bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reconstruction of a large pelvic defect by transfer of a quadruplet combination of pedicled flaps from the medial thigh using bilateral muscular gracilis flaps and bilateral vertical posteromedial thigh (vPMT) propeller flaps—A case report
Authors: Wishart Katarina T. , Fritsche Elmar , Scaglioni Mario F.
Published: December 2019

The reconstruction of defects of the perianal area and vagina places a high demand on a reconstructive surgeon. Different reconstructive methods include a skin graft, a local skin flap, a musculocutaneous flap, and a pedicled perforator flap. Here, we report the case of a 59‐year‐old female patient with a pelvic defect, who underwent reconstruction with a quadruplet combination of pedicled flaps from the medial thigh, due to an extensive resection of a recurrence of a squamous cell carcinoma of the anus, vulva, and partially the colon. The surgical oncologist performed a rectum amputation, a partial colectomy, a complete hysterectomy, and a resection of the dorso‐lateral vaginal vault in order to achieve tumor‐free margins. The resulting defect measured 14 × 11 cm2 with 8 cm of deep space. The defect was covered and reconstructed by employing a bilateral pedicled gracilis muscle flap rotated about 120° and advanced to fill up the residual spare space in the deep and a bilateral vertical posteromedial thigh (vPMT) using a propeller flap measuring 27 × 10 cm2 rotated 180° in order to reconstruct the vagina and the perianal area. All flaps survived without major post‐operative complications. The donor site morbidity was minimal. The range of motion was not limited over both hip and knee joints. Patient had no problem with urination. Sexual intercourse was not highly considered due to patient's old age. The follow‐up at 6 months showed acceptable cosmetic results with a satisfying contour of the coverage and reconstructed area. The combination of pedicled gracilis muscle flap and vPMT propeller flap may represent a valuable option in such a defect where deep space obliteration and reconstruction of the vagina with perianal contouring are needed.
Prevalence and risk factors of overactive bladder in Chinese children: A population‐based study
Authors: Xing Dong , Wang Yi He , Wen Yi Bo , Li Qi , Feng Jin Jin , Wu Jun Wei , Jia Zhi Ming , Yang Jing , Sihoe Jennifer D. , Song Cui Ping , Hu Hui Jie , Franco Israel , Wen Jian Guo
Published: December 2019

Aims

To investigate the prevalence of overactive bladder (OAB) and assess its risk factors in 5‐ to 14‐year‐old Chinese children.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study of OAB prevalence was performed by distributing 11 800 anonymous self‐administered questionnaires to parents in five provinces of mainland China from July to October 2018. The questionnaires included questions on sociodemographics, history of urinary tract infection (UTI), lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), family history of LUTS, bowel symptoms, and details about the elimination communication (EC) start time. OAB was defined as urgency and increased the daytime frequency with or without urinary incontinence.

Results

A total of 10 133 questionnaires qualified for statistical analysis. The overall prevalence of OAB was 9.01% and decreased with age, from 12.40% at 5 years to 4.55% at 14 years (χ2trend = 88.899; P < .001). The proportion of dry OAB increased with age, whereas the proportion of wet OAB decreased. A late‐onset of EC was associated with a high OAB prevalence (χ2 trend = 39.802; P < .001). Children with obesity, a history of UTI, nocturnal enuresis (NE), a family history of LUTS, constipation, and fecal incontinence had a higher prevalence of OAB than did normal children (P < .05).

Conclusion

Obesity, a history of UTI, NE, a family history of LUTS, and bowel symptoms are risk factors associated with OAB. Starting EC before 12 months of age might help reduce the prevalence of OAB in children.
Acute effect of sacral neuromodulation for treatment of detrusor overactivity on urodynamic parameters
Authors: Groenendijk Ilse M. , Groen Jan , Scheepe Jeroen R. , Blok Bertil F. M.
Published: December 2019

Aim

The aim of this study is to evaluate the acute effects of sacral neuromodulation (SNM) on various urodynamic parameters.

Methods

Patients with overactive bladder and detrusor overactivity (DO) who were planned for percutaneous nerve evaluation (PNE) were included. Directly after the PNE, a urodynamic study (UDS) was performed. The stimulation was turned off during the first UDS (UDS 1), and during the second filling cycle, stimulation was turned on (UDS 2). The UDS was followed by a test phase of 1 week and the bladder diaries were evaluated during an outpatient clinic visit. Primary outcome measures were the differences in UDS parameter values with SNM off and on.

Results

Ten female patients were included in the study and completed the study protocol. Eight patients showed ≥50% improvement of symptoms following a test phase. There were no differences between UDS 1 and UDS 2 in the UDS parameters; bladder volume at first sensation, bladder volume at first DO, highest DO pressure, bladder capacity, maximum flow rate, and pressure at maximum flow rate.

Discussion

None of the aforementioned urodynamic parameters was influenced by acute SNM in patients who responded to SNM. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study investigating the acute effects of SNM on bladder function.
On Quasi‐Newton methods in fast Fourier transform‐based micromechanics
Authors: Wicht Daniel , Schneider Matti , Böhlke Thomas
Published: December 2019

This work is devoted to investigating the computational power of Quasi‐Newton methods in the context of fast Fourier transform (FFT)‐based computational micromechanics. We revisit FFT‐based Newton‐Krylov solvers as well as modern Quasi‐Newton approaches such as the recently introduced Anderson accelerated basic scheme. In this context, we propose two algorithms based on the Broyden‐Fletcher‐Goldfarb‐Shanno (BFGS) method, one of the most powerful Quasi‐Newton schemes. To be specific, we use the BFGS update formula to approximate the global Hessian or, alternatively, the local material tangent stiffness. Both for Newton and Quasi‐Newton methods, a globalization technique is necessary to ensure global convergence. Specific to the FFT‐based context, we promote a Dong‐type line search, avoiding function evaluations altogether. Furthermore, we investigate the influence of the forcing term, that is, the accuracy for solving the linear system, on the overall performance of inexact (Quasi‐)Newton methods. This work concludes with numerical experiments, comparing the convergence characteristics and runtime of the proposed techniques for complex microstructures with nonlinear material behavior and finite as well as infinite material contrast.
A Simple Tank Retrofit Can Better Prepare Firefighters and Utilities
Authors: Weiss Bert
Published: December 2019

One great benefit of being the utilities operations and maintenance manager for the city of Hayward, Calif., is that I have the great opportunity to work with the city's Fire Department. Recently, the city's Utilities and Fire departments worked together on a potentially lifesaving fix: allowing local firefighters easy access to water storage tanks.
AWWA Competitions Provide More Than Fun
Authors: Payton Randy , Chapman Charlie
Published: December 2019

As a volunteer organization, AWWA thrives on people becoming involved at all levels. There are many ways for water professionals to engage in the association, including developing specifications and standards, participating on a committee, or simply supporting clean water. But AWWA is more than publishing, learning, and advocacy.
Arsenic Removal System Meets Limited Space and Budget Requirements
Authors: Hanson George , Prince Ned
Published: December 2019

Facing unacceptable arsenic levels in one of its wells, Chesapeake Ranch Water Company (Md.) installed an arsenic removal system rather than digging a new well.
Brief mindfulness, mental health, and cognitive processes: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Cerna Cristian , García Felipe E. , Téllez Arnoldo
Published: December 2019

The present study evaluated the impact of a brief mindfulness training program on emotional regulation, cognitive rumination, psychological well‐being, and depressive symptoms. This is an experimental study, through a randomized controlled trial. A total of 103 people enrolled on a voluntary basis, of whom 51 were randomly selected to participate in the experimental group and 52 in the control group without intervention (on the waiting list). It is established that a brief, four‐session mindfulness training program significantly increases psychological well‐being and significantly reduces the symptoms associated with depression; there was a decrease in emotional suppression and in intrusive and deliberate rumination, and an increase in cognitive reappraisal. Implications of this brief mindfulness program on the symptoms associated with depression, psychological well‐being, emotional regulation, and cognitive rumination are analyzed, as are the scope and limitations of the study.
The Proliferation of Technical Internet Filtering Practices: Tracking Policy and Its Implementation Through a Systemic Perspective
Authors: Zaiser Benjamin
Published: December 2019

Nation‐states’ desire to control the Internet is reflected in an increasing number of countries that employ ongoing, policy‐backed technical Internet filtering practices. This qualitative study investigated the mechanisms that operate at the international level of analysis, driving the growth, and spread of such Internet filtering activities across the globe. With an innovative combination of methods, two consecutive steps mark a valid point of departure in addressing this wide research gap. First, a Delphi study surveyed scholars of Internet governance and diffusion studies in political science and sociology about potential causes that drive states to implement technical Internet filtering practices. The second step tested the potential cause that the experts deemed to be most relevant with a comparative case study between South Korea, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. On the basis of the OpenNet Initiative’s empirical tests for technical Internet filtering, the study established a robust relationship between the implementation of state‐mandated technical Internet filtering practices and similar problems of role‐equivalent states as a predictor of international policy diffusion.
Annual SO2 exposure, asthma, atopy, and lung function in Puerto Rican children
Authors: Rosser Franziska , Forno Erick , Kurland Kristen S. , Han Yueh‐Ying , Mair Christina , Acosta‐Pérez Edna , Canino Glorisa , Celedón Juan C.
Published: December 2019

Background

Long‐term effects of sulfur dioxide (SO2) exposure on children, a vulnerable population, are largely unknown. Further, how long‐term SO2 affects Puerto Rican children living in the island of Puerto Rico, a group with high asthma prevalence, is unclear. We evaluated the effects of annual average 1‐hour daily maximum SO2 average on asthma, atopy, total immunoglobulin E (IgE), and lung function in Puerto Rican children.

Methods

A cohort of 678 children (351 with asthma, 327 without asthma) was recruited in Puerto Rico from 2009 to 2010. Annual average 1‐hour daily maximum SO2 exposure was interpolated utilizing publicly available monitoring data. Multivariable logistic and linear regression was used for the analysis of asthma, atopy (defined as an IgE ≥0.35 IU/mL to at least one of five common aero‐allergens), total IgE, and lung function measures (forced vital capacity [FVC], forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV1], and FEV1/FVC ratio).

Results

Annual SO2 exposure (per 1 ppb) was significantly associated with asthma (odds ratio [OR] = 1.42; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.05‐1.91) and atopy (OR = 1.35; 95% CI = 1.02‐1.78). Such exposure was also significantly associated with lower FEV1/FVC in all children (β = −1.42; 95% CI = −2.78 to −0.08) and in children with asthma (β = −2.39; 95% CI= −4.31 to −0.46). Annual SO2 exposure was not significantly associated with total IgE, FEV1, or FVC.

Conclusions

Among Puerto Rican children in Puerto Rico, long‐term SO2 exposure is linked to asthma and atopy. In these children, long‐term SO2 exposure is also associated with reduced FEV1/FVC, particularly in those with asthma.
Single‐ and Double‐Layered Bistretch Auxetic Woven Fabrics Made of Nonauxetic Yarns Based on Foldable Geometries
Authors: Zulifqar Adeel , Hua Tao , Hu Hong
Published: December 2019

Auxetic fabrics made of nonauxetic yarns have gained increasing interest of textile scientists. Most recently, single‐layered bistretch auxetic woven fabrics made of nonauxetic yarns based on parallel in‐phase zigzag foldable geometry have been reported to have auxetic behavior when stretched along both principal directions. It is also reported that this geometry can possibly be realized into double‐layered woven fabrics. In addition, it is suggested that the phenomenon of differential shrinkage can be exploited to realize another variation of foldable geometry such as out‐of‐phase zigzag foldable structures into woven fabrics. Therefore, herein, two possibilities aimed to be explored are double‐layered auxetic woven fabric based on parallel in‐phase zigzag foldable geometry and single‐layered fabrics based on out‐of‐phase zigzag foldable geometry that are developed using the phenomenon of differential shrinkage to realize these geometries into the woven fabric structures. Five different auxetic woven fabric samples are fabricated using elastic and nonelastic yarns on a conventional weaving machine and tested along two principal directions. The testing results show that all the developed fabrics have auxetic behavior in both principal directions, and the placement of weaves and weft yarn arrangements has an obvious effect.
Valence State of Iron and Molybdenum Cations under Conditions of Anionic Deficiency in Sr2FeMoO6–δ
Authors: Kalanda Nikolay , Yarmolich Marta , Kim Dong-Hyun , Baltrūnas Dalis , Mažeika Kestutis , Tamulevičius Sigitas , Andrulevičius Mindaugas , Sobolev Nikolai A.
Published: December 2019

The activation energy of oxygen diffusion in strontium ferromolybdate Sr2FeMoO6–δ is determined by the Merzhanov technique based on the temperature dependences of the oxygen desorption dynamics. The activation energy has a minimum value of 76.7 kJ mol−1 at δ = 0.005 and a maximum value of 156.3 kJ mol−1 at δ = 0.06. It is suggested that with an increase in the concentration of oxygen vacancies, an interaction occurs between them and the nearest cations, with the subsequent formation of associates of various types that are less mobile than the single anion vacancies. According to Mössbauer spectroscopy data, it has been established that the appearance of oxygen vacancies and their ordering contribute to the isomer shift, and some of the iron ions occupy the tetrahedral (or close to it) positions in the lattice. This indicates the formation of associates of oxygen vacancies. The results of X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) studies show that the increase in the concentration of oxygen vacancies results in a decrease of the Mo6+ and Fe2+ concentrations. At the same time, the number of Mo5+ and Fe3+ cations increases due to the redistribution of the electron density, and molybdenum cations in a different valence state (Mo4+) appear.
The effect of nettle (Urtica dioica) supplementation on the glycemic control of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ziaei Rahele , Foshati Sahar , Hadi Amir , Kermani Mohamad Ail Hojati , Ghavami Abed , Clark Cain C.T. , Tarrahi Mohammad Javad
Published: December 2019

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a major health problem, worldwide, that is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Several randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) have investigated the effect of nettle (Urtica dioica) supplementation on markers of glycemic status in patients with T2DM, with conflicting results. Therefore, the present study assessed the effect of nettle on some glycemic parameters in patients with T2DM. A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science, from database inception up to June 2019, to identify RCTs investigating the effect of nettle supplementation on glycemic markers, including fasting blood sugar (FBS) concentrations, insulin levels, homeostasis model assessment‐estimated insulin resistance index, and glycosylated hemoglobin percentage in adults with T2DM. The Cochrane Collaboration tool was used to assess the methodological quality of the included studies. Results of this meta‐analysis were reported based on the random effects model. Eight RCTs, comprising 401 participants, were included in the present systematic review and meta‐analysis. Based on the Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias tool, five studies were considered as good quality, one was fair, and two studies were poor, respectively. The results of the meta‐analysis revealed a significant reduction in FBS concentrations (weighted mean difference [WMD]: −18.01 mg/dl, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −30.04 to −5.97, p < .001, I2 = 94.6%) following nettle supplementation. However, no significant reduction was observed in insulin levels (WMD: 0.83 Hedges' g, 95% CI: −0.26 to 1.92, p = .13, I2 = 89.4%), homeostasis model assessment‐estimated insulin resistance index (WMD: −0.22, 95% CI: −0.83 to 0.40, p = .49, I2 = 69.2%), or glycosylated hemoglobin percentage (WMD: −0.77%, 95% CI: −1.77 to 0.22, p = .12, I2 = 83.0%). The findings of the present study suggest that nettle supplementation may be effective in controlling FBS for T2DM patients. However, further studies are needed to confirm the veracity of these results.
The effect of curcumin supplementation on clinical outcomes and inflammatory markers in patients with ulcerative colitis
Authors: Sadeghi Narges , Mansoori Anahita , Shayesteh Aliakbar , Hashemi Seyed Jalal
Published: December 2019

Background and aims

Curcumin has anti‐inflammatory properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of curcumin on improvement of the disease activity in ulcerative colitis (UC).

Methods

In this randomized double‐blind clinical trial, 70 patients with mild‐to‐moderate UC were randomly assigned to curcumin (1,500 mg/day) or placebo intake for 8 weeks. Disease clinical activity, quality of life, serum levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α), high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) values, and complete blood count were measured.

Results

Changes in Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index score were significantly higher in the curcumin than the placebo group (–5.9 ± 2.08 vs. –2.1 ± 2.6; p = .001). The scores of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire‐9 and quality of life were significantly higher in the intervention group compared to the control group (p = .006). Furthermore, the curcumin supplementation reduced the serum hs‐CRP concentration (–6.3 ± 13.6 vs. 3.7 ± 11.6 μg/ml; p = .01) and ESR levels significantly (–1.6 ± 2.7 vs. –0.09 ± 2.4 mm/hr; p = .02) in comparison with the control group. No significant changes were observed in the TNF‐α levels of both groups.

Conclusions

Consumption of the curcumin supplement, along with drug therapy, is associated with significant improvement of the clinical outcomes, quality of life, hs‐CRP, and ESR in patients with mild‐to‐moderate UC.
Recent Progress in Commercial and Novel Catalysts for Catalytic Dehydrogenation of Light Alkanes
Authors: Wang Guowei , Zhu Xiaolin , Li Chunyi
Published: December 2019

Catalytic dehydrogenation of light alkanes can effectively produce olefins and hydrogen. Even though Pt and CrOx‐based catalysts are widely applied in industry, research to improve the activity and stability of these catalysts continued. This review summarizes important achievements obtained in recent years, focusing on the development of supports, promoters and preparation methods of Pt and CrOx‐based catalysts, which mainly aimed to improve the dispersion of the active species and to enhance coke resistance. Furthermore, the high cost of Pt‐based catalysts and environmental problems encountered with CrOx‐based catalysts have spurred the development of alternative catalysts. The dehydrogenation performances and characteristics of promising alternative VOx‐, modified Ni‐ and Sn‐based catalysts are also reviewed. Comparison with the catalytic reforming process of naphtha further probes the necessity of catalyst acidity in these two different processes. The choice of the dehydrogenation reactor is discussed, and future perspectives and research directions are indicated.
Modeling the Operation of Small‐Scale Integrated Energy Systems Based on Data‐Driven Robust Optimization
Authors: Han Dong , Yang Ce , Sun Weiqing , Yan Zheng
Published: December 2019

To facilitate energy system integration, it is imperative that a multienergy system produce and deliver in a coordinated way the energy in its different component forms. In particular, a small‐scale integrated energy system must accommodate renewable energy resources, flexible loads, and energy coupling technologies, which creates new challenges to the interactions between the energy vectors. Hence, an energy management model for a microenergy system in grid‐connected mode under uncertainties is proposed to perform the decision‐making for shifting energy modes for all energy sources and end‐use applications with the aim of optimally scheduling controllable energy resources in the system and minimizing the net management cost under uncertainty. To address the stochastic nature of the price of electricity, a data‐driven robust optimization approach is introduced. It uses the available sample data to design the appropriate uncertainty set using statistical hypothesis tests, and a combination of conditional value‐at‐risk and a worst‐case optimization problem is used to formulate the energy management problem under uncertainty. We explore a computationally tractable robust counterpart of the original optimization problem. The optimal energy scheduling solution obtained from the proposed approach is immune against any worst‐case realizations. Numerical results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach and its performance of less conservation. © 2019 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Can marine‐derived fungus Neosartorya siamensis KUFA 0017 extract and its secondary metabolites enhance antitumor activity of doxorubicin? An in vitro survey unveils interactions against lung cancer cells
Authors: Ramos Alice A. , Castro‐Carvalho Bruno , Prata‐Sena Maria , Malhão Fernanda , Buttachon Suradet , Dethoup Tida , Kijjoa Anake , Rocha Eduardo
Published: December 2019

Doxorubicin (Dox) is one of the most successful anticancer drugs in use. However, chemoresistance is one of the main limitations that patients face. Therefore, development of new strategies to improve the efficacy of Dox is needed. Marine‐derived fungi are especially promising sources of new anticancer compounds. In this work, antitumor activity of crude ethyl extract of the cultures of the marine‐derived fungus Neosartorya siamensis KUFA 0017 (NS), combined with Dox, was evaluated in six cancer cell lines. To evaluate possible mechanisms involved in the eventual improvement of Dox's cytotoxicity by NS extract, effects on DNA damage, cell death, ultrastructural modifications, and intracellular accumulation of Dox were assessed. The NS extract demonstrated a significant enhancement of Dox's cytotoxic activity in A549 cells, inducing DNA damage, cell death, and intracellular accumulation of Dox. Additionally, the cytotoxic effect of eight compounds, isolated from this extract, that is, 2,4‐dihydroxy‐3‐methylacetophenone‐(C1), nortryptoquivaline‐(C2), chevalone C‐(C3), tryptoquivaline H‐(C4), fiscalin A‐(C5), epi‐fiscalin‐C (C6), epi‐neofiscalin A‐(C7), and epi‐fiscalin A‐(C8), alone and combined with Dox was also evaluated in lung cancer cells. The cytotoxic effect of Dox was potentiated by all the isolated compounds (except C1) in A549 cells. Therefore, we concluded that NS extract potentiated cytotoxicity by inhibiting cell proliferation, increasing intracellular accumulation of Dox, and inducing cell death (possibly by an autophagic process). The isolated compounds also enhanced the activity of Dox, supporting the potential of this sort of combination. These data call for further studies to characterize drug interactions and underlying mechanisms.
High electric charges in M-theory from quiver varieties
Authors: Collinucci Andrés , Fazzi Marco , Morrison David R. , Valandro Roberto
Published: December 2019

Abstract

M-theory on a Calabi-Yau threefold admitting a small resolution gives rise to an Abelian vector multiplet and a charged hypermultiplet. We introduce into this picture a procedure to construct threefolds that naturally host matter with electric charges up to six. These are built as families of Du Val ADE surfaces (or ALE spaces), and the possible charges correspond to the Dynkin labels of the adjoint of the ADE algebra. In the case of charge two, we give a new derivation of the answer originally obtained by Curto and Morrison, and explicitly relate this construction to the Morrison-Park geometry. We also give a procedure for constructing higher-charge cases, which can often be applied to F-theory models.
The large N phase diagram of $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 2 SU(N) Chern-Simons theory with one fundamental chiral multiplet
Authors: Dey Anshuman , Halder Indranil , Jain Sachin , Minwalla Shiraz , Prabhakar Naveen
Published: December 2019

Abstract

We study the theory of a single fundamental fermion and boson coupled to Chern-Simons theory at leading order in the large N limit. Utilizing recent progress in understanding the Higgsed phase in Chern-Simons-Matter theories, we compute the quantum effective potential that is exact to all orders in the ’t Hooft coupling for the lightest scalar operator of this theory at finite temperature. Specializing to the zero temperature limit we use this potential to determine the phase diagram of the large N$$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 supersymmetric theory with this field content. This intricate two dimensional phase diagram has four topological phases that are separated by lines of first and second order phase transitions and includes special conformal points at which the infrared dynamics is governed by Chern-Simons theory coupled respectively to free bosons, Gross-Neveu fermions, and to a theory of Wilson-Fisher bosons plus free fermions. We also describe the vacuum structure of the most general $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 supersymmetric theory with one fundamental boson and one fundamental fermion coupled to an SU(N ) Chern-Simons gauge field, at arbitrary values of the ’t Hooft coupling.
Neumann-Rosochatius system for strings in ABJ model
Authors: Chakraborty Adrita , Panigrahi Kamal L.
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Neumann-Rosochatius system is a well known one dimensional integrable sys- tem. We study the rotating and pulsating string in AdS4
× ℂℙ3 with a B
NS holonomy turned on over ℂℙ1 ⊂ ℂℙ3, the so called Aharony-Bergman-Jafferis (ABJ) background. We observe that the string equations of motion in both cases are integrable and the Lagrangians reduce to a form similar to that of a deformed Neumann-Rosochatius system. We find out the scaling relations among various conserved charges and comment on the finite size effect for the dyonic giant magnons on R

t

× ℂℙ3 with two angular momenta. For the pulsating string we derive the energy as function of oscillation number and angular momenta along ℂℙ3.
The importance of clinical and labour market histories in psychiatric disability retirement: analysis of the comprehensive Finnish national-level RETIRE data
Authors: Pirkola S. , Nevalainen J. , Laaksonen M. , Fröjd S. , Nurmela K. , Näppilä T. , Tuulio-Henriksson A. , Autio R. , Blomgren J.
Published: December 2019

Objectives

Despite the stable incidence of mental disorders in Finland and Europe, mental health-related occupational disability has been increasing. We unveiled the paths to permanent psychiatric disability, recovery, or death, by analysing sequences of labour market participation.

Methods

The RETIRE register database includes information regarding all persons (n = 42,170) awarded an ICD-10 psychiatric disability pension between 2010 and 2015 in Finland. We identified clusters of typical paths of pre-retirement labour market history. Controlling for major mental disorders, age, and sex, we evaluated factors associated with returning to work (RTW), or death, over a 5-year follow-up period.

Results

Only 10.5% of the disabled subjects returned to work within the follow-up. Half of them ended up with a permanent disability pension. Seven distinguishable paths to disability were identified. Subjects in the cluster characterized by steady employment were relatively often females, lost their work ability due to affective disorders, and had the highest rate of returning to work (16.3%). Mortality was highest (9%) among the cluster characterized by long-term unemployment. Distributions of major diagnostic groups, as well as age and sex, differed between clusters. After their adjustment in the analysis of RTW or death, the identified labour market history paths prior to losing work ability remained as important independent prognostic factors for both outcomes.

Conclusions

The complex retirement process involves identifiable clinical and contextual associating factors. Labour market history patterns associate with varying prognoses after psychiatric retirement. Prolonged unemployment appears as a predictor of relatively poor prognoses, whereas employment indicates the opposite.
Plate-Nematic Phase in Three Dimensions
Authors: Disertori Margherita , Giuliani Alessandro , Jauslin Ian
Published: December 2019

We consider a system of anisotropic plates in the three-dimensional continuum, interacting via purely hard core interactions. We assume that the particles have a finite number of allowed orientations. In a suitable range of densities, we prove the existence of a uni-axial nematic phase, characterized by long range orientational order (the minor axes are aligned parallel to each other, while the major axes are not) and no translational order. The proof is based on a coarse graining procedure, which allows us to map the plate model into a contour model, and in a rigorous control of the resulting contour theory, via Pirogov-Sinai methods.
Biochemical characterization of an esterase from Clostridium acetobutylicum with novel GYSMG pentapeptide motif at the catalytic domain
Authors: Nagaroor Vijayalakshmi , Gummadi Sathyanarayana N
Published: December 2019

Gene CA_C0816 codes for a serine hydrolase protein from Clostridium acetobutylicum (ATCC 824) a member of hormone-sensitive lipase of lipolytic family IV. This gene was overexpressed in E. coli strain BL21and purified using Ni2+–NTA affinity chromatography. Size exclusion chromatography revealed that the protein is a dimer in solution. Optimum pH and temperature for recombinant Clostridium acetobutylicum esterase (Ca-Est) were found to be 7.0 and 60 °C, respectively. This enzyme exhibited high preference for p-nitrophenyl butyrate. K  M and k  cat/K  M of the enzyme were 24.90 µM and 25.13 s−1 µM−1, respectively. Sequence analysis of Ca-Est predicts the presence of catalytic amino acids Ser 89, His 224, and Glu 196, presence of novel GYSMG conserved sequence (instead of GDSAG and GTSAG motif), and undescribed variation of HGSG motif. Site-directed mutagenesis confirmed that Ser 89 and His 224 play a major role in catalysis. This study reports that Ca-Est is hormone-sensitive lipase with novel GYSMG pentapeptide motif at a catalytic domain.
Calcification Microstructure Reflects Breast Tissue Microenvironment
Authors: Gosling Sarah , Scott Robert , Greenwood Charlene , Bouzy Pascaline , Nallala Jayakrupakar , Lyburn Iain D. , Stone Nicholas , Rogers Keith
Published: December 2019

Microcalcifications are important diagnostic indicators of disease in breast tissue. Tissue microenvironments differ in many aspects between normal and cancerous cells, notably extracellular pH and glycolytic respiration. Hydroxyapatite microcalcification microstructure is also found to differ between tissue pathologies, including differential ion substitutions and the presence of additional crystallographic phases. Distinguishing between tissue pathologies at an early stage is essential to improve patient experience and diagnostic accuracy, leading to better disease outcome. This study explores the hypothesis that microenvironment features may become immortalised within calcification crystallite characteristics thus becoming indicators of tissue pathology. In total, 55 breast calcifications incorporating 3 tissue pathologies (benign – B2, ductal carcinoma in-situ - B5a and invasive malignancy - B5b) from archive formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded core needle breast biopsies were analysed using X-ray diffraction. Crystallite size and strain were determined from 548 diffractograms using Williamson-Hall analysis. There was an increased crystallinity of hydroxyapatite with tissue malignancy compared to benign tissue. Coherence length was significantly correlated with pathology grade in all basis crystallographic directions (P < 0.01), with a greater difference between benign and in situ disease compared to in-situ disease and invasive malignancy. Crystallite size and non-uniform strain contributed to peak broadening in all three pathologies. Furthermore, crystallite size and non-uniform strain normal to the basal planes increased significantly with malignancy (P < 0.05). Our findings support the view that tissue microenvironments can influence differing formation mechanisms of hydroxyapatite through acidic precursors, leading to differential substitution of carbonate into the hydroxide and phosphate sites, causing significant changes in crystallite size and non-uniform strain.
Efficient and Accurate Evaluation Methods for Concordance Measures via Functional Tensor Characterizations of Copulas
Authors: Dalessandro Antonio , Peters Gareth W.
Published: December 2019

There is now an increasingly large number of proposed concordance measures available to capture, measure and quantify different notions of dependence in stochastic processes. However, evaluation of concordance measures to quantify such types of dependence for different copula models can be challenging. In this work, we propose a class of new methods that involves a highly accurate and computationally efficient procedure to evaluate concordance measures for a given copula, applicable even when sampling from the copula is not easily achieved. In addition, this then allows us to reconstruct maps of concordance measures locally in all regions of the state space for any range of copula parameters. We believe this technique will be a valuable tool for practitioners to understand better the behaviour of copula models and associated concordance measures expressed in terms of these copula models.
Assessment of groundwater quality status by using water quality index (WQI) and geographic information system (GIS) approaches: a case study of the Bokaro district, India
Authors: Verma Poornima , Singh Prasoon Kumar , Sinha Ritu Ranjan , Tiwari Ashwani Kumar
Published: December 2019

One hundred two groundwater samples were collected from the Bokaro district of Jharkhand state, India, during the pre-and post-monsoon seasons of the year 2014–2015. In the present study, groundwater samples were analysed for pH, TDS, TH, Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, Cl−, SO42−, HCO3−, F− and NO3− to evaluate the suitability of the groundwater for drinking purposes through geographic information system (GIS)-based water quality index (WQI) model. For quality assessment, values of analysed parameters of the groundwater samples were compared with the Bureau of Indian standards (BIS) and World Health Organization (WHO) water quality standards. The analytical results indicate slightly acidic to slightly alkaline nature of the groundwater in the study area. Concentrations of Ca2+, Mg2+, HCO3−, F−, NO3−, TDS and TH exceeded the desirable as well as permissible limits of drinking water quality standards recommended by the BIS (Indian Standard Drinking Water Specification, 2012) and WHO (Guidelines for drinking water quality: training pack, WHO, Geneva, 2004) in the study area during the pre- and post-monsoon seasons, respectively. However, Na+, K+, Cl− and SO42− concentrations were within the permissible limits during both seasons. The hydrochemical analysis of the studied groundwater samples documented with ternary and Durov diagram revealed that most of the groundwater samples belong to HCO3− type of anions facies and no dominant type of cation facies. The GIS-based WQI maps for the study area indicate that the poor quality of water was found the maximum in the pre-monsoon season as compared to the post-monsoon season in the study area, respectively. The high values of WQI in the several groundwater samples of the Bokaro district indicate that water is not suitable for direct consumptions and it required sustainable treatment before its utilization for drinking uses.
An integrated study on change detection and environment evaluation of surface water
Authors: Guo Qiaozhen , Wu Xiaoxu , Sang Xiao , Fu Ying , Zang Yuchen , Gong Xuemei
Published: December 2019

Surface water pollution is one of the serious environment pollution problems, posing threat to human and other creatures. Extraction, change detection and environment evaluation of surface water are prerequisite for water resource management. Undoubtedly, remote sensing data play an important role in these researches because of its large geographic coverage and high temporal frequency. In this study, the Tianjin Binhai New Area was chosen as the study area and the surface water extraction method Modified Normalized Difference Water Index (MNDWI) was used by combining with adaptive dynamic threshold to extract surface water and detect its change. Comparing with single-band threshold, model of multi-band spectral relationship, Iterative Self-organizing Data Analysis Technique Algorithm and MNDWI, MNDWI-based adaptive dynamic threshold method performed better, which considered the influence of background. Analysis on dynamic change of water showed the area of lake and river had increased and the area of seawater had decreased. Meanwhile, the correlation analysis between area change of surface water and impact factors indicated both climatic and anthropogenic factors made positive contribution to the present water environment situation. Finally, an improved model of surface water environment evaluation was established to evaluate water quality by combining genetic algorithm (GA) and backpropagation (BP) neural network model. And the test results proved that the optimized GA-BP neural network is better than the single BP neural network. The environment evaluation indicated that water quality of the Haihe River section in the study area was poor. Therefore, water environment protection should be strengthened in this area. Some suggestions on practical management were given accordingly.
Study of the impact of injection parameters on the performance of miscible sour gas injection for enhanced oil recovery
Authors: Kaita Aminu Yau , Ogolo Oghenerume , Wu Xingru , Mohammed Isah , Akpan Emmanuel Akaninyene
Published: December 2019

Sour gas reservoirs have faced critics for environmental concerns and hazards, necessitating a novel outlook to how the produced sour gases could be either utilized or carefully disposed. Over the years of research and practice, several methods of sour gas processing and utilization have been developed, from the solid storage of sulfur to reinjecting the sour gas into producing or depleted light oil reservoir for miscible flooding enhanced oil recovery. This paper seeks to investigate the impact of injection parameters on the performance of sour gas injection for enhance oil recovery. In designing a miscible gas flooding project, empirical correlations are used and the key parameter which impacts the phase behavior is identified to be the minimum miscibility pressure (MMP). A compositional simulator was utilized in this research work to study the effect of injection parameters such as minimum miscibility pressure, acid gas concentration, injection pressure and injection rate on the performance of miscible sour gas injection for enhanced oil recovery. The findings showed that methane concentration had a significant impact on the MMP of the process. Additionally, an increase in acid gas concentration decreases the MMP of the process as a result of an increase in gas viscosity, consequently extending the plateau period resulting in late gas breakthrough and increased overall recovery of the process.
Critical review of asphaltene properties and factors impacting its stability in crude oil
Authors: Fakher Sherif , Ahdaya Mohamed , Elturki Mukhtar , Imqam Abdulmohsin
Published: December 2019

Asphaltene is a component of crude oil that has been reported to cause severe problems during production and transportation of the oil from the reservoir. It is a solid component of the oil that has different structures and molecular makeup which makes it one of the most complex components of the oil. This research provides a detailed review of asphaltene properties, characteristics, and previous studies to construct a guideline to asphaltene and its impact on oil recovery. The research begins with an explanation of the main components of crude oil and their relation to asphaltene. The method by which asphaltene is quantified in the crude oil is then explained. Due to its different structures, asphaltene has been modeled using different models all of which are then discussed. All chemical analysis methods that have been used to characterize and study asphaltene are then mentioned and the most commonly used method is shown. Asphaltene will pass through several phases in the reservoir beginning from its stability phase up to its deposition in the pores, wellbore, and facilities. All these phases are explained, and the reason they may occur is mentioned. Following this, the methods by which asphaltene can damage oil recovery are presented. Asphaltene rheology and flow mechanism in the reservoir are then explained in detail including asphaltene onset pressure determination and significance and the use of micro- and nanofluidics to model asphaltene. Finally, the mathematical models, previous laboratory, and oilfield studies conducted to evaluate asphaltene are discussed. This research will help increase the understanding of asphaltene and provide a guideline to properly study and model asphaltene in future studies.
The effect of drill–pipe rotation on improving hole cleaning using polypropylene beads in water-based mud at different hole angles
Authors: Katende A. , Segar B. , Ismail I. , Sagala F. , Saadiah H. H. A. R. , Samsuri A.
Published: December 2019

Hole cleaning is always a problem, particularly during drilling operations, and drilling fluid plays an important role in transporting drill cuttings through an annular section of wellbore to the surface. To transport the cuttings, a water-based mud with added polypropylene beads was selected since it is environmentally friendly and cost efficient. The polypropylene beads help to transport cuttings by providing an additional buoyancy force that lifts the cuttings to the surface via the influence of collision and drag forces. This experiment was performed using a 20 ft test section, 10 ppg drilling mud and 0.86 m/s annular velocity in a laboratory scale rig simulator, and the concentration of polypropylene beads was varied from 0 to 8 ppb. As the concentration of polypropylene increases, the cutting transport ratio also increases. It was observed that the fewest cuttings are lifted at a critical angle of 60°, followed by 45°, 30°, 90° and 0°. Additionally, cutting sizes had moderate effects on the cutting lifting efficiency, where smaller cutting sizes (0.5–1.0 mm) are easier to lift than larger cutting sizes (2.0–2.8 mm). Furthermore, a study of buoyancy force and impulsive force was conducted to investigate the cutting lifting efficiencies of various concentrations of polypropylene beads. This lifting capacity was also assisted by the presence of polyanionic cellulose (PAC), which increases the mud carrying capacity and is effective for smaller cuttings. The results show that in the presence of pipe rotation, the cutting lifting efficiency is slightly enhanced due to the orbital motion provided by the drill pipe for better hole cleaning. In conclusion, polypropylene beads combined with pipe rotation increase the cutting transport ratio in the wellbore.
Erotic Target Identity Inversions Among Men and Women in an Internet Sample
Authors: Brown Ashley , Barker Edward D. , Rahman Qazi
Published: December 2019

Introduction

Erotic target identity inversions (ETIIs) are poorly studied paraphilias that involve sexual arousal by the idea or fantasy of being the object of one’s sexual desires.

Aim

To conduct a large non-clinical online survey to investigate self-reported sexual arousal, behavioral expression, and psychological correlates of 4 proposed ETIIs.

Methods

A total of 736 natal males and 549 natal females responded to items about self-reported sexual arousal to the idea of acting as an animal (autoanthropomorphozoophilia) or the idea of acting as a child or infant (autonepiophilia), natal males reporting arousal to the idea of acting as a woman (autogynephilia), and natal females reporting arousal to the idea of acting as a man (autoandrophilia). Data pertaining to sexual orientation, childhood gender nonconformity, gender identity discomfort, autism, masochism, and humiliation were also collected.

Main Outcome Measures

The main outcome was a measure of self-reported arousal and expression of the ETIIs being explored using 4 items: arousal level (–3 to 3) when imagining being the erotic target exemplar; frequency of engagement in dressing or behaving like their preferred target (0–4); strength of feeling that they would be better off as the target (0–4); and the frequency of consideration of making physical changes to look or function more like the target (0–4).

Results

Mild levels of reported sexual arousal to the idea of being the preferred erotic target were common among the 4 groups, characterizing about half of them. Gender identity discomfort was associated with autogynephilia, autoandrophilia, and autoanthropomorphozoophilia. Greater gender nonconformity was associated with autogynephilia, autoandrophilia, and autonepiophilia. Autism scores were associated with autoandrophilia and autonepiophilia. Masochism was not associated with ETII scores, but humiliation was.

Clinical Implications

Findings suggest that it may be important to distinguish between subgroups of those with different levels and types of ETII arousal/expression.

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths of this study include the large, non-clinical sample of men and women for the investigation of ETIIs and the inclusion of measures of psychological correlates. The use of an Internet sample with self-report measures may be unrepresentative, although the Internet has the advantage of allowing recruitment from stigmatized or unusual groups. The cross-sectional nature limits our conclusions, as no causal inferences can be made.

Conclusion

The results support the concept of ETIIs as a paraphilic dimension in non-clinical samples and the possible role of gender-related psychological factors.
Actions, Products, and Truth-Bearers: A Critique of Twardowskian Accounts
Authors: Bronzo Silver
Published: December 2019

Friederike Moltmann has recently proposed an account of truth-bearers that draws on Kazimierz Twardowski’s action/product distinction. Her account is meant to provide a third way between the dominant view of primary truth-bearers as mind-independent entities and the recently revived construal of them as mental or linguistic acts. This paper argues that there isno roomfor Twardowskian accounts because they are based on a notion of “nonenduring product” that defies comprehension, andno needfor them because the linguistic data that Twardowskians take to refute the act-theoretic approach can, in fact, be handled by that approach.