bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The tunneling effect for a class of difference operators
Authors: Klein Markus , Rosenberger Elke 
Published: January 2018

We analyze a general class of self-adjoint difference operators [Formula: see text] on [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is a multi-well potential and [Formula: see text] is a small parameter. We give a coherent review of our results on tunneling up to new sharp results on the level of complete asymptotic expansions (see [30–35]).Our emphasis is on general ideas and strategy, possibly of interest for a broader range of readers, and less on detailed mathematical proofs.The wells are decoupled by introducing certain Dirichlet operators on regions containing only one potential well. Then the eigenvalue problem for the Hamiltonian [Formula: see text] is treated as a small perturbation of these comparison problems. After constructing a Finslerian distance [Formula: see text] induced by [Formula: see text], we show that Dirichlet eigenfunctions decay exponentially with a rate controlled by this distance to the well. It follows with microlocal techniques that the first [Formula: see text] eigenvalues of [Formula: see text] converge to the first [Formula: see text] eigenvalues of the direct sum of harmonic oscillators on [Formula: see text] located at several wells. In a neighborhood of one well, we construct formal asymptotic expansions of WKB-type for eigenfunctions associated with the low-lying eigenvalues of [Formula: see text]. These are obtained from eigenfunctions or quasimodes for the operator [Formula: see text], acting on [Formula: see text], via restriction to the lattice [Formula: see text].Tunneling is then described by a certain interaction matrix, similar to the analysis for the Schrödinger operator (see [22]), the remainder is exponentially small and roughly quadratic compared with the interaction matrix. We give weighted [Formula: see text]-estimates for the difference of eigenfunctions of Dirichlet-operators in neighborhoods of the different wells and the associated WKB-expansions at the wells. In the last step, we derive full asymptotic expansions for interactions between two “wells” (minima) of the potential energy, in particular for the discrete tunneling effect. Here we essentially use analysis on phase space, complexified in the momentum variable. These results are as sharp as the classical results for the Schrödinger operator in [22].
Numerical Study on Geometric Parameter effects of Power Generation Performances for Segmented Thermoelectric Generator
Authors: Patil Mahesh Suresh , Seo Jae-Hyeong , Lee Moo-Yeon 
Published: January 2018

Thermoelectric generator (TEG) is a promising option in waste heat recovery with various advantages including nonmoving components, very low operating noise and overall high stability. However, low power generation efficiency of TEGs is still concerned for application in wider fields. The objective of the present study is to investigate the parameters affecting the performance and efficiency of segmented TEG. The physical parameters including length ratio, length-to-area ratio and thickness of conducting plate were considered. In addition, the effect of varying hot side temperature was analyzed. Performance of segmented TEG was compared based on the power generation and conversion efficiency. The results of the investigation showed that increasing Bi2Te3 length in the segmented TEG made up of Bi2Te3 and SiGe increased the maximum power generation and efficiency. As length-to-area ratio increased, the power generation decreased, however, efficiency increased slightly. In addition, as the hot side temperature increased from 150[Formula: see text]C to 650[Formula: see text]C, the power generation and efficiency both increased. Power generation and efficiency of segmented TEG increased when the conducting plate thickness was increased. The power generation and efficiency were 39.2% and 51.9% higher for TEG with asymmetrical element than TEG with symmetrical element showing that asymmetrical element would be better option for same thermoelectric element volume.
Blood Pressure Variability in Acute Ischemic Stroke: Influence of Infarct Location in the Insular Cortex
Authors: Kitamura Juri , Ueno Hiroki , Nagai Michiaki , Hosomi Naohisa , Honjo Kie , Nakamori Masahiro , Mukai Tomoya , Imamura Eiji , Nezu Tomohisa , Aoki Shiro , Ohshita Tomohiko , Nomura Eiichi , Wakabayashi Shinichi , Maruyama Hirofumi , Matsumoto Masayasu 
Published: January 2018

<b><i>Background:</i></b> The aim of this study was to elucidate the influence of insular infarction on blood pressure (BP) variability and outcomes according to the region of the insular cortex affected. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A total of 90 patients<b><i></i></b> diagnosed with acute unilateral ischemic stroke were registered. The BP variability was calculated over 24 h after admission (hyperacute) and for 2–3 days after admission (acute). Patients were classified into groups of right and left, and then right anterior, right posterior, left anterior, and left posterior insular infarction. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Patients with insular infarction showed a significantly larger infarct volume, higher modified Rankin scale scores, and lower SD and coefficient of variation (CV) of ­systolic BP in the hyperacute phase than shown by patients without insular infarction (<i>p &#x3c;</i> 0.01, <i>p &#x3c;</i> 0.01, <i>p =</i> 0.02, and <i>p =</i> 0.03, respectively). The SD and CV of systolic BP in the hyperacute phase showed significant differences among the 3 groups with right insular infarction, with left insular infarction, and without insular infarction (<i>p &#x3c;</i> 0.05 and <i>p &#x3c;</i> 0.05, respectively). There was a tendency for the systolic BP variability to be lower in patients with right anterior insular infarction than in patients with infarcts in other areas. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> The right insular cortex, especially the anterior part, might be a hub for autonomic nervous regulation.
Спостереження апендикулярного параколярного абсцеса при інтраабдомінальній локалізації апендикса
Authors: Deykalo I. M. , Nikityuk M. M. , Privrotskyi V. M. , Lipskyi V. M. 
Published: January 2018

Мета роботи: недостатня поінформованість лікарів щодо характеру гнійно-септичної патології клітковини заочеревинного простору є головною причиною пізньої діагностики та незадовільних результатів лікування. Найбільш об’єктивні і чіткі, особливо топографо-анатомічні дані в діагностиці гострих запальних захворювань клітковини заочеревинного простору можна отримати на комп’ютерній томографії із контрастуванням.Казуістика клінічного випадку полягає в тому, що при інтраабдомінальному розташуванні відростка причиною параколярного абсцесу була нориця верхівки апендикса, яка відкривалася в параколярну клітковину, це зумовило необхідність виконання апендектомії через 17 днів після повторного розкриття параколярного абсцесу, що загалом суперечить канонам клінічної хірургії, але, на наш погляд, було єдиноправильним.
Сучасні методи хірургічного лікування поєднаної патології анального каналу і прямої кишки
Authors: Zakharash M. P. , Balytskyy V. V. , Kuryk O. G. 
Published: January 2018

Актуальність проблеми поєднаної патології анального каналу і прямої кишки досить висока, що на сьогодні зумовлено стрімко зростаючою кількістю проктологічних захворювань, а також відсутністю єдиного підходу щодо хірургічного лікування цієї категорії пацієнтів. Крім того, вивченню даної проблеми присвячена досить незначна кількість публікацій з результатами наукових досліджень. Серед ускладнень після комбінованих операційних втручань на анальному каналі і прямій кишці з приводу їх поєднаної патології найчастіше зустрічаються рубцеві стриктури анального каналу, недостатність анального сфінктера, а також грубі рубцеві деформації періанальних і параректальних ділянок та промежини. Впродовж останнього десятиліття широкого застосування набули “гібридні” операції в лікуванні хронічного геморою III–IV стадії в комбінації з іншою патологією анального каналу і прямої кишки. Вони включають поєднання деартеріалізації гемороїдальних вузлів із мукопексією або латексне лігування гемороїдальних вузлів, їх ліфтинг та мукопексію з видаленням супутньої патології анального каналу. У зв’язку із прогресивним розвитком сучасних технологій у практику колопроктологів почали швидко впроваджуватись такі сучасні методи хірургічного лікування аноректальної патології, як електротермічна система “Liga Sure”, ультразвуковий гармонічний скальпель “Ultra Cision”, лазерні технології в лікуванні анальних тріщин, хронічного геморою та парапроктиту (LHP, FiLaC), плазменний скальпель, біполярна системи “En Seal”, радіохвильовий скальпель “Surgitron”, а також методики LIFT (ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract) та VAAFT (Video Assisted Anal Fistula Treatment), які зменшили тривалість операцій, об’єм крововтрати, інтенсивність больового синдрому, але, на жаль, не позбавили пацієнтів таких ускладнень, як рецидиви захворювання, післяопераційні кровотечі та рубцеві стриктури анального каналу.Отже, актуальність проблеми поєднаної патології анального каналу і прямої кишки спонукає до розробки і впровадження в клінічну практику нових високоефективних методів хірургічного лікування даної патології, які б забезпечували відсутність ускладнень в післяопераційному періоді і швидку медико-соціальну реабілітацію пацієнтів.
Branding Grenlandii formą ekspresji tożsamości narodowej?
Authors: Bartnik-Światek Dominika 
Published: January 2018

Branding Greenland as a form of expression of national identity?In the times of globalisation there is a tendency for countries to differentiate from others. More and more governments decide to launch professional nation branding campaigns in order to communicate to a broad public what a particular country has to offer as well as what values and images it wants to be associated with. Greenland is an example of a country that after a long period of colonisation and establishing self-government, in 2009 began to redefine its identity and reveal it to the world. A branding campaign has been implemented to communicate a newly defined image of Greenland. This campaign has been carried out using mainly social media and the tools that the Internet has to offer. The aim of this paper is to explore the concept of nation branding and to define the relation between nation branding and national identity. The purpose is also to analyse what images of Greenland as a brand are presented by “Pioneering nation” campaign. Branding Grenlandii formą ekspresji tożsamości narodowej?W czasach globalizacji poszczególne państwa starają się wyróżnić na tle innych państw. Coraz więcej rządów decyduje się na przeprowadzenie profesjonalnych kampanii brandingowych, po to by podkreślić swoją wyjątkowość oraz to, że mają dużo do zaoferowania. Grenlandia to przykład państwa, które po długim okresie skolonizowania i po uzyskaniu autonomii w 2009 roku, zaczęło na nowo definiować swoją tożsamość i komunikować ją światu. W tym celu wdrożona została kampania, która wykorzystywała głównie media społecznościowe oraz inne narzędzia, które zapewnia internet. Celem niniejszego artykułu jest zbadanie zależności między brandingiem narodowym a tożsamością narodową, jak też analiza obrazu Grenlandii jako marki konstruowanej w kampanii „Pioneering nation”.
What is the Worst That Could Happen? Reexamining the 24–25 June 1967 Tornado Outbreak over Western Europe
Authors: Antonescu Bogdan , Fairman Jonathan G. , Schultz David M. 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
On 24–25 June 1967 one of the most intense European tornado outbreaks produced extensive damage (approximately 960 houses damaged or destroyed) and resulted in 232 injuries and 15 fatalities in France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. The 24–25 June 1967 tornado outbreak shows that Europe is highly vulnerable to tornadoes. To better understand the impact of European tornadoes and how this impact changed over time, the question is raised, “What would happen if an outbreak similar to the 1967 one occurred 50 years later in 2017 over France, Belgium, and the Netherlands?” Transposing the seven tornado tracks from the June 1967 outbreak over the modern landscape would potentially result in 24 990 buildings being impacted, 255–2580 injuries, and 17–172 fatalities. To determine possible worst-case scenarios, the tornado tracks are moved in a systematic way around their observed positions and positioned over modern maps of buildings and population. The worst-case scenario estimates are 146 222 buildings impacted, 2550–25 440 injuries, and 170–1696 fatalities. These results indicate that the current disaster management policies and mitigation strategies for Europe need to include tornadoes, especially because exposure and tornado risk is anticipated to increase in the near future.
β1 integrin-mediated multicellular resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma through activation of the FAK/Akt pathway
Authors: Tian Tao , Li Chun-Li , Fu Xiao , Wang Shu-Hong , Lu Jun , Guo Hui , Yao Yu , Nan Ke-Jun , Yang Yu-Juan 
Published: January 2018

Objective To explore the role and mechanism of β1 integrin in the regulation of multicellular drug resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods This in vitro study used a liquid overlay technique to obtain multicellular spheroids of two human HCC cell lines, HepG2 and Bel-7402. The morphology of the spheroids was observed by optical and electron microscopy. The effects of exposure to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and cisplatin (CDDP) on cell proliferation and the induction of apoptosis were assessed in monolayer cells and multicellular spheroids. The levels of β1 integrin and the effects on the focal adhesion kinase (FAK)/protein kinase B (Akt) pathway were evaluated using Western blot analysis, immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. The role of β1 integrin was confirmed by using an inhibitory antibody. Results Cell proliferation inhibition and cell apoptosis induced by 5-FUl and CDDP were abrogated in multicellular spheroids compared with monolayer cells. There were high levels of β1 integrin in multicellular spheroids. β1 integrin inhibitory antibody prevented the formation of multicellular spheroids, coupled with a significant increase in proliferation inhibition and apoptosis induction. β1 integrin inhibitory antibody effectively suppressed activation of both FAK and Akt in multicellular spheroids. Conclusions β1 integrin mediated multicellular drug resistance through the FAK/Akt pathway in HCC spheroids.
Serum potassium levels and outcomes in critically ill patients in the medical intensive care unit
Authors: Tongyoo Surat , Viarasilpa Tanuwong , Permpikul Chairat 
Published: January 2018

Objective To compare the outcomes of patients with and without a mean serum potassium (K+) level within the recommended range (3.5–4.5 mEq/L). Methods This prospective cohort study involved patients admitted to the medical intensive care unit (ICU) of Siriraj Hospital from May 2012 to February 2013. The patients’ baseline characteristics, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score, serum K+ level, and hospital outcomes were recorded. Patients with a mean K+ level of 3.5 to 4.5 mEq/L and with all individual K+ values of 3.0 to 5.0 mEq/L were allocated to the normal K+ group. The remaining patients were allocated to the abnormal K+ group. Results In total, 160 patients were included. Their mean age was 59.3±18.3 years, and their mean APACHE II score was 21.8±14.0. The normal K+ group comprised 74 (46.3%) patients. The abnormal K+ group had a significantly higher mean APACHE II score, proportion of coronary artery disease, and rate of vasopressor treatment. An abnormal serum K+ level was associated with significantly higher ICU mortality and incidence of ventricular fibrillation. Conclusion Critically ill patients with abnormal K+ levels had a higher incidence of ventricular arrhythmia and ICU mortality than patients with normal K+ levels.
Effects of multiple sclerosis and medications on menopausal age
Authors: Türk Börü Ülkü , Köseoğlu Toksoy Cansu , Bölük Cem , Bilgiç Adnan , Taşdemir Mustafa 
Published: January 2018

Objectives We aimed to determine whether multiple sclerosis (MS) and methylprednisolone and disease-modifying drugs have an effect on menopausal age. Methods A total of 86 patients and 98 healthy subjects were included in this study. The natural menopausal age of the patients and healthy subjects were compared. The cumulative dosages of methylprednisolone, beta interferons (IFNβs), and glatiramer acetate were calculated. The effects of the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), duration of the disease, and cumulative dosage of medications on menopausal age were evaluated. Results The patients’ mean menopausal age was 45.3 ± 4.8 years and healthy subjects’ menopausal age was 46.8 ± 4.3 years, with no significant difference between the two groups. The cumulative dosage of methylprednisolone showed an effect on menopausal age. There was a significant inverse correlation between menopausal age and dosage of IFNβ-1b, while the disease duration and EDSS score showed no correlation with menopausal age. Conclusions We conclude that menopausal age is not affected by MS. However, long-term methylprednisolone and IFNβ-1b treatments may change menopausal age in a dose-dependent manner.
Changes in Distress Measured by the Distress Thermometer as Reported by Patients in Home Palliative Care in Germany
Authors: Ohnhäuser Stefanie , Wüller Johannes , Foldenauer Ann Christina , Pastrana Tania 
Published: January 2018

Aim: To identify changes in distress as reported by patients in a home palliative care program over a 2-week period. Methods: Prospective study in West Germany with consecutive patients cared for at home by a palliative care specialty team. Exclusion criteria were patients under 18 years of age, mentally or physically not able to complete the assessment questionnaires, or unable to comprehend German language. Distress was measured using the distress thermometer (DT); sociodemographic and medical data were collected from the patients’ records. Results: One hundred three participated in the study (response rate of 69%) and 39 participants completed DT at 2-week follow-up (T1; response rate = 38%; mean age = 67; female = 54.4%; married = 67%; living home with relatives = 60.2%; oncological condition = 91.3%; Karnofsky performance status [KPS] 0-40 = 18.9%, KPS 50-70 = 70.3%, KPS >80 = 10.8%). The mean DT score at the first visit (T0) was 5.9 (2.3), with 82.1% of the participants scoring DT ≥5. At the 2-week follow-up (T1), mean DT score was 5.0 (2.0), with 64.1% scoring DT ≥5, showing a statistically significant difference between T0 and T1. Comparing the single scores at T0 and T1 of each participant, the difference in DT scores was −0.9 (2.27). Conclusion: The DT is a useful tool for screening severity and changes in psychological distress as well as sources of distress. The DT detected change in self-reported distress within a short treatment period, indicating success or failure of the palliative care treatment approaches.
The role of smart grid in integrating the renewable energies in Slovakia
Authors: Janíček František , Perný Milan , Šály Vladimír , Váry Michal , Breza Juraj , Chochol Peter 
Published: January 2018

Implementation of renewable energy sources into the electric network is one of the current essential requirements. The process is assumed to be assisted by smart grid solution. The Slovak Republic is obliged to increase the total share of renewable energy to 14 and 24 % (international system of units and ISO 31–0) in electricity generation in 2020 as a result of the European Union policy. This fact has an undeniable impact on the electric network and the situation needs to be solved comprehensively. Moreover, production from renewable energy sources (photovoltaic, wind energy and others) is often unpredictable in nature and therefore concentrated effort on effective management system and planning is inevitable. Monitoring of the real production from renewable energy sources and comparison with simulations and predictions are part of a systematic approach to intelligent networks and their components. The smart grid concept presented here takes into account the technical aspect. Moreover, the issue of the economic and political framework is discussed in this paper. The major progress in implementing the smart grid concept in Slovakia is made in the field of smart metering.
Crizotinib, an Effective Agent in ROS1-Rearranged Adenocarcinoma of Lungs: A Case Report
Authors: Joshua Julie Mariam , KD Salima , K Pavithran , Vijayan Meenu 
Published: January 2018

Introduction: ROS1 rearrangement has recently emerged as a new molecular subtype in non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and is predominantly found in lung adenocarcinoma compared with other oncogenes such as EGFR, KRAS, or ALK. It has been identified in only 1% to 2% of NSCLC cases. Case Report: We report a case of 52-year-old man (nonsmoker) with a medical history of allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma. Histopathologic examination of bronchoscopic-guided biopsy showed adenocarcinoma histology on September 2015. After 2 months, he developed left-sided pneumonia for which he was treated with multiple intravenous antibiotics. In the meantime, fiberoptic bronchoscopy was done which revealed purulent secretion from right upper lobe and narrowed opening of right middle lobe. His cancer symptoms got worsened and bronchial biopsy showed EGFR mutation negative. For further diagnosis, fluorescent in situ hybridization test was done which showed ROS1 mutation positive. By then, the patient was started with crizotinib 250 mg twice daily for ROS1 mutation in July 2016. Later, patient appears to benefit from treatment with crizotinib. X-ray report and positron emission tomographic-computed tomographic scan revealed that the patient was overall better with clear chest and well tolerated with the therapy. Crizotinib was approved on March 11, 2016 by Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of patients with ROS1-positive NSCLC. Conclusions: In this report, crizotinib showed marked antitumor activity in patients with advanced ROS1 rearrangement, a third molecular subgroup of NSCLC.
Exploring fasting practices for critical care patients – A web-based survey of UK intensive care units
Authors: Segaran Ella , Lovejoy Tracy D , Proctor Charlie , Bispham Wendy L , Jordan Rebecca , Jenkins Bethan , O’Neill Eileen , Harkess Sarah EJ , Terblanche Marius 
Published: January 2018

Background Enteral nutrition delivery in the critically ill is frequently interrupted for surgical and airway procedures to avoid aspiration of stomach contents. Recurrent fasting leads to under delivery of enteral nutrition and this underfeeding is associated with worse outcomes. International fasting recommendations do not provide guidance for intubated patients receiving enteral nutrition. This study aimed to gain a detailed perspective of UK critical care fasting practices. Methods A web-based survey was sent to 232 UK intensive care units consisting of questions relating to fasting practices, presence of guidelines, average fasting times for common procedures and dietitian time per intensive care unit bed. Results A total of 176 intensive care units responded. Only 20% of units had guidelines and respondents stated that they were not consistently adhered to (mean compliance 66%). Units with greater dietetic involvement were more likely to have guidelines (p = 0.04). Fasting times were shorter for abdominal surgery (p = 0.002), non-abdominal surgery (p = 0.016) and radiology (p = 0.015) if a guideline was present. Fasting for extubation and tracheostomy was similar irrespective of the presence of a guideline. Considerable variation in fasting times was reported, usually due to inconsistencies in clinical decision-making. Conclusions This survey of national practice demonstrates that fasting times are varied and inconsistent, which may lead to under-delivery of enteral nutrition. More dietetic input was associated with increased likelihood of a fasting guideline.