bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Single-center mid-term experience with chimney-graft technique for the preservation of flow to the supra-aortic branches
Authors: Shahverdyan Robert , Mylonas Spyridon , Gawenda Michael , Brunkwall Jan 
Published: October 2017

Objectives To investigate the feasibility and the mid-term outcomes of the chimney-graft technique for the revascularization of supra-aortic branches in patients with thoracic aortic pathologies involving the aortic arch. Methods A retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database between January 2010 and July 2016 was performed. Primary endpoints were 30-day and overall mortality. Secondary endpoints were technical success, target vessel patency, stroke/transitory ischemic attack and type I/III endoleak rate. Results A total of 30 patients (80% male, median age 70.0 years) were treated using the chimney-graft technique for the supra-aortic branches. The indication was a degenerative aneurysm in nine patients (32%) and a type B Stanford aortic dissection and a penetrating aortic ulcer in the descending aorta in seven patients (23%), respectively. In six patients (20.0%), the indication was an type Ia endoleak after previous endovascular thoracic repair, whereas a pseudoaneurysm after previous open repair of the descending aorta was the indication in one patient (3%). Twenty-three patients (77%) were treated electively, five (17%) emergently and two (7%) urgently because of free rupture. Technical success was achieved in 90% of patients. The 30-day/in-hospital mortality was 17% (5/30). A retrograde dissection was presented in five patients. Four patients experienced a cerebrovascular event. Eight patients had type Ia endoleak and 10 had type II. During the median follow-up of 16 months (range: 0–56), four further patients died: one in respiratory insufficiency, one due to a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm, one in meningitis and the last one for unknown reason. The chimney-graft patency was 100%. According to the Kaplan–Meier curve, the estimated survival at one year was 66 ± 9%. Conclusions The chimney-graft technique, despite a technically demanding strategy, is a useful tool as bailout procedure in our armamentarium for high-risk patients, unsuitable for open or hybrid repair.
Quantifying benefits of using health information exchange to support public health STI reporting and treatment in Western New York
Authors: Haque Saira N , Territo Heather , Bailey Robert , Massoudi Barbara , Loomis Ross , Burstein Gale 
Published: October 2017

Objective: To calculate average savings of using health information exchange (HIE) for demographic and treatment requests for chlamydia and gonorrhoea in Western New York, specifically the Erie County Department of Health and its catchment area. Method: We conducted a mixed-method case study. Qualitative methods included interviews, document review, and workflow mapping, which were used as the inputs to identify time savings. Case rates, time savings, and salary averages were used to calculate average savings. Results: The avoided demographic information requests resulted in time and money savings (range of USD$2312–USD$4624 for chlamydia and USD$809–USD$1512 for gonorrhoea) as did avoided treatment requests (range of USD$671–USD$2803 for chlamydia and USD$981–USD$1635 for gonorrhoea). Discussion: HIE supported sexually transmitted infection (STI) treatment by making it easier for public health staff to identify and act upon STI diagnoses. Availability of information online resulted in less reliance on provider offices for demographic and treatment information. Conclusion: Results indicated that using HIE to support treatment and management of STIs can save public health staff time spent on obtaining demographic and treatment information. Other public health departments could use HIE for this and other types of disease surveillance activities. Considering public health needs in HIE development and use can improve efficiency of public health services and enhance effectiveness of activities.
In vivo–generated thrombin and plasmin do not activate the complement system in baboons
Authors: Keshari Ravi S. , Silasi Robert , Lupu Cristina , Taylor Fletcher B. , Lupu Florea 
Published: October 2017

Key PointsIn vivo–generated thrombin and plasmin do not contribute to complement activation in nonhuman primates. Bacteria and lipopolysaccharide are the main drivers of in vivo complement activation in E coli sepsis in baboons.
High-Density Lipoprotein Subclasses, Coronary Artery Disease, and Cardiovascular Mortality
Authors: Silbernagel Günther , Pagel Philipp , Pfahlert Volker , Genser Bernd , Scharnagl Hubert , Kleber Marcus E , Delgado Graciela , Ohrui Haruna , Ritsch Andreas , Grammer Tanja B , Koenig Wolfgang , März Winfried 
Published: October 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe inverse relationship between HDL cholesterol and cardiovascular mortality is weakened in coronary artery disease (CAD). We aimed to investigate the associations of HDL particle concentrations with cardiovascular mortality and the impact of CAD on these associations. We also sought to comparatively evaluate HDL cholesterol and HDL particle concentrations in predicting cardiovascular mortality.METHODSTotal and subclass HDL particle concentrations were measured by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy in 2290 participants of the LUdwigshafen RIsk and Cardiovascular Health study referred for coronary angiography. The participants were prospectively followed over a median (interquartile range) duration of 10.0 (6.1–10.6) years.RESULTSThe mean (SD) age of the participants (1575 males, 715 females) was 62.9 (10.4) years; body mass index, 27.6 (4.1) kg/m2; HDL cholesterol, 39 (11) mg/dL [1 (0.29) mmol/L]; and total HDL particle concentration, 24.1 (5.8) μmol/L. Of the participants, 434 died from cardiovascular diseases. In multivariate analyses, tertiles of total HDL particle concentrations were inversely related to cardiovascular mortality (hazard ratio for third vs first tertile = 0.55, P &lt; 0.001). This association was primarily mediated by small HDL particles (P &lt; 0.001). Adding total or small HDL particle concentrations rather than HDL cholesterol to multivariate prediction models improved performance metrics for cardiovascular mortality. The presence of CAD had no impact on the associations between HDL particle concentrations and cardiovascular mortality.CONCLUSIONSHigh HDL particle concentration is consistently and independently of CAD associated with decreased cardiovascular mortality. Whether the inverse relationship between HDL particle concentration and cardiovascular mortality may be translated into novel therapies is under investigation.
Application of Multi-Parameter Data Visualization by Means of Multidimensional Scaling to Evaluate Possibility of Coal Gasification
Authors: Jamróz Dariusz , Niedoba Tomasz , Surowiak Agnieszka , Tumidajski Tadeusz , Szostek Roman , Gajer Mirosław 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe application of methods drawing upon multi-parameter visualization of data by transformation of multidimensional space into two-dimensional one allow to show multi-parameter data on computer screen. Thanks to that, it is possible to conduct a qualitative analysis of this data in the most natural way for human being, i.e. by the sense of sight. An example of such method of multi-parameter visualization is multidimensional scaling. This method was used in this paper to present and analyze a set of seven-dimensional data obtained from Janina Mining Plant and Wieczorek Coal Mine. It was decided to examine whether the method of multi-parameter data visualization allows to divide the samples space into areas of various applicability to fluidal gasification process. The “Technological applicability card for coals” was used for this purpose [Sobolewski et al., 2012; 2013], in which the key parameters, important and additional ones affecting the gasification process were described.
Prospectivity Modeling of Karstic Groundwater Using a Sequential Exploration Approach in Tepal Area, Iran
Authors: Sharifi Fereydoun , Arab-Amiri Ali Reza , Kamkar-Rouhani Abolghasem , Yousefi Mahyar , Davoodabadi-Farahani Meysam 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe purpose of this study is water prospectivity modeling (WPM) for recognizing karstic water-bearing zones by using analyses of geo-exploration data in Kal-Qorno valley, located in Tepal area, north of Iran. For this, a sequential exploration method applied on geo-evidential data to delineate target areas for further exploration. In this regard, two major exploration phases including regional and local scales were performed. In the first phase, indicator geological features, structures and lithological units, were used to model groundwater prospectivity as a regional scale. In this phase, for karstic WPM, fuzzy lithological and structural evidence layers were generated and combined using fuzzy operators. After generating target areas using WPM, in the second phase geophysical surveys including gravimetry and geoelectrical resistivity were carried out on the recognized high potential zones as a local scale exploration. Finally the results of geophysical analyses in the second phase were used to select suitable drilling locations to access and extract karstic groundwater in the study area.
Long Term Analysis of Deformations in Salt Mines: Kłodawa Salt Mine Case Study, Central Poland
Authors: Cała Marek , Tajduś Antoni , Andrusikiewicz Wacław , Kowalski Michał , Kolano Malwina , Stopkowicz Agnieszka , Cyran Katarzyna , Jakóbczyk Joanna 
Published: October 2017

AbstractLocated in central Poland, the Kłodawa salt dome is 26 km long and about 2 km wide. Exploitation of the dome started in 1956, currently rock salt extraction is carried out in 7 mining fields and the 12 mining levels at the depth from 322 to 625 meters below sea level (m.b.s.l.). It is planned to maintain the mining activity till 2052 and extend rock salt extraction to deeper levels. The dome is characterised by complex geological structure resulted from halokinetic and tectonic processes.Projection of the 3D numerical analysis took into account the following factors: mine working distribution within the Kłodawa mine (about 1000 rooms, 350 km of galleries), complex geological structure of the salt dome, complicated structure and geometry of mine workings and distinction in rocks mechanical properties e.g. rock salt and anhydrite. Analysis of past mine workings deformation and prediction of future rock mass behaviour was divided into four stages: building of the 3D model (state of mine workings in year 2014), model extension of the future mine workings planned for extraction in years 2015-2052, the 3D model calibration and stability analysis of all mine workings.The 3D numerical model of Kłodawa salt mine included extracted and planned mine workings in 7 mining fields and 14 mining levels (about 2000 mine workings). The dimensions of the model were 4200 m × 4700 m × 1200 m what was simulated by 33 million elements. The 3D model was calibrated on the grounds of convergence measurements and laboratory tests. Stability assessment of mine workings was based on analysis of the strength/stress ratio and vertical stress. The strength/stress ratio analysis enabled to indicate endangered area in mine workings and can be defined as the factor of safety. Mine workings in state close to collapse are indicated by the strength/stress ratio equals 1. Analysis of the vertical stress in mine workings produced the estimation of current state of stress in comparison to initial (pre-mining) conditions.The long-term deformation analysis of the Kłodawa salt mine for year 2014 revealed that stability conditions were fulfilled. Local disturbances indicated in the numerical analysis were connected with high chambers included in the mining field no 1 and complex geological structure in the vicinity of mine workings located in the mining fields no 2 and 3. Moreover, numerical simulations that projected the future extraction progress (till year 2052) showed positive performance. Local weakness zones in the mining field no 7 are associated with occurrence of carnallite layers and intensive mining which are planned in the mining field no 6 at the end of rock salt extraction.
The Influence of Climate Change on CO2 and CH4 Concentration Near Closed Shaft – Numerical Simulations
Authors: Wrona Paweł 
Published: October 2017

Abstract
Given the scientific consensus pointing to climate change, the more extreme weather events associated with this will lead to deeper pressure drops. As has already been stated, pressure drops are the main cause of gas flow from underground sites to the surface. This article presents the results of numerical simulations of the change in distribution of CO2 and CH4 near a closed mining shaft under the predicted baric tendency. Simulations have been undertaken by means of the FDS software package with the Pyrosim graphical interface – a CFD tool for fire and ventilation analysis. Assumptions have been based on previous results of in-situ measurements. The results (determined for a height of 1m above the ground) were compared to the following levels (later in the text comparison levels): for CO2 0.1%vol. according to Pettenkoffer’s scale and 2.5%vol. for CH4 as the half of Lower Explosive Limit (LEL). The results show that the deeper baric drops anticipated could lead to a wider spread of both greenhouse gases in the vicinity of the shaft, especially along the prevailing wind direction. According to the results obtained, CO2 and CH4 with concentrations above their comparison levels are expected at a distance greater than 50m from the shaft when wind is present for CO2 and at a distance of 4.5m for CH4. Subsequent analysis of the results enabled the determination of functions for describing the concentration of gases along the wind direction line under the projected pressure drop. The results relate to a particular case, although the model could easily be modified to any other example of gas emissions from underground sites.
Production of a high-nutritional-value functional food, the Update1 bread, with the supplementation of the wheat flour with high-protein-content raw food materials
Authors: Csapó J. , Schobert N. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractDuring our research, we added extracted soya bean meal, egg-white powder, gluten, wheat sourdough, and bamboo fibre to wheat flour in order to increase the quantity of the essential amino acid and the biological value of the wheat protein, producing such a functional, health-protecting, health-preservative food product which is suitable to satisfy the essential amino acid requirements of humans, assuming normal nutrition. Furthermore, we could produce such a food, which, on the one hand, was suitable to confine or prevent the essential amino acid’s malnutrition symptoms, while, on the other hand, when applied alone, to meet the consumers’ needs. During our work, we determined the protein content and amino acid composition of the wheat flour, of the additives used in bread baking, and in the bread both baked with supplementation (Update1 bread) and without supplementation (normal bread), as well as the quantity of the Maillard reaction products (hydroxymethylfurfural). We calculated the biological value of the protein of different breads and evaluated the sensory characteristics of the produced functional food and the fortified bread, supplemented with high essential-amino-acid-containing additives.
Selenium in soil–plant–food systems
Authors: Garousi F. 
Published: October 2017

Abstract
Humans and animals require a multitude of nutrients in order to have a properly functioning body for purposes of growth, development and metabolism. Plant-based foods have represented one of the most important nutrient sources in human diet since the beginning of mankind. But nowadays the amount of arable land is being reduced and much of the natural resources already in use show signs of degradation. Also, staple crops (i.e. plants that constitute the main food in the diets of people in developing countries, e.g. wheat, rice, maize, and cassava) regrettably contain low amounts of micronutrients, making them insufficient to meet the minimum daily requirements. Shortages in mineral micronutrients, including iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), and iodine (I), are affecting more than half of the world’s population. In this case, it is fundamental to improve strategies that let us make plant foods more efficient and with higher micronutrient amounts and bioavailability concerning their edible textures. In this regard, in this review paper, we tried to summarize selenium availability and its application in the soil, plant and food systems to understand the place of selenium in plant-based foods.
Conversational interaction and the development of conversational competence in additional languages in higher education: Considerations for students, language centres, and language policy developers
Authors: Meyer Stephan , Blondel Valérie , Mall-Grob Beatrice 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThis article addresses the questions: why is the development of conversational competence important within higher education? And how might this goal be pursued? We offer answers that may aid a broad range of stakeholders (language learners, course designers, lecturers, language development managers, and policy makers) in thinking through these issues. Our point of departure is the view that, whilst conversational interaction is significant, prevalent and complex, the development of conversational competence receives insufficient attention. We propose that this indispensable skill can be enhanced through dedicated development in the process of learning additional languages. To illustrate how this could be done, we provide extended examples from three conversation courses that are informed by a broad and normative definition of conversation that is coupled with a didactics of conversation rooted in critical theory and critical discourse analysis. The three courses are: a French conversation class in which conversation serves as mediator of identity and difference in an imagined community; conversations between learners of German who are paired with residents of a retirement home where conversation serves to fortify auto/biographical, intercultural and intergenerational contracts; and an English conversation group in which learners combine topic-oriented conversations with shaping the conversations that in turn shape them. Combined, these courses foreshadow fragments of an explicit curriculum aimed at developing conversational competence.
Evidencing the passion of language teachers’ research engagement: The case of a University Pedagogy ALMS course module
Authors: Vaattovaara Johanna 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThis paper presents a case example of a University Pedagogy course module carried out in ALMS (Autonomous Learning Modules) format. The participants of the course were mainly in-service language teachers of the University of Helsinki Language Centre, and the author of this report is a module instructor and counsellor. The motivation for the ALMS course module was twofold: (1) to enhance research engagement of language teachers in their professional development and (2) to offer support but freedom (autonomy) in terms of personal goals, the form of the individual project as well as the schedule of the process. This paper presents the course in brief and discusses some of the key elements in fostering critical thinking and research engagement in professional development in the context of Language Centres. The data analyzed consist of pre-course assignments delivered by the participants, their work plans, final reflective learning reports as well as the counsellor’s diary.
Mechanical and thermal properties of polybutylene terephthalate/ethylene-vinyl acetate blends using vane extruder
Authors: Meng Cong , Qu Jin-ping 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT)/ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) blends with different contents of EVA were prepared by an vane extruder. From the observation of morphologies, impact strength and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), the EVA particles were well dispersed in the PBT matrix and improved the impact strength of PBT. Differential scanning calorimetry measurements demonstrate that there is little diversification in the crystal structure and type. Thermogravimetric analysis reveals that as the weight fraction of EVA increases, the thermal stability of composite is enhanced. The rheological analyses indicate that the PBT/EVA blends follow a non-Newtonian behavior and viscosities of the blends are drastically lower than that of pure PBT at higher frequencies. The storage modulus (G′) and loss modulus (G″) of the blends monotonously increase as the frequency rises. This work provides a novel method to develop blends with excellent performance.
Frequency Reconfigurable Quasi-Yagi Antenna with a Novel Balun Loading Four PIN Diodes
Authors: Xie Peng , Wang Guang-Ming , Li Hai-Peng , Wen Tong , Kong Xiangxin 
Published: October 2017

AbstractA novel frequency reconfigurable Quasi-Yagi antenna is proposed. The antenna has two dipoles on different layers of the substrate and they are fed by two coplanar striplines. Four PIN diodes, loading inside the coplanar striplines, are used as the switches. By switching the states of the four diodes, the antenna can work in three modes with different working bands around 3.5 GHz (cover the band of WiMAX), 5.2 GHz (cover the band of WLAN) and 7 GHz respectively. In addition, the working bands can be independently tuned by adjusting several parameters of the antenna. A prototype antenna was fabricated and tested. Good agreement between the simulation and the measurement is achieved. The results prove that the antenna can realize frequency reconfiguration effectively while maintaining the pattern characteristic of Yagi antenna at all frequency.
Water states and migration in Xinjiang poplar and Mongolian Scotch pine monitored by TD-NMR during drying
Authors: Wang Zhe , Wang Xi-Ming , Chen Zhang-Jing 
Published: October 2017

Abstract
The time domain nuclear magnetic resonance (TD-NMR) technique was applied to observe the water states, water migration and the T
2cutoff of sapwood (sW) and heartwood (hW) of Xinjiang poplar and Mongolian Scotch pine wood during drying. Three components in the T
2 spectrum could be observed for poplar and pine at room temperature, and a large, short time component and a small, long time component of free water was visible at the melting point of water. During drying, the long time T
2 component diminished rapidly above the fiber saturation point (FSP), and almost disappeared close to or below the FSP. The short time components of the T
2 distributions slightly enlarged with decreasing moisture content (MC) above the FSP but rapidly diminished and shifted to the left side below the FSP. The bound water content estimated based on the T
2cutoff is in agreement with previous findings. Free and bound water have been found to be in two primary states both in poplar and pine. The loss of free water was rapid and profound but the bound water slightly increased with decreasing MC above the FSP, and the free water evaporated completely close to the FSP, where the bound water began to disappear significantly.