bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Incremental Value of Speckle Tracking Echocardiography to Predict Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT) Responders
Authors: Seo Yoshihiro , Ishizu Tomoko , Machino‐Ohtsuka Tomoko , Yamamoto Masayoshi , Machino Takeshi , Kuroki Kenji , Yamasaki Hiro , Sekiguchi Yukio , Nogami Akihiko , Aonuma Kazutaka 
Published: October 2016

Background

Speckle tracking echocardiography (
STE
) is reported as a useful method to predict cardiac resynchronization therapy (
CRT
) responders. This study aimed to identify the incremental value of a
STE
parameter to predict
CRT
responders.

Methods and Results

We enrolled 171 patients from the Speckle Tracking imaging for the Assessment of cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (
START
) study.
CRT
responders were defined as patients with ≥15% reduction of left ventricular (
LV
) end‐systolic volume at 6 months post‐
CRT
. Based on multivariable logistic regression analysis, incremental values of
STE
were assessed by c‐statistics, net reclassification improvement (
NRI
)/integrated discrimination improvement (
IDI
), and decision curve analysis. Six parameters (left bundle branch block or right ventricular pacing, use of beta‐blocker, blood urea nitrogen ≤3.0 mg/dL,
LV
end‐systolic diameter ≤50 mm, mitral regurgitation index ≤40%, and
STE
parameter standard deviation of time from QRS onset to first peak on the circumferential strain curves [

T
SD

] ≥116 ms) were identified as the determinants. Compared to the multivariable logistic regression model without

T
SD

(model 1), that with

T
SD

(model 2) showed significant improvement to predict
CRT
responders: c‐statistic (0.86 vs 0.77;
P
<0.001),
NRI
=0.19,
P
<0.001, and
IDI
=0.17,
P
<0.001. The decision curve of model 2 was higher than that of model 1 at threshold probabilities ≥0.2. Based on model 2, a
START
score was constructed. Compared to the Multicenter Automatic Defibrillator Implantation Trial with Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (
MADIT
‐
CRT
) score, the decision curve of the
START
score was higher than that of the
MADIT
‐
CRT
score at threshold probabilities ≥0.2.

Conclusions

Based on various statistical methods, this study revealed that
STE
had an incremental value to predict
CRT
responders.
Arctic and East Asia Winter Climate Variations Associated with the Eastern Atlantic Pattern
Authors: Fan Songmiao , Yang Xiaosong 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThe wintertime Arctic temperature (T; surface–400 hPa) decreased from 1979 to 1997 and increased rapidly from 1998 to 2012, in contrast to the global mean surface air temperature. Here aspects of circulation variability that are associated with these temperature changes are examined using the NCEP–NCAR reanalysis and ERA-Interim products. It is found that the Nordic–Siberia seesaw of meridional winds near 70°N is associated with two-thirds of the variance of the Arctic winter mean T, possibly contributing to the cooling and warming trends. It is suggested here that the seesaw accounts for much of the difference in Arctic amplification between observations and climate models. Growth of sea ice in winter is hindered by southerly winds over the Nordic region (0°–60°E). Through modulation of the wind seesaw, the eastern Atlantic (EA) pattern is found to be significantly associated with Arctic and East Asia winter climate variations. In one phase of the EA pattern, a midlatitude North Atlantic ridge anomaly is associated with a poleward shift of the mean storm track, a weakened eddy-driven jet over Eurasia, and above-normal sea level pressure (SLP) over Siberia, most significantly in the region to the northwest of Lake Baikal. The EA pattern is associated with two-thirds of the variance of winter-average SLP over Siberia.
NEXRAD Quantitative Precipitation Estimations for Hydrologic Simulation Using a Hybrid Hydrologic Model
Authors: Cho Younghyun , Engel Bernard A. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractA hybrid hydrologic model (lumped conceptual and distributed feature model), Distributed-Clark, is introduced to perform hydrologic simulations using spatially distributed NEXRAD quantitative precipitation estimations (QPEs). In Distributed-Clark, spatially distributed excess rainfall estimated with the Soil Conservation Service (SCS) curve number method and a GIS-based set of separated unit hydrographs are utilized to calculate a direct runoff flow hydrograph. This simple approach using few modeling parameters reduces calibration complexity relative to physically based distributed (PBD) models by only focusing on integrated flow estimation at watershed outlets. Case studies assessed the quality of NEXRAD stage IV QPEs for hydrologic simulation compared to gauge-only analyses. NEXRAD data validation against rain gauge observations and performance evaluation with model simulation result comparisons for inputs of spatially distributed stage IV and spatially averaged gauged data for four study watersheds were conducted. Results show significant differences in NEXRAD QPEs and gauged rainfall amounts, with NEXRAD data overestimated by 7.5% and 9.1% and underestimated by 15.0% and 11.4% accompanied by spatial variability. These differences affect model performance in hydrologic applications. Rainfall–runoff flow simulations using spatially distributed NEXRAD stage IV QPEs demonstrate relatively good fit [direct runoff: Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency ENS = 0.85, coefficient of determination R2 = 0.89, and percent bias (PBIAS) = 3.92%; streamflow: ENS = 0.91, R2 = 0.93, and PBIAS = 1.87%] against observed flow as well as better fit (ENS of 3.7% and R2 of 6.0% increase in direct runoff) than spatially averaged gauged rainfall for the same model calibration approach, enabling improved estimates of flow volumes and peak rates that can be underestimated in hydrologic simulations for spatially averaged rainfall.
Representing Multiple Scales in the Hurricane Weather Research and Forecasting Modeling System: Design of Multiple Sets of Movable Multilevel Nesting and the Basin-Scale HWRF Forecast Application
Authors: Zhang Xuejin , Gopalakrishnan Sundararaman G. , Trahan Samuel , Quirino Thiago S. , Liu Qingfu , Zhang Zhan , Alaka Ghassan , Tallapragada Vijay 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
In this study, the design of movable multilevel nesting (MMLN) in the Hurricane Weather Research and Forecasting (HWRF) modeling system is documented. The configuration of a new experimental HWRF system with a much larger horizontal outer domain and multiple sets of MMLN, referred to as the “basin scale” HWRF, is also described. The performance of this new system is applied for various difficult forecast scenarios such as 1) simulating multiple storms [i.e., Hurricanes Earl (2010), Danielle (2010), and Frank (2010)] and 2) forecasting tropical cyclone (TC) to extratropical cyclone transitions, specifically Hurricane Sandy (2012). Verification of track forecasts for the 2011–14 Atlantic and eastern Pacific hurricane seasons demonstrates that the basin-scale HWRF produces similar overall results to the 2014 operational HWRF, the best operational HWRF at the same resolution. In the Atlantic, intensity forecasts for the basin-scale HWRF were notably worse than for the 2014 operational HWRF, but this deficiency was shown to be from poor intensity forecasts for Hurricane Leslie (2012) associated with the lack of ocean coupling in the basin-scale HWRF. With Leslie removed, the intensity forecast errors were equivalent. The basin-scale HWRF is capable of predicting multiple TCs simultaneously, allowing more realistic storm-to-storm interactions. Even though the basin-scale HWRF produced results only comparable to the regular operational HWRF at this stage, this configuration paves a promising pathway toward operations.
The effect of acid activation and calcination of halloysite on the efficiency and selectivity of Pb(II), Cd(II), Zn(II) and As(V) uptake
Authors: Maziarz Paulina , Matusik Jakub 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThe present study investigated the efficiency and mechanisms of aqueous Pb(II), Cd(II), Zn(II) and As(V) adsorption on natural (H), calcined (HC), and acid-activated halloysite (HA). The XRD and FTIR measurements indicated that the aluminosilicate framework was not affected by high-temperature treatment, in contrast to acid activation, which led to structural changes mainly in the tetrahedral sheet. The sorption of cations on H sample was low, though it was most effective for As(V). The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results suggested that removal of As(V) might be related to its reduction to As(III) involving oxidation of Fe(II) present in the mineral structure and/or iron minerals. The calcination enhanced halloysite sorption capacity for cations, while the As(V) sorption decreased. This was due to partial dehydroxylation and the subsequent formation of additional active sites. The acid treatment induced selective adsorption of Pb(II).
Rapidin situconversion of late-stage volcanic materials to halloysite implicated in catastrophic dam failure, Hawaii
Authors: Shaller Philip , Sykora David , Doroudian Macan , Jock Churchman G. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractKa Loko Dam, in Kauai, Hawaii, failed suddenly and catastrophically on March 14, 2006. The resulting breachwas marked by three topographic benches, the lowest of which exposed native volcanic deposits once resident in the dam foundation. These deposits were found to contain outcrops of a waxy, gel-like material that appeared to result fromin situweathering processes. This unusual material was found to be highly enriched in halloysite. Gravel-size pieces in the hydraulic fill of the embankment derived from these materials also exhibited significantin situweathering and significant halloysite content. Engineers and geologists generally recognize that bedrock materials weather progressively into soil constituents over ‘geological time’, and that this process is accelerated in tropical environments. Still, the strength, stiffness and durability of bedrock, earth and embankment materials are not expected to vary significantly over the geologically short life of a dam. In the case of Ka Loko Dam, however, the volcaniclastic sediments that comprise the local bedrock experienced substantialin situweathering over its geologically brief 115-year operational lifetime. Prolonged exposure to seepage of anoxic water weathered the sediments completely to saprolite, including weak, sensitive, fine, spherical halloysite.
Classification of vascular malformations
Authors: Urban P. , Poetke M. , Philipp C. M. , Berlien H.-P. 
Published: October 2016

SummaryWith the term „hemangioma” different vascular anomalies are described. Here one has to discriminate the congenital vascular tumours from the vascular anomalies. But for a clear indication a definite classification is necessary. Basis is the actual ISSVA classification. In the latest version they have incorporated the embryological aspects of the Hamburg Classification. Especially in the vasculogenetic (″extratruncular″) malformations one found increasing genetic defects. Here is an overlap to the neuro-ectodermal syndromes. By this, common therapeutic strategies are in progress.
Solid-Phase Biosorbents for Water Purification from Petroleum Hydrocarbons
Authors: Али-Элдиин - , Aly-Eldine M.A. , Лейкин  , Leykin Yu. , Черкасова  , Cherkasova T. , Мизиев  , Miziev M. 
Published: October 2016

In the model solution of dodecane investigated sorbents with immobilized microbial
cells genus Pseudomonas (K-5-25, A-2) and Rhodococcus (EriA. 2-4m). Sorbents based
on non-woven fabrics made of polypropylene fibers (neutral) and the acrylonitrile
fibers containing in their structure of the group of primary and secondary amines, as
well as on natural material of the mineral from the group of hydrous layered structure.
The efficiency of the sorption and biocatalytic contributions to the study of the degree
of water purification. Such self-recovering system, combining physico-chemical and
biological removal of petroleum hydrocarbons from solutions with low concentrations
of trace and can operate in dynamic mode. Moreover, the sorbent performs one of the
most important functions of biological systems, providing delivery and accumulation
of oil components from the liquid phase, immobilized cells and carry out selfregeneration
biosorbent. Analysis of the comparative effectiveness of these processes
with the use of a kinetic model of the results obtained on the solid-phase sorbent with
immobilized cells and the initial sorbent without cells, allowed us to determine the
degree of physical and chemical removal of dodecane from an aqueous emulsion and
the degree of biodegradation, as in liquid, and in solid phase sorption material. The
most efficient biological system has shown itself on the basis of non-woven material
acrylonitrile, allowing up to 8 days to reduce the concentration of dodecane to the
level of maximum permissible concentration and below.
Promoting design probes in interior design and in the user-centred analysis of a space in the context of Finnish higher education
Authors: Kärnä-Behm Jaana 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
Probing is a new, playful co-design method that enables future users to participate in a design process in variant design contexts. This article is based on a case study of applying and developing the probing method as a part of studies of interior design in higher education in craft and design. The article reports probing processes of the university-level students (N=72), training to become textile teachers, and their reflections on the method. The data on the case were collected during two interior design courses held in a single institution in 2014 and 2015. The results outline the students’ processes from the point of view of participation, spaces chosen as well as their reflections. After the students experienced the probing process, they suggested ideas for its application in teaching design in different educational degrees as well as applications in other contexts.
Cluster With Flo-Star Max Claw With Crossing Milk Connection Pipes
Authors: Luberański Adam , Wiercioch Marian , Szlachta Józef , Krzyś Aleksander , Skalska Danuta 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
Improvement of mechanical milking in the aspect of cow's udder health and maintaining correct milking parameters is possible through e.g. constant improvement of the structure of clusters. A cluster with a specific claw with crossing milk connection pipes Flo-Star Max with liners with a round profile of the barrel of DK1X. The objective of the paper was to analyse usefulness of this type of the sitructure of the machine for mechanical milking of cows. Measurements of simulated milking were carried out in a laboratory to the upper milking pipeline at variable mass intensity of liquid flow within 0-8 kg·min−1, for four penetrations of artificial teats of 100, 75, 62, 50 mm at the systemic negative pressure values within 50 to 44 kPa, simultaneous and alternating pulsation and during real milking of cows in a cowshed. Using a multivariate analysis of variance, the impact of independent variables of an experiment on the values of average vacuum of suction, vacuum fluctuations in cycle, average drop of vacuum in a cycle were proved. Analysis of the machine operation in a milking parallel parlour in real mechanical milking conditions and difficulties in placing a machine on the cow's udder as well as violent milk flow were reported and the milk flow of 3.5 kg·min−1 was exceeded with its characteristic balancing in the rhythm of a pulsator.
New Mixed Kernel Functions of SVM Used in Pattern Recognition
Authors: Huanrui Hao 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
The pattern analysis technology based on kernel methods is a new technology, which combines good performance and strict theory. With support vector machine, pattern analysis is easy and fast. But the existing kernel function fits the requirement. In the paper, we explore the new mixed kernel functions which are mixed with Gaussian and Wavelet function, Gaussian and Polynomial kernel function. With the new mixed kernel functions, we check different parameters. The results shows that the new mixed kernel functions have good time efficiency and accuracy. In image recognition we used SVM with two mixed kernel functions, the mixed kernel function of Gaussian and Wavelet function are suitable for more states.
Research on the Distribution System Simulation of Large Company’s Logistics under Internet of Things Based on Traveling Salesman Problem Solution
Authors: Hui Liu , Min Chen 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
This paper is research on the distribution system’s simulation of large company’s logistics under Internet of Things (IoT) based on traveling salesman problem solution. The authors claim that the real-time traffic synergy is better than traditional distribution strategy in general, verifying and comparing the simulation results in different situations of goals and starting time distribution. The simulation method used in this paper makes the result more scientific and reliable. The simulation truly reflects the degree of influence of information synergy to improve the efficiency of logistics system. The information synergy had an obvious enhancing effect on system operation efficiency. Taking full advantage of the value of information and improving the information synergy to the best level have irreplaceable effect on system operation efficiency.
Processing Chinese relative clauses: An investigation of second-language learners from different learning contexts
Authors: Yao Qin , Renaud Claire 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThe goal of this study is to examine the processing of Chinese relative clauses (RCs) through a self-paced reading task and to determine whether the learning environment plays a role in the second-language (L2) acquisition of RCs. We investigated two types of RCs (subject vs. object RCs) along with two positions in which a RC can occur (modifying a matrix subject noun phrase [NP] vs. a matrix object NP). Eighteen native speakers of Chinese and twenty-one L2 learners at an intermediate proficiency level participated in the study. Ten learners were students learning Chinese in the US (i. e., in a foreign-language context), whereas the other eleven learners were students studying Chinese in China (i. e., in a study-abroad context). The comprehension of sentences containing a RC and reading times (RTs) on the RC and the head noun (the segment immediately following the RC) were analyzed. The results show distinct patterns for the learners and the native speakers. The accuracy data reveals that the L2 learners in China performed better than the L2 learners in the US. Additionally, the L2 learners in China exhibited a processing speed advantage to the L2 learners in the US. The RT data highlighted important asymmetries in the L2 learners in the US and the native speakers, while the results were flat for the L2 learners in China. Specifically, L2 learners in the US took longer to read object RCs than subject RCs while the opposite pattern was obtained for the L1 speakers. Moreover, matrix-object-modifying RCs revealed shorter RTs than matrix-subject-modifying RCs for L2 learners in the US, whereas the opposite pattern was found for the L1 speakers. These findings are discussed in light of the Linear Distance Theory and the Structural Distance Theory (e. g., O’Grady 1997.Syntactic development. Chicago: University of Chicago Press). Overall, these results seem to provide support to the assumption that changes in syntactic processing happen as a result of exposure to the language environment (Cuetos et al. 1996. Parsing in different languages. In Manuel Carreias, Jose E. Garcia-Albea & Nuria Sebastien-Galles (eds.),Language processing in Spanish, 145–187. Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum; Frenck–Mestre 2002. An on-line look at sentence processing in the second language. In Roberto Heredia & Jeanette Altarriba (eds.),Bilingual sentence processing, 217–236. Amsterdam: Elsevier Science Publishers.).
The Impact of Minimum Wage Changes on Management in the Czech Republic
Authors: Uhrová Natalie , Skalka Petr 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
The extent of social security contributions paid by both employers and employees in the Czech Republic is considered one of the biggest problems of the Czech economy. At the same time, the minimum wage in the Czech Republic has been repeatedly changed in recent years and even months, and thus the aim of this paper is to identify and discuss possible consequent changes in managerial decisions in Czech firms that could be examined in further analyses. We suggest the hypothesis that Czech firms are lowering their costs via the substitution of employment agreements for employment contracts in order to avoid social security contributions paid by the employer.
Influence of Parameterization of Soil Processes on Meteorological Forecasts of Vertical Profiles
Authors: Duniec Grzegorz , Mazur Andrzej 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
Soil and atmosphere boundary layer (ABL) interact with each other and influence physical processes in soil and atmosphere. Quality of numerical weather forecast depends on good mapping of complex soil process (microphysics processes in soil, fluid dynamics in porous media, soil dynamics, water cycle in soil and soil-plant-water relation, thermal processes in the soil etc.) in parameterization soil schemes. Current parameterizations of soil physical processes in TERRA_ML (multilayer soil module of the COSMO meteorological model) were prepared 30 years ago for numerical model with poor resolution. Nowadays operationally numerical models work with much better resolution. So, previous parameterization must have been improved or prepared from the beginning if it is expected improvement quality of numerical weather forecast. The influence of changing parameterization of water flux through the soil for “bare soil” case on vertical meteorological profiles is presented in this paper. This influence can be seen not only in weather forecasts, but also in any areas where the results of meteorological model(s) are used, like decision support systems in emergency situations or modeling of dispersion of air pollutants.
Performance analysis of selected hypervisors (Virtual Machine Monitors - VMMs)
Authors: Graniszewski Waldemar , Arciszewski Adam 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
Virtualization of operating systems and network infrastructure plays an important role in current IT projects. With the number of services running on different hardware resources it is easy to provide availability, security and efficiency using virtualizers. All virtualization vendors claim that their hypervisor (virtual machine monitor - VMM) is better than their competitors. In this paper we evaluate performance of different solutions: proprietary software products (Hyper-V, ESXi, OVM, VirtualBox), and open source (Xen). We are using standard benchmark tools to compare efficiency of main hardware components, i.e. CPU (nbench), NIC (netperf), storage (Filebench), memory (ramspeed). Results of each tests are presented.
On Modelling AM/AM and AM/PM Conversions via Volterra Series
Authors: Borys Andrzej , Sieńko Wiesław 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
In this paper, we present the expressions, not published up to now, that describe the AM/AM and AM/PM conversions of communication power amplifiers (PAs) via the Volterra series based nonlinear transfer functions. Furthermore, we present a necessary and sufficient condition of occurrence of the nonzero values of AM/PM conversion in PAs. Moreover, it has been shown that Saleh’s approach and related ones, which foresee nonzero level of AM/PM conversion, are not models without memory. It has been also shown that using a polynomial description of a PA does not lead to a nonzero AM/PM conversion. Moreover, a necessary condition of occurrence of an AM/AM conversion in this kind of modelling is existence of at least one nonzero polynomial coefficient associated with its odd terms of degree greater than one.