bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spatial and temporal variations of regional drought events in southern China
Authors: Wang Yanjiao , Yan Feng 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACTIn this paper, an objective identification technique for regional extreme events (OITREE) is used to identify regional drought events (RDEs) in southern China based on the daily precipitation dataset of 342 stations from 1961 to 2012. Generally RDEs in southern China occur over an entire year, with high frequencies from January to April and peak frequencies in February and March. The spatial distributions of frequency and intensity of RDEs are consistent, with high frequencies of more than 60 and the annual average number of drought days being more than 30 in most regions of southern China east of 105 ° E. The trend distributions of the frequency and intensity of RDEs in southern China are similar, with increasing trends in most western regions and decreasing trends in most eastern regions. The decreasing trends of RDEs in most eastern regions were mainly affected by the weakening of East Asia summer moonsoon (EASM) from the 1960s to the 1990s, which resulted in the summer main rain belts in eastern China moving from North China to southern China and caused the precipitation increasing in eastern regions of southern China from the 1960s to the 1990s. While the increasing trends of RDEs in most western regions were not only affected by the EASM, but also associated with the weakening of the India‐Burma Trough (IBT) that caused less wet air transport to Southwest China and the decrease of precipitation in western regions of southern China.
Transforming climate model output to forecasts of wind power production: how much resolution is enough?
Authors: MacLeod Dave , Torralba Verónica , Davis Melanie , Doblas‐Reyes Francisco 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACTWind power forecasts are useful tools for power load balancing, energy trading and wind farm operations. Long range monthly‐to‐seasonal forecasting allows the prediction of departures from average weather conditions beyond traditional weather forecast timescales, months in advance. However, it has not yet been demonstrated how these forecasts can be optimally transformed to wind power. The predictable part of a seasonal forecast is for longer monthly averages, not daily averages, but to use monthly averages misses information on variability. To investigate, here a model relating average weather conditions to average wind power output was built, based on the relationship between instantaneous wind speed and power production and incorporating fluctuations in air density due to temperature and wind speed variability. Observed monthly average power output from UK stations was used to validate the model and to investigate the optimal temporal resolution for the data used to drive the model. Multiple simulations of wind power were performed based on reanalysis data, making separate simulations based on monthly, daily and sub‐daily averages, using a distribution defined by the mean across the period to incorporate information on variability. Basing the simulation on monthly averages alone is sub‐optimal: using daily average winds gives the highest correlation against observations. No improvement over this is gained by using sub‐daily averages or including temperature variability. This signifies that to transform seasonal forecasts to wind power a compromise must be made between using the daily averages with debatable skill and the more predictable monthly averages, losing information on day‐to‐day variability.
Better and faster velocity pulsatility assessment in cerebral white matter perforating arteries with 7T quantitative flow MRI through improved slice profile, acquisition scheme, and postprocessing
Authors: Geurts Lennart , Biessels Geert Jan , Luijten Peter , Zwanenburg Jaco 
Published: July 2017

PurposeA previously published cardiac‐gated 2D Qflow protocol at 7 T in cerebral perforating arteries was optimized to reduce velocity underestimation and improve temporal resolution.MethodsFirst, the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) gain of the velocity measurement (SNRv) was tested for two signal averages versus one. Second, the decrease in velocity underestimation with a tilted optimized nonsaturating excitation (TONE) pulse was tested. Third, the decrease in pulsatility index (PI) underestimation through improved temporal resolution was tested. Test‐retest agreement was measured for the resulting acquisition in older volunteers (mean age 63 years), and the results were compared with the other volunteers (mean age 26 years).ResultsUsing two signal averages increased SNRv by only 12% (P = 0.04), probably due to motion of the subvoxel‐size arteries. The TONE decreased velocity underestimation, thereby increasing the mean velocity from 0.52 to 0.67 cm/s (P < 0.001). The PI increased substantially with increasing temporal resolution. The test‐retest agreement showed good coefficients of repeatability of 0.18 cm/s for velocity and 0.14 for PI. The measured velocity was lower in the older group: 0.42 versus 0.51 cm/s (P = 0.05).ConclusionsThe optimized sequence yields better velocity and PI estimates in small vessels, has twice as good test‐retest agreement, and has a suitable scan time for use in patients. Magn Reson Med 79:1473–1482, 2018. © 2017 The Authors Magnetic Resonance in Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution‐NonCommercial License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited and is not used for commercial purposes.
A novel projected Fletcher‐Reeves conjugate gradient approach for finite‐time optimal robust controller of linear constraints optimization problem: Application to bipedal walking robots
Authors: Sun Zhongbo , Tian Yantao , Wang Jing 
Published: July 2017

SummaryFor finite‐time optimal robust control problem of bipedal walking robot, a class of global and feasible projected Fletcher‐Reeves conjugate gradient approach is proposed based on an online convex optimization algorithm. The optimal robust controllers are solved by projected Fletcher‐Reeves conjugate gradient approach. The approach can rapidly converge to a stable gait cycle by selecting an initial gait. Under some suitable conditions, we provide a rigorous proof of global convergence and well‐defined properties for projected Fletcher‐Reeves conjugate gradient approach. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the bipedal walking robot, we will conduct numerical simulations on the model of 3‐link robot with nonlinear, impulsive, and underactuated dynamics. Furthermore, to indicate the availability of high‐dimensional robotic system, the main result is illustrated on a nonlinear impulsive model of a bipedal walking robot through simulations via finite‐time optimal robust controller. Numerical results show that the projected Fletcher‐Reeves conjugate gradient approach is feasible and effective for bipedal walking robots. Therefore, it is reasonable to infer that the optimal robust control approach can be used in practical systems.
Validation of the modified Chinese Cancer Survivor's Unmet Needs (CaSUN‐C) for women with breast cancer
Authors: Fang Su‐Ying , Cheng Hsiu‐Rong , Lin Chung‐Ying 
Published: July 2017

AbstractObjectiveThe aims of the study were to modify the Cancer Survivor's Unmet Need (CaSUN) Scale into a short form and then test its psychometric scale‐specific properties for breast cancer survivors in Taiwan.MethodsUsing convenience sampling, recruited breast cancer survivors were separated into 2 samples (sample 1, n = 150, and sample 2, n = 162). First, we translated and modified the CaSUN to ensure cultural adaptation. Second, we used statistical methods to eliminate some items and conducted an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) using sample 1 to explore the factor structure of the CaSUN‐C. Finally, we conducted a confirmatory factor analysis using sample 2 to confirm the structure suggested by the EFA and tested the criterion validity and known‐group validity of the CaSUN‐C.ResultsTwenty items within 4 factors (information, physical /psychological, medical care, and communication needs) were identified for the CaSUN‐C. Each factor had acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach's Alpha = .61 to .82). The criterion validity was supported by the significant correlations between the CaSUN‐C scores and scores on fear of recurrence and depression. Known‐group comparisons revealed that women who survived more than 60 months had fewer physical/psychological needs than those less 60 months, which supported the validity of CaSUN‐C.ConclusionThe CaSUN‐C demonstrated acceptable reliability and validity for assessing unmet needs among breast cancer survivors in Taiwan. Using this simple assessment to target the individual needs of these survivors can help healthcare professionals provide personalized care efficiently.
Comparison of species classification models of mass spectrometry data: Kernel Discriminant Analysis vs Random Forest; A case study of Afrormosia (Pericopsis elata (Harms) Meeuwen)
Authors: Deklerck V. , Finch K. , Gasson P. , Van den Bulcke J. , Van Acker J. , Beeckman H. , Espinoza E. 
Published: July 2017

RationaleThe genus Pericopsis includes four tree species of which only Pericopsis elata (Harms) Meeuwen is of commercial interest. Enforcement officers might have difficulties discerning this CITES‐listed species from some other tropical African timber species. Therefore, we tested several methods to separate and identify these species rapidly in order to enable customs officials to uncover illegal trade. In this study, two classification methods using Direct Analysis in Real Time (DART™) ionization coupled with Time‐of‐Flight Mass Spectrometry (DART‐TOFMS) data to discern between several species are presented.MethodsMetabolome profiles were collected using DART™ ionization coupled with TOFMS analysis of heartwood specimens of all four Pericopsis species and Haplormosia monophylla (Harms) Harms, Dalbergia melanoxylon Guill. & Perr. Harms, and Milicia excelsa (Welw.) C.C. Berg. In total, 95 specimens were analysed and the spectra evaluated. Kernel Discriminant Analysis (KDA) and Random Forest classification were used to discern the species.ResultsDART‐TOFMS spectra obtained from wood slivers and post‐processing analysis using KDA and Random Forest classification separated Pericopsis elata from the other Pericopsis taxa and its lookalike timbers Haplormosia monophylla, Milicia excelsa, and Dalbergia melanoxylon. Only 50 ions were needed to achieve the highest accuracy.ConclusionsDART‐TOFMS spectra of the taxa were reproducible and the results of the chemometric analysis provided comparable accuracy. Haplormosia monophylla was visually distinguished based on the heatmap and was excluded from further analysis. Both classification methods, KDA and Random Forest, were capable of distinguishing Pericopsis elata from the other Pericopsis taxa, Milicia excelsa, and Dalbergia melanoxylon, timbers that are commonly traded.
Robust robot localization in a complex oil and gas industrial environment
Authors: Merriaux Pierre , Dupuis Yohan , Boutteau Rémi , Vasseur Pascal , Savatier Xavier 
Published: July 2017

AbstractIn this paper, we propose a LiDAR‐based robot localization method in a complex oil and gas environment. Localization is achieved in six degrees of freedom (DoF) thanks to a particle filter framework. A new time‐efficient likelihood function, based on a precalculated three‐dimensional likelihood field, is introduced. Experiments are carried out in real environments and their digitized point clouds. Six DoF real‐time localization is achieved with spatial and angular errors of less than 2.5 cm and 1°, respectively, in a real environment of . The proposed approach focuses on real‐time performance on embedded platforms. It enabled the Vikings team to win the first two ARGOS Challenge contests.
Fetal middle cerebral artery Doppler to time intrauterine transfusion in red‐cell alloimmunization: a randomized trial
Authors: Dodd J. M. , Andersen C. , Dickinson J. E. , Louise J. , Deussen A. , Grivell R. M. , Voto L. , Kilby M. D. , Windrim R. , Ryan G. ,   for the MCA Doppler Study Group
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACTObjectivesTo evaluate whether Doppler measurement of middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity (MCA‐PSV) for timing subsequent intrauterine transfusions (IUTs) in fetuses that had undergone one IUT for anemia secondary to red‐cell alloimmunization is non‐inferior to timing based on expected decrease in fetal hematocrit (Hct) or fetal hemoglobin level, without compromising infant hemoglobin at birth.MethodsThis was an international, pragmatic multicenter randomized controlled trial. Women with a pregnancy complicated by fetal anemia secondary to red‐cell alloimmunization (due to any antibody alone or in combination), as indicated by the need to undergo a single IUT, were eligible for inclusion. Women were randomized to the determination of timing of further transfusion(s) by Doppler measurement of MCA‐PSV (MCA‐PSV Group), with a serial upward trend of values >1.5 multiples of the median considered indicative of the need for another IUT, or timing of transfusion by a decrease in fetal Hct (fetal Hct Group), with subsequent IUTs timed according to an estimated fall in fetal Hct of 1% per day or fetal hemoglobin of 0.3 g/dL per day, to maintain fetal hemoglobin level between 7 and 10 g/dL. The primary outcome was infant hemoglobin level measured at birth.ResultsA total of 71 women were randomized, 36 to the MCA‐PSV Group and 35 to the fetal Hct Group. Median gestational age at randomization was 30.3 weeks, the majority of women were Caucasian and non‐smokers, 9.9% of women had Kell alloimmunization, and 14% of fetuses were hydropic at their first IUT. No statistically significant differences between the two treatment groups were observed with regard to mean hemoglobin levels at birth (MCA‐PSV Group, 10.36 ± 3.82 g/dL vs fetal Hct Group, 12.03 ± 3.14 g/dL; adjusted mean difference –1.56 g/dL (95% CI, –3.24 to 0.13 g/dL); P = 0.070), or the number of IUTs performed after randomization (MCA‐PSV Group, 1.75 ± 1.79 vs fetal Hct Group 1.80 ± 1.32; adjusted relative risk 0.88 (95% CI, 0.61–1.26); P = 0.474). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups with respect to the risk of adverse infant outcomes related to alloimmunization or procedure‐related complications.ConclusionBoth Doppler measurement of MCA‐PSV and estimation of the decrease in fetal Hct or hemoglobin can be used to determine the timing of second and subsequent IUTs in fetuses with red‐cell alloimmunization. Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Genetically encoded iron‐associated proteins as MRI reporters for molecular and cellular imaging
Authors: Naumova Anna V. , Vande Velde Greetje 
Published: July 2017

All cell imaging applications rely on some form of specific cell labeling to achieve visualization of cells contributing to disease or cell therapy. The purpose of this review article is to summarize the published data on genetically encoded iron‐based imaging reporters. The article overviews regulation of iron homeostasis as well as genetically encoded iron‐associated molecular probes and their applications for noninvasive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of transplanted cells. Longitudinal repetitive MRI of therapeutic cells is extremely important for providing key functional endpoints and insight into mechanisms of action. Future directions in molecular imaging and techniques for improving sensitivity, specificity and safety of in vivo reporter gene imaging are discussed. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2018, 10:e1482. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1482This article is categorized under:

Diagnostic Tools > In Vivo Nanodiagnostics and Imaging
Reduction Kinetics of Wüstite Scale on Pure Iron and Steel Sheets in Ar and H2 Gas Mixture
Authors: Mao Weichen , Sloof Willem G. 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
A dense and closed Wüstite scale is formed on pure iron and Mn alloyed steel after oxidation in Ar + 33 vol pct CO2 + 17 vol pct CO gas mixture. Reducing the Wüstite scale in Ar + H2 gas mixture forms a dense and uniform iron layer on top of the remaining Wüstite scale, which separates the unreduced scale from the gas mixture. The reduction of Wüstite is controlled by the bulk diffusion of dissolved oxygen in the formed iron layer and follows parabolic growth rate law. The reduction kinetics of Wüstite formed on pure iron and on Mn alloyed steel are the same. The parabolic rate constant of Wüstite reduction obeys an Arrhenius relation with an activation energy of 104 kJ/mol if the formed iron layer is in the ferrite phase. However, at 1223 K (950 °C) the parabolic rate constant of Wüstite reduction drops due to the phase transformation of the iron layer from ferrite to austenite. The effect of oxygen partial pressure on the parabolic rate constant of Wüstite reduction is negligible when reducing in a gas mixture with a dew point below 283 K (10 °C). During oxidation of the Mn alloyed steel, Mn is dissolved in the Wüstite scale. Subsequently, during reduction of the Wüstite layer, Mn diffuses into the unreduced Wüstite. Ultimately, an oxide-free iron layer is obtained at the surface of the Mn alloyed steel, which is beneficial for coating application.
Optimization of patch antennas via multithreaded simulated annealing based design exploration
Authors: Richie James E. , Ababei Cristinel 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
In this paper, we present a new software framework for the optimization of the design of microstrip patch antennas. The proposed simulation and optimization framework implements a simulated annealing algorithm to perform design space exploration in order to identify the optimal patch antenna design. During each iteration of the optimization loop, we employ the popular MEEP simulation tool to evaluate explored design solutions. To speed up the design space exploration, the software framework is developed to run multiple MEEP simulations concurrently. This is achieved using multithreading to implement a manager-workers execution strategy. The number of worker threads is the same as the number of cores of the computer that is utilized. Thus, the computational runtime of the proposed software framework enables effective design space exploration. Simulations demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed software framework.
Highlights A software framework for the optimization of the design of microstrip patch antennas. A simulated annealing algorithm to perform the design space exploration. The popular MEEP simulator is employed to evaluate explored solutions for accuracy. Multithreading is used as a technique to speed-up the proposed tool.
Current evidence for universal molecular testing for colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Campos Fábio Guilherme , Figueiredo Marleny Novaes , Martinez Carlos Augusto Real 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
Background Risk assessment for Lynch Syndrome may be a complex and challenging task. Demonstration of germline mutations has the benefits of confirming Lynch Syndrome diagnosis and may also provide screening and surgical orientation for affected members and relief for non-affected relatives.
Objective The present paper aimed to critically review the criteria to diagnose Lynch Syndrome, focusing the attention on the new perspective of adopting universal screening for patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
Methods We performed a literature review about the rationale and preliminary results of universal testing for Lynch Syndrome.
Results The use of selective eligibility criteria to determine who should undergo Lynch Syndrome testing may fail in a substantial proportion of cases. Moreover, universal strategy is feasible, cost-effective and more sensitive than previous methods. However, there still exist problems regarding clinical practice implementation and compliance either by medical doctors and patients.
Conclusions Standard guidelines for colorectal cancer screening are not ideal to provide early detection of Lynch Syndrome patients. And although universal screening has been associated with an increased identification of Lynch Syndrome patients, a successful implementation of this approach is still limited by the lack of clinical expertise among physicians, and also requires standardization of the existing protocols for routine genetic screening.
WHY MILITARY INSTITUTIONS MATTER FOR MING HISTORY
Authors: Robinson David 
Published: July 2017

AbstractSystemic attention to military institutions sharpens our understanding of the Ming dynasty in comparative, global terms and yields a fuller perspective on the state and its role in people’s lives. First, the Ming dynasty devoted more resources, in absolute terms, to its military enterprise than any other contemporary power. It maintained enormous standing armies that drilled regularly, empire-wide logistical systems, welfare provisions for military dependents and retired or injured military personnel, and multi-tiered, standardized arms productions under state supervision. Western European states were just starting to achieve such capacity in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Second, focused on civil administration, such as taxes, labor service, magistrates, land surveys, tithing communities, and mutual responsibility organizations, past scholarship has largely ignored how the state’s extensive military institutions both shaped society and served as resources that people used to advance their personal, family, and community interests.
MILITARY INSTITUTIONS AS A DEFINING FEATURE OF THE SONG DYNASTY
Authors: Lorge Peter 
Published: July 2017

AbstractAlthough the standard narrative of the Song dynasty is one of civil dominance over the military within the government and society, the institutional development of the government bureaucracy argues for a more nuanced description. The martial side of the government achieved parity in size with the civil side during the Song, exclusive of the army and its bureaucracy. Literati with civil exam degrees filled most of the upper ranks of this martial bureaucracy and therefore occupied themselves with martial, rather than civil, concerns on a day to day basis. A significant number of important civil literati spent most of their time on military tasks and military policy. Functionally then, in contrast to their ideology, many civil literati were militarized by their roles in the bureaucracy while they were controlling it.
Redox-dependent substrate-cofactor interactions in the Michaelis-complex of a flavin-dependent oxidoreductase
Authors: Werther Tobias , Wahlefeld Stefan , Salewski Johannes , Kuhlmann Uwe , Zebger Ingo , Hildebrandt Peter , Dobbek Holger 
Published: July 2017

AbstractHow an enzyme activates its substrate for turnover is fundamental for catalysis but incompletely understood on a structural level. With redox enzymes one typically analyses structures of enzyme–substrate complexes in the unreactive oxidation state of the cofactor, assuming that the interaction between enzyme and substrate is independent of the cofactors oxidation state. Here, we investigate the Michaelis complex of the flavoenzyme xenobiotic reductase A with the reactive reduced cofactor bound to its substrates by X-ray crystallography and resonance Raman spectroscopy and compare it to the non-reactive oxidized Michaelis complex mimics. We find that substrates bind in different orientations to the oxidized and reduced flavin, in both cases flattening its structure. But only authentic Michaelis complexes display an unexpected rich vibrational band pattern uncovering a strong donor–acceptor complex between reduced flavin and substrate. This interaction likely activates the catalytic ground state of the reduced flavin, accelerating the reaction within a compressed cofactor–substrate complex.