bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A topology optimization method for electric machines and devices through submodular maximization
Authors: Sato Takahiro , Fujita Masafumi
Published: April 2019

This paper presents a topology optimization method using a greedy algorithm for submodular maximization. This method is based on a shape representation using the normalized Gaussian network. The weight coefficients of Gaussians are discretized to +1/−1, and then their values are greedily inverted. Hence, the computational cost of the present method is relatively smaller than that of evolutionary algorithms. The present method is applied to a magnetic shield optimization problem. It is shown that Pareto solutions can be obtained by the present method. In addition, it can be found from the numerical results that the stochastic greedy algorithm can effectively reduce the computational time compared with the conventional greedy algorithm. As a result, it is shown that a 3‐D optimization problem with over 3000 design variables can be solved within acceptable computational time.
Impacts of growing‐season climate on tree growth and post‐fire regeneration in ponderosa pine and Douglas‐fir forests
Authors: Hankin Lacey E. , Higuera Philip E. , Davis Kimberley T. , Dobrowski Solomon Z.
Published: April 2019

We studied the impacts of climate variability on low‐elevation forests in the U.S. northern Rocky Mountains by quantifying how post‐fire tree regeneration and radial growth varied with growing‐season climate. We reconstructed post‐fire regeneration and radial growth rates of Pinus ponderosa and Pseudotsuga menziesii at 33 sites that burned between 1992 and 2007, by aging seedlings at the root–shoot boundary. We also measured radial growth in adult trees from 12 additional sites that burned between 1900 and 1990. To quantify the relationship between climate and regeneration, we characterized seasonal climate before, during, and after recruitment pulses using superposed epoch analysis. To quantify growth sensitivity to climate, we performed moving regression analysis for each species and for juvenile and adult life stages. Climatic conditions favoring regeneration and tree growth differed between species. Water deficit and temperature were significantly lower than average during recruitment pulses of ponderosa pine, suggesting that germination‐year climate limits regeneration. Growing degree days were significantly higher than average during years with Douglas‐fir recruitment pulses, but water deficit was significantly lower one year following pulses, suggesting moisture sensitivity in two‐year‐old seedlings. Growth was also sensitive to water deficit, but effects varied between life stages, species, and through time, with juvenile ponderosa pine growth more sensitive to climate than adult growth and juvenile Douglas‐fir growth. Increasing water deficit corresponded with reduced adult growth of both species. Increases in maximum temperature and water deficit corresponded with increases in juvenile growth of both species in the early 20th century but strong reductions in growth for juvenile ponderosa pine in recent decades. Changing sensitivity of growth to climate suggests that increased temperature and water deficit may be pushing these species toward the edge of their climatic tolerances. Our study demonstrates increased vulnerability of dry mixed‐conifer forests to post‐fire regeneration failures and decreased growth as temperatures and drought increase. Shifts toward unfavorable conditions for regeneration and juvenile growth may alter the composition and resilience of low‐elevation forests to future climate and fire activity.
Asymmetric Organocatalytic C‐C Bond Forming Reactions with Organoboron Compounds: A Mechanistic Survey
Authors: Simonetti Sebastián O. , Pellegrinet Silvina C.
Published: April 2019

The recent development of asymmetric organocatalytic C‐C bond forming reactions involving organoboranes has attracted big interest in the synthetic community. Asymmetric organocatalytic additions to enones, aldehydes, ketones, imines, dienes, and related systems can be carried out with different organoboron compounds (boronic acids and esters and trifluoroborate salts) to give products with very good yields and enantiomeric ratios. In particular, many BINOL and α‐hydroxyacid derivatives have been used as chiral organocatalysts. In this review, we describe the mechanisms that have been proposed based on theoretical and experimental studies for asymmetric organocatalytic C‐C bond forming reactions with organoboron compounds. The mechanistic understanding that has been gained should contribute to the progress of this promising area of organic chemistry.
Electrochemical Condensation of Methylviologen on Specifically‐adsorbed Anion Layers
Authors: Tsuruta Keisuke , Haraguchi Ryusei , Nishiyama Katsuhiko , Sawaguchi Takahiro , Yoshimoto Soichiro
Published: April 2019

The adsorption of methylviologen dications (MV2+) on single‐crystalline Au electrodes in both H2SO4 and HClO4 was examined. MV2+ strongly interacted with sulfate and bisulfate anions adsorbed on the Au(111) electrode surface in 0.05 M H2SO4 under a controlled potential of 1.25 V vs. the reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE). A characteristic non‐Faradaic current was observed at 1.10 V vs. RHE. When adsorption of MV2+ was carried out in 0.1 M HClO4, the electrochemical response of MV2+ was less than that obtained in H2SO4. The results show that the formation of a highly ordered sulfate/bisulfate adlayer plays an important role in the formation of condensed MV2+ layers. Examination of polycrystalline Au and Au(100) electrodes revealed a poor electrochemical response due to the surface roughness of the Au substrate, but the electrochemical detection was applicable to polycrystalline Au electrodes. A systematic investigation of the structural dependency of viologen derivatives showed that molecular size is important for electrostatic interactions with a highly ordered sulfate/bisulfate adlayer. The findings of the present study demonstrate successful detection of MV2+ at a concentration of ≤1 pM with a non‐Faradaic current.
Electrochemical Determination of Dicofol at Nickel Nanowire Modified Poly(p‐aminophenol) Film Electrode
Authors: Karabiberoğlu Şükriye Ulubay , Koçak Çağrı Ceylan , Dursun Zekerya
Published: April 2019

An electrochemical sensor was fabricated by construction of nickel nanowires on the surface of poly(p‐aminophenol) (PPAP) modified glassy carbon electrode. The electrochemical response of dicofol, a known pesticide and used for agricultural activities such as cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry, were investigated and the results were compared with those obtained unmodified electrodes. Following the optimization of NaOH concentration, polymerization cycle number, Ni nanowire amount, the linear range for the dicofol was studied and found as 0.83–30.7 μmol L−1 (R2=0.9981) at Ni/PPAP/GCE with a 0.08 μmol L−1 detection limit according to S/N=3. Finally, the proposed Ni/PPAP/GCE sensor was successfully applied for the dicofol analysis in soil samples. The characterization of the developed surface was carried out by scanning electron microscopy and X‐Ray photoelectron spectroscopy.
Electroanalysis of Bisphenols A, F, and Z Using Graphene Based Stochastic Microsensors
Authors: Stefan‐van Staden Raluca‐Ioana , Mincu Mariana , van Staden Jacobus Frederick
Published: April 2019

Two stochastic microsensors based on immobilization of the complex between protoporphyrin IX and cobalt on nanographene paste and on the reduced graphene oxide paste were proposed for the simultaneous identification and quantification of bisphenols A (BPA), F (BPF) and Z (BPZ) from water samples. The signatures obtained for the BPA, BPF, and BFZ when both stochastic microsensors were used shown that the microsensors can be used for the discrimination between the three bisphenols in water samples. Very low limits of determination were obtained for the three bisphenols: 1fmol/L for BPA and BPF when the microsensor based on the immobilization of the complex between protoporphyrin IX and cobalt on nanographene paste was used, and 10fmol/L for BPZ when the microsensor based on the immobilization of the complex between protoporphyrin IX and cobalt on reduced graphene oxide paste was used. The linear concentration ranges covered by the proposed stochastic microsensors were: between 10−15 and 10−5 mol/L for BPA, between 10−15 and 10−7 mol/L for BPF, and between 10−13 and 10−10 mol/L for BPZ. The recoveries of the bisphenols in water samples were higher than 99.50 %, with RSD values lower than 1.00 %.
Male‐mediated prenatal loss: Functions and mechanisms
Authors: Zipple Matthew N. , Roberts Eila K. , Alberts Susan C. , Beehner Jacinta C.
Published: April 2019

Sexually selected infanticide has been the subject of intense empirical and theoretical study for decades; a related phenomenon, male‐mediated prenatal loss, has received much less attention in evolutionary studies. Male‐mediated prenatal loss occurs when inseminated or pregnant females terminate reproductive effort following exposure to a nonsire male, either through implantation failure or pregnancy termination. Male‐mediated prenatal loss encompasses two sub‐phenomena: sexually selected feticide and the Bruce effect. In this review, we provide a framework that explains the relationship between feticide and the Bruce effect and describes what is known about the proximate and ultimate mechanisms involved in each. Using a simple model, we demonstrate that male‐mediated prenatal loss can provide greater reproductive benefits to males than infanticide. We therefore suggest that, compared to infanticide, male‐mediated prenatal loss may be more prevalent in mammalian species and may have played a greater role in their social evolution than has previously been documented.
Development and optimization of an immunoassay for the detection of Hg(II) in lake water
Authors: Jin Xuexue , He Rong , Ju Xingrong , Zhang Jie , Wang Mingjie , Xing Changrui , Yuan Jian
Published: April 2019

In this paper, an indirect competitive enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (IC‐ELISA) has been developed and optimized to detect Hg(II) in tap water and lake water based on a monoclonal antibody (mAb‐A24). Some stabilizing additives (Gelatin, bovine serum albumin [BSA], polyvinyl alcohol [PVA], and polyvinyl pyrrolidone [PVP]) and surfactant (Tween‐20) have been investigated thoroughly in the optimization process. Under the optimal condition, the 50% half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) and limit of detection (LOD) were 1.68 and 0.079 ng/ml, respectively. These anti‐Hg mAbs also have some affinity with methyl mercury (CH3Hg) and with no cross‐reactivity with other thirteen metal ions. The developed method has shown satisfactory recovery of Hg(II), ranged between 91% and 116%, from tap water and lake water. Therefore, this immunoassay can be used to detect trace Hg(II) in environment water.
Macro‐ and microelements in pumpkin seed oils: Effect of processing, crop season, and country of origin
Authors: Martinec Nenad , Balbino Sandra , Dobša Jasminka , Šimunić‐Mežnarić Vesna , Legen Saša
Published: April 2019

Macro‐ and microelements in the samples of virgin and cold pressed pumpkin seed oils produced in Croatia through two consecutive crop seasons were determined by inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectroscopy (ICP‐OES). Croatian oils were also compared to oils from Slovenia and Austria in order to assess differences in the element content. Magnesium, potassium, calcium, sodium, selenium, and iron were the dominant elements in all pumpkin seed oils. Their amounts together with barium, strontium, manganese, copper were up to ninefold higher (p ≤ 0.05) in virgin compared to cold pressed pumpkin seed oils. These differences occur due to the different processing conditions which include salt addition, heat treatment, and higher degree of equipment ware out during virgin pumpkin seed oil production. As the sodium level increases with the addition of salt, virgin pumpkin seed oil could be considered its hidden source and producers should pay attention to the amount added. Contents of cobalt, copper, selenium, and thallium significantly differed (p ≤ 0.05) between the two crop seasons. Principal component analysis revealed clear differences between samples with different origin that can be explained by the specifics in the production processes of each country. In comparison with Austrian and Slovenian, Croatian pumpkin seed oils had significantly lower contents of sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and tin while bismuth and selenium were higher.
Continuing Education in Motivational Interviewing for Addiction Counselors: Reducing the Research‐to‐Practice Gap
Authors: Doumas Diana M. , Miller Raissa M. , Esp Susan
Published: April 2019

The authors evaluated the effectiveness of continuing education training in motivational interviewing (MI) for addiction counselors. Participants reported a significant increase in counseling self‐efficacy, and 87.5% reported increasing MI use in their practice. Only 3.8%, however, participated in posttraining consultation.
KF/clinoptilolite nanoparticles as a novel catalyst for the green synthesis of chromens using three component reactions of 4‐hydroxycoumarins: Study of antioxidant activity
Authors: Sharifi Samanehsadat , Maghsoudlou Malek Taher , Hazeri Nourallah , Rostami‐Charati Faramarz
Published: April 2019

In this research, the green synthesis of chromen derivatives in good yields is described via three‐component reactions of 4‐hydroxycumarine, aldehydes or ketones, and methyl ketones in the presence of KF/clinoptilolite nanoparticles (KF/CP‐NPs) under solvent‐free conditions at 50°C in low time. The present methodology suggests some advantages such as low reaction time, easy and simple procedure, green method, inexpensive catalyst, high yield of product, and existence of different substrates for performing these reactions. In addition, it should be mentioned that antioxidant activity was studied for some prepared compounds, such as 4a–4d, by DPPH radical trapping and reducing potential tests of ferric ion and then comparing results with TBHQ and BHT as synthetic antioxidants. In this study, compounds 4c was shown to have moderate DPPH radical trapping, and compounds 4b and 4d displayed good reducing power of ferric ion.
Mental health stigma in depressed Latinos over the course of therapy: Results from a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Collado Anahi , Zvolensky Michael , Lejuez Carl , MacPherson Laura
Published: April 2019

Objective

The current study examined the course, correlates, and predictors of mental health stigma among depressed, Spanish‐speaking Latinos that were receiving treatment. This population faces significant disparities in mental health treatment and carries high levels of mental health stigma.

Method

The study utilized data generated from a randomized clinical trial (N = 46) that evaluated the efficacy of Behavioral Activation and Supportive Counseling for depression among Latinos.

Results

Mental health stigma decreased over time; these decreases were more pronounced among individuals who were randomized to Supportive Counseling. Mental health stigma was positively associated with depressive symptoms and therapeutic alliance over time. Mental health stigma was not related to treatment attrition.

Conclusions

These preliminary findings indicate that mental health stigma continues to be relevant among individuals who are actively participating in treatment. Receiving mental health treatment may be sufficient to dispel some of the stigmatizing views endorsed by underserved clinical populations.
microRNA expression profiles in two‐ and three‐dimensional culture conditions of human‐umbilical‐cord blood‐derived CD34+ cells
Authors: Arabkari Vahid , Amirizadeh Naser , Nikougoftar Mahin , Soleimani Masoud
Published: April 2019

Human umbilical cord blood (HUCB) is a suitable source of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) for therapeutic transplantation. Different approaches have been used to expand the number of HSCs to increase the rate of HSC transplantation success in patients, such as using different cocktails of cytokines, feeder cell layers, and biocompatible scaffolds. microRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression posttranscriptionally. They play crucial roles in hematopoiesis including stem cell proliferation, differentiation, stemness, and self‐renewal properties. Here, we studied the UCB‐derived CD34+ cell expansion and the miRNA signatures of CD34+ cells on two‐ and three‐dimensional (2D and 3D) culture conditions. We successfully expanded the UCB‐derived CD34+ cells in both liquid culture (2D) and on aminated polyethersulfone nanofiber scaffolds (3D). Next, we identified the miRNA signature of CD34+ cells and their target genes. We found 58 dysregulated miRNAs in 3D culture condition and 34 dysregulated miRNAs in 2D culture condition when compared to the freshly isolated CD34+ cells. Various types of target genes were also predicted in both conditions using two online databases.
A novel mechanism of Smads/miR‐675/TGFβR1 axis modulating the proliferation and remodeling of mouse cardiac fibroblasts
Authors: Wang Lei , Jiang Ping , He Yi , Hu Hongyu , Guo Yuan , Liu Xiangyang , Qiu Haihua , Ma Qilin , Ouyang Fan
Published: April 2019

Cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) can over‐proliferate during the progression of cardiac fibrosis, accompanied by a net accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins. Based on the profibrotic actions of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFβ1), investigating the mechanisms of TGFβ1 function in CFs may provide new directions to treatment for cardiac fibrosis. microRNAs (miRNAs) could control CFs proliferation or remodeling via binding to 3′‐untranslated region of messenger RNA (mRNA) to negatively regulate gene expression. In the present study, we downloaded several microarray analyses results from GEO attempting to identify miRNAs and possible downstream targets that may be involved in TGF‐β1 function in CFs and to detect the cellular and molecular functions of the identified miRNA–mRNA axis. Here, we identified miR‐675 as a downregulated miRNA by TGFβ1 by bioinformatics analyses and experimental verification. Upon TGFβ1 stimulation, the protein levels of Α‐SMAΑ‐SMA, collagen I, and POSTN, and the secreted collagen in the cell culture supernatant significantly increased, whereas the miR‐675 expression decreased. Smads mediate TGFβ1‐induced suppression on miR‐675 via binding miR‐675 promoter region. miR‐675 overexpression could inhibit, whereas miR‐675 inhibition could enhance TGFβ1‐induced mouse CFs (MCF) remodeling and proliferation. TGFβ receptor 1 (TGFβR1), a critical receptor in TGFβ1/Smad signaling, is a direct downstream target of miR‐675. TGFβR1 overexpression significantly reverses the effect of miR‐675 overexpression on MCF remodeling and proliferation. In summary, miR‐675 targets TGFβR1 to attenuate TGFβ1‐induced MCF remodeling and proliferation. We demonstrate a novel mechanism of the Smads/miR‐675/TGFβR1 axis modulating TGFβ1‐induced MCF remodeling and proliferation.
Does esophageal wall thickness on computed tomography predict response to endoscopic dilatation in patients with corrosive esophageal strictures?
Authors: Gupta Pankaj , Gulati Ajay , Reddy Yalaka R , Samanta Jayanta , Kochhar Rakesh
Published: April 2019

Background and Aim

To evaluate the role of esophageal wall thickness (EWT) on computed tomography (CT) in predicting response to endoscopic dilatation of corrosive esophageal strictures.

Methods

This was a retrospective study. A review of the records of patients who underwent endoscopic dilatation of esophageal strictures between January 2010 and December 2017 was performed. Patients who had a CT evaluation prior to dilatations were included. CT‐EWT was measured at the maximum visible point. Clinical details and endoscopic dilatation parameters were recorded. Technical success, clinical success, and recurrent and refractory strictures were recorded. CT‐EWT and the clinical parameters were evaluated regarding their role in predicting the number of dilatations required to achieve technical and clinical success.

Results

A total of 250 patients underwent endoscopic dilatations during the study period; 84 patients underwent thoracoabdominal CT. Complete clinical, endoscopic, CT data and follow up were available for 64 patients. There were 36 males. The median age was 30 years (range, 14–70 years). A total of 750 dilatations were performed. The median number of dilatations required to achieve technical success was 8.5 (range, 1–51). Dilatations were performed after a median period of 3 months (range, 1–40). Median CT‐EWT was 7 mm (range, 3–22). On univariate, as well as multivariate, analysis, CT‐EWT and the clinical parameters were found to be poor predictors of the number of dilatations required to achieve technical and clinical success.

Conclusion

CT‐EWT has no additional role in predicting response to the endoscopic dilatation of corrosive esophageal strictures.
High success rates for the use of ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir containing regimens in treatment of naïve and experienced chronic hepatitis C genotype 4: Real world results
Authors: El Kassas Moham﻿ed , Alboraie Mohamed , Omar Heba , El Latif Yasmeen Abd , Algaber Mohammed Abd , El Tahan Adel , El Halwagy Hesham , Afify Shimaa﻿ , Elserafy Magdy , Elsaeed Kadry , Doss Wahid
Published: April 2019

Introduction and Aims

Treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 4 patient with fixed dose combination of ombitasvir‐paritaprevir‐ritonavir plus ribavirin (OBV/rPTV/RBV) has been proven efficacy and safety in many clinical trials. The current study reports the efficacy and safety of OBV/rPTV/RBV (for treatment‐naïve), and OBV/rPTV/RBV/sofosbuvir (SOF) (for treatment‐experienced), in chronic HCV genotype 4 patients in real life settings.

Methods

Prospective cohort study including all adult chronic HCV genotype 4 patients who were scheduled to receive OBV/rPTV/RBV ± SOF for 12 or 24 weeks in New Cairo Viral Hepatitis Treatment Center. The primary efficacy endpoint was a virologic response at posttreatment week 12 (SVR12). Changes in hematological parameters, liver biochemical profile and fibrosis‐4 index (FIB‐4), as well as clinical and laboratory adverse events (AEs) across follow up visits (week 4, end of treatment [EOT], and SVR12), were recorded.

Results

Our study included 325 patients (age; 47.63 ± 12.63 years, 55.38% [n = 180] men). Most of the included patients (89.85%, n = 292) were treatment naïve and only 7% (n = 23) had liver cirrhosis. Overall, SVR12 was attained by 98.44% (316 of 321) of the patients; 97.15% (307 of 316) of patients who received 12 weeks of OBV/rPTV/RBV ± SOF and 100% (9 of 9) of patients who received 24 weeks of OBV/rPTV/RBV as assessed by modified intention to treat analysis. There was a significant improvement of baseline alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, hemoglobin, FIB‐4 at SVR12 (P < 0.05). The most common reported AEs were anemia (n = 106), fatigue (n = 41) and elevated indirect bilirubin (n = 37).

Conclusion

OBV/rPTV/RBV (±SOF) is a highly effective therapy for chronic HCV patients in real life settings.
Soybean isoflavones reduce citrinin production by Monascus aurantiacus Li AS3.4384 in liquid state fermentation using different media
Authors: Huang Zhibing , Zhang Lijuan , Gao Heng , Wang Yanling , Li Xiujiang , Huang Xinyu , Huang Ting
Published: April 2019

BACKGROUND

Monascus, a filamentous fungus, produces many bioactive substances. However, in the process of fermentation, Monascus also produces the mycotoxin citrinin. Owing to the presence of citrinin, the safety of Monascus products has been questioned and their wide application limited. Using soybean isoflavones (SI) as exogenous additives, alterations in citrinin production by Monascus aurantiacus Li AS3.4384 (MALA) in different media used for liquid state fermentation were investigated.

RESULTS

Results showed that the citrinin concentration was 95.98% lower than that of the control group after 16‐days fermentation when 20.0 g L−1 SI were added to rice powder and inorganic salt medium. Citrinin production was reduced by 97.24% after 12‐days fermentation with 10.0 g L−1 SI in starch inorganic salt medium; 82.52% after 20‐days fermentation with 20.0 g L−1 SI in starch peptone medium with high starch content; 45.07% after 14‐days fermentation with 5.0 g L−1 SI in starch peptone medium with low starch content; and 82.21% after 14‐days fermentation with 20.0 g L−1 SI in yeast extract sucrose medium.

CONCLUSION

The developed method of removing citrinin is simple, safe, and effective, and it can be applied to reduce the citrinin content of Monascus products. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Detailed methylation map of LINE‐1 5′‐promoter region reveals hypomethylated CpG hotspots associated with tumor tissue specificity
Authors: Sharma Amit , Jamil Muhammad A. , Nuesgen Nicole , Dauksa Albertas , Gulbinas Antanas , Schulz Wolfgang A. , Oldenburg Johannes , El‐Maarri Osman
Published: April 2019

Background

Long interspersed nuclear elements (LINE‐1) sequences constitute a substantial portion of the human genome, and their methylation often correlating with global genomic methylation. Previous studies have highlighted the feasibility of using LINE‐1 methylation to discriminate tumors from healthy tissues. However, most studies are based on only a few specific LINE‐1 CpG sites.

Methods

Herein, we have performed a systematic fine‐scale analysis of methylation at 14 CpGs located in the 5′‐region of consensus LINE‐1, in bladder, colon, prostate, and gastric tumor tissues using a global degenerate approach.

Results

Our results reveal variable methylation levels between different CpGs, as well as some tissue‐specific differences. Trends toward hypomethylation were observed in all tumors types to certain degrees, showing statistically significance in bladder and prostate tumors. Our data points toward the presence of unique LINE‐1 DNA methylation patterns for each tumor type and tissue, indicating that not the same CpGs will be informative for testing in all tumor types.

Conclusion

This study provides an accurate guide that will help to design further assays that could avoid artifacts and explain the variability of obtained LINE‐1 methylation values between different studies.
Influences of operator head posture and protective eyewear on eye lens doses in interventional radiology: A Monte Carlo Study
Authors: Mao Li , Liu Tianyu , Caracappa Peter F. , Lin Hui , Gao Yiming , Dauer Lawrence T. , Xu X. George
Published: April 2019

Purpose

To quantify the effects of operator head posture and different types of protective eyewear on the eye lens dose to operators in interventional radiology (IR).

Methods

A deformable computational human phantom, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) Adult Male, consisting of a high‐resolution eye model, was used to simulate a radiologist who is performing an interventional radiology procedure. The radiologist phantom was deformed to a set of different head postures. Three different protective eyewear models were incorporated into the posture‐deformed radiologist phantom. The eye lens dose of the radiologist was calculated using the Monte Carlo code, MCNP. Effects of the radiologist's head posture and different types of protective eyewear on eye lens doses were studied. The relationship between efficacy of protective eyewear and the radiologist's head posture was investigated. Effects of other parameters on efficacy of protective eyewear were also studied, including the angular position of the radiologist, the gap between the eyewear and the face of the radiologist, and the lead equivalent thickness.

Results

The dose to both lenses decreased by 80% as the head posture moved from looking downward to looking upward. Sports wrap glasses were found to reduce doses further than the other two studied models. The efficacy of eyewear was found to be related to radiologist's head posture as well. When the radiologist was looking up, the protective eyewear almost provided no protection to both lenses. Other factors such as the face‐to‐eyewear distance and the lead equivalent thickness were also found to have an impact on the efficacy of protective eyewear. The dose reduction factor (DRF), defined as the ratio of the dose to the lens without protection to that with protection, decreased from 4.25 to 1.07 as the face‐to‐eyewear distance increased. The DRF almost doubled when the lead equivalent thickness increased from 0.07 to 0.35 mm. However, further increase in lead equivalent thickness showed little improvement in dose reduction.

Conclusion

The radiologist's head posture has a significant influence on the eye lens dose in IR. Sports wrap protective eyewear which conforms to the curve of the face is essential for the radiation protection of the eye lens. However, the radiologist's head posture and other exposure parameters should be considered when evaluating the protection of the radiologist's eyes.
Parental Education and Genetics of BMI from Infancy to Old Age: A Pooled Analysis of 29 Twin Cohorts
Authors: Silventoinen Karri , Jelenkovic Aline , Latvala Antti , Yokoyama Yoshie , Sund Reijo , Sugawara Masumi , Tanaka Mami , Matsumoto Satoko , Aaltonen Sari , Piirtola Maarit , Freitas Duarte L. , Maia José A. , Öncel Sevgi Y. , Aliev Fazil , Ji Fuling , Ning Feng , Pang Zengchang , Rebato Esther , Saudino Kimberly J. , Cutler Tessa L. , Hopper John L. , Ullemar Vilhelmina , Almqvist Catarina , Magnusson Patrik K. E. , Cozen Wendy , Hwang Amie E. , Mack Thomas M. , Willemsen Gonneke , Bartels Meike , van Beijsterveldt Catharina E. M. , Nelson Tracy L. , Whitfield Keith E. , Sung Joohon , Kim Jina , Lee Jooyeon , Lee Sooji , Llewellyn Clare H. , Fisher Abigail , Medda Emanuela , Nisticò Lorenza , Toccaceli Virgilia , Baker Laura A. , Tuvblad Catherine , Corley Robin P. , Huibregtse Brooke M. , Derom Catherine A. , Vlietinck Robert F. , Loos Ruth J. F. , Knafo‐Noam Ariel , Mankuta David , Abramson Lior , Burt S. Alexandra , Klump Kelly L. , Silberg Judy L. , Maes Hermine H. , Krueger Robert F. , McGue Matt , Pahlen Shandell , Gatz Margaret , Butler David A. , Harris Jennifer R. , Nilsen Thomas S. , Harden K. Paige , Tucker‐Drob Elliot M. , Franz Carol E. , Kremen William S. , Lyons Michael J. , Lichtenstein Paul , Jeong Hoe‐Uk , Hur Yoon‐Mi , Boomsma Dorret I. , Sørensen Thorkild I. A. , Kaprio Jaakko
Published: April 2019

Objective

The objective of this study was to analyze how parental education modifies the genetic and environmental variances of BMI from infancy to old age in three geographic‐cultural regions.

Methods

A pooled sample of 29 cohorts including 143,499 twin individuals with information on parental education and BMI from age 1 to 79 years (299,201 BMI measures) was analyzed by genetic twin modeling.

Results

Until 4 years of age, parental education was not consistently associated with BMI. Thereafter, higher parental education level was associated with lower BMI in males and females. Total and additive genetic variances of BMI were smaller in the offspring of highly educated parents than in those whose parents had low education levels. Especially in North American and Australian children, environmental factors shared by co‐twins also contributed to the higher BMI variation in the low education level category. In Europe and East Asia, the associations of parental education with mean BMI and BMI variance were weaker than in North America and Australia.

Conclusions

Lower parental education level is associated with higher mean BMI and larger genetic variance of BMI after early childhood, especially in the obesogenic macro‐environment. The interplay among genetic predisposition, childhood social environment, and macro‐social context is important for socioeconomic differences in BMI.
Cr concentration driving the structural, mechanical, and thermodynamic properties of Cr‐Al compounds from first‐principles calculations
Authors: Pan Yong
Published: April 2019

Cr‐Al binary compounds are regarded as the potential high‐temperature structural materials. However, the structure and important properties of Cr‐Al compounds are not completely unclear. Here, we report on the influence of Cr concentration on the structural, mechanical, and thermodynamic properties of Cr‐Al compounds by using the first‐principles calculations. Four novel Cr‐Al compounds, Cr3Al8 with monoclinic structure (C2/m), Cr3Al5 with hexagonal structure (P63mc), Cr2Al3 with tetragonal structure (I4/mmm), and Cr3Al with cubic structure (Pm‐3 m), are predicted. The calculated elastic modulus of Cr‐Al compounds gradually increases with increasing Cr concentration. Compared to other Cr‐Al compounds, our predicted Cr3Al with cubic structure exhibits a strong deformation resistance and high hardness due to symmetrical CrAl bonds. However, the Debye temperature of Cr7Al3 is larger than that of other Cr‐Al compounds. The calculated phonon density of state shows that the high‐temperature thermodynamic properties of Cr‐Al compounds are attributed to the vibration of Al atom and CrAl bond.
Tension hydrothorax secondary to small cell lung cancer
Authors: Porter Eleah Danielle , Finley David John , Phillips Joseph David
Published: April 2019

Malignant tension hydrothorax is rare. Here we present a malignant tension hydrothorax secondary to small cell lung cancer (SCLC). To our knowledge, this is the first report of this entity. Briefly, a 53‐year‐old male smoker presented in acute distress after months of fatigue, shortness of breath, and weight loss. On examination his heart rate was 122, respiratory rate 31, blood pressure 102/60, oxygen saturation 92%, and he had tracheal deviation to the left with absent breath sounds on the right. Work‐up revealed hyponatraemia and a large pleural effusion causing tracheal deviation, mediastinal shift and compression of abdominal contents. There were associated masses in the right lung upper lobe and tail of the pancreas. Urgent, interval drainage of the effusion over several hours with tube thoracostomy relieved his symptoms while also avoiding life‐threatening re‐expansion pulmonary oedema. Subsequent thoracoscopic pleural biopsies revealed extensive SCLC. He was advised to begin urgent chemotherapy.
Identification of long-lived charged particles using time-of-flight systems at the upgraded LHC detectors
Authors: Cerri O. , Xie S. , Pena C. , Spiropulu M.
Published: April 2019

Abstract

We study the impact of precision timing detection systems on the LHC experiments’ long-lived particle search program during the HL-LHC era. We develop algorithms that allow us to reconstruct the mass of such charged particles and perform particle identification using the time-of-flight measurement. We investigate the reach for benchmark scenarios as a function of the timing resolution, and find sensitivity improvement of up to a factor of ten over searches that use ionization energy loss information, depending on the particle’s mass.
LHC SUSY and WIMP dark matter searches confront the string theory landscape
Authors: Baer Howard , Barger Vernon , Salam Shadman , Serce Hasan , Sinha Kuver
Published: April 2019

Abstract

The string theory landscape of vacua solutions provides physicists with some understanding as to the magnitude of the cosmological constant. Similar reasoning can be applied to the magnitude of the soft SUSY breaking terms in supersymmetric models of particle physics: there appears to be a statistical draw towards large soft terms which is tempered by the anthropic requirement of the weak scale lying not too far from ∼ 100 GeV. For a mild statistical draw of m
soft

n

with n = 1 (as expected from SUSY breaking due to a single F term) then the light Higgs mass is preferred at ∼ 125 GeV while sparticles are all pulled beyond LHC bounds. We confront a variety of LHC and WIMP dark matter search limits with the statistical expectations from a fertile patch of string theory landscape. The end result is that LHC and WIMP dark matter detectors see exactly that which is expected from the landscape: a Standard Model-like Higgs boson of mass 125 GeV but as yet no sign of sparticles or WIMP dark matter. SUSY from the n = 1 landscape is most likely to emerge at LHC in the soft opposite-sign dilepton plus jet plus MET channel. Multi-ton noble liquid WIMP detectors should be able to completely explore the n = 1 landscape parameter space.
Relating AdS6 solutions in type IIB supergravity
Authors: Chen Kevin , Gutperle Michael
Published: April 2019

Abstract

In this note we show that the IIB supergravity solutions of the form AdS6 ×M
4 found by Apruzzi et al. in [1] are related to the local solutions found by D’Hoker et al. in [2]. We also discuss how the global regular solutions found in [3, 4] are mapped to the parameterization of [1].
Mechanism of injury, injury patterns and associated injuries in patients operated for chest wall trauma
Authors: Caragounis Eva-Corina , Xiao Yao , Granhed Hans
Published: April 2019

Purpose

Chest wall injuries are common in blunt trauma and associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to determine the most common mechanisms of injury (MOI), injury patterns, and associated injuries in patients who undergo surgery for chest wall trauma.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of trauma patients with multiple rib fractures and unstable thoracic cage injuries who were managed surgically at Sahlgrenska University Hospital during the period September 2010–September 2017. The MOI, injury severity score (ISS), new injury severity score (NISS), thoracic and associated injuries were recorded. Patients were categorized according to age (years): groups I (15‒44), II (45‒64) and III ( > 64). Unstable thoracic cage injuries were classified as sternal, anterior, lateral and posterior flail chest.

Results

Two hundred and eleven trauma patients with a mean age (years) of 58.2 ± 15.6, mean ISS 23.6 ± 11.0, and mean NISS 34.1 ± 10.6 were included in the study. Traffic accidents were the most common MOI in Group I (62%) and falls in Group III (59%). The most common flail segments were lateral and posterior. Sternal and anterior flail segments were more common with bilateral injuries and traffic accidents, particularly frontal collisions. Injuries in at least three body regions were also more associated with traffic accidents. Diaphragmatic injury was seen in 18% of patients who underwent thoracotomy.

Conclusions

The MOI associated with multiple rib fractures differs according to the age of the patient and is associated with different chest wall injury patterns and extra-thoracic injuries.
In/Fertile Monsters: The Emancipatory Significance of Representations of Women on Infertility Reality TV
Authors: de Boer Marjolein Lotte , Archetti Cristina , Solbraekke Kari Nyheim
Published: April 2019

Reality TV is immensely popular, and various shows in this media genre involve a storyline of infertility and infertility treatment. Feminists argue that normative and constructed realities about infertility and infertility treatment, like those in reality TV, are central to the emancipation of women. Such realities are able to steer viewers' perceptions of the world. This article examines the emancipatory significance of representations of women on 'infertility reality TV shows'. While the women in these shows all have 'abnormal' qualities, we consider their portrayal as figurations of monstrosity. In the literature, monstrosity is understood as a way to challenge nonemancipatory norms by offering an alternative identity. Through a content analysis of seven reality TV shows, we identified four types of in/fertile monsters: the cyborg, the freak, the abject, and the childless. We show that these monsters are predominantly non-emancipatory as they all involve mechanisms of altering, excluding, or condemning infertility in relation to what is considered normal and acceptable womanhood. Therefore, at the end of this article, we make a plea for more diverse and emancipatory representations of infertile women in popular culture.
La productividad total de los factores en la agricultura española: el caso del sur de Navarra, 1780-1900
Authors: Lana-Berasain José-Miguel
Published: April 2019

The aim of this article is to measure the advance of agricultural productivity in South Navarra between 1780 and 1900. The construction of several indices of agricultural commodities and factor prices allows us to apply the methodology of Total Factor Productivity (TFP). As distinguished from the thesis of stagnation, our estimate of the annual rate of TFP growth in the long run is close to 0.42 %. This rate was particularly high between 1817 and 1850, in a context of deflation and institutional change. During the second half of the century the cyclical evolution of the curve reveals the obstacles derived from the capital resources supply, especially fertilizers and animal traction.
Crosstalk Effect and Its Mitigation in Aqua MODIS Middle‐Wave Infrared Bands
Authors: Sun Junqiang , Guenther Bruce , Wang Menghua
Published: April 2019

The MODerate‐resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) has 36 bands, among which 6, bands 20–25, are middle‐wave infrared (MWIR) bands, covering a wavelength range from approximately 3.750 to 4.515 μm. Significant crosstalk effect in Aqua MODIS MWIR bands was found prelaunch and confirmed on‐orbit early in the mission. In this paper, the crosstalk effect in these bands is carefully investigated and quantitatively characterized using the instrument's scheduled lunar observations. The crosstalk correction algorithm that we have developed in our previous work is applied to all levels including black body calibration and L1B EV retrievals to mitigate the crosstalk effect in the bands. We show significant crosstalk contaminations among all MWIR bands and also show that these bands have significant crosstalk contaminations from the shortwave infrared bands. We demonstrate that the crosstalk effect has significant impact on onboard black body calibration as well as on EV retrievals. For L1B EV retrievals, these crosstalk effects induce significant radiometric bias as well as strong striping. The radiometric bias is larger than 1.8 K for all detectors of the 4.47‐μm band (band 24) for typical scene. Aqua MODIS band 24 detector 1 is most strongly impacted by crosstalk and has a bias that may be as large as 10 K. The crosstalk correction successfully mitigates the striping in the EV images and improves the accuracy of the EV retrievals in the MWIR bands.
Derivation of Hemispheric Ionospheric Current Functions From Ground‐Level Magnetic Fields
Authors: Weimer D. R.
Published: April 2019

The horizontal currents in the high‐latitude ionosphere are the primary driver of the magnetic field perturbations that are observed at the surface of the Earth. These currents and their ground effects are an important aspect of the magnetosphere‐ionosphere coupling process. This paper discusses the method of inversion that uses spherical harmonic potential function, in which magnetic field measurements on the ground can be used to derive maps of the “ionospheric equivalent currents,” a mathematical representation of the horizontal currents flowing on a thin shell. It is shown that the use of both internal telluric and external current sources is required when fitting the spherical harmonic series; otherwise, the ionospheric currents will be overestimated. Furthermore, the inversion needs to compensate for magnetic effects of the magnetospheric ring current; otherwise, this current is projected onto the ionosphere. The amplification of the surface horizontal magnetic field and the suppression of the vertical magnetic field are demonstrated. The equivalent currents may be useful for estimating the ionospheric conductivity values. Additionally, these currents can be compared with the results from simulation models as a means of validation.
Impact of Drying and Effective Stresses on the Pore Space and Microstructure of Mudrocks
Authors: Deirieh Amer , Chang Irene Y. , Casey Brendan , Joester Derk , Germaine John T.
Published: April 2019

The evolution of the pore space of mudrocks induced by drying shrinkage and effective stresses is of importance to several areas of research. Drying is a prerequisite for most mudrock characterization methods, while effective stresses have a direct impact on mudrocks properties such as permeability, compressibility, and strength. Mercury porosimetry intrusion has been widely utilized to show that drying shrinkage and effective stresses lead to the collapse of large pores only (~ > 50 nm), while small pores (~ < 50 nm) remain unaffected. However, the validity of mercury porosimetry intrusion‐derived pore size distributions is greatly doubted in the literature due to the fact that most pores in mudrocks are not directly accessible to the surrounding mercury. This study follows a different approach by utilizing a suite of methods including imaging by transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy at cryogenic temperature after high‐pressure freezing (cryoSEM), and gravimetric porosity measurements to investigate the influence of volumetric changes on the pore space of mudrocks. Contrary to previously published results, we show that volumetric changes induced by drying and effective stresses lead to the collapse of pores of all sizes. Furthermore, we show that porosity measured from SEM images is dependent on SEM resolution and reveals only a fraction of the actual porosity. These results provide valuable insights used to interpret the results of characterization methods requiring drying and modeling of effective stress influence on the properties of mudrocks.
Mixed‐Mode Strain Localization Generated by Hydration Reaction at Crustal Conditions
Authors: Zheng Xiaojiao , Cordonnier Benoît , McBeck Jessica , Boller Elodie , Jamtveit Bjørn , Zhu Wenlu , Renard François
Published: April 2019

Hydration reactions influence rock density and rheology. For example, volume increases produced in hydration reactions may generate sufficient tensile and shear stress to fracture both the rock undergoing the reaction and the surrounding host rock. We performed in situ dynamic X‐ray synchrotron microtomography experiments to investigate reaction‐induced fracturing. Two experiments on hydration of periclase were performed at 180 or 190 °C, under a confinement of 10 or 80 MPa, a pore fluid pressure of 5 or 75 MPa, and with or without differential stress. The sample assembly consists of a periclase cylinder inserted into a central hole within a serpentinite cylinder. The reaction from periclase to brucite results in a large volume increase (110%), pushing the periclase/brucite against the serpentinite and ultimately breaking it. Using time‐resolved three‐dimensional imaging, we quantify the spatial and temporal distribution of the reaction‐induced fractures. We perform digital volume correlation analysis to obtain the incremental strain tensors throughout the hydration and fracturing process. We use numerical models to assess the distribution of stress within the serpentinite. The digital volume correlation results show mixed‐mode strain localization. The von Mises strain, indicative of shear, increases by a larger percentage than the contractive or dilatative strain components as the reaction‐induced fractures grow. The distribution of von Mises strain follows a power law relationship in the cumulative frequency‐magnitude domain, indicative of long‐range elastic stress interactions during fracturing. This experimental finding sheds insights on the mechanisms of microseismicity measured in areas undergoing active serpentinization.