bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Nano Cement on the Compressive Strength of Coconut Fibers Reinforced Concrete Composite
Authors: Lumingkewas Riana Herlina , Hadiwardoyo Sigit Pranowo , Husen Abrar , Saepudin
Published: February 2020

The development of nanotechnology continues to grow. The use of nanocement in concrete is expected to reduce the number of pores and improve hydration in concrete and provide more strength to the concrete. The use of natural fibers, in this case, coconut fiber can prevent cracks in concrete and make fiber concrete more ductile than ordinary concrete. The effect of using nanocement on coconut fiber concrete on the strength of the concrete to be studied. Methodology to complete the research objectives, use nanocement used in concrete, which has added coconut fiber. Tests reviewed the value of slump and specific gravity. Then, testing the compressive strength at 7, 24, 28 days. The results obtained were an increase of 48.19% in the strength of concrete. Further research needs to review on mixing nanocement with other natural fibers.
Improvement of Electrical Conductivity of Polyamide 6/Polyaniline Blends by Graphene
Authors: Suksanit Sirikunya , Pattananuwat Prasit , Potiyaraj Pranut
Published: February 2020

Polymer composites of polyaniline (PANI)/polyamide 6 (PA6) blends and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) were prepared via the in situ synthesis method in order to improve formability and electrical properties. Polymer blends and composites were characterized by the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and thermal gravimetric analysis. It was found that the composites prepared by the in situ synthesis method have better compatibility between polymer blends and matrix than that prepared by the conventional dry-mix method as investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrograms indicate the presence of covalent bonds between functional groups between polyaniline and reduced graphene oxide. The PA6/PANI-rGO films show the electrical conductivity of 2.970×10-6 S/cm while PA6/PANI-GtO show electrical conductivity of 4.082×10-7 S/cm. Thermal stability of polymer blend was characterized by the thermogravimetric analysis. The thermal stability of polyamide 6 after blending is not changed significantly.
Improvement of Electrical Conductivity of Polyurethane/Polypyrrole Blends by Graphene
Authors: Janpoung Pafun , Pattananuwat Prasit , Potiyaraj Pranut
Published: February 2020

Polyurethane (TPU)/polypyrrole (PPy) blends were successfully prepared by the solution blending process with different contents of reduce graphene oxide (rGO). The controlled synthesis of PPy/rGO composites was reported by varying graphene contents of 10, 20, 30 and 40% w/v. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Scanning electron microscope (SEM) were used to characterize their structures and morphologies. The SEM images show the growing of PPy along the surface of graphene. FTIR illustrated that the PPy/rGO composites were in the doped state. The electrical conductivity of PPy/rGO composites with the concentration of graphene at 40% was about 30 times higher than that of pure PPy. Thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) thermograms indicated that the PPy/rGO composites have better thermal stability than pure PPy.
Phase Transformation of Nanocrystalline Diamond Films: Effect of Methane Concentration
Authors: Khlayboonme S.Tipawan , Thowladda Warawoot
Published: February 2020

Ultra-nanocrystalline diamond films were prepared by a microwave plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition reactor using CH4/H2 gas mixture with a power as low as 650 W. The effects of CH4 concentration on nanostructure of the films and gas-phase species in plasma were investigated. The CH4 concentrations of 1.5%, 3.0%, 3.5%, and 4.0% were used and balanced with H2 to a total flow rate of 200 sccm. Morphology and composition of the films were characterized by SEM, Raman spectroscopy and Auger spectroscopy. The gas-phase species and electron density in the plasma were explored by optical emission spectroscopy and plasma-impedance measurement. The increasing CH4 concentration from 1.5% to 4.0% increased C2Hx species and decreased electron density. Phase of the film transform from nano- into ultranano- diamond phase but the growth rate revealingly decreased from 300 to 210 nm/h. Raman spectra indicate the higher CH4 concentration promted phase of the film transiton from NCD to UNCD. While Auger spectra revealed that UNCD film deposited with 4.0%CH4 was composed of 90.52% diamond phase but only 9.48% of graphite phase. The relation between phase transformation of the films and growth mechnism controlled by gas-phase species in the plasma will be dissused.
Examining the Water Vapour Transmission of Socks
Authors: Wang Wen Yi , Hui Kwok Tung , Kan Chi Wai , Viengsima Maturod , Wansopa Nittaya , Promlawan Kamol , Wongphakdee Wirat , Mongkholrattanasit Rattanaphol
Published: February 2020

The present study investigated effects of fabric parameters on the water vapor transmission of socks fabric, which was measured by the cup method. It was found that the water vapor transmission of fabric was negatively proportional to the content of cotton and yarn count, before washing. Meanwhile, washing was found to increase the water vapour transmission.
Study on High Temperature Flow Stress Model of As-cast SA508-3 Low Alloy Steel
Authors: Fan Pan Fei , Liu Jian Sheng , An Hong Ping , Liu Li Li
Published: February 2020

In order to obtain the high temperature flow behavior of as-cast SA508-3 low alloy steel, the stress-strain curves of steel are obtained by Gleeble thermal simulation compression test at deformation temperature 800°C-1200°C and strain rate 0.001s-1-1s-1. Based on Laasraoui two-stage flow stress model, a high temperature flow stress model is established by multiple linear regression method. The results show that the peak stress characteristics are not obvious at low temperature and high strain rate, which is a typical dynamic recovery characteristic. Meanwhile, the peak stress characteristics are obvious at high temperature and low strain rate, which is a typical dynamic recrystallization characteristic. By means of the comparisons between experiments and calculations, the Laasraoui two-stage flow stress model can truly reflect flow behavior of steel at high temperature, which provides theoretical guidance for the hot deformation of the steel.
Fluidity Test of Aluminum Alloy
Authors: Fuse Hiroshi , Terao Masaru , Haga Toshio
Published: February 2020

A die to estimate the thickness of the thinnest fin of a heat sink made by die casting aluminum alloys is proposed. The die consists of a taper-off thin fin and a cooling area. It was shown that this die can be used to estimate the smallest fin thickness of different aluminum alloys.
Finishing Performance of the Abrasive Flow Machining in Complex Holes by Using Helical Cores
Authors: Wang A Cheng , Cheng Ken Chuan , Chen Kuan Yu , Lin Yan Cherng
Published: February 2020

Since abrasive gels with single direction motion are very difficulty to achieve the smooth surfaces in the complex holes finishing during abrasive flow machining (AFM), therefore, the helical cores were proposed here to create the multiple motions of abrasive gels to get the even surface of the complex holes in AFM. The results showed that helical core with 5 spiral grooves and narrow gap between the core tip and the hole could obtain the even surface and fine surface roughness after AMF.
Study the Effect of Laser Nozzle and Lens Design on the Oxygen Supply System for CNC Gas Cutting Machines
Authors: Hassan Mohammed Salih , Shomran Haideer Talib , Jaber Jabbar A.
Published: February 2020

The process of laser cutting by (Nozzle C 20E) can detect the roughness of the surface from the upper side, while laser cutting by (Nozzle C30E) have less roughness detection according to the ability of constant speed with different metal thickness. The width of the Kerf and surface roughness are the most factors which needs for focusing during cutting process for various plate cutting operation by CNC machine. Such machines require oxygen and propane or acetylene gases with proper pressure controls. For the gas cutting machine, the volume of oxygen gas used is more than that of propane gas. The oxygen gas is used for heating and cutting the plates. It is necessary to supply the proper amount and quality of gas to the machine to obtain a good cutting quality surfces. However; the pressure of oxygen gas depends upon the thickness of cutting plates. Stainless steel is the most important metals in the industrial and manufacturing process, so the cutting conditions are very important. Its concluded from our result, that the characteristics of the main selecting factors which effects the laser machine performance such as, the focal lens nozzle height (0.6 to 1.0mm) and the ability and speed of cutting should be fixed and not changing.
Zebrafish NIK Mediates IFN Induction by Regulating Activation of IRF3 and NF-κB
Authors: Chen Bo , Li Chen , Yao Jian , Shi Lin , Liu Wanmeng , Wang Fang , Huo Shitian , Zhang Yongan , Lu Yuanan , Ashraf Usama , Ye Jing , Liu Xueqin
Published: February 2020

Type I IFN mediates the innate immune system to provide defense against viral infections. NF-κB–inducing kinase (NIK) potentiates the basal activation of endogenous STING, which facilitates the recruitment of TBK1 with the ectopically expressed IRF3 to induce IFN production. Moreover, NIK phosphorylates IKKα and confers its ability to phosphorylate p100 (also known as NF-κB2) in mammals. Our study demonstrated that NIK plays a critical role in IFN production in teleost fish. It was found that NIK interacts with IKKα in the cytoplasm and that IKKα phosphorylates the NIK at the residue Thr432, which is different from the mammals. Overexpression of NIK caused the activation of IRF3 and NF-κB, which in turn led to the production of IFN and IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs). Furthermore, the ectopic expression of NIK was observed to be associated with a reduced replication of the fish virus, whereas silencing of endogenous NIK had an opposite effect in vitro. Furthermore, NIK knockdown significantly reduced the expression of IFN and key ISGs in zebrafish larvae after spring viremia of carp virus infection. Additionally, the replication of spring viremia of carp virus was enhanced in NIK knockdown zebrafish larvae, leading to a lower survival rate. In summary, our findings revealed a previously undescribed function of NIK in activating IFN and ISGs as a host antiviral response. These findings may facilitate the establishment of antiviral therapy to combat fish viruses.
γδ T Cells Kill Plasmodium falciparum in a Granzyme- and Granulysin-Dependent Mechanism during the Late Blood Stage
Authors: Hernández-Castañeda Maria Andrea , Happ Katharina , Cattalani Filippo , Wallimann Alexandra , Blanchard Marianne , Fellay Isabelle , Scolari Brigitte , Lannes Nils , Mbagwu Smart , Fellay Benoît , Filgueira Luis , Mantel Pierre-Yves , Walch Michael
Published: February 2020

Plasmodium spp., the causative agent of malaria, have a complex life cycle. The exponential growth of the parasites during the blood stage is responsible for almost all malaria-associated morbidity and mortality. Therefore, tight immune control of the intraerythrocytic replication of the parasite is essential to prevent clinical malaria. Despite evidence that the particular lymphocyte subset of γδ T cells contributes to protective immunity during the blood stage in naive hosts, their precise inhibitory mechanisms remain unclear. Using human PBMCs, we confirmed in this study that γδ T cells specifically and massively expanded upon activation with Plasmodium falciparum culture supernatant. We also demonstrate that these activated cells gain cytolytic potential by upregulating cytotoxic effector proteins and IFN-γ. The killer cells bound to infected RBCs and killed intracellular P. falciparum via the transfer of the granzymes, which was mediated by granulysin in a stage-specific manner. Several vital plasmodial proteins were efficiently destroyed by granzyme B, suggesting proteolytic degradation of these proteins as essential in the lymphocyte-mediated death pathway. Overall, these data establish a granzyme- and granulysin-mediated innate immune mechanism exerted by γδ T cells to kill late-stage blood-residing P. falciparum.
SIOOT International: A call to unity All ozone practitioners belong to the same scientific space, worldwide
Authors: Valdenassi Luigi , Franzini Marianno
Published: February 2020

Not available
Drug-induced jaw osteonecrosis
Authors: Donati Girolamo
Published: February 2020

Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ), an adverse reaction to medication, has been reported since 2002, at first in cancer patients with bone metastases treated intravenously with pamidronate or zoledronate, and later in patients taking oral bisphosphonate for the treatment of osteoporosis. Several cases of MRONJ have also been described in patients treated with antiangiogenic drugs with a so-called biological target (bevacizumab, sunitinib, sorafenib). Oxygen/ozone therapy for MRONJ treatment represents a possible and efficient alternative to the two main therapeutic approaches currently in use, antibiotic therapy and surgery. Since 2010, I have diagnosed 51 MRONJ cases at ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco. Subsequently and following the approval of the Ethics Committee (2015), patients with MRONJ level 1 and 2 have been included in an experimental protocol with oxygen/ozone therapy: Treatment of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw with oxygen/ozone therapy and surgical debridement with piezoelectric scalpel. The study is currently running and up to now six out of fourteen patients healed perfectly. Among these six, four spontaneously or almost spontaneously have expelled the necrotic part without undergoing surgery. In three cases, there was only an improvement in symptoms. Five patients are currently being treated. Because of its antiseptic properties, oxygen ozone therapy reduced the effects of infection and inflammation, while the bio stimulant action of this therapy promoted the demarcation of bone sequestration and soft tissue healing.
New religions as the postsecular epiphenomenon of globalisation in the contemporary Ukrainian society
Authors: Grabovska Irina , Talko Tetiana , Vlasova Tetiana
Published: February 2020

The tendencies of postsecularism in the social life of today’s Ukraine are especially significant in their influence on the quasi-religious context of religious worships practiced in the country. These factors erode the modernity basis of the society, and Ukraine appears in the contradictory situation of its intention to complete the modernisation process and oppose the antiglobalistic isolationism. The neo-Protestant teachings and practices are obviouly connected with the principles of liberalism and consumerism. Neo-Oriental and new syncretic religions show that they produce significant influence on spreading globalistic views in the Ukrainian society. The marginality characteristics of new religions prove the idea that their values are a challenge to the essentialistic dichotomies of the Ukrainian traditional churches. The sociocultural and political context of globalisation and postmodernism includes religious transformations axiomatically, and the impact of both on the late capitalism stage is evident in different contexts. The culture of postmodernism makes this process complicated in the countries which are still between modernity and postmodernity. The processes of ‘label change’ are important with the stress on the substitution of the rationalistic foundation by quasi-scientific teachings. The conclusions demonstrate that the very incompleteness of the modernity has led to the expansion of the quasi-religious techniques in the social and cultural life of Ukraine. The erosion of the modernity values results in spreading new religions, which became vivid at the end of the last century. As globalisation promotes syncretic and neo-Oriental religions, antiglobalistic movements are supported by neo-pagan techniques and practices.
Effect of Dose and Schedule of L-Asparaginase Administration on Early Minimal Residual Disease in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Gupta Satyanker , Sehrawat Amit , Dang Ketan , Sharma Lalit , Jaiswal Sarita , Chakarbarti Suparno
Published: February 2020

Background and Objectives: L-asparaginase has become the backbone of acute lymphoblastic leukemia induction. In Berlin–Frankfurt–Munster (BFM) 95/2000 protocols, L-asparaginase was given twice weekly for initial 4 weeks. While sufficient L-asparaginase levels are important, there is no apparent correlation between high L-asparaginase levels and minimal residual disease (MRD). In view of toxicities of L-asparaginase, we planned to study the effect of dose and schedule of Escherichia coli-derived L-asparaginase on early MRD by phasing the same total dose, once a week over 8 weeks. Methods: This prospective, observational study enrolled 45 children and young adults ≤40 years. Modified BFM 95 protocol was followed. Weekly 5000 IU/m2 L-asparaginase was given intravenously, and MRD was analyzed at the end of 4 weeks (MRD1) and at 8 weeks (MRD2), using multicolor flow cytometry. MRD positive was defined as residual blasts ≥0.01%. Results: Thirty-one patients were eligible for final analysis. Nine could receive scheduled eight doses of L-asparaginase and 22 patients received less than eight doses. We analyzed age, gender, diagnosis, prednisone response, cytogenetics, central nervous system status, BFM risk group, MRD2, and relapse. L-asparaginase dose association was not statistically significant with respect to MRD2 (P = 0.237). There were no cases of pancreatitis, hypersensitivity, bleeding, or thrombosis. Reasons for patients receiving less than the scheduled eight doses were low serum fibrinogen levels and liver dysfunction. This study revealed 8 MRD1-negative and 13 MRD2-negative patients. Conclusion: L-asparaginase dose intensity does not affect early MRD. Phasing L-asparaginase over 8 weeks could lead to the achievement of more MRD2-negative status and thereby improve long-term outcome. This strategy may also reduce the incidence of adverse drug events.
Anthracycline‑Induced Cardiac Toxicity: A Clinical Review
Authors: Abbas Adil Abdelhameed , AlAzmi Aeshah Abdu Mubarak
Published: February 2020

Anthracyclines (ATCs) have a great efficacy against many types of cancer and is currently considered a cornerstone in the treatment of numerous pediatric and adult hematological and solid tumors. Great advances have been achieved after the entry of ATC group into the cancer treatment in the early 1960s, and the overall survival ratio has increased from 30% to near 70%. Due to their significant role and great value in cancer therapy, which is persistent to date, ATCs are listed in the World Health Organization model list of essential medicines. The clinical use of ATC such as doxorubicin and daunorubicin can be viewed as a sort of double-edged sword. On the one hand, ATCs play an undisputed key role in the treatment of many neoplastic diseases; on the other hand, the administration of ATC is associated with the risk of severe adverse effects. The most common side effect of the ATC group is cardiotoxicity (CTX), which may limit its use and increases mortality and morbidity rates. The clinical use of ATC is limited by unique maximum total cumulative dose (approximately 350 mg/m2) limiting CTX. ATC CTX is cumulative dose-dependent and is in most of the occasions irreversible. Lowering the cumulative dose has been proved to be useful in minimize the risk of heart failure (HF), but, yet, there is a growing concern that HF might occur following doses that were thought to be safe. The average incidence of HF is around 5% at a cumulative dose of 400 mg/m2 that becomes higher above 500 mg/m2, albeit with substantial individual variation. The newer generations ATC medications such as epirubicin, idarubicin, and mitoxantrone were thought to be safer; however, subsequent clinical studies showed more or less similar toxicity profiles. The use of cardioprotective agents (e.g., dexrazoxane and amifostine) has been associated with improved safety range; however, questions are looming on their effect on ATC antitumor effects. An overwhelming amount of clinical evidence suggests that ATCs are too good to be old. Yet, they would look much better if they caused less harm to the heart when administered as either single agents or in combination with otherwise promising new drugs. In this review article, we present a comprehensive account on the ATC and provide up to date data on their clinical use and toxicity profile. In addition, we provide a contemporary approach on the early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of ATC CTX.
Paraneoplastic Palmar Fasciitis and Polyarthritis Syndrome in a Metastatic Breast Cancer Patient: Rare Case Report
Authors: Sehrawat Amit , Rao Trivikram , Sharma Lalit , Parthasarathy KM
Published: February 2020

Palmar fasciitis and polyarthritis syndrome (PFAPS) is a rare paraneoplastic event that has been reported mainly in ovarian cancers. Clinical diagnosis of PFAPS is characterized by the diagnosis of neoplasm with accompanying flexion contractures, inflammatory fasciitis, fibrosis, and generalized arthritis of the hands. Since first published report, only rare few additional cases of PFPAS have been reported. In this case report, we describe a patient with metastatic breast cancer who subsequently developed PFPAS in association with advanced breast cancer. She had clinical rheumatological symptoms course parallel to her primary breast cancer disease status.
Trastuzumab Deruxtecan: A Quantum Leap in HER2‑Positive Breast Cancer
Authors: Dhanushkodi Manikandan
Published: February 2020

Docetaxel, trastuzumab, and pertuzumab, known as THP, is the preferred first-line treatment for HER2-positive advanced breast cancer, and the second-line drug of choice is trastuzumab emtansine. Most patients eventually develop resistance to systemic therapy. Trastuzumab deruxtecan, a novel HER2-targeted antibody drug conjugate, has shown to be promising in this subset. It is a HER2-targeted antibody drug conjugate structurally composed of humanized anti-HER2 monoclonal antibody, cleavable tetra-peptide-based liker, and a potent payload (topoisomerase 1 inhibitor: Exatecan). A phase 2 trial of heavily pretreated advanced HER2-positive breast cancer (median of six lines of prior therapy) showed an overall response of 61% and a median progression-free survival of 16 months. In December 2019, the Food and Drug Administration announced accelerated approval of trastuzumab deruxtecan for HER2-positive advanced breast cancer patients who were prior exposed to two or more lines of anti-HER2 therapy in a metastatic setting.
Importance of Cytohistological Correlation and Diagnostic Utility of Endoscopic Ultrasound in Gastric Glomus Tumor: A Case Report
Authors: Gupta Rakesh Kumar , Saran Ravindra Kumar , Nabi Prithiviraj , Nag Hirdaya H , Srivastava Siddharth
Published: February 2020

We present a case of gastric glomus tumor (GGT) in a 60-year-old female patient presented with progressive dysphagia for both solid and liquid diagnosed with the help of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided fine-needle aspiration cytology with histological correlation and detailed immunohistochemistry evaluation. Till date, only seven cases were correctly diagnosed by EUS-guided aspiration cytology. We report this case to highlight the cytological features and importance of EUS in diagnosing GGT.
Clinicoepidemilogical Correlation of BRCA 1 and 2 Mutations in Carcinoma Ovary - an Indian Perspective
Authors: Rathore Anvesh , Vishwanath S , Ranjan Subhash , Pathak Abhishek , Dubey AP , Nikhil P
Published: February 2020

Introduction: All over the world in 2008, approximately 225,000 women were diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and 140,000 died from this disease.1 Ovarian cancer is the second-most common gynecologic malignancy in the developed countries. In the developing countries, it is the third-most common gynecologic malignancy after breast and cervical cancer with an incidence of 5.0/100,000 and a mortality rate of 3.1/100,000. Women with BRCA1 gene mutations typically develop ovarian cancer at an earlier age than other women, with an average age at diagnosis of 50-year-old while for patients with BRCA2 mutation carriers it is 60 years, similar to the general population. Aim and Objective: The aim of this study is to study the incidence, clinical profile, and outcomes of a patient with BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 mutation in carcinoma ovary and its comparison with patients without mutation. Results: Out of total 50 patients, 45 (90%) were BRCA negative and rest fi ve (10%) were BRCA positive. Of the five patients, only two (4% of total) had pathological mutations while the rest of three patients had benign mutations only. Overall median age of presentation was 61 years for BRCA-negative patients and 38 years for BRCA-positive patients. Most of the patients presented in Stage III (23 out of 50; 46%), while the second-most common presentation was in Stage IV (34%). In our study, we had an overall mortality of one patient who was BRCA negative, in Stage IV while no mortality was noted in BRCA positive subset of patients. Conclusion: This was a single center-based and spanned over 24 months involving limited number of patients with ovarian cancer with maximum follow-up for 9 months.
Tobacco Cessation: Are Oral Cancer Patients Ready for It
Authors: Sujatha S , Iyengar Asha , Pruthvish S , Priyadharshini R
Published: February 2020

Aims: The objective was to examine the predictors of readiness to quit tobacco among oral potentially malignant disorder (OPMD) and oral cancer (OC) patients in dental health care setting. Settings and Design: Two hundred and seven patients diagnosed with OC or OPMDs comprising 153 males and 54 females, with mean age being 52.2 years, with varying levels of addiction formed the study group. Subjects and Methods: Readiness to quit tobacco as measured by the ladder of change and the single-item readiness question was significantly correlated with measures of perceived risk. Statistical Analysis Used and Results: Pearson’s correlations showed that readiness to quit tobacco was significantly correlated with the participant’s perception of his or her health compared with other tobacco users of the same age (P < 0.005). Readiness to quit was positively correlated with the degree to which participants felt that their oral condition is related to their tobacco use (P < 0.001), how much their general health is affected by tobacco use (P < 0.01), and how much quitting tobacco could influence their health positively (P < 0.001). Post hoc analyses showed that readiness to quit was also significantly and negatively correlated with nicotine addiction (P < 0.001) and decisional balance scores (P < 0.01). Conclusions: There is an urgent need for tobacco risk assessment, intervention, and education with this population of patients, and hence, health professionals can play a significant role in motivating and assisting to quit.
Depression in Cancer Patients: Magnitude of Problem and Factors Responsible
Authors: Rastogi Kartick , Rakesh Amrita , Bairwa Subhash Chand , Bhaskar Sandeep , Gupta Shivani , Sharma Shantanu , Jain Sandeep
Published: February 2020

Context: Cancer patients usually have various psychological complications, depression being the most common among them. Depression poses difficulties in continuing the prescribed treatment within the scheduled time frame, ultimately affecting the outcome. Aims: The aims of this study were to determine the magnitude of depression and various factors associated with it, to initiate the timely intervention. Subjects and Materials: Brief Edinburgh Depression Scale was used to measure depression in 203 cancer patients who received chemotherapy at Department of Radiotherapy, SMS Medical College, Jaipur; in August 2017, were above 18 years of age, and could read, understand, and write. Association of depression with various factors such as age, gender, education and occupation details, income, marital status, history of other comorbid disease, type and site of cancer, presence of metastases, number of chemotherapy cycles going on, and source of cost of therapy, was also computed. Results: Of 203 patients, depression was present in 130 (64%) patients. Statistically significant association of depression was found with both extremes of the age (P = 0.04), paid treatment (P = 0.03), and <4 chemotherapy cycles (P = 0.04). No significant association was seen between depression and gender, occupation, performance status, site of cancer, presence of coexisting disease, and metastases. Conclusions: The magnitude of depression was high (present in 64% of patients) which often gets unnoticed. Depression should routinely be screened among cancer patients receiving chemotherapy and patients found to have depression should be referred to a psychiatrist for timely management.
Counting curves, and the stable length of currents
Authors: Erlandsson Viveka , Parlier Hugo , Souto Juan
Published: February 2020

Let

\gamma_0

be a curve on a surface

\Sigma

of genus

g

and with

r

boundary components and let

\pi_1(\Sigma)\curvearrowright X

be a discrete and cocompact action on some metric space. We study the asymptotic behavior of the number of curves

\gamma

of type

\gamma_0

with translation length at most

L

on

X

. For example, as an application, we derive that for any finite generating set

S

, of

\pi_1(\Sigma)

the limit

\lim_{L\to\infty}\frac 1{L^{6g-6+2r}}|\{\gamma \: \text {of type} \: \gamma_0 \: \text {with} \: S\text {-translation length} \: \le L\}|

exists and is positive. The main new technical tool is that the function which associates to each curve its stable length with respect to the action on

X

extends to a (unique) continuous and homogenous function on the space of currents. We prove that this is indeed the case for any action of a torsion free hyperbolic group.
On the non-vanishing of the central value of certain $L$-functions: unitary groups
Authors: Jiang Dihua , Zhang Lei
Published: February 2020

Let

\pi

be an irreducible cuspidal automorphic representation of a quasi-split unitary group U

_\mathfrak n

defined over a number field

F

. Under the assumption that

\pi

has a generic global Arthur parameter, we establish the non-vanishing of the central value of

L

-functions,

L(1/2,\pi\times\chi)

, with a certain automorphic character

\chi

of U

_1

for the case of

n=2,3,4

, and for the general

n \geq 5

by assuming Conjecture 1.4 on certain refined properties of global Arthur packets. As consequence, we obtain some simultaneous non-vanishing results for the central

L

-values by means of the theory of endoscopy.
Onbekend maakt onbemind? Onderzoek naar de mogelijke invloed van informatieverschaffing over en uitbreiding van de reikwijdte van de accountantscontrole op het oordeel van stakeholders
Authors: Brouwer Arjan , Ummels Linda
Published: February 2020

In dit artikel doen we verslag van onderzoek naar de mate waarin informatieverschaffing over de aard en reikwijdte van de controle kan bijdragen aan het verkleinen van de verwachtingskloof. Wij concluderen dat beter geïnformeerde stakeholders die het werk van de accountant van dichterbij kunnen waarnemen, zoals de Raad van Commissarissen en Auditcommissie, positiever oordelen over de effectiviteit van de controle dan stakeholders die hiervoor zijn aangewezen op openbare informatie, waaronder investeerders.

Er zijn indicaties, maar geen overtuigend bewijs, dat meer informatieverschaffing over de reikwijdte en het proces van de controle in enige mate kan bijdragen aan een positiever oordeel van stakeholders. Belangrijke informatie over de controle die via de uitgebreide controleverklaring wordt gecommuniceerd, zoals reikwijdte en materialiteit, wordt door een meerderheid van de stakeholders die zich op openbare informatie moet baseren echter niet gelezen.

Wij concluderen daarom dat het voor een positiever oordeel van stakeholders over de effectiviteit van de controle van belang is dat accountants ook andere methoden en kanalen hanteren om ze beter te informeren over het proces van de accountantscontrole en dat betere informatieverschaffing via de controleverklaring alleen niet voldoende is om dit te realiseren. Aangezien de wensen en verwachtingen verschillen tussen stakeholdergroepen is het daarnaast van belang om met alle partijen binnen de rapportageketen te onderzoeken of en welke uitbreiding van de reikwijdte van de accountantscontrole met werkzaamheden ten aanzien van belangrijkste risico’s en onzekerheden, langetermijnlevensvatbaarheid, alternatieve winstbegrippen, fraude en naleving van wet- en regelgeving wenselijk is en hoe dit gerealiseerd kan worden.
Water-soluble iron emitted from vehicle exhaust is linked to primary speciated organic compounds
Authors: Salazar Joseph R. , Cartledge Benton T. , Haynes John P. , York-Marini Rachel , Robinson Allen L. , Drozd Greg T. , Goldstein Allen H. , Fakra Sirine C. , Majestic Brian J.
Published: February 2020

Abstract. Iron is the most abundant transition element in airborne particulate matter (PM), primarily
existing as Fe(II) or Fe(III). Generally, the fraction of water-soluble iron
is greater in urban areas compared to areas dominated by crustal emissions.
To better understand the origin of water-soluble iron in urban areas,
tailpipe emission samples were collected from 32 vehicles with emission
certifications of Tier 0 low emission vehicles (LEV I), Tier 2 low
emission vehicles (LEV II), ultralow emission vehicles (ULEVs),
super-ultralow emission vehicles (SULEVs), and partial-zero emission vehicles
(PZEVs). The components quantified included gases, inorganic ions, elemental
carbon (EC), organic carbon (OC), total metals, and water-soluble metals.
Naphthalene and intermediate-volatility organic compounds (IVOCs) were
quantified for a subset of vehicles. The IVOCs quantified contained 12 to 18
carbons and were divided into three subgroups: aliphatic, single-ring
aromatic (SRA), and polar (material not classified as either aliphatic or
SRA). Iron solubility in the tested vehicles ranged from 0 % to 82 %
(average 30 %). X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES)
spectroscopy showed that Fe(III) was the primary oxidation state in 14 of
the 16 tested vehicles, confirming that the presence of Fe(II) was not the
main driver of water-soluble Fe. The correlation of water-soluble iron with
sulfate was insignificant, as was correlation with every chemical component
except naphthalene and some C12–C18 IVOCs with R2 values as high as
0.56. A controlled benchtop study confirmed that naphthalene alone
increases iron solubility from soils by a factor of 5.5 and that oxidized
naphthalene species are created in the extract solution. These results
suggest that the large driver in water-soluble iron from primary vehicle
tailpipe emissions is related to the organic composition of the PM. We
hypothesize that, during the extraction process, specific components of the
organic fraction of the PM are oxidized and chelate the iron into water.
Mixing state of black carbon and its impact on optical properties and radiative forcing over East Asia
Authors: Ma Xiaoyan , Jia Hailing , Tian Rong , Yu Fangqun , Li Jiagnan
Published: February 2020

Abstract. BC mixing state, one of essential aerosol microphysical properties modulating its optical properties and radiative forcing, and climatic and environmental effect, has often been assumed in numerical models previously. In this study, by employing a nested version of GEOS-Chem-APM model with predicted BC mixing state, we carefully examined the effect of BC mixing state on aerosol optical properties, radiative forcing, and heating rate over East Asia (EA) and particularly in East-Central China (ECC). The modelling results show that the mass of both BC core and coating by secondary species (coated SS) are significantly high in ECC and India due to strong anthropogenic emissions but quite low in the other regions. The ratio of total mass (BC + coated SS) to the BC over ECC can be doubled compared to pure BC core mass, indicating quite large coating over the regions with high anthropogenic emissions. Absorptive aerosol optical depth (AAOD) enhances ~ 40 % over ECC once core-shell mixing, rather than external mixing, is taken into account, despite AOD only changes slightly, and the resulting absorption amplification (Aa) normally varies from 1.1 to 1.8 over ECC. Aerosol direct radiative forcing (DRF) under clear sky and all sky indicate that DRF at top of atmosphere (DRFTOA) become weaker but DRF at surface (DRFSRF) become stronger when core-shell mixing, instead of external mixing, is taken in to account in the simulation. The simulation with core-shell mixing presented that over ECC, the regional-averaged atmospheric absorption enhances 39 % while DRFTOA and DRFSRF are reported as −8.3 and −17.8 W m-2, compared to −9.4 and −16.2 W m-2 in the simulation with external mixing state. The heating rate in entire column enhances with core-shell mixing state due to absorption amplification, compared to external mixing state. The heating rate at surface over ECC increases about 43 %, i.e. increase from 0.7 K day-1 (external) to 0.9 K day-1 (core-shell) during the study period. The results in three cities (Beijing, Nanjing, Chengdu), representative of North China Plain (NCP), Yangtze River Delta (YRD), and Sichuan Basin (SCB), major anthropogenic aerosol emissions regions over EA, are also discussed in the study.
Quantifying hail size distributions from the sky – application of drone aerial photogrammetry
Authors: Soderholm Joshua S. , Kumjian Matthew R. , McCarthy Nicholas , Maldonado Paula , Wang Minzheng
Published: February 2020

Abstract. A new technique, named “HailPixel”, is introduced for measuring the maximum dimension and intermediate dimension of hailstones from aerial imagery. The photogrammetry procedure applies a convolutional neural network for robust detection of hailstones against complex backgrounds and an edge detection method for measuring the shape of identified hailstones. This semi-automated technique is capable of measuring many thousands of hailstones within a single survey, which is several orders of magnitude larger (e.g. 10 000 or more hailstones) than population sizes from existing sensors (e.g. a hail pad). Comparison with a co-located hail pad for an Argentinian hailstorm event during the RELAMPAGO project demonstrates the larger population size of the HailPixel survey significantly improves the shape and tails of the observed hail size distribution. When hail fall is sparse, such as during large and giant hail events, the large survey area of this technique is especially advantageous for resolving the hail size distribution.
Soil carbon release responses to long-term versus short-term climatic warming in an arid ecosystem
Authors: Yu Hongying , Xu Zhenzhu , Zhou Guangsheng , Shi Yaohui
Published: February 2020

Abstract. Climate change severely impacts the grassland carbon cycling by
altering rates of litter decomposition and soil respiration (Rs),
especially in arid areas. However, little is known about the Rs
responses to different warming magnitudes and watering pulses in situ in desert
steppes. To examine their effects on Rs, we conducted long-term moderate
warming (4 years, ∼3 ∘C), short-term acute
warming (1 year, ∼4 ∘C) and watering field
experiments in a desert grassland of northern China. While experimental
warming significantly reduced average Rs by 32.5 % and 40.8 %
under long-term moderate and short-term acute warming regimes, respectively,
watering pulses (fully irrigating the soil to field capacity) stimulated it
substantially. This indicates that climatic warming constrains soil carbon
release, which is controlled mainly by decreased soil moisture, consequently
influencing soil carbon dynamics. Warming did not change the exponential
relationship between Rs and soil temperature, whereas the relationship
between Rs and soil moisture was better fitted to a sigmoid function.
The belowground biomass, soil nutrition, and microbial biomass were not
significantly affected by either long-term or short-term warming regimes,
respectively. The results of this study highlight the great dependence of
soil carbon emission on warming regimes of different durations and the
important role of precipitation pulses during the growing season in
assessing the terrestrial ecosystem carbon balance and cycle.
Diel quenching of Southern Ocean phytoplankton fluorescence is related to iron limitation
Authors: Schallenberg Christina , Strzepek Robert F. , Schuback Nina , Clementson Lesley A. , Boyd Philip W. , Trull Thomas W.
Published: February 2020

Abstract. Evaluation of photosynthetic competency in time and space is critical for
better estimates and models of oceanic primary productivity. This is
especially true for areas where the lack of iron (Fe) limits phytoplankton
productivity, such as the Southern Ocean. Assessment of photosynthetic
competency on large scales remains challenging, but phytoplankton
chlorophyll a fluorescence (ChlF) is a signal that holds promise in this
respect as it is affected by, and consequently provides information about,
the photosynthetic efficiency of the organism. A second process affecting
the ChlF signal is heat dissipation of absorbed light energy, referred to as
non-photochemical quenching (NPQ). NPQ is triggered when excess energy is
absorbed, i.e. when more light is absorbed than can be used directly for
photosynthetic carbon fixation. The effect of NPQ on the ChlF signal
complicates its interpretation in terms of photosynthetic efficiency, and
therefore most approaches relating ChlF parameters to photosynthetic
efficiency seek to minimize the influence of NPQ by working under conditions
of sub-saturating irradiance. Here, we propose that NPQ itself holds
potential as an easily acquired optical signal indicative of phytoplankton
physiological state with respect to Fe limitation. We present data from a research voyage to the Subantarctic Zone south of
Australia. Incubation experiments confirmed that resident phytoplankton were
Fe-limited, as the maximum quantum yield of primary photochemistry, Fv∕Fm,
measured with a fast repetition rate fluorometer (FRRf), increased
significantly with Fe addition. The NPQ “capacity” of the phytoplankton
also showed sensitivity to Fe addition, decreasing with increased Fe
availability, confirming previous work. The fortuitous presence of a remnant
warm-core eddy in the vicinity of the study area allowed comparison of
fluorescence behaviour between two distinct water masses, with the colder
water showing significantly lower Fv∕Fm than the warmer eddy waters,
suggesting a difference in Fe limitation status between the two water
masses. Again, NPQ capacity measured with the FRRf mirrored the behaviour
observed in Fv∕Fm, decreasing as Fv∕Fm increased in the warmer water mass.
We also analysed the diel quenching of underway fluorescence measured with a
standard fluorometer, such as is frequently used to monitor ambient
chlorophyll a concentrations, and found a significant difference in
behaviour between the two water masses. This difference was quantified by
defining an NPQ parameter akin to the Stern–Volmer parameterization of NPQ,
exploiting the fluorescence quenching induced by diel fluctuations in
incident irradiance. We propose that monitoring of this novel NPQ parameter
may enable assessment of phytoplankton physiological status (related to Fe
availability) based on measurements made with standard fluorometers, as
ubiquitously used on moorings, ships, floats and gliders.
Decomposing reflectance spectra to track gross primary production in a subalpine evergreen forest
Authors: Cheng Rui , Magney Troy S. , Dutta Debsunder , Bowling David R. , Logan Barry A. , Burns Sean P. , Blanken Peter D. , Grossmann Katja , Lopez Sophia , Richardson Andrew D. , Stutz Jochen , Frankenberg Christian
Published: February 2020

Abstract. Photosynthesis by terrestrial plants represents the majority of CO2 uptake on Earth, yet it is difficult to measure directly from space. Estimating Gross Primary Production (GPP) from remote sensing indices is a primary source of uncertainty, in particular for observing seasonal variations in evergreen forests. Recent vegetation remote sensing techniques have highlighted spectral regions sensitive to dynamic changes in leaf/needle carotenoid composition, showing promise for tracking seasonal changes in photosynthesis of evergreen forests. However, continuous daily measurements of spectrally resolved canopy reflectance are limited in these ecosystems. To investigate this potential, we continuously measured vegetation reflectance (400–900 nm) using a canopy spectrometer system, PhotoSpec, mounted on top of an eddy-covariance flux tower in a subalpine evergreen forest at Niwot Ridge, Colorado, USA. We analyzed driving spectral components in the measured canopy reflectance using both statistical and process-based approaches. The decomposed spectral components relate directly to carotenoid pigments and co-vary seasonally with GPP, supporting the interpretation of the Photochemical Reflectance Index (PRI) and the Chlorophyll/Carotenoid Index (CCI). We show that using features from the entire 400–900 nm range show additional spectral changes near the red-egde but do not outperform the PRI or CCI indices for GPP predictions. In addition, we can quantitatively determine needle-scale chlorophyll to carotenoid ratios as well as anthocyanin contents using full spectrum inversions, both of which tightly correlated with seasonal GPP changes. Reconstructing GPP from vegetation reflectance using Partial Least Squares Regression (PLSR) explained approximately 87 % of the variability in observed GPP. Our results link the seasonal variation of reflectance to the pool size of photoprotective pigments, highlighting all spectral locations within 400–900 nm associated with GPP seasonality in evergreen forests.