary studies, molecular analysis, and clinical and radiologic data were retrieved.RESULTSA total of 143 cases of clinically indeterminate thyroid nodules were identified; 34 of these were confirmed parathyroid nodules. Three cytologic patterns were identified: 1) oncocytic cell pattern (9 cases; 26%); 2) follicular lesion of undetermined significance‐like/papillary‐like pattern (14 cases; 41%); and 3) nonspecific endocrine cell clusters (11 cases; 32%). Bare oval nuclei (100%), nuclear overlap (88%), crowded sheets (88%), and intracytoplasmic vacuoles (62%) were observed. Ten cases (29%) demonstrated positive immunostaining for parathyroid hormone (PTH), 7 cases (21%) demonstrated a positive PTH assay, and 9 cases (26%) had PTH detected by ThyroSeq v.2. The remaining 8 cases were morphologically either indeterminate or suggestive of parathyroid origin. The cytologic diagnosis was confirmed clinically (20 cases) or surgically (14 cases). Based on cytology alone, 8 cases initially were diagnosed as thyroid tissue and amended to parathyroid lesion after ancillary studies were performed, including 5 cases based on ThyroSeq v.2 results alone.CONCLUSIONSLesions with follicular lesion of undetermined significance‐like or oncocytic features are prone to misdiagnosis. The current study identified distinct cytologic patterns in parathyroid lesions suggestive of parathyroid origin, which, together with PTH immunostains or assay, molecular studies, or sestamibi scans, aid in distinguishing parathyroid from thyroid lesions. Cancer Cytopathol 2017;125:674‐82. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Cyberchondria: Examining relations with problematic Internet use and metacognitive beliefs
Authors: Fergus Thomas A. , Spada Marcantonio M. 
Published: June 2017

Cyberchondria refers to the repeated use of the Internet to search for health‐related information, which leads to negative consequences. This two‐part study provides the first known examination of how cyberchondria relates to (a) problematic Internet use and (b) metacognitive beliefs. Participants were U.S. community adults who reported using the Internet to search for health‐related information (Study 1: N = 337, Study 2: N = 260). In Study 1, cyberchondria shared a strong association with problematic Internet use, and that association was unaccounted for by age, gender, current reported medical status, negative affect, or health anxiety. In Study 2, cyberchondria was found to share moderate to strong associations with metacognitive beliefs. The association between cyberchondria and metacognitive beliefs about the uncontrollability of thoughts remained intact after accounting for the Study 1 covariates, as well as anxiety sensitivity and intolerance of uncertainty. Neither anxiety sensitivity nor intolerance of uncertainty shared unique associations with cyberchondria. These results provide a preliminary indication that a metacognitive conceptualization of problematic Internet use may be applicable to cyberchondria.
Thermal expansion coefficients of strontium ‐ barium niobate single crystals in the vicinity of the phase transition point
Authors: Paszkowski Robert , Wokulska Krystyna , Dec Jan 
Published: June 2017

High quality of solid solution single crystals SrxBa1‐xNb2O6 (0.35 <x < 0.72) obtained by the Czochralski method were investigated. The lattice parameters of these single crystals were determined, using X‐ray measurements, with an uncertainty as low as of the order of . Registered temperature changes of lattice parameters have permitted to calculate thermal expansion coefficients with low relative uncertainties, which were determined in the temperature range from 293 to 323 K along [100] and [001] directions. Based on the thermal expansion coefficients it was possible to assign the phase transition temperature for all studied compositions. Additionally, the observed character of changes of the linear thermal expansion coefficients clearly indicates a possible first‐order character of the investigated structural phase transition.
Substantial variation in the timing of pollen production reduces reproductive synchrony between distant populations ofPinus sylvestrisL. in Scotland
Authors: Whittet Richard , Cavers Stephen , Cottrell Joan , Rosique‐Esplugas Cristina , Ennos Richard 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe ability of a population to genetically adapt to a changing environment is contingent not only on the level of existing genetic variation within that population, but also on the gene flow received from differently adapted populations. Effective pollen‐mediated gene flow among plant populations requires synchrony of flowering. Therefore differences in timing of flowering among genetically divergent populations may reduce their ability to adapt to environmental change. To determine whether gene flow among differently adapted populations of native Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) in Scotland was restricted by differences in their flowering phenology, we measured timing of pollen release among populations spanning a steep environmental gradient over three consecutive seasons (2014–2016). Results showed that, over a distance of 137 km, there were as many as 15.8 days’ difference among populations for the predicted timing of peak pollen shedding, with the earliest development in the warmer west of the country. There was much variation between years, with the earliest development and least synchrony in the warmest year (2014) and latest development and greatest synchrony in the coolest year (2015). Timing was negatively correlated with results from a common‐garden experiment, indicative of a pattern of countergradient variation. We conclude that the observed differences in reproductive synchrony were sufficient to limit gene flow via pollen between populations ofP. sylvestrisat opposite ends of the environmental gradient across Scotland. We also hypothesize that continually warming, or asymmetrically warming spring temperatures will decrease reproductive synchrony among pine populations.
Stochastic ecological kinetics of regime shifts in a time‐delayed lake eutrophication ecosystem
Authors: Zeng Chunhua , Xie Qingshuang , Wang Tonghuan , Zhang Chun , Dong Xiaohui , Guan Lin , Li Kongzhai , Duan Weilong 
Published: June 2017

AbstractLake eutrophication ecosystems tend to exhibit bistable kinetics with two preferential configurations of oligotrophic and eutrophic states, and perturbations in the environmental parameters can cause regime shifts between two alternative stable states, yielding catastrophic regime shifts. In this article, we study stochastic kinetics of regime shifts in a time‐delayed lake eutrophication ecological system, where the environmental parameters are assumed to be disturbed by both input and loss external noises. The dynamical behavior of stochastic delay on the regime shifts between oligotrophic and eutrophic states is analyzed using numerical simulations. Time delays in loss and recycling processes are considered. It is shown from time series and probability distribution that noises and delays can induce regime shifts between two stable states. Theoretical analyses are used to support our numerical simulations. By using the mean first passage time (MFPT) technique, we also discuss the escape time problem between two stable states in time‐delayed ecosystems. A detailed study of the MFPT depending on various noise characteristics is performed, and the main results are compared for different cases of time delays.
Inconsistencies in the risk classification of alien species and implications for risk assessment in the European Union
Authors: Matthews J. , van der Velde G. , Collas F. P. L. , de Hoop L. , Koopman K. R. , Hendriks A. J. , Leuven R. S. E. W. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractInvasive alien species (IAS) are species whose introduction or spread outside their native range threatens biological diversity, ecosystem functioning, economy, and/or public health. The recent European Union (EU) regulation on the management of IAS emphasizes the need for a consistent approach to alien species assessment that will underpin international measures for the early identification of newly introduced IAS followed by rapid action aimed at the prevention of introduction, spread, and negative impacts. The goals of the present study were (1) to present the risk classifications of 18 aquatic alien species for The Netherlands using the Invasive Species Environmental Impact Assessment protocol, (2) to compare these with available risk classifications made for countries spanning similar climatic and biogeographical regions to the EU, and (3) to provide explanations for inconsistencies between different risk classifications. Five species were classified as high risk: Carassius gibelio (Prussian carp), Cyprinus carpio (common carp), Sander lucioperca (pike‐perch), Cabomba caroliniana (fanwort), and Dreissena rostriformis bugensis (quagga mussel). Of the 14 species with existing risk classifications for countries spanning similar climatic and biogeographical regions to the EU, all but two of the assessed species (C. gibelio and D. rostriformis bugensis) were classified inconsistently. Reasons for these inconsistencies are the application of different risk assessment schemes, application on a national rather than biogeographical scale, differences in the definition and application of criteria, differences in habitat availability, and uncertainties that are intrinsic to risk assessment methodologies. Approaches that increase transparency by highlighting these methodological aspects, normative choices, and uncertainties are vital to the legitimacy of any risk assessment method and will increase acceptance among decision makers, nature managers, and stakeholders.
Influencing factors of methane emission dynamics at different water depths in hangzhou bay reed wetland, China
Authors: Shao Xuexin , Sheng Xuancai , Wu Ming , Wu Hao , Ning Xiao 
Published: June 2017

Water depth (WD) influences wetland methane (CH4) emissions by affecting plant growth and the physical and chemical properties of soil. We studied the factors influencing CH4 emission dynamics at different WD in reclaimed reed wetland in Hangzhou Bay, China. The annual average WD was set as WD0 (0 cm), WD1 (10 cm), WD2 (20 cm), and WD3 (35 cm). The transparent chamber–gas chromatography method was used to determine CH4 fluxes during the growing season. Results showed that the average CH4 flux was 7.03 mg m−2 h−1, and that CH4 fluxes under all 4 WDs presented as a CH4 source. CH4 emissions of the reed wetland showed obvious seasonal changes; summer was the peak period for CH4 emissions. In a vigorous growth period of reeds, the CH4 flux gradually increased as WD increased. However, in early and late growth periods of reed, CH4 flux first increased (WD0 < WD1 < WD2) then decreased (WD2 > WD3) as WD increased. Correlation analysis showed that at the 4 WDs, CH4 flux was significantly, positively correlated with air temperature, soil temperature, and aboveground biomass of reeds, and were highly significantly positively correlated with water temperature. In addition, at WD0, CH4 flux also showed a significant, positive correlation with soil organic carbon content in the 0–5 and 5–10 cm soil layers, and was significantly negatively correlated with soil water content. Hence, WD significantly influenced wetland CH4 emissions. Temperature and biomass were major influencing factors of CH4 emission in reed wetland at different WDs. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 36: 1301–1307, 2017
The Semmering Base Tunnel – Special challenges in construction
Authors: Gobiet Gerhard , Nipitsch Gernot , Wagner Oliver K. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe Semmering Base Tunnel (SBT) is about 27.3 km long and is being driven from the portal at Gloggnitz and from three intermediate construction accesses in Göstritz, Fröschnitzgraben and Grautschenhof. The main components of the tunnel system are the two single‐track running tunnels, cross passages at a maximum spacing of 500 m and an emergency station in the middle tunnel section, with two shafts about 400 m deep for ventilation and extraction in case of an incident. For organisational, scheduling and topographical reasons, the tunnel is divided into three construction contracts. The eastern contract section SBT1.1 ”Tunnel Gloggnitz“ has been under construction since mid 2015. Construction started on contract section SBT2.1 ”Tunnel Fröschnitzgraben“ at the start of 2014. The western contract section SBT3.1 ”Tunnel Grautschenhof“ has been under construction since May 2016.
Isolation and chemical characterization of agelaiatoxin8 (AvTx8) from Agelaia vicina wasp venom and its biological effects on GABA neurotransmission
Authors: Pizzo Andrea B. , Beleboni Renê O. , Gomes Carolino Ruither O. , de Oliveira Luciana , Miranda Antonio , Coutinho‐Netto Joaquim , Fontana Andréia C. K. , dos Santos Wagner Ferreira 
Published: June 2017

AbstractArthropod venoms are sources of molecules that may be useful tools to investigate molecular mechanisms of putative new medicines and laboratory drugs. Here we show the effects of the compound agelaiatoxin‐8 (AVTx8), isolated from Agelaia vicina venom, on γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmission in rat brain synaptosomes. Analysis reveals that AvTx8 is composed by 14 amino acid residues with a molecular weight (MW) of 1567 Da. AvTx8 increased GABA release and inhibited GABA uptake in synaptosomes from rat cerebral cortex. AvTx8 inhibited GABA uptake and increased GABA release in the presence of Ca+, Na+, and K+ channel blockers, suggesting that it acts directly on GABA transporters. In addition, AvTx8 significantly decreases GABA binding in synaptic membranes from rat brain cortex, suggesting that it also modulates the activity of GABA receptors. Moreover, AvTx8 decreased GAT‐1– and GAT‐3–mediated GABA uptake in transfected COS‐7 cells. Accordingly, we suggest that AvTx8 modulates GABA neurotransmission and might provide a novel entry point for identifying a new class of GABA‐modulating neuroprotective drugs.
Characteristics of regional bone quality in cervical vertebrae considering BMD: Determining a safe trajectory for cervical pedicle screw fixation
Authors: Kim Moon‐Kyu , Cho Ho‐Jung , Kwak Dai‐Soon , You Seung‐Hoon 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACTThis study aimed to report the mechanical strength and characteristics of the lateral mass and pedicle considering BMD for the safe insertion of pedicle screws in the subaxial cervical level. We evaluated BMD and Hounsfield unit (HU) values of cortical bones at the lateral mass and pedicle of C3‐7 from CT images in 99 patients. Patients were divided into three groups (Group A, T‐score ≥ −1; Group B, −2.5 < T‐score < −1.0; Group C, T‐score ≤ −2.5). The HU numbers of cortical bone in the vertebral canal (medial wall of the lateral mass; cHU), posterior wall of the transverse foramen (fHU), and medial wall, lateral wall, and trabecular area of the pedicle (mHU, lHU, and pHU, respectively) were measured on the CT images in the middle of the pedicle. A mechanical study was also performed to measure cortical bone strength using 10 fresh cadavers. The cHU and mHU values in Group C were higher than lHU and fHU in Groups A and B, and there was a wide gap between the pHU value and other areas. The penetrating force also had a close correlation with HU number. The mean penetrating force of the medial wall of the lateral mass and the posterior wall of the transverse foramen were 210.08 ± 110.46 and 50.51 ± 46.09 N, respectively. The cortical bones in the vertebral canal and medial wall of the pedicle were stronger than the lateral wall and the trabecular area. The cHU and mHU in the osteoporotic group were higher than fHU and pHU in the normal group. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:217–223, 2018.
Stability of astaxanthin‐loaded nanostructured lipid carriers in beverage systems
Authors: Tamjidi Fardin , Shahedi Mohammad , Varshosaz Jaleh , Nasirpour Ali 
Published: June 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDNanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) offer many potential benefits for incorporating lipophilic molecules into clear to opaque food systems. This study examined the stability of astaxanthin‐loaded NLCs (Ax‐NLCs) in model (solutions with 0 or 12% sucrose; pH 3, 7), semi‐actual (whey) and actual (non‐alcoholic beer) beverages during 30–60 days storage at 6 or 20 °C.RESULTSAx‐NLCs (Z‐average size: 94 nm), containing α‐tocopherol and EDTA as antioxidants, were stabilised with Tween 80 and lecithin, and mixed with the aforementioned beverages at the volume ratio of 3:97. The presence of sucrose, improved the physical stability of Ax‐NLCs in acidic model beverage. No astaxanthin loss and particle size growth were observed for Ax‐NLCs‐added whey. Carbonation and/or thermal pasteurisation of NLCs‐added beer led to a major increase in its particles size and astaxanthin loss. Stability of Ax‐NLCs in non‐pasteurised CO2‐free beer improved at low storage temperature. The organoleptic quality of NLCs‐added beers was still acceptable.CONCLUSIONThese results indicate that NLCs containing hydrophobic nutraceuticals have potential to be used for functional beverages/foods development. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
EHLA: Extreme High‐Speed Laser Material Deposition
Authors: Schopphoven Thomas , Gasser Andres , Backes Gerhard 
Published: June 2017

AbstractSpecial coatings protect components against corrosion and wear. However, standard processes such as hard chrome plating, thermal spraying, laser material deposition or other deposition welding techniques have drawbacks. For example, as of September 2017, chromium(VI) coatings will require authorization. Researchers from the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT in Aachen as well as the RWTH Aachen University have now developed an extreme high‐speed laser material deposition process, known by its German acronym EHLA, to eliminate these drawbacks in an economical way.
Noninvasive screening test for detecting early stage lymphedema using follow‐up computed tomography imaging after cancer treatment and results of treatment with lymphaticovenular anastomosis
Authors: Akita Shinsuke , Ogata Fusa , Manabe Ichiro , Mitsuhashi Akira , Nakamura Rikiya , Yamaji Yoshihisa , Kubota Yoshitaka , Mitsukawa Nobuyuki 
Published: June 2017

BackgroundAlthough early detection is valuable for secondary lymphedema treatment, existing screening tests are not popular. This study aimed to propose a novel method of screening lymphedema patients based on the thickness of the subcutaneous fat measured with perioperative computed tomography (CT) and present the results from evaluation of patients who underwent those examinations was performed.MethodThe medical records of 96 gynecological cancer patients and 189 breast cancer patients, whose lymphatic function was assessed with indocyanine green lymphography, were reviewed. In gynecological cancer patients, the perioperative temporal subcutaneous fat thickness index (T‐SFTI) was calculated from presurgical and follow‐up CT data, and in breast cancer patients, the postoperative crosswise subcutaneous fat thickness index (C‐SFTI) was calculated. In lower extremity lymphedema patients, the effect of lymphaticovenular anastomosis (LVA) was also evaluated using T‐SFTI.ResultsPerioperative T‐SFTI was assessed in 180 lower extremities, and it was significantly higher in 46 lymphatic dysfunction limbs (1.21 ± 0.08) than in 134 normal lymphatic function limbs (1.03 ± 0.08), (P < .01). Postoperative C‐SFTI was assessed in 53 upper extremity, and it was significantly higher in 11 lymphatic dysfunction limbs (1.31 ± 0.21) than in 42 normal lymphatic function limbs (1.01 ± 0.06), (P < .01). In lower extremity lymphedema patients, T‐SFTI improved significantly after planned conservative treatments and LVA (P = .04).ConclusionAssessment of subcutaneous fat thickness using CT is useful for screening early stage lymphedema. If the efficacy of this method is validated, patients worldwide may be assessed using the same criterion.