bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rare Case of a Kidney and Inferior Vena Cava Abnormalities with Extensive Lower Extremity Deep Vein Thrombosis in a Young Healthy Male
Authors: Khalid Muhammad , Nukavarapu Manisha , Shah Rupal , Paul Timir K.
Published: October 2018

Kidney and inferior vena cava (IVC) abnormalities with extensive deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a very rare cause of DVT and has a diverse clinical presentation. Computed tomography (CT) angiography is the gold standard for diagnosis and treatment including thrombectomy, thrombolysis and systemic anticoagulation. We present a rare case of active young healthy male admitted with acute onset of right lower extremity pain and swelling who was found to have extensive DVT on doppler ultrasound. CT abdomen showed extensive clot burden involving right common femoral vein extending into internal and external iliac veins associated with IVC hypoplasia and hypoplastic left kidney. Patient underwent urgent thrombectomy, catheter directed thrombolysis and was discharged home in stable condition on oral anticoagulation.
Die aktualiteit van Nicea
Authors: Smith D.J.
Published: October 2018

No abstract available.
Effect of scattering and differential attenuation on beam profile in the presence of high-density intensity modifying compensator
Authors: Kaushik Sandeep , Punia Rajesh , Tyagi Atul , Malik Anand
Published: October 2018

Aim:

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of scattering and differential attenuation on dose profile of 6 MV photon beam in the presence of cadmium (Cd)-free compensator which has been used in compensator-based intensity-modulated radiotherapy.

Materials and Methods:

Totally, 10 slabs of Cd-free compensator having thicknesses ranging from 2.4 to 61.4 mm have been prepared. Dose profiles have been taken using computer-controlled radiation field analyzer for five field sizes from 30 mm × 30 mm to 200 mm × 200 mm and at three depths in water phantom. Off-axis dose variation (ODV) has been measured with off-axis percentage depth dose scan and with ion chamber by measuring point dose at two diagonal points with respect to dose at central axis point in a plane and at three depths.

Results:

A decrease in beam flatness has been observed with increase in compensator thickness and depth in phantom. ODV has been found to increase with compensator thickness. Selective beam hardening has been observed due to differential attenuation from compensator. Point dose measurements show approximately 20% and 23% underdose region at 70 and 106 mm off-axis diagonal point, respectively, as compared to dose at central axis point for a field size of 200 mm × 200 mm at a depth of 15 mm, with 30.2-mm slab thickness. Significant increase in scattered penumbra has been observed with field size and thickness of compensator due to increase in scattered photon.

Conclusions:

The presence of compensator changes photon beam mean energy along the cross-section resulted in decreased beam flatness and increased scattering. This may lead to overestimation of dose along off-axis within radiation field if change in flatness is not taken into account and more exposure to healthy tissues in penumbral region due to large-angle scattering.
Fluroine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography/computer tomography in staging of renal cell carcinoma arising from a native kidney with liver and bone metastasis in a renal transplant patient
Authors: Kamaleshwaran Koramadai , Rangarajan Bharat , Jose Raghi , Shinto Ajit
Published: October 2018

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) of the native kidney accounts for <5% of all malignancies found in transplant recipients. There have been only a few reported cases comprising of few renal transplant patients with RCC of native kidneys due to the relative rarity of the condition. Fluorine-18 Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) is used in the staging of RCC. Prognosis of metastatic RCC is poor. We report the first case of 55-year-old postrenal transplant recipient diagnosed with RCC of the native kidney with liver and bone metastases imaged using F-18 FDG PET/CT.
How comprehensive are nuclear medicine residency websites?
Authors: Plas Taylor , Novin Sherwin , Yi Paul
Published: October 2018

Our goal for this study was to evaluate the comprehensiveness of nuclear medicine (NM) residency websites from the USA and Canada. The authors searched all the existing NM residency programs as listed in the Fellowship and Residency Electronic Interactive Database and the Canadian Residency Matching Service. We analyzed each website for the presence or absence of 44 elements previously identified as important considerations for medical students applying to residency. We compared criteria prevalence between regions and program size using t-tests and analysis of variance. Our results showed that, of 47 NM residencies, 9 did not have a dedicated website, leaving a total of 38 websites available for evaluation. The individual websites in the USA had a mean of 15 of 44 elements sought; in contrast, Canadian programs had 26 of 44 elements sought. The most common elements included contact e-mail, mailing address, and comprehensive faculty listings. Information about resident hometown, academic interests, and extracurricular interests was only included in 3% of the websites. Only 3% of websites included case description and 11% included rotation schedule. Courses attended were included in 5%, educational resources in 8%, and resident education was included in 5% of the websites. In conclusion, about one in five NM residency programs do not have a publicly available website. The websites that do exist are incomprehensive, containing an average of only 32% of elements sought for the USA programs and 41% of elements sought in Canadian programs. Residency program websites are an important tool in recruiting medical students. Addressing the lack of available websites as well as the gap in content of the websites that does exist may improve recruitment of students to NM residency programs.
False-positive technetium-99m methylene diphosphonate bone scan activity in the orbit in a patient with a history of breast carcinoma
Authors: Bonnet Sarah , Palko Joel
Published: October 2018

Metastasis of breast carcinoma to the orbit is an uncommon entity and carries a poor prognosis. This case report presents false-positive technetium-99m methylene diphosphonate activity in the right orbit of a patient with a history of a primary breast neoplasm. Orbital computed tomography imaging was obtained to further characterize the radiotracer uptake identified on the bone scan and demonstrated diffuse right globe intraocular calcifications secondary to degenerative intraocular changes. A brief literature review of orbital metastasis from breast carcinoma and causes of intraocular calcification in the context of chronic vision loss are provided.
Relaciones entre la violencia hacia los iguales y la violencia filio-parental
Authors: Carrascosa Laura , Buelga Sofía , Cava María-Jesús
Published: October 2018

La violencia hacia los iguales y la violencia filio-parental son dos problemáticas actuales que conllevan graves consecuencias psicosociales, tanto para las víctimas como para los agresores. A pesar de su incidencia y gravedad durante la adolescencia, pocos estudios han explorado las posibles relaciones entre ambos tipos de violencia. Así, el objetivo del presente estudio fue explorar estas relaciones, comparando las conductas violentas hacia los iguales, tanto agresiones manifiestas (directas) como relacionales (indirectas), en adolescentes con problemas de violencia filio-parental y adolescentes que no ejercen violencia filio-parental. Participaron en este estudio 66 adolescentes residentes en dos centros de reeducación por problemas de violencia filio-parental y otros 66 adolescentes estudiantes de enseñanza secundaria sin problemas de violencia filio-parental. Se buscó que ambas muestras fueran idénticas en su porcentaje de chicos y chicas (62.12% chicos y 37.88% chicas) y en su rango de edad (entre 14 y 18 años, M = 16.09; DT = 1.03). Los resultados de este estudio mostraron que los menores infractores por violencia filio-parental ejercen más violencia hacia los iguales, tanto manifiesta (directa) como relacional (indirecta), que los adolescentes sin problemas de violencia filio-parental. Estos datos destacan que los menores infractores con medidas judiciales por violencia filio-parental pueden tener también mayores dificultades en las relaciones con sus iguales, utilizando en mayor medida formas directas e indirectas de violencia para resolver los conflictos interpersonales. Los programas de intervención dirigidos a estos menores deberían, por tanto, incluir también entre sus objetivos la prevención de la violencia en las relaciones con sus iguales.
Derechos de la niñez y la adolescencia en el contexto de la violencia intrafamiliar en El Salvador
Authors: Mejia-Dietrich Rodolfo , Mendoza Adán
Published: October 2018

El alto nivel de violencia que carcome a El Salvador es también un factor que atenta contra el pleno ejercicio de los derechos de niñas, niños, y adolescentes. Los objetivos del estudio se dirigieron al análisis de la situación actual de los derechos de la niñez y la adolescencia con énfasis en la victimización por violencia intrafamiliar en El Salvador. De igual manera, buscaron evaluar la efectividad del marco normativo familiar y el andamiaje institucional existente para la protección de los derechos de la niñez y la adolescencia. Siguiendo a Hernández Sampieri, Fernández Collado, & Pilar Baptista (2014) se adoptó un enfoque mixto con un diseño de integración y predominio del análisis cualitativo sobre arraigos descriptivos. La investigación fue realizada durante el período enero a diciembre de 2016 en los Departamentos de San Salvador y San Miguel, El Salvador. La muestra estuvo conformada por jueces, procuradores y coordinadores de instituciones públicas que tienen un profundo conocimiento de los derechos de la niñez y la adolescencia. Los datos estadísticos se obtuvieron con el respaldo de la Ley de Acceso a la Información Pública mediante solicitudes oficiales. Se encontró que el 52% de los hogares utilizan métodos violentos contra la niñez, y que el derecho a una vida libre de violencia dista en demasía de convertirse en una realidad para la niñez y la adolescencia por razones estructurales de índole principalmente culturales, jurídicas-políticas y económicas, presente en los grupos familiares y que derivan de manera indefectible en la manifestación de violencia psicológica, física, patrimonial y sexual.
El arte en la primera infacia: propuestas destacables
Authors: Azagra Solano Alma , Giménez Chornet Vicent
Published: October 2018

¿Por qué el arte en la primera infancia? Partiendo de esta pregunta se analizarán los beneficios de las diferentes áreas artísticas en el desarrollo integral de niños de 0 a 6 años y su importancia en la conformación de públicos y ciudadanos proactivos. Además, se analizarán ejemplos remarcables de propuestas de ocio-cultural para esta franja de edad en Europa. Dicha compilación se realiza a partir de estándares de calidad óptimos teniendo en cuenta que estos partan del respeto al desarrollo de cada niño, de la libre expresión de sus deseos e intereses, con intervención adulta limitada, donde se invite o sugiera y no se sobrecargue de estímulos, versando en la aproximación a los diferentes lenguajes artísticos a través del juego libre.
Serum interleukin-23 protects, whereas methotrexate treatment stimulates selected components of the metabolic syndrome in patients with SAPHO syndrome
Authors: Przepiera-Będzak Hanna , Fischer Katarzyna , Brzosko Marek
Published: October 2018

Introduction

The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of disease activity, selected serum cytokines, and therapy on metabolic syndrome (MetS) components in patients with synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, and osteitis (SAPHO) syndrome.

Material and methods

We studied 46 SAPHO patients (40 women, 6 men). We recorded age, sex, disease duration, arthritis localization, type of skin changes, bone scintigraphy results, comorbidities, BASDAI, VAS, and treatment. We measured erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, lipid profile, serum IL-6, IL-18, IL-23, endothelin-1, vascular endothelial growth factor, and epidermal growth factor (EGF).

Results

97.8% of patients had sternoclavicular joint arthritis, 91.3% of patients palmoplantar pustulosis. In 65.2% of SAPHO patients skin changes and arthritis started simultaneously. Apart from non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, patients were treated with methotrexate (41.3%), sulfasalazine (41.3%), and antibiotics (39.1%). 19.5% of patients met MetS criteria. Serum IL-23 correlated positively with total cholesterol (TC; p = 0.02) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (p = 0.01) in the SAPHO group. There was a negative correlation between HDL-C and BASDAI (p = 0.02). Patients treated with methotrexate had higher triglyceride (p = 0.01) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (p = 0.01) levels. There was a negative correlation between TC and EGF (p = 0.03). Increased prevalence of autoimmune diseases and depression was observed in SAPHO patients.

Conclusions

Serum IL-23 protects, whereas methotrexate treatment stimulates selected components of the MetS in patients with SAPHO syndrome.
Fatty acids in intramuscular fat of Ile de France lambs in two different production systems
Authors: Margetín Milan , Oravcová Marta , Margetínová Jana , Kubinec Róbert
Published: October 2018

Abstract. The fatty acid (FA) composition in the intramuscular fat (IMF) of the musculus
longissimus dorsi (MLD) of Ile de France purebred lambs in two different
production systems in Slovakia was evaluated using gas chromatography. In the first production system,
lambs and ewes were assigned to pasture without access to concentrates (P).
In the second system, lambs and ewes were confined indoors with hay/silage and
access to concentrates (S). An analysis of variance with the following factors was employed: production
system, sex, and production system–sex interactions. The
proportions of arachidonic, eicosapentaeonic, docosapentaeonic, and
docosahexaenoic FAs, i.e. long-chain polyunsaturated FA (PUFA), were
significantly higher in P lambs (1.83, 0.82, 0.92, 0.29 g 100 g−1
FAME, respectively) than in S lambs (0.45, 0.14, 0.30, 0.09 g 100 g−1 FAME, respectively). The
proportions of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), n-6 PUFA, n-3 PUFA, and
essential FA (linoleic and α-linolenic) were also significantly
higher in P lambs (2.10, 8.50, 4.55, and 8.80 g 100 g−1 FAME, respectively) than in
S lambs (0.65, 3.27, 1.50, and 3.64 g 100 g−1 FAME, respectively). The proportions
of palmitic acid and myristic acid as important individual saturated FAs (SFA)
were significantly higher in S lambs (28.51 and 8.30 g 100 g−1 FAME, respectively)
than in P lambs (21.80 and 5.63 g 100 g−1 FAME, respectively). The proportion of
all SFAs was also significantly higher in S lambs (57.87 g 100 g−1
FAME) than in P lambs (48.70 g 100 g−1 FAME). From a nutrition and
human health point of view (i.e. higher proportions of PUFA, CLA, and
essential FAs and lower proportions of SFAs), meat from P lambs was found to be more
favourable and would be more highly recommended for consumption.
Chlorine nitrate in the atmosphere
Authors: von Clarmann Thomas , Johansson Sören
Published: October 2018

Abstract. This review article compiles the characteristics of the gas chlorine nitrate and discusses its role in atmospheric chemistry. Chlorine nitrate is a reservoir of both stratospheric chlorine and nitrogen. It is formed by a termolecular reaction of ClO and NO2. Sink processes include gas-phase chemistry, photo-dissociation, and heterogeneous chemistry on aerosols. The latter sink is particularly important in the context of polar spring stratospheric chlorine activation. ClONO2 has vibrational–rotational bands in the infrared, notably at 779, 809, 1293, and 1735 cm−1, which are used for remote sensing of ClONO2 in the atmosphere. Mid-infrared emission and absorption spectroscopy have long been the only concepts for atmospheric ClONO2 measurements. More recently, fluorescence and mass spectroscopic in situ techniques have been developed. Global ClONO2 distributions have a maximum at polar winter latitudes at about 20–30 km altitude, where mixing ratios can exceed 2 ppbv. The annual cycle is most pronounced in the polar stratosphere, where ClONO2 concentrations are an indicator of chlorine activation and de-activation.
Primary emissions of glyoxal and methylglyoxal from laboratory measurements of open biomass burning
Authors: Zarzana Kyle J. , Selimovic Vanessa , Koss Abigail R. , Sekimoto Kanako , Coggon Matthew M. , Yuan Bin , Dubé William P. , Yokelson Robert J. , Warneke Carsten , de Gouw Joost A. , Roberts James M. , Brown Steven S.
Published: October 2018

Abstract. We report the emissions of glyoxal and methylglyoxal from the open burning of
biomass during the NOAA-led 2016 FIREX intensive at the Fire Sciences
Laboratory in Missoula, MT. Both compounds were measured using cavity-enhanced spectroscopy, which is both more sensitive and more selective than
methods previously used to determine emissions of these two compounds. A
total of 75 burns were conducted, using 33 different fuels in 8 different
categories, providing a far more comprehensive dataset for emissions than was
previously available. Measurements of methylglyoxal using our instrument
suffer from spectral interferences from several other species, and the values
reported here are likely underestimates, possibly by as much as 70 %.
Methylglyoxal emissions were 2–3 times higher than glyoxal emissions on a
molar basis, in contrast to previous studies that report methylglyoxal
emissions lower than glyoxal emissions. Methylglyoxal emission ratios for all
fuels averaged 3.6±2.4 ppbv methylglyoxal (ppmv CO)−1, while emission
factors averaged 0.66±0.50 g methylglyoxal (kg fuel burned)−1. Primary
emissions of glyoxal from biomass burning were much lower than previous
laboratory measurements but consistent with recent measurements from
aircraft. Glyoxal emission ratios for all fuels averaged 1.4±0.7 ppbv glyoxal (ppmv CO)−1, while
emission factors averaged 0.20±0.12 g glyoxal (kg fuel burned)−1, values that are at least a factor of 4 lower than
assumed in previous estimates of the global glyoxal budget. While there was
significant variability in the glyoxal emission ratios and factors between
the different fuel groups, glyoxal and formaldehyde were highly correlated
during the course of any given fire, and the ratio of glyoxal to
formaldehyde, RGF, was consistent across many different fuel
types, with an average value of 0.068±0.018. While RGF values
for fresh emissions were consistent across many fuel types, further work is
required to determine how this value changes as the emissions age.
Simulation of SOA Formation from the Photooxidation of
Monoalkylbenzenes in the Presence of Aqueous Aerosols Containing
Electrolytes under Various NOx Levels
Authors: Zhou Chufan , Jang Myoseon , Yu Zechen
Published: October 2018

Abstract. The formation of secondary organic aerosols (SOAs) from the photooxidation of three monoalkylbenzenes (toluene, ethylbenzene, and n-propylbenzene) in the presence of inorganic seeds (SO42−-NH4+-H2O system) under varying NOx levels has been simulated using the Unified Partitioning-Aerosol Phase Reaction (UNIPAR) model. The evolution of the volatility-reactivity distribution (mass-base stoichiometric coefficient, αi) of oxygenated products, which were created by the near-explicit gas kinetic mechanism, was integrated with the model using the parameters linked to the concentrations of HO2 and RO2 radicals. This dynamic distribution was applied to estimate the model parameters related to the thermodynamic constants of the products in multiple phases (e.g., the gas phase, organic phase, and inorganic phase) and the reaction rate constants in the aerosol phase. The SOA mass was predicted through the partitioning and aerosol chemistry processes of the oxygenated products in both the organic phase and aqueous solution containing electrolytes, with the assumption of organic-inorganic phase separation. The prediction of the time series SOA mass (12-hr), against the aerosol data obtained from an outdoor photochemical smog chamber, was improved by the dynamic αi set compared to the prediction using the fixed αi set. Overall, the effect of an aqueous phase containing electrolytes on SOA yields was more important than that of the NOx level under our simulated conditions or the utilization of the age-driven αi set. Regardless of the NOx conditions, the SOA yields for the three aromatics were significantly higher in the presence of wet electrolytic seeds than those obtained with dry seeds or no seed. When increasing the NOx level, the fraction of organic matter (OM) produced by aqueous reactions to the total OM increased due to the increased formation of relatively volatile organic nitrates and peroxyacyl nitrate like products. The predicted partitioning mass fraction increased as the alkyl chain length increases but the organic mass produced via aerosol phase reactions decreased due to the increased activity coefficient of the organic compounds containing longer alkyl chains. Overall, the lower mass-base SOA yield was seen in the longer alkyl-substituted benzene in both the presence and absence of inorganic seeded aerosols. However, the difference of mole-base SOA yields of three monoalkylbenzenes becomes small because the highly reactive organic species (i.e., glyoxal) mainly originates from ring opening products without alkyl side chain. UNIPAR predicted the conversion of hydrophilic, acidic sulfur species to non-electrolytic dialkyl-organosulfate (diOS) in the aerosol. Thus, the model predicted the impact of diOS on both hygroscopicity and acidity, which subsequently influenced aerosol growth via aqueous reactions.
Assessing the dynamics of vegetation productivity in circumpolar regions with different satellite indicators of greenness and photosynthesis
Authors: Walther Sophia , Guanter Luis , Heim Birgit , Jung Martin , Duveiller Gregory , Wolanin Aleksandra , Sachs Torsten
Published: October 2018

Abstract. High-latitude treeless ecosystems represent spatially highly heterogeneous
landscapes with small net carbon fluxes and a short growing season. Reliable
observations and process understanding are critical for projections of the
carbon balance of the climate-sensitive tundra. Space-borne remote sensing is the
only tool to obtain spatially continuous and temporally resolved information
on vegetation greenness and activity in remote circumpolar areas. However,
confounding effects from persistent clouds, low sun elevation angles,
numerous lakes, widespread surface inundation, and the sparseness of the
vegetation render it highly challenging. Here, we conduct an extensive
analysis of the timing of peak vegetation productivity as shown by satellite
observations of complementary indicators of plant greenness and
photosynthesis. We choose to focus on productivity during the peak of the
growing season, as it importantly affects the total annual carbon uptake. The
suite of indicators are as follows: (1) MODIS-based vegetation indices (VIs) as proxies
for the fraction of incident photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) that is absorbed (fPAR), (2) VIs combined with estimates
of PAR as a proxy of the total absorbed radiation (APAR), (3) sun-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF) serving as a proxy
for photosynthesis, (4) vegetation optical depth (VOD), indicative of total
water content and (5) empirically upscaled modelled gross primary
productivity (GPP). Averaged over the pan-Arctic we find a clear order of the
annual peak as APAR ≦ GPP<SIF<VIs/VOD. SIF as an indicator of
photosynthesis is maximised around the time of highest annual temperatures.
The modelled GPP peaks at a similar time to APAR. The time lag of the annual peak
between APAR and instantaneous SIF fluxes indicates that the SIF data do
contain information on light-use efficiency of tundra vegetation, but further
detailed studies are necessary to verify this. Delayed peak greenness
compared to peak photosynthesis is consistently found across years and land-cover classes. A particularly late peak of the normalised difference
vegetation index (NDVI) in regions with very small seasonality in greenness
and a high amount of lakes probably originates from artefacts. Given the very
short growing season in circumpolar areas, the average time difference in
maximum annual photosynthetic activity and greenness or growth of 3 to 25 days
(depending on the data sets chosen) is important and needs to be considered
when using satellite observations as drivers in vegetation models.
Ecophysiological characteristics of red, green, and brown strains of the Baltic picocyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. – a laboratory study
Authors: Śliwińska-Wilczewska Sylwia , Cieszyńska Agata , Maculewicz Jakub , Latała Adam
Published: October 2018

Abstract. The contribution of picocyanobacteria (PCY) to summer phytoplankton blooms,
accompanied by an ecological crisis is a new phenomenon in Europe. This issue
requires careful investigation. The present study examined the response of
Synechococcus sp. physiology to different environmental conditions.
Three strains of Synechococcus sp. (red BA-120, green BA-124, and
brown BA-132) were cultivated in a laboratory under previously determined
environmental conditions. These conditions were as follows: temperature (T)
from 10 by 5 to 25 ∘C, salinity from 3 by 5 to 18 PSU, and
photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) from 10 by 90 to
280 µmol photons m−2 s−1, which gave 64 combinations
of synthetic, though realistic, environmental scenarios. Scenarios reflecting
all possible combinations were applied in the laboratory experiments. Results
pointed to differences in final numbers of cells among strains. However,
there was also a similar tendency for BA-124 and BA-132, which demonstrated
the highest concentrations of PCY cells at elevated T and PAR. This was
also the case for BA-120 but only to a certain degree as the number of cells
started to decrease above
190 µmol photons m−2 s−1 PAR. Pigmentation,
chlorophyll a (Chl a), fluorescence, and rate of photosynthesis presented
both similarities and differences among strains. In this context, more
consistent features were observed between brown and red strains when compared
to the green. In this paper, the ecophysiological responses of PCY are
defined.
The TropD software package (v1): standardized methods for calculating tropical-width diagnostics
Authors: Adam Ori , Grise Kevin M. , Staten Paul , Simpson Isla R. , Davis Sean M. , Davis Nicholas A. , Waugh Darryn W. , Birner Thomas , Ming Alison
Published: October 2018

Abstract. Observational and modeling studies suggest that Earth's tropical belt has
widened over the late 20th century and will continue to widen throughout the
21st century. Yet, estimates of tropical-width variations differ significantly
across studies. This uncertainty, to an unknown degree, is partly due to the
large variety of methods used in studies of the tropical width. Here, methods
for eight commonly used metrics of the tropical width are implemented in the
Tropical-width Diagnostics (TropD) code package in the MATLAB programming
language. To consolidate the various methods, the operations used in each of
the implemented methods are reduced to two basic calculations: finding the
latitude of a zero crossing and finding the latitude of a maximum. A
detailed description of the methods implemented in the code and of the code
syntax is provided, followed by a method sensitivity analysis for each of the
metrics. The analysis provides information on how to reduce the
methodological component of the uncertainty associated with fundamental
aspects of the calculations, such as monthly vs. seasonal averaging biases,
grid dependence, sensitivity to noise, and sensitivity to threshold criteria.
Data assimilation with an improved particle filter and its application in the TRIGRS landslide model
Authors: Xue Changhu , Nie Guigen , Li Haiyang , Wang Jing
Published: October 2018

Abstract. Particle filters have become a popular algorithm in data
assimilation for their ability to handle nonlinear or non-Gaussian
state-space models, but they have significant disadvantages. In this work, an
improved particle filter algorithm is proposed. To overcome the particle
degeneration and improve particles' efficiency, the processes of particle
resampling and particle transfer are updated. In this improved algorithm,
particle propagation and the resampling method are ameliorated. The new
particle filter is applied to the Lorenz-63 model, and its feasibility and
effectiveness are verified using only 20 particles. The root-mean-square
difference (RMSD) of estimations converges to stable when there are more than
20 particles. Finally, we choose a peristaltic landslide model and carry out
an assimilation experiment of 20 days. Results show that the estimations of
states can effectively correct the running offset of the model and the RMSD
is convergent after 3 days of assimilation.
Arctic climate: changes in sea ice extent outweigh changes in snow cover
Authors: Letterly Aaron , Key Jeffrey , Liu Yinghui
Published: October 2018

Abstract. Recent declines in Arctic sea ice and snow extent have led to an increase in
the absorption of solar energy at the surface, resulting in additional
surface heating and a further decline in snow and ice. Using 34 years of
satellite data, 1982–2015, we found that the positive trend in solar
absorption over the Arctic Ocean is more than double that over Arctic land,
and the magnitude of the ice–albedo feedback is four times that of the
snow–albedo feedback in summer. The timing of the high-to-low albedo
transition has shifted closer to the greater insolation of the summer
solstice over ocean, but further away from the summer solstice over land.
Therefore, decreasing sea ice cover, not changes in terrestrial snow cover,
has been the dominant radiative feedback mechanism over the last few decades.
Chemical composition of chicken meat after application of humic acid and probiotic Lactobacillus fermentum
Authors: Haščí­k Peter , Arpášová Henrieta , Pavelková Adriana , Bobko Marek , Čuboň Juraj , Bučko Ondřej
Published: October 2018

The aim of the present study was analysed and evaluated chemical parameters of chicken breast and thigh muscles after addition of humic acids and probiotic into diet for broiler chicken. A total of 200 pcs Ross 308 broiler chickens were divided into 4 groups (n=50). The control group of chickens was fed with complete feed mixtures without any additives. Chickens in experiment groups were fed a diet containing: P1 (1% of humic acid), P2 (1% of humic acid and probiotic supplement Lactobacillus fermentum) and P3 were fed with complete feed mixture containing combination of starter feed mixture (1. - 21. day) with coccidiostaticum Diclazuril and growth feed mixture (21. - 35. day) containing Salinomycinum sodium. Besides, the groups were kept under the same conditions. Fattening period lasted for 42 days. Chicken meat was analyzed for content of water, crude protein, fat and cholesterol. Based on the results, we can state that the application of humic acids or the combination of Humac Natur with probiotic did not affect the chemical composition of the breast muscle. In the breast muscle, the protein content in the experimental group P3 with the coccidiostat (22.98 g.100 g-1) was reduced (p ≤0.05) compared to control group (23.42 g.100 g-1). In the case of thigh muscle was significantly higher content of fat and cholesterol (p ≤0.05) in chickens feeding with addition of Humac Natur (fat - 9.08 g.100g-1; cholesterol - 0.86 mg.100g-1) and similar results were recorded in experimental group with combination of Humac Natur and probiotic (fat - 9.15 g.100g-1; cholesterol - 0.86 mg.100g-1) compared to control group (fat - 7.15 g.100g-1; cholesterol - 0.70 mg.100g-1). From a general point of view, we can recommend the application of Humac Natur, respectively combination Humac Natur with probiotics in feeding of broiler chickens Ross 308.
Os métodos consensuais de resolução conflitos como política pública alternativa ao encarceramento nos delitos econômicos
Authors: Santana Selma Pereira de , Santos Carlos Alberto Miranda
Published: October 2018

Resumo: No Brasil, o Conselho Nacional de Justiça por meio da Resolução nº 125, de 29/11/2010 dispôs sobre o tratamento adequado dos conflitos de interesse no âmbito do Poder Judiciário Nacional, afirmando a importância do consenso nas lides. Com base nesta resolução, este artigo tem o objetivo de analisar a eficácia dos meios consensuais de resolução de conflitos como política pública capaz de humanizar as respostas penais aos delitos econômicos, diante das críticas à intervenção do Estado no direito econômico via sistema penal. Conclui-se que os meios consensuais de resolução de conflitos representam um modelo de resposta ao delito econômico capaz de diminuir a política do encarceramento, ainda que não implique a total supressão do modelo retributivo atual, podendo ser utilizados de maneira residual nos casos de maior gravidade.Palavras-chave: Delitos econômicos. Direito Penal Econômico. Métodos consensuais de resolução conflitos. Política Pública. Prisão.
Determinación de la presencia/ausencia de antibióticos y sustancias extrañas en la leche y producto terminado de las plantas productoras de lácteos en Juticalpa, Olancho, Honduras el año 2017
Authors: Matute Obed , Ayala Ignacio , Obando José , Piura Wendy , Sánchez Pablo Donaldo
Published: October 2018

Siempre ha sido cuestionada la calidad de los productos lácteos producidos en Honduras, el departamento de Olancho que es productor de leche y en esta oportunidad el Municipio de Juticalpa, es el escenario mediante sus plantas productoras de lácteos para determinar la presencia/ausencia de antibióticos y sustancias extrañas en lácteos. A través de análisis fisicoquímicos realizados en el laboratorio de control de calidad del CURNO-UNAH, a las diferentes muestras de 3 plantas con nivel de exportación (A, B y F), y 4 plantas artesanales con producción nacional (C, D, E y G), muestreos realizados en tres repeticiones, se pudo demostrar la ausencia de antibióticos de las muestras, presumiéndose que los hatos productores, están siendo responsable del manejo de producción. Se determina que tanto los productores como procesadores de lácteos no están usando algunas sustancias pasadas por los consumidores, como ser la orina y el peróxido de hidrogeno como aditivos para la conservación de lácteos. Sin embargo, con estos resultados se presume la presencia de formol adicionada a los lácteos, resultados que alarman debido a la evaluación sobre efectos de formalina, hecha por la Agencia Internacional para la Investigación del Cáncer de la OMS en donde concluye que la cancerogenicidad de esta sustancia química no plantea dudas. Con la misma investigación se verificó la presencia de almidón como sustancia alterante del rendimiento del quesillo y la crema. No ocurre lo mismo en el análisis de presencia de goma Xantán para la crema. En las muestras analizadas igualmente se determinó la ausencia de sustancias cloradas en las muestras analizadas.
Prevalencia de trastornos mentales en relación con violencia, resiliencia y estrategias de afrontamiento en Yoro, Choluteca y Cortés, junio, 2016
Authors: Valladares Doris , Martínez Linares Rosa , Pérez Ramirez Ilce , Moncada German
Published: October 2018

Se estudió la prevalencia de trastornos mentales en relación con experiencias traumáticas por violencia, resiliencia y estrategias de afrontamiento, en adultos del departamento de Yoro, Choluteca y Cortés respectivamente. Se utilizaron cuatro instrumentos: SRQ que permitió hacer un tamizaje de posibles trastornos mentales, el Inventario de Experiencias Traumáticas del Cuestionario de Harvard que evalúa 16 tipos de traumas, Escala de Resiliencia Connor y Davidson (CD-RISC) que evalúa el nivel de resiliencia y cuestionario de afrontamiento del estrés (CAE), que mide estrategias de afrontamiento. La muestra poblacional fue de 300 adultos por cada departamento: 150 zona urbana y 150 zona rural, para Yoro y Choluteca; y 299 de la zona urbana del municipio de San Pedro Sula, Cortés. Los resultados indicaron que la prevalencia de sintomatología de trastornos mentales fue del 63% en Yoro, 62% en Choluteca y 74% en Cortés.En relación a las variables sociodemográficas, la mujer, población entre 18 a 30 años de edad y el área urbana son las más vulnerables de ser afectadas, determinado por una serie de factores psicosociales, como realidad de país.Las experiencias traumáticas por violencia inciden de manera significativa en la salud mental de la población, a mayor cantidad de eventos violentos experimentados, mayor probabilidad de presencia de trastornos mentales; asimismo a mayor resiliencia, menor aparición de sintomatología de Trastornos mentales y a mayor sintomatología de trastornos mentales, mayor utilización de estrategias de afrontamiento emocionales.
Prevalencia de trastornos mentales en relación con la prevalencia de enfermedades médicas crónicas en mayores de 18 años, departamento de Francisco Morazán y Olancho, año 2016
Authors: González Yadira , Herrera Isaura Esmeralda , Moncada German
Published: October 2018

En Honduras no existen muchos estudios que analicen de manera global los trastornos mentales relacionados con los padecimientos de enfermedades médicas crónicas que afectan a los adultos. Se planteó analizar la relación entre prevalencia de trastornos mentales y la prevalencia de enfermedades médicas crónicas no transmisibles en adultos, a fin de conocer o no la presencia de estos trastornos y padecimientos. Se estudiaron 300 encuestados del área rural de los municipios de Cedros y El Porvenir, del departamento de Francisco Morazán, al mismo tiempo se estudiaron 300 adultos hombres y mujeres del departamento de Olancho y que residen en la cabecera departamental que es Juticalpa, zona urbana y rural; ambos estudios realizados en el 2016 a través de la Escala SRQ: Sirve para hacer un tamizaje de posibles trastornos mentales en adultos y la Encuesta OMS para detectar síntomas de enfermedades crónicas no trasmisibles (elaboración propia). Esta investigación empleó un enfoque cuantitativo, con un alcance correlacional, de corte transversal y un diseño no experimental. En el Departamento de Francisco Morazán área rural, la prevalencia de probables trastornos mentales en la población con enfermedades médicas crónicas fue de 42.7%, siendo los de mayor prevalencia: la depresión con 38.6%, la ansiedad 29.2% y el estrés postraumático con un 11.7%. Igualmente se encontró que un 55.7 % de las personas mayores de 18 años de Olancho presentan sintomatología de probable existencia de un trastorno mental siendo los de mayor prevalencia: drogas con un 31,1%, la depresión 30.7%, y la ansiedad con un 26%. En ambos departamentos las personas de 51 años en adelante presentaron los mayores porcentajes de padecer posibles trastornos mentales y enfermedades crónicas. Conclusión: a través de este estudio se puede observar la importancia de conocer manifestaciones psicológicas y emocionales que pueden presentar las personas encuestadas que refieren con padecimientos crónicos y la necesidad de implementar estrategias de prevención, ya que debido a la coexistencia de ambas condiciones deben ser consideradas en la planificación de los servicios de atención primaria de salud dados los altos costos y la duración de los tratamientos que requieren estos pacientes.
Predictive Modeling for Geriatric Hip Fracture Patients: Early Surgery and Delirium Have the Largest Influence on Length of Stay
Authors: Hecht Garin , Slee Christina A. , Goodell Parker B. , Taylor Sandra L. , Wolinsky Philip R.
Published: October 2018

Background:

Averaging length of stay (LOS) ignores patient complexity and is a poor metric for quality control in geriatric hip fracture programs. We developed a predictive model of LOS that compares patient complexity to the logistic effects of our institution's hip fracture care pathway.

Methods:

A retrospective analysis was performed on patients enrolled into a hip fracture co-management pathway at an academic level I trauma center from 2014 to 2015. Patient complexity was approximated using the Charlson Comorbidity Index and ASA score. A predictive model of LOS was developed from patient-specific and system-specific variables using a multivariate linear regression analysis; it was tested against a sample of patients from 2016.

Results:

LOS averaged 5.95 days. Avoidance of delirium and reduced time to surgery were found to be notable predictors of reduced LOS. The Charlson Comorbidity Index was not a strong predictor of LOS, but the ASA score was. Our predictive LOS model worked well for 63% of patients from the 2016 group; for those it did not work well for, 80% had postoperative complications.

Discussion:

Predictive LOS modeling accounting for patient complexity was effective for identifying (1) reasons for outliers to the expected LOS and (2) effective measures to target for improving our hip fracture program.

Level of Evidence:

III
The Use of Spinal Cord Stimulation/Neuromodulation in the Management of Chronic Pain
Authors: Schmidt Gary L.
Published: October 2018

Chronic pain causes a tremendous burden on the society in terms of economic factors and social costs. Rates of spinal surgery, especially spinal fusion, have increased exponentially over the past decade. The opioid epidemic in the United States has been one response to the management of pain, but it has been fraught with numerous catastrophic-related adverse effects. Clinically, spinal cord stimulation (SCS)/neuromodulation has been used in the management of chronic pain (especially spine-related pain) for more than two decades. More recent advances in this field have led to new theories and approaches in which SCS can be used in the management of chronic spine-related pain with precision and efficacy while minimizing adverse effects commonly seen with other forms of chronic pain treatment (eg, narcotics, injections, ablations). Narcotic medications have adverse effects of habituation, nausea, constipation, and the like. Injections sometimes lack efficacy and can have only limited duration of efficacy. Also, they can have adverse effects of cerebrospinal fluid leak, infection, and so on. Ablations can be associated with burning discomfort, lack of efficacy, recurrent symptoms, and infection. High-frequency stimulation, burst stimulation, tonic stimulation with broader paddles, and new stimulation targets such as the dorsal root ganglion hold promise for improved pain management via neuromodulation moving forward. Although a significant rate of complications with SCS technology are well described, this can be a useful tool in the management of chronic spine-related pain.
Relations Among L2 Learning Motivation, Language Learning Anxiety, Self-efficacy and Family Influence: A Structual Equation Model
Authors: Shih Huei-Ju , Chang Shan-mao
Published: October 2018

The L2 Motivational Self System (L2MSS) has been widely researched and used to explain L2 learners’ motivational behaviors. However, important factors such as language learning anxiety, self-efficay and possible family influence need to be scrutizized in relation to L2MSS in order to expand our understanding of the second language learning process. This study used a structural eauation modeling approach to test a hypothesized model that contained the L2 Motivational Self System, family influence, L2 learning anxiety, and self-efficacy as the latent variables in a context of foreign language learning. A total of 473 Taiwanese high school students participated in the study. With Amos version 22.0, the current study analyzed the proposed model. The results assured the validity of the hyposized model among these students. This model revealed that family influence played a significant role in affecting learners’ future self guides. Self guides served as a good predictor for the L2 learners’ self-efficacy. In addition, the ought-to L2 self contributed to a higher level of anxiety while the ideal L2 self and L2 learning experience both lowered the level of English learning anxiety.
Academicians in Turkey: An Evaluation of Current Status of Academic Staff in Higher Education
Authors: Akyol Bertan , Tanrısevdi Filiz
Published: October 2018

The history of Turkish higher education dates back to Turkish nations of 1000 years ago. The beginning of higher education institutions are accepted as madrasahs that continue its existence during the Ottoman period. After the foundation of the Turkish republic, rapid changes and developments have been observed in the higher education like in all fields. Since this period of time, Turkish higher education institutions have been grouped in two categories, which are universities producing information-knowledge and vocational schools training people oriented with employment. Considering the both types of these institutions, the aim of Turkish higher education system is to sustain manpower considering the needs of the nation and the public; provide education and training facilities based on the secondary education; maintain the quality and quantity of scientific researches under the control of universities. In this context, the purpose of this study is to present the certain dimensions of Turkish higher education system, which are academicianship, current facts related to academicianship, the stages in academic career, achievements in academy and the status of women academicians in Turkey. Related documents have been analyzed and the current status of Turkish higher education system has been discussed by concluding the results.
The Level of Disclosure of Intellectual Capital at Jordanian Development Banks
Authors: Al-Dalabih Firas A.N
Published: October 2018

This study aims at identifying the level of disclosure of intellectual capital at the Jordanian development banks. The study sample composed of a hundred individuals working at the National Bank to Finance Small Projects around the different governorates of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. A questionnaire has been prepared and distributed over the study sample. ninety five Questionnaires have been retrieved; valid for the statistical analysis purposes with a percentage of (95%).

The study results showed that the level of disclosure of intellectual capital with all its dimensions (human capital, customer capital and structural capital) at the Jordanian development banks was of a high level. The results also showed that there is a high level of awareness performed by the Jordanian development banks’ employees in regard to the necessity and importance of the intellectual capital’s disclosure.

The study was concluded with a number of recommendations among which were that the Jordanian development banks shall take notice toward increasing their workers’ awareness regarding the importance of intellectual capital’s disclosure, as well as applying this study over commercial and Islamic banks for the purposes of carrying out a comparison between them and the development banks.
Georganiseerde kinderpornonetwerken op het darkweb
Authors: van der Bruggen Madeleine
Published: October 2018

Organized child pornography networks on the Dark Web

The emergence of Dark Web child pornography forums and their availability to large offender communities has enabled a professional form of child pornography distribution as well as an increased exchange of criminal and social capital. Offenders have access to a new platform in which strong ties and long-lasting relationships with co-offenders are formed. Moreover they could be classified as organized crime, because child pornography Dark Web forums are characterized by a hierarchical order, a clear role division and illegal power structures that regulate the illegal activities. The implications from a law enforcement as well as from scientific perspective are discussed.