bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exophthalmos as a Presenting Manifestation of Limited Wegener's Granulomatosis in a Patient with Prior Graves' Disease
Authors: Bowers Brian , Gupta Deepak , Patel Hirenkumar , Mirza Naureen 
Published: October 2017

Wegener's granulomatosis is a granulomatous necrotizing vasculitis characterized by its predilection to affect the upper and lower respiratory tracts and kidneys. Ocular manifestations such as keratitis, conjunctivitis, scleritis, episcleritis, nasolacrimal duct obstruction, uveitis, retroorbital pseudotumor with proptosis retinal vessel occlusion, and optic neuritis have all been described. We present a case of limited Wegener's granulomatosis presenting with proptosis. A 57 year old woman with a history of Graves' disease 20 yrs ago, presented to her ophthalmologist with new onset of exophthalmos of right eye. An MRI of the brain and orbits revealed a soft tissue mass behind the right orbit. The biopsy of the mass revealed transmural inflammation with fibrinoid necrosis consistent with necrotizing vasculitis. She was diagnosed with Wegener's granulomatosis limited to the eye and was treated with oral cyclophosphamide and prednisone followed by weekly methotrexate with good response. Though ocular manifestations of Wegener's granulomatosis are well described, a review of the literature revealed that exophthalmos as the lone presenting manifestation is quite rare. Only two cases have been reported in the English literature since 1977. This case illustrates the importance of considering a diagnosis of limited Wegener's granulomatosis presenting with proptosis of the orbit.
Successful Management of Invasive Pulmonary Nocardiosis and Aspergillosis in a Patient with T-Cell Lymphoma: A Case Report
Authors: Al-Anazi Khalid A. , Aljurf Mahmoud D. , Al-Mohareb Fahad I. , Al-Dabal Laila , Zaitoni Mohammed , Halim Majed 
Published: October 2017

In patients with malignant hematological disorders receiving immunosuppressive therapy, invasive pulmonary infections are serious complications that are associated with high morbidity and mortality. In immunocompromised hosts with impaired cellular immunity, two or more organisms may coexist leading to a wide range of clinical and radiological manifestations. Reported here is an old man who was diagnosed to have angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre in Riyadh in December 2004. The lymphoma was treated with various immunosuppressive agents including alemtuzumab. In October 2006, the patient was admitted with severe bronchopneumonia caused by Nocardia asteroides and Aspergillus niger that was complicated by septic shock. The invasive pulmonary infections were successfully treated with trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole, amikacin and liposomal amphotericin-B (amBisome).
Dissecting Aneurysms of Bilateral Anterior Cerebral Artery Complicated by Subarachnoid Hemorrhage after Cerebral Infarction: A Case Report
Authors: Kurosu Akihiro , Hatashita Shizuo , Ueno Hideo 
Published: October 2017

Introduction Intracranial dissecting aneurysms have been increased due to recent advancements in diagnostic imaging. However there have been little article with subarachnoid hemorrhage and cerebral infarction occurring almost at the same time. We performed the surgical treatment and obtained good result. Case presentation A 47-year-old male presented to our hospital with chief complaints of sudden headache and mild paralysis of the left lower extremity. Brain imaging at admission revealed cerebral infarction in the right frontal lobe and subarachnoid hemorrhage in the frontal convexy and anterior interhemispheric fissure. The left and right internal carotid angiography showed a bulging cerebral aneurysm at the left A1–A2 junction and stenosis and arterial dissections in the peripheral of the bilateral anterior cerebral artery. Wrapping was performed for the dissecting aneurysm of the left anterior cerebral artery. For the right anterior cerebral artery, trapping was performed at the A2 segment without vascular anastomosis. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful. Conclusion A consensus has not been reached on the treatment for intracranial dissecting aneurysms. Proximal trapping without vascular reconstruction was performed for the right anterior cerebral artery without vascular anastomosis to prevent rebleeding. However no symptoms of neurological deficiency were observed. Proximal trapping of dissecting aneurysm seems to be a good option when patient's functional and life prognosis are taken into account in case that vascular reconstruction will be anticipated difficulty.
Low serum Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Associated with Anti-PR-3 AncA in Autistic Children with GI Disease
Authors: Russo A.J. , Krigsman A. , Jepson B. , Wakefield Andrew 
Published: October 2017

Aim To assess the possible relationship between serum alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) levels and anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) in autistic children with severe GI disease and to test the hypothesis that there is an association between low serum AAT levels, the presence of ANCA and inflammatory GI disease seen in some autistic children. Subjects and Methods Serum from 40 autistic children with chronic digestive disease (many with ileo-colonic lymphoid nodular hyperplasia (LNH) and inflammation of the colorectum, small bowel and/or stomach), and 41 controls (21 age matched autistic children with no GI disease and 20 age matched children without autism or GI disease) were tested using ELISAs designed to quantitate ANCA (anti-PR3), AAT and PR3 levels. Results We found that a significant number of autistic children with chronic digestive disease had anti-PR3 ANCA, high serum PR3 and high severity of disease when compared to controls. This same group of autistic children had low serum levels of AAT compared to controls, which also correlated with the presence of anti-PR3 ANCA, high serum PR3, as well as the severity of intestinal disease, particularly LNH and severe erythema. Discussion These results suggest a relationship between low AAT levels, ANCA and severity of GI disease seen in a subpopulation of ASD individuals. We suggest that low AAT levels may result in high levels of PR3, which may, in turn be associated with the presence of ANCA.
Association of HMGA2 Gene Variation with Height in Specific Pediatric Age Categories
Authors: Grant Struan F.A. , Li Mingyao , Bradfield Jonathan P. , Kim Cecilia E. , Annaiah Kiran , Santa Erin , Glessner Joseph T. , Casalunovo Tracy , Frackelton Edward C , Otieno F. George , Shaner Julie L. , Smith Ryan M. , Eckert Andrew W. , Imielinski Marcin , Chiavacci Rosetta M. , Berkowitz Robert I. , Hakonarson Hakon 
Published: October 2017

Background Recently an association was demonstrated between the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), rs1042725, within the HMGA2 locus and height as a consequence of a genome wide association (GWA) study of this trait in adults; this observation was also reported in children aged 7–11 years old. Objective We examined in our Caucasian childhood cohort the effects of two strong surrogates for this SNP at this locus with height, rs8756 and rs7968902, with respect to the same pediatric age category but also in children grouped separately as younger and older. Methods Utilizing data from an ongoing GWA study in our cohort of 2,619 Caucasian children with measurements for height, we investigated the association of the previously reported variation at the HMGA2 locus with this height treated as a quantitative trait (age and sex corrected) in childhood in the 2–6 (n = 706), 7–11 (n = 617) and 12–18 (n = 1293) years old categories. Results The minor alleles of rs8756 and rs7968902 respectively (strong surrogates for rs1042725 i.e. r 2 = 0.873 and 0.761 in the CEU HapMap respectively) were significantly associated with height in the 7–11 years old age group ( P = 3.53 × 10–3 and 2.82 × 10–4, respectively) However in the 2–6 and 12–18 years old age groups, no association was observed. Conclusions We observe a strong association with height in same age group of 7–11 years old as has been previously reported. However, in the under 7s and the over 11s, no such association was observed.
Building Socialism : Architecture and Urbanism in East German Literature, 1955–1973
Authors: Swope Curtis 
Published: October 2017

Building Socialism reveals how East German writers’ engagement with the rapidly changing built environment from the mid-1950s to the early 1970s constitutes an untold story about the emergence of literary experimentation in the post-War period. It breaks new ground by exploring the centrality of architecture to a mid-century modernist literature in dialogue with multiple literary and left-wing theoretical traditions and in tune with international assessments of modernist architecture and urban planning.
Design and construction were a central part of politics and everyday life in East Germany during this time as buildings old and new were asked to bear heavy ideological and social burdens. In their novels, stories, and plays, Heiner Müller, Christa Wolf, Günter Kunert, Volker Braun, Günter de Bruyn, and Brigitte Reimann responded to enormous new factory complexes, experimental new towns, the demolition of Berlin's tenements, and the propagation of a pared-down modernist aesthetic in interior design. Writers’ representation of the design, construction, and use of architecture formed part of a turn to modernist literary devices, including montage, metaphor, and shifting narrative perspectives. East Germany's literary architecture also represents a sophisticated theoretical reflection on the intractable problems of East Germany's socialist modernity, including the alliance between state socialism and technological modernization, competing commitments to working-class self-organization and the power of specialist planners and designers, and the attempt to create an alternative to fascism.
Oscillations in atmospheric water above Switzerland
Authors: Hocke Klemens , Navas-Guzmán Francisco , Moreira Lorena , Bernet Leonie , Mätzler Christian 
Published: October 2017

Abstract. Cloud fraction (CF), integrated liquid water (ILW) and integrated water vapour (IWV) were continuously measured from 2004 to 2016 by the TROpospheric WAter RAdiometer (TROWARA) in Bern, Switzerland. There are indications for interannual variations of CF and ILW. A spectral analysis shows that IWV is dominated by an annual oscillation, leading to an IWV maximum of 24 kg m−2 in July to August and a minimum of 8 kg m−2 in February. The seasonal behaviour of CF and ILW is composed by both the annual and the semiannual oscillation. However, the annual oscillation of CF has a maximum in December while the annual oscillation of ILW has a maximum in July. The semiannual oscillations of CF and ILW are strong from 2010 to 2014. The normalized power spectra of ILW and CF show statistically significant spectral components with periods of 76, 85, 97 and 150 days. We find a similarity between the power spectra of ILW and CF with those of zonal wind at 830 hPa (1.5 km) above Bern. Particularly, the occurrence of higher harmonics in the CF and ILW spectra is possibly forced by the behaviour of the lower-tropospheric wind. The mean amplitude spectra of CF, ILW and IWV show increased short-term variability on timescales less than 40 days from spring to fall. We find a weekly cycle of CF and ILW from June to September with increased values on Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
Projected global ground-level ozone impacts on vegetation under different emission and climate scenarios
Authors: Sicard Pierre , Anav Alessandro , De Marco Alessandra , Paoletti Elena 
Published: October 2017

Abstract. The impact of ground-level ozone (O3) on vegetation is largely under-investigated at the global scale despite large areas worldwide that are exposed to high surface O3 levels. To explore future potential impacts of O3 on vegetation, we compared historical and projected surface O3 concentrations simulated by six global atmospheric chemistry transport models on the basis of three representative concentration pathways emission scenarios (i.e. RCP2.6, 4.5, 8.5). To assess changes in the potential surface O3 threat to vegetation at the global scale, we used the AOT40 metric. Results point out a significant exceedance of AOT40 in comparison with the recommendations of UNECE for the protection of vegetation. In fact, many areas of the Northern Hemisphere show that AOT40-based critical levels will be exceeded by a factor of at least 10 under RCP8.5. Changes in surface O3 by 2100 worldwide range from about +4–5 ppb in the RCP8.5 scenario to reductions of about 2–10 ppb in the most optimistic scenario, RCP2.6. The risk of O3 injury for vegetation, through the potential O3 impact on photosynthetic assimilation, decreased by 61 and 47 % under RCP2.6 and RCP4.5, respectively, and increased by 70 % under RCP8.5. Key biodiversity areas in southern and northern Asia, central Africa and North America were identified as being at risk from high O3 concentrations.
Convective rainfall in a dry climate: relations with synoptic systems and flash-flood generation in the Dead Sea region
Authors: Belachsen Idit , Marra Francesco , Peleg Nadav , Morin Efrat 
Published: October 2017

Abstract. Spatiotemporal patterns of rainfall are important characteristics that influence runoff generation and flash-flood magnitude and require high-resolution measurements to be adequately represented. This need is further emphasized in arid climates, where rainfall is scarce and highly variable. In this study, 24 years of corrected and gauge-adjusted radar rainfall estimates are used to (i) identify the spatial structure and dynamics of convective rain cells in a dry climate region in the Eastern Mediterranean, (ii) to determine their climatology, and (iii) to understand their relation with the governing synoptic systems and with flash-flood generation. Rain cells are extracted using a segmentation method and a tracking algorithm, and are clustered into three synoptic patterns according to atmospheric variables from the ERA-Interim reanalysis. On average, the cells are about 90 km2 in size, move 13 m s−1 from west to east, and live for 18 min. The Cyprus low accounts for 30 % of the events, the low to the east of the study region for 44 %, and the Active Red Sea Trough for 26 %. The Active Red Sea Trough produces shorter rain events composed of rain cells with higher rain intensities, longer lifetime, smaller area, and lower velocities. The area of rain cells is positively correlated with topographic height. The number of cells is negatively correlated with the distance from the shoreline. Rain-cell intensity is negatively correlated with mean annual precipitation. Flash-flood-related events are dominated by rain cells of large size, low velocity, and long lifetime that move downstream with the main axis of the catchments. These results can be further used for stochastic simulations of convective rain storms and serve as input for hydrological models and for flash-flood nowcasting systems.
Local Electric Field in Mass-Impregnated HVDC Cables
Authors: Håkonseth Gunnar , Ildstad Erling , Furuheim Knut Magne 
Published: October 2017

Detailed knowledge of the electric field in the insulation of mass-impregnated HVDC cables is important in order to understand their breakdown mechanisms and to improve their design. When calculating the local electric field, the wrapped structure of paper and impregnating oil needs to be taken into account. This gives information that is lost when the insulation is treated as a single, homogeneous material, which is done when the macro-scopic electric field is calculated.We have modeled mass-impregnated cable insulation with finite element analysis software and subsequently calculated the local electric field with the finite element method. The wrapped structure of paper and impregnating oil was taken into account.In our model, the magnitude of the local field in the paper was up to twice as high as the magnitude of the macroscopic field. Field enhancements came from oilfilled butt gaps, and particularly from their edges. The geometry of the insulation influenced the magnitude of the field enhancements.
Application of a simple method for determining the equilibrium resistivity of dielectric luiquids
Authors: Schiessling Joachim , Lavesson Nils , Walfridsson Lars 
Published: October 2017

For the design of the electrical insulation of an UHVDC (Ultra High Voltage Direct Current) converter transformer the resistivity of the pressboard and mineral oil has to be known. For solid insulation the resistivity is virtually constant, however, in liquids it is dependent on, e.g., applied electric stress and time of electrification. Several methods are discussed in the standards. One way to characterize the oil is the measurement of the equilibrium resistivity, in contrast to an apparent resistivity for oil under high electric stress. Measurements using a low voltage triangular shaped voltage form allow calculation of equilibrium resistivity. The oils investigated show equilibrium resistivity in the range 5E11 Ohm·m to 5.96E12 Ohm·m, which are typical values for transformer oil. There is good agreement between these results and reference measurements using dielectric response
Electrical Conductivity and Moisture Uptake Studies of Low Density Polyethylene Octylnanosilica Composite
Authors: Virtanen S. , Vaughan A.S. , Yang S. , Saiz F. , Quirke N. 
Published: October 2017

In this paper, we report on the time dependent DC-conductivity response at constant electric field of unfilled low density polyethylene (LDPE) and its composites containing untreated and octylsilane treated silica in ambient and dry atmospheres. The conductivity of both composites decrease with time under dry conditions and increase with time in ambient atmosphere. The dielectric response of dry and wet silica polyethylene composites is studied by dielectric spectroscopy.
Lightning impulse (LI) breakdown testing of a rubber-epoxy interface
Authors: Forssén Cecilia , Christerson Anne , Borg Daniel 
Published: October 2017

The lightning impulse (LI) breakdown strength of a rubber-epoxy interface was measured using a test cell developed earlier for AC breakdown testing. The electrically active length of the rubber-epoxy interface in the test cell was about 10 mm. The rubber was compressed and the pressure in the rubber-epoxy interface was controlled and measured. It was shown that the test cell performed well under LI breakdown testing with the majority of the breakdowns located at the rubber-epoxy interface as desired and not in the bulk insulation. A higher LI breakdown strength was obtained for smoother epoxy surfaces.
Reconfiguration of 3 MV Marx Generator into a Modern High Efficiency System
Authors: Klüss Joni , Larzelere William 
Published: October 2017

High voltage impulse generators are intended to last for long periods of time. Upon reaching the end of their technical lifetime, decisions concerning decommissioning, replacement, refurbishment or upgrading are needed. A new generator is a considerable investment. Significant reductions in material and labor costs can be made by repurposing still functional elements of the existing generator and redesigning the circuit for higher efficiency requiring fewer components. This paper describes the process of refurbishing the Mississippi State University (MSU) High Voltage Laboratory 3 MV, 56 kJ impulse generator originally built in 1962 into a modern digital impulse generator system.
Gas measurements as a mean for identification of Partial Discharges in XLPE HV cable insulation
Authors: Janus Patrick , Edin Hans , Selva Kruphalan Tamil 
Published: October 2017

Partial Discharges (PD) on high-voltage alternating current (HVAC) cables insulated with cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) has a low occurrence, but consequences are usually severe since PD ultimately results in cable failures. Up until now the only efficient way to monitor HVAC cables for PD has been to install large coupling devices which are able to measure PDs directly from the power cables in order to verify if they are fault-free. These installations, usually of a temporary nature, are troublesome for several reasons like safety issues, measurement uncertainty, labor intensity etc. For the purpose to ultimately create a system that is able to be utilized for PD Detection by means of gas analysis, which is easily applicable in on site, on-line conditions, initial experiments were performed in order to investigate basic material properties of XLPE and to investigate the performance of tin oxide (SnO2) sensors for such an application. For this purpose a specialized test cell was developed in order to be able to investigate different conditions which can be expected in a cable insulation system.It was found from the experiments that surface discharges are detectable by means of gas analysis and that these gases penetrate an XLPE sample. It was also demonstrated that the SnO2 based sensor system displays a good selectivity to the gases emitted by PD and remain inert towards other gases emitted from XLPE samples.
DC Conductivity Measurements of LDPE: Influence of Specimen Preparation Method and Polymer Morphology
Authors: Karlsson M. , Xu Xiangdong , Gaska K. , Hillborg Henrik , Gubanski Stanislaw , Gedde U.W. 
Published: October 2017

DC conductivity measurements are important for gaining fundamental understanding of conduction mechanisms of insulation materials, as well as in the development of HVDC power system components, such as extruded cable systems. In this study, the influence of sample processing on the morphology and DC conductivity of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) has been studied. Direct compression moulding of LDPE pellets is commonly used in research laboratories for obtaining plaque samples, whereas extrusion is an additional commonly used technique for dispersion of particles in nanocomposites prior to the compression moulding process. In this study LDPE plaques have been obtained by either compression moulding directly from pellets, or by extrusion followed by compression moulding. The morphology obtained in the first case consisted of banded spherulites, whereas the latter method yielded a morphology of small axialites. The difference in sample processing had also an impact on the DC conductivity. The DC conductivity at 22 ­ºC and 3.3 kV/mm was of the order of 4xE-18 S/m for the plaques obtained by extrusion and compression moulding whereas the plaques obtained by direct compression moulding exhibited a conductivity of 1xE-16 S/m. In addition, the reproducibility of the performed DC conductivity measurements was also verified in a round robin test performed between the Royal Institute of Technology and Chalmers Technical University.