bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Remote Evaluation of Short Videos Captured by Static Telecytological Applications for Obtaining Expert Opinions
Authors: Archondakis Stavros K
Published: May 2020

Over the last decade, cytopathology laboratories wishing to achieve an automated and seamless workflow process, to diminish turnaround times and to improve their diagnostic accuracy have successfully adopted information technologies and automation. New types of cameras and microscopes, connected to computers, have made possible image capture and transmission (telecytology). New innovative information technologies, including e-health and telemedical applications, constitute a valuable tool for interlaboratory collaboration and quality improvement. New applications are expected to enhance the opportunities for improvement in the field of cytological data management and sharing. In this article, we emphasize on the possible use of short videos captured by static telecytology applications in a modern cytopathology laboratory wishing to establish an effective interlaboratory comparison system and obtain expert opinions in diagnostically challenging cases from distant consultants with well recognized diagnostic competence and experience in the field of thyroid cytology.
Properties of Acetamide-Alanine Eutectic Ionic Liquid and its Application in Soil Heavy Metal Cd2+ Remediation
Authors: Liu Bao You , Li Feng , Tian Jie , Yang Hui Long
Published: May 2020

In order to explore the feasibility of a class of eutectic ionic liquids in soil heavy metal repair problems. The acetamide-alanine eutectic ionic liquid was prepared and its properties of density, viscosity, surface tension and electrical conductivity were measured, and it’s application effect of Cd2+ extraction in soil was studied. The results showed that the extraction amount of Cd2+ in soil by the acetamide-alanine eutectic ionic liquid with a concentration of 0.6 mol/L reached the maximum of 99.67%. The physical properties of a melamine-alanine eutectic ionic liquid having a concentration of 0.6 mol/L at a temperature range of 303.15 K-343.15 K were determined. The 0.6 mol/L acetamide-alanine eutectic ionic liquid was compared with the ionic liquid and the related organic acid aqueous solution prepared under the same conditions, and the acetamide-alanine eutectic prepared by the experiment was found to be eutectic. The ionic liquid has better extraction efficiency for heavy metal Cd2+ under the same conditions, and is a good soil heavy metal extractant.
Application of Peanut Shell-Based Porous Materials for the Effective Removal of HCN in Cigarette Mainstream Smoke
Authors: Wang Yi Peng , Yang Song , Jia Yun Zhen , Sun Pei Jian , Sun Xue Hui , Wang Hong Bo , Guo Jun Wei , Zhang Xiao Bing , Liu Hui Min , Nie Cong
Published: May 2020

In this study, carboxymethyl peanut shell (CPS) was prepared, and then peanut shell-based porous material (PPS) was obtained by the complexation reaction of CPS with Cu2+. The carboxymethyl content of CPS increased gradually with the increase of the amounts of monochloroacetic acid and sodium hydroxide, and the Cu2+ loading amount of PPS increased gradually with the increase of carboxymethyl content. The scanning electron microscope results showed that PPS-1, PPS-2, PPS-3 (PPS-1~3) had many nanoscale pores. The nitrogen adsorption-desorption results suggested that PPS-1~3 were all mesoporous materials with an average pore diameter of about 10 nm, while their Brunauer-Emmet-Teller surface area and pore volume of PPS-1 to PPS-3 increased gradually. Compared with the control cigarette, the release of HCN in cigarette mainstream smoke could be effectively reduced with the use of PPS-1~3, the reduction rate of HCN per total particulate matter were 54.9%, 63.1% and 67.0%, respectively.
Effects of Second Phases on Charpy Impact Energy and Crack Propagation Behavior of Hastelloy N Sheet Using for Molten Salt Reactor
Authors: Zhang Wei , Zhu Wei , Peng Yan Hua , Yang Fan , Pan Rong Jian , Zhou Yun , Wu Yong Jun , Wu Lu
Published: May 2020

In order to obtain the effect of second phases on Charpy impact energy and crack propagation behavior of Hastelloy N sheet, Charpy notched impact toughness test have been accomplished with different directions (RD, ND) of V-notch after solution treatment. The fracture morphology and microstructure are observed by optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS). It is shown that the dominant second phases in Hastelloy N after solution treatment includes molybdenum-riched Ni-Mo phase, which dissolve some elements such as chromium, silicon and ferrum, and a few carbides. The Charpy impact energy of sample 2# (RD) is 225J, almost twice as much as sample 1# (ND). Based on the reconstruction of morphology and distribution of second phases, the mechanism for effect of second phases on crack propagation behavior is discussed. The islands of second phase particles modify the stress triaxiality state, resulting in the propagation path of crack in 2# is totally different from that in 1#.
Improvement of Dielectric Breakdown Strength in (1-x)Sr0.7Ba0.3Nb2O6-xSr0.7Bi0.2TiO3 Ceramics
Authors: Cao Lei , Yuan Ying , Li En Zhu , Zhang Shu Ren
Published: May 2020

In this work, a series of (1-x)Sr0.7Ba0.3Nb2O6-xSr0.7Bi0.2TiO3 ceramics were formulated by a phase-mixed sintering, the microstructure and energy storage performance were studied. The introduction of SBT induces the formation of equiaxed crystals leading to the denser microstructure, thus improving the dielectric breakdown strength. In addition, the enhancement of relaxor behavior improves the energy storage performance. For 0.94Sr0.7Ba0.3Nb2O6-0.06Sr0.7Bi0.2TiO3, an energy storage density of 0.49J/cm3 and an efficiency of 94.2% were achieved.
Fatigue Property Test and Numerical Simulation Analysis of 2524 Aluminum Alloy by Laser Shock Process
Authors: Li Song Bai , Li Xiang
Published: May 2020

Effects of laser shock peening on the fatigue properties of 2524 aluminum alloy were investigated by laser shock test, residual stress test and fatigue crack growth test respectively. The results show that the maximum residual stress is -220MPa at a distance of 1.1mm from the spot center after LSP (laser energy of 6.26J). The distribution of residual stress was simulated by Abaqus software, and the numerical simulation results were in good agreement with the experimental results. Compared with the untreated specimens, the fatigue life of the shocked specimens was increased by 32%. Fatigue fracture morphologies of the final rupture zone also show that more dimples of significantly larger depth and size occur. The fatigue life of 2524 aluminum alloy can be effectively extended by laser shock process (LSP).
Synthesis and Aggregation-Induced Emission Feature of Series of Polysiloxanes Containing Triphenylpyrrole Side-Chain
Authors: Yin Yin , Dong Li Chao , Jin Na , Guan Yan , Zhi Jun Ge , Deng Wen Sheng
Published: May 2020

A series of aggregation-induced emission (AIE) active polysiloxanes (P7-1~P7-2, P29-1~P29-6) were prepared through hydrosilylation between polymethylhydrosiloxane (PMHS, DP=7 or 29) and AIE-active vinyl monomer 1-(4'-allyloxy-biphenyl)-2,5-diphenyl pyrrole (M-TPP), or with optical active monomer cholesteryl allyloxy ether (M-Chol*). Monomer M-TPP and all of the polymers exhibits aggeragation-induced emission enhancement properties. The fluorescence intensity of M-TPP in THF/H2O mixtures increases when the water fraction is higher than 60%, while is over 20% for polysiloxanes, which mainly because the entanglement of the flexible polysiloxane main-chain can restrict the molecular motion of triphenylpyrrole (TPP) derivates and induce the increasing of the fluorescence intensity. Moreover, the maximum relative fluorescence intensity (I/I0) is equal to 4 for M-TPP and 1.4~4.9 for polysiloxanes, and the grafted degree of the TPP derivative has effect on the AIE properties of polymers. The specific optical rotations of the chiral polymers increase with increasing the content of chiral cholesteryl ether moieties. All the target polymers possess good thermal stabilities and their decomposition points (Td) are greater than 320°C.
A Study of Electrical and Mechanical Properties of Epoxy Resin Insulating Materials under Low Temperature
Authors: Liang Jian Quan , Sun Wei , Zhang Hong Da , Li Lin , Wang Yue , Zhao Lei Lei
Published: May 2020

Epoxy resin insulating materials have been extensively applied to main power transmission and transformation equipment. As the use environment of power transmission and transformation equipment becomes increasingly harsh, the reliability requirement of power grids for equipment is becoming higher and higher. It’s very necessary to master electrical and mechanical properties of low-temperature epoxy resin insulating materials. Dielectric properties, power-frequency breakdown properties, power-frequency flashover properties and mechanical properties of epoxy resin insulating materials under low temperature were investigated in this paper. The study results indicate that as the temperature declines, dielectric properties of epoxy resin composite materials are slightly degraded. After the temperature drops to below -40°C, dielectric properties start being gradually recovered to the state under normal temperature; AC breakdown, AC flashover and tensile properties of the materials are gradually improved as the temperature decreases.
Investigation of the Intermetallic Formation on Wet Underwater Welding of AISI 4012 Steel
Authors: Anggono Agus Dwi , Suwantri Suwantri , Siswanto Waluyo Adi , Sedyono Joko
Published: May 2020

The objectives of the study is to investigate the formation of intermetallic compound and the mechanical properties of the underwater welding. AISI 4012 steel was selected as the material and two types of electrode E6013 and E7018. The variations of electric current used in this study were 80,100, and 120 amperes. The underwater welding was conducted in plain water pool and 3 meters depth by using SMAW. Tensile test and SEM-EDS were carried out to investigate the tensile strength and appearence the intermetallic layer.The results of this study indicated that the highest value of tensile stresswas found on the use E7018 electrodes and 80 amperes electric current. While the lowest value was found in the use E6013 electrodes with 120 amperes. Intermetallic layer was detected base on the SEM-EDS investigation.
Catalytic Pyrolysis of Palm Empty Fruit Bunch over Activated Natural Dolomite Catalyst: Product Distribution and Product Analysis
Authors: Hidayat Arif , Adnan Muflih Arisa , Chafidz Achmad
Published: May 2020

In this study, an activated natural dolomite catalyst is used as catalyst for the palm empty fruit bunches (PEFB) pyrolysis to produce bio-oil. The research was conducted in fixed bed reactors operating in batches by varying several parameters, which are temperature (400-600°C) and nitrogen gas flow rate (100-300 mL.min-1). The results show that the catalytic pyrolysis process using an activated natural dolomite catalyst obtains a maximum liquid yield of 35.87% when using a 500°C catalytic pyrolysis temperature and the rate of nitrogen gas is 100 cm3/minute, while the yield of gas and solids is 53.12% and 11.76%, respectively. The use of the dolomite activation catalyst influences the product distribution of pyrolysis and the bio-oil chemical compounds.
Synthesis of Grafted Cationic Starch with DMDAAC Using Ammonium Persulfate/Carbamide Initiation System
Authors: Tang Hong , Zhang Pu Yu , Li Ting Xi , Ma Yong
Published: May 2020

Using ammonium persulfate (APS)/carbamide initiation system, cationic grafted starch was prepared by the graft copolymerization of starch with diallydimethylammonium chloride (DMDAAC). The synthesized polymer was confirmed by FTIR, NMR, and XRD. And the morphology was characterized by SEM. The optimum conditions of graft copolymerization were determined and the flocculation properties of the cationic grafted starch were investigated using diatomite suspension. The obtained results showed that grafting ratio (G) and grafting efficiency (GE) have an increased trend along with the increase of mass ratio of starch to monomer. G, GE and cationic degree (DC) increased with the rise of mole ratio of AM to DMDAAC. When the total concentration of the monomers in the system is fixed, increasing APS concentration up to 0.33×10-3 M caused a rise for the G, GE and DC. The optimum temperature and the time were 40 °C and 5 h, respectively. The result also showed that the cationic grafted starch has excellent flocculation performance whether in acid, alkaline or neutral conditions.
Synthesis of Hydrophobically Associating Polymers and the Application as Oil-Displacing Agent
Authors: Zhang Rong Jun , Zhao Jin Lin , Wang Xiao Ke , Zhou Zheng Peng , Chen Gang
Published: May 2020

Polymer plays a function in dominating fluidity in poly-surfactant binary flooding. After optimization and screening, the polymer ought to encounter the demands of terrific water solubility, high-pitched relative molecular weight, substantial viscosifying capability, beneficial injection, good salt opposition of solution, nice biological stability, no pollution to reservoir and environment, wide source, easy transportation and low expense. In this paper, a series of laboratory examinations on high-efficiency composite that floods system for Chang 6 reservoir in Ansai oilfield will be implemented , concentrating on improving and dispensing the existent polymer formulation, and building low molecular weight polymer with colloidal morphology, in order to make it suitable for aim constitution.
Defect Investigation of Sand Casted Aluminum Cooling Fan
Authors: Prihtiantoro Dedhy , Anggono Agus Dwi , Siswanto Waluyo Adi
Published: May 2020

Sand casting is one of manufacturing process that still exist today. Numerous products are produced to serve industrial and domestic use. Defect could lead to product performance, and unfortunately inevitable in a casting process. This paper aim to investigate typical defect resulted from sand casting process. An aluminum cooling fan was selected as the model since it has complicated shape with different thicknesses. The casted fan was investigated under photo micro for defect analysis. Porosity, gas inclusion, pinhole, and shrinkage were found as the common defects occured at different part of the fan.
HAp Coated Hip Prosthesis Contact Pressure Prediction Using FEM Analysis
Authors: Nagentrau Muniandy , Mohd Tobi Abdul Latif , Jamian Saifulnizan , Otsuka Yuichi
Published: May 2020

Total hip replacement is surgical procedure which is widely performed in most of the developed countries due to rapid aging. The extensive application of titanium alloy as hip prosthesis can be seen because of its suitable properties such as good biocompatibility, light weight and high strength. However, coating or bond is required as titanium alloy ineffective to be adhered directly with human bone. Hydroxyapatite (HAp) is common coating material used to bond Ti-6Al-4V hip prosthesis with human bone. HAp-Ti-6Al-4V interface is a possible fretting wear region which is subjected to significant contact pressure. HAp-Ti-6Al-4V interface fretting fatigue delamination leads to contact pressure which can accelerate fretting wear behaviour of HAp coating. Present paper discusses the influence of delamination length and fatigue stress ratio on contact pressure distribution at interface of HAp-Ti-6Al-4V using finite element methodology. A simple two-dimensional finite element contact configuration consisting Ti-6Al-4V substrate, HAp coating and contact pad (representing bone) is employed to examine under static analysis. The finite element predicted results highlighted that contact pressure can be promoted under increased delamination length condition and stress ratio of 0.1 (tension-tension). Contact pressure can accelerate HAp coating fretting wear behaviour.
Electrochemical Performance of Barium Strontium Cobalt Ferrite -Samarium Doped Ceria- Argentum for Low Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cell
Authors: Yusop Umira Asyikin , Huai Tan Kang , Rahman Hamimah Abdul , Baharuddin Nurul Akidah , Raharjo Jarot
Published: May 2020

A low operating temperature is one of the concerns in commercialising solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) as a portable power source. The aim of this research is to develop a new cathode material, barium strontium cobalt ferrite–samarium doped ceria (BSCF-SDC) added with argentum (Ag) for low-temperature SOFCs (LT-SOFCs). The composite powder was prepared through high-energy ball milling at 550 rpm for 2 h with a BSCF:SDC powder ratio of 50:50. The composite powder was calcined at 950 °C for 2 h and then mixed with Ag (1wt%, 3wt% and 5wt%) via dry milling at 150 rpm. The phase stability of the resulting samples was examined by X-ray diffractometry, and powder particle sizes were determined by using a Zeta-Sizer Nano ZS. The thermal stability of each sample was determined on the basis of thermal expansion coefficients (TECs), and electrochemical characteristics were determined through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy to investigate the performance of BSCF-SDC-Ag in LT-SOFCs (400–600 °C). Phase analysis demonstrated no impurity phases existed. Particle size analysis revealed that increment in Ag content affect the particle size of BSCF-SDCC. TEC analysis demonstrated that BSCF-SDC-Ag1% has a mismatch value of 16.39%, which is within the acceptable TEC range of 15%–20%. BSCF-SDC-Ag1% showed a maximum conductivity of 39.37Scm-1 at 600 °C.
Exploring Health Demographics of Female Collegiate Rowers
Authors: Walsh Megan , Crowell Nancy , Merenstein Daniel
Published: May 2020

Context

Limited information exists about health patterns among female rowers at the collegiate level. Furthermore, the element of weight class (lightweights classified as <130 lb [59 kg]) as a factor in the physical and mental health of female collegiate athletes has not been investigated, despite weight requirements in sport being a risk factor for the female athlete triad.

Objective

To test the hypotheses that (1) components of the female athlete triad were more prevalent in lightweight than in openweight rowers; (2) perceived stress levels were greater in lightweight than in openweight rowers; and (3) rowers who were unable to row due to injury had greater perceived stress levels than uninjured athletes.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Twelve collegiate women's rowing programs consisting of 6 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I openweight and 6 Intercollegiate Rowing Association–level lightweight teams.

Patients or Other Participants

A total of 158 female collegiate rowers (78 lightweight, 80 openweight).

Main Outcome Measure(s)

An electronic survey addressing injury history, diet and eating habits and body image (according to the triad screening questionnaire), stress levels (Perceived Stress Scale), and athlete identity (Athlete Identity Measurement Scale) was administered.

Results

Lightweight rowers reported limiting or carefully controlling foods more frequently than openweight rowers (41.9% to 29.9%, P = .013). A history of an eating disorder was more prevalent among lightweight than openweight rowers (25.7% to 13.0%, P = .048). Prevalences of stress fractures and menstrual irregularities did not differ between weight classes. Lightweight and openweight rowers' scores on the Perceived Stress Scale (16.0 ± 9.9 and 17.3 ± 6.4, respectively) were not different. Injured rowers scored higher on the Perceived Stress Scale (19.4 ± 7.2) than did uninjured rowers (16.6 ± 5.72).

Conclusions

Weight class did not contribute to differences in the prevalence of female athlete triad components or perceived stress, although lightweight rowers were more likely to have a history of eating disorder. Injury may be a risk factor for increased stress in this population.
Seroprevalence & seroincidence of Orientia tsutsugamushi infection in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Kamble Suchit , Mane Arati , Sane Suvarna , Sonavale Suvarna , Vidhate Pallavi , Singh Manish Kumar , Gangakhedkar Raman , Gupte Mohan
Published: May 2020

Background & objectives:

In India, acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) cases are frequently reported from Gorakhpur district in Uttar Pradesh. Scrub typhus is one of the predominant aetiological agents for these cases. In order to delineate the extent of the background of scrub typhus seroprevalence and the associated risk factors at community level, serosurveys during both lean and epidemic periods (phase 1 and phase 2, respectively) of AES outbreaks were conducted in this region.

Methods:

Two community-based serosurveys were conducted during lean (April-May 2016) and epidemic AES (October-November 2016) periods. A total of 1085 and 906 individuals were enrolled during lean and epidemic AES periods, respectively, from different villages reporting recent AES cases. Scrub typhus-seronegative individuals (n=254) during the lean period were tested again during the epidemic period to estimate the incidence of scrub typhus.

Results:

The seroprevalence of Orientia tsutsugamushi during AES epidemic period [immunoglobulin (Ig) IgG: 70.8%, IgM: 4.4%] was high as compared to that of lean AES period (IgG: 50.6%, P<0.001; IgM: 3.4%). The factors independently associated with O. tsutsugamushi positivity during lean AES period were female gender, illiteracy, not wearing footwear, not taking bath after work whereas increasing age, close contact with animals, source of drinking water and open-air defecation emerged as additional risk factors during the epidemic AES season. IgM positivity was significantly higher among febrile individuals compared to those without fever (7.7 vs. 3.5%, P=0.006). The seroincidence for O. tsutsugamushi was 19.7 per cent, and the subclinical infection rate was 54 per cent.

Interpretation & conclusions:

The community-based surveys identified endemicity of O. tsutsugamushi and the associated risk factors in Gorakhpur region. The findings will be helpful for planning appropriate interventional strategies to control scrub typhus.
A juggernaut of innate & adaptive immune cells in chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Tomer Shallu , Arora Sunil K.
Published: May 2020

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a small positive-sense, single-stranded RNA virus, the causal organism for chronic hepatitis. Chronic hepatitis leads to inflammation of liver, causing cirrhosis, fibrosis and steatosis, which may ultimately lead to liver cancer in a few cases. Innate and adaptive immune responses play an important role in the pathogenesis of HCV infection, thus acting as an important component in deciding the fate of the disease. Numerous studies have indicated that the derangement of these immune responses results in the persistence of infection leading to chronic state of the disease. Interactions between virus and host immune system generally result in the elimination of virus, but as the virus evolves with different evading mechanisms, it makes environment favourable for its survival and replication. It has been reported that HCV impairs the immune system by functional modulation of the cells of innate as well as adaptive immune responses, resulting in chronic state of the disease, influencing the response to antiviral therapy in these patients. These defects in the immune system lead to suboptimal immune responses and therefore, impaired effector functions. This review highlights the involvement or association of different immune cells such as natural killer cells, B cells, dendritic cells and T cells in HCV infection and how the virus plays a role in manipulating certain regulatory mechanisms to make these cells dysfunctional for its own persistence and survival.
Community-acquired bacterial pneumonia in adults
Authors: Eshwara Vandana Kalwaje , Mukhopadhyay Chiranjay , Rello Jordi
Published: May 2020

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is the prominent cause of mortality and morbidity with important clinical impact across the globe. India accounts for 23 per cent of global pneumonia burden with case fatality rates between 14 and 30 per cent, and Streptococcus pneumoniae is considered a major bacterial aetiology. Emerging pathogens like Burkholderia pseudomallei is increasingly recognized as an important cause of CAP in Southeast Asian countries. Initial management in the primary care depends on clinical assessment while the hospitalized patients require combinations of clinical scores, chest radiography and various microbiological and biomarker assays. This comprehensive diagnostic approach together with additional sampling and molecular tests in selected high-risk patients should be practiced. Inappropriate therapy in CAP in hospitalized patients lengthens hospital stay and increases cost and mortality. In addition, emergence of multidrug-resistant organisms poses tough challenges in deciding empirical as well as definitive therapy. Developing local evidence on the cause and management should be a priority to improve health outcomes in CAP.
Molecular characterization of hepatitis A virus circulating in Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Prakash Shantanu , Shukla Suruchi , Shukla Ratnam , Bhagat Amit , Srivastava Shakti S. , Jain Amita
Published: May 2020

Background & objectives:

Hepatitis A is prevalent worldwide and is among the leading cause of acute viral hepatitis in India. Major geographical differences in endemicity of hepatitis A are closely related to hygienic and sanitary conditions and other indicators of the level of socio-economic development. The present study was aimed to know the seropositivity prevalence and predominant circulating strain of HAV in a north India.

Methods:

Patients with acute viral hepatitis were enrolled. Blood samples were collected over a period of one year from June 2016 to May 2017. Serum samples were tested for anti-immunoglobulin M (IgM) HAV antibodies. The seropositive samples were analyzed for HAV-RNA by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Samples detected on molecular assay were subjected to conventional semi-nested RT-PCR for VP1 gene. Further sequencing of amplified RT-PCR products was done, and data were analyzed.

Results:

A total of 1615 patients were enrolled, and serum samples were collected and tested. The male:female ratio was 1.3:1 with a mean age of 24.31±17.02 yr (range 0-83 yr). Among these, 128 (7.93%) were positive for anti-HAV IgM antibodies; 41.63 per cent of seropositive patients were in their childhood or early adolescent age group. Of all seropositive samples, 59 (46.09%) were positive for HAV RNA. Genotyping sequencing of 10 representative strains was carried out, and the circulating genotype was found to be IIIA. The nucleotide sequences showed homology among the strains.

Interpretation & conclusions:

Our results showed that hepatitis A was a common disease in children with IIIA as a circulating genotype in this region. In approximately 50 per cent of cases, HAV RNA could be detected. Higher number of HAV IgM-seropositive cases was observed during monsoon period.
Fibroscan as a non-invasive predictor of hepatic steatosis in women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Chakraborty Semanti , Ganie Mohd Ashraf , Masoodi Ibrahim , Jana Manisha , Shalimar  , Gupta Nandita , Sofi Nighat Yaseen
Published: May 2020

Background & objectives:

There is limited data on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) among Indian women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and there are no data on the utility of fibroscan in its assessment. The objective of this study was thus to investigate the frequency of hepatic steatosis in young women with PCOS and evaluate the utility of transient elastography (TE) in its assessment.

Methods:

Seventy women diagnosed with PCOS and 60 apparently healthy women (controls) were enrolled in this pilot study. These women were evaluated for clinical, biochemical and hormonal parameters, transabdominal ultrasonography, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and fibroscan assessing liver stiffness measure (LSM) and controlled attenuation parameter (CAP). Other indices such as liver fat score (LFS), lipid accumulation product (LAP), fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) and aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index, hepatic steatosis index (HIS) scores were also calculated. The main outcome measures were the presence of NAFLD in women with PCOS and its correlation with CAP and LSM on TE.

Results:

Women with PCOS had higher frequency (38.57 vs. 6.67%) of hepatic steatosis than control women as determined by abdominal sonography. The aminotransferases were higher in PCOS group (14.28 vs. 1.7%, P=0.03) even after adjusting for body mass index implying higher non-alcoholic steatohepatitis among young PCOS patients. PCOS women had significantly higher CAP on TE compared to controls (210 vs. 196). CAP had a significant correlation with LFS, LAP and HIS.

Interpretation & conclusions:

NAFLD is common in young women with PCOS, and fibroscan using TE may be considered as a promising non-invasive diagnostic modality in its early detection.
Morfometria de Araucaria angustifolia em diferentes altitudes no Sul do Brasil
Authors: Ricken Pollyni , Hess André Felipe , Mattos Patrícia Póvoa de , Braz Evaldo Muñoz , Nakajima Nelson Yoshihiro , Hosokawa Roberto Tuyoshi
Published: May 2020

Os índices morfométricos podem ser usados para subsidiar o entendimento da dinâmica de florestas naturais. Diante disso, objetivou-se descrever e avaliar as características morfométricas e dendrométricas de Araucaria angustifolia, como subsídio para compreensão da estrutura da floresta natural de araucária. Os dados foram mensurados em três municípios de Santa Catarina, considerando diferentes altitudes de ocorrência da espécie, com amostragem de 247 árvores, utilizando o método de Bitterlich, sendo medida a circunferência a 1,30 m do solo, altura total e de inserção de copa e raios de copa. As relações interdimensionais das árvores foram descritas por meio de índices morfométricos. O sítio 2 apresentou árvores de maior porte em relação ao diâmetro e área de copa. O sítio 3 apresentou a maior densidade de árvores (403 árvores ha-1), enquanto nos sítios 1 e 2 foram observadas 362 e 232 árvores ha-1, respectivamente. No sítio 3, a maior parte das árvores apresentou proporção de copa superior a 50% e formal de copa menor que 1, indicando árvores de copas mais estreitas e largas. O diâmetro da árvore apresentou correlação negativa e superior a 70% com o grau de esbeltez. Nos três sítios, o diâmetro apresentou correlação positiva com o diâmetro de copa.
O Uso de Tratamentos em Registros Figurais: representações na forma de Material Manipulável, Software e Expressão Gráfica
Authors: Moran Mariana , Franco Valdeni Soliani
Published: May 2020

Este texto apresenta resultados de uma pesquisa de doutorado e analisa os tratamentos figurais realizados pelos participantes, durante a resolução de uma tarefa de Geometria, por meio do uso de Material Manipulável (MM), Software GeoGebra (SG) e Expressão Gráfica (EG) como representações figurais. A teoria utilizada para tal investigação se baseia nos Registros de Representação Semiótica de Raymond Duval. A influência do tipo de representação figural nos tratamentos figurais foi investigada com a participação de quinze professores de Matemática da Educação Básica, de uma cidade ao norte do Estado do Paraná-Brasil. Com base nos dados obtidos, foi possível concluir que os tratamentos figurais realizados pelos participantes, diferem de acordo com o tipo de representação utilizada.
PENGARUH PENGETAHUAN DAN LINGKUNGAN TERHADAP KEJADIAN FILARIASIS DI WILAYAH KERJA PUSKESMAS LUENG KEUBE JAGAT KECAMATAN TRIPA MAKMUR KABUPATEN NAGAN RAYA
Authors: Sriwahyuni Susy , Hanifa  , Marniati  , Yarmaliza  , Zakiyuddin
Published: May 2020

Kejadian filariasis merupakan suatu infeksi sistematik yang disebabkan cacing filaria yang hidup dalam kelenjar linfe dan darah manusia yang ditularkan oleh  nyamuk Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi dan Brugia timori. Kasus Filariasis tertinggi berada di Aceh Utara. Berdasarkan data dari Puskesmas Lueng Keube Jagat sebanyak 6 kasus, Wilayah Kerja Puskesmas Lueng Keubu Jagat termasuk kedalam 10 penyakit terbebesar di Aceh. Metode penelitian menggunakan deskriptif kuantitatif dengan desain Cross Sectional. Populasi dalam penelitian berjumlah 9.310 orang. Desain sampel merupakan Random Sampling dengan jumlah 99 orang. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan terdapat pengaruh pengetahuan terhadap kejadian filariasis (Pvalue = 0,022 < α =0,05) serta pengaruh lingkungan terhadap kejadian filariasis (Pvalue = 0,000 < α =0,05).  Disimpulkan adanya pengaruh pengetahuan dan lingkungan dengan kejadian filariasis. Disarankan bagi petugas Puskesmas Lueng Keube Jagat agar selalu memberikan  informasi kepada masyarakat untuk menjaga kebersihan lingkungan untuk mencegah adanya sarang nyamuk di lingkungan sekitar rumah.
S-ON©, an online application for clinical evaluation and treating sexual dysfunctions
Authors: Delcea Cristian
Published: May 2020

S-ON is an online sex therapy and a modern method of clinical intervention for sexual and couple life optimization as well as for female and male sexual dysfunctions treatment. S-ON is an important tool in sexual disorders evaluation, testing and resolution. At the same time, this technique has proven effective in sex education as well as in interactions with other long-distance sexual partners, with the help of the internet, software and advanced technology. In short, the S-ON method we propose in treating sexual dysfunctions and in optimizing intimate and couples’ lives is advanced, scientifically validated and readily available to anyone.
Erectile dysfunction
Authors: Delcea Cristian
Published: May 2020

Erectile dysfunctionis is defined as the persistent inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance. In most sexual intercourses you have a Marked difficulty in obtaining an erection and / or a marked difficulty in maintaining an erection and / or a marked decrease in stiffness. Worldwide prevalence of erectile dysfunction is occasionally 13%-21% for those 40-80 years old; frequently 2% for those 40-50 years old; significantly 40%-50% for those 60-70 years old; and 8% for those who have stopped penetrating during the first sexual. The erectile dysfunction may emerge from the beginning of the sexual life or begin after a period of relatively normal sexual function.
Preliminary evaluation of dew condensers and their use for tree seedling irrigation in Puerto Rico
Authors: Snyder Víctor A. , Vázquez Miguel A. , Seldon Jodelin , Beale Alberto J. , Ramos Rafael
Published: May 2020

Dew condensers have been proposed as a means to reduce drought mortality of tree seedlings in early stages of reforestation projects. We investigated the amount of dew condensate produced by locally constructed dew condensers, constructed with three different infrared emitting surfaces: standard polyethylene/ TiO2 / BaSO4 foil, thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO), and plastic coated with locally available Lanco UrethanizerTM8 roofing paint. All surfaces produced similar amounts of total dew condensate, typically ranging between 0.05 and 0.25 L/m2/night. However, the materials differed in the fraction of dew running off the surfaces, which represents the water available for tree seedlings. Highest runoff fractions were obtained with painted surfaces, followed by polyethylene and polyolefin surfaces, respectively. Considerably greater amounts of nightly dew condensate were observed during the winter than in summer, attributed to differences in night length and cloud cover. A commercially available dew condenser, the Groasis WaterboxxTM, did not generate more than 0.04 L per night of runoff dew, due primarily to a small condenser surface area of < 0.2 m2. A field study showed that 1 m2 dew condensers maintained the root zone of mahogany seedlings at matric potentials > -60 kPa during dry spells. Overall, results indicated that passive dew condensers with condenser areas of 1 m2 are capable of producing sufficient water for survival of small tree seedlings during drought periods.
“Ají dulce” (Capsicum chinense) yield as affected by crotalaria (Crotalaria juncea) and a commercial organic fertilizer
Authors: Negrete Ana , Valencia-Chin Elide
Published: May 2020

Resumen en inglés
Albania
Authors:   International Monetary Fund. European Dept.
Published: May 2020

Albania has been hit by two consecutive major shocks. On November 26, 2019 Albania was struck by a severe earthquake that killed 51 people and caused significant physical damage. In addition, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is severely disrupting economic activity, with the expectation of sharp declines in tourism, FDI, remittances, and temporarily restrained financing amid a tightening of global financial conditions. The authorities’ policy response to the shocks has been timely and targeted. Nonetheless, real GDP is expected to contract severely this year. The earthquake and COVID-19 pandemic, and the planned fiscal expansion to help cushion these shocks, have created urgent fiscal and external financing needs.
Republic of Korea
Authors:   International Monetary Fund. Monetary and Capital Markets Department
Published: May 2020

The FSSA was prepared by a staff team of the IMF for the Executive Board’s consideration on Friday, March 27. The staff report reflects discussions with the Korean authorities in September and December 2019 and is based on the information available as of end June 2019. It focuses on Korea’s near and medium-term financial stability challenges and policy priorities and was prepared before COVID-19 became a global pandemic and resulted in unprecedented strains in global trade, commodity and financial markets. It, therefore, does not reflect the implications of these developments and related policy priorities. Staff is closely monitoring the situation and will continue to work on assessing its impact and the related policy response in Korea and globally.
Observational evidence of moistening the lowermost stratosphere via isentropic mixing across the subtropical jet
Authors: Langille Jeffery , Bourassa Adam , Pan Laura L. , Letros Daniel , Solheim Brian , Zawada Daniel , Degenstein Doug
Published: May 2020

Abstract. Isentropic mixing across and above the subtropical jet is a
significant mechanism for stratosphere–troposphere exchange. In this work,
we show new observational evidence on the role of this process in moistening
the lowermost stratosphere. The new measurement, obtained from the Spatial
Heterodyne Observations of Water (SHOW) instrument during a demonstration
flight on the NASA's ER-2 high-altitude research aircraft, captured an event
of poleward water vapour transport,
including a fine-scale (vertically <∼1 km) moist
filament above the local tropopause in a high-spatial-resolution
two-dimensional cross section of the water vapour distribution. Analysis of
these measurements combined with ERA5 reanalysis data reveals that this
poleward mixing of air with enhanced water vapour occurred in the region of
a double tropopause following a large Rossby wave-breaking event. These new
observations highlight the importance of high-resolution measurements in
resolving processes that are important to the lowermost-stratosphere
water vapour budget.
Partitioning of hydrogen peroxide in gas-liquid and gas-aerosol phases
Authors: Xuan Xiaoning , Chen Zhongming , Gong Yiwei , Shen Hengqing , Chen Shiyi
Published: May 2020

Abstract. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a vital oxidant in
the atmosphere and plays critical roles in the oxidation chemistry of both
liquid and aerosol phases. The partitioning of H2O2 between the
gas and liquid phases, or the aerosol phase, could affect its abundance in
these condensed phases and eventually the formation of secondary components.
However, the partitioning processes of H2O2 in gas-liquid and
gas-aerosol phases are still unclear, especially in the ambient atmosphere.
In this study, field observations of gas-, liquid-, and aerosol-phase
H2O2 were carried out in the urban atmosphere of Beijing during
the summer and winter of 2018. The effective field-derived mean value of
Henry's law constant (HAm,
2.1×105 M atm−1) was
2.5 times of the theoretical value in pure water (HAt, 8.4×104 M atm−1) at 298±2 K. The effective derived
gas-aerosol partitioning coefficient (KPm, 3.8×10-3 m3 µg−1) was 4 orders of magnitude higher on average than
the theoretical value (KPt, 2.8×10-7 m3 µg−1) at 270±4 K. Beyond following Henry's law or Pankow's
absorptive partitioning theory, the partitioning of H2O2 in the
gas-liquid and gas-aerosol phases in the ambient atmosphere was also
influenced by certain physical and chemical reactions. The average
concentration of liquid-phase H2O2 in rainwater during summer was
44.12±26.49 µM. In 69 % of the collected rain samples, the
measured level of H2O2 was greater than the predicted value in
pure water calculated by Henry's law. In these samples, 41 % of the
measured H2O2 was from gas-phase partitioning, while most of the
rest may be from residual H2O2 in raindrops. In winter, the level
of aerosol-phase H2O2 was 0.093±0.085 ng µg−1,
which was much higher than the predicted value based on Pankow's absorptive
partitioning theory. The contribution of partitioning of the gas-phase
H2O2 to the aerosol-phase H2O2 formation was negligible.
The decomposition/hydrolysis rate of aerosol-phase organic peroxides could
account for 11 %–74 % of the consumption rate of aerosol-phase
H2O2, and the value depended on the composition of organic
peroxides in the aerosol particles. Furthermore, the heterogeneous uptake of
HO2 and H2O2 on aerosols contributed to 22 % and 2 %
of the aerosol-phase H2O2 consumption, respectively.
Size segregated particle number and mass emissions in urban Beijing
Authors: Cai Jing , Chu Biwu , Yao Lei , Yan Chao , Heikkinen Liine M. , Zheng Feixue , Li Chang , Fan Xiaolong , Zhang Shaojun , Yang Daoyuan , Wang Yonghong , Kokkonen Tom V. , Chan Tommy , Zhou Ying , Dada Lubna , Liu Yongchun , He Hong , Paasonen Pauli , Kujansuu Joni T. , Petäjä Tuukka , Mohr Claudia , Kangasluoma Juha , Bianchi Federico , Sun Yele , Croteau Philip L. , Worsnop Douglas R. , Kerminen Veli-Matti , Du Wei , Kulmala Markku , Daellenbach Kaspar R.
Published: May 2020

Abstract. Although secondary particulate matter is reported to be the main contributor of PM2.5 during haze in Chinese megacities, primary particle emissions also affect particle concentrations. In order to improve estimates of the contribution of primary sources to the particle number and mass concentrations, we performed source apportionment analyses using both chemical fingerprints and particle size distributions measured at the same site in urban Beijing from April to July 2018. Both methods resolved factors related to primary emissions, including vehicular emissions and cooking emissions, which together make up 76 % and 24 % of total particle number and organic aerosol (OA) mass, respectively. Similar source-types, including particles related to vehicular emissions (1.6 ± 1.1 μg m−3; 2.4 ± 1.8 × 103 cm−3 and 5.5 ± 2.8 × 103 cm−3 for two traffic-related components), cooking emissions (2.6 ± 1.9 μg m−3 and 5.5 ± 3.3 × 103 cm−3) and secondary aerosols (51 ± 41 μg m−3 and 4.2 ± 3.0 × 103 cm−3) were resolved by both methods. Converted mass concentrations from particle size distributions components were comparable with those from chemical fingerprints. Size distribution source apportionment separated vehicular emissions into a component with a mode diameter of 20 nm (Traffic-ultrafine) and a component with a mode diameter of 100 nm (Traffic-fine). Consistent with similar day and night-time diesel vehicle PM2.5 emissions estimated for the Beijing area, Traffic-fine, hydrocarbon-like OA (HOA, traffic-related factor resulting from source apportionment using chemical fingerprints), and black carbon (BC) showed similar diurnal patterns, with higher concentrations during the night and morning than during the afternoon when the boundary layer is higher. Traffic-ultrafine particles showed the highest concentrations during the rush-hour period, suggesting a prominent role of local gasoline vehicle emissions. In the absence of new-particle formation, our results show that vehicular (14 % and 30 % for ultrafine and fine particles, respectively) and cooking (32 %) emissions dominate the particle number concentration while secondary particulate matter (over 80 %) governs PM2.5 mass during the non-heating season in Beijing.
Assessing contributions of natural surface and anthropogenic emissions to atmospheric mercury in a fast developing region of Eastern China from 2015 to 2018
Authors: Qin Xiaofei , Zhang Leiming , Wang Guochen , Wang Xiaohao , Fu Qingyan , Xu Jian , Li Hao , Chen Jia , Zhao Qianbiao , Lin Yanfen , Huo Juntao , Wang Fengwen , Huang Kan , Deng Congrui
Published: May 2020

Abstract. Mercury (Hg) is a global toxic pollutant that can be released into the atmosphere through anthropogenic and natural sources. The uncertainties in the estimated emission amounts are much larger from natural than anthropogenic sources. A method was developed in the present study to quantify the contributions of natural surface mercury emissions to ambient gaseous elemental mercury (GEM) concentrations through application of positive matrix factorization (PMF) analysis with temperature, O3, and NH3 as indicators of GEM emissions from natural surfaces. GEM concentrations were continuously monitored at a 2-hourly resolution at a regional background site in the Yangtze River Delta in Eastern China during 2015–2018. Annual average GEM concentrations were in the range of 2.03–3.01 ng/m3, with a strong decreasing trend at a rate of −0.32 ± 0.07 ng m−3 yr−1 from 2015 to 2018, which was mostly caused by reduced anthropogenic emissions since 2013. The estimated contributions from natural surface emissions of mercury to the ambient GEM concentrations were in the range of 0.90–1.01 ng/m3 on annual average with insignificant interannual changes, but the relative contribution increased significantly from 36 % in 2015 to 53 % in 2018, gradually surpassing those from anthropogenic sources.
Tracking the global flows of atmospheric moisture and associated uncertainties
Authors: Tuinenburg Obbe A. , Staal Arie
Published: May 2020

Abstract. Many processes in hydrology and Earth system science relate to continental moisture recycling, the contribution of terrestrial evaporation to precipitation. For example, the effects of land-cover changes on regional rainfall regimes depend on this process. To study moisture recycling, a range of moisture-tracking models are in use that are forced with output from atmospheric models but differ in various ways. They can be Eulerian (grid-based) or Lagrangian (trajectory-based), have two or three spatial dimensions, and rely on a range of other assumptions. Which model is most suitable depends not only on the purpose of the study but also on the quality and resolution of the data with which it is forced. Recently, the high-resolution ERA5 reanalysis data set has become the state of the art, paving the way for a new generation of moisture-tracking models. However, it is unclear how the new data can best be used to obtain accurate estimates of atmospheric moisture flows. Here we develop a set of moisture-tracking models forced with ERA5 data and systematically test their performance regarding continental evaporation recycling ratio, distances of moisture flows, and “footprints” of evaporation from seven point sources across the globe. We report simulation times to assess possible trade-offs between accuracy and speed. Three-dimensional Lagrangian models were most accurate and ran faster than Eulerian versions for tracking water from single grid cells. The rate of vertical mixing of moisture in the atmosphere was the greatest source of uncertainty in moisture tracking. We conclude that the recently improved resolution of atmospheric reanalysis data allows for more accurate moisture tracking results in a Lagrangian setting, but that considerable uncertainty regarding turbulent mixing remains. We present an efficient Lagrangian method to track atmospheric moisture flows from any location globally using ERA5 reanalysis data and make the code for this model, which we call UTrack-atmospheric-moisture, publicly available.