bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Foreign direct investment, information and communication technology, trade, and economic growth in the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation countries: An empirical insight
Authors: Bhujabal Padmaja , Sethi Narayan
Published: September 2019

Information and communication technology (ICT) is one of the key sectors promoting economic growth in the present modern era of globalization. It promotes technological advances in global communications as well as production techniques and contributes to economic growth and development. Most of the economic activities, including international trade and foreign direct investment (FDI), are largely dependent on various modern sources of ICT. The objective of this study is to examine the dynamic relationship between FDI, ICT, trade, and per capita gross domestic product growth across the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) developing nations from 2000 to 2017. We have used different panel estimates such as fully modified ordinary least squares, dynamic ordinary least squares, Fisher–Johansen cointegration test, panel autoregressive distributed lag, and Dumitrescu–Hurlin causality. We found existence of unidirectional causality from FDI to ICT and bidirectional causal relationship between trade and ICT. The outcome of our study suggests policy recommendations for improving the standards of ICT, specifically focusing on economic growth, trade openness, and facilitation of foreign investment in the SAARC countries.
Crystallization rates of moderate and ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene characterized by Flash DSC measurement
Authors: Lv Ruihua , He Yucheng , Xie Kefeng , Hu Wenbing
Published: September 2019

We compared crystallization rates in three bulk commercial polyethylene samples separately consisting of two ultrahigh molecular weights and one moderate molecular weight. The lower‐end temperature of isothermal crystallization was expanded by means of Flash DSC measurement in order to approach the practically fast crystallization region. The results showed that, in the whole temperature range of our observations, ultrahigh molecular weights make polyethylene crystallization faster than moderate molecular weights. This behaviour is opposite to the general trend in linear polymers. In addition, ultrahigh molecular weights make polyethylene crystals resist fast heating before melting more than moderate molecular weights, due to high entanglement around the crystals. We discuss the possible mechanism of fast crystallization in ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene, which is beneficial for prosthesis uses. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Lipid Atlas of Keratinocytes and Betulin Effects on its Lipidome Profiled by Comprehensive UHPLC–MS/MS with Data Independent Acquisition Using Targeted Data Processing
Authors: Calderón Carlos , Rubarth Lara , Cebo Malgorzata , Merfort Irmgard , Lämmerhofer Michael
Published: September 2019

Betulin is a pentacyclic triterpene with demonstrated healing properties in mid‐dermal wounds. A few earlier studies have provided insights into the wound healing effects on the molecular level. However, there are still questions left on the molecular targets of betulin. Therefore, a pharmacolipidomics analysis of betulin is undertaken in human immortalized keratinocytes to monitor alterations in the lipid profiles induced by treatment with betulin. For this purpose, lipid extracts of keratinocytes treated with betulin and untreated controls are comprehensively analyzed by an untargeted UHPLC–ESI–QTOF‐MS/MS lipidomics profiling workflow using data‐independent acquisition. Targeted data processing allows the identification of 611 lipid species from 21 different lipid classes. Statistical analysis of the identified lipids shows significant changes in 440 lipid species that can be described as downregulation of cholesteryl esters and triacylglycerides and upregulation of glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids, and diacylglycerides. Additionally, some other signals corresponding to triterpenes are found in the betulin group and suggested that betulin is incorporated (in the membrane) and metabolized in keratinocytes.
Stratospheric modulation of the large‐scale circulation in the Atlantic–European region and its implications for surface weather events
Authors: Beerli Remo , Grams Christian M.
Published: September 2019

Extreme states of the stratospheric polar vortex can have long‐lasting impacts on extratropical circulation patterns, such as the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO). This provides windows of subseasonal predictability beyond the typical weather forecast horizon of about 10 days. Subseasonal forecasts of surface weather are of significant interest in weather‐dependent socio‐economic sectors. For example, demand and supply for electricity and gas are weather dependent and therefore accurate forecasts are important for the energy industry and energy trading. Here we investigate the subseasonal impact of stratospheric conditions on surface weather events relevant to the energy industry in five subregions of Europe in winter. We use a definition of seven Atlantic–European weather regimes to describe the variability of the large‐scale circulation on subseasonal time scales. Results indicate that weather events are often associated with more than one preferred weather regime. In turn, some weather regimes project onto a specific NAO phase, while others are independent of the NAO. As expected, anomalous stratospheric polar vortex states predominantly modulate the occurrence of regimes related to the NAO and affect the likelihood of their associated weather events. In contrast, the occurrence of weather regimes which do not project well onto the NAO is not affected by anomalous stratospheric polar vortex states. These regimes provide pathways to unexpected weather events in extreme stratospheric polar vortex states. For example, weak stratospheric polar vortex states enhance the likelihood of negative NAO. High wind events in Central Europe predominantly occur during the zonal regime, strongly projecting onto positive NAO. However, these events also occur during the Atlantic trough regime, which is unaffected by anomalous stratospheric polar vortex states and thus provides a pathway to Central European high wind events during weak stratospheric polar vortex states. A correct NAO prediction alone is therefore not sufficient to correctly predict surface weather after extreme stratospheric polar vortex states. Moreover, weather regime life cycles independent of the NAO also need to be forecast accurately.
Two‐sample test for correlated data under outcome‐dependent sampling with an application to self‐reported weight loss data
Authors: Cai Yi , Huang Jing , Ning Jing , Lee Mei‐Ling Ting , Rosner Bernard , Chen Yong
Published: September 2019

Standard methods for two‐sample tests such as thet‐test and Wilcoxon rank sum test may lead to incorrect type I errors when applied to longitudinal or clustered data. Recent alternatives of two‐sample tests for clustered data often require certain assumptions on the correlation structure and/or noninformative cluster size. In this paper, based on a novel pseudolikelihood for correlated data, we propose a score test without knowledge of the correlation structure or assuming data missingness at random. The proposed score test can capture differences in the mean and variance between two groups simultaneously. We use projection theory to derive the limiting distribution of the test statistic, in which the covariance matrix can be empirically estimated. We conduct simulation studies to evaluate the proposed test and compare it with existing methods. To illustrate the usefulness proposed test, we use it to compare self‐reported weight loss data in a friends' referral group, with the data from the Internet self‐joining group.
Investigation on Co–Modified NixMgyO Solid Solutions for Hydrogen Production from Steam Reforming of Acetic Acid and a Model Blend
Authors: Luo Xiang , Hong Yu , Shi Kaiqi , Yang Gang , Pang Chengheng , Lester Edward , Jiang Lei , Wu Tao
Published: September 2019

This paper is focused on the Co‐modified NixMgyO solid solutions (10 wt% Ni, 2–6 wt% Co) for the steam reforming of acetic acid and a model blend. The pristine rocksalt structured NixMgyO solid solution and the modified NixMgyO−Co catalysts were synthesized via hydrothermal method and co‐impregnation. The activity of the catalysts was evaluated in the temperature range of 500–800 °C with a steam/carbon molar ratio of 3 and a gas hourly space velocity (GHSV) of 57,000 h−1. Low cobalt content (Co loading
2 wt%) catalysts exhibited significant promotion of H2 yield via enhancement of both water‐gas shift (WGS) reaction and methane decomposition. A 30‐hour test at 700 °C achieved excellent acetic acid conversion rate and H2 yield of 99.1% and 86.9%, respectively. However, the catalysts with higher cobalt loading (Co loading
4 wt%) suffered a much quicker deactivation mainly due to carbon deposition. In addition, the catalysts were also tested on a model blend combined acids, alcohols and aromatic species and exhibited outstanding performance with carbon conversion above 90% and H2 yield above 70% for 100 h.
Influence of microcylinders with different vibration laws on the flow control effect of a horizontal axis wind turbine
Authors: Wang Ying , Li Gaohui , Luo Dahai , Huang Diangui
Published: September 2019

Due to the flow separation on the blade of the NREL Phase VI wind turbine, a new flow control technique involving installation of an off‐surface vibrating small structure is proposed. By considering the actual flow condition, fluid‐solid coupling is applied in which two kinds of microcylinder vibration modes are set up, and the aerodynamic performance is numerically studied. The influence of the vibration modes, amplitude, and frequency of the off‐surface vibrating small structure on the aerodynamic performance is explored. For various stall conditions, the flow separation can be well suppressed by utilizing a suitable vibrating microcylinder rather than a static microcylinder. In addition, the vibrating microcylinder shows a noticeable suppression effect on large flow separation. Both the vibration direction and vibration amplitude play leading roles in the improvement of the aerodynamic performance, and a microcylinder with a high vibration frequency can more quickly suppress surface flow separation to achieve an optimum aerodynamic performance than a microcylinder with a low vibration frequency. By setting microcylinders with suitable vibration rules close to the blade surface, the wind energy coefficient can be obviously increased compared with those obtained when adding a static microcylinder or without microcylinder addition.
Effects of pollution on freshwater aquatic organisms
Authors: Amoatey Patrick , Baawain Mahad Said
Published: September 2019

This paper presents the reviews of scientific papers published in 2018 issues on the effects of anthropogenic pollution on the aquatic organisms dwelling in freshwater ecosystem at global scale. The first part of the study provides the summary of relevant literature reviews followed by field and survey based studies. The second part is based on categories of different classes/sources of pollutants which affect freshwater organism. This is composed of several sections including metals and metalloids, wastewater and effluents, sediments, nutrients, pharmaceuticals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, flame retardants, persistent organic pollutants, pharmaceuticals and illicit drugs, emerging contaminants, pesticides, herbicides, and endocrine disruptors. The final part of the study highlights the reviews of published research work on new pollutants such as microplastics and engineered nanoparticles which affect the freshwater organisms.

Practitioner points

Heavy metals concentrations should be assessed at nano‐scale in aquatic environment.

Air pollutants could have long‐term effects on freshwater ecosystem.

Future studies should focus on bioremediations of freshwater pollution.
Eastern grasslands: Conservation challenges and opportunities on private lands
Authors: Keyser Patrick D. , Buehler David A. , Hedges Kyle , Hodges Jef , Lituma Christopher M. , Loncarich Frank , Martin James A.
Published: September 2019

Grasslands were once common in the eastern United States and provided habitat for numerous grassland‐dependent wildlife. However, native grasslands in this region have largely been eliminated as a result of conversion to other land uses (e.g., urban development, row‐crops), altered disturbance regimes (e.g., lack of fire and grazing), or conversion to introduced grasses for livestock production. Consequently, many wildlife species adapted to these environments have experienced protracted population declines, notably, northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus), and other grassland‐dependent bird species. Restoration of native grasslands with appropriate native plant species composition, structure, and disturbance regimes will be key to restoring at‐risk wildlife. Indeed, the region still includes >20 million ha of grasslands, but these are dominated by introduced grass species and focused on cattle (Bos taurus) production. Any successful restoration strategy must engage the agricultural community, provide profitable forage production, and benefit habitat for wildlife. Furthermore, grassland ecosystems in humid regions (i.e., >95 cm annual rainfall) require frequent disturbance to prevent succession to forested conditions. Historically, these native grasslands were maintained by fire, herbivory, and their interaction. Consequently, wildlife communities in humid, native grasslands are adapted to those same disturbances and the conditions they create. Improving species composition by replacing introduced, sod‐forming grass species commonly used in production agriculture (e.g., tall fescue [Schedonorus arundinaceus] and bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon]) with native grasses can be beneficial but must be accompanied by appropriate disturbance to achieve and maintain improved habitat. Therefore, developing a business case for producers to incorporate native grasses into regional agro‐grasslands that include disturbance through grazing may foster large‐scale improvements in habitat quality. Although Farm Bill conservation practices can make important contributions to conservation of eastern grassland‐dependent wildlife, such programs are dependent on uncertain and limited federal budgets and, to provide appropriate disturbance, require management intervention at a net cost to landowners and Farm Bill programs. Thus, there exists an opportunity to improve habitat at a scale that has the potential to sustain viable populations of grassland‐dependent wildlife. Therefore, we discuss the potential of a new conservation paradigm, one based on grazing systems that utilize native grasses, for filling that conservation gap. © 2019 The Wildlife Society.
Holographic dual of hot Polchinski-Strassler quark-gluon plasma
Authors: Bena Iosif , Dias Óscar J.C. , Hartnett Gavin S. , Niehoff Benjamin E. , Santos Jorge E.
Published: September 2019

Abstract

We construct the supergravity dual of the hot quark-gluon plasma in the mass-deformed

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 4 Super-Yang-Mills theory (also known as

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 1∗). The full ten-dimensional type IIB holographic dual is described by 20 functions of two variables, which we determine numerically, and it contains a black hole with S
5 horizon topology. As we lower the temperature to around half of the mass of the chiral multiplets, we find evidence for (most likely a first-order) phase transition, which could lead either to one of the Polchinski-Strassler confining, screening, or oblique vacua with polarized branes, or to an intermediate phase corresponding to blackened polarized branes with an S
2 ×S
3 horizon topology. This phase transition is a feature that could in principle be seen by putting the theory on the lattice, and thus our result for the ratio of the chiral multiplet mass to the phase transition temperature, m
c
/T = 2.15467491205(6), constitutes the first prediction of string theory and AdS/CFT that could be independently checked via four-dimensional super-QCD lattice computation. We also construct the black-hole solution in certain five-dimensional gauged supergravity truncations and, without directly using uplift/reduction formulae, we find strong evidence that the five- and ten-dimensional solutions are the same. This indicates that five-dimensional gauged supergravity is powerful enough to capture the physics of the high-temperature deconfined phase of the Polchinski-Strassler quark-gluon plasma.
Long‐Term Outcomes of Parathyroidectomy in Hyperparathyroidism‐Jaw Tumor Syndrome: Analysis of Five Families with CDC73 Mutations
Authors: Iacobone Maurizio , Camozzi Valentina , Mian Caterina , Pennelli Gianmaria , Pagetta Costantino , Casal Ide Eric , Masi Giulia , Zovato Stefania , Torresan Francesca
Published: September 2019

Background

Hyperparathyroidism‐jaw tumor syndrome (HPT‐JT) is a rare disease caused by CDC73 germline mutations, with familial primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT), ossifying jaw tumors, genito‐urinary neoplasms. The present study was aimed at determining the long‐term postoperative outcome of parathyroidectomy in HPT‐JT.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of a single‐center series of 20 patients from five unrelated HPT‐JT families undergoing parathyroid surgery was performed.

Results

Pathology confirmed a single‐gland involvement in 95% of cases at onset. Parathyroid carcinoma occurred in three patients undergoing en‐bloc parathyroidectomy and thyroid lobectomy: parathyroid benign lesions in 17 patients undergoing subtotal parathyroidectomy for evident multiglandular involvement (n = 1) or selective parathyroidectomy for single‐gland involvement (n = 16), during bilateral (n = 13) or targeted unilateral neck exploration (n = 7). At a median overall follow‐up of 16 years (range 2.5–42), patients with parathyroid carcinoma had a persistent/recurrent disease in 66.6%; patients with benign lesions had recurrent pHPT in 23.5% after a prolonged disease‐free period; recurrent benign pHPT occurred slightly more often in cases of discordant preoperative localization (60% vs 9%; p = 0.06).

Conclusion

pHPT in HPT‐JT is generally characterized by a benign and single‐gland involvement, with a relatively increased risk of malignancy (15%). Parathyroid carcinoma needs extensive surgery because of high risk of permanent/recurrent disease (66.6%). In benign involvement, targeted unilateral exploration with selective parathyroidectomy may be effective in cases of concordant single‐gland localization at preoperative localization imaging techniques. Bilateral neck exploration with subtotal parathyroidectomy might be preferred in cases of negative or discordant preoperative localization, because of the increased risk of multiglandular involvement and long‐term recurrences (23.5%).
Genome-wide analysis of the rice J-protein family: identification, genomic organization, and expression profiles under multiple stresses
Authors: Luo Ying , Fang Baohua , Wang Weiping , Yang Ying , Rao Liqun , Zhang Chao
Published: September 2019

J-proteins which function as molecular chaperone played critical roles in plant growth, development, and response to various environment stresses, but little was reported on this gene family in rice. Here, we identified 115 putative rice J-proteins and classified them into nine major clades (I–IX) according to their phylogenetic relationships. Gene-structure analysis revealed that each member of the same clade has same or similar exon–intron structure, and most rice J-protein genes of clade VII were intronless. Chromosomes mapping suggested that tandem duplication was occurred in evolution. Expression profile showed that the 61 rice J-protein genes were expressed in at least one tissue. The result implied that they could be involved in the process of rice growth and development. The RNA-sequencing data identified 96 differentially expressed genes, 59.38% (57/96), 67.71% (65/96), and 62.50% (60/96) genes were induced by heat stress, drought stress, and salt stress, respectively. The results indicated that J-protein genes could participated in rice response to different stresses. The findings in this study would provide a foundation for further analyzing the function of J-proteins in rice.
Dizziness and its association with walking speed and falls efficacy among older men and women in an urban population
Authors: Lindell Ellen , Kollén Lena , Johansson Mia , Karlsson Therese , Rydén Lina , Zettergren Anna , Frändin Kerstin , Skoog Ingmar , Finizia Caterina
Published: September 2019

Background

Dizziness is common among older people and falling is a feared complication.

Aim

The purpose of this study was to investigate the presence of dizziness and its association with falls, walking speed and fear of falling, including sex differences, among 79-year-olds. Secondary purposes were to describe the relationship between dizziness and falls to number of medications and diseases.

Method

The study consisted of the fifth cohort of Gothenburg’s H70 birth cohort studies. A sample of 662 79-year-olds (404 women, 258 men) were investigated with questions regarding dizziness, previous falls and falls efficacy [estimated according to the falls efficacy scale Swedish version (FES (S))]. Functional tests included self-selected and maximal walking speed over 20 m.

Results

Dizziness was reported among 51% of the women and by 58% of the men (p = 0.12). Approximately, 40% had fallen during the past 12 months (41% women, 38% of the men,p = 0.48). Dizziness was related to a higher risk of falls among women (OR 2.63 (95% CI 1.67−4.14,p < 0.0001), but not among men (OR 1.07, 95% CI 0.63−1.82,p = 0.8). Dizzy individuals had lower scores on FES (S) (p < 0.01), more medications (p < 0.001) and diseases (p < 0.001) than those without dizziness. Participants who reported dizziness walked 10% slower than participants without dizziness (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Women with dizziness more often reported falls compared to women without dizziness—a trend that was not seen among men. Persons with dizziness walked slower. Many medications increased risk of falling; hence, number of medications alone might help pinpoint risk groups for falling.
Update on the national survey on molecular diagnostics in CNS tumors
Authors: Levine AB , Lee T , Yip S
Published: September 2019

There have been significant changes in the diagnostic criteria for diffuse gliomas in the 2016 WHO CNS tumor classification, with the incorporation of molecular criteria into a number of definitions. This has placed a greater emphasis on the availability of key immunohistochemical and molecular tests. In order to determine the effect that these changes have had on neuropathology practice and the access of different centres to these tests, we designed a survey that was sent to all members of the Canadian Association of Neuropathology member list in the fall of 2017. This survey asked a number of questions relating to the approach to glioma diagnosis, immunohistochemical/molecular test ordering patterns, in-house test availability, and need to send out for testing. In this presentation we will present preliminary results from this survey, with a focus on institutional testing capabilities. This provides a valuable resource that could ultimately need to a national database of immunohistochemical and molecular test availability for each neuropathology centre.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

This presentation will enable the learner to:

1.

Review the key molecular markers in the diagnosis of adult gliomas and methods of testing for them

2.

Discuss the effect that the 2016 WHO CNS tumor update has had on clinical practice in Canada
Cerebellar glioblastoma: a clinicopathologic series of 16 cases
Authors: Abdollahi M , Gao AF , Okura H , Alsahlawi A , Hawkins C , Cusimano MD , Munoz DG
Published: September 2019

Due to their rareness, it is not known if the clinicopathological features of cerebellar glioblastomas (cGBMs) are different from supratentorial GBMs (sGBMs). We reviewed all 16 cases of cGBMs (total GBMs: 1350) at St. Michael’s Hospital over 18 years and assessed their clinicopathologic features. The mean age at diagnosis was 57 years. The most common presentations were headache (56%) and gait instability (56%). The majority (81%) of cGBMs were hemispheric while 19% involved the midline. There was radiologic evidence of brainstem infiltration at presentation in one case. Radiologically, peritumoral edema (63%) and heterogeneous contrast enhancement (50%) were common. Histologically, cGBM showed leptomeningeal involvement in 10/12 of cases. Uncommon histologic variants included 3 giant cell GBMs, a gliosarcoma, and a tumor with Rosenthal fibres and eosinophilic granular bodies. IDH1 R132H mutation was detected in 3/14 cases, a rate much higher than sGBMs. Additionally, 7/11 tumors had widespread p53 immunopositivity suggestive of TP53 mutation which is in accordance with previous reports in the literature. Of 9 cases tested, none had histone H3 K27M or G34R/V mutation. In summary, cGBMs have unique features that distinguishes them from sGBMs.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

This presentation will enable the learner to:

1.

Identify the clinicopathological features of cerebellar GBMs including major molecular alterations

2.

Compare cerebellar and supratentorial GBMs and describe the distinguishing features of each type of tumor
Type classification of extreme quantized characters
Authors: SATO RYOSUKE
Published: September 2019

The notion of quantized characters was introduced in our previous paper as a natural quantization of characters in the context of asymptotic representation theory forquantum groups. As in the case of ordinary groups, the representation associated with any extreme quantized character generates a von Neumann factor. From the viewpoint of operator algebras (and measurable dynamical systems), it is natural to ask what is the Murray–von Neumann–Connes type of the resulting factor. In this paper, we give a complete solution to this question when the inductive system is of quantum unitary groups $U_{q}(N)$.
Universal fluctuations in the bulk of Rayleigh–Bénard turbulence
Authors: Xie Yi-Chao , Cheng Bu-Ying-Chao , Hu Yun-Bing , Xia Ke-Qing
Published: September 2019

We present an investigation of the root-mean-square (r.m.s.) temperature $\unicode[STIX]{x1D70E}_{T}$ and the r.m.s. velocity $\unicode[STIX]{x1D70E}_{w}$ in the bulk of Rayleigh–Bénard turbulence, using new experimental data from the current study and experimental and numerical data from previous studies. We find that, once scaled by the convective temperature $\unicode[STIX]{x1D703}_{\ast }$, the value of $\unicode[STIX]{x1D70E}_{T}$ at the cell centre is a constant ($\unicode[STIX]{x1D70E}_{T,c}/\unicode[STIX]{x1D703}_{\ast }\approx 0.85$) over a wide range of the Rayleigh number ($10^{8}\leqslant Ra\leqslant 10^{15}$) and the Prandtl number ($0.7\leqslant Pr\leqslant 23.34$), and is independent of the surface topographies of the top and bottom plates of the convection cell. A constant close to unity suggests that $\unicode[STIX]{x1D703}_{\ast }$ is a proper measure of the temperature fluctuation in the core region. On the other hand, $\unicode[STIX]{x1D70E}_{w,c}/w_{\ast }$, the vertical r.m.s. velocity at the cell centre scaled by the convective velocity $w_{\ast }$, shows a weak $Ra$-dependence (${\sim}Ra^{0.07\pm 0.02}$) over $10^{8}\leqslant Ra\leqslant 10^{10}$ at $Pr\sim 4.3$ and is independent of plate topography. Similar to a previous finding by He & Xia (Phys. Rev. Lett., vol. 122, 2019, 014503), we find that the r.m.s. temperature profile $\unicode[STIX]{x1D70E}_{T}(z)/\unicode[STIX]{x1D703}_{\ast }$ in the region of the mixing zone with a mean horizontal shear exhibits a power-law dependence on the distance $z$ from the plate, but now the universal profile applies to both smooth and rough surface topographies and over a wider range of $Ra$. The vertical r.m.s. velocity profile $\unicode[STIX]{x1D70E}_{w}(z)/w_{\ast }$ obeys a logarithmic dependence on $z$. The study thus demonstrates that the typical scales for the temperature and the velocity are the convective temperature $\unicode[STIX]{x1D703}_{\ast }$ and the convective velocity $w_{\ast }$, respectively. Finally, we note that $\unicode[STIX]{x1D703}_{\ast }$ may be utilised to study the flow regime transitions in ultrahigh-$Ra$-number turbulent convection.
Gliding on a layer of air: impact of a large-viscosity drop on a liquid film
Authors: Langley K. R. , Thoroddsen S. T.
Published: September 2019

In this paper we contrast the early impact stage of a highly viscous drop onto a liquid versus a solid substrate. Water drops impacting at low velocities can rebound from a solid surface without contact. This dynamic is mediated through lubrication of a thin air layer between the liquid and solid. Drops can also rebound from a liquid surface, but only for low Weber numbers. Impacts at higher velocities in both cases lead to circular contacts which entrap an air disc under the centre of the drop. Increasing the drop viscosity produces extended air films for impacts on a smooth solid surface even for much larger velocities. These air films eventually break through random wetting contacts with the solid. Herein we use high-speed interferometry to study the extent and thickness profile of the air film for a large-viscosity drop impacting onto a viscous film of the same liquid. We demonstrate a unified scaling of the centreline height of the air film for impacts on both solid and liquid, when using the effective impact velocity. On the other hand, we show that the large-viscosity liquid film promotes air films of larger extent. Furthermore, the rupture behaviour becomes fundamentally different, with the air film between the two compliant surfaces being more stable, lacking the random wetting patches seen on the solid. We map the parameter range where these air films occur and explore the transition from gliding to ring contact at the edge of the drop dimple. After the air film ruptures, the initial contraction occurs very rapidly and for viscosities greater than 100 cSt the retraction velocity of the air film is ${\sim}0.3~\text{m}~\text{s}^{-1}$, independent of the liquid viscosity and impact velocity, in sharp contrast with theoretical predictions.
Dietary dl-methionyl-dl-methionine supplementation increased growth performance, antioxidant ability, the content of essential amino acids and improved the diversity of intestinal microbiota in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)
Authors: Guo Tian-Yu , Zhao Wei- , He Ju-Yun , Liao Shi-Yu , Xie Jia-Jun , Xie Shi-Wei , Masagounder Karthik , Liu Yong-Jian , Tian Li-Xia , Niu Jin
Published: September 2019

The dipeptide dl-methionyl-dl-methionine (Met-Met) has extremely low water solubility and better absorption than other methionine sources (such as dl-methionine and l-methionine) available in the market. Therefore, six diets (D1, D2, D3, D4, D5 and D6) containing 0, 0·07, 0·15, 0·21, 0·28 and 0·38 % Met-Met were formulated to investigate the effects of Met-Met in juvenile Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (17 g initial body weight). The results indicated that percentage weight gain and specific growth rate of fish fed with D2 and D3 diets were higher than those fed with D1, D4–D6 diets. The levels of total essential amino acid in whole body of fish fed with D3 and D4 diets were significantly higher than those fed the D1 diet. Superoxide dismutase activity and malondialdehyde content have no significant difference in fish fed the diet with or without Met-Met supplementation. Majority of reads derived from the fish intestine belonged to members of Fusobacteria, followed by Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria. Diversity of intestinal microbiota and total antioxidant capacity in fish fed with D3 diet was significantly higher than that of other groups. Based on the growth results, the authors conclude that the optimal level of Met is 0·61 % Met with the addition of 0·15 % Met-Met for grower-phase O. niloticus.
EMBRYOLOGY, FEMALESEMINAAND MALE VINCIBILITY IN LUCRETIUS,DE RERVM NATVRA
Authors: Pope Michael
Published: September 2019

In a poem setting forth the way things are in nature, it is fitting for Lucretius to address, among many other phenomena, human conception and embryonic determination. With an eye toward ethics, Lucretius demonstrates how sexual reproduction at the seminal level can be explained by Epicurean atomism. In this paper, I am concerned with the biological ‘how’ of conception as explained inDe Rerum Natura(=DRN) but also with the ethical ‘therefore’ for Lucretius’ readership and (over)estimations of male autonomy. For modern audiences with a basic grasp of procreation that includes sperm supplied by a male and egg supplied by a female, encountering Lucretius’ verses on women contributing semen (semina) to the process of conception can be surprising (4.1209–62). The idea of female semen may give us pause as we calibrate it with our understanding of eggs and ovulation, but Lucretius, in his time, was not advancing some novel theory. Wading into established debates on male-only or joint male-female semen production and gendered insemination (that is, who produces semen and whose semen is active at conception), Lucretius sides with those promulgating mutuality for both questions (for example Democritus [DK 24 A13]) and rejects Aristotle's representative exclusivist claim of male activity vs female passivity (τὸ ἄρρεν ἐστὶν ὡς κινοῦν καὶ ποιοῦν, τὸ δὲ θῆλυ ὡς παθητικόν,Gen. an.729a28–30; cf. 726a30–6). That is to say, a sexually mature female, like her male counterpart, emits semen that has determining potency in the formation of a human embryo (Lucr. 4.1209–62). Although the discharge and activity of female semen is the focus of this paper, my investigation is not aQuellenforschungor historical survey of Greco-Roman ideas about women's contributions to insemination and fertility, since others have treated these matters extensively. I concentrate rather on how Lucretius employs the concept of female semen in terms of his poetics in Book 4 and what I see as an ethical argument against the domineering nature of Roman masculinity. The problem of female semen, from the point of view of Lucretius’ Roman male audience, is that it is potentially costly to men because it rivals and threatens their status from the physiological to the discursive level. Iain Lonie broaches the same issue from Greek perspectives.
Factors contributing to maize and bean yield gaps in Central America vary with site and agroecological conditions
Authors: Eash L. , Fonte S. J. , Sonder K. , Honsdorf N. , Schmidt A. , Govaerts B. , Verhulst N.
Published: September 2019

In Central America, population and food demands are rising rapidly, while yields of staple crops, maize and beans, remain low. To identify the main factors limiting production, field trials were established in six maize- and bean-producing regions in Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador, representing about three-quarters of the maize-producing area. Potential yield-limiting factors were evaluated in 2017 and included: water stress, nutrient deficiency, pest and disease pressure, and/or inter-plant competition. When considering all sites, improved fertilization and pest and disease control significantly improved yields in maize by 11 and 16%, respectively but did not have a significant effect in beans. Irrigation had no effect due to good rainfall distribution over the growing season. Optimized planting arrangement resulted in an average 18% increase in maize yield, making it the most promising factor evaluated. The treatment and site combinations that increased both crop productivity and net profit included management changes that improved resource use efficiency. However, the contribution of each limiting factor to yield gaps varied across sites and no treatment was effective at increasing yield consistently across sites. Production constraints are highly dependent on local management practices and agroecological location. Therefore, public and private development efforts that seek to increase production should conduct multi-year, participatory experiments to identify limitations pertinent to the area in question. The next step is then to evaluate sustainable and profitable practices, to address those limitations and provide sound recommendations to farmers while decreasing the environmental and economic costs.
Effects of liquid protein feed on growth performance and ruminal metabolism of growing lambs fed low-quality forage and compared to conventional protein sources
Authors: Chegini R. , Kazemi-Bonchenari M. , Khaltabadi-Farahani A. H. , Khodaei-Motlagh M. , Salem A. Z. M.
Published: September 2019

The present study was conducted to assess the inclusion of liquid protein feed (maize steep liquor; MSL) in growing lambs fed low-quality forage (400 g/kg wheat straw, dry mater basis) compared with two protein sources (soybean meal; SBM, and cottonseed meal; CSM). Eighteen male Farahani lambs, average body weight 36 ± 3.3 kg, were allocated to individual pens for 9 weeks. Three protein sources were: (1) MSL; (2) SBM and (3) CSM. Feed intakes did not differ among treatments. Growth rate and feed conversion ratio were improved in SBM-fed lambs. Nitrogen efficiency was improved in MSLv.CSM-fed lambs. Digestibility of fibre was enhanced in lambs fed SBM diet. Ruminal short chain fatty acid was highest in lambs fed SMB and lowest in lambs fed CSM. The urinary allantoin concentration was greater in SBM-fed lambs, with improved microbial crude protein synthesis. Blood urea nitrogen tended to be reduced in SBM-fed lambs. Dressing percentage improved in SBM-fed lambs. Lambs fed with SBM also grew faster and more efficiently than lambs fed either of the other two diets. However, regardless of the positive effects of SBM on the performance and ruminal fermentation profile observed in the current study, the MSL diet could be a profitable protein source in comparison to CSM in growing lambs fed low-quality forage. In conclusion, the present study indicates a positive outlook for feeding a liquid protein source to growing lambs fed low-quality forage such as wheat straw.
An adjoint method for neoclassical stellarator optimization
Authors: Paul Elizabeth J. , Abel Ian G. , Landreman Matt , Dorland William
Published: September 2019

Stellarators are a promising route to steady-state fusion power. However, to achieve the required confinement, the magnetic geometry must be highly optimized. This optimization requires navigating high-dimensional spaces, often necessitating the use of gradient-based methods. The gradient of the neoclassical fluxes is expensive to compute with classical methods, requiring

$O(N)$

flux computations, where

$N$

is the number of parameters. To reduce the cost of the gradient computation, we present an adjoint method for computing the derivatives of moments of the neoclassical distribution function for stellarator optimization. The linear adjoint method allows derivatives of quantities which depend on solutions of a linear system, such as moments of the distribution function, to be computed with respect to many parameters from the solution of only two linear systems. This reduces the cost of computing the gradient to the point that the finite-collisionality neoclassical fluxes can be used within an optimization loop. With the neoclassical adjoint method, we compute solutions of the drift kinetic equation and an adjoint drift kinetic equation to obtain derivatives of neoclassical quantities with respect to geometric parameters. When the number of parameters in the derivative is large (

$O(10^{2})$

), this adjoint method provides up to a factor of 200 reduction in cost. We demonstrate adjoint-based optimization of the field strength to obtain minimal bootstrap current on a surface. With adjoint-based derivatives, we also compute the local sensitivity to magnetic perturbations on a flux surface and identify regions where tight tolerances on error fields are required for control of the bootstrap current or radial transport. Furthermore, the solve for the ambipolar electric field is accelerated using a Newton method with derivatives obtained from the adjoint method.
Physical Weakness, Illness and Death in 1 Corinthians 11.30: Deprivation and Overconsumption in Pauline and Early Christianity
Authors: Downs David J.
Published: September 2019

In 1 Cor 11.17–34, Paul attempts to correct the practice of a communal meal in Corinth. He notes that consumption of this meal without discernment of ‘the body’ has had disastrous consequences within the community of Christ-followers: ‘For this reason, many among you are weak and sick, and quite a few are dying’ (11.30). This essay offers a physical interpretation of 1 Cor 11.30, contending that Paul presents the bodies of both the ‘have-nots’ and those who shame them as suffering because of the practice of the Lord's Supper, the former from dietary deprivation and the latter from overconsumption.
A Note on Luke's Parable of the Minas and the Ancient Practice of Burying Coin Hoards
Authors: Giambrone Anthony
Published: September 2019

The archaeology of ancient coin hoards and some basic numismatic analysis help to understand certain cultural presuppositions informing Luke's tangled discourse in his Parable of the Minas. Stories of political unrest and stories of hidden treasure naturally belong together.
Single right coronary artery with right ventricular fistula and congenital absence of left coronary artery: an extremely rare combination
Authors: Yoldaş Tamer , Beyazal Meryem , Örün Utku A.
Published: September 2019

We report an extremely rare case of a 14-month-old girl who was diagnosed with a single right coronary artery with coronary artery fistula communicating with the right ventricle and congenital absence of left coronary artery. Angiography showed a dilated and tortuous single right coronary artery draining into the right ventricle, absence of left coronary system, and left ventricular coronary circulation supplied via collateral vessels.
Total, added and free sugar intakes, dietary sources and determinants of consumption in Portugal: the National Food, Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey (IAN-AF 2015–2016)
Authors: Marinho Ana Rita , Severo Milton , Correia Daniela , Lobato Liliane , Vilela Sofia , Oliveira Andreia , Ramos Elisabete , Torres Duarte , Lopes Carla
Published: September 2019

Objective:

To assess total sugar (TS), added sugar (AS) and free sugar (FS) intakes, dietary sources, adherence to recommendations and determinants of consumption, in a Portuguese national sample.

Design:

Cross-sectional study. Dietary assessment was obtained by two food diaries in children aged <10 years and two non-consecutive 24 h recalls for other age groups. TS, AS and FS intakes were estimated by using SPADE software. TS content in food was estimated at the ingredient level. AS content in food was assessed through a systematic methodology and FS was based on the WHO definition.

Setting:

National Food, Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey (IAN-AF 2015–2016), Portugal.

Participants:

Representative sample from the Portuguese population, aged from 3 months to 84 years (n 5811).

Results:

Mean daily intake and contribution to total energy intake (E%) were 84·3 g/d (18·5 E%) for TS, 32·1 g/d (6·8 E%) for AS and 35·3 g/d (7·5 E%) for FS. Of the population, 76 % adhered to the FS recommendation (FS < 10 E%). The lowest adherence was in children (51·6 %) and adolescents (51·3 %). The main dietary source of TS was fruit across all ages, except in adolescents which was soft drinks. In children, the main dietary sources of FS were yoghurts and sweets, soft drinks in adolescents and table sugar in adults/elderly. FS intake was lower in children with more educated parents and in adults who practised physical activity regularly, and higher among smokers.

Conclusions:

Interventions ought to be planned towards decreasing intakes of added and free sugars considering population-specific characteristics.
Zum Einfluss einer Tanz- und Sportintervention auf motorische und psychische Merkmale älterer Menschen
Authors: Rehfeld Kathrin , Hökelmann Anita , Lehmann Wolfgang , Blaser Peter , Knisel Elke
Published: September 2019

Zusammenfassung. Körperliche Leistungsfähigkeit sowie Lebenszufriedenheit als auch ein stabiler Selbstwert unterstützen gesundes Altern. Durch körperliches Training können altersbedingte motorische und psychologische Merkmale positiv beeinflusst werden. In der Studie werden Effekte von körperlichem Training auf motorische Fähigkeiten (Gleichgewicht, Reaktion) sowie psychische Merkmale (Selbstwert, Lebenszufriedenheit) älterer Menschen untersucht. 132 Seniorinnen und Senioren ( M = 69.58 Jahre, SD = 4.02 Jahre) wurden zufällig drei Interventionsgruppen Tanz, Sport, Tanz und Sport zugeordnet. Die Gruppe Tanz und die Gruppe Sport trainierten jeweils 90 Minuten wöchentlich, die Gruppe Tanz und Sport 180 Minuten über 15 Monate. Nach Messung der Ausgangssituation (Prä-Test) wurden nach sieben Monaten der Post-Test 1 und nach 15 Monaten der Post-Test 2 durchgeführt, wobei 95 komplette Datensätze nach Drop-Out ausgewertet werden konnten. Für die gesamte Stichprobe konnten positive Veränderungen in den gemessenen motorischen Fähigkeiten nachgewiesen werden. Sie traten in allen drei Versuchsgruppen gleichermaßen auf. Die psychischen Merkmale Selbstwert und Lebenszufriedenheit veränderten sich im Interventionszeitraum nicht.
Psychometric Properties of the Multifaceted Gender-Related Attributes Survey (GERAS)
Authors: Gruber Freya M. , Distlberger Eva , Scherndl Thomas , Ortner Tuulia M. , Pletzer Belinda
Published: September 2019

Abstract. Since the 1920s, psychologists have sought to assess the sex- and gender-related attributes of men and women, including primarily aspects of personality and focusing on positive characteristics. In this paper, we introduce a new questionnaire for assessing gender-related attributes with a broader approach than provided by previous ones. Therefore, the questionnaire includes (a) not only personality traits but also cognitions and interests and (b) not only positive but also negative and neutral characteristics. Two independent datasets were acquired (Study 1: N = 1,466; Study 2: N = 471) for development and psychometric analyses. Factor analysis confirmed a hierarchical structure with two separate dimensions of masculinity and femininity overarching the multiple first-order domains of personality, cognition, and interests. Analyses of reliability and convergence with other gender identity and personality scales revealed sufficient values. The new instrument discriminated between the biological sexes and was related to the gender quotas in participants’ occupations and social environments, thus providing evidence for criterion-related validity. Therefore, we propose the Gender-Related Attributes Survey (GERAS) as a useful tool for objectively assessing gender-related attributes across multiple facets in gender and sex-difference research.