bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Highly effective treatment of skull base chordoma with carbon ion irradiation using a raster scan technique in 155 patients: First long‐term results
Authors: Uhl Matthias , Mattke Matthias , Welzel Thomas , Roeder Falk , Oelmann Jan , Habl Gregor , Jensen Alexandra , Ellerbrock Malte , Jäkel Oliver , Haberer Thomas , Herfarth Klaus , Debus Jürgen 
Published: June 2014

BACKGROUNDThe current study was conducted to evaluate the long‐term results of irradiation with carbon ions in a raster scanning technique in patients with skull base chordomas.METHODSBetween 1998 and 2008, a total of 155 patients (76 men and 79 women) with a median age of 48 years (range, 15 years‐85 years) were irradiated with carbon ions using a raster scan technique. The irradiation was performed at the Society for Heavy Ion Research in Darmstadt, Germany. The median total dose was 60 gray (relative biological effectiveness) at 3 gray (relative biological effectiveness) per fraction. The median boost planning target volume was 70 mL (range, 2 mL‐294 mL). Local control (LC) and overall survival (OS) were evaluated using the Kaplan‐Meier method, whereas long‐term toxicity was evaluated via questionnaires.RESULTSThe median follow‐up was 72 months (range, 12 months‐165 months). All patients had residual macroscopic tumors at the initiation of radiotherapy. The authors observed 55 local recurrences during follow‐up, as well as systemic disease progression in 4 patients. The resulting 3‐year, 5‐year, and 10‐year LC rates were 82%, 72%, and 54%, respectively, whereas the 3‐year, 5‐year, and 10‐year OS rates were 95%, 85%, and 75%, respectively. Age <48 years and a boost volume >75 mL were associated with a significantly improved LC and OS. Primary treatment resulted in a significantly better OS probability. No higher late toxicity could be detected after carbon ion treatment.CONCLUSIONSCarbon ion therapy appears to be a safe and effective treatment for patients with skull base chordoma, resulting in high LC and OS rates. Cancer 2014;120:3410–3417. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
Estimation of Total Output of Solar Photovoltaic Generators Widely Distributed in Future Power Systems
Authors: Kataoka Yoshihiko 
Published: June 2014

SUMMARYThis paper deals with estimation of total output of solar photovoltaic (PV) generators widely distributed in future power systems. In the proposed framework of estimation, the estimated signal in each frequency band is a linear combination of observed signals. The observation gain for each observed signal in each frequency band is designed through following two steps. First, an estimation error function is defined using assumed root mean square of output of PVs, predicted distribution of future PVs in the area, and correlation coefficients, which are identified in advance based on actual synchronized measurements of PVs. Second, observation gain in each frequency band is designed so as to minimize the estimation error function. The appropriateness of the proposed framework of estimation is demonstrated in small‐ and large‐scale examples.
Determination of Synchronous Reactance and No‐Load Saturation Curve of Synchronous Machines by dc Test Considering Magnetic Saturation Effect
Authors: Yamamoto Shu , Hirahara Hideaki , Tanaka Akira , Ara Takahiro 
Published: June 2014

SUMMARYdc Tests can accurately determine the unsaturated synchronous machine‐equivalent circuit constants by a simple standstill test. This paper presents two improved dc tests that account for the magnetic saturation of the stator iron core by the main flux. These tests are tentatively named Step Response Test (I) and Step Response Test (II). The former can predict the incremental d‐axis synchronous reactance by performing a Fourier transform of the voltage and current measured when a small step voltage is applied to the two armature terminals as a field current flows. The latter can determine the incremental d‐ and q‐axes synchronous reactances by the same Fourier transform of the voltage and current measured when a small step voltage is applied to the two armature terminals as an armature current flows. In addition, this paper introduces a new method to calculate not only the static d‐ and q‐axes synchronous reactances but also the no‐load saturation and short‐circuit characteristic curves. This new method does not require the results from any additional tests including the rotational driving tests and dimensional information, which can only be obtained from the manufacturer. To demonstrate the validity of the proposed method, results of an experiment using 10‐kVA laminated synchronous machines with damper winding are presented.
Topcoat Thickness Measurement of Thermal Barrier Coating of Gas Turbine Blade Using Terahertz Wave
Authors: Fukuchi Tetsuo , Fuse Norikazu , Okada Mitsutoshi , Ozeki Takayuki , Fujii Tomoharu , Mizuno Maya , Fukunaga Kaori 
Published: June 2014

SUMMARYThe topcoat thickness of thermal barrier coating (TBC) applied to a gas turbine blade was measured using terahertz waves. The refractive index of the topcoat was obtained by frequency analysis of the waves reflected from the topcoat surface and the interface between the topcoat and bondcoat. The surface roughness of the topcoat surface was considered for improving the accuracy of the refractive index calculation. The topcoat thickness was obtained from the refractive index and the time separation between the reflected waves. The validity of the method was confirmed using a TBC sample with variable topcoat thickness, and the obtained topcoat thickness was in agreement with measurement results using a contact thickness gauge. Error analysis showed that the measurement error of the topcoat thickness was about 3%. The method was applied to a gas turbine blade with TBC, and the measured topcoat thickness agreed with microscope observation results of the cross section to within 6%, which was within the range of measurement error. The effect of curvature of the gas turbine blade surface did not result in significant measurement error. The results showed that terahertz waves are effective for nondestructive measurement of the topcoat thickness of TBC applied to gas turbine blades.
Phenylene bolaamphiphiles: Influence of the substitution pattern on the aggregation behavior and the miscibility with classical phospholipids
Authors: Drescher Simon , Meister Annette , Garamus Vasil M. , Hause Gerd , Garvey Christopher J. , Dobner Bodo , Blume Alfred 
Published: June 2014

The synthesis of two symmetric single‐chain phenylene‐modified bolaamphiphiles with meta and ortho phenyl substitution pattern is described. The aggregation behavior of both bolaamphiphiles in aqueous suspension was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier‐transform IR (FTIR) spectroscopy, and small angle neutron scattering (SANS). We could show that a change in the substitution pattern from para to meta or ortho leads to a change in the aggregation behavior so that small micelles instead of nanofibers are formed. Furthermore, the mixing behavior of these bolaamphiphiles with classical bilayer forming phospholipids, such as 1,2‐dipalmitoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine (DPPC) and 1,2‐distearoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine (DSPC) was studied by means of DSC, TEM, cryo‐TEM, and small angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS). The aim was to stabilize bilayer membranes formed by classical phospholipids by incorporation of bolaamphiphiles to obtain liposomes with improved stability suitable for drug delivery purposes. We could show that the phenylene‐modified bolaamphiphiles are indeed miscible with DPPC and DSPC; however, closed vesicles as observed for pure DPPC and DSPC were not found. Instead, small disk‐like aggregates are formed. In the case of mixtures of phenylene‐modified bolaamphiphiles with DPPC, these bilayer disks have a higher DSC transition temperature compared to pure DPPC indicating an increased stability of the ordered gel phase inside the disks.Practical applications: Vesicles composed of classical phospholipids are widely used as drug delivery systems for pharmaceutical applications. The stability of these vesicles in, e.g., body fluids is an important prerequisite for long‐term applications and it can possibly be enhanced by the incorporation of bipolar amphiphiles (bolaamphiphiles) into phospholipid bilayers. With the use of novel single‐chain phenylene‐modified bolaamphiphiles, synthesized in this work, we are able to generate small lipid‐disks in mixtures with classical phospholipids that have an increased stability of the ordered gel phase inside these disks compared to pure phospholipids. These disks might be further used as nano‐dimensioned drug carrier systems.The incorporation of ortho‐substituted phenylene‐modified bolaamphiphiles (PC‐C17oPhC17‐PC) into DPPC bilayer leads to the formation of small disk‐like aggregates with an increased stability compared to pure DPPC vesicles.
Torsional response of nonductile structures with soft‐first‐storey
Authors: Goh Key Seng , Pan Tso‐Chien 
Published: June 2014

SUMMARYIn this paper, torsional response of nonductile structures with soft‐first‐storey subjected to bidirectional ground motions is studied using a simplified two‐storey model with two‐way eccentricities. The stiffness ratio of second storey to first storey is varied to create different levels of soft‐first‐storey effect, while the stiffness eccentricity is varied to create torsional effects. Different overstrength ratios are used in the simplified models to study the response of structure with different structural capacity. Hysteretic model with strength deterioration and stiffness degradation properties is used to capture the deterioration of element stiffness and strength. Ductility capacity of 2.0 is used as the models are for nonductile structures. In general, displacement amplification of irregular model with respect to regular model increases as stiffness ratio increases, while no consistent trend of changes in displacement amplification is found with increase in stiffness eccentricity. It is found that the displacement amplification due to only soft‐first‐storey effect can be conservatively taken as 1.5. Coupling of torsional and soft‐first‐storey effects is more significant in affecting the displacement amplification of elements at flexible side. The trend of changes in displacement amplification of elastic system is similar to that of inelastic system. The displacement amplification of elements at the flexible side is larger than that at the stiff side. The elements at the flexible side in the direction of shorter uncoupled lateral period have larger displacement response than those in the orthogonal direction. Ductility demand–capacity curves subsequently constructed can be used to approximately assess the seismic performance of existing structures and as guidelines for designing structures in Singapore to withstand the maximum credible earthquake considering the coupling of torsional and soft‐first‐storey effects. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spatial and temporal variations of snow cover in the Loess Plateau, China
Authors: Jin Xin , Ke Chang‐Qing , Xu Yu‐Yue , Li Xiu‐Cang 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACTUsing 8‐day snow cover data of the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer from 2003 to 2013, we combined MOD10A2 and MYD10A2 to remove clouds and analysed the spatial and temporal variations of snow cover in the Loess Plateau, China. The snow cover throughout the entire Loess Plateau, including its central, southeast, and northwest sub‐regions, exhibits consistent seasonal trends. The majority of snow cover is present from early November to late March, including four sub‐cycles that involve separated snow cover accumulation and ablation processes. The maximum snow‐covered area occurs in January with an areal extent of 1 242 000 km2, whereas the minimum snow‐covered area is observed from May to August. There is an evident relationship between snow cover distribution and elevation. The majority of snow cover is located in the central sub‐region, whereas the lowest amount of snow cover exists in the northwest sub‐region. In the examined 11 years, the snow cover area and snow cover days fluctuated considerably without a significant trend. A significantly negative correlation between snow cover and intra‐annual temperature variation is observed. The monthly snow cover is found to correspond well with the Siberian High Central Intensity, particularly evident in November 2005, December 2007, December 2009, and December 2011. The response of the snow cover to the El Niño Southern Oscillation event was relatively weak, except for the significant cold event in late 2007 to early 2008 that caused a significantly positive snow cover anomaly.
Psychiatric Effects of Protracted Conflict and Political Life Events Exposure among Adolescents in Israel: 1998–2011
Authors: Slone Michelle , Shoshani Anat 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThis cross‐sectional study investigated relations between conflict exposure and psychiatric symptoms among 8,727 Jewish Israeli adolescents aged 12–17 years from 1998–2011. This 14‐year span included periods of terrorism, missile attacks, wars, relocations, military operations, and relative quiet, reflecting a dynamically changing, primarily violent climate. Annual samples from the same cities, geographical regions, and schools throughout the country were assessed for personal political life events (PLE) exposure and for psychiatric symptoms using the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI; Derogatis & Spencer, ). Data were divided into 8 exposure periods: (a) pre‐Intifada 1998–2000, (b) Intifada peak 2001–2003, (c) Intifada recession 2004, (d) evacuation 2005, (e) missiles and the 2006 Lebanon war, (f) peak missiles 2006–2007, (g) Operation Cast Lead 2008–2009, and (h) global terrorism 2010–2011. Results confirmed a relation between type of exposure period, PLE exposure, and psychiatric symptoms. In addition, PLE exposure was positively correlated with psychiatric symptoms (β = .49). A moderating effect of gender on the relationship between PLE exposure and the psychiatric index was found, with elevated symptoms among females (β = .30).
Inflamed by the Flames? The Impact of Terrorism and War on Immunity
Authors: Canetti Daphna , Russ Eric , Luborsky Judith , Gerhart James I. , Hobfoll Stevan E. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThe physiological impact on citizens of prolonged exposure to violence and conflict is a crucial, yet underexplored, issue within the political science and biology literature. We examined the effect of high levels of exposure to rocket and terrorist attacks on biological markers of immunity and inflammation in a sample of 92 Israelis. A stratified random sample of individuals was drawn from a pool of subjects in Israel who had previously been interviewed regarding their stress exposure and psychological distress during a period of active rocket and terrorist attacks. These individuals were reinterviewed and blood samples were collected to assess antibodies to cytomegalovirus (CMV antibodies) and C‐reactive protein (CRP). Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was significantly related to CRP, β = .33, p = .034, with body mass index, depression, and exposure to terrorism included in the model. Depression scores were not significantly associated with CRP or CMV antibody levels. In contrast to the established convention that psychological distress is the sole outcome of terrorism exposure, these findings reveal that individuals exposed to terrorism experience higher levels of both PTSD/depression, and inflammation. This study has important ramifications for how policy makers and medical health professionals should formulate public health policies and medically treat individuals living in conflict zones.
Severe Stress and Adjustment Disorder Diagnoses in the Population of Denmark
Authors: Gradus Jaimie L. , Bozi Imre , Antonsen Sussie , Svensson Elisabeth , Lash Timothy L. , Resick Patricia A. , Hansen Jens Georg 
Published: June 2014

AbstractWe created a registry of Danish‐born citizens of Denmark with incident International Classification of Diseases (10th ed.; ICD‐10) severe stress and adjustment disorder diagnoses between 1995 and 2011. A unique personal identifier was used to retrieve and merge data on demographic characteristics and diagnoses (ICD‐10 codes F43.x). Here we report on the incidence of these disorders and the demographic characteristics of the subset of the Danish population who have received 1 of these diagnoses: 111,844 adults and children received a first diagnosis between 1995 and 2011. More women than men (60.1% vs. 39.9%) received a diagnosis. Diagnoses increased during the late teens through early 30s. Adjustment disorder was the most common diagnosis (65.7% of adults and 64% of children). Reaction to severe stress unspecified was the second most common (19.8% of adults and 23.8% of children), and there was a large increase in both, as well as acute stress reaction diagnoses, in 2007 (3,717–5,141, 1,248–2,520, and 348–1,024 in 2006 to 2007, respectively). Findings regarding gender and age of onset are similar to other westernized countries. This registry can be used for future research programs, contributing to the study of stress and trauma.
The vagus nerve, recurrent laryngeal nerve, and external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve have unique latencies allowing for intraoperative documentation of intact neural function during thyroid surgery
Authors: Sritharan Niranjan , Chase Meghan , Kamani Dipti , Randolph Madeline , Randolph Gregory W. 
Published: June 2014

Objectives/HypothesisTo define normative amplitude and latency of vagus, recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN), and external branch of superior laryngeal nerve (EBSLN) and to apply them to postoperative neural function documentation. To our knowledge, this is the first study to report electrophysiologic characteristics of all three nerves in a consecutive patient series.Study DesignProspective.MethodsQuantitative analysis of evoked waveform data was performed on both sides in consecutive patients undergoing thyroid surgery by a single surgeon. Mean values, standard error of mean, and standard deviation were calculated for latency (in milliseconds) and amplitude (in microvolts) of the vagus nerves, RLN, and EBSLN. Pre‐ and postoperative vocal cord function was normal in all patients.ResultsNormative latency analysis showed mean right and left vagal latency of 5.47 ms (±0.73) and 8.14 ms (±0.86), respectively (P < .0001). Pooled RLN latency was 3.96 ms (±0.69), and pooled EBSLN latency was 3.56 ms (±0.49), both significantly shorter than vagal latencies (P < .0001). There was no association between amplitude and latency parameters and tumor‐size (> or <5 cm), body mass index (> or <25), age (> or <50 years), gender, or degree of neural dissection.ConclusionsThe unique right vagus, left vagus, and RLN latencies are characteristic of the individual nerves and allow identification (through the characteristic waveform latency) of an intact left or right vagus/RLN system. Timed recording of vagal waveform after thyroid lobectomy consequently documents intact ipsilateral vagal‐RLN neural circuit and may be placed into the medical record as electrophysiologic documentation of existence of postresection complete neural integrity.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 125:E84–E89, 2015
Reconstruction of mandibular defects using the scapular tip free flap
Authors: Bianchi Bernardo , Ferri Andrea , Ferrari Silvano , Copelli Chiara , Perlangeli Giuseppe , Leporati Massimiliano , Ferri Teore , Sesenna Enrico 
Published: June 2014

PurposePurpose of the article is to present the use of the scapular tip free flap (STFF) for the reconstruction of oromandibular defects.PatientsEleven patients who underwent oromandibular reconstruction with STFF were retrospectively evaluated with regards to form and function assessing mouth opening, dietary intake, and cosmetic outcome. Donor site morbidity was evaluated using the Constant–Murley test for the shoulder unit.ResultsFollow‐up ranged from 6 to 35 months (mean 20.6 months). Good or excellent results in mouth opening and cosmesis were achieved in eight patients, speech was assessed as intelligible or normal in all but one patient and mean ambulation time after surgery was 2.5 days. Results of Constant score ranged from 45 to 70 (mean 60.6), and the main limitation encountered was elevation of the arm above the head, which was seen in all but one patient confirming the low impact of the technique on the shoulder system.ConclusionLow morbidity, early ambulation time, possibility of simultaneous harvesting with the tumor resection, large musculocutaneous paddles in the chimeric version of the flap are advantages of the STFF and makes it a good choice in elderly patients, when other bone containing free flaps are not indicated because of the related morbidity, when other flaps are not available or when wide composite defects are approached. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 35:101–106, 2015.
Joint estimation of chemical shift and quantitative susceptibility mapping (chemical QSM)
Authors: Dimov Alexey V. , Liu Tian , Spincemaille Pascal , Ecanow Jacob S. , Tan Huan , Edelman Robert R. , Wang Yi 
Published: June 2014

PurposeThe purpose of this work is to address the unsolved problem of quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) of tissue with fat where both fat and susceptibility change the MR signal phase.Theory and MethodsThe chemical shift of fat was treated as an additional unknown and was estimated jointly with susceptibility to provide the best data fitting using an automated and iterative algorithm. A simplified susceptibility model was used to calculate an updated value of the chemical shift based on the local magnetic field in each iteration. Numerical simulation, phantom experiments and in vivo imaging were performed. Artifacts were assessed by measuring the susceptibility variance in uniform regions. Accuracy was assessed by comparison with ground truth in simulation, and using a susceptibility matching approach in phantom.ResultsUsing the proposed method, artifacts on the QSM image were markedly suppressed in all tested datasets compared with results generated using fixed chemical shifts. Accuracy of the estimated susceptibility was also improved in numerical simulation and phantom experiments.ConclusionA joint estimation of fat content and magnetic susceptibility using an iterative chemical shift update was shown to improve image quality and accuracy on QSM images. Magn Reson Med 73:2100–2110, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.