bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simulation of regional climate models of total cloud fraction in Morocco for the period of 2020-2050
Authors: Youssef El Hadri , Khokhlov V. M.
Published: November 2018

The Moroccan energy system is highly dependent on external energy markets. The use of solar energy is one of the most promising ways in the development of renewable energy sources. At the moment, there are several scenarios for the development of renewable energy in Morocco diverging only in quantitative assessments. All of them are aimed at increasing the generation of green energy, from the complete satisfaction of all needs of Moroccan consumers to the opportunity of exporting some of its environmentally friendly electricity to Europe. Estimation of energy efficiency of solar installations is usually carried out on the basis of calculations of solar radiation arrival in the presence of cloudless sky. Clouds significantly reduce amount of solar radiation and sunshine duration. This study is aimed at determination of possible quantitative parameters of the total cloud cover and the areas in which the cloud cover would have the least impact on the amount of incoming solar radiation in Morocco in 2020-2050. The article presents the results of simulation of total cloud fraction using 11 regional climate models of CORDEX project for the period of 2020-2050 in Morocco. For the period of 2020-2050 the average values of total cloud fraction on the territory of Morocco will have the smallest values within the plains located near the border with Algeria on the territory of the prefecture of Sous-Massa lying at the foot of the southern slopes of the Anti-Atlas. The analysis of the annual regime of total cloud fraction showed that in the future it will be of a different nature in different parts of the country due to various factors affecting its formation. The area with the smallest volumes of monthly total cloud fraction will lie within the territory the southern part of prefecture Draa-Tafilalet and prefectures Sous-Massa, Guelmim-Oued Noun, Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra, Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab excluding their coastal parts of the Atlantic Ocean.

In the future most of the territory of Morocco will be characterized by a low amount of total cloud fraction, which, in its turn, will have an insignificant effect on the amount of solar radiation entering to the underlying surface of these areas. In terms of solar power, the best conditions will exist at the southern parts of Morocco, excluding the coast where the total cloud fraction will have the least impact on the amount of solar radiation reaching the earth’s surface and on sunshine duration.
Evaluation of influence of irrigation using the resources of donor river (the Dniester) on characteristics of the annual water runoff of the Baraboy River
Authors: Loboda N.S. , Yarov Ya.S.
Published: November 2018

The article assesses the characteristics of the annual runoff of the Baraboy River (the Odessa Region), which remains unexplored from the hydrological point of view, under natural conditions and those affected water-related activities, on the basis of the «climate-runoff» model.

The main factors of anthropogenic impact on the hydrological regime of the Baraboy River include a large number of artificial reservoirs and intensive irrigation of agricultural areas using the water resources of the Dniester River. The paper presents estimations of changes of the natural runoff of the Baraboy River in the presence of artificial reservoirs and irrigation using the resources of the donor river (the Dniester). It is shown that, under natural conditions of runoff formation, the river would have to dry out during dry and extremely dry years. Additional evaporation from the surface of artificial reservoirs contributes to a decrease of the annual runoff. Following the use of the «climate-runoff» model it was established that waste waters entering the riverbed from agricultural lands irrigated using the water resources of the donor river (the Dniester) can substantially increase the actual runoff of the Baraboy River at its mouth (by 10-30% for a several years' period, depending on the scale of water management alterations). It is substantiated that the flow of return water, if different real areas of irrigation are taken into account, exceeds the loss of the runoff resulting from additional evaporation from the surface of artificial reservoirs. Donor irrigation provides stable parameters of river runoff during dry and extremely dry years. The disadvantage of donor irrigation is that it causes the effect of land flooding. The «climate-runoff» model allows optimization of the water management alterations ensuring the most efficient use of agricultural land, depending on the extent of its irrigation, its location within the basin, selection of main crops that need irrigation. Therefore, the next stage of research is evaluation of the quality of groundwater within the basin of the Baraboy river under conditions of donor irrigation.
Description of artificial reservoirs within the catchment area of the Great Kuyalnik River and regulation of their operation at the present time and in future
Authors: Loboda N. S. , Otchenash N. D. , Hryb O. M.
Published: November 2018

The paper presents the results of surveys of artificial reservoirs of the Great Kuyalnik River and its tributaries which, due to their considerable number and filling volumes, significantly reduce the runoff of the river and thus cause shallowing of the Kuyalnik Liman and deterioration of its hydroecological state. Preparation of a list of artificial reservoirs within the catchment area of the Great Kuyalnik River took place using the data of the Odessa Regional Water Resources Administration and satellite images taken from Google Earth and Google Maps applications. Water surface areas and volume of unexplored water bodies were determined via generalization of existing data for other reservoirs using the invariance postulates considering the morphology of the arid zone. It was established that, as of 2016, the total number of artificial reservoirs is 121 with a total filling volume constituting 15.98 million m3. Using the climate-runoff model the characteristics of the natural runoff (not disturbed by economic activity) were estimated for periods before warming and for 2021-2050 (scenario A1B). To assess a degree of influence of artificial reservoirs on the state of the ecosystem the accumulation coefficient is calculated. It is shown that the coefficient of water accumulation in artificial reservoirs increased from 0.76 in past century to 1.23 after warming (scenario A1B). This circumstance indicates a tendency towards lack of free (unregulated) runoff in the river and formation of its deficit. The loss of runoff because of filling of artificial reservoirs exceeds the runoff of certain tributaries and ultimately the river's runoff itself. This leads to reduction and complete cessation of fresh water entering into the Kuyalnik Liman which gradually dries up. In order to regulate the impact of artificial reservoirs on the river's runoff it is necessary to determine permissible (limiting) volumes of their filling. These volumes were defined as 10 and 25 percent of the natural annual runoff. The natural (not disturbed by economic activity) annual runoff of the river was calculated on the basis of the climate-runoff model using meteorological data. Under conditions of warming the natural runoff of the river and the associated permissible (limiting) volumes would decrease which would require reduction of an even greater number of ponds.
EVALUATION OF THE PROSPECTS OF POSTINDUSTRIAL AND NEOINDUSTRIAL MODERNIZATION OF THE REGIONAL ECONOMY (IN THE CASE OF THE POLTAVA REGION)
Authors: LYASHENKO V.I. , KUZMENKO N.V. , PETROVA I.P.
Published: November 2018

Topicality. Sustained economic growth in the Poltava region is possible due to the implementation of post-industrial and neo-industrial modernization transformations using modern integration technologies.
Aim and tasks. The purpose of the article is to determine the prospects of postindustrial and neoindustrial modernization of the economy of the Poltava region in the context of the European integration vector. The tasks are to analyze the main tendencies of the development of the Poltava region; assessment of postindustrial and neoindustrial modernization of the economy; Identification of prospects for European integration of the Poltava region; providing suggestions for the formation of modern integration technologies.
Research Results. It was analyzed in the dynamics of development of the Poltava region, which allowed to identify the features of technological lag, low competitiveness in the world market, dependence on imports, prevalence of medium and low-tech industries. The state of post-industrial and neo-industrial modernization transformations for 10 years is estimated. The insufficient level of development of the scientific and educational spheres is revealed, as a result of which the connection between elements "science-education-industry" is violated. The state and trends of the deployment of the processes of trade and economic integration of the Poltava region in the European space are analyzed. It is proposed at the level of economic regions, regions, cities, districts and territorial communities to form corporations ahead of development, clustering and public-private partnerships.
Conclusions Promising directions of realization of postindustrial and neoindustrial modernization of the economy of the Poltava region are integration technologies, in particular, advanced development corporations, clustering and public-private partnerships.
Quasi-Single-Mode Fibers with Increased Core Size Based on Non-Hexagonal Type Microstructures
Authors: Gatchin Y. , Demidov V. , Dukelskii K. , Ter-Nersesyants E.
Published: November 2018

The capabilities of silica-based microstructures with a large (40 μm in diameter) core and a nonhexagonal (circular) distribution of voids in the cladding for enhancement of the fundamental (LP01) mode confinement under bent condition are analyzed numerically. It has been determined that the criterion for obtaining a single-mode propagation in such optical elements is a high level of attenuation for the polarization component HE21 of the higher-order mode LP11.
Johann
Bachoven von Echt (1515–1576) and his work on scurvy
Authors: Biesbrouck Maurits , Goddeeris Theodoor , Steeno Omer
Published: November 2018

A discussion is given of the figure of Johann Bachoven von Echt and his family, and on his work on scurvy. The disease is evaluated as a possible cause of the death of Andreas Vesalius. Echt’s relationship with Jan Wier and his connections with Vesalius and Metellus are illustrated. A historical overview of the literature on scurvy is provided highlighting the importance of the work of Echtius and Ronsse for the early knowledge of that disease. A report by Metellus on the circumstances of Vesalius’ death is added.
Association between Hippocampal Shape, Neuroinflammation, and Cognitive Decline in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Cabinio Monia , Saresella Marina , Piancone Federica , LaRosa Francesca , Marventano Ivana , Guerini Franca Rosa , Nemni Raffaello , Baglio Francesca , Clerici Mario
Published: November 2018

Background:

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative condition characterized by memory impairment and general decrease in cognitive functions and daily living competences, that leads to a complete loss of autonomy. The pathogenesis of AD is characterized by the deposition of amyloid-β plaques (Aβ plaques) and neurofibrillary tangles, initially involving cortical and hippocampal structures, and neuroinflammation. To date, no studies have investigated the topological association between neuroinflammation and hippocampal shape in AD.

Objective:

The aim of the present study is to assess the association between hippocampal shape, cognitive profile, and neuroinflammation in a group of AD patients in the mild stage of the disease.

Methods:

Thirty-one patients with typical onset AD (mild stage) underwent MRI examination (1.5T scanner); hippocampal structures were segmented using a vertex-wise analysis (FSL-FIRST). Immune parameters were evaluated on peripheral blood mononuclear cells by flow-cytometry. Correlation analyses were performed between hippocampal shape and both cognitive profile (ADAS-Cog and MMSE scores), and neuro-inflammatory variables (i.e., circulating monocytes, cytokines).

Results:

Statistically significant correlations ( p < 0.05FWE) between right hippocampal shape and cognitive measurements and between left hippocampal shape and inflammatory indices were detected. The hippocampal field mostly involved was the lateral portion of bilateral hippocampi, mainly overlapping with Cornu Ammonis, extending along the entire longitudinal axis.

Conclusions:

A topological relationship between hippocampal atrophy and both cognitive profile and neuroinflammation is found; the association with neuroinflammatory indices is in line with the pattern of AD-associated neuronal death, whereas the association with cognitive test might account for residual cognitive functions.
Degenerative Amnesia for Past Public Events: An Attempt to Measure Storage and Retrieval
Authors: Lucchelli Federica , Saetti Maria Cristina , Spinnler Hans
Published: November 2018

A still unsettled issue of amnesia concerns the differential contributions to recall impairment of the underlying retrieval and storage abilities. The aim of the present study was to disentangle and to measure such roles in the recall of past public events comparing patients with degenerative amnesia and healthy elderly. The experiment included 44 healthy elderly and two groups of participants with degenerative amnesia, namely 17 patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment and 22 mild Alzheimer’s disease patients. Recall of famous past public events was assessed by means of a 52-item questionnaire standardized for the Italian population. A latent-variable approach was adopted in order to infer the contributions of retrieval and storage to the recall performances. A stochastic model was adopted, which in a previous study of recall of recent and remote past public events in healthy elderly succeeded to prove reduced retrieval efficiency for more recent events. The results of the present study suggest that retrieval is more fragile than storage in all three experimental groups. A storage impairment turned out only in the Alzheimer’s disease group, where it was limited to more recent memories. In view of the combined roles of the hippocampus and cortex in past memory processing, our results are consistent with the hypothesis that the degenerative process primarily impairs the strategic memory search. However, the sufficiency criterion of the adopted Markov model fell short of significance. Due to this statistical shortcoming, our conclusions, though consistent with the clinical predictions, are to be taken as provisional.
Dual Time-Point [18F]Florbetaben PET Delivers Dual Biomarker Information in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Florek Lisa , Tiepolt Solveig , Schroeter Matthias L. , Berrouschot Jörg , Saur Dorothee , Hesse Swen , Jochimsen Thies , Luthardt Julia , Sattler Bernhard , Patt Marianne , Hoffmann Karl-Titus , Villringer Arno , Classen Joseph , Gertz Hermann-Josef , Sabri Osama , Barthel Henryk
Published: November 2018

Background:

Current research diagnostic criteria for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to AD include biomarkers to supplement clinical testing. Recently, we demonstrated that dual time-point [18F]FBB PET is able to deliver both blood flow and amyloid-β (Aβ) load surrogates.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to investigate whether these surrogates can be utilized as AD biomarkers.

Methods:

112 subjects (41 with MCI, 50 with probable/possible AD, 21 with other dementias) underwent dual time-point [18F]FBB PET. Data were visually and relative quantitatively (Herholz scores for the early and composite SUVRs for the late PET data) analyzed.

Results:

In the early images AD-typical patterns were present in 42% /27% /33% of probable/possible AD/MCI/other dementia cases. In late [18F]FBB PET, 42% /29% /38% of probable/possible AD/ MCI/other dementia cases were Aβ-positive. 17% of the MCIs were categorized as “MCI due to AD-high likelihood”, 44% of the probable ADs as “probable AD with high evidence of AD pathophysiological process” and 28% of the possible ADs as “possible AD with evidence of AD pathophysiological process”. 27% of all subjects showed a positive diagnostic and progression biomarker. Herholz scores were lower (0.85±0.05 versus 0.88±0.04, p = 0.015) for probable/possible AD versus MCI. Composite late phase SUVRs were significantly higher (1.65±0.23 versus 1.15±0.17, p < 0.005) in Aβ-positive versus Aβ-negative patients. Herholz and MMSE scores were positively correlated (R = 0.30 p = 0.006).

Conclusion:

Dual time-point [18F]FBB PET provides dual biomarker information which enables to categorize MCI and AD dementia patients according to established diagnostic criteria. Thus, dual time-point [18F]FBB PET has great potential to supplement diagnostic dementia workups.
A ferrofluid-based tuned mass damper with magnetic spring
Authors: Wang Siqi , Liu Yongkai , Li Decai , He Xinzhi
Published: November 2018

This paper proposes a ferrofluid-based tuned mass damper with magnetic spring that is capable of absorbing the low-frequency vibration energy. The characterization and performance of the tuned mass damper are studied in theory and experiment. Ferrofluid is adhered on the moving permanent magnet and used as self-sustained viscous lubricant to reduce the mechanical damping between the permanent magnet and the inner wall of plastic tube and improve the ability of the vibration pick-up system. A magnetic spring is formed by magnetic repulsive force between the fixed and the moving permanent magnets along the horizontal axis. The tuned mass damper can effectively reduce the low frequency vibration of the rod. And the damping time in the cases of released permanent magnet is 1/6 times as long as that in the cases of blocked permanent magnet. The compact tuned mass damper with adjustable damping and stiffness is suitable to various low frequency vibrations in nature.
Self-powered robots to reduce motor slacking during upper-extremity rehabilitation: a proof of concept study
Authors: Washabaugh Edward P. , Treadway Emma , Gillespie R. Brent , Remy C. David , Krishnan Chandramouli
Published: November 2018

Background:

Robotic rehabilitation is a highly promising approach to recover lost functions after stroke or other neurological disorders. Unfortunately, robotic rehabilitation currently suffers from “motor slacking”, a phenomenon in which the human motor system reduces muscle activation levels and movement excursions, ostensibly to minimize metabolic- and movement-related costs. Consequently, the patient remains passive and is not fully engaged during therapy. To overcome this limitation, we envision a new class of body-powered robots and hypothesize that motor slacking could be reduced if individuals must provide the power to move their impaired limbs via their own body (i.e., through the motion of a healthy limb).

Objective:

To test whether a body-powered exoskeleton (i.e. robot) could reduce motor slacking during robotic training.

Methods:

We developed a body-powered robot that mechanically coupled the motions of the user’s elbow joints. We tested this passive robot in two groups of subjects (stroke and able-bodied) during four exercise conditions in which we controlled whether the robotic device was powered by the subject or by the experimenter, and whether the subject’s driven arm was engaged or at rest. Motor slacking was quantified by computing the muscle activation changes of the elbow flexor and extensor muscles using surface electromyography.

Results:

Subjects had higher levels of muscle activation in their driven arm during self-powered conditions compared to externally-powered conditions. Most notably, subjects unintentionally activated their driven arm even when explicitly told to relax when the device was self-powered. This behavior was persistent throughout the trial and did not wane after the initiation of the trial.

Conclusions:

Our findings provide novel evidence indicating that motor slacking can be reduced by self-powered robots; thus demonstrating promise for rehabilitation of impaired subjects using this new class of wearable system. The results also serve as a foundation to develop more sophisticated body-powered robots (e.g., with controllable transmissions) for rehabilitation purposes.
Alterations in the spinal cord and ventral root after cerebral infarction in non-human primates
Authors: Dang Ge , Chen Xinran , Zhao Yuhui , Chen Yicong , Ouyang Fubing , Liang Jiahui , Guo Yi , Zeng Jinsheng
Published: November 2018

Backgrounds:

Cerebral infarction does not only cause focal injury in the ischemic site, but also secondary non-ischemic damage at the remote areas of nervous system associated with the primary focus.

Objective:

This study investigated the changes in the spinal cord and ventral root after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis).

Methods:

Adult male cynonolgus monkeys (4–5 years, 5.5–7.5 kg) were subjected to MCAO ( n = 6) or sham surgery ( n = 4). After 12 weeks, spinal cords and the ventral roots were harvested. Morphometric alterations in the spinal cord were detected at C5 and L5 levels via immunofluorescence. The profiles of C5 and L5 ventral roots were displayed by toluidine blue staining and transmission electron microscopic examination.

Results:

Significant axonal loss in the contralateral corticospinal tract and abnormally enlarged axons in the ipsilateral were observed in monkeys with MCAO. The number of neurons in the contralateral ventral horn got declined while that in the ipsilateral was almost unaffected after MCAO compared with sham controls. Glial activation post-MCAO was observed in the bilateral corticospinal tract and the ventral horn. Aberrant nerve fibers appeared frequently in the contralateral ventral roots of MCAO monkey but rarely in the ipsilateral.

Conclusions:

These results indicate that focal cerebral infarction leads to pathological alterations in the spinal cord and ventral roots in non-human primates.
Performance of the sinogram-based iterative reconstruction in sparse view X-ray computed tomography
Authors: Trinca Dragos , Libin Eduard
Published: November 2018

Performing X-ray computed tomography (CT) examinations with less radiation has recently received increasing interest: in medical imaging this means less (potentially harmful) radiation for the patient; in non-destructive testing of materials/objects such as testing jet engines, the reduction of the number of projection angles (which for large objects is in general high) leads to a substantial decreasing of the experiment time. In the experiment, less radiation is usually achieved by either (1) reducing the radiation dose used at each projection angle or (2) using sparse view X-ray CT, which means significantly less projection angles are used during the examination. In this work, we study the performance of the recently proposed sinogram-based iterative reconstruction algorithm in sparse view X-ray CT and show that it provides, in some cases, reconstruction accuracy better than that obtained by some of the Total Variation regularization techniques. The provided accuracy is obtained with computation times comparable to other techniques. An important feature of the sinogram-based iterative reconstruction algorithm is that it is simpler and without the many parameters specific to other techniques.
An application of genetic algorithm to optimize the 3-Joint carangiform fish robot’ s links to get the desired straight velocity
Authors: Huynh Phu Duc , Vo Tuong Quan
Published: November 2018

Biomimetic robot is a new branch of researched field which is developing quickly in recent years. Some of the popular biomimetic robots are fish robot, snake robot, dog robot, dragonfly robot, etc. Among the biomimetic underwater robots, fish robot and snake robot are mostly concerned. In this paper, we study about an optimization method to find the design parameters of fish robot. First, we analyze the dynamic model of the 3-joint Carangiform fish robot by using Lagrange method. Then the Genetic Algorithm (GA) is used to find the optimal lengths’ values of fish robot’s links. The constraint of this optimization problem is that the values of fish robot’s links are chosen that they can make fish robot swim with the desired straight velocity. Finally, some simulation results are presented to prove the effectiveness of the proposed method
The U-Pb zircon age of granodiorite from Dinh Quan Deo Ca complex of Truong Xuan Khanh Hoa area and its geological significance
Authors: Pham Hieu Trung
Published: November 2018

Zircons separated from an granodiorite sample at the Dinh Quan - Deo Ca complex area were dated to determine the protolith age for the complex. Sixteen LA-ICP-MS U-Pb zircon analyses gave concordant ages concentrated at 96 Ma (weighted mean). These results indicated the protolith age of the granodiorite (primary magma crystallization age). The value of this age is close to results analyzed by Rb-Sr method and Ar-Ar method, confirming the crystallization age of the granodiorite Dinh Quan Deo Ca complex corresponding period early Cretaceou.
Notoginsenoside R1 Protects Against Diabetic Cardiomyopathy Through Activating Estrogen Receptor α and Its Downstream Signaling
Authors: Zhang Bin , Zhang Jingyi , Zhang Chenyang , Zhang Xuelian , Ye Jingxue , Kuang Shihuan , Sun Guibo , Sun Xiaobo
Published: November 2018

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) leads to heart failure and death in diabetic patients, no effective treatment is available. Notoginsenoside R1 (NGR1) is a novel saponin that is derived from Panax notoginseng and our previous studies have showed cardioprotective and neuroprotective effects of NGR1. However, its role in protecting against DCM remains unexplored. Herein, we examine potential effects of NGR1 on cardiac function of diabetic db/db mice and H9c2 cardiomyocytes treated by advanced glycation end products (AGEs). In vitro experiments revealed that pretreatment with NGR1 significantly decreased AGEs-induced mitochondria injury, limited an increase in ROS, and reduced apoptosis in H9c2 cells. NGR1 eliminated ROS by promoting estrogen receptor α expression, which subsequently activated Akt and Nrf2-mediated anti-oxidant enzymes. In vivo investigation demonstrated that NGR1 significantly reduced serum lipid levels, insulin resistance, the expression of enzymes related to cardiomyopathy, and the expression of apoptotic proteins. Finally, NGR1 improved cardiac dysfunction and attenuated histological abnormalities, as evidenced by elevating ejection fraction and fractional shortening, and reducing cardiac fibrosis. Mechanistically, NGR1 promoted ERα expression, which led to the activation of Akt-Nrf2 signaling and the inhibition of the TGFβ pathway. Collectively, these results strongly indicate that NGR1 exerts cardioprotective effects against DCM through its inhibition of oxidative stress and apoptosis, and eventually suppresses cardiac fibrosis and hypertrophy, which suggests that NGR1 is a potential therapeutic medicine for the treatment of DCM.
Titan’s Twilight and Sunset Solar Illumination
Authors: Barnes Jason W. , MacKenzie Shannon M. , Lorenz Ralph D. , Turtle Elizabeth P.
Published: November 2018

We calculate the illumination conditions at Titan’s surface using the Monte Carlo radiative transfer model SRTC++, motivated by the proposed Dragonfly Titan lander. We find significant surface illumination during twilight after sunset, with the twilight flux maximized near

wavelength. Out to 30° past Titan’s terminator, the twilight illumination exceeds that of Earth’s Moon at full phase in visible red wavelengths (

). Imaging at night should be quite effective for stationary surface landers if they use long integration times, though it would be less effective for platforms floating on Titan’s seas. Titan sunsets should be underwhelming events at visible wavelengths, with the Sun fading out while still well above the horizon and overall illumination diminishing slowly as the Sun falls below the horizon. Shadows below the lander should receive illumination from diffusely scattered light low in the sky near Titan’s horizon. The total near-horizon illumination maximizes when the Sun is highest in the sky owing to the intensity of multiple scattering.
A Compact Multi-planet System with a Significantly Misaligned Ultra Short Period Planet
Authors: Rodriguez Joseph E. , Becker Juliette C. , Eastman Jason D. , Hadden Sam , Vanderburg Andrew , Khain Tali , Quinn Samuel N. , Mayo Andrew , Dressing Courtney D. , Schlieder Joshua E. , Ciardi David R. , Latham David W. , Rappaport Saul , Adams Fred C. , Berlind Perry , Bieryla Allyson , Calkins Michael L. , Esquerdo Gilbert A. , Kristiansen Martti H. , Omohundro Mark , Schwengeler Hans Martin , Stassun Keivan G. , Terentev Ivan
Published: November 2018

We report the discovery of a compact multi-planet system orbiting the relatively nearby (78 pc) and bright (K = 8.9) K-star, K2-266 (EPIC 248435473). We identify up to six possible planets orbiting K2-266 with estimated periods of P

b
 = 0.66, P
.02 = 6.1, P

c
 = 7.8, P

d
 = 14.7, P

e
 = 19.5, and P
.06 = 56.7 days, and radii of R

P
 = 3.3 R
⊕, 0.646 R
⊕, 0.705 R
⊕, 2.93 R
⊕, 2.73 R
⊕, and 0.90 R
⊕, respectively. We are able to confirm the planetary nature of two of these planets (d and e) by analyzing their transit timing variations (

and

), confidently validate the planetary nature of two other planets (b and c), and classify the last two as planetary candidates (K2-266.02 and .06). From a simultaneous fit of all six possible planets, we find that K2-266 b’s orbit has an inclination of 75.°32 while the other five planets have inclinations of 87°–90°. This observed mutual misalignment may indicate that K2-266 b formed differently from the other planets in the system. The brightness of the host star and the relatively large size of the sub-Neptune sized planets d and e make them well-suited for atmospheric characterization efforts with facilities like the Hubble Space Telescope and upcoming James Webb Space Telescope. We also identify an 8.5 day transiting planet candidate orbiting EPIC 248435395, a co-moving companion to K2-266.
Probing Late-type T Dwarf J − H Color Outliers for Signs of Age*
Authors: Logsdon Sarah E. , Mace Gregory N. , McLean Ian S. , Martin Emily C.
Published: November 2018

We present the results of a Keck/NIRSPEC follow-up survey of 13 late-type T dwarfs (T6–T9), 12 of which have unusually red or blue J − H colors. Previous work suggests that J − H color outliers may represent the high-gravity, low-metallicity (old) and low-gravity, solar-metallicity (young) extremes of the late-type T dwarf population. We use medium-resolution Y- and H-band spectroscopy to probe regions of T dwarf atmospheres that are more sensitive to gravity and metallicity variations than the J band. We find that the spectral morphologies of our sample are largely homogeneous, with peak-normalized, Y- and H-band morphologies consistent with spectral standards. However, three objects stand out as potentially old, with overluminous Y-band spectra compared to their respective spectral standards, and a fourth object stands out as potentially young, with an underluminous Y band. Of these four objects, three have been previously identified as potential metallicity/gravity outliers, including the one object in our sample with a normal J − H color. We fit publicly available atmospheric model grids to our spectra and find that the best-fit physical parameters vary depending on the model used. As we continue to probe the characteristics of the late-T population, differences in synthetic spectra of ∼10%–20% in the blue wing of the Y band and ∼45% at 1.65 μm, for the same physical parameters, must be reconciled. Further development and public availability of nonsolar metallicity models is also recommended. Future progress toward deciphering the impacts of gravity, metallicity, and variability in the late-type T dwarf population will also require high signal-to-noise, multiwavelength and multi-epoch photometry and spectroscopy.
Zooming in to Massive Star Birth
Authors: Kong Shuo , Tan Jonathan C. , Caselli Paola , Fontani Francesco , Wang Ke , Butler Michael J.
Published: November 2018

We present high-resolution (0.″2, 1000 au) 1.3 mm ALMA observations of the massive infrared dark cloud clump, G028.37+00.07-C1, thought to harbor the early stages of massive star formation. Using

(3–2), we resolve the previously identified C1-S core, separating the bulk of its emission from two nearby protostellar sources. C1-S is thus identified as a massive (∼50 M
⊙), compact (∼0.1 pc diameter) starless core, e.g., with no signs of outflow activity. Being highly deuterated, this is a promising candidate for a pre-stellar core on the verge of collapse. An analysis of its dynamical state indicates a sub-virial velocity dispersion compared to a trans-Alfvénic turbulent core model. However, virial equilibrium could be achieved with sub-Alfvénic conditions involving magnetic field strengths of ∼2 mG.
Optimising the detection of marine taxonomic richness using environmental DNA metabarcoding: the effects of filter material, pore size and extraction method
Authors: Deiner Kristy , Lopez Jacqueline , Bourne Steve , Holman Luke , Seymour Mathew , Grey Erin K. , Lacoursière Anaïs , Li Yiyuan , Renshaw Mark A. , Pfrender Michael E. , Rius Marc , Bernatchez Louis , Lodge David M.
Published: November 2018

The analysis of environmental DNA (eDNA) using metabarcoding has increased in use as a method for tracking biodiversity of ecosystems. Little is known about eDNA in marine human-modified environments, such as commercial ports, which are key sites to monitor for anthropogenic impacts on coastal ecosystems. To optimise an eDNA metabarcoding protocol in these environments, seawater samples were collected in a commercial port and methodologies for concentrating and purifying eDNA were tested for their effect on eukaryotic DNA yield and subsequent richness of Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs). Different filter materials [Cellulose Nitrate (CN) and Glass Fibre (GF)], with different pore sizes (0.5 µm, 0.7 µm and 1.2 µm) and three previously published liquid phase extraction methods were tested. The number of eukaryotic OTUs detected differed by a factor of three amongst the method combinations. The combination of CN filters with phenol-chloroform-isoamyl alcohol extractions recovered a higher amount of eukaryotic DNA and OTUs compared to GF filters and the chloroform-isoamyl alcohol extraction method. Pore size was not independent of filter material but did affect the yield of eukaryotic DNA. For the OTUs assigned to a highly successful non-indigenous species, Styelaclava, the two extraction methods with phenol significantly outperformed the extraction method without phenol; other experimental treatments did not contribute significantly to detection. These results highlight that careful consideration of methods is warranted because choice of filter material and extraction method create false negative detections of marine eukaryotic OTUs and underestimate taxonomic richness from environmental samples.
Analysis of Licensure Testing Patterns of RN Graduates in Oregon
Authors: Noone Joanne , Ingwerson Joy , Kunz Amari
Published: November 2018

Background:

First-time NCLEX pass rate (FTPR) was a measure of workforce entry developed in the 1970s and is now used in accreditation standards to assess program effectiveness. Faculty may change admission and progression policies based on FTPR, which may affect enrollment, student diversity, or costs. This study describes testing patterns of RN graduates on the NCLEX-RN in Oregon to identify other academic metrics related to licensure.

Method:

Testing patterns of graduates in Oregon (
N
= 4,045) during 2013–2015 were analyzed to determine the number of testing attempts and length of time until success.

Results:

The FTPR for testers was 88.6%. By the second attempt, 96.1% passed; by the third attempt, 98% passed. Within 90 days of eligibility, 87.6% of testers passed; within 180 days, 95.3% passed.

Conclusion:

It is recommended that second- and third-time pass rates or pass rates within 6 months be considered as academic metrics for accreditation purposes. [
J Nurs Educ.
2018;57(11):655–661.]
Female Nursing Students' Experience With and Exposure to Sexual Assault
Authors: LoGiudice Jenna Alana , Phillips Kathryn E.
Published: November 2018

Background:

The study aims to describe the prevalence of sexual violence experienced by nursing students and to understand nursing students' practices and attitudes toward working with patients with this trauma history.

Method:

A convenience sample (
n
= 75) of female nursing students from the United States completed the Life Events Checklist and responded to statements about their practices and attitudes.

Results:

Over a quarter (26.7%) experienced an unwanted or uncomfortable sexual experience. Of the 18.7% who were sexually assaulted, more than half also experienced physical assault and more than 70% reported other unwanted sexual experiences. Largely, students believed that screening patients for trauma is important (88.7%); yet, most (73.2%) felt unprepared and approximately 60% had not been taught how.

Conclusion:

This knowledge can aid nursing educators in understanding their students' life experiences so issues can be addressed in safe learning environments and practices and attitudes related to screening and caring for patients can be highlighted. [
J Nurs Educ
. 2018;57(11):662–667.]
Enhancing Systems Thinking for Undergraduate Nursing Students Using Friday Night at the ER
Authors: Thornton Bacon Cynthia , Trent Peggy , McCoy Thomas P.
Published: November 2018

Background:

The complexity of health care systems requires cooperation between system stakeholders, structures, and functions. Nurses need an understanding of systems thinking to work effectively in this complex environment.

Method:

Nurse educators used the Friday Night at the ER simulation game with undergraduate nursing students to simulate complex problem solving and assess their learning.

Results:

Students had significantly higher scores on the Systems Thinking Scale and reported increased self-perceived proficiency with the quality improvement Quality and Safety Education for Nurses competency after participating in the game.

Conclusion:

Nurse educators should consider incorporating complex problem-solving exercises, such as Friday Night at the ER, into their undergraduate curriculum to challenge and strengthen students' critical and systems thinking. Hospital nurse educators should also consider this intervention to assist practicing nurses in bolstering their critical and systems thinking. [
J Nurs Educ.
2018;57(11):687–689.]
A Rare Cause of Acute Anisocoria in a Child: The Angel's Trumpet Plant
Authors: Serin Hepsen Mine , Ozen Bediz , Yilmaz Sanem
Published: November 2018

Anisocoria is a significant finding in several ocular and potentially life-threatening neurological disorders. The angel's trumpet (
Datura suaveolens
), widely used as a garden plant, is a natural alkaloid with anticholinergic effects containing high levels of scopolamine. The authors present a pediatric case of acute anisocoria secondary to contact with the angel's trumpet plant. This case report emphasizes the importance of considering herbal mydriatics in patients with acute, isolated, unilateral mydriasis. It is also important to raise public awareness about the potential risks of the angel's trumpet plant, particularly in areas close to schools and playgrounds.

[
J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus
. 2018;55:e33–e35.]
Die bruikbaarheid van Akante-analise vir die Eksegese van Sinotiese tekste
Authors: Van Aarde A.G.
Published: November 2018

No abstract available.
Ideologieë
Authors: Van der Westhuizen H.G.
Published: November 2018

No abstract available.
Boekbespreking
Authors: Van der Merwe P.J. , Van der Westhuizen H.G. , Dreyer T.F.J. , Beukes M.J. Du P. , Botha Schalk , Dreyer P.S.
Published: November 2018

No abstract available.
Gemeentegeskiedskrywing en die ontsluiting van die geskiedenis van die Afrikaanse kerke
Authors: Brown E.
Published: November 2018

No abstract available.
Is die kerk volgens kerkregtelike beginsels 'n universitas of 'n societas?
Authors: Müller J.J.P.
Published: November 2018

No abstract available.
Die kerk universitas of societas? juridies besien
Authors: Oelofse J.C.
Published: November 2018

No abstract available.
Die religieuse in Afrika-sosialisme
Authors: Viljoen C.J.
Published: November 2018

No abstract available.
Wat hoort tuis in 'n kerkwet of kerkorde in die lig van die Skrif en belydenis?
Authors: Pont A.D.
Published: November 2018

No abstract available.
Wysheidsliteratuur en bybelse teologie
Authors: Venter P.M.
Published: November 2018

No abstract available.
The algebraic geometry of Kazhdan–Lusztig–Stanley polynomials
Authors: Proudfoot Nicholas
Published: November 2018

Kazhdan–Lusztig–Stanley polynomials are combinatorial generalizations of Kazhdan–Lusztig polynomials of Coxeter groups that include

g

-polynomials of polytopes and Kazhdan–Lusztig polynomials of matroids. In the cases of Weyl groups, rational polytopes, and realizable matroids, one can count points over finite fields on flag varieties, toric varieties, or reciprocal planes to obtain cohomological interpretations of these polynomials. We survey these results and unite them under a single geometric framework.
Effective radiative forcing in the aerosol–climate model CAM5.3-MARC-ARG
Authors: Grandey Benjamin S. , Rothenberg Daniel , Avramov Alexander , Jin Qinjian , Lee Hsiang-He , Liu Xiaohong , Lu Zheng , Albani Samuel , Wang Chien
Published: November 2018

Abstract. We quantify the effective radiative forcing (ERF) of anthropogenic aerosols
modelled by the aerosol–climate model CAM5.3-MARC-ARG. CAM5.3-MARC-ARG is a
new configuration of the Community Atmosphere Model version 5.3 (CAM5.3) in
which the default aerosol module has been replaced by the two-Moment,
Multi-Modal, Mixing-state-resolving Aerosol model for Research of Climate
(MARC). CAM5.3-MARC-ARG uses the ARG aerosol-activation scheme, consistent
with the default configuration of CAM5.3. We compute differences between
simulations using year-1850 aerosol emissions and simulations using year-2000
aerosol emissions in order to assess the radiative effects of anthropogenic
aerosols. We compare the aerosol lifetimes, aerosol column burdens, cloud
properties, and radiative effects produced by CAM5.3-MARC-ARG with those
produced by the default configuration of CAM5.3, which uses the modal aerosol
module with three log-normal modes (MAM3), and a configuration using the modal
aerosol module with seven log-normal modes (MAM7). Compared with MAM3 and
MAM7, we find that MARC produces stronger cooling via the direct radiative
effect, the shortwave cloud radiative effect, and the surface albedo
radiative effect; similarly, MARC produces stronger warming via the longwave
cloud radiative effect. Overall, MARC produces a global mean net ERF of
-1.79±0.03 W m−2, which is stronger than the global mean net ERF
of -1.57±0.04 W m−2 produced by MAM3 and -1.53±0.04 W m−2 produced by MAM7. The regional distribution of ERF also
differs between MARC and MAM3, largely due to differences in the regional
distribution of the shortwave cloud radiative effect. We conclude that the
specific representation of aerosols in global climate models, including
aerosol mixing state, has important implications for climate modelling.
Measurements of spectral irradiance during the solar eclipse of
21 August 2017: reassessment of the effect of solar limb darkening
and of changes in total ozone
Authors: Bernhard Germar , Petkov Boyan
Published: November 2018

Abstract. Measurements of spectral irradiance between 306 and 1020 nm were performed with a GUVis-3511 multi-channel filter radiometer at Smith Rock State Park, Oregon, during the total solar eclipse of 21 August 2017. The radiometer was equipped with a shadowband, allowing to separate the global (sun and sky) and direct components of solar radiation. Data were used to study the wavelength-dependent changes of solar irradiance at Earth's surface. Results were compared with theoretical predictions using three different parameterizations of the solar limb darkening (LD) effect, which describes the change of the solar spectrum from the Sun's center to its limb. Results indicate that the LD parameterization that has been most widely used during the last 15 years underestimates the LD effect, in particular at UV wavelengths. The two alternative parameterizations are based on two independent sets of observations from the McMath-Pierce Solar Telescope. When these parameterizations are used, the observed and theoretical LD effects agree to within 4 % for wavelengths larger than 400 nm and occultation of the solar disk of up to 97.8 %. Maximum deviations for wavelengths between 315 and 340 nm are 7 %. These somewhat larger differences compared to the visible range may be explained with varying aerosol conditions during the period of observations. Aerosol optical depth (AOD) and its wavelength dependence was calculated from measurements of direct irradiance. When corrected for the LD effect, AOD monotonically decreases over the period of the eclipse: from 0.41 to 0.32 at 319 nm and from 0.05 to 0.04 at 1018 nm. These results show that AODs can be accurately calculated during an eclipse if the LD effect is corrected. The total ozone column (TOC) was derived from measurements of global irradiance at 306 and 340 nm. Without correction for the LD effect, the retrieved TOC increases by 20 DU between the 1st and 2nd contact of the eclipse. With LD correction, the TOC remains constant to within natural variability (±2.6 DU or ±0.9 % between 1st and 2nd contact and ±1.0 DU or ±0.3 % between 3rd and 4th contact). In contrast to results of observations from earlier solar eclipses, no fluctuations in TOC were observed that could be attributed to gravity waves, which can be triggered by the supersonic speed of the Moon's shadow across the atmosphere. Furthermore, systematic changes in the ratio of direct and global irradiance that could be attributed to the solar eclipse were not observed. This finding agrees with results of three-dimensional radiative transfer models but contradicts reports from earlier observations, which indicate that the diffuse-to-direct ratio may change by 30 %. Our results advance the understanding of the effects of solar LD on the spectral irradiance at Earth's surface, the variations of ozone during an eclipse, and the partitioning of solar radiation in direct and diffuse components.